Tag Archives: triathlon

From “Out of Shape” to Triathlon 5th Place

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Testimonial by Fitdigits User Len W.

I was introduced to triathlon by a good friend of mine after learning about my new found love for running. I had been challenged by my brother-in-law to compete in the Super Spartan race in Temecula, CA. At that time I was pretty out of shape after getting married and settling into a new career. With only two month to prepare for a race through an obstacle course with no running experience, I needed help in learning how to run and get into shape fast! That’s when I started searching for apps on my iPhone. I found Fitdigits and after reading about the functions, etc. I decided to download it onto my phone and give it a shot.

After my first few races and a half marathon I realized that I had hit a wall and was no longer progressing. I had just transitioned to Triathlons and wanted to be able to track my running, cycling and swimming. Although the app doesn’t specifically address swimming, I can enter the data and the GPS still tracks me in the water when I place my phone in a waterproof case. What I really liked about Fitdigits was the GPS component and the audible stats letting me know my current pace, average pace and distance traveled. That really helped me improve my overall performance in each discipline significantly and in a very short period of time.

My goal was to improve my overall race performance within a years’ time. I had been consistently finishing in the top 20% of my age group and wanted to finish in the top 10% or better. With the help of Fitdigits, I was able to place 5th in my age group at an Olympic distance triathlon placing me in the top 5%! Needless to say I was very happy with my results.

I started by establishing a baseline for each discipline and then from there, I would track my performance in each discipline against a set training schedule using the baseline stats as my starting point. After each week I was able to see my progress with specific detail provided through app in the history field. I was quickly able to compare my previous results, on a day to day basis or I could compare on weekly bases and make adjustments to my workout routine as necessary.

One thing I especially appreciate is being able to see the duration of my workout, distance traveled, calories burned (huge for me), pace average, CPM avg., and I like to see the Elevation ascent and descent. It really helps me see clearly how I’m actually performing from day to day based on terrain as well. It’s not static. Because the history is easy to see, I can compare how I’m doing really easily. Another huge feature me is how it syncs with my Lose it App. I also track my caloric intake as I’m also adjusting my diet for race day. Another cool feature is the map showing me my route.

I’m having so much fun tracking my progress both on the app but more importantly in real life in my events, that I’ve been recommending the app to several friends at work and in my Tri club. As a result of my training schedule, coupled with the Fitdigits App, I’ve been able to hit my targets and achieve my goals. I’m in better shape today at 49 than I’ve been in in the last 20yrs. I tell my friends that if they want to lose weight, hit a specific fitness goal or improve in their game to get this App!

I Won’t Let My Blindness Limit Me

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Testimonial by Fitdigits User Terry G.

I saw February’s newsletter and read Tim W.’s story, the blind athlete who is shooting for the Paralympics using Fitdigits technology. Well, I would love to add to his story, and increase the number of us who are blind and have found Fitdigits to be a lifesaver to track our fitness performance.

I am a totally blind 25-year-old living in Aurora Colorado. I lost all my sight at age ten due to 22 eye surgeries that filled my eyes with scar tissue, leaving me completely blind. However, ask anybody who knows me, and they will tell you that I don’t let my blindness limit me. Back in 2011 I decided to do my first sprint triathlon…I nearly drowned! I had running and biking experience, but hardly any swimming experience. It took me 41 minutes to do the swim. I had a great time and I got a swim coach in 2012 and I was determined to do better. I not only improved my swim time from 41 minutes to 16 minutes in the same race, but I completed 3 triathlons in 2012, including my first Olympic distance.

However, I am still looking to get better. I got a professional coach at the end of 2012 that was giving me very tailored workouts, mostly dependent on heart rate training, distance, power, etc. I had never monitored any of this data before and was seeking a way to figure out how. Then I found Fitdigits, and it has been the best tool I have ever used to tailor my workouts.

When I want to train on my bike I put my phone into the Fitdigits Connect Bike Case that is mounted on my CompuTrainer bike for my cycling work outs. My bike has a speed and cadence sensor installed, I put on my Heart Rate Monitor and am ready to go. Or I slap in an ANT+ Adapter, put on my foot pod and heart rate monitor, and I am ready for tracking my runs either outside with my guide or on the treadmill.

During my CompuTrainer work outs on the bike, the CompuTrainer software doesn’t communicate my data to me, but Fitdigits does with the amazing and very customizable voice output, which is the selling mark for Fitdigits to the blind. I can know my speed, distance, power, and heart rate. Also, it uploads straight to Training Peaks, alongside my CompuTrainer data, and my coach can clearly see what I am doing. I have used Fitdigits for functional threshold power tests, and heart zone/power workouts, and my cycling has greatly improved.

For the running, I regularly perform long distance runs, and for these I have intervals organized around heart rate zones. Fitdigits helps me stay right where I need to, and either outside or inside, I know what I am doing. I have even used Fitdigits Assessments to determine max heart rate with amazing results.

I have completed 1 half marathon so far in 2013, and have 6 triathlons including the Boulder 70.3 half ironman, a full marathon, and a swim meet where I will be swimming long distance. Fitdigits is helping me to become a better triathlete and is playing a vital part in my ultimate goal; I am going to do my first ironman race in 2014 in Cozumel.

Fitdigits Helped Me Transform My Life

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Last year I made the decision to finally do something about the weight that I’d slowly gained over the last ten years. I’d gone from finishing triathlons to finishing donuts in record time and knew it was time to change.

I started my journey by teaming up with a co-worker to follow a popular diet program our employer sponsored. This took me down about twenty pounds where I determined it was time to really get serious. Another good friend challenged me to compete with him in a small sprint distance triathlon in four months. This was the catalyst that brought me to Fitdigits.

I had purchased a Wahoo Blue HR heart rate monitor to get more from my workouts but was unimpressed with their app and after much research found Fitdigits. Using the customization available with Fitdigits I’ve been able to tailor my workouts and reach a new level of fitness.

Since the beginning of my journey I’ve lost 50 pounds and completed not only the sprint triathlon but also my first half and full marathon! I fit in clothes I haven’t seen in over a decade and feel fantastic. I can now go out on a ride, run or even snowshoe straight up a mountain and not get winded or be holding the group back. I’ve reached a level I thought was years behind me, never to be attained again. The Fitdigits app also has allowed me to not only record and track my progress but to share it as well and challenge others through partner tracking sites like Strava® and RunKeeper®.

My heartfelt thanks goes out to everyone that helps bring this awesome product to users like me and the transformative power it can have on our lives.