The Power Meter Handbook

by Friel, Joe

• ISBN13: 9781934030950
• ISBN10: 1934030953
• Format: Paperback
• Copyright: 2012-09-01
• Publisher: Velopress

Summary

Power meters measure a cyclist's strength, but this revolutionary training technology can benefit everyone, not just the most powerful riders. In The Power Meter Handbook, the most trusted coach in endurance sports offers a simple user's guide to help cyclists and triathletes master the fundamentals of training with power. Friel shows cyclists how to sift through noisy data to focus on just the most important measurements. Armed with the techniques they need to know, riders will master power training concepts, accurately interpret their data, and learn how to harness this revolutionary technology to earn big performance gains from their day-to-day training. Power meters aren't just for the pros or racers anymore. The Power Meter Handbookmakes it easy for any cyclist or triathlete to gain a deeper understanding of their performance and get ready for new challenges.

Author Biography

Joe Friel is the best-selling author of The Cyclist's Training Bible and The Triathlete's Training Bible and cofounder of TrainingPeaks.com. As one of America's most trusted coaches, he has trained national athletes and represented the United States at world championships.

Table of Contents

What is a Power Meter, and How Can It Help Me?
Why Use a Power Meter?	p. 3
Why Power?	p. 5
Why Not Heart Rate, Speed, or Feel?	p. 9
Output and Input	p. 16
Warning!	p. 17
What is Power?	p. 21
The Basics of Power	p. 21
How a Power Meter Works	p. 25
Getting Fitter and Faster with Power	p. 26
Getting Started with your Power Meter	p. 33
What's on Your Handlebars?	p. 34
KiloJoules, Average Power, and Normalized Power	p. 40
Power's Relationships with Time and Heart Rate	p. 44
Making Sense of it All	p. 47
How Can I Train More Effectively Using My Power Meter?
Your Power Zones	p. 51
Power Zones	p. 51
FTP-Your Most Important Number	p. 52
Your Personal Power Zones	p. 61
Riding with Intensity	p. 71
How Hard Do You Ride?	p. 72
How Well Do You Pace?	p. 77
Burning Matches	p. 84
Fitter and Faster	p. 91
Base Period: Developing Fitness	p. 92
Build Period: Preparing to Race Fast	p. 101
Are You Fitter and Faster?	p. 105
Using Your Power Meter for High Performance	p. 117
Power-Training Components	p. 118
Power and Periodization	p. 125
Performance Management	p. 135
How Can I Use My Power Meter to Improve My Competitive Performance?
Power for Road Races and Times Trials	p. 139
What's Important?	p. 140
Preparing for Your Race	p. 154
Power for Triathlons	p. 165
What's Important?	p. 166
Preparing for Your Triathlon	p. 174
Power for Century Rides	p. 191
What's Important?	p. 191
Preparing for Your Century Ride	p. 201
Power-Based Workouts	p. 211
Setting Heart Rate Zones for Cycling	p. 217
Analysis Software	p. 219
Glossary	p. 221
Acknowledgments	p. 225
Index	p. 227
About the Author	p. 233
Table of Contents provided by Ingram. All Rights Reserved.