Training and Racing with a Power Meter is written by Hunter Allen and Andrew Coggan as an introduction to power meter training and analyzing. The book provides a comprehensive guide to using power meters for both training and racing. It is easy-to-read language throughout the book, and if you already know a thing or two about using a power meter, you will finish this book fast.
The authors start by explaining the basic principles of power meters and how they measure a cyclist’s performance.
They then show how to use this data to build training plans that target specific weaknesses.
The book also gives an overview of the different power meters available, helping you choose the one that fits your needs.
The presentation is balanced and especially helpful for beginners, though experienced riders may find some sections easy to skip.
There’s also a brief introduction to the main benefits of training with a power meter.
Overall, these chapters are clear, practical, and largely on point.
What you can do with a power meter
Here are some examples of workouts you can do with a power meter.
The testing method for creating a power profile and training plan is different from the one I prefer.
But that’s a good thing — it would be dull if every coach used the same approach.
These programs are built on solid training principles. Like all plans, they work best when adjusted for each rider.
The book also offers advice on using power data during races. You’ll find pacing tips and tactics for attacking or responding to attacks. This is especially helpful for time trialists and road racers who want to improve their results.
The biggest strength of this book is how clearly it explains power-based training for beginners. It also highlights why post-training and post-race analysis are so important.
The authors work closely together with TrainingPeaks, which means that most analyzing refers to features in this software. This is logic, but sometimes the book looks more like a different manual to the software. When you look beside this, there is an excellent description of the features that TrainingPeaks offers.
If we should try to sum this up, here are five actionable insights from “Training and Racing with a Power Meter” by Hunter Allen and Andrew Coggan:
5 actionable points from the book
- Determine your functional threshold power (FTP). FTP is the maximum power you can sustain for one hour and is used as a benchmark for setting training zones. By knowing your FTP, you can tailor your training to improve your weaknesses and build on your strengths.
- Use power-based training zones. Power-based training zones allow you to train at specific intensities that target different aspects of fitness. This helps ensure that you are making progress towards your goals in a structured and efficient way.
- Incorporate interval training into your workouts. Interval training involves alternating periods of high-intensity effort with periods of rest or lower intensity effort. This type of training can help improve both aerobic and anaerobic capacity.
- Analyze your data regularly to track progress and adjust your training plan accordingly. Regularly analyzing performance data such as power output, heart rate, and speed can help identify areas where you need to improve and make adjustments to your training plan.
- Fuel properly during long rides or races using a nutrition plan based on power output. Using a nutrition plan based on power output can help ensure that you are consuming enough calories and nutrients to sustain performance during long rides or races while avoiding stomach issues or bonking.
By incorporating these insights from “Training and Racing with a Power Meter” into your own cycling routine, you can take steps towards becoming a more effective cyclist who trains smarter, not just harder.
Conclusion
This is an excellent beginner’s guide to training and racing with a power meter.
It’s also a great resource for coaches who haven’t yet worked with athletes using SRM Cranks or PowerTaps, but want to understand power-based training.
The book explains why power meters have become so popular and gives you the basic tools to start using one for training and racing.
Overall, Racing and Training with a Power Meter is a must-read for any serious cyclist who wants to improve performance.
With practical advice and expert insights, it helps you make the most of power data and reach your cycling goals.
You can purchase the book at Amazon .