Writing a .csv file that will actually import as a training plan

Yes, this feature is really cool but kind of a PitA at times as well.

Before you begin, you will need

• Microsoft Excel or some other tool that can work with .csv files
• An example that works.  I'm attaching one of mine.  I find it helpful to hide the columns that I am not using so that I can get all of the columns that I am using on the screen at one time.  I put my training plan info in the Overall Comments on the far right and enter the data that I want to import.  I enter the day of the month in the far left column but from what I can tell, this is not used by the import tool.

Once you have that and your training plan -- this is what works for me.  If you have a really large plan (several months worth), you might want to break it up and do one month at at time as you need it.

1. Open your example .csv file.  If you are using Excel, rename the file right now using the Save As function.
2. Hide the columns that you do not need.
3. Enter your dates along the left column to help you keep track
4. Enter your training plan verbage in the Overall Comments in the far left column
5. Fill in your data between the two -- whether this is time or distance or whatever.
6. Save your work and exit Excel (or your csv editor of choice)
7. Go to your BT Training Log and Click the My Training Plans button on the left
8. Locate Import a Plan (third box down) and enter the name of the plan (September 2011 Training) and the click the Browse button.  Once your file is there, click the Add button.
9. BT with parse your CSV file and add it.  You should see a green progress bar.  Once it is added, BT does not always behave properly.  You may have to go back to Training Log, My Training Plans.
10. Now click Edit Days and read through your plan.  You can make changes here in case you made a data entry error.  When all looks well, click the "Upload to your training" link.
11. Figure out the start date for your training.  Make sure that the "I want to Start my plan on dd/mm/yyyy" look right.
12. Click the Import to Planned Training button in the lower left.  BE SURE TO SELECT PLANNED TRAINING.

One other thing -- if you import your plan and then need to change it a little bit, you don't have to redo the whole thing.  You can go to

• Training Log
• Jump to:  Calendar
• Select Planned
• Make whatever change and then save it (like when you are adding actual training)