Comparing Activities

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Why Compare Activities?

Comparing activities helps you:

• Track fitness improvements
• Evaluate pacing strategies
• Test equipment changes
• Understand environmental impacts
• Refine race tactics

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Types of Comparisons

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Same Route Comparison

Most valuable for tracking progress:

What to Compare:

• Overall time
• Power on key segments
• Heart rate response
• Perceived effort
• Weather conditions

Example Analysis:

March 1st: 1:45:00, 245W avg, 155bpm
April 15th: 1:42:30, 255W avg, 150bpm
Improvement: 2:30 faster, 10W more power, 5bpm lower HR

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Workout Comparison

Track interval progression:

Improvements Shown:

• 10W higher average (+3.5%)
• Better consistency (less fade)
• Lower HR (improved efficiency)

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Using the Comparison Tool

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Side-by-Side View

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Comparison Options

Chart Types:

• Power overlay
• Speed comparison
• Heart rate response
• Cadence patterns
• Elevation sync

Data Views:

• Raw data
• Normalized/smoothed
• Percentage difference
• Statistical analysis

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Key Metrics to Compare

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Performance Metrics

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Time-Based Metrics

Segment Times:

• Climbs
• Technical sections
• Sprint points
• Overall splits

Power Duration:

• Best 20-minute power
• Time above threshold
• Sprint repeatability

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Environmental Factors

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Weather Impact

Always note conditions:

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Equipment Changes

Track impact of:

• New wheels (aerodynamics)
• Different tires (rolling resistance)
• Position changes (aerodynamics)
• Bike weight (climbing)
• Clothing (aerodynamics)

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Race Performance Analysis

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Pre-Race vs Race Day

Compare your race to training:

Training Ride:

• Controlled effort
• Steady power
• Conservative pacing
• No pressure

Race Day:

• Variable power
• Higher peaks
• Adrenaline factor
• Better performance?

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Post-Race Review

Questions to answer:

1. Did I pace correctly?
2. Where did I lose/gain time?
3. How did power compare to plan?
4. What would I do differently?

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Group Ride Analysis

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Comparing Efforts

Same group ride, different weeks:

Metrics to Track:

• Time in draft vs pulling
• Number of efforts > FTP
• Recovery between efforts
• Overall Training Score

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Position Impact

Compare when you:

• Sat in vs animated
• Different group sizes
• Various routes
• Weather conditions

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Testing Protocols

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A/B Testing

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Long-Term Comparisons

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Seasonal Changes

Compare same months year-over-year:

Spring Build:

• Year 1: 250W FTP, 65 Load
• Year 2: 265W FTP, 72 Load
• Year 3: 275W FTP, 78 Load

Shows consistent improvement!

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Breakthrough Performances

Identify when you level up:

• Sudden power increases
• HR efficiency improvements
• New duration capabilities
• Mental breakthroughs

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Creating Comparison Reports

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Monthly Comparison

Create a standard monthly test:

1. Same 1-hour route
2. Best sustainable effort
3. Consistent conditions
4. Track key metrics
5. Chart progression

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Export Options

Share comparisons:

• PDF reports
• CSV data export
• Image snapshots
• Public links (optional)

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Advanced Analysis

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Statistical Comparison

Beyond simple averages:

• Standard deviation (consistency)
• Percentile analysis
• Correlation factors
• Regression analysis

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Machine Learning Insights

Stride identifies:

• Similar untagged efforts
• Performance predictors
• Optimal conditions
• Training recommendations

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Practical Applications

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Using Comparisons for Goals

Example - Improve Climbing:

1. Identify key local climb
2. Test monthly
3. Compare power/time
4. Track W/kg improvements
5. Adjust training based on results

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Race Preparation

Compare efforts at race power:

• How long can you hold it?
• How does HR respond?
• Can you repeat it?
• Recovery between efforts?

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Common Comparison Mistakes

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Avoid These Errors

1. Ignoring conditions - Weather matters!
2. Different equipment - Changes results
3. Fatigue levels - Fresh vs tired
4. Time of day - Morning vs evening
5. Nutrition status - Fasted vs fueled

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Next Steps