Dear Athlete,

My name is Ryan Riell and I am the founder and head coach of the new multisport and endurance sports training company, Break Through Multisport Inc., based out of Chicago.

I’d like to take a few paragraphs to introduce myself and Break Through Multisport. I was born in Mesa, Arizona, graduated from Arizona State University in 2001. I moved to Chicago in 2001 to pursue a graduate degree in chemistry.   I served as an Infantry officer in the US Army from 2003-2007. I came back to Chicago in January of 2007 and finished work on a Masters degree and started Break Through Multisport Inc.

Break Through Multisport Inc. is a triathlon and endurance sports company that is based out of Chicago. We offer a wide of range of training services ranging from personal coaching to pre-written training plans available in person or over the internet.

All of our services are based on the most recent research, utilizing race tested and proven methods that are not only designed to help you accomplish your goals, but is one of the most affordable services around. 

I look forward to meeting you in the future and I wish you the best of luck in the 2008 season!

Train SMARTER, not harder,

Coach Ryan

Chicago Partnerships

Break Through Multisport Inc. is proud to announce its new sponsorship with Mission Bay Multisport!

Starting in March, Break Through MS and Mission Bay MS will be hosting and coaching a spin class series based out of the Chicago location.

Make sure to check: www.BreakThroughMultisport.com for updates a schedule for the spin class and other classes that  will be coming soon!

Training with a Power Meter

BY RYAN RIELL

When considering the many analytical tools that are available to triathletes and cyclists when trying to determine how a cycling workout or portion of a race is going or how one went, it’s enough to make your head spin.

The most common tools available are: Rate of Perceived Exertion (RPE)- Using the standard RPE scale, the intensity levels are set by how the athlete feels while they are riding. As athletes, we have all had our good days and bad days on the bike, been hydrated and dehydrated, been tired and rested, etc... There are too many variables that can determine RPE on any given day. Speed (mph)- There are too many variables such as terrain and wind that can vary the current speed and average speed during a ride, therefore, it’s not a reliable method to base or judge training zones or workouts on. Cadence (rpm)- Again, like using speed, there are too many variable such as wind and terrain that can alter an athletes cadence, therefore, it’s not a reliable method to base or judge training zones or workouts on. Heart Rate- Heart rate is the second best tool that ca be used to base or judge training zones or the quality of a workout on if you don’t have power. Using average HR is a great tool for longer workouts and rides. The draw backs to HR are variables such as hydration levels and nutrition. The largest draw back to HR is when an athlete is doing high intensity intervals, especially ones that are less than 3-4 minutes. This is due to the fact that it can take the heart 2-3 minutes to catch up to the effort that is being put forth. For example, if a rider is doing a 60 second interval at an all out pace, the interval will be over long before the heart rate can catch up.

The most accurate way to analyze a cycling session is by using a power meter, which measures Power (watts). Watts are the most accurate way to measure the current level of effort that is being put forth by the athlete- it is an instantaneous reading of the force being applied to the pedals while the athlete is working. In other words, it is a measurement of the amount of work being done by the rider.

Lets look at it this way- terrain, wind and other external factors are able to effect the wattage a rider is able to generate, just as it is able to effect speed, cadence and/or cadence. The major difference is: a watt is a watt.  Whether you are generating 200 watts going up a steep hill or hammering into a head wind, 200 watt is 200 watts- the amount of work the rider is doing.

So how does a triathlete us a power meter to train and race? After determining an athletes Functional Threshold Power (FTP), which is the average number of watts that he/she can maintain over a 1-hour ride. When an athlete rides at or above their FTP, he/she will run out of energy a LOT faster than if he/she rides under their FTP. Armed with this knowledge, training zones can be determined in order to maximize every workout that an athlete undergoes! For triathletes, their FTP can be used while racing in order to make sure you have some energy left going into the run, making sure you are able to achieve your goals!

Break Through Multisport Sponsors:

The information contained in this newsletter is the opinion of Ryan Riell and Break Through Multisport on endurance training, racing, and nutrition. These points are suggestions on how to train and not recommendations for athletes. Any article on the Break Through Multisport website may be reprinted into a paper or online newsletter for your NON-PROFIT club or organization, so long as Ryan Riell and www.BreakThroughMultisport.com are credited.  If you do reprint or link to any Break Through Multisport material, please send a courtesy email to ryan@BreakThroughMultisport.com. For medical advice, and before starting a strenuous training program, consult with a physician.

Break Through Multisport is proud to announce the most up-to-date list of companies that are offering discounts to our athletes. If you are interested in purchasing any items from these vendors, please contact Coach Ryan at Ryan@BreakThroughMultisport.com

February, 2008

Volume 1, Issue 1