Using iPhone applications to race and train with

I have two different running applications on my iPhone. The each have similar functions. They both track my total time, pace, and create a GPS generated map of my run, log my miles and email each training session to me.

The two applications are Runmeter and RunKeeper. I really wish I could merge the best of these applications so that I can do everything from one app and not have to switch back and forth.

I use Runmeter during races because I do not worry about interval timing while competing. I also like the fact that it has a function that will auto tweet my status using either a time or distance trigger.

During Tom King it was really nice especially when I was the last one on the course it gave my husband the ability to see exactly where I was, which gave him comfort,with the included link he could see my progress via an interactive map link.

Runmeter also has an announcement function that allows you to set up an auto annoucement using either time or distance. You can have the announcement tell you your average, calories, climb, clock, competitor (distance), Competitor (time), your distance, elevation, fastest pace/speed, from best time, from best distance, from median distance and time, from worst distance and time, pace/speed, remaining distance, remaining time, stopped time, and then just plain old time.

I only want to know my time, distance, average and pace/speed. As I grow into more intense running and competing I will want to know some of the included items. The other item I really like about Runmeter is that if you consistently run a set course it will keep track of how well you do, letting you know if each consecutive run was better, the same or worse then the last time you ran the route.

I am not happy with how long the application takes to start up, and it does not have a programable interval timer. If I want to listen to music while I run I have to start up the iPod application first then open Runmeter.

I use RunKeeper to train with due to the fact that I can create several different training programs and tailor the interval time as well as the pace. It will auto announce the next interval and at what pace you determine to run that interval. The customization is a really nice touch. You get a choice of GPS or manual entry, the activity type, the playlist you want to use and which training program you want to use.

My dislikes for this application is the lack of a decent activities grouping or calendar function, and this application does not have an auto tweet function.

My ultimate running application would include the calendar function of Runmeter, and the auto tweets, and the category organization of the workouts by day, week, month, year.

The biggest dislike I have with both applications is that they are both battery drainers.

The only down side to using your iPhone in racing is that some events do not allow the use of headphones hence the market for wearable wrist GPS units. Those will do intervals, keep track of your route and time and pace, as well as heart rate, alas they do not play music.

The best advice I have been given about GPS units it to look on ebay and craigslist to find used units.

For now all is well in the FCR household, HALH is now fully returned to work today was his first day back. The dog keeps walking around the house trying to find him and looking at me like I'm hiding his body or something.

We starting training together again this past Saturday and he is going to continue training and attempt to complete the Country Music Half Marathon.

Till Later,

FCR and Hubs.

16th Annual Gupton Dodge Tom King Classic

This adventure began the night before that race at the pasta dinner that included guest speaker Gary Cohen. He is a 2:22:34 marathoner. He talked about preparing to run and that something is going to go wrong so just be prepared incase. Hubby and I even got a chance to talk with him after and I got to share my story with him. He was very nice and answered any and all questions that were asked not just by us but by everyone in attendance.

Wow what a day. I was so relaxed and ready to just enjoy this run. It stated with the chance to cheer on and encourage those running the 5k. So many people have cheered for me that it was really nice to "pay it forward". It also had the effect of pumping me up for the race.

The Nashville Striders are such a fun group of people and really know how to host a race. They had an added option for the slower runners to start 30 minutes early. I wavered back and forth about the start and decided the morning of the race to take the extra thirty minutes. I was thankful that I did.

It was nice to hit the route and work out the kinks that seem to plague me in the first mile of running with out hindering the "Big Dogs" . I was surprise with my consistency of pace for the first 6.5 miles. I stayed between 15 and 19 minutes a mile. For my weight and training I was right about where I needed to be. This race was a practice for the Country Music Half Marathon and to see how my body would react to 13.1 miles.

I really enjoyed the run until about mile 8 my body started to tell me that it was done... I was not okay with that. I think it was the thought of showing up next week with out the finishing medal. I love the accountability of the group.

Six months ago I got winded going up and down the three flights of stairs to our apartment, now I power up them to get a bit of cardio in. Leon knows when I come in breathless that I've done my stair work. To think back in January I was huffing and puffing at two loops in the park. Each week brought it's challenges then I got race happy, I like the way I feel when I'm done it's so addicting and if I'm going to be addicted to something it should be healthy.

I took the early start with Emily and her friend, so glad I did by the way. I made it to mile 3 before the guy in the wheelchair slipped by. From mile 3 on I fell into a grove where the breathing and running and the body all come together. It was awesome. I felt invincible. The thundering herds got to me on the bouncing bridge and made me a bit sick to my stomach.... Forget the foamy brown water where was the warning about the bridge huh?

I love that you all look for me during the race both on your way out and then on your way back. Was it just me or after mile marker 6 was the turnaround forever away?

The turnaround was not too bad. Then mile 8 hit and the my ITB starting hurting for the first time. Again so glad that I've got HRC and knew what to do. The medic taped me up and I was off again. I didn't stop running till about mile 9 boy did I find a wall. By that time they were starting to pack up and go home. I finally made it out of Shelby bottoms followed by the EMTs that kept asking if I wanted a ride. No thank you I said 4 times I'm finishing this on my own power. The Metro officers were awesome each one I passed clapped and cheered for me.

Being ex law enforcement I remembered why I love the thin blue line. The I got to one officer in a Jeep like vehicle around mile 10 I was so done the tears started flowing and I was reconsidering that ride I turned down. He pulled up next to me and said "Don't you dare stop" he did this at every cross street zooming past me to meet me at the next one. Then I hit mile 12 and cried all the way to the stadium, I didn't know which way to go and there was a woman that
stopped asked if I was okay and said yes I just hurt my body was done she went with me all the way to the attendant. He walked me down the ramp EMTs saw my wrap that was now down below me knee and asked if I was okay...I said yup almost there... At the end of the tunnel was my Leon. He walked around the field and over the chip mats with me. Then I tried to pass out but for some reason they wouldn't let me.

I missed the group that was waiting for me and I'm sorry that I did.

Charlene and Leslie and Heidi I am so glad that you challenged me to do this race. I did something today I have never done before. I did not quit and did not give up. Mind over body is an amazing thing.

Charlene you told me when I said I blamed you and Leslie for the challenge that I accepted in doing this race that you would take the blame at the starting line and it would be all me at the finish. Each of those last 4 miles I thought about how each and everyone one of you have touched my life and training and are there to teach me what my body is capable of.

I take the blame for the finish but I share it all with you. For you cheers, your encouragement, your example and yes Bob even for the GU.

GoodNaz 5k

It was a great day. Started out a bit chilly but by the end of the race I had removed my coat and my short sleeved tech shirt. Joana and Heidi came back and help me run in the last half mile or so. This race felt much better. Except for the 2 miles uphill at the beginning of the race. That is okay I've been told that hills build character. At this point I'm not sure for who. Even with all the hills I still came in faster than the Fangtastic 5k. Unofficially it was 1:51 faster. Officially it was only .27 seconds. Either way it was still faster than my first race.

With all that has been going on this week I have had a hard time focusing on the Tom King Classic Half Marathon this coming Saturday.

Due to some problems I've been having I had to have my first mammogram on Tuesday after a doctors appointment and a slide sent to cytology. Needless to say my brain is stuck on those issues. The only mental image I can conjure up for the race is them tearing down the course before I even get half way done.

To try and combat that today I did 1 mile of intervals on the treadmill, 5 miles on the stationary bike and some weight training. I felt really good afterwards. I also plan on doing 6 miles of road work tomorrow.

If anyone has any ideas on how I get over this please let me know.

Leon did well at the gym today. He did another 30 minutes on the stationary bike, 5 minutes on the elliptical as well as some light weights. His leg seems to be holding up well to all of this.

Till next time,

FCR and HALH

Updates and Challenges.

I've been lax in updating here at DOAFCR. Things are going well. I've been able to maintain the weight loss and have improved my long run mileage if not my speed. Last Saturday was a long slow day for me. Due to a re-surfacing of an old injury. I was only able to walk 7.5 miles. Yes I said only, never thought in a million years I would have said "Only 7.5 miles" my time for just walking was not too bad either 2hrs 45mins. If I was still planning on walking the half marathon I would be on walking pace. My goal is to run both half marathons at either 3/1 or 4/1 intervals.

I had a car wreck in January of 2009 that caused a torsion injury of the spine and neck. I went to a chiropractor soon after but really did not like the doctor or the office I was going to. I visited other chiropractors as well but none of them seem to quite fit.

Last Friday I tried out a new doctor (Thanks Ash) and love the office staff, the atmosphere, and the doctor.

I have always been totally on board with healing with out medication if possible.

I had been having major headaches bordering on migraine level pain. I was out running errands and had taken the dog with me. Now mind you Sadie is only 8lbs not very big. I had taken her in to the office of one of the stops I had to make and picked her up and turned and that's when I for lack of a better word locked up. My entire left side was in pain, I could not look to the left and was even having trouble turning my body to the left.

The new chiropractor is just around the corner from our house so that makes it very convenient. He listens to me and then assesses my needs. The first visit he took an x-ray of my neck and then told me it was a mess.

He is always concerned with how I'm doing running and if the treatment is helping. I am sure of it.

Just 24 hours till the GoodNaz 5k. After a pre race visit with the new chiropractor I am going to get my long run in for the week. It is a back down week and only 6 miles.

This journey is amazing. I find new milestones almost every day. The phone calls, and emails and support from friends and family and the members of the Hendersonville Running Club have been amazing. I would not be where I am with out all of you.

This habit is still becoming a lifestyle. There are still days I dread going out in the cold to run, then I look in the mirror and see just how big my clothes are compared to how they should actually fit, and I go change in to the running stuff and lace up and head out the door.

The hardest part still is the lacing up and heading out, which I need to do now. I promise an after race update before the weekend is over.

Till next time dear friends and readers.

FCR

PS. HALH is now walking with out crutches and big black ortho boot today he is going to try to go all day in the lace up brace! One more step closer to full recovery.