What’s the best way to calculate threshold power?
This is a common question for runners new to power and wanting to ensure an accurate Threshold Power.
You can use any of the three most commonly used models.
Why?
Your threshold is a ‘phase transition’ over a narrow range of intensities, with lots of metabolic changes occurring at different rates and in parallel. And your Threshold Power is an intensity that’s within (or close to) the phase transition.
In this context, any of the three most commonly used models can produce a usable Threshold Power.
Which should you use?
The answer typically depends on the app you’re using to review your power metrics:
🔹 Using WKO? You’ll most likely use auto-calculated FTP.
🔹 Using Stryd PowerCenter? You’ll most likely use Auto-CP.
🔹 Using another app? You’ll most likely use CP tests.
Do all three models give the same result?
No.
It’s likely that each will give a slightly different result, although the Threshold Power numbers are usually within 2-3% of each other.
And if you have multiple Threshold Power numbers to choose from, choose the lowest.
This means your training targets will err on the side of under-training, rather than the side of over-training (and an increased risk of injury).
Topic: Threshold Power
⏩ How do I find my threshold power?
⏩ How do I use threshold power?