dgran wrote:
dcrainmaker wrote:
Andrew Coggan wrote:
A few thoughts... Combining the above with the fact that runners don't generally have to be able to rapidly change pace the way cyclists do, that they aren't as influenced by environmental conditions (e.g., wind), that they tend to utilize flat surfaces (tracks) for structured training, etc., and I can't see a running power meter having a significant impact on how people actually train and perform.
Honestly, I'm surprised to see you write. Mostly because it really makes no sense.
I'm not surprised and I agree with Coggan. Cyclists regularly remark at how they witness tremendous variability in average speed for the same power output because of the strong effect from wind. The Stryd looks to be an interesting data point but I suspect for many runners it will correlate so strongly with their time piece that it won't add much value. The one case where it may be useful is to aid pacing over longer runs on unfamiliar terrain, but I think most endurance runners already know when they are running a sustainable vs unsustainable pace. This device could help them abide by the plan better.
I can see a running power meter changing the way people train - but would it be a change for the better.
I can see a massive market for online power based training plans and software, it will go the way cycling has. In no time runners will be assuming you can't train effectively without a running power meter and will be going out training tying to stay in zones and worrying about if they have their FTP set correctly and how many TSS they score.