Power apps - filling gaps

Which gaps might need filling?

The Power Apps topic focused on platforms that support the full workout lifecycle (planning through review) as well as support for coaching.

But even with the rich functionality of those platforms, there are still ‘gaps’ – items that the platform doesn’t provide that runners (and coaches) using power would benefit from having.

And even when the platform doesn’t have a gap, there may be alternatives that are easier to use, or a better fit to individual needs or specific situations.

Based on discussion in power-focused running groups, here are four areas where you might want to supplement your core platform.

Missing metrics

Power uses data from your completed runs as the basis for metrics used to

set personalised training targets
manage your training load, and
understand or improve your running effectiveness

Calculating those metrics manually, using second-by-second data from your completed runs, isn’t a workable option.

Fortunately, solutions like WKO, SuperPower Calculator, or Intervals.icu customisations can fill the gaps.

Custom workouts

While pre-prepared training plans and workouts will meet most runners’ needs, there are occasions where a custom workout, built to meet a specific need, is a better choice.

Or perhaps you aren’t able to afford a pre-prepared plan, and need to be able to build your own?

Building your own workout, at least in TrainingPeaks and Stryd Mobile, is a ‘paid’ option.

And while most manufacturers provide free options to build workouts for your watch, they aren’t always easy to use.

Fortunately, there are ‘free’ options from Final Surge and in Intervals.icu that can fill this gap.

Race-day targets

Your race-day power target should take into account:

your running fitness
your fatigue resistance – one of two different metrics depending on the race distance/intensity
the course hilliness
your running effectiveness – to estimate a finish time

Given the complexity, there are very few solutions that can calculate race-day targets, yet race-day is a key (perhaps the key) focus for most runners.

If you use Stryd power (with membership), you can use the Stryd Race Calculator. If you don’t (or even if you do), you can use SuperPower Calculator to calculate race power scenarios.

Apple Watch syncing

If you use an Apple Watch and Stryd power, you’re probably already using the Stryd Workout app to execute workouts planned in the Stryd ecosystem, and return completed workout data to the Stryd PowerCenter.

But if you’re not using Stryd power, or even if you are but are looking for an alternative to the Stryd Workout app, what choices do you have to get planned workouts onto your watch, execute the workouts, and transfer completed workout data back to your chosen reviewing/metrics platform?

Apps like Watchletic, HealthFit and Health Sync may be workable choices for you.