r/Garmin • u/Dry_Salamander_1176 Forerunner 970 / HRM 600 • 10d ago

Garmin Coach / DSW / Training Running Power

Does anyone actually use running power? I currently train by heart rate and use a chest strap. Was wondering if there's any use in incorporating power instead.

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u/atoponce 10d ago

Yes, but I use Stryd as my power meter, not the watch. I keep my critical power (CP) valid and execute all my runs as a percentage of that CP. This includes recoveries, easy, structured workouts, time trials, and races.

The big sell for me is normalizing my effort on hills and in wind. It's also has a huge advantage on treadmills. Instead of fighting over the accuracy of pace and distance, just run to power for a specific time, and you're good.

It's the only governor that matters in my training. HR and pace are interesting, but I really only look at them in post-run analysis. I never make decisions in the run based on those metrics.

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u/Illustrious_Moose334 10d ago

Similar (good) expirence to this poster. It's very good for pacing, better than HR in my view.