What is Aerobic Decoupling I can see in my session data?
Aerobic decoupling compares the efficiency factor (EF) of the second half of a ride or run, against the EF of the first half. When aerobic decoupling number is low, towards zero or even negative, this indicates good 'durability'. Conversely, when you begin a training program and you are less durable, we typically observe higher decoupling numbers (%).
Does this take into account elevation? For example if the 1st half is less hilly than the second half, intuition says that Aerobic Decoupling % will be higher?
@dave-yuill the Normalized Graded Pace (NGP) we use for run pace calculation takes gradient into account... It probably won't be perfect but its the best we can use at this point for run calculation of decoupling across different run course phases.
Normalized Graded Pace (NGP) is the adjusted pace reported from a global positioning system (GPS), or other speed/distance device, that reflects the changes in grade and intensity that contribute to the physiological cost of running on varied terrain. It was inspired by the normalized power concept built by Dr Andy Coggan.
@dave-yuill Wouldn't the heart rate data influence it? If I'm running uphill at +>5% my HR will be quite high, if I then head downhill, it will go down (depending obviously on distance, but I'm assuming if you're doing one length/segment that is one part uphill and one part down, it is a long course >.33mi). So wouldn't that give accurate data? Unless of course this is strictly using pace then that would be a relatively useless data point.
@airforceken Aerobic Decoupling would take both pace/power and HR into account. As @Prof mentioned with NGP used as the pace/power variable then this will to some degree account for elevation changes.