Much like artificial intelligence has helped make our daily lives faster, easier, and more productive, technology has also touched the realm of sports.
The constant evolution of technology and the way it impacts our society came as a shining beacon for sports. In more ways than none, it has transformed the athlete—already endowed with skills beyond that of the normal Joe—into a superhero, pushing the boundaries of human performance, particularly on how they eat, train, compete, and recover.
This advancement is felt in the world of triathlon and other multisports where athletes compete in two or more disciplines. From Garmin’s training effects to Whoop Strap’s revolutionary training metrics, triathletes can now focus on some of the important parts of their training as they continue to elevate their performance.
𝐖𝐄𝐀𝐑𝐀𝐁𝐋𝐄 𝐓𝐄𝐂𝐇𝐍𝐎𝐋𝐎𝐆𝐘
Smart wearables have been at the forefront of fitness tracking ever since they were released. Since then, they have been regarded as game-changers in the sporting world by delivering near-accurate metrics such as heart rate, VO2 max, and lactate threshold, among others.
Companies like Garmin, Suunto, and even Apple have made it a point to constantly update their wearables to cater to the ever-changing demands of triathletes, giving them endless possibilities to improve their skills while at the same time reducing the risk of injury and maintaining a stable recovery leading to race day.
Stryd and SRAM’s Quarq also help cyclists achieve their goals through precise power meter measurements. On a more particular note, Quarq goes beyond the traditional with specific tunings designed for road, gravel, cyclocross, triathlon, and mountain bike disciplines.
𝐁𝐈𝐎𝐌𝐄𝐂𝐇𝐀𝐍𝐈𝐂𝐒
Almost anything and everything can be measured as long as a triathlon uses the right device. Their biomechanics, for example, are essential for proper posture and sports-specific movements.
This is where RunScribe Pro or Lumo Run comes in. These wearables analyze some of a triathlete’s important run details, such as cadence and stride length, to improve their technique and form, something that was once only made in a sports laboratory in the past.
Swimmers can also track their progress using the FORM Googles. It provides real-time metrics through a heads-up display and can depict a swimmer’s stroke rate, distance per stroke, pace, and the like. Through these, a triathlete can immediately make adjustments and push for more improvements.
𝐈𝐍𝐉𝐔𝐑𝐘 𝐏𝐑𝐄𝐕𝐄𝐍𝐓𝐈𝐎𝐍
The last thing a triathlete would want is for them to be injured. This could spell disaster in terms of their career and lots of money for rehabilitation.
NormaTec Recovery Systems, the Oura Ring, and Whoop Strap are names that have been resonating in the field of sports. These technologies enable better blood flow to prevent muscle soreness, while wearables display a deeper analysis of their heart rate variability, sleep patterns, and even their readiness to train.
Technology will always go hand in hand with sports and their athletes. As developers and companies continue to push for innovation, multisport athletes will only get better, more competitive, and more exciting.
