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practical and evidence-based

Knowledge

Two kinds of pieces, kept apart. First the practical explanation: how I use Critical Power and W′ to build your intervals. Below that the science: the literature I read, with what I highlight and what I take from it.

1 · practical

How I build your intervals

I build high-intensity sessions on Critical Power and W′, not on FTP.
Length and power per block, and the recovery time in between: all tailored to you.

The essentialsStart here: CP, W′ and W′ recovery in one piece→CP vs FTPWhat FTP alone can't do→
W′ recoveryW-tau · a specific test protocol is in the works
CP and W′ calculatorWork out your CP and W′ from your 3-minute and 12-minute time trials→
2 · science

What the literature says

The foundation under block 1. My own write-up of a review article, and below it the reading log: articles and research, newest first.

My write-up · literature review

What is Critical Power, and what determines it?

The definition, how you measure CP, the four factors that determine it and what it means for your training. Page references for every block. After Goulding & Marwood, Sports Medicine 2023.

Read the piece →
reading log
researchcritical power

Interaction of Factors Determining Critical Power

Source: Goulding RP, Marwood S. Sports Medicine 2023;53:595–613 · read the article ↗

Highlighted by Rob
Critical power separates the heavy and severe exercise-intensity domains [...] such that CP represents the threshold intensity above which a metabolic steady state cannot be attained during exercise.
CP is a parameter of aerobic function that is affected by alterations in the capacities of each step in the oxygen transport and utilisation pathways.
[Pi] is a prime candidate for the common denominator between fatigue and efficiency owing to its central role in muscle fatigue and task failure.
what I take from this

This review article is the basis for my piece on what CP is and what determines it: the definition, how you measure it, and the four factors (delivery via the blood, diffusion in the muscle, VO2 kinetics, muscle fibres and recruitment).

In practice: endurance training, HIIT and SIT raise your CP.

Ties in with: What is CP and what determines it

your turn

Want to know your CP and W′, or are you sticking with FTP?

It's your call.

Measure your CP and W′: € 9.90 →