Endurance Innovation

67 - Mikael Eriksson on the Value and Pitfalls of Devices

Episode Summary

Friend of the show, podcaster, and coach Mikael Eriksson joins us this week for a conversation about training devices, tools, and systems that help and those that hinder our training journeys.

Episode Notes

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• 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 and listen to Mikael's excellent podcast That Triathlon Show at your favourite provider.