Software and Running = Part 3

Posted on October 12, 2008July 17, 2022 by GeorgeK

Continuing review of the equipment I use to create, track and record my workout efforts.
Here is a review of SportTracks software.

While I really like the Runners Studio software for tracking all the workouts, races and planned races when I started it did not do quite everything I wanted, such as data import from Garmin, create maps of routes, etc. Even though many of those items are available now, I still put the data into another program, SportTracks. The approach taken with this software is a little different, it is open for the user community to create “plug-ins” much like the WordPress blog software allows. This allows the creativity of the entire user community to think up ways to enhance and improve the basic software. (Not that it is particularly lacking, just that 5,000 heads are better than one.)

The software with all its plugins (currently there is something like 42 different ones listed) makes for a lot of options! The downside to all this is, for me anyway, not as intuitive use as Runners Studio. Using a series of views, each one which can do different things requires some clicking around to get it to show what you desire it to. Then within the view there are options also. You have to pay attention to all the “triangles” which you use to open up the different options. I wrote in to the forums asking about editing an event after searching for some time, the answer, which was polite, but made me feel sort of dumb, just click on the triangle after the “Event” and make your choice. D’oh.

After months of use I still find the ability to download data from a GPS you wear on your wrist and create a map of the activity accurate to within feet of where you walk on the entire planet to be pretty amazing. ????? ?????? (maybe I am just easily impressed or amazed.)

Sport Tracks is really good, but have not found a good way to schedule future races in it. There are some plug in’s that will let you do it, but not the way I want it, and even if you get it, you have to dig down through several menus to find it. Conversely Runners Studio puts them right on the home page so you can see them quite easily. Actually there is not a good “home page” for Sport Tracks, maybe something that could be considered. ??????????? ??????? A simple overview of the major things tracked. Weekly mileage, shoe use, upcoming races, even maybe a way to check which things the user would like to see. Sort of how iGoogle page creation works.

You can check out what they have to say about Sport Tracks and download an evaluation version from https://www.zonefivesoftware.com/SportTracks/.

There are several other solutions, most of which are web based. These have the advantage of access from anywhere, or any computer, the down side of not being able to access from behind a firewall (like at work) or if the site decides to go to a paid version, or worse close the doors. ????? ??? ???? Your years of data could be gone. They may be nice and allow an export of all the data, but then again . . . or even if they do would it be in a format compatible with another program.

Until the final waypoint is created,
George

Next TCX Converter.

Software and Running = Part 2

Posted on October 6, 2008September 1, 2022 by GeorgeK

In which I continue the monologue on equipment and software I use to track exercise efforts.

Software for recording Running and Races. The first software I got for tracking workouts and races was Runners Studio. I have been using it for about nine months at this point. I really like the layout of the software, it is easy to navigate and has a nice visual appeal. One of my favorite features is the “upcoming race” calendar/listing. You can enter races that you want to run or are thinking about running into the software and it lists them all in a page view. The view includes customizable columns so you can add/remove what you want to see, or rearrange the order of the columns. The entries may also be sorted by different columns such as date of race, have you registered yet, length of race, etc. The view also shows the number of days remaining until race day, a very handy visual to use for planning. It also quickly reminds you of how many days there may be between races, so if you need to set priorities it is easy to do.

A short list of my favorite features:

Import data from Garmin Training Center. Much easier than entering all the lap data manually, also includes elevation, heart rate, etc.
Track run data from GPS using Google Earth with a click of the mouse.
Track shoe useage to see how many miles you put on them.
Goals you can set for about any combination of miles, time, pace, weight, etc
Mega-Goals which can be set to see how far you run in total, can you make it around the world? I’m just working on getting from California to New York…..
Upcoming races which I mentioned.
Race history which lists all the races you have entered, your goal and the results.

I could list everything the program does, but it would be easier for you to visit his web page, read what he has to say, and then download the software and try it out!

The program is constantly being updated, and the author seems receptive to adding new features that are requested as he has done for my requests several times. There is still a “wish list” I have for him, but it is getting closer to my ideal program with every revision!

Software and Running = Part 1

Posted on October 1, 2008May 3, 2022 by GeorgeK

When I started exercising more the first thing I bought was a fairly simple pedometer. It is a Omron Model HJ-720ITC which has the ability to export data into it’s own software tracking program. The first entry was August 1, 2007.

As of today I have more than 1,450 miles and 2,600,000 steps recorded in the last 14 months. Note that the miles is probably not all that accurate since the stride length used to calculate distance was set up for a walking pace, and my running stride is somewhat longer, so the distance shown is correspondingly shorter. I use this mostly as a reference number so am not disturbed with the inaccuracy knowing in my mind that I have run far more than the pedometer indicates.

+++++

Pocket Pedometer with PC software HJ-720ITC
Omron’s most technologically advanced pedometer, model HJ-720ITC, now includes Omron Health Management Software to help you track days, weeks, months and years of exercise. Simply connect the pedometer with its USB connection to your PC to begin tracking your health today. The pedometer measures steps, aerobic steps (10 minutes or more of continuous movement), calories and distance. Your path to better health is just steps away.

+++++

I still wear the pedometer when I exercise whether it is running, walking, treadmill, etc. I do not wear it all day which a lot of people do, but I am more interested in seeing what efforts I expend outside of normal activity.

The plus’es to the pedometer are that it resets automatically every day at midnight so you do not have to remember to reset it to capture the daily steps. Another plus is it seems very accurate in picking up steps. It does not seem overly sensitive as to where it is kept or worn while in use.

The negatives to the pedometer. It resets itself every night, and only every night. It cannot be manually reset. If I transport the pedometer it will begin counting steps before I begin an exercise period and it cannot be zeroed before I begin. Sometimes this can add a significant amount of steps. To some degree they can be ignored since they typically are not “aerobic” steps, and I mainly track only aerobic activity. But it does mess up totals. Another negative is that it is very sensitive, and will pick up steps wherever it is located…. including in a suitcase or even sitting on a car seat. This is what adds “unearned” steps. Basically the strengths are also the undesired traits.

The plus’es of the ability to download all the activity into the software outweigh the negatives, at least for my use.

If anyone is aware of a pedometer on the market that can be manually reset and also downloads daily data to a PC please let me know! Until I find one the Omron Pedometer gets the Team Toe-Jammer seal of approval.

Until the final foot fall falls over the land,

George

Kensington 15K – Ann Arbor Track Club – AATC

Posted on September 28, 2008May 7, 2022 by GeorgeK

A first for me, a 15K or 9.2 mile race. Longest race to date! Having done a few training runs of 10-12 miles I decided I could tackle this race. I am happy to say the ambulance did not carry me off, and while I would have liked to finish higher in my age group, overall I am in the top 50% (48% actually). Again this shows the fitness level of 55-59 year olds that I am up against! In that group I was 17 out of 20 which puts me in the bottom 15%! A big difference.

Kensington Metro Park is one of the larger, if the not largest in the area. It encompasses the large lake and is quite a nice setting. Lots of activites we may try some time, horseback riding, biking and maybe even some walking. You can see the pictures of the park and the race Since the path loops the lake there are not so many of the actual race.

By the numbers:

a) 15 Kilometers = 9.2 miles.

b) ran at a 10:02 per mile pace, 1:33:24 total time.

c) finished 229 out of 473 overall, so finished in the top 48% of all runners.

d) finished 17 out of 20 in my age group.

e) had a great time, which was the real race goal!

The race went great, a new PR for me, and a pretty good pace.

From Last Post:

You know, I am sorta getting an urge to try a half marathon… but trying to resist until next year. Just barely doing the 5 mile thing right now. Maybe I will try a 10 miler before I make the jump. There should be some coming up yet this year. We’ll see.

Okay, that’s done, now do I go and try the Detroit Free Press Half Marathon in October?

The race is in it’s 25th year and is presented by the Ann Arbor Track Club. https://www.aatrackclub.org/

Until the final winding path is run and the hills are all level,

George

Hell of a Race

Posted on August 9, 2008May 3, 2022 by GeorgeK

Good Lord! All I wanted to do was go for a simple run, it ended up with everyone in the house going to Hell!

It was a balmy Saturday morning, A great day for a run, so headed up to the “Metro Parks” area, and Hell Creek Ranch. They have an annual 10 mile run and a shorter 8K (4.8 miles, although this seems to be easily confused and often called a 5 Mile race.)

Since it runs through the town (?) of Hell Michigan it is billed as “Run Thru Hell” race. An good attention getter for sure. The town itself seems to consist of one bar, one restaurant and one ice cream and tourist novelty store. You can see real pictures of Hell if you go to the end of the photo album.

Some photos of the race and of Hell Michigan.

There were a couple of long steady climbs getting up and out of the starting area, but then had the luxury of the same going down hill. The course was wide compared to the trail runs, and did not have to dodge a single stump, rock or tree limb! At the turn for the 8K or 10 Mile you did have to dodge the devil though, as he was sending the runners down “the right path to Hell!” and at the same time throwing fire balls at them. (The hot jaw breaker fire balls that is.)

Let’s go over this one more time…. it’s left foot, then ~~left~~ right foot, and then left foot again? Getting sage advice from the coach. Click on the picture and you will see it paid off!!

By the numbers:

a) 4.8 miles.

b) ran at a 9:38 per mile pace, 46:15 total time (0:49:52 total time pre-race guess/calculation based on prior performance)

c) finished 618 out of 986 overall, so finished in the top 63% of all runners.

d) finished 13 out of 25 in my age group.

e) had a great time, which was the real race goal!

The race went great, a new PR for me, and a pretty good pace. After hitting the finish line the race hosts sort of broke down, only two people sitting out cups of water, no bottles, lines being cut by everyone so if you were waiting you went backwards in line! Then only a few dry cookies, and with no water sorta pasty in the mouth. There were plenty of bananas, as least when I went by, not sure if they held out until the 10 mile people got there or not.

You know, I am sorta getting an urge to try a half marathon… but trying to resist until next year. Just barely doing the 5 mile thing right now. Maybe I will try a 10 miler before I make the jump. There should be some coming up yet this year. We’ll see.

Until the devil is evicted from the netherworld,

George

“The Legend” Serious Series Part III

Posted on August 2, 2008May 3, 2022 by GeorgeK

The 2008 Running Fit “Serious Series” is now in the books with the final of the three races being run today.

The race was a good day, weather nice but not as hot as predicted. It did not rain, and the hills were not so steep as the other two races in the series.

While the hills were nothing like the Road Ends trail race, they were still long and steep enough to get the thighs burning. More hill work on the training schedule!!

By the numbers:

a) 5.0 miles.

b) ran at a 10:26 per mile pace, 52:12 total time (0:55:00 total time pre-race guess)

c) finished 81 out of 135 overall, so finished in the top 60% of all runners. . .

d) finished 3 out of 4 in my age group.

e) had a great time, which was the real race goal!

There are not a lot of pictures available but they are on the web site.

Until the final hill is conquered,

George