Training/Data Management Software - Which One?

CakeLovinBeast

I like having data available to me to use - it helps me see how I'm doing, how I've improved and motivates me to improve. The problem I have is that there's such a wealth of software options available and most of them have some features that I'd like to have. I suppose my biggest issue is that I need to decide which of those features appeal most to me (or at least, which would benefit me most).

I've only been riding for six months and I know that I do sometimes try to run before I can walk, but at the same time I don't see any real issues with trying to approach things in a structured and methodical way. Training Peaks seems to be the most fully-featured of all of the options and I don't object to spending the money on a premium account, but I'm also trying to look at all the available options:

Garmin Connect - I still upload to out of habit, though I can't really tell you why.
Golden Cheetah - I WANT to like it, it's just that there's not a lot of documentation, and it seems skewed towards people training with power meters. I fully admit that part of my (relative) ignorance is what makes it difficult for me.
Strava - I love the competitiveness in competing against other people. I also like that I can share my routes/rides, without giving away where I live/work. The sensible part of me tells me that none of these are going to help me to train properly, though.
Training Peaks - I have a free account, and the premium variety is calling to me for the extra features.
SportTracks - Only just heard about this one. Looks to be a nice compromise of cost versus features, but I've never used it to be able to compare against any of the others.

So what does everyone else use? Why do you use it? What features are good, and what features do you not like, or think are missing?

GiantMike

I've got a Powermeter and a HRM and an Edge 800.

I use Golden Cheetah v3 and think it's brilliant. Because of all the data that is recorded I need a program that can do analysis for me and put it in easy-to-read formats. I use power tests to identify if I'm improving or not.

If you don't have a powermeter what are you using a a guide to work out if you're improving or not? I used to use an excel spreadsheet and plotted average speed against average HR, but that was a little rudimentary.

If you have a HRM I suggest you use it do make sure your training sessions are well-planned, and then use timed climbs (or similar) to measure if you're getting stronger or not.

twotyred

I use SportTracks which with a couple of plug-ins does everything I want. I'd recommend the plug-in that allows you to superimpose multiple training sessions so that if you repeat the same session or fitness test you can get a good idea if you are improving or not.

Garmin Connect is OK and simple to use but SportTracks has more functionality.

CakeLovinBeast

Thanks folks.

Mike - I use a Garmin 705, plus HR, but no power.

To give you a bit of background, I got up to nearly 18 stone a while back, then got divorced and decided to start exercising again. After experimenting with a few different sports, I ultimately ended up getting a road bike at the start of August and never looked back. In the process I managed nearly 900 miles (the bulk in Aug-Oct) and I've shipped the best part of 3 stone and am now hovering just above 15 (at 6'2").

There are three major goals for this year: A personal challenge at the end of June, cycling 600 miles over 7 days. A weight loss challenge to get down to a minimum of 14st. The final challenge is to start racing. I initially planned on doing that earlier in the year, but on reflection with clubmates, the only thing I stand to get is brutalised! I've since amended my goals to *try* racing towards the end of the season, with a view to having the base fitness and the knowledge to be properly competitive in 2013 (and yes, I know the world is going to end in December, but I'll take my chances).

With that in mind, and with my own limited knowledge (plus what I've learned off the internets), I've put my own training plan together. It's fairly fluid, as I keep learning more and I try to incorporate the things that I learn, but the basic premise is the usual idea of base miles for endurance, plus higher intensity intervals for performance. When trying to gauge my performance gains/changes, I use speed as a proxy for power whilst on the turbo - it's a little primitive, but it works for now with the resources that I have.

I appreciate that what I'm attempting is a little rudimentary in comparison to what the more advanced/capable of you are doing, but I see no reason to not be as scientific and as accurate as possible in my efforts. I have a "proper" fit test booked with a local company in a few weeks time and I intend to use the results from that as a baseline for the new year, that I can then repeat periodically if I need more accurate results.

bigpikle

Golden Cheetah works well with a HRM. I used it for a bout a year like that before I got a PT wheel. You can measure and track using TRIMP instead of the power measures. Combined with Strava for tracking 'on the road' performance you have 2 great FREE ways to record and manage training data.

richa

CakeLovinBeast wrote:

When trying to gauge my performance gains/changes, I use speed as a proxy for power whilst on the turbo - it's a little primitive, but it works for now with the resources that I have.

You might like http://www.trainerroad.com/ for making the most of your turbo sessions.

I'm tracking performance primarily with Golden Cheetah (but can't resist also loading to Garmin Connect, GTC & Strava).

kettrinboy

+1 for SportTracks, does just about everything you could need and also Strava so i can see what my local riders have been doing, ive gone for the paid versions of both and i,m well pleased with them.