Best Smart Trainer app/software when you already have a coach

Triathlon Forum
1

I wondered what smart training apps/software, people recommend when you already receive structured sessions from a coach?

2

I like Zwift. Assuming your coach uses training peaks and your coach builds your bike workouts in the training peaks workout builder, you can sync your TP account to your Zwift account. So when you log in to Zwift, you can pull the pre-built workout right into zwift. I like it so you don’t have to build the workout yourself in Zwift.

3

I think if you’re paying for a coach, then the best way to get the value out of it is to be as compliant as possible with the structured workouts he/she gives you - and if that’s the case, then I’d recommend TrainerRoad - you’ll either be able to find the prescribed workout in their catalog (99% chance of this, I think) or you can easily build it in their workout creator. Zwift is great, and I also use it, but if you’re coached, to me that means structure, and if you want structure, you want TR.

I’m not coached, though, so what do I know?

4

Personally I keep it pretty simple, I write the workout on a whiteboard and use my Garmin and Powermeter just using the lap function as you work your way through it. For our coached group workouts we use PerfPro.

5

I think if you’re paying for a coach, then the best way to get the value out of it is to be as compliant as possible with the structured workouts he/she gives you - and if that’s the case, then I’d recommend TrainerRoad - you’ll either be able to find the prescribed workout in their catalog (99% chance of this, I think) or you can easily build it in their workout creator. Zwift is great, and I also use it, but if you’re coached, to me that means structure, and if you want structure, you want TR.

+1

I use a training plan, simply build the workouts in TR. Takes no time at all. Drop them on the TR training calendar on Sunday afternoon and I’m done for the week.

6

If you want free or extremely low cost I would suggest Golden Cheetah (all desktop OS’s) or ICW (android tablet / phone with ANT+ - either native Samsung or OTG cable with USB ANT+). Or as previously mentioned a newer Garmin or Wahoo head unit. You would have to create the sessions in each of these to use ERG mode.

Golden Cheetah
ICW

7

I think if you’re paying for a coach, then the best way to get the value out of it is to be as compliant as possible with the structured workouts he/she gives you - and if that’s the case, then I’d recommend TrainerRoad - you’ll either be able to find the prescribed workout in their catalog (99% chance of this, I think) or you can easily build it in their workout creator. Zwift is great, and I also use it, but if you’re coached, to me that means structure, and if you want structure, you want TR.

I’m not coached, though, so what do I know?

I think you missed the part where the workouts in TP are already created in zwift. It doesn’t get a lot easier than that.

8

I wondered what smart training apps/software, people recommend when you already receive structured sessions from a coach?

If you’re willing to run a PC then PerfPro is a great option. You don’t need a high end computer to run it. One time purchase of the software avoids the subscription fees you’ll pay with Zwift and TR. PerfPro will also directly load your coach’s workout of the day from TP if you’re using that service.

If you need to build the workouts from coach’s email or similar the PerfPro workout editor is top notch. PerfPro also allows mixed mode workouts where you can ride ERG mode and then change to course mode for segments such as high power intervals or threshold holding segments.

9

Thanks for all the input. I will definately checkout some of the recommendations.

Trainer Road looks like it might fit the bill, but will have a look at perfpro and some of the others. I know a few friends use Zwift, and can see how it would be good when the weather negates the weekend joys of the club run.

I use to use Golden Cheater as an analysis tool back when I use an old wired powertap so will check it out again.

10

I’m on the same boat as you. I’ve been a long time trainerroad user but I’m considering switching because uploading your coach workouts it’s a pita:

  1. Go to Training peaks, open workout of the day, download .erg file
  2. Open TrainerRoad WorkOut editor ( cant double click on .erg file and open automatically )
  3. Drag and drop the erg file to a precise place on the Workout editor
  4. Press publish and close that app
  5. Open TrainerRoad, select workouts from the left column, go to Custom, then filter by date ( does not save the filter ), click on latest workout.

With the new calendar feature of TR it would be so convenient to have your TP workout of the day there, I wish they did that!