TP and FTP may be close or apart since they are not derived the same way.
TR relies on a RAMP test to determine an FTP value which is a rough estimate of hour power based on their fixed % formula at RAMP failure point. When I say rough I donât mean itâs a bad thing just a one dimensional test to determine what you can likely do for 40-70 minutes.
Xert relies on monitoring your performance while fatigued (along with a sprint now and then) to determine a fitness signature across three dimensions (PP = peak power, HIE = high intensity energy, TP = threshold power).
Xert is looking for BT (breakthrough) events to establish your signature but unlike TR the signature analysis is continuous after every activity or lapse in training. There is no need for a periodic RAMP test but Xert will warn you if you signature is getting stale (no BT events noted in 3 weeks; time to try for one to validate your signature).
The main purpose for both methods is to determine your current fitness so prescribed workouts have their intended effects. Of course they also measure your improvements over time. With Xert you can also monitor your HIE along with LTP as fitness markers.
You can find an example of a BT (breakthrough) workout by searching the workout library for âbreakthroughâ. You donât necessarily need to perform this workout if your signature is valid based on the historical data analysis, but you can perform a BT workout any time if you want to check. They are nowhere near as intense as a RAMP test but they will test you. 
Suggest you do them in slope mode using gears/cadence to hit targets then stand up and spin for the sprint (5-7 secs minimum).
The trial includes a subset of workouts from Xertâs workout library so you can get an idea what Xert is like. Unlike %FTP block workouts common in TR many Xert workouts are SMART based intervals (discussed in other posts). In short the intervals can have specific power targets based on your current signature with dynamic interval duration or dynamic power during the interval. Mode may also change automatically (example, ERG to Slope). You can export workouts to Zwift but they will lose any SMART functions and revert to FTP blocks. There is also no need to do this (see Zwift article referenced below).
Another thing you will notice (and a welcome relief from TR cookie-cutter plans) is that many curated workouts in the library taper down based on difficulty and fatigue setting in. You arenât having to put your legs through a meat grinder because the final sets (after half-way or two-thirds in) lower in intensity, duration, RIB (rest in between), or some combo. As a result you can finish most if not all prescribed workouts.
There is no need to set a goal based TED (target event date) but if you set one 120 days from now the system will start you in Base phase where workouts are endurance (low intensity) unless you purposely jump off list (which you are allowed to do).
As you move from Base to Build to Peak the intensity and training load increases. The full phased cycle is 120 days (45 Base + 45 Build + 30 Peak).
Since you only have 3 hours per week to work with you can leave IR (improvement rate) at Slow for as long as you want. If you do enter a mid-summer target date the phase progress bar will show pre-Base which isnât phased progression (yet). Instead youâll be recommended a variety of workouts around your current focus duration (GC Specialist). You can always skip around to try other types of workouts (Time Trialist for example) by using Filter to right of Recommended Workouts. You can also use Filter to list only those workouts that fit your duration requirement. For example, one hour.
Since you are at one star status youâll want to pick workouts in that range (1 to 1-1/2 diamonds). The higher the stars the more variety and the more intensity. If you jump too far up the workouts will be difficult to finish.
I donât know how many workouts are included in the trial but an easy way to view them all is select Training, Workouts, Show 100, sort by ratings or perhaps duration. If you click on the chart image or title you can view details in Workout Designer. If you click on any other column entry the workout becomes your selected workout under Recommended Workouts (unless you decide to change it later). You can also quickly create your own workouts using a library workout as a template, such as extend a 30 minute workout to 60 minutes with more intervals, but that is a topic for another day. Any custom workouts show up under your Personal Folder.
If you establish a pattern of when you ride such as Tue, Fri, and Sat, XATA (Xert Adaptive Training Advisor) will recommend similar activity the following week. Or you can randomly ride throughout the week to get your hours in.
I suggest you Enable Advanced Charts under Account Settings, Personal Info if not already enabled. Click Save and your activity charts will now be color coded similar to workout previews. This gives you an easy way to judge their intensity such as blue/aqua for low intensity intervals (where you will spend most of Base or your self-appointed easy rides). Yellow is TP, orange is higher than TP, and red is, well you get the idea. 
Since Xert is a hybrid polarized system you will notice many of the rides are much easier compared to TRâs sweet spot focus. This is actually a good thing you will appreciate more so two months from now as your fitness improves magically. For me (also a TR convert) the difference was night and day.
BTW I am also a recreational rider who likes to get fit for long rides in the summer. I started in late November with a phased progression and target date of April 4. That means I have time to start another phased progression (if I want) in May with a TED in Aug or Sept. Also note if you do decide to set a goal date you can also change it at anytime to extend a phase or move back to float mode (pre-Base or post-Event) where the workouts are of a wider variety.
As @idefix mentions there are new Xert Academy Sessions under the Training menu at XO (Xert Online). You can learn about Xert while riding a workout with a Xert instructor and other Xert users. Sessions arenât just for learning or group rides. You can create you own session and link to a Youtube video to watch during your favorite workout.
Hope this gets you started on your journey with Xert. It may appear daunting at first, but soon things will fall into place. The aha moments are coming.
Reference:
Program Phases â Xert (baronbiosys.com)
The Ultimate Guide to Training with Xert and Zwift â Xert (baronbiosys.com)
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