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Power data analysis: Training Peaks vs Garmin

  • 31-07-2011 4:52pm
    #1
    FrankGrimes
    Registered Users, Registered Users 2 Posts: 4,032 ✭✭✭


    I find that monitoring power data really helps my performance out on the road - really helps me keep the workrate high on the down slope of rolling terrain and the rare times I join a group on a sportive I'll have a look at my wattage and if it's too low, I'll move on as I'm training for some forthcoming events so my focus is not the time I can clock but how much workrate I can sustain for 5+ hours. Yes it's overkill, but I find it really improves my cycling and makes it more interesting along the way, easily a better investment than deep rims for example (though ya gotta have bling too :)).

    I tend to underuse the post-event analysis though: I usually just download the file to Garmin Training Center and Training Peaks and see what my average power was. I think I understand what the Max Meanial Curve is (i.e. 'your best 60mins was XXX watts) but amn't certain.

    I have my Garmin set to smart data recording and zero averaging but amn't sure if this is right: I rarely freewheel as I work hard on descents (making up time on the mountain goats who beat me on the way up!) but this method makes your final wattage reading higher if you freewheel than do some work on the descent (where it's hard to hit your average power).

    What's the difference between Normalized Power and Average Power, is it reflective of the difference in freewheeling being included or not? For the Tour of Kilkenny yesterday, I had to floor it for the first hour as I started 10mins after the event, Garmin read 279watts for this one-hour lap, Training Peaks read 267w and Normalized Power as 287w, which one is the fairest reflection of my workrate?

    Appreciate any pointers on how to get the most out of the investment in the power meter as the bigger my data repository gets the more I'll be able to start using the additional tools to identify patterns, areas for improvement etc.


Comments

  • #2
    Beasty
    Administrators, Social & Fun Moderators, Sports Moderators Posts: 78,393 Admin ✭✭✭✭✭Beasty


    FrankGrimes wrote: »
    I have my Garmin set to smart data recording and zero averaging but amn't sure if this is right:
    "Smart recording" only records data when the Garmin thinks something changes. Every second recording gives more accurate data (but uses more space on the Garmin). If zero averaging is on the averages include your zeros - some software (eg Poweragent) will show both in the post ride analysis anyway.
    FrankGrimes wrote: »
    What's the difference between Normalized Power and Average Power, is it reflective of the difference in freewheeling being included or not? For the Tour of Kilkenny yesterday, I had to floor it for the first hour as I started 10mins after the event, Garmin read 279watts for this one-hour lap, Training Peaks read 267w and Normalized Power as 287w, which one is the fairest reflection of my workrate?
    Normalised power is a better estimate of the effective effort, taking into account the extra strain on your body when speeding up and slowing down, going up and down hills etc. It's the equivalent constant power you could put out over the period for the same effective effort, whereas average is simply the mathematical average

    A great resource for getting the best out of your PM is Training and Racing with a Power Meter


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