Triathlon training is a challenging endeavor no matter a person’s athletic ability. Advanced athletes may be in great physical shape, but the demands for speed, stamina, and distance will push them beyond their previous limits. Newer athletes must learn efficient techniques for cycling, swimming, and running — plus train effectively enough to finish an entire race.
Fortunately, technology is easing the road to triathlon training by providing beginner and advanced triathletes with tools to train harder and smarter.
One of the toughest challenges athletes face when they first start training for triathlons is getting their hands on the right information. There’s a lot to know, and it can be difficult to parse all the advice and data.
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When I first became a triathlete nine years ago, I trained too hard and injured myself several times before I finally learned how to do train safely. A few simple tips from an experienced athlete would have saved me a lot of pain, and I know other novices feel the same.
Information that was once difficult to access is now readily available and more affordable than in the past. Potential triathletes can learn how to swim, bike, run, and train properly while sitting on their couches and thumbing through their new triathlon apps.
Best Apps for Triathlete Training
Intermediate and seasoned participants can both benefit from TrainingPeaks, which allows users to track and log data and to measure progress. It also includes options for planning training sessions and communicating with a coach.
At the other end of the spectrum, TriSwimCoach, My Tri Swim Coach, and 1stTimeTri are all geared toward new triathletes. These apps provide tips, training drills, and templates for beginners to help them make it to the finish lines at their first sprint triathlons.
TriEssential is another app that helps fill in those knowledge gaps, giving green triathletes the opportunity to learn some of these key lessons before race day. I also recommend checking out Triathlete magazine, which is a great resource for training, nutrition, community news, and useful products.
Safety is always a concern when prepping for a triathlon, especially during extended training sessions. The Road ID app allows your family and friends to track your location while you’re out biking or running. When you stop moving for more than five minutes, the app will ask you if you’re resting. If you don’t respond, then it will notify your loved ones so they can get in touch or go find you if you need assistance.
Training apps have also made triathlons more accessible for everyone. People who are considering becoming triathletes can learn about the sports and how to get involved safely by accessing useful, vetted information at the touch of an app. Technology has opened the sport up to broader audiences, and it’s helping them stay healthy and safe in the process.
Chris Thornham is a co-founder of FLO Cycling, which engineers aerodynamic cycling wheels. The company uses computational fluid dynamics software to develop its wheels and verifies its results in a wind tunnel. Less than three years after launching, the company has sold 15,000 wheels to customers in 60 countries. Chris enjoys learning, triathlon training, skiing, hiking with his dog, and spending time with family.