Hi all,
I recently got a turbo trainer and a TrainerRoad account, so I’m following their plans based on the speed/watts conversion that they can do based on the known resistance curve of my turbo trainer’s make and model.

I did a 2×8′ test to find my FTP (http://www.strava.com/activities/83715354 ), and it’s supposed to have two 8-minute all out efforts. I did it right because at the end of each of the two periods I was totally spent, and both had the same average watts: 294. That gave me an FTP of 264 W.

So I’ve been doing some of the Base II workouts, and they often have 10-minute intervals between 95% and 99% FTP.

If I understand correctly, FTP is the wattage you can produce steadily for an hour all out. With the experience I’ve gained doing TrainerRoad workouts, I can say with confidence that it’s impossible for me to spend an hour at 264 W, not even if my life depended on it!

For instance today I broke down at the third 10-minute interval at near FTP effort, so I had to cut it short and take a longer resting period (8 minutes instead of 5). Then I could complete the next, but broke down few minutes short of completing the fifth and last. http://www.strava.com/activities/88400493

So I’m wondering: what’s wrong? Was I having a particularly good day when I did the FTP test? Was I so motivated to get a good wattage that I went overboard (but it’s supposed to be an ALL OUT effort!)?

Let me anticipate some of your questions:

Yes, I’m pumping my wheel always at 120 PSI, and turning the knob that locks the resistance unit to the wheel 3 times around, every time. So I’m consistent.
No, I’m not fatigued.

Now, I suppose I could go a bit harder if I was more motivated (lika a tiger chasing me), but I rest my case: I could not pedal for an hour at 264 W.

Can somebody please clear my doubts?

Thank you in advance!
Salva.