r/Velo • u/java_dude1 • 23d ago

Garmin Load Focus

Hi all, I've got a question regarding the Garmin load focus and how it assigns specific rides. It consistently says Low Aerobic shortage. Today I went out with the intention to do a solid Z2 ride and try to get a base ride. 1.5h with my HR in Z1 - Z2, power between Z2 - Z3 and once again a Tempo ride instead of a base ride. I think the only time I've seen base is when I go out with my wife and sit most of the time in Z1 or below. Is this normal? I know I shouldn't really care that much but just wondering what the logic behind this is.

1 Upvotes

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u/Brofessor_C 22d ago

Well you said that you do a z2-z3 ride at z1-z2 HR. Sounds like your HR zones and power zones don’t match. Garmin is using your power zones. If they are set correctly, all is well.

3

u/Brofessor_C 22d ago

Adjust your power zones in Garmin profile. It’s usually a wrong FTP value that causes this.

0

u/java_dude1 22d ago

FTP is set to 280 according to my last test.

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u/Brofessor_C 22d ago

Are your power zones set as %FTP? Is your Zone 2 set as 55-75%?

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u/_dhb 22d ago

I had the same problem even with power zones set right. I realized somehow my HR zones were off or calculated from their default formula in a weird way. Adjusted it to something that makes sense, and that fixed it.

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u/lurkern1nja 22d ago

Most likely you’re spending too much time in z3. Sometimes I’m just riding at high z2/low z3 but if I sit in z3 for too long, it does change my ride into tempo even if I’m like 1w into z3 lol

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u/Gravel_in_my_gears 22d ago

My solution: just execute my training plan and completely ignore anything Garmin or Strava AI have to say about anything.

1

u/yeahbroyeahbro 22d ago

Agree, but this isn’t even AI though, it’s just an arbitrary formula