FasCat Coaching - Training with Power

CycloCross racing at the CU Research Park 2002

Back in the day: Mercury Tour, 2000, a breakout race in my inaugural year racing with the Semi-Pro’s

My latest passion: Time Trialing—3rd place in the Colorado State Time Trial Championships, 2004


Training with Power: There is simply no better way to train! Exchanging powermeter files enhances the coach athlete relationship and maximizes a coaches ability to push the athlete just the right amount. FasCat Coaching has been training, racing, and coaching with powermeters for 4 years. CyclingPeaks Software is by far the best analysis package available.

Setting your training zones in watts: In order to train effectively with power all FasCat athlete's establish their zones or training levels in watts and by heart rate. Training is prescribed by "zones" as illustrated by the graph to the right.

Maximal Steady State Testing: Determine your maximal steady state power with a simple MSS test. Turn your trainer and powermeter into your own personal laboratory.

Critical Power Testing: Critical Power is the hyperbolic shaped relationship between power output and the time that the power output can be sustained as illustrated by the graph to the right. Critical power testing is another way to maximize your powermeter, predict power outputs for various work periods and measure fitness without expensive laboratory equipment.

Advanced Modeling: Power Based Impulse Response Performance Model This is what separates the men from the boys when it comes to using your powermeter to its fullest potential. By quantifying your overall training load with a Training Stress Score (TSS) it is possible to model out your training for peak performance(s). In essence it takes periodization to a whole new level! By using the latest power based impulse-response performance model, you can go fast when you want to go your fastest. You'll now know when to train harder or back off in order to maximize your performance and plan for a *huge* peak. Special thanks goes out to Dr. Andy Coggan for his development of normalized power, intensity factor, TSS, and The Shit that will Kill Them!


Power Profiling: By crafting an athlete's power profile (also developed by Andy Coggan) strengths and weaknesses are discerned from training and racing data. Training may be modified to address weaknesses whereas strengths may be exploited in racing and aid in goal setting.