As a Triathlete, it is programmed into us that we need to have some form of device to record every step of our journey. Not only to track our training but then to post on social media afterwards.
So I have made a list of some of the better options out there and what you should think about when looking at new watch, swim monitor or bike computer.
#garmin is one of the most overused #tags in the social media world. With everyone taking photos of there training times. Did you know there is #polar #tomtom #suunto #magellan even apple have chimed in on the act.
Somethings to think about when your purchasing a new device:
1) what do you actually need to know. (speed, distance, time, cadence, HR, ASL, AVO, Power, AVR, AGCT, TSS,) If you don't know what some of these are safe to say you don't need to know or don't how they can help you.
2) Third party apps (Strava, garmin connect, training peaks. Polar Flow) Do you track your data? Does your coach track your data? or are you just a then and there type of athlete.
3) Do you train in a squad and all your sessions are in a group environment? With marked our rides or runs and lap pools its not hard to work out how have you have trained.
When It comes to training devices I think that unless you are going to use all the date provided basic is better, For alot of runners all they need/want to know is time/distance maybe speed. So why is it that triathlete prefer to carry a lap top around on their wrist all day instead of a nice little watch. #statementpiece.
hen it comes to bike computers, unless you travel lots, you should know where you are going so to have a navigation system on your bike is overkill unless your blind and need a bigger screen.
Swimming, unless your swim open water often the pool is either 50m long or 25m with a clock and each end. We all did maths in school so you should be able to work out that 10x100m is 1km. most coaches even write up the session with the total at the bottom. (most coaches can't count)
The best devices on the market currently are:
Bike: Garmin 520, Polar V650, Leyzne Super GPS
Run: Garmin Forerunner 25, TOM TOM Spark GPS,
Swim: Garmin Swim, Finis Tempo Trainer
DO IT ALL: Polar V800, Garmin 920XT
Activity Trackers: Polar A360, Garmin Vivo Active.
I dont belive Garmin as a brand has got a great complete range that is available almost anywhere, they do make a lot of devices which can be overwhelming. And I like Polar's sleek and precise range that doesn't add confusion. Any questions leave in the comments below.
(I am not supported by any of the brand listed above and this post is not #sponsored by anyone, just what I think. I personally used a Garmin 920 XT for running and swimming, a Garmin 520 for riding, and a Finis Tempo trainer)