Elevation gain, power output.... ?????

Wow, as I clicked "New Post," I noticed this is blog #100. What a milestone. Haha ;)

So, I'm getting annoyed with all these devices that measure elevation gain. Before I get into it, let me preface this by saying: I don't really care how many feet I climb per se, hard work is hard work; however, I'd like to gauge my routes (running or riding) relative to the races I'm doing. Also, it's nice when someone says "I climbed 6,000 ft today" to be able and put that in perspective of what I do. So if I'm invited on a ride like that, I kind of know what to expect.

That said: Garmin, the iBike and online tools all give me VERY different numbers. I wouldn't care if the difference was only 100-300 ft, but 2,000-3,000 ft of difference is significant. Meanwhile, all the other stats match up: total miles, avg/max mph, etc. On Saturday's ride, we rode ~55 miles on what I consider a hilly route. The Garmin said 5,200 feet of elevation gain, the iBike said 3,200 feet. Entering the route online gives even bigger numbers... like 6,000 ft+ (www.veloroutes.org).

One thing I know about the iBike is this: Apparently, it only adds up what is considers "climbing," not just gradual elevation gains. Don't ask me how it does that, but in that little device it decides what a hill is and will add those feet up, but it doesn't care if you're on a 2% incline for 10 miles--those feet are ignored. Read more on that here if you wish.

But, really, a 2,000 ft difference between Garmin and iBike? I wonder what a PowerTap or SRM or whatever else there is would say??

A lot of people say the Garmins are full of it. Ian said he gained 1,000 feet of elevation on a trainer session in his living room. Classic! Others say the elevation changes as it sits on a desk. I have a Garmin Forerunner 405, and if it's been overestimating, then at least it makes me feel like a champ for climbing that much! :)

What are you guys using? And how much do you trust your device?? Do you compare stats with your training partners? I want a comment from James on this topic, because he seems to be the most dialed-in blogger out there! :)

AND: What device are race directors using to tell us the elevation gain in Ironmans, 70.3s, running races, etc? How accurate are their devices? Like I said in the beginning... really, all I want to know is if the training routes I ride/run are the best for my races this year. If they're "weak" then I'm ready and willing to step it up!!!

Switching gears a little... what about POWER?

Ah, power = work/time, also, = force x velocity. Basically, how fast can you get your @$$ (and its mass) to cover X miles? Spin faster, apply more torque!

I'm using the iBike, and I'm sure it's not a "perfect" device (is there such a thing?), but it was a lot cheaper and at least gives me something to work with power-wise as I set out to become a better cyclist. One thing I was told: even if the watts aren't exactly right on, the iBike is consistent--and that's important in measuring progress (or the bad days, ugh).

I know guys are animals and can drop some big watts. But I want to know more about women aka my competition! (All in good fun, of course.)

SOOOO MY QUESTION TO THE LADIES: I'm curious what sort of watts women around my age and/or ability level get on their rides. If you're a girl and wouldn't mind telling me some of the watts you're putting out, I'd appreciate it. (Send me private emails or FB messages if you wish.) Maggs, I saw on your blog that you have a PowerTap... talk to me pleeeease!

I read that for women, holding 3 watts per kg body weight is considered good. For me that's 180 watts (I weigh 60 kg).

I also read an old Triathlete Mag article where Linsey Corbin is said to hold 265 watts in a 40k TT and 210 watts over 112 miles. And she weighs like 120 lbs (~54 kg). Daaaamn, that's good! Same article: Tyler Stewart held 228 during ironman Florida 2007. Wow. I won't even get into the watts that the best guys are putting out.

As far as my watts so far--I don't really want to tell you guys my numbers just yet because it seems like I need to work on increasing my power :) But that's going off what the iBike says; I wonder how accurate it is? Would a PowerTap or SRM tell me something different? Too bad I don't have the money to do that experiment!

Last but not least: I know it's not "all about the numbers." But I believe this sort of data will help someone become a better athlete, and I'm trying to become better educated on these things so I can help myself and OTHERS. In the end, it's all about implementing the right training if you want to become a better athlete. Intensities, the routes on which you train, volume, rest, frequency, etc, etc, etc.

Getting in the Mood to Write

I have a big deadline on Wednesday. I'm writing a bunch of copy for a South Orange County Bridal Magazine. If you're saying WTF... yea, I know. I'm single, into sports and frankly don't give an F about weddings right now. But it's my publisher from the newspaper that's putting out the publication, and I was asked to come on board as writer & editor. Nice way to earn a little extra cash while still on break from school.

To be honest though, it's been a tough project. It's just not a topic that is making me excited. At all. Thankfully, I've gotten all the interviews done, now it's just a matter of writing. Then the editing, which will actually be the easiest part of all!

*Addition to original post: So I got to thinking... I feel like I hate on relationships, weddings, love, etc., a lot. I'm really not against all of it! Being in love and connected with someone is a great thing, and I know down the road I'll be ready to fall in love again and get married... But I'm just nowhere near that phase of life. So... for the record: I'm all for love and marriage, and I'm so happy for all my friends and acquaintances who are currently enjoying that phase of their lives--like the newlyweds, beth & james!

I'm hoping a little blogging will get my creative writing juices flowing.

This one is going to be full of randomness............

1) I'm starting to ENJOY swimming. Last week I swam 12,000 yards and it felt like nothing. God bless noon masters at a place that's only 2.5 miles from my house. Swimming at noon also is great way to start getting my tan back, and because I'm actually awake at noon (vs 6 a.m.) I've been motivated to do some t-runs after swim.

2) Snot rockets on group rides. I've been riding with groups a lot lately, and I have a very flowy nose no matter the weather conditions. Thus, snot rockets are frequent. When I'm by myself I just launch whenever needed, but when riding with others I have to be a lot more conscious of when I blow. Don't want to piss people off and lose friends.

3) My thesis. Still am clueless about what to do it on, and the clock's ticking. All the topics I've thought of are way too complicated to pull off with the resources, time and money I have available to me. Figures that I would choose the hard stuff. I'm considering doing a study that tests the effects of compression wear on recovery (that's a very general way of putting it). Any thoughts?

4) Power meter. I have a new iBike Pro on the Felt and I love it. The iBike is about half the price at the basic Power Tap, and studies show it's just as accurate. Granted, it's a complicated little dude in terms of setup. There would have been no way in hell I could have set it up and figured it out on my own (you need an engineering brain to do so). Just so happens, however, that iBike's West Coast headquarters is literally a mile from my house. Thus, Eben (iBike dude and competitive cyclist), set it all up for me and even took me on a ride to get it calibrated and stuff. I'll write a full review on it soon... but so far, it's AMAZING. And eye-opening.

5) Snacking. D had a post earlier on snacks and it made me think about my snacking weakness: chips, crackers, popcorn--i.e. anything crunchy and salty (or, God forbid... sweet & salty!). I tend to overdo it with said munchies and have decided to majorly cut back. Key words: cut back. I'm not a fan of giving up foods because that's just dumb--everyone needs a little indulgence in the stuff they love. But I have a tendency to lose control with chips, so I'm better off without them 99% of the time. I don't care how hard I work out... those calories add up and are basically "empty" calories (no nutritional value).

6) That said, sweet potatoes. Love them, never get sick of them. Set portion control = perfect! Good carbs, good chip replacement! A little seasoning and mmmm.

7) Triathlon team. I'm going to be on one this year. And I'm thrilled! It's one of those things where the formation of this team is the result of being in the right place at the right time. It's been in the talks for months now... like since last fall. And now it's real! More details to come. Although, one of my teammates already spilled the beans :)

8) Tapering?! This week is another big build week, then next week I taper. Can't believe it!!! Race season is here. I'm looking forward to running in the Carlsbad half-marathon, as I think I mentioned: I've never done just a half-marathon... so this will be a new & exciting experience!

OK... I'm ready to get writing, but, oops.... I have an appt for a bike fitting & cleat analysis. Guess the wedding writing will just have to wait a little longer.