Run to the Top Podcast | The Ultimate Guide to Running

Run to the Top Podcast | The Ultimate Guide to Running


How to Use Power Meters to Improve Your Performance- Jim Vance

August 31, 2016

We all know about power meters for cycling, but now there are power meters for running too. Today, Jim Vance the author of “Run with Power,” will explain what power meters are and how they can be used in training.
Or, if you are new to running and are interested in how to obtain goals, Jim will speak about how a power meter can help you.
Some of the topics that you’ll hear about include:Jim’s background as a triathleteJim’s book, “Run with Power”What power meters areReasons why to use power metersHow the data from power meters will set goals or improve trainingQuestions Jim is asked:
3:11 Why don’t runners always have the same tools as cyclists? 
8:45 Have you already started to see top coaches adopting this, or is it now the case of showing how this can be helpful for runners?
12:09  What is a power meter and how does it work with running?
14:37 What does the power meter show about if you tend to go out a bit fast or aren’t as great at pacing as others?
18:09 Would you say that this becomes more beneficial for people who have a coach, who have that outside perspective watching them, or would you say that for people who don’t have a coach do you think that this will become a critical tool for them? 
22:30 Are you still looking for data? Do you want people to submit it?
24:52 Why is this going to be better than using a heart rate monitor for your training?
29:55 Is there a most reliable brand and what types of thoughts do you have on the power meters available?
32:53 Why should people start first with easy running before measuring all sorts of workouts?
33:55 You said that there really isn’t a good watt/kilogram to shoot for and say this is good. Do you want to explain why that is?
36:10 Could you explain what your thinking is on why to plan out one year at a time and only pick out a few “A” races?
38:12 Is this a way to build confidence in the days few before? 
40:44 What about racing the specific part of the race themselves,how can runners use a power meter for that?
45:05 What is the greatest advice you have ever received?
45:18 What is your favorite running book or blog?
46:16 What would you like to tell a brand new runner?
46:42 What would you eat before a race? 
48:00 What is your favorite running product?
[bctt tweet="Power meters could mean EVERY running world record falls in the next decade! " username="Runners_Connect"]Quotes by Jim
“People are looking at the totality of the distance rather than just breaking it up. One step at a time, you know?”
“A power meter tells you what your work rate is. So work is force time distance. You apply force, you move a certain distance, you’ve accomplished work.”
“If you aren’t lifting yourself up off the ground then you aren’t running.”
“Now you get actual objective feedback that can allow you how well you are recover. How well the body is performing in terms in of making training decisions and understanding your recovery. If you can have that, and figure it out then this has become a very powerful tool.”
“RPM2 measures directly, whereas Stryd basically estimate or calculate it based upon certain variables. So if you are a direct measurement person, you may like the insole.”
“When you only have a few “A” races on your calendar, you are able to to really spend your time training for them.”
“The greatest advice I have ever received is to stay humble.”
“Consistency is the most important thing.” 
“I was a very big paleo diet guy. Anything I ate before a run was generally lean proteins, fruits and vegetables.” 
“A bicycle made me healthy, it made me love running more.”Links and Resources:
Last week’s podcast with Ed Whitlock
Jim’s Email
Jim Vance- TrainingBible Coach on Facebook
Jim Vance on Twitter
Training Bible Coaching
Jim Vance Blog
Run with Power
Triathlon 2.0
Jim’s favorite book John L. Parker Jr. Once a Runner
RPM2 Power Meter
Stryd Power Meter

Enter to win a FREE set of headphones from