So first, the run. It was cool, almost cold, although it was starting to warm up in the sun by the end of the day. The wind, however, was pretty sharp. Any time I was exposed it seemed to drop a few degrees, and progress was slowed. (It turns out the wind was over 25 km/h, gusting over 35.) But even with that, I had a really good day. The first lap went at the usual pace, followed by a relaxed two-miler, then I turned the second-fastest lap I've done, and wasn't really leaving it out there. The effort was easier than two weeks ago, for sure. Things are progressing.
And I got to play with a new toy. As an end-of-season perk, I picked up a Garmin 310xt, a GPS-enabled watch and HR monitor. I'm still working out how to maximize using it, but so far it's interesting. I was able to not stare at my pace all the way, instead just glancing on occasion. I don't know if it acted as a carrot in any way, but the feedback was good. I think this will be useful in my upcoming race to keep from ripping up the first mile, and dying from there.
More to come as I figure out all the secrets.
Run: ~20km, 40:07/16:20/37:02
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2 comments:
310xt, eh? Fancy!
I've got a 305 and I typically use it just way you've been using yours: quick glances down for sanity checks.
I used to take it on every single run, now I'm much more controlled. It rarely comes with me on LSD runs, but nearly always comes with me for interval workouts. I'm still no good at using RPE for intervals, so I need objective pace feedback.
Technical notes:
- I found it get better results if I set the averaging window to a longer time. Setting the window small gives you quicker response to pace changes... but the accuracy goes to crap (at least on my 305).
- Running under trees causes mine to go crazy. My pace will go from 5:30/km to 8:00/km back to 5:30km/h while my RPE remains constant. (And it's not like there is hill there or anything.)
- Rain clouds also cause high variability in my pace (moisture absorbs microwave frequencies, so this isn't surprising).
- When you replace the battery in the HRM strap (and you will have to replace the battery), try not to rip the super-thin rubber gasket. It turns out to be important...
So far I'm finding it nice for post-run analysis. The free software at SportTracks is really nice, and even has a TRIMP calculator, which will be good as more details are added. For now, it's out on every run, for the ease of record-keeping as much as anything.
Thanks for the technical notes. I haven't had too many issues yet, but they're probably coming. So far, it's a thumbs-up.
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