On Sunday, I finished my first Power Zone Pack challenge on the bike.
This was a 6-week challenge (Nov. 9th – Dec. 20th) and one that I really enjoyed. I signed up for the 4-rides per week option thinking that would give me 3 extra days to do some other rides. What I was not aware of was that each week there was an “accelerator” ride and the option to get extra credit. In order for the extra credit classes to count, you had to finish the four core rides and the accelerator. This meant that I was taking some type of class nearly every day. The first week or two I believe that I went out a little too hot and was riding too much. When I realized that I could take one of the non-cycling classes that were 30+ minutes to count for the extra credit, I started to take the walking classes. I have been continually surprised at the quality of the classes that Peloton offers. The walking classes were a great way to destress and just enjoy walking with good music.
6-Week Totals
- Time: 1,690 minutes
- Output: 16,619 kj
- Distance: 552 miles
- Calories: 25,707
Positives
- I was in the saddle far more than I probably would have been without this challenge. The regular core rides each week were at least 45 minutes in length and week one started off with three of those along with a 60-minute ride. I knew from looking at the first week’s schedule that I would be putting in some work.
- The core rides did not count unless you also took the post-ride stretch from the same instructor. I had typically finished a ride and just shut the bike off. If the ride was especially difficult, I might take a cool-down ride, but I did not do that very often.
- I began working toward the top of my zones during all of the rides which was a signal that I was improving. Even though I was dreading taking it in week 6, I ended up improving my FTP and P/W ratio.
Team Results
Our team finished 15th out of 32 total teams.
Since this was my first challenge, I have no clue really if this was stellar or not. All I know is that my goal was to get all of the rides in as well as the extra credit. I used it to keep me moving. Our team leader put together data that shows overall how our team did in terms of completing the weekly schedule. Overall, it looks pretty good. The majority of our team finished the core rides and extra credit. I wonder what our placing would have been if everyone could have always done this each week. At the end of the day, it was a fun way to get everyone moving a little more than they might have otherwise.
I really enjoy the PZ classes. They seem like a smart way to regulate training. There is another challenge kicking off sometime in January that I have already signed up for. Initially, I was hesitant about signing up as I did not want to do the same accelerator and extra credit rides, but the new challenge format is going to be different. Having signed up for the 3-ride per week option seems like a better fit for me this time around.