New to EN...new to power

XCcoach

 Hello all...my first day here at EN.  Lots to take in...so far, I like it alot.  I'm definitely committed to sticking it out for a few months...and hope it's something worth sticking with through at least next summer.  Thanks for the welcome.

My question is simple:  I'm new to power (just got a quarq power meter two weeks ago).  I'm currently reading "the book" (Training and Racing with Power)...but I'm wondering what kind of feedback support I will get at EN to help me along the power learning curve.  Thanks in advance...

XCcoach

OK...I also just found the "Trial Membership" Thread...I'll post there. Sorry if this was the wrong place.

Jeff Unruh

Mike,

First off - welcome!

Second, "the book" is a good place to start and makes a handy reference longer term. Inside "The Haus" there are resources to help you use the power meter for something much more than speedometer. To use it effectively you first need to perform an FTP test to create the baseline. From here all your zones are set for future workouts during the upcoming OutSeason. As we get into race season next Summer there is a power webinar you can purchase and also free resources in the Wiki. The free resource has a handy calculator for determining the proper IF (intensity factor) to ride your IM (or HIM). Long and short, the team is known for being very "pro power" for the bike and there are written and team resources to make sure you get a return on your investment.

Hope this helps!

ezellrh

2nd on the welcome Mike. In addition to what Jeff said, one you start having specific questions, this forum (pace and power) is a great place to throw up questions. Many many folks use power in the Haus and will be able to move you down the learning curve quickly. Like you, I jumped into the power game and into the Haus at the same time and I experienced the same last year.

Good luck!

Coach Rich

Hey Mike,

Good answers from the guys above. The short answer is that you will not find a more power-savvy group of triathletes on the planet. Period, full stop. You may find other places where you can learn...which would require sorting through tons of contradictory thoughts and advice...but not here. We have very well documented and successful methods of training and racing with power here and there are MANY TeamEN athletes I'd enter into a Power Coaching Cage Match with just about any triathlon coach out there.

Finally, you'll find me and EN referenced in "The Book" you're ready. Hunter Allen interviewed me about how we teach our athletes how to race triathlon with power. He didn't get that method 100% correct, but we're in there :-)

Nate Parady

Would recommend this forum discussions  "power and Pace". I felt after casually reading the discussion I had a pretty good sense of what to expect even before getting a PM. The content and discussion within EN has frankly saved me from having to read "the book"...

First thing I really focused on was doing that first test to establish a baseline for Functional Threshold Power (FTP)

harrast

Mike, you may have already jumped to power and pace and found what you needed. I was new to power when I joined EN, although I had a computrainer for a year or two but didn't really pay much attention to power--I just got on and rode a course for a few hours. The EN workouts contain the power measures that you will follow on your quarq. You will also need to do an FTP test to determine the baseline for your workouts. Everyone runs into questions, so just ask and someone will get you pointed in the right direction.

trigirl1203

Mike-EN is a great place for a power-noob. I got a power meter last year and asked about a million questions on the boards-everyone was so helpful! Ask away and prepare to get FAST

John Withrow

Mike, You are in the right place... You will also get a lot of power knowledge through "osmosis" being in da haus. Download the Power webinar and associated files. Read people's Race Reports (RR) and see what they say. Listen to the RR podcasts. Watch all of the "crucible" analyses you see. These are the coaches analyzing people's actual power files from races. Subscribe to the Power and Pace forum so you will see anytime somebody posts a question in there. Go back and read many of the older posts in that forum. And most importantly, follow the plans. Do a proper 42 minute FTP test and hit your power numbers in training. You will learn a ton about power and more about yourself.

XCcoach

Thanks everyone...love it. Lots to learn...I think I'm in the right place.

cgres123

As said Mike your book is a great place to start. When you finishing reading post some questions about the PM your unsure of , you are in the right place.

Doug

Hi guys ,new memeber and new to power. I am looking to buy a power meter and now having analysis/paralysis. Any advice would be helpful.
Thanks,
Doug

Brenda Ross

WheelBuilder - Precision Wheels For Serious Athletes

Coach Rich works with Wheelbuilder.com to get the team discounts on powermeters, race wheels, and bicycle parts. Interested in purchasing a Powertap, Quarq, Garmin, Zipp or other race wheel, or that new groupo, cranks, etc, for your ride? Email Coach Rich (rich@endurancenation.us) with "Power Quote" as the subject to get started!

John Withrow

@Doug-- read this: http://members.endurancenation.us/Training/TrainingForums/tabid/101/aft/9730/Default.aspx

Dino Sarti

Talk to Coach Rich. Really there are too great options - crank based or rear wheel hub based. These two have years and years of service and are VERY reliable. There are other platforms out there as the power market seems to have exploded recently, but the crank based and wheel based models are tried and true. The Powertap will allow you to switch bikes very easily with no tools, but once laced on a deep race wheel, you may not want to train on it. The crank based is a bit harder to move, but 10 minutes and two tools can move it to another bike really easily as well.

Doug

Thanks for all the great responses. I am on the right team.