Real-Time GPS-Based Track and Cross Country Training Evaluation System

Casey C. Miller

Abstract:	Technology is playing an ever-increasing role in helping to train athletes. An important ingredient to any effective training system is immediate feedback during a workout, as well as detailed post-workout analysis. Therefore, real- time training systems are vital in conducting effective and efficient training sessions. This research focuses on the next phase of a real-time novel application of GPS and physiological sensors to provide an accurate evaluation of a runner’s performance during training. This paper presents the design and test results from a next generation real-time, small lightweight, multi-user track and cross country Training Evaluation System (TES). It describes the latest advances over previous prototype systems (14, 15). The system will be capable of monitoring several runners simultaneously by outputting runners' position, velocity, and physiological data (such as heart- rate) to a laptop computer monitored in real-time by the coach. Prototypes of the TES have been used in the 2000 United States Air Force Marathon, several cross-country running events, and during both varsity and junior-varsity track races and workouts. The results are very promising and clearly show how correlating a runner's physiological data directly with his/her position and velocity provides a coach with the critical training information required to determine whether the runner is running in an optimal fashion, i.e., at a consistent pace, too fast, too slow, or in/not in a straight line. In conclusion, the TES's output can be used to determine the runner's strengths and weaknesses - making the training workouts much more effective.
Published in:	Proceedings of the 14th International Technical Meeting of the Satellite Division of The Institute of Navigation (ION GPS 2001) September 11 - 14, 2001 Salt Palace Convention Center Salt Lake City, UT
Pages:	3086 - 3094
Cite this article:	Miller, Casey C., "Real-Time GPS-Based Track and Cross Country Training Evaluation System," Proceedings of the 14th International Technical Meeting of the Satellite Division of The Institute of Navigation (ION GPS 2001), Salt Lake City, UT, September 2001, pp. 3086-3094.
Full Paper:	ION Members/Non-Members: 1 Download Credit Sign In