By Kristin Hilger
Not long after my first half ironman in 2003, I started graduate school at CU Boulder. I worked in the Applied Exercise Science Laboratory under Dr. William Byrnes. In the lab we relied on PowerTaps to collect data during lactate threshold, VO2max and field testing. This was my first introduction to laboratory cycling testing and measuring power and the beginning of my education in elite road cycling. For the purposes of the lab and our research, we primarily used the PowerTaps to measure power, heart rate, cadence and time. We used the PowerAgent software to help define the power value at cyclists’ lactate threshold, maximum power output at VO2max and average values for stages leading up to those key figures. In other words, the PowerTap was an essential tool for our research.
Last year I was extremely fortunate to be sponsored by CycleOps Power, and I got my first PowerTap. Initially I stayed focused on my power output, beating previous peak power values, and wanting to increase my kilojoules (work) each ride. However, I obviously wasn’t able to accomplish that each ride, nor should that have been the goal. As everyone experiences, I had ups and downs throughout the year. I learned how to use my PowerTap to my greater advantage as a complete tool and not just as a personal record setting device.
This year I will be sharing some of my collected data throughout the season and will compare data sets from different conditions. I will perform several power tests throughout the season as described in the online CycleOps Power Test video by Dr. Allen Lim and Robbie Ventura. Additionally, I will have data collected on my road bike, triathlon bike, at altitude, at sea level and while racing. My plan is to draw comparisons between the various circumstances. Therefore, I’d love to have readers follow along as I race through the season, share my experiences, collect and discuss data, and explore cycling power. My hope is that readers will enjoy this blog, and that it will generate some new ideas and questions about training. Remember, train to race fast and trust your training. Believe in yourself.
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