67 - Mikael Eriksson on the Value and Pitfalls of Devices

Endurance Innovation is now on Patreon [https://www.patreon.com/enduranceinnovation]! 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 athletes * 9:30 performance tracking devices (watches / bike computers), heart-rate monitors, and power meters * Mostly beneficial in training, but still useful in racing * Sensor reliability is affected more in RF ‘noisy’ environments * Stryd power meter or well-calibrated footpods can be more accurate for distance and pace * 17:45 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 - programs * Essential for any serious athletes * Very important to log subjective comments and RPE along with the physiological data pulled from recording devices + sensors * Record RPE immediately after the workout * Watch / head unit integration is very handy * No 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 HRV * Sleep trackers not accurate and not very useful  * 50:30 Garmin’s recovery advisor / VO2max / fitness / calorie measurement tools * DO NOT USE! * 54:45 Michael is not a fan of Strava * 57:45 performance testing: lactate / VO2max * Find a reputable lab to do any testing, so ask questions and do your homework * 4’ minimum step duration for lactate testing. 5’ and 6’ also common * Repeatability is key, so try to use the same lab and the same equipment for subsequent tests * INSCYD testing is great for repeatability, accessibility, and data quality * 1:08 aerodynamic sensors * Not yet suitable for individual endurance athletes * Other aero testing is potentially very useful * A good bike fit goes a long way towards improving aerodynamics * KEEP YOUR HEAD DOWN! * 1:13 swim video analysis can be quite useful * The 4 key views: above, side above water, side below water, front below water Check out Scientific Triathlon [https://scientifictriathlon.com/] and listen to Mikael's excellent podcast That Triathlon Show at your favourite provider.