Power is showing up on more and more GPS watches — but what does it actually mean, and how can you use it to run better?

In this episode of the Mindful Runner Podcast, I sit down with Steve Bateman, coach and author, who has become one of the leading global voices on running with power. Steve explains why power matters, how it compares to pace and heart rate, and how you can start using it right now to train smarter and race stronger.

We cover:

⏱ Why runners should care about power now

⌚ Wrist-based vs. Stryd — what’s reliable?

📊 How power helps break bad training habits

🏔 Using power on hills and descents

🏁 Sticking to power on race day to avoid blowing up

✅ Practical steps to get started

Whether you’re a road runner, trail runner, or training for your next ultra, this episode gives you real takeaways you can use immediately with the power data on your watch.

SuperPower Calculator for Sheets (SPCs): https://f1r2a.com/SuperPower_Calculator

SuperPower Calculator for Web (SPCw): https://superpowercalculator.com/

The books on my website: https://f1r2a.com/books/

Overheating is one of the biggest but least understood limiters in ultra endurance racing. In this episode, we dive into why your rising core temperature quietly erodes performance, how heat adaptation works, and what protocols you can use to train smarter.

You’ll learn:

✅ Why heart rate, core temp, fueling, and performance are linked

✅ The difference between active and passive heat conditioning

✅ How to monitor progress with aerobic decoupling (Pw:Hr ≤ 5%)

✅ Practical base, maintenance, and race-specific protocols

✅ Why measuring matters — and how the CORE sensor helps you push safely

This is part 1 of a 3-part performance series:

1️⃣ Heat adaptation

2️⃣ Hydration strategies

3️⃣ Nutrition for hot conditions

Overheating is one of the biggest but least understood limiters in ultra endurance racing. In this episode, we dive into why your rising core temperature quietly erodes performance, how heat adaptation works, and what protocols you can use to train smarter.We’ll cover: • Why heart rate, core temp, fueling, and performance are linked • The difference between active and passive heat conditioning • How to monitor progress using aerobic decoupling (Pw:Hr ≤ 5%) • Practical protocols for base, maintenance, and race-specific adaptation • Why measuring matters: going closer to the edge safely with COREThis is the first in a 3-part series:1️⃣ Heat adaptation2️⃣ Hydration strategies3️⃣ Nutrition for hot conditionsLearn how to beat the hidden race-day killer and unlock your best performanceLink to Core device : https://corebodytemp.com

🔗 Learn more about coaching: https://www.mindfulrunner.co.za

Link to Heat Adaption Download : https://mindfulrunner.co.za/wp-content/uploads/2025/09/Heat_Adaptation_Protocol.pdf

Setup a Discovery chat : Apphttps://outlook.office365.com/book/MindfulRunner1@mindfulrunner.co.za

Join Debbie and Fred as they dive into Fred’s first Whale of Trail experience—epic cliffs, beach miles, falls, whales, and all. From boutique race vibes to testing limits after Mac Mac, this honest conversation captures the beauty, challenge, and joy that make Whale of Trail unforgettable.Explore more about the course, race formats, wildlife, and entry details at the official Whale of Trail website: https://www.whaleoftrail.co.zaThanks to the photographers whose images we have used and toe Whale of Trail for providing the imagesNick JoubertPeter Kirk MediaAnja AucampDevin Paisley