Training/Racing w/Power Dilema

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2011-04-29 11:52 AM

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Master
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Subject: Training/Racing w/Power Dilema

So, this past week I thought I had found a great deal by ordering a Quarq Cinqo, but it turns out I got the incorrect bottom bracket (my bike doesn't have a BB30). I'm still planning on getting a Quarq, but I won't have it for my first race.

I currently have a powertap training wheel and set of race wheels (Hed 6/9 C2 and a cover for the rear). I'll be selling the powertap wheel once I get the Quarq.

My first race is next weekend, but it's only a sprint (10 mile bike leg).

I've been training with power and I'd love to have power numbers, moreso to analyze after the race than during the race.

These are my options:

1) Quickly order a cover for my training wheel to use, and hope it arrives by the end of next week.

2) Don't bother about power as the bike leg is so short - just use HR and RPE.

3) Race with my training wheel w/out a cover.

 

I'm most inclined to just race without the training wheel, as the distance is so short.

What would you do?



Edited by natethomas2000 2011-04-29 11:54 AM

2011-04-29 11:55 AM
in reply to: #3473502

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Not a Coach
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Subject: RE: Training/Racing w/Power Dilema
#2, except ignore HR completely (wouldn't even wear a monitor)
2011-04-29 11:58 AM
in reply to: #3473502

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Extreme Veteran
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Subject: RE: Training/Racing w/Power Dilema

I don't use power yet, but if i did i wouldn't bother with it for a sprint.  A sprint race to me is about going as hard as you can in all three disciplines.

 

2011-04-29 12:12 PM
in reply to: #3473502

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Master
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Subject: RE: Training/Racing w/Power Dilema
10 mile bike leg means wide open. No monitors. No powermeter.

Edited by pschriver 2011-04-29 12:13 PM
2011-04-29 1:01 PM
in reply to: #3473502

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Elite
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Subject: RE: Training/Racing w/Power Dilema
Definitely #2.  I did a race with a 12mi route last weekend and didn't even look at my power numbers.  Turtle your head and hammer...
2011-04-29 1:21 PM
in reply to: #3473502

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Champion
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Subject: RE: Training/Racing w/Power Dilema
#2 but with RPE only.

Shane

2011-04-29 1:22 PM
in reply to: #3473512

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Champion
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Subject: RE: Training/Racing w/Power Dilema
Cuetoy - 2011-04-29 1:58 PM

I don't use power yet, but if i did i wouldn't bother with it for a sprint.  A sprint race to me is about going as hard as you can in all three disciplines.



Pacing is crucial in all triathlon distances; nobody goes all out on the bike leg in a triathlon as they need to be able to run.

Shane
2011-04-29 1:27 PM
in reply to: #3473502

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Subject: RE: Training/Racing w/Power Dilema
natethomas2000 - 2011-04-29 12:52 PM

I currently have a powertap training wheel and set of race wheels (Hed 6/9 C2 and a cover for the rear). I'll be selling the powertap wheel once I get the Quarq.



Why not take the cover off the race wheel and put it on the PT wheel?  It's only a few clips right?  That way you'll get power data and the advantage of "disk" rear.

No HR monitor and no looking at the Power data during the race.  

Race don't Pace!
2011-04-29 1:48 PM
in reply to: #3473720

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Master
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Subject: RE: Training/Racing w/Power Dilema
gadzooks - 2011-04-29 2:27 PM
natethomas2000 - 2011-04-29 12:52 PM

I currently have a powertap training wheel and set of race wheels (Hed 6/9 C2 and a cover for the rear). I'll be selling the powertap wheel once I get the Quarq.



Why not take the cover off the race wheel and put it on the PT wheel?  It's only a few clips right?  That way you'll get power data and the advantage of "disk" rear.

No HR monitor and no looking at the Power data during the race.  

Race don't Pace!

 

90 mm rim versus 28mm rim won't work.

Balls to the wall it'll be - looking to average around 26 mph!

2011-04-29 2:16 PM
in reply to: #3473502

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Subject: RE: Training/Racing w/Power Dilema

If your goal is to race fast, then #2

If your goal is to evaluate your power during a race and use that information for future training and racing, then #3.

For most people...#2 trumps #3.

2011-04-29 2:42 PM
in reply to: #3473502

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Elite
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Subject: RE: Training/Racing w/Power Dilema
Okay - I'll stand out.  I'd race with power, even if it was only 10miles.  Admittedly, I suck at gauging RPE and the PM will let me know if I should push more/less/or do what I'm doing.  I also raced a Sprint last year where my HR was high, but speed and power were low.  I was pushing as hard as I could, but not really going anywhere - PM and HR helped me realize that something was wrong during and, after when I got to analyze it.

2011-04-29 10:34 PM
in reply to: #3473502

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Champion
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Subject: RE: Training/Racing w/Power Dilema

What's more important to you the data or being faster?

Answer that and choose your wheel accordingly.

2011-04-30 8:33 AM
in reply to: #3473502

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Master
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Subject: RE: Training/Racing w/Power Dilema

Since you refer to the race as "only a...." I assume it is not a priority race.

One can make a very good case for using the powertap training wheel.  Before I got a PT race wheel, I raced my PT training wheel in all but one or two A races a year.  I found the data useful for analysis, but I also use the PT for pacing.

I disagree with people who state that power is not useful for pacing in a shorter TT. While "saving yourself for the run" may be less of an issue (than it is with longer distance tris), surely, optimum performance on the bike leg itself is an issue for short course (arguably even moreso, since you have such small margin of error). The shorter the TT, the finer the line between optimum effort and blowing up.  "All out" pace is what you do for 200-500 meters on the bike.  Anything measured in miles involves pacing. 

2011-04-30 9:51 AM
in reply to: #3473502


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Subject: RE: Training/Racing w/Power Dilema

How many races have you done with the PT?

If you already have plenty of data from sprints and you know you can pace well with RPE, then #2.

If you don't have many races with data and this isn't a priority race, then use the PT, pace by RPE, and examine the data file later to see how well your RPE is calibrated. 

Don't pace by HR.

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