If you’ve ever wished you could see how hard you’re working while you run, you might want to consider purchasing a running power meter. These meters measure your power output, which is expressed as wattage. They work by measuring your speed and force through sensors that are placed on the inside of your shoe. Much like a chest strap can measure your heart rate, a power meter shows you how hard you’re working.
Stryd Running Power Meter Conquers Wind
By capturing your power data, a running power meter can help you learn how to pace yourself better in the long run. You can use this information to adjust your pacing so that you can maintain the same level of effort and speed regardless of the weather. It will also allow you to develop a more precise training plan. While running power meters are still in their infancy, they’re already proving useful to runners.
The Stryd Running Power meter measures your movement in three planes, which include vertical, horizontal, and lateral motion. Its sensor is placed inside your shoe via a small pod that clips to the shoe. While it’s expensive, it boasts excellent battery life and a no-compromise 9-LED optical heart rate monitor. Additionally, it measures wind resistance, which is an important factor when running outside. The company has conducted several wind tunnel experiments and published a white paper discussing its findings.
While running power meters aren’t perfect, they can provide an accurate and consistent way to monitor your effort during workouts. This information can also help you pace better on race day.