Originally Posted by jcm01
For example, if I typically do 2x20s at 250W when outside, should I still shoot for 250W indoors, or bring this down slightly? Thanks in advance for any feedback.
First, I just want to point out this is my opinion so take for what's it worth and also note that I am a recreational level cyclist so add that to my opinion as well.
I struggled with this same question to the same dilemma when I first started using a power meter to guide training. What should I do and it is crazy that some were suggesting that I setup two athletes within WKO. One for outdoor power and one for indoor power, but that simply did not add up to me at all since I wanted all my data to be compiled into the same PMC so that I had a closer idea of stress levels.
Going over Alex's points
Cooling - I am always amazed by how much impact this makes. I absolutely hate being cold and I really hate having cold air blowing on me, but what a difference it makes. I typically do my first 10 minute warm up without the fans at a lower wattage and seems to be a struggle, but the moment I turn the fans on everything just bumps up into my L4 zones as if something magical happens. Crazy how much impact it has.
Inertial Load, Motivation and Adaption have all evolved for me as well. Cooling is still my #1 challenge. Even in a cold room with cold air blowing on me to the point I am chilled that once I get into L4 my skin might be chilled, but I get overheated and the power output becomes a challenge. Lately I've been doing 20 minute intervals just to cool off a bit and then hit the next intervals. On days where I go longer duration like 40's or 60 minutes my AP will drop mainly due to heat and I miss my target goal. But I still hold to what Alex said, "alls you can do is alls you can do." And my slogan I've been using when I don't hit my targets, "this still gets better results than sitting on the couch."