When I started running, I was using the Nike+ app that was pre-installed on the iPhone 4 with the Nike+ pod in my shoe. That gave way to a GPS based app (Adidas MiCoach) which uploaded to their website, and also had several training plans to follow. My search for a training plan for the marathon I did earlier this year led me to Hal Higdon's Marathon App and Training Peaks. I used Training Peaks in conjunction with CycleTracker and RunTracker when I started multisport training, but wasn't a fan of either of those apps. I ended up going back to using MiCoach for my run training and either Strava, CycleTracker, or just my Cateye for cycling. I continued to chronicle my workouts manually on Training Peaks, but that's a pain in the butt.
A couple weeks ago though, I saw that Garmin had reduced their price on the Forerunner 310XT. I'd already set up my Tri-bike with a Garmin Speed/Cadence sensor and picked up their heart rate monitor to use with TrainerRoad for indoor cycling, so I didn't need any other accessories to make use of the advanced functionality of the 310. I ordered one from Amazon and used it for the first time at the Big Easy Sprint Triathlon. I love the accuracy of the device, the effortless uploads to Garmin Connect, and the multisport functionality. I like the device so much that I ordered another Speed/Cadence sensor for the Sexy Italian Bitch© and a footpod for my shoes to track indoor running as well. There's also a social aspect to Garmin Connect so I can follow friends and be completely discouraged by their effortless 20+ mile runs at a 7:30 pace.
Also for running, I ordered a Lifeproof Armband for my iPhone (which lives in one of their cases). I like to run with music, and it seems kind of dumb to go out for a long run with no connectivity in case something bad happens. Plus every once in a while, I'll see something photo worthy on a run and try to grab a snapshot. Unfortunately, it's usually wildlife and it's gone by the time I actually take the picture. I'm also trying some new running shoes, Nike Pegasus 29. I'd run about 1200 miles in Nike Moto+8s, but they were discontinued. I tried several other shoes, and didn't find any I liked nearly as much, but these were recommended by a guy at the Nike Outlet in Foley, AL. We'll see...
Lastly, in an attempt to fix my awful swimming, I grabbed a copy of Swim Smooth for my Kindle (and read it), as well as some stuff from Finis (fins, paddles, pull bouy). If my swim goes from awful to mediocre, I'll consider it a success. I'm not trying to be Michael Phelps. I just need to finish the swim leg of a triathlon and not feel like I'm gonna vomit on the first 3 miles of the bike leg.
There's nothing quite as motivating as a bunch of new toys to kickstart your training. Next week I'll start my training plan for the Dopey Challenge. It'll be a fun 6 months.
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