Power Certification Workshop

Along with PowerTap, I’m hosting a series power certification workshops for coaches this winter. Athletes are welcome also, but these technical sessions that may well be beyond novice and many intermediate athletes. Advanced athletes, especially those with power meters on their bikes, should do well. Both USAT and USAC are offering 4 CEUs for coach certification. It lasts about 5 hours, from 10 am to 3:00 pm. Lunch is provided.

This will be a fun time for me as I always enjoy talking with coaches and athletes about endurance training, and especially about power-based training and racing. I got my first power meter in 1994—an SRM. Then in 1998 I was involved in the design and launch of the PowerTap. I’ve had them on bikes ever since. In 1999 I wrote the first booklet on the topic—Training With Power.

While I’ve learned a lot since then, there is still much to be learned. Power-based training is rich with information and continues to progress at a rapid rate. I think you’ll come away with several new ideas for your coaching and training. As a coach it’s imperative that you understand power meter use. It will have a much greater impact on bicycle training than the heart rate monitor or any other device used by cyclists.

Last week I had a coach ask what will be covered in the workshop so she could make a decision about attending. Here is the general topic outline I’ll be following.

Part I The Basics of Power

1. What Is Power?
2. How Do Power Meters Work?
3. Why Train and Race With Power?
4. Common Power Meter Methodology
5. Power and Body Weight

Part II Training and Racing With Power

1. Functional Threshold Power
2. Establishing and Using Power Zones
3. Reading a Session Chart
4. Analyzing a Session

Part III Advanced Use of Power

1. Performance Management
2. Seasonal Planning with Power
3. Power-Based Session Prescription
4. High Performance Racing With Power

Part V Workshop Group Project

For more information and to register for the workshop go here. Click on "Seminars" (upper left corner) for the registration page. Register for the location you want to attend. I will do these workshops in Dallas-Ft Worth (February 11), San Diego (February 25) and Seattle (April 14). Watch here and follow me on Twitter for updates on these.

Comments

[D]

Nothing on the East Coast? Dallas is filled up or else I would consider flying there to attend that one. Any chance of spots opening up?

[Joe Friel]

D--No, Dallas is not filled. Just hasn't been opened for registration yet. (I know that's it's confusing the way they labeled that.) Still working out details. Continue to watch that page.

[Adam]

Sounds like even a newb like me could benefit from this. I would love to register for the Dallas presentation. But, I don't want to take spots from more advanced athletes either. Any issues with me trying to get a spot? I'm very technical and have been using/studying power training the past few months.

[Joe Friel]

ADam--Entirely up to you.

[Ken Sharlin]

Would be great to have this available as a webinar. Hope you might consider it. Thanks Joe.

[Linda]

I second the idea of holding a webinar for those of us who can't attend.

On another note - I'd love it if you held this seminar in Boulder, assuming you visit again next summer.

[Bettina Warnholtz]

I look forward to attending the workshop in Santa Monica. Can you please tell me how many CEUs for USAT certification will offer?

[Joe Friel]

Bettina Warnholtz--4 CEUs for both USAC and USAT. Hope you can make it then.

[Clive Seebregts]

Any plans on hosting a workshop in Cape Town, South Africa?

[Joe Friel]

Hi Clive--I think the last time I spoke there was in 2005. Had a great time. No current plans to be there in the near future. But these things change from time to time. I generally announce them on Twitter (@jfriel).

[Roy]

Yes Joe, a recording of the presentations would be great. I would pay a monthly subscription if done regularly and or even a once off purchase for each presentation

[Mike Fox]

Does the Dallas seminar have a specific location yet? I need to book a room but don't know where to book one. Thanks!

[Joe Friel]

Mike Fox--DoubleTree Hotel- Galleria
4099 Valley View Lane
Dallas, TX 75244

[Julian Nagi]

Anything in the UK Joe ?

[Joe Friel]

Hi Julian--I did my last clinic in London last spring. Nothing planned for now but that could change.