devashish_paul wrote:
Do you look at the pace clock for every swim set or go to the track for every run (or as a minimum, use a GPS for every run and measure every 25m split time ?). If not, you don't need a power meter in every workout.
These are apples and oranges... You are comparing the use of real-time power as a real-time guide on a training ride to a retroactive view of performance in the other events. I think of a bike PM as a virtual partner that is pushing me during training rides, and the goals set during my workouts and overall plan are based on my measured ability, and those goals and plans are designed to improve my measured ability. So, think of the analogy a little differently...
What if in the pool or on a run, you could have done a test to identify your all-out speed. And, then, what if you could have a long term training plan with individual workouts and intervals designed to improve your all-out speed. Then, what if in the pool or on the run, you could have a virtual partner swimming or running next to you to at the exact pace you should maintain for that interval to build your all-out speed. This is virtually impossible in the pool. It is kind of possible on runs, if you normalize for conditions or use a power meter like the Stryd.
The point is that power in bike training helps maximize every moment of a workout toward improving overall performance. There really is no comparable equivalent for swimming or running yet. Now, bike power during a race is a totally different thing. For a road race or critirium, IMHO, power is less relevant, because you basically have to give whatever is necessary during the race as situations develop. But in a TT, you can use power to maintain a maximally efficient level of overall output during the extended ride. But, you may be able to be just as effective without power if you monitor RPE or HR (or both).