Progress Tracking for 2011

[Dr. Lecter]

I write everything down in a small pocket calendar. It works for me - I would like to put my mileage into a spreadhseet though so I can track how much I have ran.

[mercyrule]

I write everything down in a small pocket calendar. It works for me - I would like to put my mileage into a spreadhseet though so I can track how much I have ran.

Don't you have a smarkphone? There are all kinds of apps that can keep track of all kinds of things for you. I like runkeeper because it works with the GPS on my smartphone and records how far I've gone or I can measure the distance on a favorite route. It also tells me, literally, my pace.

But it wouldn't keep track of lifting.

[Ebenezer]

You also use the Nike thing.

I wonder because I'm trying to decide if it's worthwhile to go back to using Sparkpeople. But I wonder if using more than one place is worth my time.

I forgot about Nike. I use that because it will map the run, keep the time and manage the music I listen to. Beats having to carry a stop watch, phone and iPod. Then I can just post it from there. Nike is also good because it graphs the run time v distance. It is way better than mapmyrun.com which I no longer use.

Spark works really well because of the accountability. I think that is the key for me. The Nike serves a purpose and allows me to post it to FB. Posting on spark gets me involved with others - like a virtual club - because I only have a few local contacts and our schedules don't mesh well. When you try to do this all alone it is very tough. Even though I've run 500 miles since last March I would say that 400 of them have been run alone. I'm pretty good at solitary things (you have to be in science) but it is nice to enjoy your little victories (and brag a little) with others. Spark allows you a forum to do that.

[mercyrule]

I forgot about Nike. I use that because it will map the run, keep the time and manage the music I listen to. Beats having to carry a stop watch, phone and iPod. Then I can just post it from there. Nike is also good because it graphs the run time v distance. It is way better than mapmyrun.com which I no longer use.

Spark works really well because of the accountability. I think that is the key for me. The Nike serves a purpose and allows me to post it to FB. Posting on spark gets me involved with others - like a virtual club - because I only have a few local contacts and our schedules don't mesh well. When you try to do this all alone it is very tough. Even though I've run 500 miles since last March I would say that 400 of them have been run alone. I'm pretty good at solitary things (you have to be in science) but it is nice to enjoy your little victories (and brag a little) with others. Spark allows you a forum to do that.

Nike works with Nike shoes, right?

Accountability is good. I really liked getting feedback on Facebook from my runkeeper posted status updates over the summer. It really encouraged me to not give up. Accountability is why I'm a lifetime member of Weight Watchers though I'm often not at goal and haven't been for a while.

[Ebenezer]

Nike works with Nike shoes, right?

Accountability is good. I really liked getting feedback on Facebook from my runkeeper posted status updates over the summer. It really encouraged me to not give up. Accountability is why I'm a lifetime member of Weight Watchers though I'm often not at goal and haven't been for a while.

When it first came out you needed the Nike shoes that fit the chip. Then you could d/l it onto your computer. Now, with iTouch and iPhones all you need is the app. The GPS in my iTouch is super cheap. The calibration is off. I am going to take a walk later and see if I can fix it. I've only tried to calibrate it with running. If the mileage is wrong you can always correct it later.

Never been a member of WW. I always thought you were completely on an island trying to count points and do things at home. Some people have compared SP to a support group. Fine with me. I'm in this for the long-term but I know five years from now I am not going to be able to do this on my own.

[Dr. Lecter]

Don't you have a smarkphone? There are all kinds of apps that can keep track of all kinds of things for you. I like runkeeper because it works with the GPS on my smartphone and records how far I've gone or I can measure the distance on a favorite route. It also tells me, literally, my pace.

But it wouldn't keep track of lifting.

Nope. Just a plain boring phone.

I can upgrade this summer and will do so.

[Ebenezer]

Nike works with Nike shoes, right?

Accountability is good. I really liked getting feedback on Facebook from my runkeeper posted status updates over the summer. It really encouraged me to not give up. Accountability is why I'm a lifetime member of Weight Watchers though I'm often not at goal and haven't been for a while.

I think another factor is "what do you want to do with this"?

I now only wanted to lose weight but I wanted to run long distances. I had no clue about running. Sure, I could have done a lot of research but I don't have a lot of time. While I have still had to do a bunch of reading being in a group with others has been a huge help. I never would be running the distance I am now without that group. I wouldn't have run my first 10K and then my first 10M had I been all on my own. Back in May, I originally planned to run 5 miles to celebrate New Years Eve. I would have progressed over time but I've made so much more progress because of the folks I met. Clothing, fuel/water belt, training, GU recommendations have really helped. It would have been more trial and error had I gone it alone.

If you just want to lose weight I think folks can maintain on their own. It depends on your goals and mentality (obviously).

[mercyrule]

When it first came out you needed the Nike shoes that fit the chip. Then you could d/l it onto your computer. Now, with iTouch and iPhones all you need is the app. The GPS in my iTouch is super cheap. The calibration is off. I am going to take a walk later and see if I can fix it. I've only tried to calibrate it with running. If the mileage is wrong you can always correct it later.

Never been a member of WW. I always thought you were completely on an island trying to count points and do things at home. Some people have compared SP to a support group. Fine with me. I'm in this for the long-term but I know five years from now I am not going to be able to do this on my own.

Some people have compared WW to a support group. I don't do the meetings but they always try to get me to because they think it will inspire people. What I like best is that they teach problem-solving as well as any engineering class I took - point being that people with the most success plan ahead and then evaluate their plans afterwards to determine the plan's effectiveness. But a lot of people really like the group support. They give you little prizes when you reach small goals and larger ones. Unless you ask them not to they share the presentation with the whole meeting. And they have online forums where you can share as much or as little as you like.

[mercyrule]

I think another factor is "what do you want to do with this"?

I now only wanted to lose weight but I wanted to run long distances. I had no clue about running. Sure, I could have done a lot of research but I don't have a lot of time. While I have still had to do a bunch of reading being in a group with others has been a huge help. I never would be running the distance I am now without that group. I wouldn't have run my first 10K and then my first 10M had I been all on my own. Back in May, I originally planned to run 5 miles to celebrate New Years Eve. I would have progressed over time but I've made so much more progress because of the folks I met. Clothing, fuel/water belt, training, GU recommendations have really helped. It would have been more trial and error had I gone it alone.

If you just want to lose weight I think folks can maintain on their own. It depends on your goals and mentality (obviously).

I'm thinking about paying for Fleet Feet's next learn to run group. There's a group for people who want to go from 5k to 10k. Where it would help me is it might get me to actually get out in the winter to run which I almost never do.

[Ebenezer]

I'm thinking about paying for Fleet Feet's next learn to run group. There's a group for people who want to go from 5k to 10k. Where it would help me is it might get me to actually get out in the winter to run which I almost never do.

When I first started I told a friend of mine (you met her at the 9/11 run) that I was afraid I couldn't run in winter. She kept telling me it would be fine. Just to layer and learn my body. So true. I don't even think about it now. We went out for 10 on Saturday and it was cold but after a mile it's like summer with more clothes. I don't plan on being one of those running in 5 degrees or zero visibility but I miss it when I don't get out there. I've got three runs already planned for this week including 12 miles on Thursday - predicted temp = 20!!

[mercyrule]

When I first started I told a friend of mine (you met her at the 9/11 run) that I was afraid I couldn't run in winter. She kept telling me it would be fine. Just to layer and learn my body. So true. I don't even think about it now. We went out for 10 on Saturday and it was cold but after a mile it's like summer with more clothes. I don't plan on being one of those running in 5 degrees or zero visibility but I miss it when I don't get out there. I've got three runs already planned for this week including 12 miles on Thursday - predicted temp = 20!!

I don't like winter. I don't care how many layers I have on. I decided once I reached the point where I wasn't required to go run in the snow that it was silly to do so considering that a) I didn't like it and b) I didn't have to anymore. Being an adult has it's advantages.

So my thing is that I have to convince myself that I really want to.

[Valerie]

I HATE the cold but even I don't mind running in it once I get started. I run a mile with Katie at night and with just a sweatshirt, gloves, hat and fall jacket, I'm hot halfway through the run. I still don't like it, but it's not as cold as the temperature suggests.

So, are you guys going to give us the option to edit our posts in this thread?

[mercyrule]

What I really need is closer proximity to my sisters. I've done all kinds of crazy things with them - including running in the snow. Yeah, I consider running in the snow crazy.

[Ebenezer]

I don't like winter. I don't care how many layers I have on. I decided once I reached the point where I wasn't required to go run in the snow that it was silly to do so considering that a) I didn't like it and b) I didn't have to anymore. Being an adult has it's advantages.

So my thing is that I have to convince myself that I really want to.

I also have the advantage of a Y that has an indoor track. I also own a treadmill but really don't want to have to do that. Road running is so much better. Running on a treadmill is masturbation; road running is sex! (hey somebody had to say it).

Convincing yourself is the hardest part. It's the internal inertia that is the hardest part. I WANT to do this. I want to run a HM and then keep running them. I'm competitive and can't play other sports any more...and I want to keep myself healthy.

[mercyrule]

My father was a crazy runner. Like from way back when people used to think it was a fad. His "helpful" suggestions did nothing to persuade me that it isn't crazy.

[Ebenezer]

I HATE the cold but even I don't mind running in it once I get started. I run a mile with Katie at night and with just a sweatshirt, gloves, hat and fall jacket, I'm hot halfway through the run. I still don't like it, but it's not as cold as the temperature suggests.

So, are you guys going to give us the option to edit our posts in this thread?

Valerie, no offense, but I am sure you remember what it gets like here. Running a few days in the "cold" down there doesn't even come close. I can run 10 miles in your average temps in shorts.

[Ebenezer]

My father was a crazy runner. Like from way back when people used to think it was a fad. His "helpful" suggestions did nothing to persuade me that it isn't crazy.

Yeah, I can't get my kids to pick it up. My son plays tennis and doesn't understand how it will help his game. My daughter might try it more later this year.

[mercyrule]

I also have the advantage of a Y that has an indoor track. I also own a treadmill but really don't want to have to do that. Road running is so much better. Running on a treadmill is masturbation; road running is sex! (hey somebody had to say it).

Convincing yourself is the hardest part. It's the internal inertia that is the hardest part. I WANT to do this. I want to run a HM and then keep running them. I'm competitive and can't play other sports any more...and I want to keep myself healthy.

I miss K-State's Ahearn Field House and the faculty/staff card I used to get every year. 6 lane, 200 m, marked, tartan track. With hurdles available even.

Yeah. Well, I really don't want to. I usually spin in the winter. What I want is to be in shape for that 10k in May.

[mercyrule]

Yeah, I can't get my kids to pick it up. My son plays tennis and doesn't understand how it will help his game. My daughter might try it more later this year.

Dad, you make them. That's what mine did:

http://www.facebook.com/#!/photo.php?fbid=1159223667940&set=t.1448228823

[Dr. Lecter]

Now you are all making me think that I should run outside and get used to doing that.

I don't mind it once I get going. I find the hardest part is that the road conditions are not always the best and when there is ice it can slippery.