The intensity factor is a metric used in endurance sports, particularly in activities like cycling and running, to quantify the relative intensity of a workout or race compared to an athlete’s functional threshold power (FTP) or threshold pace. It provides a numerical value that represents the level of effort exerted during the activity.
The intensity factor is calculated by dividing the average power output or pace during the workout or race by the athlete’s FTP or threshold pace. This ratio indicates how close the athlete’s effort was to their sustainable threshold performance.
In practical terms, the intensity factor helps athletes gauge the relative difficulty or stress imposed on their bodies during training or competition. A higher intensity factor signifies a more challenging and demanding effort, potentially pushing the limits of an athlete’s sustainable performance. It allows athletes to quantify and compare the intensity of different workouts or races, track training progress, and plan future training sessions more effectively.
By utilizing the intensity factor, athletes can structure their training programs with appropriate intensity levels, ensuring a balance between challenging workouts and adequate recovery. It helps optimize training adaptations, monitor training load, and guide performance improvements in endurance sports.