When I analyze a power file, I start by referencing what the athlete’s training was for the day. For example, is the data from a race, intervals, or a group ride (as in this video). Then I open the power file and look first at 1) the duration, 2) the Training Stress Score (TSS) and 3) the workload as measured in kiloJoules.
These three key metrics put the difficulty of the file into perspective and from here I go on to analyze specific power outputs. Intervals are easy: I analyze the average power of each interval, add those averages up and divide by the number of intervals for the “average interval power”. I write this number down for future and past similar interval workout comparisons.
For races and group rides the analysis is more complicated. I start with a single view of the power versus time plot. From there I go into the file and analyze specific outputs defining that power output relative to the athlete’s power at threshold. Not only does this tell me how hard the effort was, but it also provides insight into what was going on in the race or group ride.
This short video demonstrates how I analyzed a group ride file and evaluated its benefit to the athlete’s training. To purchase a copy of the wko+ software used in this analysis go here.
