Training website for shared goals?

[zoom-zoom]

(For a good example of a crazymaking interface, see beginnertriathlete, perhaps the kludgiest training log ever, in spite of its many features -- I just can't get past the kludginess).

I registered here because I knew when it came time to train for a duathlon next Summer that I would want more bike-specific advice. I have an account on BT, but that site is such a navigational mess that I quickly was turned-off.

Plus I don't need a second log. TE + RA seems a pretty good mix of cycling and running info. and support.

[SadieKate]

I cannot recommend RunningAHEAD.com enough. It's free, it's awesome, it has full Garmin integration (I use it for running and cycling logs), and the guy who runs the site is one of the nicest people I have ever "met." I have been on there since it was a relatively small site...but in almost 4 years since I first joined it has really grown. Runner's World licensed their online training log from RA.

I only used the demo login but I did not see:

- Ability to build a training plan based on a dated event (I’ve built a 16 week training plan in Buckeye that overlays my workout log)
- Ability to have a team of users working toward the same event (Buckeye has a team page with links to each user’s log and ability to comment)
- Integration with SportTracks - I ain't entering info twice when SportTracks will sync outbound to Buckeye!
- Email of future planned workouts
- Full Garmin integration - the site states it only integrates with Forerunners (between this and the lack of ability to integrates with Edge means I’d be doing a LOT of double entry. Ain’t happening! )

The training plan and the team features are requirements, otherwise I wouldn’t be looking for a site. Did I just miss these features in runningAHEAD?

[zoom-zoom]

Yeah, there isn't really a way (yet) to do plans in advance, though I know that's something Eric (the site creator) is working on for future updates (I'm a beta tester over there). There are some people who will log "workouts" in advance with a custom workout setting, which will show in their calendar. There are pretty much endless ways to create custom workout types, which is a decent temporary work-around.

I didn't realize the Garmin uploader would only work for Forerunners. Let me check and see if other devices are supported.

Not sure why you would need integration with SportTracks--or do you want a version on your machine, as well as online?

As far as being able to have a specific area for a team of users, anyone can set up a private user group on RA.

[SadieKate]

Thanks for pointing out the groups but, as I said, integration with SportTracks is essential because that's where I log everything already, and a training plan is essential without using workarounds.

So, Buckeye does all of this and Runningahead doesn't. I'm sure it is fine for some users, but not my purpose. Thanks for telling us about it though.

[zoom-zoom]

Cool...I have a blogger friend who uses Buckeye and seems to like it. I never looked at it too much, since I discovered it only a year or two ago.

BTW, re: the Garmin thing, I got this from the head honcho @ RA, in case anyone else is curious about the log:

Theoretically, it works for all Garmin GPS devices, at least according to Garmin's website. The easiest way to get the answer is to have the device connected to the computer and go to this page:

http://www8.garmin.com/products/communicator/test/

If the page says it detected the device, then it is supported. HOWEVER...

the main site may or may not support it. Each Garmin device puts out a slightly different version of the TCX file. Www's importer only handles a subset of them. Beta should be able to read all formats. If the device is detected by Garmin's test page but she's not able to import any workouts via www, then she should wait until I upload the latest changes, which I'm hoping will be in two weeks or so.

I seem to recall that there was at least one person using the Edge without too much trouble. The reason the site specifies the Forerunner is that, well, the site is primarily designed for runners and I don't know of any runners who use the Edge. I use my Forerunner for running and cycling. Works fabulously as a bike computer with the cadence/speed sensor on the back wheel. That little device was money well-spent 2 years ago.

[SadieKate]

Yes, different Garmin devices produce different tcx files, that is why each site or application has to test the various devices.

Forerunners are great unless you want a barometric altimeter to more accurately record elevation gain. I use a Forerunner for anything on my feet and an Edge for cycling. They are nifty little gizmos.

[zoom-zoom]

Hubby and I are going to Vegas for 4 nights right after Christmas (our 13th anniversary is on the 28th). I am REALLY tempted to bring my Forerunner and wear it while we wander around the strip. We're also planning to rent a car for at least one day to drive out to Death Valley and maybe a second day for Red Rock. I'd love to see our random wanderings mapped. Garmin definitely makes some fun toys.