Many of our clients use the Garmin auto-sync function that takes a structured workout or ‘workout download’ and puts it on their Garmin cycling computer. This sync setup also can allow for automatic uploads for all of your completed activities so your workouts are placed in your Training Peaks calendar. This lets them follow a workout while on the indoor trainer or even while riding outside. In some cases your device might even control a smart trainer.
To sync Garmin to Training Peaks Click this link
The above link will allow your device to load structured workouts on your Garmin Device and will auto-sync workouts back to Training Peaks when you complete them (whether you use download workouts or not).
Caution on Perfect Workouts
Sometimes a workout is simple (e.g. ride for 3 hours at endurance pace). While it is tempting to use workout downloads we always caution that workouts can be done using the description. There are many cases where the download will waste time, confuse you or even lead to quitting a workout! Indoors you may choose to warmup longer or leave more time between intervals or even extend or shorten an interval because you are tired or because the kids need you for a second! When you are riding outside where there are more variables (e.g. how long it takes to get to the hill) consider reading the workout description and then completing the workout in the best way you can for that day and environment.
We caution that the workouts do not need to be ‘perfect’ and that sometimes these technologies take more time and frustration than they are worth. We talk about this idea of ‘perfect’ workouts in our ‘What is your workout’ article here. While we try to keep workouts simple it is ok to occasionally write a few notes on paper (or your phone) or put some masking tape on your top tube with times/wattages listed!
Setup Garmin Connect Auto-Sync if not already done – (find instructions here)
*This lets you sync the planned workout if available AND upload the completed workout automatically
Next Steps?
Once you have your auto-sync setup its time to look at your Training Screens on your device so you can see the right metrics for a given workout. Some workouts ask for a heart rate focus, or a power focus, or a timer focus or a cadence focus.
