Have just read this thread from beginning to end and my head is spinning from the arguments going around in circles ad nauseum.
Frank I don't know if you have read my 'It's killing me thread' and couldn't really care less whether you have or haven't. To cut a long story short, starting 28 months ago with a FTP of 130 Watts, I have now, using a power meter as a guide have an FTP of 315Watts and climbing. Purely anecdotal I know!
To give your argument a little credit, maybe I could have made almost the same amount of progress with structured training. (20 minute intervals etc.) However, I say
almost because it seems to me that no one has mentioned the psychological benefit of using a power meter. That is, for example if you see concrete evidence that you are generating say 250watts for your 20 minute intervals, then that in itself is inspirational in making you want to better that figure ASAP. If you were relying on perceiving the effort you were making, you could be way out, especially if you are feeling under par. Power meters are like photographs -
THEY DON'T LIE!! (or at least lie in constant fashion
)
The above argument is even truer when doing 5 minute VO2Max intervals and you are increasing the load in 5 watt increments (or even less) over time. Perceived effort with VO2Max intervals are always bloody hard and unless you know exactly what power you are generating how can you measure your progress with any accuracy. Tyson