Display while using the Run Tile

[JoeHempel]

I want to run and train using the 80/20 and HR Zone in order to beat a half marathon in under 2 hours (missed by 70 seconds last year). So I bought a fitbit for the monitoring....returned it yesterday and bought a Microsoft Band because I didn't like wearing my Nike watch and the Fitbit ChargeHR to monitor HR and wearing a strap while running is just yucky.

So far, I wore the band during a session of Insanity MAX:30 Tabata Power and the HR was SPOT ON compared to manual taking. The dip is moving from high intensity work to ab and tricep.



I'm going to run with it tomorrow on a track before my track kids take the field so to speak for their meet and see how that works, but I have a question that I can't seem to find an answer to.

What is displayed during the run? I'm hoping time, distance, average lap pace (or total average pace), and hr.

I know the band was updated right before I bought it (a few weeks anyway), but all I could find was info from launch!

 

[CliveSinclair]

Consumer wrist HR monitors are never going to be as accurate as chest straps. If you are that serious about shaving 70s off your time, then I strongly recommend a proper HRM - such as Polar. What do you mean when you say they are Yucky to wear.

I wear my HRM and Polar RCX5 and it is comfortable to wear and very accurate.

 

[JoeHempel]

Actually, I beg to differ based on my testing.

This was spot on compared to manual tracking and yesterday I saw maybe...MAYBE a 1-3 beat difference when I checked against it and the chest strap I was using to compare.

I DO have a chest strap, and a Polar H4, but I find it too constricting when I run. I also use a Nike Watch with the Polar Wearlink on the strap when I run, but again....I don't like it and that was exactly spot on compared to the bands.

So back to the question at hand:

What's on the display?

 

[erichyde43]

The display for runs is Customizablew. Select Manage Tiles from the right panel and click the Pencil on Run. You can have 3 metrics from the following list: Pace, Distance, Calories, Heart Rate, Duration. Sadly no average pace for the run. I'm hoping that gets updated as well.

On the same note, i've found my heart rate to be very accurate as well. I believe wrist based trackers are so varied on reviews because some people have poor circulation which makes for a worse reading. I always have a strong pulse with lower body fat on my wrists, so i think that might be why I get a better consistent reading.

 

[kenjancef]

I want to run and train using the 80/20 and HR Zone in order to beat a half marathon in under 2 hours (missed by 70 seconds last year).

2 years ago I had a goal for a half in under 2 hours, beat it by 20 seconds... so I know you can do it!

I've only had the chance to use my Band on an outdoor run once, due to the crappy New England winter we had, and I didn't notice what was on the Band since it was covered with a shirt and coat. Hoping to get to use it more in the coming weeks...

 

[gadgetrants]

The display for runs is Customizablew. Select Manage Tiles from the right panel and click the Pencil on Run. You can have 3 metrics from the following list: Pace, Distance, Calories, Heart Rate, Duration. Sadly no average pace for the run. I'm hoping that gets updated as well.

On the same note, i've found my heart rate to be very accurate as well. I believe wrist based trackers are so varied on reviews because some people have poor circulation which makes for a worse reading. I always have a strong pulse with lower body fat on my wrists, so i think that might be why I get a better consistent reading.

^^^ Great answer.

As I recall, while in Run mode there is also a "pull-down" icon at the top of the display -- I have an awful time getting it work with sweaty fingers, but -- if you pull this icon down it will offer some additional data. It's been a while since I used this function so my memory is a little foggy. But I also seem to remember that if you double-tap the Action button while in Run mode it will "rotate" around the three items displayed on the main screen. (Probably not the best usability choice, since that's the same button that pauses a run...so you have to double-tap just right!)

​-Matt

 

[DroidUser42]

Actually, I beg to differ based on my testing.

This was spot on compared to manual tracking and yesterday I saw maybe...MAYBE a 1-3 beat difference when I checked against it and the chest strap I was using to compare.

Cool! Just be aware that some of us haven't been so lucky.

 

[JoeHempel]

So, went on a little 2 mile run, slow because I'm trying to find my ventalation threshold for 80/20, and 2, I'm screwing with the watch the entire time trying to find the pace/time etc.

Didn't realize I could change what was displayed in the app....thankfully I can, other wise I would be returning it.

Everything seemed right on...HR never lost, GPS never lost. If only the could display AVG PACE that would be great....I seriously can't believe that didn't include that....it's friggen running app 101

 

[gadgetrants]

I think designing device 101 is "never put all the good stuff in the 1st gen device," otherwise there's less demand for the 2nd gen. If it's easily fixed by a firmware update (which average pace is), then that gives the software engineers something useful to do!

-Matt

 

[JoeHempel]

I think designing device 101 is "never put all the good stuff in the 1st gen device," otherwise there's less demand for the 2nd gen. If it's easily fixed by a firmware update (which average pace is), then that gives the software engineers something useful to do!

-Matt

Yeah I can understand that, but if you are touting this as a band that can track runs, then seriously....no average pace?? I'm kind of wanting to return it now and maybe grab the Fitbit Surge. I hope the fix this with a firmware update soon.

 

[gadgetrants]

Yeah I can understand that, but if you are touting this as a band that can track runs, then seriously....no average pace?? I'm kind of wanting to return it now and maybe grab the Fitbit Surge. I hope the fix this with a firmware update soon.

I'm sorry if my post reads as a bit flippant...I of course agree with you 100%. Sure seems like average pace is a no-brainer. There are some great discussions (and I think one stickied thread) on requested features -- I guess we'll see in the next few months.

​-Matt

 

[defante]

The summary when you end your run shows the average pace. It matches what it shows for average pace in the phone app. Or are you guys talking about something else? I admit I haven't been running for very long so all these metrics are still new to me.

 

[ChemEngr]

The summary when you end your run shows the average pace. It matches what it shows for average pace in the phone app. Or are you guys talking about something else? I admit I haven't been running for very long so all these metrics are still new to me.

I can confirm that this is the case. But it would be nice to show the avg pace right after the mile marker pace.