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Crap Workouts and Falling Behind

Crap Workouts and Falling Behind

Crap Workouts and Falling Behind
As I creep into the 'Peak' phase, the volume required has been higher than my ability to keep up. I also have had some stressors and distractions that kept me off the bike. As a result, my Xert Adaptive Training Advisor is showing HUGE XSS deficits and a needle that is near 10 O'Clock.
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Xert Workout Goal – Late October 2020

Xert Workout Goal

Xert Workout Goal
The Xert Workout Goal continues to recommend an XSS Training Surplus, which is nice. It means that I am keeping my needle on the Training Pacer close to 12 O'Clock.
The Xert Workout Goal for the past two mornings has been between 40 and 60 points of XSS, and a FOCUS in the "Endurance" range. I made my goal on Monday, but was pressed for time on Tuesday. Tomorrow, the Xert Workout Goal has me at
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An Epic Day

An Epic Day - 70 miles of Spectacular Cycling
Epic Day XSS Fitness Breakthrough
Great sky, smooth roads, quiet bike, fit/fast wife, and fantastic scenery.
My wife and I had an absolutely EPIC day of cycling on Saturday. It was a day where the temperature was perfect. The scenery was spectacular. The route was familiar. Traffic was low, except for the myriad other cyclists with whom we shared the day. The Xert Adaptive Training Advisor suggested 170 XSS for the day, with an.......
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Blowing Up A Workout

The Workout

My first mistake was in preparation. I needed to make some changes in the warmup, but I'm not the biggest fan of the Xert Workout Builder. The changes I wanted were made, but I also ended up making 8 warmup intervals, instead of 8 starter 30-second intervals. That meant that I had to dance around in the workout itself, jumping here and there, to get the warmup I wanted in.
Xert OBC Billat 30-30s Using Slope Mode Blowing Up a Workout
Here's the workout. I had no problem achieving the first 6 intervals. It was trying to hit my goals for the next several intervals that blew me up completely.
The next problem I encountered in setup was that the 30-second warmup intervals were just too hard. I set them based on % of FTP, instead of % slope, and they pulled my SmO2 values down to SEVEN PERCENT. I only performed five of these, but they really hurt.
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Keep the Needle Pointing “NORTH”

I’m going to Keep the Needle Pointing “North”.

The Xert Adaptive Training Advisor appears to be a reward system. I’m enjoying the fact that when I wake up, I can look at the ATA and the Training Pacer, realize just how hard or easy I need to ride, and then GO DO IT. I’ve said it before, but it’s like Eating an Elephant – One Bite At A Time.

Xert ATA October 13 2020
I just need 52 points to keep my needle on the Training Pacer at 12 O’Clock. FOCUS is at 10:47. I feel good, so I’m going to take advantage of the beautiful day and go ride my mountain bike.

To keep the needle pointing “North”, consistency is the key. The Xert Adaptive Training Advisor is looking at previous Tuesdays, and offering a workout that fits within my schedule. I’ll ride for points and FOCUS. I DEFINITELY feel “Fresh”, and I may bend the ride rules a bit when I get out there.

However, remember – if I choose NOT TO RIDE, the needle won’t point “North”. It will slide. The Blue Triangle shows where I’ll be on my progression if I stay off the saddle.

I’m going to go for a ride. I’ll be back with some results in a bit.