Power Running Plans – Worth the Hassle for me?

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  • #17679
    brianacraig
    Participant

    I’m getting geared up for my next marathon training cycle and I’m trying out the Level 1 Marathon Power plan. I was excited to try out a new metric for training this go around, but I’m wondering if in my case it’s more hassle than it’s worth for me?

    I live in South Louisiana and I train on flat roads. So, is there really any difference for me between Pace and Power metrics other than a little bit of wind?

    Having done a couple of runs with the 8020 app (and read all the FAQs) it looks like there’s no way for the Garmin Power data to show up in the app at this time and the best work around is an auto-scroll scenario, but even then I don’ think I can get my 8020 Power based zones on the same screen as the current watts?

    So I’m wondering if I should just go with the pace based plan when I buy the full plan, or if there’s some compelling reason that I’m missing that makes going with power plan worth the additional setup.

    Gear:
    – Garmin Forerunner 645 Music
    – Garmin HRM-Run
    – Garmin Connect IQ Power App
    – 8020 Run App

    Thanks!
    Brian

    #17692
    David Warden
    Keymaster

    Brian, candidly, if you are on flat terrain almost all the time, the power meter is a minor upgrade. Sort of like the difference between the iPhone 12 and iPhone 13. Yes, an upgrade, yes, quantifiably better, but not much. Yes, the device compatibility is what you describe, sort of 2 steps forward one step back.

    Apple watch users actually get the most out of the Stryd, as it syncs really well there. It’s a pretty slick setup.

    We can get you 15% off the device with coupon code coachwarden (device only) if that tips the scales.

    I’d say the device is worth the price, it just may not be worth the hassle in continually flat terrain.

    But, will you race in flat terrain all the time? That also might tip the scale.

    David

    #17700
    brianacraig
    Participant

    Appreciate the response, David!

    I’m new to this. Is the Stryd device better than the Garmin HRM-Run that uses the Gramin Power app to calculate power?

    I think Power would be my metric of choice if the power calculated from the HRM device integrated into the 8020 App and I could easily see my target zone and current power number. Is that something the Stryd device fixes?

    Thanks!
    Brian

    #17724
    David Warden
    Keymaster

    Yes, the Stryd device is much more advanced than the Garmin power running.

    But, try what you have first before you buy a Stryd. The 80/20 App is a neat workaround and many athletes find it a great alternative.

    It’s tough for me to say what the Stryd device “fixes” they are two different experiences between Stryd and Garmin. Stryd is like a Tesla, Garmin is like a Honda Accord. Both will get you to the exact same destination, with slightly different experiences.

    David

    #17726
    Charles
    Participant

    It is worth a look at the Stryd Tutorials. If you are into running for the long term, the add on subscription to access the Power Center provides insights that simply are not available on the Garmin platform… https://support.stryd.com/hc/en-us/articles/360039749793-Power-Duration-Curve

    My personal view is that every training segment is a success if I can walk away with lessons-learned. The Power Center with its ability to display what workouts contributed to the various adaptations is a significant advance in figuring out what happened.

    #17747
    brianacraig
    Participant

    Appreciate the responses! Thanks!

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