Published June 13, 2014 06:00PM
7 Apps For Triathletes
Get the latest training tools at your fingertips with these apps for the swim/bike/run.
Triathlon? There’s an app for that.
It seems like you can do anything on your smartphone these days: book a flight, make dinner reservations, settle arguments over who played James Bond. Triathlon? Turns out there’s an app for that, too. Get the latest training tools at your fingertips with these apps for the swim/bike/run.
Give your friends and family peace of mind every time you head out for a training session–the RoadID app (free, Apple only) allows them to track you in real time during your rides and runs. An optional “Stationary Alert” also sends your emergency contacts a text message if you stop moving for more than five minutes. The app also makes it easier for first responders to treat you: Your name, medical information and emergency contact numbers display on your phone’s lock screen.
Spend less time searching for a pool with SwimRadar ($2.99, Apple only). It not only tells you the closest pools, it gives you the lowdown on meters vs. yards, indoor vs. outdoor, and detailed directions from your work site or hotel.
A Masters class in your smartphone? Yes! GoSwim (free, Apple and Android) gives swimmers high-quality photos and videos to help swimmers fine-tune their stroke. The Drill Playlist—videos of more than 50 drills, organized by stroke—is a fun way to change up your routine.
BikeDoctor ($4.99, Apple and Android) is a mobile mechanic, helping you identify and resolve bike breakdowns through graphics, step-by-step instructions and video. The next time a squeak, rattle or click leaves you befuddled—or stranded—you’ll have a mechanic in your jersey pocket.
Whether you’re striving for 180 steps per minute or 90 RPM, Metronome Beats (free, Android only), can help you hit your ideal cadence. Input your desired beats per minute and go—your phone will emit an audible click to keep you on tempo.
Data-centric for the overly analytical but simple enough for no-frills athletes, the TrainingPeaks mobile app (free, Apple and Android) syncs with your online training calendar so you can log and analyze your workouts anywhere.
If you’re serious about achieving race weight, download MyFitnessPal (free, Apple and Android). Its easy-to-use interface allows you to track calories and macronutrients to optimize your nutrition. The comprehensive food database makes it easy to input your daily eats, and the calorie budget automatically adjusts based on that day’s exercise.