Training and Racing with a Power Meter Paperback – April 26, 2010

If you have a power meter, you should probably have this book too. The book is approachable to non-technical readers, but include appendices for more technical readers to dive into. The book shows readers how to effectively use a powermeter and to get the most value from their training.While the authors have a software package that they sell and use throughout the book, they do not hide that other options exist (I felt no need to use their software--there are too many free options). I just wish there was a more technical sequel so that I have a place to go for more detailed info.

As a newbie to the Power recording aspect I am learning multiple reasons on the importance of a power meter.If you want to know if you are improving by other than average speed and where your lactate thresholds are this is the answer.Average speed is a hit and miss due to varying terrain and wind conditions, during long climbs and knowing your lactate threshold you can control your watts as not to bonk before the top. I have just received this book and have learned massive amounts of info so far.I did a lot of research and this author/book comes highly recommended...One of my research results below...Hunter Allen is considered one of the world's top experts in training with power meters. He is the co-developer of TrainingPeaks WKO+, software which he has used to analyze over 3,000 power meter files. Allen is a USA Cycling elite-certified coach. He raced professionally for over 17 years.Andrew Coggan, PhD, is an internationally recognized exercise physiologist. His research provided the foundation for the TrainingPeaks WKO+ software, which he co-developed with Allen. Coggan is a research associate at Washington University School of Medicine. He holds a PhD in Exercise Physiology from the University of Texas and an MS in Human Bioenergetics form Ball State University.

This book is a bit dated, but it is still an excellent read if you are new to training with a power meter. Even thought this book covers some racing information, it is specific to how to use power meter data to train. It does push you in the direction of the authors' training tools (i.e., Training Peaks, WKO), but I can't really fault them for that. I use Training Peaks and this book is almost like a manual for how to use the website, as well as interpret the data. It provides a whole lot of workouts for different needs: anaerobic, aerobic, VO2, threshold, etc., which are nice when you are just getting started. If you have just bought your first power meter, if you don't do some reading on how to use it to train, you have probably spent a lot of money for no real return other than a new number on your head unit dash. I would highly recommend this book as a place to start learning how to use that new toy to push you to new levels of performance.

Very detailed, which was great, reading it as a sport physiologist, yet applicable and explained well enough that any cyclist can use the tools therein immediately. Authors might have stepped outside their box a little when attempting to make their case that traditional weightlifting and strength training isn't beneficial for cyclists. I'll forgive them. That wasn't the point of the book, and I think they provided great rational and useful tools to guide power meter use and interpretation for every facet of cycling, from training plan design, to single workout analysis and even intra-race decision making. Great book.

I bought an SRM before I bought this book and I could quickly see that it would transform the way I train. However I felt like I lacked in a lot of areas "how can I analyze the data?", "how can I build a training system?", "what are my strengths?". I had already read Joe Friel's book which is great for basic training and periodization but does not go into that much depth on how to actually use a power meter. A power meter is a complex tool and if you don't know how to use it won't benefit you that much. This book tells you how to use the power meter to figure out what kind of rider you are, find your weaknesses, very good suggested exercises and teaches you how to use the tools to their full extent. Combined with Joe's book you end up with an amazing combination. The only complaint I have about it is their focus on how great WKO+ is (a software they develop), however if you've read this book you'll know enough to be able to use any other software (I personally use Golden Cheetah). I'd recommend a power meter to any serious cyclist and without this book getting a power meter is a waste of money. The Cyclist's Training Bible

This book is awesome! It divulges many ways that you can use the power meter to help your training. It heavily revolves around using the Training Peaks WKO+ software, so be prepared to buy it too. It doesn't keep secrets. It could be used by coaches or technically savvy people who would like to self coach. If you're not a numbers person, it may go a bit too far. At the moment, even though it is on it's second edition, it still has no rivals. I would like to see more books written about power training. Right now it has the market cornered.

If you are serious about improving your performance on the bike or in other endurance related events and you have the means to invest in power meters this book is a must! It gives you the tools to get the most out of your power meter. If you can't afford a coach or would rather understand and dictate your own training program this has it all. Warning...this book takes a serious look at data analysis, obviously not a light read.