Should I Use Power, Pace, Heart Rate Or Rate of Perceived Exertion?

Intensity Measures

You can use as many intensity measures as you like to help you train at the appropriate level. There is no wrong or right.

Some people like to keep it simple and just train by feel, known also as Rate of Perceived Exertion or RPE.

Others like to use every measure possible so that they can train more precisely and then analyze their training data. At MyProCoach we use a system of Five Training Zones, which enables you to use one, or all the intensity measures mentioned here. 

It's a good idea to use 2-3 different measures for each discipline, as none are perfect on their own. For example, threshold heart rate is a great measure for steady-state workouts, but it reacts too slowly during high-intensity interval sessions. Pace, power or RPE are the better measures for interval workouts.

Preferred Order

Swim

1. Speed (if you can easily check the exported workout on your device, or do the maths with the pool clock)
2. RPE - also works well, use your training zones to focus on effort.

Bike

1. Power output (for all workouts)*
2. Bike Threshold Heart Rate (steady-state when power not available)
3. RPE (interval when power is not available)

* I don't have a Power Meter for the Bike?

Run

1. Pace (speed work)
   
2. Running Threshold Heart rate (steady-state)
3. Power**
4. RPE (long aerobic endurance runs)

**Can I adjust the Run Workouts to Export using Power?

Check these videos for more:

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