STARTING OUT
TO GET STARTED FOLLOW THESE STEPS
Here Are Some Suggestions Right Out of the Gate
Choose your Challenge
Get Tested (if you can)
Choose a Plan
Connect to TrainingPeaks™
Set-up your Tracking Devices
Keep Learning
1- Choose your Challenge (e.g., "A" Event or Race, or Goal)
If you haven't already done so, it's helpful to identify at least one "A Race" or a priority event and add it to your calendar as soon as possible. The next article will provide you with some ideas to consider.
2- Get Tested
Once you have an idea of what you are training for, I recommend arranging for a fitness assessment to establish your training limits and identify your training parameters. Check out the testing options in the "Testing" articles section.
3- Select your Plan
Your next step is to find a plan that will help you achieve your goal. Building a solid aerobic and musculoskeletal "base" is a prerequisite before advancing into the "build" phases of your training. Coached clients will work on this with their coach. If you're not coached, consider focusing on one training block at a time and building upon your successes. If you face challenges, repeat the block until you achieve the desired progress. More information on blocks and plans will be provided in the upcoming "Getting Started" sections.
4- Connect to TrainingPeaks™
For new coaching clients, we will set up your account or connect our account to your existing one.
If you're not a coaching client and don't have a TrainingPeaks™ (TP) account, you can open one when you choose to access a training plan. During the process, you will encounter the "Pay Now" step; note that under the button, many of the plans say "FREE." You won't need to pay for many of the basic plans or blocks, as these are included within the paid subscription.
Once you have a TrainingPeaks™ (TP) account, you can insert your training block into your existing account.
After inserting the training block, you can proceed to set up your training zones (e.g., heart rate, power, RPE, etc.) and other personal profile details. The upcoming lessons will provide further guidance on connecting to TrainingPeaks™.
5- Set-up your tracking devices
Ideally, participating in metabolic (VO2 or lactate) testing in a lab will provide personalized endurance training zones. If that's not feasible, there are self-tests and alternative calculations available.
If you don't have a heart rate monitor and/or speed and distance device already, find one that suits your needs. Check the "Setting Up Your Tracking Devices" section for a list of devices that integrate well within our platform(s).
Sync your heart rate, GPS, and/or power devices with the TrainingPeaks™ platform if you have them.
You can access your TrainingPeaks account through your home computer or the TP phone app (google play or iPhone)
6- Learn more
Explore the tutorials in the "10 Key Components" sections to grasp the fundamental concepts of smart training.
Make sure to review the Lab Notes under each section of the training block pages to learn how to navigate your planned workouts more effectively.