TrainingPeaks CoachCast cover image

TrainingPeaks CoachCast

Season 6 Ep 4 — How to Utilize Running Power Metrics With Dr. Will O'Connor

Apr 17, 2024
Dr. Will O'Connor, a running scientist and former triathlete from New Zealand, dives into the world of running power metrics. He discusses the evolution of power technology and its implications for training, emphasizing the need for accuracy among various devices. Will highlights the differences between running and cycling power metrics, explaining how terrain affects energy expenditure. He also explores the importance of heart rate monitoring for trail running and the growing acceptance of power metrics in endurance sports.
01:06:01

Episode guests

Podcast summary created with Snipd AI

Quick takeaways

  • Running power metrics offer objective insights into athlete performance, helping to reveal struggles that traditional metrics like heart rate may overlook.
  • The importance of establishing personalized power zones through testing is crucial for effective integration of running power into training regimens.

Deep dives

Understanding Running Power

Running power is gaining momentum as a crucial metric for runners, providing an objective measurement of intensity during training and racing. It helps athletes identify why they may struggle to maintain pace or achieve goal finishing times, offering insights that traditional metrics like heart rate and pace may not reveal. This emerging trend demonstrates that more than 30% of training files submitted to analysis include power data, though many athletes and coaches are still learning how to leverage this new metric effectively. By utilizing power alongside heart rate and pace, runners can develop a better understanding of their performance across various terrain types.

Get the Snipd
podcast app

Unlock the knowledge in podcasts with the podcast player of the future.
App store bannerPlay store banner

AI-powered
podcast player

Listen to all your favourite podcasts with AI-powered features

Discover
highlights

Listen to the best highlights from the podcasts you love and dive into the full episode

Save any
moment

Hear something you like? Tap your headphones to save it with AI-generated key takeaways

Share
& Export

Send highlights to Twitter, WhatsApp or export them to Notion, Readwise & more

AI-powered
podcast player

Listen to all your favourite podcasts with AI-powered features

Discover
highlights

Listen to the best highlights from the podcasts you love and dive into the full episode