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Taking a GRADUATED APPROACH TO LOAD

Vasodilation Helps DFAA1 Stay High

After yesterday’s poor ride, I decided this morning to take a different approach. On most of the previous rides, I have been using % slope for load, and adjusting intensity based on cadence, gear, and speed. Today, I used raw watts for load, and started off at a very low relative intensity. Then, I slowly ‘ramped up’ the intensity, all while watching my DFAA1.

Unfortunately, I did not have my Vo2master employed, but I will try this same process again tomorrow, with all the instruments ready to go.

Here’s today’s video:

Thanks for watching, and ENJOY THE RIDE!

DFAA1 – Curb My Enthusiasm

I thought A Good Night’s Sleep Would Lead to A Good Ride. My Heart Said Otherwise

It’s frustrating – today’s ride started off with the best of intent. However, the FatMaxxer App, monitoring the DFAA1 fractions on my Heart Rate Variability, showed more strain than my wattage allowed. In other words, for the PRESCRIBED Heart Rate and Wattage intensity for a Lower Threshold ride, the DFAA1 basically told me, “NO. Back Off. Something’s not right. We need to lower the intensity.”

I fought this for 45 minutes before backing off, and watching the DFAA1 float higher.

Today, there was a VERY thin line between TOO HARD, and TOO EASY. I could probably ride at 153 beats per minute, and have a DFAA1 around 1.00 or higher, but at 156 Beats per minute, DFAA1 sank well below 0.75 and stayed there longer.

I don’t have images of the next phenomenon, since it occurred on my Fenix 6X Pro, but more than once, I received warnings that I was having an “Abnormal High Heart Rate.” I didn’t feel it, but I have set the Garmin Fenix 6X Pro to receive my heart rate from the chest strap when it is in use. Unfortunately, I did not record from the watch; maybe I’ll have to do that in the future.

There is an EKG app available for the Android and the Polar H10. I don’t believe I’m suffering from Athletic Heart Syndrome, but honestly, it’s better to know than not know, and I’ll start recording EKG going forward.

Here’s todays summary; I love using PerfPro Studio for these rides – I also love switching between %load and %slope. I still prefer % slope, but if I can get my heart rate and DFAA1 calmed down and not swinging, I might see if I can ride at a known % load, and watch DFAA1 and HR from there.

Thanks for reading, and ENJOY THE RIDE!

Deciphering Sleep

I AM Sleeping Slightly Better – Will It Translate Into a Better Ride?

After taking a day off, and focusing on clients, I’m ready to hop back on with my pre-season BASE training. My weight is down about a kilogram, but interruptions in home life continue to leave me challenged with good, high quality sleep. Today’s discussion uses Garmin Connect for a look at what it claims to be observing about my sleep.

Here’s today’s video:

What’s your theory on sleep? Does anyone have any suggestions?

The Heart KNOWS Best.

DFAA1 With the Help of FatMaxxer and Garmin Connect Sleep Leads to a GREAT RIDE!

 

My economy is up, my heart rate is down, my weight is down, and my power is up. SmO2 is also tracking, and I’m starting to adapt.

I know none of this is new, but I do enjoy blogging the approach and the process.

Here’s today’s post-ride summary. Let’s kep the trend going.

Thanks for reading, and ENJOY THE RIDE!

October 10 Base Pre-Ride Comments; It’s Still About Sleep.

The Garmin Fenix 6X Pro Reveals My Sleep Pattern

 

I know, I know – I should be using an Oura Ring or some other system for tracking my sleep patterns, but the fact of the matter is tha t I don’t have the ring at this time, and I’m committing myself to the Garmin Ecosystem for now.

The Garmin Fenix 6X Pro is a watch with NIRS technology on it’s underbody. This is used to measure motion, Oxygen Saturation levels, pulse, and more. I quit wearing watches about 20 years ago, but returned to wearing one when I saw the features of the Fenix. The Fenix also pairs to my chest straps, and can track respiratory frequency during exercise, and more accurately at night, if I choose to wear the strap.

Here’s the video preview of today’s ride. I’ll chime in again when I’m done.