Using Power Metres to Run Faster with Researcher Cody Van Rassel
Apr 21, 2024
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Researcher Cody Van Rassel discusses using power meters in running to enhance speed and efficiency. He explains the concept of power in running, differences from cycling, reliability of stride power meters, and practical applications for adjusting training. Cody also emphasizes the importance of strength training and plyometrics in improving running economy and performance.
Utilizing power meters in running helps adjust training intensity for varied terrains and conditions.
Improving running economy involves lower leg muscle strengthening and optimizing Achilles tendon stiffness through plyometrics.
Deep dives
Understanding the Role of Power Meters in Running Performance Enhancement
Power meters are emerging as a valuable tool for runners to improve their performance by providing insights into running power, its measurement, and practical implementation. Unlike cycling power meters that are commonly used by cyclists, the concept of running power is still evolving, with various companies developing different metrics. By assessing running power, runners can adjust their intensity and manage their training more effectively, especially in varied terrains like hills or changing environmental conditions.
Research-based Recommendations for Enhancing Running Economy
Increasing running efficiency and economy can be achieved through strength training, specifically focusing on strengthening the muscles of the lower leg, such as the gastrocnemius and soleus, which play a significant role in running economy. Additionally, improving the stiffness of the Achilles tendon through plyometric and bounding exercises can lead to more efficient energy utilization during running. By enhancing lower leg muscle strength and optimizing tendon stiffness, runners can potentially reduce their overall energy expenditure while running, thus improving their running economy.
Limitations and Considerations when Using Running Power Meters
While running power meters offer valuable insights into exercise intensity and performance optimization, they have limitations that runners should be aware of. Factors like restricted upper body motion and external loads may affect the accuracy of power measurements. Additionally, running power metrics may not be consistent when faced with changes in incline, varying terrain, or other environmental conditions. Understanding these limitations can help runners interpret and utilize running power data effectively in their training.
Integrating Running Power Metrics with Training Effort for Injury Prevention
Effort-based training using running power metrics can provide a more accurate measure of training load and intensity compared to distance-based approaches. Research suggests that monitoring effort levels, along with acute to chronic workload ratios, can help in injury prevention by identifying optimal training thresholds. By incorporating running power data alongside perceived effort and heart rate metrics, runners can better manage their training volumes and intensities to reduce injury risks and enhance performance.
In this insightful episode, we delve into the fascinating world of power meters and their application in running to enhance speed and efficiency. Our guest, Cody Van Russell, a researcher and a former personal trainer with a rich background in kinesiology, shares his extensive research into power meters. He offers practical advice on how runners can leverage this technology for improved performance.
Key Topics Covered:
Introduction to Running Power: Understanding the concept of power in running, its research, and how it differs from cycling power.
Cody Van Russell's Background: From personal training to pursuing a PhD, Cody's journey through an accident, research in concussion labs, to his current focus on wearable technology in sports.
Mechanical Power and Running Economy: Discussion on the complexities of measuring running power and its implications for running economy.
Stride Power Meters: An overview of wearable devices like the Stride pod and their role in estimating running power.
Research Insights: Cody shares findings from his research on stride running power, including its reliability, validity, and utility in training.
Practical Applications: How runners can utilize power meters to adjust their training, especially in varying terrains and conditions.
Strength Training and Running Economy: Beyond power meters, Cody emphasizes the importance of strength training and plyometrics in improving running economy and performance.
Future of Running Power Meters: Acknowledging the current limitations and the potential for further research and development in this area.
Guest Bio: Cody Van Russell, an accomplished researcher with a focus on exercise physiology, has explored the realms of concussion research, wearable technology, and nonlinear analysis of biological signals. With a passion for high-performance sport, Cody's work aims to understand and optimize human movement and performance through innovative research.
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