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Training and Racing with a Power Meter
Power meters are rapidly becoming an invaluable part of training and racing among professional cyclists and triathletes, amateurs looking for a competitive edge, and gear fiends. For coaches and athletes, these devices offer enormous potential for targeting and timing training to realize a rider's goals. Yet few athletes or coaches understand how to interpret the data for optimal results, and few do more than consider the possibility of wattage training. ""Training and Racing with a Power Meter decrypts the layers of information and explains how to begin a program that effectively integrates power. Hunter Allen and Andrew Coggan have conducted extensive research and consulted with manufacturers to deliver the most sophisticated and scientific approach to training on the market, allowing riders to tap every last watt of power. The book includes cogent case studies, sample power workouts, and a chapter on the future of training and racing with these indispensable devices.
231 pages, Paperback
First published January 24, 2006
333 people are currently reading
428 people want to read
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 32 reviews
June 8, 2010
This book wasn't everything I wanted it to be but it achieved the basic function I bought it for: to get me to use my power meter more effectively and with some understanding. For example, just explaining Training Stress Scores and Intensity Factors was extremely helpful and has added a new dimension to my cycling analysis.
Overall, however, it's limited by a couple of factors. Firstly, the authors haven't really settled on a target audience or complexity level. They tell you what you can measure, and how it is measured in significant mathematical detail. But often skim over why some measurement is useful. For example, what exactly do you want me to do with my crank arm torque measurement? Maybe it was me that was deficient, but it felt like the book.
Secondly, this is really just a manual for using Training Peaks WKO+ software. Which is fine, but they should just say that and bin the introductory part where they review a bunch of different tools. Quite poor there.
Thirdly, they should ignore the part about building a training plan, though I guess that would limit the market segment of this book. It's half-arsed and lacking. The authors are clearly in cahoots with Joe Friel (they are all partners in the same company) and The Cyclists Training Bible is far superior in terms of training planning, and indeed bangs on about the virtues of power measurement and indeed WKO+ throughout.
Surely, then, these various authors should just team up, make it clear they all work for the same team, stick their label on these books and stop trying to pretend they're independent?
Overall, however, it's limited by a couple of factors. Firstly, the authors haven't really settled on a target audience or complexity level. They tell you what you can measure, and how it is measured in significant mathematical detail. But often skim over why some measurement is useful. For example, what exactly do you want me to do with my crank arm torque measurement? Maybe it was me that was deficient, but it felt like the book.
Secondly, this is really just a manual for using Training Peaks WKO+ software. Which is fine, but they should just say that and bin the introductory part where they review a bunch of different tools. Quite poor there.
Thirdly, they should ignore the part about building a training plan, though I guess that would limit the market segment of this book. It's half-arsed and lacking. The authors are clearly in cahoots with Joe Friel (they are all partners in the same company) and The Cyclists Training Bible is far superior in terms of training planning, and indeed bangs on about the virtues of power measurement and indeed WKO+ throughout.
Surely, then, these various authors should just team up, make it clear they all work for the same team, stick their label on these books and stop trying to pretend they're independent?
June 20, 2017
Книга рекомендована к прочтению увлеченным велоспортом людям. В книге понятным языком описаны основные термины, понятия и принципы организации тренировок с помощью измерителя мощности. После прочтения данных материалов вы поймете что за графики рисует вам Strava, научитесь находить свои слабые и сильные стороны не по ощущениям, а исходя из реальных данных. В идеале сможете получать больше пользы затрачивая меньше часов на тренировки. Могу сказать, что начинающие любители могут смело использовать идущие в комплекте со Zwift/TrainerRoad тренировки, потому как они построены на научной базе которая описана в данном материале. Продвинутые любители и тренеры могут найти для себя много полезного материала по методологии анализа данных.
В книге почти не затрагиваются физиология спортсмена, но есть рекомендации по литературе для изучения данного вопроса.
Плюсы данной книги: Практичность, понятный язык изложения. Это хорошая стартовая площадка для начала изучения "умных", базирующихся на данных методологий тренировок.
Минусы: Не покидает ощущение, что книга является рекламой для WKO+ (программное обеспечение для анализа тренировок).
Кратко: Если абстрагироваться от рекламы WKO+, книга принесет много пользы. Рекомендую.
В книге почти не затрагиваются физиология спортсмена, но есть рекомендации по литературе для изучения данного вопроса.
Плюсы данной книги: Практичность, понятный язык изложения. Это хорошая стартовая площадка для начала изучения "умных", базирующихся на данных методологий тренировок.
Минусы: Не покидает ощущение, что книга является рекламой для WKO+ (программное обеспечение для анализа тренировок).
Кратко: Если абстрагироваться от рекламы WKO+, книга принесет много пользы. Рекомендую.
July 24, 2018
In the 12 years since this book was first published (2006), cycling gadgetry - and technology in general - has undergone a massive amount of change. To put this in context, the iPhone did not exist when this book was written. It was a time when power meters were very rare and cost-prohibitive to most consumers, and we certainly didn't have things like smart trainers.
Surely this book, along with power meters, were revolutionary for the cycling community, as was Allen and Coggan's research. They are forefathers of this field.
However, I can't help but feel as if this book's time has past. I wanted to like it, but it felt superfluous in the world of smart trainers, bike computers, apps like TrainerRoad and Zwift to handle your training plans, etc. Metrics like FTP (and its associated power levels), TSS, IF, etc are very useful when training, though an entire book on them isn't necessary at this point - they aren't terribly complicated and there are quicker ways to learn about them.
Finally, much of this book goes in depth about the tools provided by TrainingPeaks and WKO+. If you're mostly interested in learning about the metrics behind becoming a better cyclist, the focus on TrainingPeaks will annoy and bore you - it adds significant length to the book.
Surely this book, along with power meters, were revolutionary for the cycling community, as was Allen and Coggan's research. They are forefathers of this field.
However, I can't help but feel as if this book's time has past. I wanted to like it, but it felt superfluous in the world of smart trainers, bike computers, apps like TrainerRoad and Zwift to handle your training plans, etc. Metrics like FTP (and its associated power levels), TSS, IF, etc are very useful when training, though an entire book on them isn't necessary at this point - they aren't terribly complicated and there are quicker ways to learn about them.
Finally, much of this book goes in depth about the tools provided by TrainingPeaks and WKO+. If you're mostly interested in learning about the metrics behind becoming a better cyclist, the focus on TrainingPeaks will annoy and bore you - it adds significant length to the book.
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February 27, 2024I thought that this book was laid out well and that it did a nice job of introducing the concept of training and racing with a power meter in cycling.
Having used a power meter myself for over nine years and having also coached athletes using power meters for the same amount of time, I came into reading this book with a decent amount of knowledge about these concepts. That being said, there were definitely important things that I gleaned from the book and that I'll put to use to enhance how I coach cycling for athletes who choose to train with power.
While this book is comprehensive and long, it's important to note that it is absolutely impossible to write out all of the nuances that go along with training and racing with power. This book would provide a nice starting point for an athlete or coach who is new to using power, but it truly takes time and experience to fully leverage this tool effectively.
Having used a power meter myself for over nine years and having also coached athletes using power meters for the same amount of time, I came into reading this book with a decent amount of knowledge about these concepts. That being said, there were definitely important things that I gleaned from the book and that I'll put to use to enhance how I coach cycling for athletes who choose to train with power.
While this book is comprehensive and long, it's important to note that it is absolutely impossible to write out all of the nuances that go along with training and racing with power. This book would provide a nice starting point for an athlete or coach who is new to using power, but it truly takes time and experience to fully leverage this tool effectively.
February 15, 2024
I'm a coach and have a YT channel where I share my process of how you can self-coach. I'm my opinion, this book goes way way overboard. It overcomplicates a process in a way where your left thinking "I need to hire a coach". I think that's the intent, to scare you away from learning how to use a power meter, or just hiring them because "look how much they know in the book". There are some important concepts that get lost in all of the details, and it frustrated me reading it... it doesn't have to be this complicated (I prove that in videos). K. I. S. S. (KEEP IT SIMPLE STUPID) is not utilized here.
June 2, 2021
The first chapters are very useful book for beginners especially if you need to know about the principles of training with power meter. Some of the ideas might seem simple and intuitive however this book will explain in detail how it’s driven and calculated ( not that you have to know in detail).
Later chapters I feel is more for specific type of athletes and coaches, like how to prepare for longer endurance event.
You can use this book as reference to draft your own training plans however with all the apps available it’s definitely easier but good to know the logic behind
Later chapters I feel is more for specific type of athletes and coaches, like how to prepare for longer endurance event.
You can use this book as reference to draft your own training plans however with all the apps available it’s definitely easier but good to know the logic behind
March 25, 2020
This is THE BOOK on power-based training, as far as I know. Even though I don't have access to a power meter because I don't bike, I loved brainstorming ways I might apply the thinking to my running. I skipped over some stuff that was more in the weeds, like using a power meter to pace during a race, but I suspect I'll go back and even read those sections. A valuable reference that I will purchase.
February 14, 2018
The book is a fair introduction to training with a power meter. Although it states that one will be able to correct train using a power meter and also comes with a list of workout options, the book does not discuss how to use periodization in training. There is no use in a bunch of training workouts if do not know what to do with them. I was expecting a little bit more.
April 21, 2020
Wether you are a cyclist or a runner using a powermeter, you will find this book very useful. It is a really great book with many specific concepts relating to training with power. Especially the presented "power duration curve model (PDC)" is something all serious power athletes should utilise. It is such a great tool when assessing racing and training using power.
October 24, 2020
Good in-depth analysis of how to make the best of your power meter.
It can a little bit too technical but necessary to understand the nuances of this power meter complexity
It can a little bit too technical but necessary to understand the nuances of this power meter complexity
January 7, 2021
Great book
April 23, 2021
以FTP为基础进行的功率训练。没办法完全看懂，但有收获。简单点说，功率分7个等级，练哪补哪。
Want to read
July 19, 2021i am student & i like this
March 11, 2023
Some good insights. But in my opinion way too long. The content could have been covered in 50 pages or so.
February 25, 2024
Great book for learning the first steps and new concepts in the use of a power meter.
January 5, 2020
very technical but good reference material
December 7, 2019
A good collection in explaining the basic concepts: Normalized Power (NP), Intensity Factory (IF), Training Stress score (TSS), and Functional threshold power (FTP) etc.
Something useful concepts that I am not familiar with: Power profile. This is what I've missing for long time. I am curious to test my guess. The method to calculate different time periods (iLevel) to make power duration curve (PDV), which gives more accurate picture than just using discrete data points (5s, 1m, 5m).
I don't think I would go with Power Manager: Acute Training Load (ATL), Chronic Training Load, etc.. I know the TrainerPeak offers such analysis, but the cost is too high. Let alone, the high requirements for data accuracy.
Some advanced concepts, e.g., average effective pedal force (AEPF), circumferential pedal velocity (CPV), and Quadrant Analysis, might useful for the cadence analysis.
I think the most interesting part of this book is chapter 10. I am interesting in the example of Bob. I will further read this part and also try to use Table 10.1 like Bob.
Something useful concepts that I am not familiar with: Power profile. This is what I've missing for long time. I am curious to test my guess. The method to calculate different time periods (iLevel) to make power duration curve (PDV), which gives more accurate picture than just using discrete data points (5s, 1m, 5m).
I don't think I would go with Power Manager: Acute Training Load (ATL), Chronic Training Load, etc.. I know the TrainerPeak offers such analysis, but the cost is too high. Let alone, the high requirements for data accuracy.
Some advanced concepts, e.g., average effective pedal force (AEPF), circumferential pedal velocity (CPV), and Quadrant Analysis, might useful for the cadence analysis.
I think the most interesting part of this book is chapter 10. I am interesting in the example of Bob. I will further read this part and also try to use Table 10.1 like Bob.
April 14, 2020
Best resource on using a Power Meter, but not good for triathletes
I am a triathlete and I picked this book up to learn more ways to utilize power in my training. It turned out there weren't a lot of ways to do so: This book is focused mostly on road cyclists (not exclusively, but mostly). Unlike road cycling, triathlon does not include sprints or similiar things, making power profiling and the like rather useless for triathlon. The other major analysis tool they present is the quadrant analysis tool, which is just a very fancy way of checking whether you are pedaling at a high cadence. Whether this is actually better is debatable, so the usefulness of this analysis is questionable, too. The part specifically for triathlon is also not great, for example they still use the fingertip-drill, which is one of the few things most reputable coaches agree to be useless/harmless.
So if you are a road cyclist, you can probably get quite a few interesting takeaways from this book. If you are a triathlete, this book provides little value over most general training books like The Triathlete's Training Bible: The World's Most Comprehensive Training Guide.
I am a triathlete and I picked this book up to learn more ways to utilize power in my training. It turned out there weren't a lot of ways to do so: This book is focused mostly on road cyclists (not exclusively, but mostly). Unlike road cycling, triathlon does not include sprints or similiar things, making power profiling and the like rather useless for triathlon. The other major analysis tool they present is the quadrant analysis tool, which is just a very fancy way of checking whether you are pedaling at a high cadence. Whether this is actually better is debatable, so the usefulness of this analysis is questionable, too. The part specifically for triathlon is also not great, for example they still use the fingertip-drill, which is one of the few things most reputable coaches agree to be useless/harmless.
So if you are a road cyclist, you can probably get quite a few interesting takeaways from this book. If you are a triathlete, this book provides little value over most general training books like The Triathlete's Training Bible: The World's Most Comprehensive Training Guide.
August 9, 2011
This book was so much more than I had anticipated when I first opened it. Hats off the Hunter Allen for all his hard work in the area of Power Meter Data Analysis.
This book took me quite some time to finish as there is so much detail about the analysis and interpretation of the data that the power meters provides that it takes some time to get your head around it all and digest it before moving on to the next section. I am glad I did take the extra time to read each section carefully though as it would not give this book justice if you merely skimmed through each section.
Hunter Allen breaks down each chapter and goes into the analysis and interpretation in such detail that anyone from an elite athlete to a weekend warrior could benefit and become a better rider.
I will probably never use all the information in this book but it will be my number one reference for new training material and training programs as there are endless permutations that are provided.
I definitely feel more knowledgeable about the subject of Training and Racing with Power now and will be using this in my own rides and for those that I coach.
This book took me quite some time to finish as there is so much detail about the analysis and interpretation of the data that the power meters provides that it takes some time to get your head around it all and digest it before moving on to the next section. I am glad I did take the extra time to read each section carefully though as it would not give this book justice if you merely skimmed through each section.
Hunter Allen breaks down each chapter and goes into the analysis and interpretation in such detail that anyone from an elite athlete to a weekend warrior could benefit and become a better rider.
I will probably never use all the information in this book but it will be my number one reference for new training material and training programs as there are endless permutations that are provided.
I definitely feel more knowledgeable about the subject of Training and Racing with Power now and will be using this in my own rides and for those that I coach.
December 24, 2009
This book is highly overrated. A disappointment for Andy Coggan, and nothing more than a money making and marketing scheme for Hunter Allen's software. Most individuals I talk to who understand physiology and have read this book have similar feelings. It's an over-simplification of the use of power meters for cycling training and VERY one-sided, selling only Hunter Allen's view of training and power analysis. This book, along with Allen's Power certification have done nothing but create an army of mindless coaches who know nothing of physiology and simply apply cookie cutter approaches to analysis. Further, nothing in the book has been validated by any peer reviewed research study; its all anecdotal. From such a premiere researcher as Coggan, this book is a let down and I don't expect the next edition to be much better...though I'll be happy to read and review it!
If you already understand training, save your money on this one.
If you already understand training, save your money on this one.
October 12, 2015
this book is essentially a reference title for biking with a power meter. very useful for me who is just starting to train with power but of course much of it is either too technical or not really relevant to me at this point (especially since my power meter is part of my indoor trainer and i dont know if i'm going to invest in an actual power meter for out on the road) but i guess it's worthwhile to get introduced to some of the concepts and then maybe come back to them later on if i think will be helpful.
April 7, 2009
If you own a power meter or are considering one, you have to buy it.
Only reason I give it 4 instead of 5: a little out of date on the facts (inevitable with technology moving so rapidly); and, more serious criticism, a little to heavy on examples for hypothetical athletes. The part about building a program, for example, walks through a hypothetical athlete and his schedule. Great, but that doesn't give any abstracted rules to allow one to generate myriad other programs.
Only reason I give it 4 instead of 5: a little out of date on the facts (inevitable with technology moving so rapidly); and, more serious criticism, a little to heavy on examples for hypothetical athletes. The part about building a program, for example, walks through a hypothetical athlete and his schedule. Great, but that doesn't give any abstracted rules to allow one to generate myriad other programs.
September 29, 2020
Pretty good explanation about training and racing with power, though not (as the authors admit) a training book. For that you also must read Friel (Cycling Training Bible or Triathlon Training Bible). I would still expect slightly more pace on analysis of power data, detailed examples. But anyhow a good book. Also: you need what they call CyclingPeaks software (what is now WKO+, from TrainingPeaks) in order to get the charts the book describes. I have that, so this is fine for me.
March 19, 2023
Reading now. The best book you can get on how to use the most expensive piece of training equipment you will purchase as a cyclist (besides the bike). Don't let it be just a data collection tool. Read this book and know how to use your power meter. I would recommend reading it through one time, then skipping around as you need it. #JUKEMO
KG
KG
August 10, 2014
Excellent read on understanding the mystical nuances of training with power. This book goes into full detail on everything - FTP, training zones, etc. Overall, highly recommend for any cyclist/triathlete.
October 25, 2011
Pretty technical. I'm applying it to erg rowing, not cycling. The watts in cycling are enormous, or maybe I'm just a weakling.
December 15, 2013
The definitive book on training with power. Technical and thorough yet easy to use as reference. As close to a reference manual as you'd want to get without reading scientific papers.
January 21, 2014
Openned my eyes to training with power. A must read for any serious cyclist looking to improve
March 13, 2015
easy read and valuable guide
Answered almost all of the questions I had about training with power.
The examples and workouts provided are a valuable resource as well
Answered almost all of the questions I had about training with power.
The examples and workouts provided are a valuable resource as well
November 23, 2016
Good introduction, can't wait to start with my new power meter
Displaying 1 - 30 of 32 reviews