[Cugel]

Gizmos of the data-collecting or displaying variety are banned from my handlebars and everywhere else. This Guardian article explains why:

https://www.theguardian.com/commentisfree/2023/may/29/running-app-mental-health-data-guilt

Here’s a quote illustrating the thrust of the article:

“That tragic image of me sobbing while choking down a conciliatory Cornetto on my living room floor pretty much sums up my relationship with exercise tracking technology.

I’d like to say at this point that I know running [cycling] apps are brilliant for some people. It can be a total joy to watch your stats change as you get stronger and faster. I once got a kick out of it too, but at some point it became a stick I used to punish myself. “

How do you feel about the training apps, programs and other data-gathering thingies? Are they for or agin’ ‘ee and your cycling pleasures or purposes? What are you training for that seems to require their use?

257 years ago, when I road raced, I did briefly have a computer on the bicycle bars. Frankly, it was just an annoying distraction compared to the excellent effects of the chain gang or the actual racing, during which no one had time to collect or look at data.  Just trying to stay on seemed a far better way to get fit. 🙂

Topic

[mark1a]

I would say that you & I are

I would say that you & I are at different ends of the spectrum here.

I use a GPS head unit on rides, currently a Garmin Edge 1040 Solar (replacing over time previously 1030 Plus, 1030, 820, 520, Wahoo RFLKT). This is paired with multiple sensors on multiple bikes (speed, power, HR, radar, camera). I record every ride with Garmin Connect and Strava, and analyse particular ones with VeloViewer. I track distances on every bike, and using Strava’s component feature, distance on each component, allowing me to forecast wear and tear. I use ActivityFix.com for a rules based “if this then that” workflow to automatically update Strava activities to have the correct bike and title depending on sensors connected and/or GPS data. 

The data collected (along with steps, stairs and sleep data from a Garmin fitness watch) helps me track calorie surplus/deficit for my ongoing battle with weight, I look at Strava segments to track my own performance (it’s fun), and also, I just find data very meaningful. The old adage “you can’t improve what you can’t measure” applies for me. I don’t feel any pressure similar to the Grauniad article’s author, at my age and ability I know no matter how well I do on a bike there will always be someone faster/better, and I can live with that. Rather the opposite, I find it easier and more comfortable comparing say, average power and average HR on a particular activity against how I felt or how much I’d ate or drank.

So in summary, if one likes data recording and analysis and does not suffer with the anxieties described in the article, it’s absolutely fine and makes things more interesting.

[HoldingOn]

In my (distant) youth, I was

In my (distant) youth, I was an orienteer and enjoyed the competition. I bought my first Garmin GPS watch & heart rate monitor and began my tracking. I now use a Forerunner 45 and track my commute. I also use it to track my runs.

If I hadn’t been tracking this information for so long, I would have sought emergency medical care after my first Spin class, when my heart rate hit 205bpm. My heart rate has always run (excuse the pun) very high.

I find it really useful to track my entire day on the watch. It gives me a heads up when I am heading towards a cold (my resting heart rate starts to creep up) I use it to alter my run/cycle cadence to see what differences it makes with my speed.

However – since it is a watch, I can’t/don’t check it while cycling. It buzzes every 5km, but I have no idea how long it has taken – so feel I am more focused on my surroundings, rather than a screen. I believe it would be similar to a driver checking their phone – I wouldn’t be paying attention to the road (granted – different outcomes if a pedestrian stepped out in front of me, rather than a driver)

[Author]

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