Conducting an FTP Test
Before you can conduct a test to determine your functional threshold power (FTP), you must pair a chest heart
rate monitor and a power meter with your device (
Pairing Your Wireless Sensors, page 59
), and you must get
your VO2 max. estimate (
Getting Your VO2 Max. Estimate for Cycling, page 41
).
NOTE: The FTP test is a challenging workout that takes about 30 minutes to complete. Choose a practical and
mostly flat route that allows you to ride at a steadily increasing effort, similar to a time trial.
1 From the watch face, select GPS.
2 Select a cycling activity.
3 Hold MENU.
4 Select Training > FTP Guided Test.
5 Follow the on-screen instructions.
After you begin your ride, the device displays each step duration, the target, and current power data. A
message appears when the test is complete.
6 After you complete the guided test, complete the cool down, stop the timer, and save the activity.
Your FTP appears as a value measured in watts per kilogram, your power output in watts, and a position on
the color gauge.
7 Select an option:
• Select Accept to save the new FTP.
• Select Decline to keep your current FTP.
Lactate Threshold
Lactate threshold is the exercise intensity at which lactate (lactic acid) starts to accumulate in the bloodstream.
In running, it is the estimated level of effort or pace. When a runner exceeds the threshold, fatigue starts to
increase at an accelerating rate. For experienced runners, the threshold occurs at approximately 90% of their
maximum heart rate and between 10k and half-marathon race pace. For average runners, the lactate threshold
often occurs well below 90% of maximum heart rate. Knowing your lactate threshold can help you determine
how hard to train or when to push yourself during a race.
If you already know your lactate threshold heart rate value, you can enter it in your user profile settings (
Your Heart Rate Zones, page 68
). You can turn on the Auto Detection feature to automatically record your
lactate threshold during an activity.
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