How Running with a Power Meter Can Help You
If you are pretty serious about running, by now I’m sure you are well aware of the development of running based power meters. Lately there has been a huge buzz within the running community about what these devices mean for the future of our sport - and rightfully so. While they are not meant as a replacement for other methods of measuring training stress (such as heart rate), power meters are a consistent means of gathering highly accurate data.
So - for us runners that are looking for every little, subtle improvement we can make to improve not only our time but our form and overall performance as an athlete - the Stryd Power Meters are a dream come true.
Those that will benefit the most from training with power meters are those athletes who have plateaued in the traditional methods of training and are looking at increasing performance. Injury prone and time crunched athletes are also seeing the benefits of this tool due to its ability to maximize your time spent training. Us coaches are quickly seeing the benefits and moving over to Running with Power coaching packages and programs because of its consistency and the precision of data it provides. This allows us to use power data in conjunction with heart rate, and other widely known metrics to optimize an athlete’s daily training and race performance.
So, what is SO special about running power meters…. And is it for you? The answer is simple. If you want to get the most out of your training experience then; Yes, training with a power meter is for you. The wonderful thing about power meters is also however it’s biggest challenge for the everyday athlete…. It provides sooooo much data. As they say, information is power and that is definitely the case with power meters… but there’s more to it than just having the data, you need to know what to do with the data to use it to your full potential.
And, if you are like most athletes; unable to spend the time needed to learn about the technology and how to use it, then having a coach to sort through all of the information and break it down for you will be a total game-changer for you. *And, you’re in the right spot - I am a Stryd Certified Coach and offering a personal coaching package just for athletes that are Running With Power. (You can check out more info on coaching here.)*
Power Meters are here to stay mostly because now we finally have a tool which allows us to measure the intensity of each workout in real-time and in a non-subjective manner. Until now we have used several subjective ways of quantifying the intensity of a workout by using heart-rate, rate of perceived exertion and even pace.
The issue is that all these traditional methods are subjective to external variables such as heat, elevation, stress, diet and even cardiac lag. These methods are good at providing a snapshot of fitness however, none of them provide a consistent measurement of stress over the duration of a workout and beyond, thus making it difficult for us to monitor training with repeatable precision.
From a scientific standpoint, when using a variable which is non consistent, your results will never be accurate and with running you are basically always following a moving target. Us coaches have gotten really good at our predictions but now we have a tool which takes the guesswork out of the equation. Basically, this optimizes your training and in the end allows you to train smarter not harder. (as the old adage goes) OK so you will be able to train smarter.. great! But, in the end your goal is to get to the finish line the quickest.
If you are like me, right about now you’re asking the question - So, how will a power meter help me get to the finish line faster?
The answer is simple but might surprise you… It’s all about your running form. During training you will be able to identify the muscle group which needs improvement, track changes in your form and set race zones which will allow you to get the most out of your body. Over time you will notice how your form will impact your power and your pace. I can’t say this will happen overnight as it is suggested that you gather about 3 months of data through regular training before making major changes based on your results. This data gathering phase will allow for a baseline and trends to be established which is really the best way to see those improvements moving forward.
To get the most out of your power meter one has two choices to make -
First start learning about the technology, training methods including how your body adapts to training stress and dig into the data, making sure you understand all the aspects of power. Then perform a few tests to set a baseline and establish zones. At the same time create a power based training plan, implement and adjust frequently as your fitness and performance improves.
Or, second choice is to hire a knowledgeable coach.
Regardless if you are self trained or working with a coach - with the proper training program, you will be able to see improvements in pacing, form and how your body is adapting to a power based training program. You will be able to see improvements in cadence, stride length, leg stiffness, vertical and horizontal power which are all critical in becoming a more efficient runner.
In the end if you want to go faster, you need to become more efficient in both form and energy/oxygen use. The data you will obtain when using your power meter will help you optimize each one of your runs. The key is taking action with the data you are collecting and that is where an experienced coach may be most beneficial as they will be able to adjust your training to allow you to get the most out of this tool.
If you are the kind of athlete that is interested in data and looking to up-level your performance this year, we’ve got a deal for you. Until the end of January, we are giving away FREE Stryd Power Meters to everyone that signs up for our Platinum (Running with Power) Coaching Package. Here’s all the info and the link to schedule a call with me to get started.