How do people upload to TrainingPeaks?

MattAaronson

For the past year, my upload method has been:

a. Upload from my device to Garmin Connect

b. Export as a TCX file from Garmin Connect to a folder on my hard drive (which is backed up in several places)

c. Drag the exported file into the TrainingPeaks "device agent" and upload to TP

One alternative is I guess to use the TP Device Agent to upload directly from the device to TP. Until recently I assumed there was no difference in the data, and it was really just personal preference as to how you want to upload.

However, recently I exported a file from Garmin Connect...it was file from an FR60 watch that I use for bike commuting. I re-imported the file and found that some of the data was slightly different (average speeds, etc, etc). Also, exported Edge 500 files are missing the temperature data, I believe because this is recorded in the FIT file format but cannot exist in a TCX which is what is exported from Garmin Connect.

So I'm thinking of changing my upload routine to go straight from the device to TP via the Device Agent. Does anyone have a viewpoint on this? Also, is there a better way to archive/backup the files onto my hard drive than via an exported TCX?

Thanks, Matt

jritter

 Hey Matt, I upload directly from my joule into wko and/or tp using the device agent. Just my n= 1 experience but I am quite underwhelmed with the device agent. I would say that at least 50% of the time, the device agent will freeze up and then I have to shut down the program and try again. I've uninstalled and reinstalled, updated the device ports, tried to open files directly in the device agent and drag them into various programs... Nothing has helped. I now just live with the fact that it'll take me a few tries to upload my data. This does not happen when I upload files directly from my garmin. I'm actually considering loading directly into power agent and then transferring from there to avoid this. 

Maybe others have had better luck. 

rkling

I download my bike stuff to WKO then transfer that data to TP. For my Garmin, I download straight to TP via Device Agent. Seems to work fine for me.

cdntriguy

 I also upload directly from WKO+ or Device Agent to Training Peaks.  Simple and easy.  I think Garmin Connect is a PITA.

Spokane_Al

@Jenn, on many occasions my Device Agent appears to freeze. However, I usually just leave it alone and in a couple of minutes or so it wakes back up and does its duty. And then there are other times when it works instantaneously. Much of my problems seem to occur when I must switch from uploading Joule data to Garmin 405 data and/or vice versa.

I have found success by practicing patience rather than closing the app down.

Dino Sarti

I use the device agent to upload to TP and then download from TP to WKO. That way TP is another back up and I use it a bit differently as I am still getting the hang of WKO.

coop6

I use the device agent to up load to WKO, then transfer to training peaks. Both programs do something different to the data, so previously if I downloaded directly from device agent into each program, the file would have slightly different mileage and total feet of climbing. It wasn't hugely different, but if I transfer from WKO, it stays the same. I haven't downloaded directly into training peaks since they updated how they adjust for total feet of climbing. That may have corrected the problem.

mgraffeo

Why do folks use both WKO and TP? What am I missing out on using WKO only?

jhbinsc

I'm in same camp as Mike. I only use WKO+ not TP. WHat am I missing out on and why should I change? I do use Garmin Connect too.

Al Truscott

As far as I can tell, we are just missing out on the opportunity to spend money every month for the benefit of being able to access our data from any computer, not just the one on which we have WKO+. Not enough for me to lock in the subscription - yet. But as I am in the process of leaving my laptop behind (the fan has died, and it is very NOISY), switching to a Mac Mini and an iPad, I may have to re-think that considering the amount of time away from home base I do which involves serious training.

I use Garmin Training Center and PowerAgent to download data to my computer, then WKO+ for consolidation. I think one of my NY resolutions should be to start adding swim workouts to  WKO+/TP.

Dino Sarti

I don't know enough yet about WKO, but here is how I use TP versus just starting with WKO, if I add something that they both do, please chalk it up to preference and inexperience:

1. TP will track all my nutrition. I lost 80 pounds counting calories and I like the nutrition analysis
2. TP backs my data up to the cloud
3. TP let's me plan my season volume by trying to plan hours per week.
4. I take my training plan from EN and load it into TP Sunday nights. Then I can plan my week. I can also access on my phone when I wonder what I doing next
5. I place my weekly goals in TP
6. TP has a social media function where I can share on Facebook
7. I can access from any internet connection
8. The free account will do most if not all of this.

William Jenks

Device agent has worked well for me for my 310xt and my Edge.

MattAaronson

@Al, the TP app for ipad is a work-in-progress in my view. But I have no doubt it'll get better with time. Already the nutrition functionality has improved markedly. But more advanced power analysis requires the web and can't be accessed via the ipad. Getting swims into whatever logging software will be a lot easier once the 910xt somes out (assuming you're willing to swim with a watch). Incidentally even now TP will calculate a "swim TSS" and reflect that TSS in your performance management chart.

TH3 FRB

I don't have any issues with Device Agent for my 405 and 500. One thing that is important to do in WKO for your running files is to do the elevation correction for every run. It uses USGS elevation data to override the altimeter in your unit. My 405 is terrible with altitude and my IF is typically way off as a result until I do the correction. I'm not sure if TP has this feature or not. If not I'd tweak in WKO before uploading directly to TP.

Kevin Walter

@Al. I think the big advantage of TP over WKO is that it works on the Mac without having to run Parallels, Boot Camp, etc.

I avoid using Garmin Connect. When you transfer data from your Garmin (in my case 310XT) it makes a copy of the TCX file on your computer. It makes this history file surprisingly hard to find, but if you google the Garmin site (or this forum), it will give you directions on how to find it. Once you find the history file, just move it to your desktop so you don't have to plow through all the root directories. Then I just upload that file directly to TP through the upload functionality inside TP (I don't use Device Agent). This has worked well for me for the Garmin 310XT for bike and run. I also have an old wired PowerTap that I use PowerAgent to grab data from and then export the file. I upload those files directly to TP as well. All of this works on the Mac running in OS Leopard.

Craig Watson

 Does anyone know how to "automagically" transfer my EN training plan onto Trainingpeaks.com?

Also, any know how to move the Bike segments of the training plan onto Trainerroad.com?

 

 

TH3 FRB

Craig - #1 can only be done one workout at a time cut/past style.  The coaches have develped their own training plan system that isn't compatible with exporting to other training loags.  That has some drawbacks, p[articularly since we don't have the accompanying ability to actually log our workouts within the same system.  So your training plan is stuck here and your training log is somewhere else.  Not a big deal to me personally. As for Trainerroad - they were supposed to be working on a workout builder app to let you create your own workouts but I haven't checked in on their progress since the weather turned warm and I've been riding outside.  When I was on my trainer though I'd just load up a 60 or 90min free ride session and follow the EN workout.  You still get the visual feedback of your power output on the display but obviously have to handle timing intervals and power levels on your own - same as if you were outside.