Power is a metric that runners rarely examine, but in practice it can have a major impact on your training. Coach David Roche breaks down this concept so you can better understand how it relates to your running.
While cyclists frequently use power as a way to analyze and improve their ability, runners think about this metric far less frequently. Power is much more complicated to measure for runners who may run on a variety of surfaces, and tools used to measure running power are still widely variable in their reliability.
But even though power and mechanical output may be complicated mathematical equations, it is far easier to understand their function in your daily training. My guest on this episode is well-versed in translating training theory into racing success.
David Roche and his wife Megan are both elite trail runners who work with a variety of athletes at SWAP (Some Work, All Play) Running. He was the 2014 Sub-Ultra Trail Runner of the Year and a two-time USATF trail national champion. David and Megan co-wrote the book The Happy Runner, and David publishes regularly in Trail Runner Magazine.
David Roche on Running Power
As a “recovering lawyer” David excels at breaking down complicated concepts and translating them into practical training techniques. The success of SWAP athletes at some of the world’s biggest trail races demonstrates how he makes training theory both practical and useful.
Don’t be intimidated by the subject of mechanical output and power – our discussion will help these ideas become more approachable and easily applied to your training.
Some of the details we dive into include:
- Defining power training and mechanical output in a practical, useful way
- Understanding the impact of power on non-elite athletes
- How to develop power with short work intervals
- The relationship between power and longevity in the sport
- How the Norwegian System has successfully used power development
- The top five ways you can increase your power
- The importance of running strides (sometimes, uphill!)
David’s energy and enthusiasm is contagious, and his knowledge will help you apply the concept of power into your own training. Enjoy!
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