NRC : problems with accuracy?

[CyberPrincess]

hi all, long time lurker, first proper post!

I graduated the C25K in November and have been trying to keep my running up since then, but it has been erratic to say the least!

My hubbie persuaded me to follow a Nike Run Club plan and from recommendations on here I signed up for the 10k plan this week.

I’ve been confused though by some of the stats coming through from the NRC app though. I did a 4k run this morning and it told me I was doing it at 5min/km pace! Which if you saw me, you’d know was impossible!! The fastest I’ve ever got was about 7min/km in my distant youth!

So the question is, how reliable is the NRC app? Is it the app, my phone (2020 iPhone 12), the location (I’m lucky enough to be in Tenerife this week!) or am I really flying like the wind?

I do actually like listening to Coach Bennett’s motivational shtick so I’d be sad if I had to move away from the plan…

Thanks for listening!

[damienair Administrator]

Personally I don't use a phone to track my runs. The GPS on some phones can be inaccurate as I think you are experiencing. I also find a phone to be too bulky. Only time I use a phone when running is for long runs when I listen to a podcast. Garmin running watches are very accurate and that is what I use. I bought my first running watch which was a Garmin Forerunner 15 on eBay second hand for about £20. It was old but it did the job perfectly. I then got a new Garmin Forerunner 35 which I had for about 5-6 years until the strap broke recently. It was unfortunately beyond repair so I bought a new Garmin Forerunner 165 just before Christmas. I'm loving the new watch. It has various training plans etc from Garmin Connect which are sent to the watch to allow tracking of your training. Anyway just letting you know that you can get good deals even on second hand watches on eBay if you don't want to shell out a lot of money. The Garmin Forerunner 55 is a good entry level running watch if you wanted to buy new. The beauty of a running watch is that they are very accurate for pace, distance and time. In my experience Garmin watches have been accurate to within a meter or two on a 5K distance. Enjoy your time in Tenerife. Lucky you.

[Yesletsgo Administrator Graduate10]

I've had similar issues, especially when abroad. I track all my runs with my Garmin Forerunner 45 and NRC and NRC frequently has me noted as running further and faster. On the other hand NRC always tells me that my local Parkrun course is only 4.88km.As long as you're aware this can happen it's not necessarily a problem. If it tells me something daft I just smile, I know the truth! 😁

[nowster Graduate10]

It all depends on the GPS chip in your phone, and crucially where you stow your phone when you're doing the run. GPS signals are particularly fragile (roughly equivalent to seeing a 60W lightbulb from a few hundred miles away) and can easily be blocked by your body.

[MissUnderstanding Administrator Graduate10]

Yes-I’ve looked at route maps post run and I’ve apparently developed the ability to run straight across lakes where it’s lost signal and picked me up on the other side. Instead of following the path around the edge, it’s just joined the dots in a straight line across the water! Nike Run Club is great for coaching and plans, but accuracy? Not so much!!

I would say that whatever distance your app thinks, your legs are still running it so you don’t need to ditch the plan. Enjoy Tenerife!

[drl212 Graduate10]

I'm a fan of CB's corny schtick as well! I typically run my Garmin and NRC at the same time. They are most often in 'disagreement'...

[Sax64 Graduate10]

I find the NRC stats notoriously inaccurate. I use my garmin watch for my stats, but the NRC app is great for the guided runs, which if you're training for speed or distance, is great to listen to.

[CyberPrincess]

thanks for all the comments people. I think I’ll stick to Coach Bennett most times but keep an eye on my real distance using another app. Anything that helps me get out that door right!?

[MissUnderstanding Administrator Graduate10 in reply to CyberPrincess]

Absolutely!! Do what works for you. Good luck! ❤️