Getting ready to do a triathlon? Jesse Kropelnicki can offer some tips on going the distance. He is an elite/pro level triathlon coach who founded QT2 Systems, LLC, a leading provider of personal triathlon coaching; TriathlonCalculator.com; TheCoreDiet.com, a leading provider of sports nutrition; and Your 26.2 a marathon training company.
He is the triathlon coach of professional athletes Caitlin Snow, Ethan Brown, and Pedro Gomes among others. His interests lie in coaching professional triathletes using quantitative training and nutrition protocols. You can track his other coaching comments/ideas via his blog.
Jesse talked to KineticShift about technology and training.
KineticShift: Is it safe to say that apps are bringing technology to athletes that just
simply wasn’t affordable or viable just a couple of years ago?
Jesse Kropelnicki: Yes, I believe so. There presently isn’t as many apps out there for triathlon than one may think. I think the return on investment for an app is extremely small, and don’t expect a whole lot to pop up until it becomes even more affordable.
KS: At the same time have you seen an increase in interest in triathlons and what do you think might be driving this trend?
JK:Yes, a HUGE increase. I started the sport in 1997 and over the past 15 years of been eye witness to the explosive growth. I think the variety, and “cool” factor in triathlon keeps feeding our sport from running, swimming and cycling all separately. Also, USAT is doing a great job promoting our sport, and training quality coaches. Their program has improved tremendously over the past 10 years.
KS: The app is available for the iPhone and iPod Touch, but will we see an Android version or a tablet version as well?
JK: Probably not right now! We wanted to start with the iPhone and see where it goes. If the use of Androids continues to escalate, maybe we’ll go that direction.
KS: For someone just starting out to prepare for a triathlon how important are the algorithms for training?
JK: The algorithms are extremely valuable if they are followed and used properly. Our calculator sets safe training paces for the bike and run, and helps athletes stay injury free. The tool also provides race pacing
information which can help athletes have more successful long course races.
KS: Do you think that technology is making it easier to prepare for a triathlon?
JK:Yes, and no. Technology needs to be used to a point of diminishing returns. I see many athletes overdo and lose all sense of personal intensity control.
I also see them create a negative mental atmosphere many times as they look too closely into the number. Conversely, those who use no technology miss a great opportunity to refine their training, racing and recovery techniques. It’s all about balance!
Thank you to Jesse for talking with us.