Technology for self training

The field of technological devices for training assistance in fitness and running is quite rich. There is a wide range of heart-rate monitors, stride sensors, GPS (and more…) studied to communicate training stats. In this crowded field Adidas is trying to lead the way with an innovative device studied for a complete training support: we are talking about micoach.
Micoach consists in a small network of sensors (the actual version includes an heart-rate sensor and a stride sensor) sending data to a small management node which elaborates the incoming signal and  communicates the user the training parameters.  All this system is wearable end is slightly perceived during the training. Micoach is not just a device, but it is a complete series of tools for the training. In fact adidas allows its customers to register on micoach website for managing the features of the micoach device and for uploading the data recorded during training.

Once uploaded, this data are stored on the personal page of the customer and can be plotted in order to observed what happened during running. Moreover it is available a web service for the definition of a scheduled training program according with the level and the goal of the customer. The resulting program is quite accurate and it consists in a calendar with the training sessions described day by day. This feature is useful to drive self-training athlete along a precise and well scheduled path.

I had the opportunity/chance to test this new born device and I’m going to describe all the steps needed to correctly use the micoach.

First of all, I suggest every new user to take a look of the adidas website, in particular the micoach section (www.adidas.com/micoach). Here there are all the news and the details about micoach. In order to access all the micoach tools, every new user has to create his/her own account and to login. Once logged-in, is possible to fully use all the power of the web support for micoach. In this section is possible to create a training program according with the level and the goal of the athlete.

The goals range is quite wide and starts from learning to run or staying in shape and grows until training for a race. Once selected the goal, is possible to define the level of the training program. A higher level implies a greater amount of trainings. At the end of this procedure, the athlete has got his own training program specific for his athletic goal.
The next step is setting up micoach Pacer. This operation requires the plugging-in of the jack-USB cable according with the USB symbol (see picture). Plugging-in the USB in your PC will trigger the installation procedure. At the end, it will appear on the desktop of the pc the micoach Manager icon: Double-click on it and the program starts. It’s required to introduce the parameter of the adidas/micoach account to which synchronizes the device. Once correctly completed this procedure, the device load the settings defined on the web page. In the settings section on the web page is possible to fully manage the behavior of the micoach device.

For example, I chose the parameters to communicate during the run and I set up the language of the speaking voice. After the definition of the device settings, it is required a new synchronization of the device in order to load the new settings. Be careful: after each loading, it is strongly recommended to test the device behavior so to be sure that the new settings are properly loaded. If you don’t test this, you might discover during your training that the device is not set as you expected!!
After the synchronization, the training program will be loaded on the micoach Pacer, so you can start training. Now we are ready to test the device functionality.
Micoach can work together mp3 readers: the two devices can be linked using a jack to jack cable. Using this configuration, the athlete listen to music and, each time the micoach Pacer has a communication, the music stops and the micoach voice talk to the athlete. After the communication ends, the music starts again. During my test run, I used this configuration.
Wearing micoach require few minutes: the geometry of the stride sensor allows an easy bonding with the shoelace, the heart-rate belt is quite comfortable and the micoach Pacer is small, light and easily clippable to clothes. Once worn all the sensors, it is time to turn-on the system. Switching the selector on the top of the micoach Pacer on “micoach” or “free”, the micoach pacer starts searching the sensors.

The icon associated to the sensors stays red until the specific sensor is not found. Once the sensor is found and correctly recognized, the icon becomes green. If one or more icons stay red, probably the sensor indicated has a problem. Usually this problem is just a battery failure. In this case, just change battery and the sensor starts working correctly.

After booting correctly all the micoach network, it’s time to run. My coach pacer allows two programs: programmed training or free run (active using the selector on the top). In this first, micoach pacer communicates all the phases of the training, while in the latter micoach just records all the training parameters and communicates these only if required. Before starting training, it’s fundamental to push the start training button. This interface in not so easy to find, if it’s the first time you are using micoach ad if you didn’t read any tutorial. On micoach Pacer case, there is the icon of a running man (rear the shoe icon). Pushing the running man starts the training record.

the opposite side, near the heart icon, there is the button for the volume management. In the middle of the case, surrounded by a ring there is the ...Effettua il Login o %registrati% per leggere il resto dell'articolo

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