RACEMAKERS Magazine March 2016 | Page 14

Inspiration WATTAGE FOR EVERYONE Example of software for FTP-test. ”Get the most out of your TRAINING” Watt meters are becoming well known equipment within Triathlon. But what are the benifits and why even bother? MICHELLE VESTERBY (DENMARK) Riding through harsh conditions in Abu Dhabi 14 MARCH 2016 · RACEMAKERS PHOTO JESPER GRØNNEMARK In the recent years several new manufacturers have found their way to the shelves with their power meters, and several in a price range, that makes it possible for many more to buy themselves a power meter. Many dream about conducting, collecting, and analysing their training, as if they were professionals. But just as when watches with heart rate monitors came to be found in every home, it isn’t enough to just buy the equipment. It takes some elemental knowledge to use and utilize your power meter in the best possible way. On of the advantages of using a power meter is that it gives an accurate and individual measurement of what an athlete is doing right know. Because of this you, as an athlete, can from the first pedal stroke hit your planned training zones much more accurately. Therefore, the training can be conducted according to the plan and the intention because the desired effect will be measurable in an instant and not with the delay, which often follows when using hear rate. When you for example ride in a given zone of intensity your heart rate first have to rise and it can take a while before it hits the right rate. In this time period you may have performed out of the desired zones given power values and by this affected your body differently than what was planned. RACEMAKERS · MARCH 2016 15