I admit, I am not an experienced tri-athlete, in fact, just the opposite. I’ve been training for my FIRST triathlon for the past several months. In this time, I have found some cool gadgets that are perfect for beginners.
Let’s start with the essentials - a heart rate monitor! I had not exercised in a while and literally did not know the difference between pushing myself and killing myself. The heart rate monitor basically told me when I was working hard, not hard enough, or too hard for too long. I love this! First I tried the Nike Imara monitor because I liked the design and the price tag. Unfortunately, after about a month, the monitor strap connection broke. I then purchased the Polar F6. I chose this one because it came in my favorite color – green! This thing actually displays a weekly summary of all my calories burned – cool stuff!
While the heart rate monitor is for all activities, it helped me the most with running. For cycling, I found two cool things. The first is www.bikely.com. This site allows you to build out a bike route and estimates your mileage. You can also check out other people’s routes or choose to share the ones you’ve created. While I was on my routes, I discovered that having a cyclometer is fundamental. It’s great to know how far I’ve cycled, and when I am getting tired, it’s even better to know how far I have left to go! I found this great review of the Cateye Strada that I use that has all the details about it.
I have only a few days left before my first event and am already planning my second one. I think I finally found a sport that will keep me interested, but will likely always look for fun new gadgets. Perhaps something new for me to listen to “Tango” by Shakira as I swim!
Are you a beginner who has found some great products to share? How about any experienced tri-athletes with words of advice? Look forward to hearing from you!
June 5th, 2008 at 4:31 pm
Jennifer,
I have used both of the gadgets you mention and have to agree with your analysis. I believe that might want to also look into the SwimP3 goggles. This product allows a swimmer to listen to downloaded music by placing a disk onto your upper cheek bones and hearing the music that way instead of through your ears. I’m not gadget savy so I’m unsure of the exact process but I can tell you from experience that these do work as advertized. GOOD LUCK on your first triathlon and I know your family must be proud of your accomplishments.
Happi
June 6th, 2008 at 10:28 am
Jennifer
Good Luck on your first triathlon! What a week- first blog post and first triathlon. Can’t wait to see what is in store for next week.
Sean
June 8th, 2008 at 1:30 pm
Both the Nike Imarah and Polar F6 links go to the Polar F6 web page. Hope the trialthalon went well.
June 10th, 2008 at 8:16 am
ToddS- Thanks for the feedback. I’ve updated the link to the Nike product.
Happi- Thanks for the tip on the SwimP3, it sounds cool. I will have to check it out!
Thank you all for the well wishes. The triathlon was a blast! I can’t wait for the next one!!