Endomondo

What really makes Endomondo stand out is the social community aspect. Users can send messages to friends with audio feedback and peptalks. It’s an easier way to exercise and stay healthy, knowing that your workout is being monitored by others, and helps you stay competitive.

In addition, Endomondo recently found that users with 10 friends or more are three times more active than users flying solo within the Endomondo community. When users compare themselves to their peers, especially close connections like friends and family, then the fun and social factor works for fitness and they get motivated.

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 trainings 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 Please Login or Register to read the rest of this content.

Giuseppe, how are classified the drivers who engage in this new discipline?

“Bush Pilot is the term that qualifies a pilot at the controls of an airplane equipped for the STOL features (Short Take Off Landing), so able to land over every type of terrain.”

Why Bush? I guess it is not related to the former president of the USA, right?

“Of course it isn’t. Bush is the English term that stays for the small tree in this case. The bush pilots are able to land in the beds of rivers, on the stony ground, over the snow fields, glaciers and generally on every not prepared surfaces. The bush pilot is an expert with a workout, but also the means used must be modified and turned into a bush plane. “

What are the distinguishing characteristics of an airplane designed for the Bush Flying?

“The most used bush plane are the ultralight biciclos, normally equipped with tires specifically designed and clearly identified by big size and shape.”

Where is from the technology invented for this new “philosophy of flight?

“Surely the leaders are the Alaskan Bushwheels ™: This is the brand that identifies the strange gums produced by a single company in the world established in Alaska. It is a low tire pressure to maximize the ground shocks absorption while preserving the truck, the fuselage and the pilot. Their large plant ensures a good grip for every surface and there are different measures according to different aircraft categories. The diameter for an ultralight aircraft in this category can be up to 29 inches (73.66 cm). “

“We’ve immediatelly been impressed by the light blue inserts of the clubs”, stated Jimmy. “I’ve started wondering if it could help me to play one of my favourite series of double or triple bogey… Or even a real albatross (hole made in three strokes under)”.

Talking together with one of the Golf Course expert we explored in details the functionalities of such wonderful Putters.

The Groove Technology is a new Putter design which improve the shot stability and control. Normal putters cause a ball to slide or backspin according to our experiences. Sliding and backspin overdistance was usually something that did not allow us to take the maximum control of the shot.

Infact, during the sliding distance the ball can skip or slide off course.

What happens if you use the GEL Groove technology ?

The GEL Putters we tested use special grooved inserts in order to create a faster top spin on the ball which is able to significantly reduce the slide and backspin distance, leading eventually to a more accurate shot !

Browsing on the Gelgolf website we were of course not the first ones to feel good in using such nice clubs. Here is just one of the Golfer feedback: “The Groove Technology really works. The bright colours also make Gel putters stand out from the crowd but it is on the green where you will notice the difference more than ever, and with a tag line like Believe in the roll, it’s easy to see where they are coming from”.

The sole prerogative of these insoles is the reduction of negative impacts resulting from the trauma of sportsmen during physical exercise, especially running.

Generally we can describe the phenomenon by recalling that in the past the man ran barefoot, flipped on a natural terrain, such as forests, grasslands, soil, sand, a soft surface, sweet and more suited to the human locomotor sensitive: the spine, muscles and tendons. This type of soil, due to its elasticity and structure, absorbed most of the shock waves, vibrations and shocks created by man.

Nowadays, we are forced to walk (or train) often hard on soils: asphalt, concrete, marble, tiles, etc … These surfaces do not absorb anything, on the contrary, return the form of kinetic energy shock waves also called negative energy or simply “shock that hurts.”

This negative energy spreads as vibration or shock, going up to each focal point Noene antishock human locomotive, thus producing the micro lasting, sometimes generate tendinitis and often encourage, talaga, periosteum, fracture from fatigue, joint pains of the feet, the knees, hips and back to the base of the skull.

The slabs were born for curbing these negative shocks and vibrations.

“I have tested the slabs inside my usual Adidas workout. I have shoes that offer a good level of absorption of shocks during the race, but I also wanted to replace their standard insoles with Noene.”

So Diego, a Turin Marathon runner, “I left home trying new shoes on my usual route in asphalt that leads me quickly to the cycle path. The sensations were just details. Earlier I thought I plan to go slower than usual but then gradually I realized that my speed was not changed compared to the usual practice (in fact I was probably going faster). The reality is that the impact with the ground was not really visible due to the new insoles noen. I did my usually 45 minutes walk and the real difference presented me after returning home. Usually I had to do much stretching to avoid pain and also often place some ice on the knees. This time however I have not felt that way. I felt a lot lighter and I realized that I had new shoes offer protection beyond the usual. ”

The Noene insoles are good: they are well clear inserts for cushioning polymer (black in hard red applied at the heel (especially over the first and fifth metatarsal head). Below the ‘foot area inside the arch is reported a Kevlar reinforcement to reduce any twisting between the front and rear. Everything seems designed with some knowledge about the biomechanics of the foot.
So states Federico, Avis Bra Gas athlete: “After examining tactile I had expected that the cushioning inserts had a rubbery texture, similar to the air bearing of Nike Air. Instead, the support is quite hard even more of the compound of the rest of the insole. So one can only remain curious and wonder: but would it really work ? If yes, how?
Let’s go at work. You first need to replace the insole with the Noene one. The first time the operation is a little more ‘laborious because the lower part of the soles is pretty rough to prevent slipping when placed in the shoe. Therefore just flex the insole in order to enter the same details.

In order to assess the behavior of the insole, I played three different types of training: a session of exercises in foot reactivity, sitting on a normal race and a quick stroke session.
For the first test I did a little ‘going to bounce. That pace is holding the legs stretched and is slow using only the action of the ankle to bounce. Later I was produced in several series of jump to the rope. As in the previous case, the legs are stretched and combined and the jump is executed only by the action of ankle and foot.
The sensations I feel are unique: although able to perform the exercises, the response of the foot seems a little less reactive upon contact with the ground.
In any case, this first test is not indicative of the behavior during the race, but rather to familiarize yourself with the sensations of the new medium.
After this first approach, I dedicate myself to the verification of the behavior during the race. In the session running at normal speed will not perceive any loss of thrust. The tour that I choose is a hill about 50′. I am pleasantly surprised by the feeling of comfort. Also annoying my tendonitis to foot problems, I do not even felt during their descent representing particular moments of pain before. I am particularly pleased to be sitting this way for comfort but above all to protect a particularly sensitive parts.

Finally the third test: 8 x 300 meters at about 55 courses. ” I am also quite satisfied with this session. I can run easily pace for just over 3 ‘to accuse one thousand without loss of thrust.
From what I have seen, I must admit that the sole Noene have proved very satisfactory in protecting the foot during training of the runners. Despite the great capacity of absorption, there is no significant loss of thrust in the race.
Personally I think this product is indispensable for the runners with tendinitis or other discomfort to the feet and knees, preferably combined with a good pair of protective shoes. “