67 - Mikael Eriksson on the Value and Pitfalls of Devices

Endurance Innovation is now on Patreon! Have a peek at our page and show us some love.4:00 is training tech driving improvement at high levels of endurance sport?5:00 proliferation of training data and data acquisition devices helps coaches first, with a trickle-down effect for self-coached athletes9:30 performance tracking devices (watches / bike computers), heart-rate monitors, and power metersMostly beneficial in training, but still useful in racingSensor reliability is affected more in RF ‘noisy’ environmentsStryd power meter or well-calibrated footpods can be more accurate for distance and pace17:45 the value of advanced running and cycling metrics like L/R balance, GCT, stride length, torque smoothness, etc.No evidence-based value in tracking these metrics. No evidence for effective interventions to make positive changes to performance Many of these add-on metrics are marketing tools for product differentiation 28:15 tracking and planning - training diary - programsEssential for any serious athletesVery important to log subjective comments and RPE along with the physiological data pulled from recording devices + sensorsRecord RPE immediately after the workoutWatch / head unit integration is very handyNo need for most athletes to delve into high-end analytics packages like WKO and Golden Cheetah 39:30 HRV and other recovery / 'readiness to train’ tools Useful for trend rather than acute - day-to-day - analysis Some doubts in validity of studies showing efficacy Little value in measuring live or all-day HRVSleep trackers not accurate and not very useful 50:30 Garmin’s recovery advisor / VO2max / fitness / calorie measurement toolsDO NOT USE!54:45 Michael is not a fan of Strava57:45 performance testing: lactate / VO2maxFind a reputable lab to do any testing, so ask questions and do your homework4’ minimum step duration for lactate testing. 5’ and 6’ also commonRepeatability is key, so try to use the same lab and the same equipment for subsequent testsINSCYD testing is great for repeatability, accessibility, and data quality1:08 aerodynamic sensorsNot yet suitable for individual endurance athletesOther aero testing is potentially very usefulA good bike fit goes a long way towards improving aerodynamicsKEEP YOUR HEAD DOWN!1:13 swim video analysis can be quite usefulThe 4 key views: above, side above water, side below water, front below waterCheck out Scientific Triathlon and listen to Mikael's excellent podcast That Triathlon Show at your favourite provider.