what's with all the technology?

Ummmmm, Rocky was FICTION!!!!!!!! (all of them)

and who said working out was supposed to be fun?

:-) :-) :-)

Seriously though, you can train with or without technology. But, HRM's and bike compuiters, take a lot of guesswork out of the process. And they give you objective measurements of performance and progress. Sure, you can train by feel, and if you have good genetics, you're going to beat a lot of folks who train with gadgets. On the other hand, if you are not blessed with genes and talent, technology can help you make the most out of what you have.

Wait a couple of months.....I hear Santa's giving out tri bikes to boys whose name begin with J!!

OOOoooOOO! I want a RED one

I did my first two tris without much of anything for technology. I used a mapping program I already had to get distances, but that's it. You can totally do it without the technology, but you just may not be doing as well as you possibly could with an HRM and all that stuff.

I would say that if you're not into all the technology and it makes it less fun for you, don't get it. I think we're all doing this for fun, none of us are gonna make any money off it. So do it however you enjoy it most!

Aren't we in the 21st century??  technology has come a long way since running from Marathon to Athens.....

personally I couldn't do withough the HRM 'cause of the stroke I had, SO.... even some minor technology is favourable!!

Bear, would you kindly point me to some additional references for information regarding your point above?

Bear, I hate to do it but I have to disagree.  I successfully trained for a 1/2 IM this past summer, got within a whisper of my goal time, and the most "technological" piece of equipment I own is the (cadence-less) computer on my bike.

And my computer-link to BT, that is.

I don't use my HRM for racing, only training. I believe this article by Mark Allen might clear up some of the confusion surrounding the use and benefits of a HRM.

http://www.duathlon.com/articles/1460

I'm with the masses, as I find a few of my 'tools' very helpful in my training - I have the full Timex GPS/HRM system and its great at helping me keep at my target low intensity pace on the bike and run while I build my base. I could do without it but it helps keep me 'honest' to my intended workout. I often leave the GPS at home and just run for time, without a worry on distance but like last night when I wanted to remind myself what the 10km run felt like ahead of a 10km fun run in a few weeks, the GPS was invaluable as I cant 'guess' a 10km very easily while I'm out there. I used to spend ages trying to 'guestimate' my runs so this is probably the 2nd most useful function it provides, after the HRM.

I guess it depends totally on your objectives and motivations. I want to improve so I use what I can to help me do that. If I just wanted to exercise and the racing was an occasional distraction, then I probably wouldn't bother with any of the technology. Its like DIY I suppose, if you just cut the occasional wood for occasional jobs, then handtools are good enough. If you want to do it more seriously or create more elaborate projects, then powertools are a real advantage!