Racing/training performance

amaferanga

I've only recently started racing and I'm finding out some interesting things about myself in the process

Already I have recorded a higher max HR than in previous lab and turbo-based testing (by 6bpm), but what I'm most interested in is why I can maintain ~90% HRmax during a 90min race including fairly frequent spells up at about 95% HRmax, yet when I'm out on training rides by myself even getting to 90% seems to take a huge mental and physical effort. Sitting at 90% HRmax on my turbo takes a HUGE effort (as does putting out the sort of powers over 1-10min on the turbo that I'm doing in races).

I've read a lot about indoor vs outdoor power on the Wattage forum and a lot of people put the difference down to heat stress, but that definitely isn't my problem on the turbo.

Is there a simple explanation for the difference between my race and training efforts? Adrenaline? Or is it just in my head?

IanPV

I'm the same. I've always assumed it to be some endocrinological response to knowing you're in competition.

So it is all in your head but that doesn't mean it isn't real!

Bronzie

Heart rate could well raise a few BPM when the adrenaline starts flowing, and I agree, it's easier to hit high wattages when you are forced to in a bunch race.

I think all of my short duration power bests have been achieved in road races. Not so easy to hit 5 min or longer durations as I'm never off the front for that long

jibberjim

amaferanga wrote:

Already I have recorded a higher max HR than in previous lab and turbo-based testing (by 6bpm), but what I'm most interested in is why I can maintain ~90% HRmax during a 90min race including fairly frequent spells up at about 95% HRmax, yet when I'm out on training rides by myself even getting to 90% seems to take a huge mental and physical effort.

Is there a simple explanation for the difference between my race and training efforts? Adrenaline? Or is it just in my head?

Variable state efforts, which is what racing is, does lead to a higher average HR than you can sustain in a steady state - when you're training alone. The reason is to do with the lag that HR has, your body is actually working as hard as the steady state on average (or there or there abouts) it just doesn't catch up to below the sustainable number on the rest intervals so overall you end up with a higher average HR.

If that makes sense.