Friday File, May 8, 2015

Still on the theme of how to ride with power, one of our resident cyclists and self-proclaimed ‘enginerds,’ Keith, reminds us of the importance of establishing FTP (Functional Threshold Power) at the beginning of your training period.  Determining this measurement of fitness now will give you your baseline as you set up training zones, and will help you get to where you want to be this season.

There are a variety of great sources for calculating FTP – here’s one approach from our friends at TrainingPeaks:   http://help.trainingpeaks.com/hc/en-us/articles/204071934-How-to-Calculate-Threshold-Power-Heart-Rate-or-Pace

We’re pleased to announce that TrainingPeaks is also keen to support your on-going training efforts.  All PRECISION customers will receive 30 Days Trial of TrainingPeaks Premium along with a download of the e-book “How to Start Training with Power.”  Both will be invaluable resources for you as you set your cycling goals. (Those of you riding with PRECISION will receive an email with the online link and code.)

Speaking of goals, many of our own staff are focused on doing either the tri or duathlon in support of Joe’sTeam.ca.  It’s one of those exceptional fundraising organizations, founded by Joe Finley, an ‘ordinary Joe’ who left this world an ‘extraordinary Joe.’  

What are your goals?  We’d love to hear more about your plans and achievements and the motivation behind them.  Are you entered in races, or riding for fun?  Training with a coach or without?  Tell us about your own goals and stories. You can share them on Facebook at Facebook.com/4iiiicom.

Lots of wide open spaces for cycling in the foothills this weekend. Remember to celebrate a mom on Sunday!

(PS: Go Flames Go!)