Tuesday, January 20, 2009

Power Crunch

I know this is not a wattage blog, nor do I want it to take a turn in that direction. But it is no secret that I train with a power meter. People see the yellow PT display that they immediately want to compare data.
The biggest questions I get relate to either my FTP(FTP stand for Functional Threshold: basically it is the maximal amount of one can sustain for an hour), 20 min, 5 second, and MAX power readings.
The numbers in and of themselves really serve no real purpose for comparison to anyone other yourself until you relate them to weight so usually the formula is Watts/KG. I believe Andy Coggan has a chart floating around out there that says if your Watts/KG are X, then you are at par most cat 2's for that level.
This is very useful, because if I know where my power is plotted on the chart, then when I am getting my ass handed to me in a hilly nor cal road race I simply have to raise my hand, clear my throat, and say "Ahem, excuse me Gentlemen, but this is a bit much for a CAT 3 RR don't you think? Trust me I would know, I am a Cat 2 on Coggan's Power diagram"
In an attempt to answer all of the many inquiries and to give the competition a glimpse of what they are in for this year I will make public my data.

So without further ado, I bring to you my current, most recently up to date and accurate 'Power Numbers':
DRUM ROLL PLEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEASE.........

bthbthbthbthbthbthbthbthbthbthbthbthbthbthbthbthbthbthbthbthbthbthbthbthbthbthbthbthbthbthbthbthbthbthbthbthbthbthbthbthbthbthbthbth
(Really, that is what a drum roll sounds like if you were to try to make one with your mouth... go ahead, give it a try. I dare you)

FTP: 412 watts
5 Min Power: 508 Watts
1 Min Power: 702 Watts
5 Second Power: 1400 Watts
HIGHEST POWER EVER: 2500 Watts
For the record my weight is 64.4 Kg and I also included a snap shot of Coggan's Power Profile Chart below so all you out there in Cyber-ville can start making bets on next season Cat 3 races ;)

And don't forget, cycling is a sweaty sport... always remember to bring a towel.




15 comments:

Steve Weixel said...

Knowing you, most of those numbers look at least plausable, except for the max. There is no way you hit 2500. Even Cody says he maxes out around 1800-2000, and world champion track sprinters in the low 2000 range.

Anonymous said...

Nice. If you're gonna dream, dream big. I think you need a decimal point within some of those numbers.

cook

Unknown said...

I'd go toe to toe with any world class track sprinter given my most recent up to date very very accurate data ;)

Sam Simmons said...

yo you be tripping fool. who beat u almost every race we entered together last year? hmmmm and who is gonna lay the pain hammer down this year? ME haha it will be good to see some real competition, if u can race smart.

Unknown said...

SAM,
You are the man. Can't wait to race with you again this season bro.

Sam Simmons said...

Heck yes Chester. We will tear it up in breaks in the 3s and the 2s once we upgrade!

seekingsimplicity said...

If you want a good laugh, Chet, you can picture me sitting here trying to make that drum roll sound out loud... you know I couldn't just believe you without trying it myself. I can't wait to see you this weekend.

Unknown said...

Marina,
Oh man, that is an image I wish I could take out of my brain thoughts, download, print, and frame! =)

IE sprinter said...

that gives you a 6.4 w/kg....hmmm....Don't know Chester...That's above some Tour riders....412 is a lot for threshold. If it's true then you should be on a pro team within a couple of months...

BTW I am 83 kg's and can only do 350 at threshold, which only makes me 4.2....But I beat you at La Mirada last year! If you get a chance the story's on my blog, I think I actually mentioned you.

See you on the road.

Unknown said...

Dave,

I have been considering skipping the domestic pro DIII level teams and signing mid year onto a team that is racing in the TDF... From there I will ride in for a solo victory on at two, maybe three stages...

All,
(Just in case)
This blog post was meant to be entirly sarcastic. I thought i made the numbers big enough that everyone would understand that...

IE sprinter said...

Well it looks like I wasn't the only one who didn't get it at least....lol

Actually, because I have raced with you is probably why I believed it.

Either way, you can at least try and solo off the front in the III's this year.

Sam Simmons said...

Chester there is no hiding it. You and I went to early a lot, and I think we are both ready to kick some 3 a$$ but we both need to calm down our solo urges that just say GO GO GO. We can create a break in the threes road race with my team mates if you want. Oh and saturday ride plus worlds this weekend?

Unknown said...

Sam,
I am riding up in the valley this sat.
we are meeting at 7am at the flag pole and the plan is to preview the Road Course... If you can make it up that way you are more then welcome on the ride.

Sam Simmons said...

where is the flagpole?

Unknown said...

Sam,

Sorry I never got back to you on this one. The flag pole is smack dab in the middle of Los Olivos. It was pooring cats and dogs anyways thouhg. I dont think you would've been able to handle it.