Hello Reader,

Welcome to Vol. 007 of The Endure EQ.

Every week you'll get a deep dive into a topic related to endurance training, maximizing your potential or reaching peak performance.

Let’s jump in.

How to build a tech stack to train for triathlon without breaking the bank

Training technology changes frequently.

There are always new and better products coming out that promise to improve your training.

All these options can get overwhelming as a triathlete.

The goal of tech is to plan, complete, and review your training. You want enough to help, but not so much that you don’t know what to do with it.

Here is my recommended tech stack + what I use as and athlete in the Fall of 2022.

Stop overcomplicating your tech.

You don’t need the latest sensor to train better.

You need to use the data that you have better.

Here is my recommended tech stack:

GPS watch
HR monitor
Smart trainer or power pedals
HRV measure
Training Software

This will set you up with enough data that you can train smart but not break the bank buying every device out there.

What tech is important?

GPS watch

A GPS watch is invaluable as a triathlete. Training for each sport of triathlon is simplified by having the right watch. Most GPS watches can connect with your training software and guide you through your workout as planned.

My current use: Garmin Forerunner 935
Link: Forerunner

HR monitor

A chest or forearm based HR monitor will increase the accuracy of your HR training. These will sync with your watch to record additional HR data. It can also be used with HRV4Training to measure your HRV.

My current use: Garmin HRM or Forerunner Wrist Based Upgrade
I’m considering: Polar Verity Sense or H10
Links: Garmin HRM, Polar Verity, Polar H10

Smart trainer or power pedals

Power pedals and smart trainers (like Wahoo) allow you to begin training with power on the bike. If you are looking to improve your bike I highly recommend considering one of these options. These both also allow you to connect with online programs like Zwift or Rouvy to train with others online.

My current use: Taxc Standard trainer + Garmin Vector Power Pedals
Upgrade I’m considering: Wahoo Kickr
Links: Taxc, Vectors, Kickr

HRV measure

Measuring HRV has been a game-changer for me lately and if you are looking to better understand you training and recovery I would highly recommend adding it. HRV4Training is my latest edition to the tech stack and allows for daily HRV measurements. It also records subjective information on how you are feeling each day. All of this data is sent back to TrainingPeaks for you to evaluate later.

My current use: HRV4Training
Link: HRV4Training

Training Software

The final tech stack piece is having a training software to connect all that data together. I use TrainingPeaks for my own training. It allows me to plan and evaluate training sessions. It serves as a dashboard for all things training.

My current use: TrainingPeaks Link: TrainingPeaks

There is an endless amount of tech that can be incorporated into your training.

Some can help; while others are just a waste of time.

Start with this list and understand the limitations before buying ‘new’ gadgets.

How to use this tech stack to train smarter

The key to using technology in training is to make one of the 3 aspects easier to do:

Plan training
Complete training
Review training

Here is how you can use the tech stack above for each aspect.

Step 1: Plan training

Before you can do anything with training data you need to have a plan in place.

Data is useless if you have nothing to compare it to.

Which brings us to the first piece of tech: TrainingPeaks (or another training software).

Training platforms allow you to plan and review your training. The thing I like about TrainingPeaks is how clean the interface is. You also have access to some key data for training and racing.

TrainingPeaks also has a large training library available for self-coaches athletes.

Or you can build your own program using the workout builder.

Either way you need a plan in place before following the other steps.

Step 2: Complete the training

Once you have a plan in place and workouts built you can complete the workouts as planned

To get the most out of your training you want to build out workouts with specific targets and zones.

Here is a primer on setting your zones.

TrainingPeaks lets you build these then your watch and trainer will help you execute as planned. You can send your workouts from TrainingPeaks to Garmin, Zwift and Wahoo (and many more softwares and apps). Which means you can be guided through the workout exactly as planned.

Additionally, having a chest or forearm based HR monitor will increase the accuracy of your HR training.

Which will provide more data for you to review afterwards.

Step 3: Review your training and recovery

Once you have completed your training is is time to review it and your recovery afterwards.

To supplement the training data, I highly recommend recording daily HRV measurements using an app or software.

The data from HRV4Training syncs to TrainingPeaks to allow me to analyze all the data together. As an added bonus the Polar HR monitor can connect to HRV4Training as well.

TrainingPeaks now serves as your personal dashboard to review training, recovery and make adjustments to the plan overtime.

Recap:

Use technology to guide your training and recovery.
You don't need the latest gadget, the basics will work.
Data is useless if you don't have a purpose for it.

Thank you for being here!

- Chandler

When you’re ready here are 3 ways that Excel Endurance by Chandler Scott can help you:

Join our free community: find more resources, ask questions, and share workout ideas. Join Community
EE Training Squad: Monthly sustainable training and access to on-demand race programs. Join Squad
1-1 Coaching: Take your training to the next level with 1-1 access to Chandler. Coaching Request

The Endure EQ

The Endure EQ Vol. 007 | How to build a tech stack to train for triathlon without breaking the bank