I’m not new to triathlon training, nor am I a competitive athlete.  I do triathlons because it keeps me working out.  Having just returned from CES (the Consumer Electronics Show), I was inspired by the number of health gadgets that were displayed there. Then I put it together… How could these gadgets help me train better, lose weight, and improve my time?

If technology isn’t confusing enough, trying to navigate my way through all of the health, weight-loss and training advice really makes my head spin. There are so many training apps, running apps, biking apps, coaching apps. There are heart rate monitors and scales and calorie counting apps, and body monitoring.  When I collect all of this data, how do I evaluate it to help me train better?

I was talking about all of the new technology with some of my tri-training friends. They were lamenting how they have expensive GPS watches/heart rate monitors but can barely set the time.  Yes, it’s time to simplify fitness tech.

Over the next several months I will try out fitness and health technology, explain how to use it and how to get the most out of it.  Along the way, I’ll also talk about what it’s like for an average gal to train for an Olympic-length triathlon–How I stay motivated, my triumphs and my challenges.

I am not planning on buying a new bike this year–you know, one that weighs a couple of ounces less than the one I have now.  That’s because I can lighten up my load…by losing weight!  It would be much easier to complete the triathlon if I lose about 25 lbs (plus my old tri clothes will fit)! There is a lot of technology available now to help track weight loss.  I will be using and explaining about weight loss gadgets as well.

My hope is to learn and show you how to use the technology that is available, to demystify, and explain the process.  I will interview health professionals, trainers as well as technology partners. And, in the end, I hope to improve my time and complete at least one Olympic triathlon this summer!