Transitioning to outdoor training

The “Watts up with Power?” ride is likely the slowest group ride you’ll find on Zwift, because it focuses on learning the basics of power based training while riding together on Zwift. Each ride is streamed to Zwift LIVE by ODZ on Facebook, and focuses on teaching specific principles of power-based training. For viewers that are unable to attend live, the teaching is made available for all to review afterwards.

Here is the summary for March 8, 2017 from guest ride leader Nate Dunn.

If your primary introduction to training with power has come via Zwift, spring weather might be shifting your mindset to riding outdoors.  Here are a few tips to aid in your transition to outdoor training.

1:  Know your Equipment

Make sure you understand the quirks and limitations of your power meter.  What is the proper calibration procedure?  Is it installed properly?

Get familiar with how to operate your head unit.  Make sure you understand how to sync with your power meter, record your rides, and sync to your training app.

If you don’t already, buy a powerful tail light with at least 70 lumens.  Increasingly your visibility at dusk and during the day might save your life.

2:  Know your Environment

Get to know your local terrain.  Where are the best stretches of road to get work done?  What is the longest stretch of road you have for continuous riding?  Where are the best spots for sprints?

Get better at planning ahead.  Understand how heat will impact your rides and plan accordingly.

If your ride time is changing (perhaps to the afternoon), think more critically about your nutrition throughout the day.  What you eat while at work will impact the quality of your riding in the afternoon.

3:  Know the differences in Training

Confirm your threshold/training zones for outdoor riding.  Between a different power meter and different environment, your power output will more than likely be different.

Dial in your head unit to match the purpose of your ride.  Get familiar with how to create and navigate different data fields.

Jump into the local ride scene.  No matter your fitness/experience level, there is always a group to welcome and push you toward progress.  Use competition to get better.