Stryd power meter met with triathletes, runners, endurance fans and tech aficionados attending the recent Ironman World Championship in Kailua-Kona, HI, offering attendees the chance to test its first wearable power meter made for runners.
Along with daily demos at the Ironman expo, Stryd hosted island-style activities as part of the brand’s public launch. Live race-day data from more than two-dozen elite competitors was also made available via Stryd for spectators and athletes to stay in the loop with exact performance metrics.
“We hope to give as many athletes as possible an opportunity to test Stryd during Kona week,” said Gus Pernetz, Stryd co-founder and renowned endurance coach.
Dubbed by the company as “the first wearable device to provide real-time power metrics while running,” the meter works by measuring a runner’s 3D movement through space in combination with conditions of the run environment. Stryd syncs with leading sports watches and mobile devices to provide immediate feedback during training or racing, which means instant results.
With Stryd data, simple adjustments in form and cadence can improve a runner’s power and efficiency. After all, that’s the point of using a wearable. Runners focusing on efficient form subsequently reduce fatigue with the help of Stryd and in-turn reduce the likelihood of run-related injuries.
“As soon as an athlete hops on the treadmill and sees firsthand the real-time power data and feedback from even minor adjustments, they’ll have an immediate understanding of how Stryd can positively impact their run performance and longevity,” added Pernetz.
An exclusive Kona pre-order discount, $20 off the manufacturers suggested retail price, also built the buzz around the meter. With the deal, Stryd provides delivery prior to product hitting retail shelves. Lastly, as a nod to the triathlon public as early adopters of groundbreaking technology, Stryd hosted daily product giveaways.
“Kona is the perfect place to introduce Stryd to the public, as triathletes are eager consumers of such knowledge and technology, but our product is not solely intended for the sport’s elite,” said Pernetz.
Pro Ironman racers Sarah Piampiano and Rafael Gonçalves, along with elite amateur Steven Mantell (second place overall finisher with the second fastest run split at Ironman Boulder 2015), and a dozen other world championship competitors, were tracked using the Stryd device. These athletes were chosen based on their style and personal creed of running with power. Their Ironman World Championship power data was shared live at stryd.com/kona.
“Our goal is to provide a multi-pronged view into what running with power really means,” said Pernetz. “Whether an athlete in Kona demos Stryd directly, or whether triathletes at home tune into our live race day data site, we hope to provide a better understanding of how our technology can aid any runner’s quest to perform at peak capacity, while reducing the risk of injury.”
Designed and developed in the endurance sports hub of Boulder, CO, Stryd designed their meter to have a form to a heart monitor strap while adding the function of live streaming. By measuring 3D movement through space in combination with environmental conditions of the run, real-time power feedback acts as a smart-coach. What should ensue is adjusted pace and form that is just right for the athlete and course.
