APPLICATION OF RUNNING POWER IN AN INDIAN ATHLETE

Power is an input in sporting activity. Pace and heart rate are outputs of that
performance. Naturally, cyclists and their coaches are attracted to the ability to
quantify this input and characterize segments of their training in terms of power.
Some disciplines of cycling such as mountain biking and aspects of track racing
makes the usage and interpretation of power challenging. However, there is
sound scientific data for the use of a powermeter for pacing in events > 120s
where aerobic regime is predominant, which is why it is popular in the TT and
triathlon niches. Quantifying the demands of competition through power and
being able to use a powermeter to train those aspects has become popular
concepts but research literature abounds in conflicts and debate on how this
affects the rider.

Im a mechanical engineer by background and a supporter of data driven

athletics. Naturally I was excited about a device moving around on Kickstarter
that purportedly told a runner what his power input would be while running. Early
in December, I contacted Stryd and as we got emailing back and forth about the
capabilities of the device, I enquired if I could be test as an ambassador for the
product however at the time they were still trying to hire an individual for
community outreach so they werent ready with this program. Later I changed
my mind understanding that perhaps being an ambassador would involve a
certain bias on my part as I reviewed the product, so I just went ahead and
bought one. In other words, I was as excited and as suspicious as anyone.

In early Jan 2017, I got hold of the device and started thinking about how I can
use due diligence to evaluate the device for running.