I have used the forerunner to Training Peaks, WKO, and Training Peaks as a data manager, a personal data tracker, a coached athlete’s platform and a coach platform since it’s inception in the late 90’s. (WKO3 was my first “platform” and I started using it in the early to mid 90’s) I’ve found both (WKO which is now at Version 5) both to be reliable, informative and extremely helpful in managing my own data, analyzing my performance, working with multiple coaches who I pay for plans and help as well as using the platform as a coach working with other athletes looking to stay healthy and improve their cycling performance. I do pay as an athlete and as a coach to use the platform. I feel like I have and do get my monies worth of support.
Training Peaks company regularly work to improve the product. They have implemented numerous low-level improvements as well as high level products, one product, Indie Velo, a virtual training platform similar to Zwift, renamed as Training Peaks Virtual. Overall, the TPs product not being perfect, there can be some off line issues occasionally and occasional development bugs but those seem to be rare and usually are fixed in a timely way.
Training Peaks Virtual is a great addition, offering services for those doing training inside during inclement weather or times when a controlled training session is preferable.
So enough with the sales pitch, let’s talk about the platform and some info you may want to know if you decide to follow the Training Peaks Path. Be aware that there are other platforms available to use. Take your time when making a choice and find the one that will fit you best.
Training Peaks Set Up and Account Management aids.
I will try to be as accurate as possible and some of what I talk about addresses questions I see and hear friends and co athletes pose when trying to use TPs.
To establish a Training Peaks Account
Key steps: Go to the website: Navigate to TrainingPeaks.com.
Click “Create Account”: Select the option to create a new account.
Enter details: Provide your name, email address, and choose your primary sport.
Connect devices (optional): Link your fitness tracker, bike computer, or other compatible devices to automatically upload workout data. (This can be done later as you start to use the product as well)
Training Peaks can be used from a smart phone, a tablet or a computer/laptop/desktop. The versions look and feel slightly different depending on which kind of a device you use. More detailed analysis and functionality are available on a computer/desk top, lap top, Mac or Windows.
If you already have a Training Peaks Account and would like to change from Basic, Premium or Premium with a paid Coach, you need to access your account through a computer, not a phone or tablet. If you desire, you can also cancel your account but if you cancel, all your saved data in TPs will be lost so make sure you have a backup of that future helpful data.
If you already have a Training Peaks Account and would like to change from Basic, Premium or Premium with a paid Coach, access your account through a computer, not a phone or tablet. If you desire, you can also cancel your account but if you cancel remember all data will be lost.
On a computer or laptop/desktop, not a tablet or phone: Open the Training Peaks Platform. Log in to your account. Look at the top right of your screen for your name. Highlight/click on your name. You will see a list of items that opens. Pick what you would like to do and proceed.
Your options are: Settings: Subscription Management: What’s New: Help: Feedback
To Cancel a subscription. Select “Manage Subscription” Click on the “Manage Subscription” link. A window will open which shows your payment info and payment method and a button that says “Cancel Subscription”. WARNING, all data saved, possibly years of data, will be deleted and lost forever unless you have made a backup copy. Click on the Cancel Subscription to stop your current subscription and billing.
Here is a quick review of the THREE Versions of Training Peaks available that I found from the Training Peaks website.
Basic Free Account
What is Included: Upload Workouts from over 100 Fitness Devices and Apps. Map Your Workouts. Detailed Workout Summary. Set Goals and Add Events. Daily Workout Reminders. Compatible With Thousands of Training Plans. Work With A Coach. **NEW** Mobile Strength Workout Logging Experience
Premium $124.99/year (US dollars)
What is Included. Upload Workouts from over 100 Fitness Devices and Apps. Map Your Workouts. Detailed Workout Summary. Set Goals and Add Events. Daily Workout Reminders. Compatible With Thousands of Training Plans. Work With A Coach. **NEW** Mobile Strength Workout Logging Experience. **NEW** Ability to Customize, Plan and Save New Strength Workouts. Track Your Fitness Improvement. Add Notes, Reminders and Updates. Drag-and-Drop Workout Builder. Track Your Peak Performances. Plan Future Workouts. Heart Rate, Pace, and Power Charts. Weekly Fitness Summary. Create Multiple Workout Libraries. Edit Your Completed Workouts. Search and Filter Workouts. Training Peaks Virtual membership/use.
Premium with a Paid Coach $189/month (US dollars)
All the above Premium included items plus you are paying for a personal coach to create daily/weekly/monthly/yearly training plans based on your specific goals. You will build a relationship with that specific coach that can last for several years.
Next post soon, What’s with all the numbers!