Recommendations for measuring distance run?

Funkstard

Would a pedometer suit me here? Just looking for something cheap and light that I can hold or throw in a pocket while I run. Would like to know exactly how far I'm running rather than guesses. Any ideas?

Cheers.

Magnet

for free...

http://www.mapmyrun.com/

kagni

Or this one ... http://www.gmap-pedometer.com/

RoyMcC

Does anyone in this forum actually use a pedometer? I mean the real simple type which multiplies strides by stride length.

huskerdu

RoyMcC wrote: »

Does anyone in this forum actually use a pedometer? I mean the real simple type which multiplies strides by stride length.

I did for a long time, before I got a Garmin.

It may not be very accurate, but it does the job, if you want to compare how your running is improving. Its a good cheap solution as long as you ensure that you have measured your stride length accurately.

I found a route close to my house that is approx 1k. I measured it in the car, and on mapmyrun and then ran it with the pedometer. I used this data to accurately measure my average stride length.

I then reran this loop every month and recalibrated the pedometer. This is important as I found that as I got stronger as a runner, my stride got longer so my improvement in speed were not showing up on the pedometer.

Other advice when buying a pedometer.

Don't buy one in a EURO shop - too cheap, very poor quality
Make sure that you can change the stride length
Dont believe the calorie counter.

Funkstard

Thanks for the replies. Are those mapping tools accurate? I mean - are they just joining dots on a map or are they taking altitude increases and slopes into account?

RayCun

The maps in mapmyrun also include an elevation profile.

maddogcollins

mapmyrun is pretty accurate. I use it to plan new routes and then use the iphone app when actually running and they are normally the same. Have to allow for slight differences but use the "follow road" element of it and you should be good.

Krusty_Clown

Funkstard wrote: »

Thanks for the replies. Are those mapping tools accurate? I mean - are they just joining dots on a map or are they taking altitude increases and slopes into account?

They're a damn site more accurate than a pedometer. Slopes don't have a significant impact on distance run (even if it does have a significant impact on effort levels). You have to remember that the incline and decline angles (even on very steep slopes) are relatively minor (5%-20%).

Oisin11178

Krusty_Clown wrote: »

They're a damn site more accurate than a pedometer. Slopes don't have a significant impact on distance run (even if it does have a significant impact on effort levels). You have to remember that the incline and decline angles (even on very steep slopes) are relatively minor (5%-20%).

20% Minor:D

Krusty_Clown

Oisin11178 wrote: »

20% Minor:D

The angle is minor. The incline is massive!

Take a 10,000m flat route. If the angle of incline was:
05 Degrees = 10,038m
10 Degrees = 10,154m
15 Degrees = 10,352m

Condo131

Pedometers are just toys. Accuracy is generally about +/-10%. The best way to calibrate them is to use lane 1 of a running track and count the steps - miscount and you're banjaxed. Then of course your pace varies from day to day and, as a result, your stride length changes from day to day too...so back to the track calibrating. :rolleyes: ...then add back the (in)accuracy.:rolleyes: Personally, I wouldn't use a pedometer for anything other than, perhaps, a paperweight.

For measuring your common or garden daily runs, GPS devices and/or MapMyRun (or the like) are more than adequate. They will give your distance +/- 4% or so.

RoyMcC

Condo131 wrote: »

Pedometers are just toys.

Is this how the auld fellas used to measure courses Condo? When was the Jones counter introduced?

Condo131

RoyMcC wrote: »

Is this how the auld fellas used to measure courses Condo? When was the Jones counter introduced?

Whad'ya mean 'auld fellas'....you & I are in the same age category :rolleyes:...for all I know you were born the day before me...LOL

Anyway...most of the courses are now measured by 'auld fellas'...I don't think there are too many of those who are not 'auld fellas' currently measuing. [Note to self: After this post, you're going to get a load of 'hate mail' & phone calls from incensed ([B][I]not 'auld fellas'[/I][/B]) 'measurers ]

I sincerely doubt if any course anywhere was ever officially measured using a pedometer - I sincerely hope not! The old method - still used by 'dubious' race organisers - is to measure using a wheel - in fact four wheels! So next time you're out running and see a car, on the wrong side of the road, and hugging the ditch - it's probably someone measuring a course! :rolleyes:

Afaik, John Walshe of Ballycotton was the first to introduce modern course measurement to Ireland, in the late 70's. With all respect to other measurers, both National and IAAF, John is regarded as *THE Man*, in Ireland, when it comes to measuring.

Article on the History of the Jones Counter

TFBubendorfer

Condo131 wrote: »

Article on the History of the Jones Counter

Thanks for the link - I really enjoyed reading that (probably means I'm an auld fella by now myself).