Runmeter Run Apr 29, 2013, 11:07:41 AM

Finished Run: Apr 29, 2013, 11:55:10 AM
Route: Work Five Miler
Run Link: http://runmeter.com/19bfd39732fac2da/Run-20130429-1107?r=e
Import Link: http://share.abvio.com/19bfd39732fac2da/Runmeter-Run-20130429-1107.kml
Run Time: 45:06
Stopped Time: 0:00
Distance: 5.03 miles
Average: 8:58 /mile
Fastest Pace: 6:48 /mile
Behind Best Run: 0:57
Ascent: 233 feet
Descent: 243 feet
Calories: 647

http://www.runmeter.com

Comparing GPS trackers

I have two devices that I use for tracking my distance and pace when out running.

The first is my Garmin Forerunner 305, which I got for Christmas in 2007. Its first official race was the Rock N' Roll Arizona Marathon, and I've used it for every major race since then. It's very reliable. The battery lasted through all fifty miles of the Door County Fall 50, though it did have a warning indicator by the time I was done.

The second is my iPhone 3GS, which I got in March 2012. I checked out a few different running apps, and I decided on RunMeter. It's got great features and a lot of flexibility. One of my favorite perks is that it posts updates and a tracking map to Facebook in real time, and comments left are read to me while I am still out running. I've found the tracking ability to be a lot less reliable than the Garmin -- it totally lost me during last year's Minneapolis Marathon. Still, I recommend this app. You can't blame the app developers for the GPS issues, which are a part of the iPhone.

Yesterday morning, I used both tracking devices for an eight-mile training run to do a side-by-side comparison.

It's hard to say which is more accurate, but the Garmin paces me a bit faster than Runmeter.

My current plan for this Saturday's marathon is to use both devices, as I did in Minneapolis. I like using the Garmin because I can manually track when I cross each mile marker. I like using Runmeter because it keeps race fans informed. This time, I do not plan to wear headphones, so I probably won't hear any Facebook comments unless I happen to hear the iPhone speaker while on a quiet part of the course. In any case, I'll read them all after I'm done.

Runmeter Run Apr 28, 2013, 5:49:45 AM

That's enough for today.

Finished Run: Apr 28, 2013, 7:02:54 AM
Route: Eight Mile Training Run
Run Link: http://runmeter.com/19bfd39732fac2da/Run-20130428-0549?r=e
Import Link: http://share.abvio.com/19bfd39732fac2da/Runmeter-Run-20130428-0549.kml
Run Time: 1:12:21
Stopped Time: 0:00
Distance: 8.20 miles
Average: 8:49 /mile
Fastest Pace: 6:34 /mile
Ascent: 312 feet
Descent: 315 feet
Calories: 1027

http://www.runmeter.com

Come on out for #30

On Saturday, May 4 (in eleven days), I'll be running the Wisconsin Marathon in Kenosha. This will be the 30th time that I run an organized race of 26.2 miles or greater. I think I am in great shape, but I won't know until race day if I can challenge my personal record from Minneapolis last year.

Some may wonder how I am feeling about this race, considering the events that occurred in Boston earlier this month. While the possibility is remote that something could happen in Kenosha, I still feel concern for all the runners and the spectators. I pray for everyone's safety, and I encourage all those in attendance to keep a watchful eye for anything that seems out of the ordinary.

With the above in mind, I would love to see lots of friends and family members out on the course on Saturday the 4th. The race starts at 7 a.m. in downtown Kenosha. If you plan on checking out the race, please let me know. You could potentially hang out with Jenelle and the kids, or with my parents, all of whom plan to be in attendance.

My friend, David, is also running the race. You are welcome to join the two of us and my family for a post-race meal. Again, let me know if you're interested.

Heading Out - FINALLY

It seems like forever since I've had the opportunity to run outside. With highs in the 50s today, it's the perfect chance to join some work buddies at lunchtime and get in a few miles.

Since my last post, I've been averaging 35 miles a week, thanks to a treadmill in my basement and the treadmills at the company fitness center. With two young kids at home, I'll go running just about whenever I can fit it in. A supportive wife is key, and mine is beyond wonderful. Last weekend's 20-miler was a late Saturday effort (9:00 p.m. - 12:15 a.m.). I've got a number of things to keep me entertained while logging the miles, including free movies / TV shows via Amazon Prime and a Playstation 2. Yes, I can play while running. :)

Things are looking good for the Kenosha Marathon on May 4. The mileage is slightly reduced this weekend, and then I'll get in one final 20-miler next weekend, hopefully outside. I should be in good shape to break four hours, but it's hard to tell if I can challenge my PR from Minneapolis last year (3:37:30).

I have a twitter account now. I don't put much on it beyond the mile counts, but who knows when I'll put more interesting info there. http://twitter.com/marathonbenj

Finally, here's some exciting news. I have now reached 12,000 miles on my lifetime odometer! That's almost half way around the world! Onward!