I ordered Favero Assioma power pedals which are suppose to arrive tomorrow and my A race is IMMT which is in a little over 2 weeks. Is it too close to my race to switch over to pacing the bike leg by power?
I was going to use the next few weeks to get a sense of my numbers, but also use bestbikesplit to help decide my average race power. For reference my goal is a 5:25 bike.
Thanks
It’s not too late, but I wouldn’t solely rely on power if you’re new to it. Have you ever trained by power before or is this the first time?
Do you know your FTP? What is your 5:25 bike split based on (prior performance, estimated condition, etc.)?
You’re likely going to be better off going by RPE/HR and using power as a limiter to ensure you aren’t going to hard too early, on hills, etc.
I’ve never trained by power. So I don’t know what my FTP is, but I put previous bike splits into bestbikesplit to get a sense of power in those races.
I also have never raced a full IM so the 5:25 is based off training and shorter races. Thanks for your reply
Hmmm… maybe not too close to use power.
Perform a fitness test to get your zones and FTP, target 75% FTP for the race avg nominal power.
Problem is, it may not get you your bike split you want.
What speed you can produce at target power may not equal the speed you need for your split.
You may have to hit a higher power to get your speed and be toast for the run, OR you could be well within range to race smart and hit your goal.
But, it’s probably too late to make up any fitness if your target power is below what you need to get the speed.
If you manage to get a good sense of your numbers over the next few weeks I would use your power meter like an upper limit. So if you think your average power is going to be 180 watts, and you look down and see 220 on the power meter (very easily done) back off. If you struggle to get a grip of the numbers I would suggest recording the race but ignoring the numerals and race to feel. Review your race numbers and use to inform your next race. Hope that makes sense!
I would suggest recording the race but ignoring the numerals and race to feel. Review your race numbers and use to inform your next race.
I’d second this. It took me about 1 full year/season to get a feel for my power numbers and how to race with them.