I used MarkAllenOnline last year for my ironman but I want to go with something a bit cheaper this year. Money is an issue as is training with a group, I work nights. I have the time, just not the teammates.
Thinking about givng the virtual coach a try since my schedule can also be crazy but I want some opinions before I do it.
How much will trainingpeaks cost
.
if you prepay a year like 120.
What did you think of Mark Allen Online?
Mark Allen was good. The low HR training did not work as great for me as it does others but that is partially my fault. The training volume is huge and I just did not have the time to follow it as closely as I should have. I liked the concepts of his training programs and although it is all online either Mark or Luis is there all the time to help with your problems and questions. It was like hiring any online coach w/o any actual face to face meetings. The price was not bad either, it was $27 / week during your peak program and $17/week during your build-up to the peak program.
Im looking to save a little money this year so I am thinking about something that is built to me and my races, like the virtual coach… but on a generic level.
I have been using virtual coach to coach my cycling team for about five years. It’s an awesome tool but does have a learning curve. It basically applies all of the guidelines in the Triathlete’s training bible. If the level of detail in the Training Bible works for you, then you’ll love trainingpeaks. I’m pretty sure you can sign up and use the tool for a week at no cost.
-Marc
Matt - did you decide on what you’re going to do? I’m just now learning about TP’s Virtual Coach. I assume you’re looking to use the VC to create your training plan and workouts, vs. buying and importing training plans?