ChesapeakeMan 2012 Power File Analysis

ChesapeakeMan Power File

Above is my power file from the ChesapeakeMan Ultra Distance triathlon 2012. For background, I raced on my custom Guru CR9.01 (from Parvilla Cycle & Multisport) with Rotor Quarq crank based power meter, Mavic Cosmic Carbone 80 front and Mavic Comete Disc and Spiuk Chrono aero helmet.

With an Functional Threshold Power of 295 watts and a racing weight of 165lbs  (3.94w/kg), my goal power for the race, taken from training sessions and calculations was between 195 - 205watts.  From experience and training leading up to the race I knew that this would be what I needed in order to run well after the 112 miles.  Overall the bike split time was 5hr 14mins at 21.4mph.

Through the first half of the bike (0-56miles) the data was:
Normalized Power: 208
Average Power: 204
Average HR: 131
Training Stress Score (TSS): 120
Kilojoules Burned (KJ): 1845
Intensity Factor (IF): 0.69
Variation Index (VI): 1.02

This was pretty much spot on and importantly the variation index was low at just 2%, which meant that the ride had been a consistent power level with very minimal changes.  The IF was about right and the HR had remained at the same intensity.


The wind kicked up a bit for the second half of the bike (56-112miles) and the data was:
Normalized Power: 192
Average Power: 188
Average HR: 126
Training Stress Score (TSS): 111
Kilojoules Burned (KJ): 1853
Intensity Factor (IF): 0.64
Variation Index (VI): 1.02

As you can see the power (NP and Ave) went down by about 8% over the 2nd half, which is often the case over the Ironman distance but the HR remained similar.  Importantly the VI stayed at 2% so the bike throughout was very consistent from a power perspective.  The wind definitely played a factor in the power reduction but it was also expected and part of the race day strategy to ensure a good run. 

Ultimately the good run did happen for a 3hr 17min marathon and a 10min Ironman marathon PR.

So now the goal for 2013 is increase that power level leading to a faster bike split but still keep the run speed!  It's a tricky process.......