Comment on Rodríguez-Medina and Rodríguez-Marroyo: Methodological Concerns Regarding Running Power Validity in Mountain Running Championship Analysis.

This letter highlights key methodological concerns regarding the use of running power in mountain running analysis. The estimation of critical power from nonmaximal, race-derived efforts using a 2-point model may lead to inaccurate critical power and W' values, affecting derived intensity domains. Additionally, walking-running transitions act as a confounding factor, as power metrics underestimate the metabolic cost of walking. Finally, the validity of running power during downhill running is limited due to the dissociation between mechanical power and metabolic demand, and the greater influence of neuromuscular factors. These limitations suggest that running power should be interpreted cautiously as a proxy for physiological intensity in mountain running.