How do you track running?

Tomhusker

I am just getting the point where I can actually run for short distances. If I go to a track and run/walk how should this be tracked? Do I keep track of how long I run AND walk separately?

I do not have a HRM, and probably won't be getting one any time soon.

marnijojo

That's what I do. For example, I usually do a .25 mile (one lap) warm up which is about 4.5 minutes and then do my running and then do another lap to cool down, so I usually log 9 minutes at a brisk walk and 40 some minutes (or whatever) running at the appropriate pace.

btw......GO HUSKERS!!!!

LorinaLynn

If I'm doing definite walking periods and definite running periods, I track them separately. That's how I logged C25K.

But when I go for a longer run and have to take a few seconds here and there to walk to catch my breath, I time myself, track the distance, and go by my average speed.

I don't have a smartphone to use the app, which would make things much easier, but I use runkeeper.com to plot my course, then a stopwatch to time my pace. It calculates everything for me, including an estimated calorie burn. Even if you just have the distance and time, without a map, it'll calculate your average pace and burn.

pilotgirl2007

I use nike+ to track them. Also a run is a run if you walk or don't walk you went out for a run so you should log it all together but make note of how much walking you did that way you can track your progress.

TTHdred

On mfp you track the length of time you run for and it gives you an estimated calorie burn. Two problems, 1) you have to know your pace and 2) it is only and estimate so without an HRM it may not be that accurate. That said, here is a work around for the first problem. There are free apps on smart phones if you have one. I use Runtastic. It uses gps to calculate your distance and pace. This will help you select the right pace (mph) on mfp when logging. Also, it tells you estimated calories burn. I typically compare it with mfp and add a happy medium. My hubby hates aps, so he uses Google Maps or Map My Run to track where he goes, then a stop watch to determine his time. Then he goes in excel and calculates his pace.

Now, if you are logging to see how far you went and how fast, that has to be done separately. Some people put it in the notes of the exercise in mfp or you can comment on your exercise status. I once again rely on the app. Since it tracks it and saves it, I can always check to see if my pace etc is improving and tally up how many miles I did for the week.

I would only track walking and running separately if you are specifically going for a walk versus a run. If you are going for a run and end up having to walk some of it (as I do) , then track it as a run. Again, knowing your pace helps. For example, I am slow, so when I “run” my pace is 4mph according to my phone. However, the slowest “run” on mfp is like 5mph so I had to track my “run” as a walk, so as not to overestimate calories burned. Hope that helps.

tenomyls

Im glad the question was posted Im going to get Runtastic today!

Tomhusker

Thanks, I'll look into some of these smart phone apps.