I've noticed that when I'm in the middle of intervals holding a certain power range, and the road turns down or the wind picks up or something, that it can be very difficult to maintain the power range while accelerating. Even if I'm at a moderate power level, the perceived effort while accelerating but holding steady power is much higher. Anyone know what is going on? My first thought is that since I'm accelerating, more effort is required - but - I'm keeping power constant.
Also, I've noticed that holding a steady power level while descending "feels" harder than on the flats. Why is that? Looking at my files, it appears that while climbing, torque goes up as power stays steady, and while descending, torque goes down while power stays steady. But descending "feels" harder than climing at a given power range. If torque can be associated with pressure on the pedals (? - powertap, not SRM), then the higher perceived effort is not because I'm pushing harder??
Also, I've noticed that holding a steady power level while descending "feels" harder than on the flats. Why is that? Looking at my files, it appears that while climbing, torque goes up as power stays steady, and while descending, torque goes down while power stays steady. But descending "feels" harder than climing at a given power range. If torque can be associated with pressure on the pedals (? - powertap, not SRM), then the higher perceived effort is not because I'm pushing harder??