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