Best/Favorite PC Training Logs

Triathlon Forum
1

I searched for a thread along this tpoic line in order to avoid repetitive and cyclical beginner questions, and I did not find one … so, here goes …

What is the best/favorite PC training log? I currently use an online log, but want to have one on my PC where the information can be backed up and manipulated in ways that I want.

I’m looking for something basic that can show weekly, monthy, yearly training totals, plan a training year, tracks distance, time, HR, etc.

I train with a HRM, but do not have one that uploads info into its own software. (perhaps, purchasing a beter HRM is the answer)

I was looking at Pigg’s Bundle since Human Kinetics has it on sale for ~$30 … but, I found a thread here that trashed it.

I have downloaded trial versions of the training diary, racing buddy, PPP, (and trainingbible.com) etc and figured I would try them for 30 days and then “activate” one as a Christmas gift.

I was hoping to get some input from more advanced athletes as to which one is the most functional, in order to save me time & money.

If there is a link (reviews) that expresses your opinions, and it would save you time just to post the link, please do so.

Again, your input and time is appreciated.

2

Enjoy

http://http://cruciblefitness.com/library/spreadsheet/index.asp
.

3

Check out Gordo’s site, it is one you can download and use in excell so you do not need internet…Great!! Has everything from a log to charts and keeps track of your Race results as well!

http://www.byrn.org/gtips/gtips.htm

it is under Season logs.

Trevor

4

I use crosstrak… at www.crosstrak.com … free offsight backup and is a stand alone software (not spreadsheet dependent). They use to offer a freeware version (very basic) - check the sight to see if it’s available. If you want (or can’t find) a copy of the freeware version, I think I have one I can send.

FWIW Joe Moya

5

Joe, I did not see any freeware at crosstrack.com. Can you send me that freeware? I appreciate it. ryanbemont@mchsi.com

6

… I found the freeware version but it’s not compressed… the file size is 5.01 Megs… that’s REALLY big. If your ISP doesn’t allow more than 5 megs of space for e-mail or you don’t have a fast download it will take hours to download. I’m not sure it can be compressed since it required a password to open. Besides, since my hard drive crashed about 2 months ago, I don’t have winzip anymore… If you have any suggestions as to how I can try to compress the file, let me know and I’ll try to e-mail you a compressed file.

Joe Moya

7

I have cable high-speed internet, but I don’t know how to compress the file.

If it’s not a simple esy process, then don’t worry about it. I don’t want to put anybody out for this. There are plenty of logs I can use, without causing someone a headache.

Thanks for the offer.

8

Say triplethreat, I have an idea on how to send you the file… really easy. E-mail me and I’ll give the details.

Joe Moya

9

I don’t have winzip anymore…
you can get an evaluation version from the winzip web site…

10

I use (2 years now) the trainingdiary from our Danish friends and the only complain I have is that it doesn’t allow me to connect/download my polar HRM directly. All the rest is just great and easy to setup yourself in order to fullfill your needs.

11

I’ve tried a few,
started with PCCoach lite (came with Polar S410 HRM)
very simple and easy to use direct triathlon results input upon download from HRM
downfall is the reports and charts, not very good.
There is also PCcoach elite which is a bigger program more bells & whistles (never tried it though)
but the reports & charts still appear as per the lite version. They do have additional training plans
for running, cycling & triathlons etc.

also I have got Polar Precision Performance.

Iv’e tried CrossTrak
Not to bad, just not what I was looking for.

The Training Diary
pretty good but their charts are limited (they don’t even have a pace chart)
Both compatable with Polar HRM’s

MySport Training diary (they also have a palmPC version.)
can import exist polar HRM files or direct download from polar S series HRM’s
Triathlon results are not really catered for although you can add the data into the intervals section.
Diary is good although the charts are limited (if they had some custom charts it would be great)

ZeroPace Training Diary
has some good diary features configurable charts & log reports, can export log to html, word formats, excell
save chart as bitmap or metafile.
can import Polar HRM file & Power Tap systems.
Has provision for entering triathlon race results (times and distances)
Picture library.

As for my prefered diary a close call between ZeroPace and MySportTraining.
ZeroPace the thumbs up, a little more flexible and has more potential improvements in the pipeline.
(although you need another program for direct download from polar HRM to create an HRM file. )
So I use both MyTraining Diary and ZeroPace.