Steve-'s Distance Endurance Group - CLOSED (Page 5)

I think those are all great reasons for motivation and getting the workouts done.  I think I do it for all of those reasons too but what really drives me is that I want to be great at this sport.  I know that I will probably never win a race in my lifetime but I don't think it is out of the question either.  I just love getting up in the morning and pushing myself and envisioning great results at an upcoming race makes it fun for me.  The great additonal benefits of living healthy and being in a better mood is always good too!!

Ryan

Anybody in the group training with power on the bike?  I am just wondering if there is a low cost solution out there to get one that still performs reasonably well.  I see some power meters going for more than a grand.  I am sure it is like anything else..you get what you pay for.  Steve - do most of your athletes use power based training?

Ryan

I hope everyone had a great holiday!

First two questions for me.  I need to get back to the pool and start running a little.  What is the best way to get started again?  Length of workout in time/yards and time/miles?  Run/walk interval?

Why do I train?  I like working out, being in shape, and meeting goals.  Not at all for the racing aspect.

Steve- - 2009-12-28 2:19 PM

rymac - 2009-12-28 11:29 AM

Anybody in the group training with power on the bike?  I am just wondering if there is a low cost solution out there to get one that still performs reasonably well.  I see some power meters going for more than a grand.  I am sure it is like anything else..you get what you pay for.  Steve - do most of your athletes use power based training?

Ryan

Hey Ryan:

85% of my athletes train with power, but that has increased from last year since I "suggested" to some of them to get a CT.    A HRM is mandatory if I coach someone, but power is optional.  I trained/raced for 8 years w/o power before I got it...so it can be done.  It's just that your cycling training becomes slightly more efficient and quantitative with power compared to HRM bike trng.  However, with that said, I am not an advocate of solely training by power.  I tell all my athletes that they need to continue to be aware and check the other two indicators (i.e. RPE and HR) when training in order to properly "triangulate" what is happening to them during any given workout.  "Chasing watts" is just not prudent.

Regarding power meter options, my opinion is that currently there are only 3 contenders you should look to:  (1) SRM, (2) Powertap, (3) Quarq.  There are a couple other power meters coming to market in 2010 that look promising (the relaunched Ergomo and the new Metrigear PM).  The iBike has received good press and reviews but you can't use it effectively indoors on the trainer.

I personally have just the CT because I don't mind riding inside at all and live in Chicago where we really only get a good 4-6 months of predictable outdoor riding.  Additionally, the CT has some great adjunct products you use with it; one of them being Ergvideos.  Until the "other" guys catch up with CT, CT pretty much has a monopoly right now.  They are to indoor power training as the Rockefellers were to the oil industry before the 1890 Sherman Antitrust Act.

It took me 8 LONG years to buy a CT.  I would drool over it every year at the bike expo I went to and would dream about it at night...until one day I pulled the trigger and always said to myself "why did I wait so llllooonnng" 

The last point I will make will sound quite self serving, but my personal recommendation is before you buy a CT, spend $1,600 on a season of personal triathlon coaching with a coach you believe in and can connect with.  Honestly, it's what I did (got a coach then a couple seasons later got a CT) and I can tell you I improved MUCH more with the right coach than I would have ever improved with a CT.  But hey, what do I know...I'm just a coach telling you to get a coach.   ha ha ha.

Seriously though, too many triathletes want to "gadget" their way to improvement when what many triathletes really need is a solid foundation, specific build period(s) tailored to their strengths/weaknesses, and to train smart (not hard).  I can tell you that I am no faster on my $7,000 titanium triathlon bike than I was on my $1,500 aluminum triathlon bike...period.

Thanks for the detailed response...so many fun toys to choose from.  I can see where you are coming from with getting a coach prior to pulling the trigger on a CT or other similar device.  I kind of want to see how much improvement I can make this year over the year prior and evaluate after that.  If I am still making steady gains utilizing HR and self-coaching then I will probably hold off a little longer.  If I stall out I may be hunting down a coach to get some better feedback.

Ryan

I just want add to the power conversation.  I have both a CT and a powertap.  These tools are great and if you have the means, and know how to use them, your cycling will improve utilizing them.   The big caveat is "knowing how to use it".   I, also, am a big fan of HR training, but power takes it to the next level.  Not only is it great in training, it is a great advantage in long course racing (and short course, but definitely long course).  Its just too easy to hammer at the beginning of these longer races, and if you can keep your power in the range it needs to be, you will find yourself running off the bike better than ever. 

I was able to get into the power game by checking out craigslist.  You have to be careful here, but if you do your homework, you can get some good deals.  I happened to get a one year old PT with wheel for $500.  The guy was a pro and was upgrading to wireless.  

I have been training with power for 3 years now, so if you have more specific questions, I would be happy to respond. 

Other than that, I have been offline enjoying the holiday, but still getting my workouts in.  Will be around a little more now that Xmas is over.

Oh yeah, loved the motivation conversation.  I have a few things that keep me motivated, and it seems to be different at different times.   I will say, I do have a few quotes on my mirror that I do read on those tougher mornings.  But, I just love to train.  Love, love, love it!

I do most of my running in the dark early morning although I do not have a headlight.  I usually just run routes that are well lit and/or I know the terrain.  I just throw on my neon vest and a light around my wrist so that the few cars on the road can see me.  Kinda corny, but it is peaceful and quiet in the morning and I enjoy running at that time.  I am sure it will grow on you as well.

Ryan