Running with power meter is a great way to learn how much power you are producing as you run. Power is the output of work per unit of time and is measured in watts. Using sensors located in the shoe and core of the body, the power meter measures speed and force. Its use in running is similar to a heart rate chest strap.
Primer on Power
In addition to helping you improve your form, a power meter also tells you how efficient your workouts are. The more you know about your workouts, the more you can strategize and improve your performance. This can lead to improved fitness and a more effective training regimen. You can also use the information from a power meter to evaluate your race strategy.
When training for a race, the intensity of the training is an important part of the equation. While pace is the most obvious measure of intensity, power also takes into account rate of perceived effort. The more data you have, the smarter your training will be and the better your results will be. Running power is a much better measure of intensity than pace. It can even be used for hilly runs, as the intensity level will remain the same.
If you are a serious runner, you should consider purchasing a power meter. The power meter will give you a better idea of the amount of energy you use during a run, which can be more difficult to calculate without a meter. A power meter allows you to monitor how hard you are working at any given moment, making it easier to keep track of your progress and make adjustments as necessary.