In reality all I need for exact distance & pace calculation is a track log which is generated by most GPS devices. And luckily I am a proud owner of the Garmin Nuvi 265WT, thanks to my wonderful and caring boyfriend.
It's bulky but if I can overcome that, I can have a device for on-the-run distance and pace check and a drag-and-drop GPX file to be analyzed in any software of choice (discussed later) - all that without spending a penny.
Current Distance and Pace Information:
View via Trip Computer accessed through the Speed field on Map View
Loading GPX Data:
Your computer should identify the GPS as a simple USB storage device
Go to the GPX folder and find current.gpx
The most obvious viewer for this file is Google Earth; but I discuss much better options in the "Training Software" section.
Notes:
- current.gpx file contains your Trip (Track) Log consisting of multiple tracks
- A new Track is started each time the GPS is powered on, therefore - to save time during post-processing - power on your GPS when you are at the start line of your run; and power off when you are at the finish
- Each Track consists of coordinate points recorded by the GPS; I am not aware of the exact recording methodology (hand-held GPS's designed for this purpose have an option allowing the user to set the recording interval by either time or distance); however, the automatic algorithm on my Nuvi does a perfect job obtaining just the perfect amount of detail
- Trip Log is cleared through Tools > My Data > Clear Trip Log
- Trip Log can be displayed on the Map View through Tools > Settings > Map > Trip Log ; ALL Tracks in Trip Log will be shown as a light blue line. I don't find this useful during a run; unless you are lost; but great for hiking.
The Garmin Owners manual is essentially useless and I am thoroughly in love with Creepy Gary for having his amazing GPS blog: http://home.comcast.net/~ghayman3/garmin.gps/
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