TrainingPeaks: Sharing Your Plan with Coaches and Others

How Do I Share My TrainingPeaks Plan?

TrainingPeaks primarily facilitates plan sharing through its integrated Coach Connect feature, allowing athletes to grant their coaches direct access to their training data and schedule. For sharing with others or for specific data points, exporting workout files or reports is also an option.

The Rationale Behind Sharing Your Training Plan

In the pursuit of optimized athletic performance, collaboration and informed analysis are paramount. Sharing your TrainingPeaks plan extends beyond mere convenience; it is a strategic move that enhances accountability, facilitates expert guidance, and allows for a more dynamic and responsive training process. Whether you're working with a certified coach, collaborating with training partners, or providing data to allied health professionals, the ability to share your plan ensures everyone is aligned with your objectives and progress.

Understanding TrainingPeaks' Core Sharing Mechanisms

TrainingPeaks, a leading platform for endurance athletes and coaches, offers distinct methods for sharing training information, each serving a specific purpose:

• Coach Connect: This is the primary, integrated mechanism designed for athletes to connect directly with their coaches. It provides real-time, dynamic access to an athlete's calendar, past workouts, and future training plans, enabling coaches to monitor progress, provide feedback, and make adjustments.
• Data Export: For situations requiring specific data points or individual workout files, TrainingPeaks allows users to export data in various formats. This method is suitable for sharing with non-coaching personnel or for archival purposes, though it offers a static snapshot rather than a dynamic connection.

Detailed Guide: Connecting with a Coach via TrainingPeaks Coach Connect

The most common and effective way to share your TrainingPeaks plan is by connecting with a coach through the platform's dedicated Coach Connect feature. This establishes a professional relationship within TrainingPeaks, granting your coach the necessary access to manage your training.

• Step 1: Access Your Account Settings

  • Log in to your TrainingPeaks athlete account via a web browser (desktop version is recommended for full functionality).
  • Click on your profile icon or name, typically located in the top right corner of the dashboard.
  • From the dropdown menu, select "Settings" or "Account Settings."

• Step 2: Navigate to the "Coaches" or "Connections" Section

  • Within your settings, look for a tab or section labeled "Coaches," "Coach," or "Connections." This is where you manage your coaching relationships.

• Step 3: Initiate a Coach Connection

  • You will typically see an option to "Add a Coach" or "Connect with a Coach."
  • Enter your coach's email address. It is crucial that this is the email address your coach uses for their TrainingPeaks coach account. Alternatively, your coach might provide you with a unique "Coach Code" to enter.
  • Click "Send Invitation" or "Connect."

• Step 4: Understand and Grant Permissions

  • When you invite a coach, you are granting them a specific level of access to your data. This typically includes:
    • Viewing your completed workouts and associated metrics (heart rate, power, pace, etc.).
    • Viewing your planned workouts.
    • Uploading workouts on your behalf.
    • Adjusting your future training plan.
    • Accessing your performance management chart (PMC) and other analytical tools.
  • Familiarize yourself with the scope of access you are providing.

• Step 5: Coach Acceptance and Confirmation

  • Once you send the invitation, your coach will receive a notification within their TrainingPeaks coach account.
  • They must accept your invitation to finalize the connection.
  • Upon acceptance, your coach will gain immediate access to your TrainingPeaks calendar and data, and you will see their name listed under your "Coaches" section.

Sharing Specific Workouts or Data with Others (Non-Coach Connections)

While Coach Connect is ideal for ongoing coaching, you might need to share individual workouts or specific data reports with others, such as a physical therapist, a training partner for a one-off session, or for personal record keeping.

• Exporting Individual Workouts:

  • Navigate to the specific workout on your calendar that you wish to share.
  • Click on the workout to open its detailed view.
  • Look for an "Export" option, often represented by an icon or found within a dropdown menu (e.g., under "Actions").
  • You can typically choose from various file formats, such as:
    • .fit: A common file format for GPS devices and fitness platforms.
    • .gpx: Global Positioning System Exchange Format, useful for route data.
    • .csv: Comma Separated Values, a spreadsheet format for raw data.
    • .pdf: For a printable summary report of the workout.
  • Save the file to your computer and then share it via email or another preferred method.

• Exporting Data Reports:

  • TrainingPeaks allows you to generate various reports (e.g., Performance Management Chart, Peaks Report).
  • Go to the "Reports" section of your TrainingPeaks account.
  • Select the desired report and the date range.
  • Look for an "Export" or "Print" option, which often allows you to download the report data or a PDF version.

Important Note: Exporting provides a static snapshot of the data at the time of export. It does not establish a dynamic connection, meaning any updates to your plan or new workout uploads will not automatically be reflected in the exported file.

Important Considerations for Data Privacy and Security

Sharing your training data, which often includes sensitive physiological and performance metrics, requires careful consideration of privacy and security.

• Data Sensitivity: Your TrainingPeaks data can reveal significant insights into your physical capabilities, health status, and even personal habits. Be mindful of who you share this information with.
• Scope of Access: Always understand what level of access you are granting. For coaches, this is typically comprehensive to allow for effective guidance. For others, consider if an exported file with specific data is sufficient rather than a full connection.
• Communication: Before initiating any sharing, especially with a new coach, have a clear discussion about expectations, communication protocols, and how your data will be used.
• Revoking Access: If you discontinue working with a coach, remember to revoke their access to your TrainingPeaks account. This can typically be done from the same "Coaches" or "Connections" section in your settings where you initially added them.

Maximizing the Shared Training Experience

Once your TrainingPeaks plan is shared, maximizing the benefits relies on ongoing engagement and clear communication:

• Regular and Timely Data Uploads: Ensure your workout data from your GPS device, smart trainer, or other sensors is uploaded to TrainingPeaks promptly. Your coach relies on this data for accurate analysis and plan adjustments.
• Consistent Communication: Provide qualitative feedback on your workouts (how you felt, perceived exertion, any issues) in the workout comments section. This complements the quantitative data and provides your coach with a holistic view.
• Proactive Engagement: Don't hesitate to ask questions, provide updates on your life stressors, or discuss upcoming events that might impact your training. A shared plan is a living document, and your input is invaluable.

Conclusion

Sharing your TrainingPeaks plan is a straightforward process that unlocks significant benefits for your training journey. By leveraging the Coach Connect feature, you empower your coach with the tools needed to guide you effectively, while understanding the options for data export provides flexibility for other sharing needs. Always prioritize data privacy and maintain open communication to foster a productive and successful training relationship.