TrainingPeaks

We are now using TrainingPeaks to prescribe, plan, communicate and monitor our ETS Customized client's training plans!  Having used it for the past 3 months has really helped me streamline communication and monitoring of my client's progress and address any issues that arise from their daily reports.

A major feature of TrainingPeaks is the ability for clients to upload their power metre, gps and heart rate files quickly and easily into their TrainingPeaks account.  When linked to their coach's account, their coach can view the file in all it's detail and analyze the file in a number of different ways to monitor the workouts completed.  This is a great feature "if" clients actually upload their files regularly for their coach to review.

A common "complaint" from clients has been how best to upload their files.  In the past an athlete would download their data from whichever device they use into software native to that device.  This can be in different file formats making it difficult for clients to know what format a coach may actually require.  I have had client's email me files in .csv format only for me to determine that my analysis software can not open it due to a format error.  So we have to try it again.  Needless to say my inbox fills up quickly with all the raw data files.

I use an older SRM, Quarq Cinqo synced to Garmin 500 & 800 units and a Garmin 410 for running.  The process would be to download the SRM file into the SRM software then export to WKO+3.0 or TrainingPeaks along with download the data from my Garmin units to Garmin Connect then export them in the correct file format to WKO+3.0 and then TrainingPeaks.  As you can see there are far too many steps already...

The TrainingPeaks team offered a few years back the wicked Device Agent software which is pretty much a one-stop portal to upload/download files into the appropriate software of your choice (in this case however their software programs TrainingPeaks and WKO+3.0).

Since I use both of these software packages, the Device Agent works fantastic for me to easily upload my files into both programs.

The number of compatible devices is large and pretty much covers everything on the market to date and continues to be updated with new offerings as they become available.  More details can be found at the following link;

http://support.trainingpeaks.com/device-agent.aspx?utm_source=tp&utm_medium=newsletter&utm_campaign=coach_2_sept2012

Oh and there is both a PC and Mac version which makes it accessible to most people.

For further details and instructions checkout the link above and start uploading your files.  TrainingPeaks allows you to create a Basic account which is free and yes you can upload your files into your account where they can be stored versus on your computer if you so desire.

Technology can be so cool!

JVD

Quality Feedback

In coaching, feedback is a highly sought after commodity.  Coaches ask their athletes for feedback on how training sessions went for them.  Athletes ask for feedback in return from their coaches on how they are doing.

What gets lost however is a clear understanding of what quality feedback really is.  As an example, I often ask my clients to tell me how specific sessions or a week of training went for them in hopes they provide me some insight that will allow me to make adjustments to their training based upon the feedback provided.  In 6 out of 10 instances I get back "fine", "good" or "okay".  It is tough to determine much from that response.

In 3 out of 10 instances, I get a highly detailed report which often necessitates pouring a cup of coffee.  Truly enjoyable reads and lots of insight provided from which I can offer back feedback, praise, solutions to problems arising or address something the athlete may not have known was an issue.  Reading a historical perspective of a week's training logged with detail allows me to see patterns of positiveness as well as negativeness.  Perfect starting points for meaningful discussions and addressing potentially season ending issues.

What does the final person report with?  Nada.  Silence.  These are the difficult athletes to work with as we know very little of what is happening in their training and life.  Silence is a killer.

Starting in the fall of 2012, we will be utilizing Training Peaks software as a means to communicate with all our Customized Clients.  In the trial period thus far, I have found it a highly valuable tool to prescribe training programs, receive power meter or GPS files and receive and provide comments.  I have been using it myself and I find the accountability in logging my files and comments to be highly motivating.

The Endurance Coaching Team is expecting each of our athletes to diligently record, upload and post their data and comments in a regular manner so as to allow their coaches the ability to modify and adjust training programs in a more timely manner.

Uploading power or GPS files allows the coach to see what you actually did or did not do.  If a higher average or peak power value is recorded, we can inform the client of it and perhaps modify their training zones.  The same for running in which the software can calculate the impact of running on an uphill gradient had on your session.  The athlete may have thought they "sucked" that day but in fact when variables were factored into the equation, we can report back that no you did not "suck" today and were right where you needed to be.

Needless to say we are excited to offer this service starting this fall which will increase the communication between our coaches and athletes!