So I worked the overnight shift at the hospital, got slammed all night with trauma after trauma, and several cardiac arrests. It was a night from hell. Came home mentally and physically drained. Had no desire to complete my 40 minute run. None. But then I remembered that you mind gives up before your body. So at 4pm, my wife said she wanted to go to the store about 3 miles away. I ran. She drove 20 minutes later. I met her there. Workout completed. I'm sore. I'm tired. But I did it.
Instagram. I don't even have an account. Perhaps it's time to do that. So, after almost 3 months of struggling, I lost 10 pounds in the last 5 days. Interesting eh. I stopped eating ALL forms of junk food including junk fruit.. lol. I'll be reincorporating slightly more starchy veggies and lower GI fruit the week after next and testing it with my body. After that, if all passes just fine, I'll add in some higher carb fruit. That's it. Not going past that. The weight loss was a major motivation boost. The dream of doing a Triathlon in the next couple of years keeps me on track. Triathlon Taren keeps me *learning* and boosts motivation. For the first time in 15 years, I feel like I'm on a sustainable course. Edit: I wanted to mention, I'm only a couple pounds from breaking down into the 200s again for the first time in a few years. I should be below 300 by next week.
Hi from France. Just got home from a 70.3 swim test at the pool. I'm exhausted but I got my dayly shot of Taren. Ready to grill in the backyard. It's gonna be a nice evening. And many thanks for reminding me of my Strava account. By the way, I also use a lot of Garmin gizmos; Edge1000 on the bike, Fenix3 on land (had to invest in a Garmin Swim for the pool coz the Fenix doesn't like chlorine at all).
TrainingPeaks is pretty decent, but I wish they'd bring the wk04 analytics into the site rather than needing a separate executable. BestBikeSplit's also great, get it setup right & you can practice/predict your time on loads of courses.
Taren, my wife and I have been watching your videos for awhile now. Our first triathlon is next Wednesday. Do you have any tips on how early to get to the race? Maybe you can share your previous race routine? Thanks!
I have a Garmin Fenix 3hr. Tracks all of my triathlon activities, but also tracks my downhill skiing, mountain biking, occasional golf game, and works as a smart watch. Huge fan. I sync it to TrainingPeaks, where I spent about 100,000 hours (sic) building my last 6 months of training plans, as well as Strava and Mapmyride because I have contacts in both and can't commit to just one.
good video.albeit that spreadsheet looks like a pain in the a#$; to maintain, TP does everything you described plus a lot more. I suggest a move sooner rather than later.
Hello Taren. I just noticed you have the GARMIN FORERUNNER 920XT. I just recently noticed that this watch is actually on dicount on Ebay, and I desperately need one for my training. Do you recommend it? What is your experience with it? Also, would you recommend me to get it with the heart rate strap monitor, or should I wait and get it somewhere else? Thanks! :)
Mr Taren whats you workout split of the day? I currently work 6-16:00 and therefore training time if i want to see my family usually happens around 8pm - im thinking waking at 5am - A fasted 30 mins run or Bike Spin, light and in fat burning zone. Is it worth it?
Depends your focus. If you're looking to do nothing but lose weight than light (LIGHT being very important) workouts fasted are helpful. But if you want to get faster and make improvements your body needs fuel and a purposeful workout to do that.
Cheers Taren I have two Olympic events planned for this year one being London 💪🏼 I'll stick to my regular 2 hour workouts on the evening and then look 👀 at those early morning through the winter ready for next years 3x 70.3s..... keep up the excellent work .... I listen to your advice nearly everyday 👍🏻 Birmingham 🇬🇧
I am a Roadie/MTB guy that swims and runs. (No Tri yet) Strava for social, Garmin Connect more to look at the data, Spread sheets to plan my training. TP is too much until I register for a tri. Golden Cheetah is the best if you are a data nerd. On android Indoor Cycling Workout is amazing for controlling you smart trainer an banging out some intervals. Thanks for thr great videos Taren! P.S. Triathalon Taren How about a video on best indoor training apps. From free to pay. I know everyone lives zwift. I use the ICW app, and Seconds Pro when I teach spin.
I personally use the Vivoactive HR and a combination of Strava and Garmin Connect but the functionality of the swimming for them isn't as good as I would like
New to the sport (ie I won't race my first Tri until July), so I'm not in deep with any $$ yet. While I test the sport I am using my cheapo smartphone with Strava for bike/run plus a $100 Timex Ironman Heart Rate Monitor watch, and just plain old counting laps in the pool (sometimes I cheat and use the lane rope like a lap "Abacus"! I know, super high tech!) Should I progress in the sport, which I think I will, I'd spring for a fancy watch (whatever is in vogue at that time), and an equally sexy bike confuser. Not there yet though!
Mason Fraser just keep low tech until you build that engine called your body to a level that would reap the benefits of the tech. Of all the gear that has helped me progress the most my Garmin 920XT is the one I would recommend to get before a new bike.
Love my 910xt but want an upgrade to 920xt. I'm on training peaks now but used my own Google Sheets setup for years. Love training peaks. Less fussing for me, which means more time training 😃
My wahoo elemnt bolt for cycling (still saving up for a tri watch). As for analysis, I use strava just for fun and the free version of TrainingPeaks for analytics. I really like to see all the details of my workouts
Strava premium isn't half bad.. They have a nice Fitness & Freshness score similar to some of the data points in TP. Yes TP is still the data king but I've used Strava premium for 2 years now and it captures all my activities Swim, Bike, Run and even strength.
I use the 735XT (also great as everyday smartwatch/hr tracker) and a edge 500 on the bike, with strava (and StravistiX chrome extension, which is awesome btw) and garmin connect just for uploading the watch activities.
Triathlon Taren the 735 uses GPS altimeter. The new 935 is a Fenix 5 in a cheaper housing. Going to pick mine up soon (just being released in Canada this week). Can't wait! I'd recommend waiting to get the 935 instead of the 735
1:35 You don't know anyone that uses paid version? really? next time you're in Strava, look at the orange icon next to the names of your Strava friends, you may be surprised.
I use strava but I also like the Samsung health app for non apple users. for running and cycling it updates you every mile on current and average speed and such. I find it a little more accurate than strava
I have an Apple watch Series 2. Not the best workout watch but still holds it's own. I have that because it's looks very nice and i can use it 24/7 at work, socials, working out, swimming... It's awkward to use during a triathlon race though. That's the only time i don't wear it. For apps i use Strava for runs and bike rides and i use Swim.com for swimming. Both free apps.
I use My Fitness Pal, Garmin Connect, Map My Run. For other stuff I use StrongLifts 5X5 (strength training), Convict Conditioning (calisthenics) apple Health App, and my gyms app I use Garmin Vivoactive HR right now looking to upgrade soon it works but there are definitely limitations
PouringRain it may just be my watch but in general it's way off when it comes to laps and distance in the pool it often says I've gone much further than I actually have.
Oh yeah, the swimming in the pool is off a lot of the time. I really wish it had an open water function I dont know why it doesn't. Im going for my first outdoor swim today.
Long string of comment coming about apps :) I don't have a Garmin qso I don't use Garmin connect, I do have a Tomtom though, so I use mysports to upload my workouts. The tomtom is good bang for the buck but it doesn't support open water swim, and you can't switch to the next triathlon discipline right away but it's easy to start another workout so good enough for me.
I'm surprised you don't use golden cheetah to analyze your power data considering you don't use training peaks either. That app is the gold when it comes to cycling workouts, seriously, plus it's open source and runs on any platform (including Linux ofc)
As far as Strava is concerned, I used to be on Endomondo, they have training plans for running, but they aren't ideal since they don't take into account cross training, and it's really lacking the features that Strava has, and since under Armour bought them, nothing has really been added in terms of features, sadly. Runkeeper is another option but then again, not really convinced, Strava's got the edge. They have changed their privacy policy so I'm on it now :)
Then, as a cheaper alternative to training peaks you have sporttracks.mobi. It has a health panel which is neat to see how fit you are, how fatigued you are, and as a result how you can expect to perform as your training goes. I've had great success with it for my first marathon, not so much with my first half ironman. Somehow I feel it was a bit optimistic with my recovery from the marathon. But from a training plan point of view it's great IMO
A few apps I'd like to showcase are: Chronosports on Android. That one allows you to program quite complex interval workouts, since my tomtom is pretty basic in that regard, I sometimes use it for running intervals. Trainer road is its cycling counterpart but it's geared towards turbo trainers. Considering you live in a harsh region in winter, zwift might be a good app to simulate riding outside while you're on your turbo trainer. Haven't used it myself but the guys at global cycling network are all over it. Finally, I like the myswimpro app which provides you swim workouts
So I worked the overnight shift at the hospital, got slammed all night with trauma after trauma, and several cardiac arrests. It was a night from hell. Came home mentally and physically drained. Had no desire to complete my 40 minute run. None. But then I remembered that you mind gives up before your body. So at 4pm, my wife said she wanted to go to the store about 3 miles away. I ran. She drove 20 minutes later. I met her there. Workout completed. I'm sore. I'm tired. But I did it.
I must say I look forward to your videos. They motivate me and make me laugh and smile. keep up the good work.
Instagram. I don't even have an account. Perhaps it's time to do that.
So, after almost 3 months of struggling, I lost 10 pounds in the last 5 days. Interesting eh. I stopped eating ALL forms of junk food including junk fruit.. lol. I'll be reincorporating slightly more starchy veggies and lower GI fruit the week after next and testing it with my body. After that, if all passes just fine, I'll add in some higher carb fruit. That's it. Not going past that.
The weight loss was a major motivation boost. The dream of doing a Triathlon in the next couple of years keeps me on track. Triathlon Taren keeps me *learning* and boosts motivation. For the first time in 15 years, I feel like I'm on a sustainable course.
Edit: I wanted to mention, I'm only a couple pounds from breaking down into the 200s again for the first time in a few years. I should be below 300 by next week.
I literally just got out of the ocean where I was training and am instantly watching triathlon taren. My family thinks it is all I do.
I support that 100%!
Hi from France.
Just got home from a 70.3 swim test at the pool. I'm exhausted but I got my dayly shot of Taren. Ready to grill in the backyard. It's gonna be a nice evening.
And many thanks for reminding me of my Strava account. By the way, I also use a lot of Garmin gizmos; Edge1000 on the bike, Fenix3 on land (had to invest in a Garmin Swim for the pool coz the Fenix doesn't like chlorine at all).
Just used the 735xt on my first Sprint Triathlon today. Finished 77th out of 150. But at least i finished! 735 worked great.
What apps do you guys use for a brick workout? For example BikeRunBikeRunBikeRun workout
TrainingPeaks is pretty decent, but I wish they'd bring the wk04 analytics into the site rather than needing a separate executable. BestBikeSplit's also great, get it setup right & you can practice/predict your time on loads of courses.
Forerunner 920xt. Once you get over the blockiness of it and embrace just being a triathlon nerd, it becomes one with you.
How do you feel about MapMyFitness/ MapMyRun for Triathlon training?
Taren, my wife and I have been watching your videos for awhile now. Our first triathlon is next Wednesday. Do you have any tips on how early to get to the race? Maybe you can share your previous race routine? Thanks!
training peaks and strava are my go too because I use TSS to judge how hard my workouts are
What's TSS.??
I have a Garmin Fenix 3hr. Tracks all of my triathlon activities, but also tracks my downhill skiing, mountain biking, occasional golf game, and works as a smart watch. Huge fan. I sync it to TrainingPeaks, where I spent about 100,000 hours (sic) building my last 6 months of training plans, as well as Strava and Mapmyride because I have contacts in both and can't commit to just one.
Very informative and motivational..love this guy.
TrainingPeaks isn’t actually free, after one month of planning it wants you to “upgrade” by paying to keep on using it...
Triathlon Taren - So if you want to track kicking on your 920, use the drill mode, and tell it how far you went at the end of the 'drill.'
good video.albeit that spreadsheet looks like a pain in the a#$; to maintain, TP does everything you described plus a lot more. I suggest a move sooner rather than later.
Come on down to Boulder! You might not want to leave here, though.
Is there a solution to the lack of text formatting for the training plans in Training Peaks? It's just a big clump of text that isn't very readable.
Hello Taren.
I just noticed you have the GARMIN FORERUNNER 920XT.
I just recently noticed that this watch is actually on dicount on Ebay, and I desperately need one for my training.
Do you recommend it? What is your experience with it?
Also, would you recommend me to get it with the heart rate strap monitor, or should I wait and get it somewhere else?
Thanks! :)
i dont bike or anything but why weren't you on the side walk
Mr Taren whats you workout split of the day? I currently work 6-16:00 and therefore training time if i want to see my family usually happens around 8pm - im thinking waking at 5am - A fasted 30 mins run or Bike Spin, light and in fat burning zone. Is it worth it?
Depends your focus. If you're looking to do nothing but lose weight than light (LIGHT being very important) workouts fasted are helpful. But if you want to get faster and make improvements your body needs fuel and a purposeful workout to do that.
Cheers Taren I have two Olympic events planned for this year one being London 💪🏼 I'll stick to my regular 2 hour workouts on the evening and then look 👀 at those early morning through the winter ready for next years 3x 70.3s..... keep up the excellent work .... I listen to your advice nearly everyday 👍🏻 Birmingham 🇬🇧
I am a Roadie/MTB guy that swims and runs. (No Tri yet) Strava for social, Garmin Connect more to look at the data, Spread sheets to plan my training. TP is too much until I register for a tri. Golden Cheetah is the best if you are a data nerd. On android Indoor Cycling Workout is amazing for controlling you smart trainer an banging out some intervals.
Thanks for thr great videos Taren!
P.S. Triathalon Taren How about a video on best indoor training apps. From free to pay. I know everyone lives zwift. I use the ICW app, and Seconds Pro when I teach spin.
how are u guy doing the swim. Are u have a boat follow you guys or a canoe?
I personally use the Vivoactive HR and a combination of Strava and Garmin Connect but the functionality of the swimming for them isn't as good as I would like
Training Peaks is the leader for a reason....
New to the sport (ie I won't race my first Tri until July), so I'm not in deep with any $$ yet. While I test the sport I am using my cheapo smartphone with Strava for bike/run plus a $100 Timex Ironman Heart Rate Monitor watch, and just plain old counting laps in the pool (sometimes I cheat and use the lane rope like a lap "Abacus"! I know, super high tech!)
Should I progress in the sport, which I think I will, I'd spring for a fancy watch (whatever is in vogue at that time), and an equally sexy bike confuser. Not there yet though!
Mason Fraser just keep low tech until you build that engine called your body to a level that would reap the benefits of the tech. Of all the gear that has helped me progress the most my Garmin 920XT is the one I would recommend to get before a new bike.
Do you anticipate taking some time off after the swim? You've been going hard at it the last few months. Decompression is real?
Love my 910xt but want an upgrade to 920xt. I'm on training peaks now but used my own Google Sheets setup for years. Love training peaks. Less fussing for me, which means more time training 😃
Love my Garmin 735xt. Garmin Connect works great but use TP as well.
My wahoo elemnt bolt for cycling (still saving up for a tri watch). As for analysis, I use strava just for fun and the free version of TrainingPeaks for analytics. I really like to see all the details of my workouts
I use Garmin Fenix 3 after breaking 3 Fenix 2. I used addaero, along with training peaks, mapmywhatever, myfitnespal and strava. enjoy taper time
How are you going to film the marathon swim? Really hope we get to come along for the journey after all this buildup :)
No Triathlon Kim will be shooting and live Instagraming it
Looking forward to it! Maybe an extra long episode? ;)
Would you go back to a short course tri?
Sure, just to throw in local races that don't need a tonne of preparation here and there.
Strava premium isn't half bad.. They have a nice Fitness & Freshness score similar to some of the data points in TP. Yes TP is still the data king but I've used Strava premium for 2 years now and it captures all my activities Swim, Bike, Run and even strength.
Which Garmin you got Taren?
Garmin 920xt
I use the 735XT (also great as everyday smartwatch/hr tracker) and a edge 500 on the bike, with strava (and StravistiX chrome extension, which is awesome btw) and garmin connect just for uploading the watch activities.
Deadly lineup! I'm trying to see if I can get into doing more tech reviews on watches and computers. I like the 735!
Triathlon Taren the 735 uses GPS altimeter. The new 935 is a Fenix 5 in a cheaper housing. Going to pick mine up soon (just being released in Canada this week). Can't wait! I'd recommend waiting to get the 935 instead of the 735
I've just added the term "cat's pajamas" to my daily vocab.
That phrase is the bees knees
I use Suunto Ambit3 and wahoo bolt for cycling.
1:35 You don't know anyone that uses paid version? really? next time you're in Strava, look at the orange icon next to the names of your Strava friends, you may be surprised.
I use strava but I also like the Samsung health app for non apple users. for running and cycling it updates you every mile on current and average speed and such. I find it a little more accurate than strava
I have an Apple watch Series 2. Not the best workout watch but still holds it's own. I have that because it's looks very nice and i can use it 24/7 at work, socials, working out, swimming... It's awkward to use during a triathlon race though. That's the only time i don't wear it.
For apps i use Strava for runs and bike rides and i use Swim.com for swimming. Both free apps.
Fenix3 is the best watch so far! hahaha I guess the Fenix5 is better and I hope to get it soon.
I've got my eye on the Fenix5s
Garmin forerunner 920xt, strava and TrainingPeaks
I use My Fitness Pal, Garmin Connect, Map My Run. For other stuff I use StrongLifts 5X5 (strength training), Convict Conditioning (calisthenics) apple Health App, and my gyms app
I use Garmin Vivoactive HR right now looking to upgrade soon it works but there are definitely limitations
I like the sounds of Convict Conditioning!
I have the same watch, but I don't see as many limitations, probably because im still a beginner. What limitations are you talking about exactly?
PouringRain it may just be my watch but in general it's way off when it comes to laps and distance in the pool it often says I've gone much further than I actually have.
Also doesn't do well in open water
Oh yeah, the swimming in the pool is off a lot of the time. I really wish it had an open water function I dont know why it doesn't. Im going for my first outdoor swim today.
Long string of comment coming about apps :) I don't have a Garmin qso I don't use Garmin connect, I do have a Tomtom though, so I use mysports to upload my workouts. The tomtom is good bang for the buck but it doesn't support open water swim, and you can't switch to the next triathlon discipline right away but it's easy to start another workout so good enough for me.
I'm surprised you don't use golden cheetah to analyze your power data considering you don't use training peaks either. That app is the gold when it comes to cycling workouts, seriously, plus it's open source and runs on any platform (including Linux ofc)
As far as Strava is concerned, I used to be on Endomondo, they have training plans for running, but they aren't ideal since they don't take into account cross training, and it's really lacking the features that Strava has, and since under Armour bought them, nothing has really been added in terms of features, sadly. Runkeeper is another option but then again, not really convinced, Strava's got the edge. They have changed their privacy policy so I'm on it now :)
Then, as a cheaper alternative to training peaks you have sporttracks.mobi. It has a health panel which is neat to see how fit you are, how fatigued you are, and as a result how you can expect to perform as your training goes. I've had great success with it for my first marathon, not so much with my first half ironman. Somehow I feel it was a bit optimistic with my recovery from the marathon. But from a training plan point of view it's great IMO
A few apps I'd like to showcase are: Chronosports on Android. That one allows you to program quite complex interval workouts, since my tomtom is pretty basic in that regard, I sometimes use it for running intervals. Trainer road is its cycling counterpart but it's geared towards turbo trainers. Considering you live in a harsh region in winter, zwift might be a good app to simulate riding outside while you're on your turbo trainer. Haven't used it myself but the guys at global cycling network are all over it. Finally, I like the myswimpro app which provides you swim workouts
it does track openwater swims. you have to set it to freestyle.
garmin 910xt and strava