I have observed a gradual increase in RPE during L2 rides along with an increase in power. Back in April I did my L2 rides at about 150 watts based on my measured FTP of 220 watts. These rides felt extremely easy and it required concentration to keep the watts down. My heart rate hovered around 85-90% of LTHR. As the season progressed, my FTP rose to 244 watts and now I ride my L2 rides at 180 watts. Now I have to concentrate to keep the watts up even though my heart rate is lower: 80-85% LTHR. My fitness has obviously risen, but it feels just as hard to peddle at a given wattage. I kind of expected my RPE to intensity ratio to remain the same as my fitness increased, but that does not seem to be the case. Perhaps the keys are: a) RPE is more than perceived peddle force; it also includes breathing rate, muscle burn, etc. and b) I tend to pace myself using peddle force only. Has anyone else experienced this?
This got me thinking. Some pros have FTPs of 400 watts. What does it feels like for someone with a FTP of 400 watts to pedal at 400 watts for 20+ minutes. For me 400 watts feels like I am pushing really hard on the pedals. I can't imagine pedaling that hard for an hour. I'd expect my joints to fall apart or something.
This got me thinking. Some pros have FTPs of 400 watts. What does it feels like for someone with a FTP of 400 watts to pedal at 400 watts for 20+ minutes. For me 400 watts feels like I am pushing really hard on the pedals. I can't imagine pedaling that hard for an hour. I'd expect my joints to fall apart or something.