TrainingPeaks allows athletes and coaches to log and track numerous data points for every workout. But, as a coach, one of the most important data points I like to receive is your subjective feedback on how you felt during a workout. To solicit your subjective rating for workouts, I often provide a 5-point letter grade scale in the workout description. Just like a grade for … [Read more...]
Why Train with Data?
In a previous article, I discussed my list of the eight most valuable metrics for triathletes. In this article, I want to address a more fundamental question. What is the point of training with data? This question may not even seem worthy of discussion given the fact that training with data is something we simply do in the modern world. Of course we train with data. Why … [Read more...]
The 8 Most Valuable Metrics for Triathletes
In today’s world where big data reigns supreme and the Quantified Self movement promises self-knowledge through numbers, anything that can be measured often is. And if it can’t be measured today, the right technology is sure to be just around the corner. In many ways, athletes have been at the forefront of this drive to measure and collect data about the self—at least when … [Read more...]
Gear Review: Mio Link Heart Rate Wrist Strap
Wouldn’t it be great if you could record heart rate while training without the need to put on a chest strap? You could say goodbye to placing the moistened strap around your chest on those cold mornings, removing the sweaty strap after workouts, and dealing with the chafing from the strap rubbing the wrong way. As technology advances, the market has seen an influx of heart … [Read more...]
Gear Review: Garmin Fēnix 3
Over the past six months, Garmin has substantially updated two of its marquee GPS training devices. In a previous article, I reviewed the new Forerunner 920XT—the next generation of the Forerunner 910XT. Here, I review the newly released Fēnix 3. In effect, the Fēnix 3 is like a 920XT on steroids. Fundamentally different than the previous Fēnix models, the Fēnix 3 … [Read more...]
Gear Review: Garmin 920XT
For over a decade now, runners and multisport athletes have grown accustomed to using GPS watches that offer a host of advantages over a standard sports watch. The advent of the GPS watch has made tracking mileage and monitoring pace as easy as simply looking at your wrist. When integrated with a heart rate monitor, those devices allow runners and cyclists to track the three … [Read more...]
How a Blood Test Can Help You Eat Better
My curiosity was piqued when I heard about a new service to help athletes dial in their nutrition through the analysis of blood. Over the years, both formal studies and practical experience have shown me the crucial role nutrition plays in feeling good and performing well. So when I found out that a company called InsideTracker is making the type of lab testing usually reserved … [Read more...]
Using a GPS/HR Device to Effectively Train with Your Coach
This video discusses how a Global Positioning System (GPS)/Heart Rate (HR) device can help you train effectively, and provides a behind-the-scenes look at how your coach uses the GPS/HR data to plan and monitor your training. More information on Training Stress Scores and the Performance Management Chart: Training Stress Scores Performance Management Chart More … [Read more...]
Monitor Running Cadence with the Garmin Footpod
This video demonstrates how to use the Garmin footpod to monitor running cadence. Read more about running cadence: "Cadence Counts for Improved Running Form" … [Read more...]
Setting Your Swimming and Running Pace Zones on Training Peaks
This video demonstrates how to set up your swimming and running pace zones on Training Peaks once you have the results from a recent race or time trial. … [Read more...]
