Training routine software

Mouse Potato

I'm after some software where I can set up a variety of training routines, then be lead through whichever one I've selected when doing a session on the mag trainer.

I want to be able to assemble routines from any number of segments, with each segment consisting of:

• Duration
• Cadence (fixed for duration, or increasing/decreasing over that time between specified values)
• Gear and/or resistance setting
• Maybe things like associated notes, prompts ("change gear now, dummy!"), and so on.

Then, when doing/playing back/having it lead me through a routine (I've got a computer where I set up the bike):

• Give audible cadence cues (e.g. beep type 1 for lead foot interspersed with beep type 2 for other foot, maybe rising or lowering in tone for a few seconds prior to a cadence increase or decrease). I don't have a cadence computer at the moment and unless I pay attention (which I don't) and check rpm by counting all the time I keep ending up at one particular rate.
• Display elapsed time, time to go, and maybe a spiffy graph of the current place in the routine.
• Display associated notes and prompts at the appropriate times.
• Have some sort of manual override so I can change things part way through if I'm feeling particular good or particularly bad.

And possibly tie this into a training log function (although I don't really care about this bit because I've already got a basic training log):

• Automatically record date, time and particular routine including any manual overrides applied.
• Enable entry of associated HRM info, comments, etc.
• Enable ad-hoc external sessions (e.g. running, swimming) to be recorded.

Does anybody know of such a proggie (preferably free!) before I spend the time writing one myself? I know (vaguely) of a couple of hardware+software systems, but I just want some simple software at this stage.

BVSoos

Take a look here:

http://www.science-sportsware.dk/TTD/

gymbob

Hi

I experienced a similar problem a while back and decided to create a website for recording my training sessions for a number of sports - but primarily cycling. The site is run for fun but i take it seriously and am trying to add new functionality and content ASAP

Anyway give it a shot -

www.gymbob.com

Im also interested in your cycling ideas as a possible addition so mail me on my feedback form and I can see what i can do!

Thanks

Martin

Mouse Potato

Thanks guys.

I had a quick look at the web site for TTD... at first glance it doesn't seem to do what I want*, but it looks interesting anyway and I'll download the trial version tonight and give it a test run.

Martin, I've only looked at the front page to your site (I have to register to check out the functions, right?) but I'll have another look tonight.



* I'm not after training diary or training log functions, although if they are integrated with what I do want I won't complain! Instead of remembering the various segments of each training routine, or reading them from a book or a piece of paper, I want to follow them on the computer (I'm a geek; geeks like stuff like that ), and I want metronome-type cadence cueing because I'm unco and inattentive and keep sliding back to one particular range unless I count rpm all the time (boooring!).

gymbob

Hi

Yeah you have to register - i should probably create a test account, and a preview section. I'll add it to the list of things to do



Martin

Shibumi

MP
I don't think there is anything out there that does what you want. However, I use two things which I am very happy with:

Polar 710. This downloads my rides into a training log. They enable me to see the race/training details, icluding course profile (altitude), HR, cadence, speed, etc approx $300

Tacx i-magic - vitual reality software, wired up to a turbo trainer. Same sort of output as the Polar, includes power (not wholly accurate, but consistent so you can track improvments). Can set a race, download an opponent from the web, see your cadence on screen, etc. Lots of analysis tools, and keeps your rides in a log of sorts. Excellent training aid. approx $500.