Coaches have always been the main representatives for SRM. They regularly work with our systems, they write power-based training plans and they communicate with their clients using SRM training files.

So their customers are our customers - and that's you!

We sent an e-mail to coaches all over the US and asked them to describe why they promote training with SRM and - due to the weather conditions - to give you their best three tips for off-season training.

During the upcoming weeks, we will publish their answers in our blog.

Frank Overton, headcoach of FasCatCoaching, Boulder, CO is also the author of articles about training with power in different magazines. Here are his answers to our questions:

1. What are the three most important reasons why to use an SRM?

First and foremost it is the best powermeter available. Its accurate, dependable, easy to use and the data I receive from SRM's is data that I can trust to make sport science decisions.

SRM is to powermeters as Rolex and Ferrari are to watches and sports cars.

Second, training with power and an SRM is the most effective way to optimize cycling performance. As a coach, the data puts me right there with the athlete's training and racing.  I can objective measure how hard "hard" was to the athlete and easily figure out if the athlete needs to train more or less or is already performing at their best. 

Third, training with SRM is a great coaching platform to coach with.  I design wattage based training plans , the athlete uses his or her SRM to train in precise wattage zones, sends me their files, and I'm able to monitor their training closely.  Day to day I'm able to keep tabs on their motivation, compliance and fatigue.

2. Do you have three straight tips for endurance athletes for off-season training?

1. Take a good break from your previous season first.   Make sure you are motivated to ride the bike before you come back.

2. Use the off-season to work on your limiters.  For example, leg speed, explosive power or mental toughness.

3. Build a big aerobic engine before the race season starts and use your SRM to quantify its size, aka your training load (with power based metrics like kJ's, TSS and CTL

Frank Overton

Head Coach

FasCatCoaching, Boulder CO

www.fascatcoaching.com

Coaching Qualifications

USA Cycling Level 1 (Elite) certified coach

US National Women's Road Cycling Team Assistant Sport Directeur

Team Coach Priority Health Professional Cycling Team 2006 & 2007 

10 years of racing experience upgrading from Sport & Cat IV to   Semi-Pro & Cat I

Member USA Cycling Power Based Education Committee

Contributing Writer for PezCyclingNews & VeloNews

Scientific and experienced based coaching

Ten year biotechnology research career

US Patent holder #7202067

Graduate study in Physiology:  spinal cord tissue culture studying nerve regeneration

Extensive study and research in medical and molecular biology fields

Education

1994: B.S. Biology & Pre-Med, Hampden-Sydney College, VA

1996-1997: Graduate School, Physiology, N.C. State University

Advanced Training Plan Design, USOC, 2003

Elite Level Coach Certification, 2006

Expert Level Coaches Certification, USA Cycling, 2004

USA Cycling Coaches Summit, 2004 & 2006

2000, 2003, 2004 & 2006: Additional training at the Olympic Training Center, Colorado Springs, CO

Research subject in the 2003 & 2004 supplemental O2 study study at the US Olympic Training Center published in Medicine and Science in Sports & Exercise