Strands Blog

Introducing Strands 3D Route Replay!

Strands 3D Route Replay offers the athlete another tool to analyze training and share their experience in an unparalleled 3D format.

“In an effort to provide a better sense of a given workout or route, we have developed route visualization tools that work with sophisticated Google Earth technologies,” explains developer Justin Donaldson.

“Using these tools, Strands users are no longer restricted to just pace information, distances, and a crude map. They are sharing the actual experience of what it is like to run the route–including terrain, elevation changes, buildings and other landmarks.”

This new visualization technology works with all existing Strands compatible data formats, and will run on any OSX or Windows based browser using a small plugin.

The plugin is free, and you can install it from here: http://www.google.com/earth/explore/products/plugin.html

After you have installed the plugin, you can check out some sample routes from our users.

Coming to an event near you!

In addition to Strands users workouts, the route replay 3D system enables basic route information to be rendered as well. This gives race organizers the ability to create a course map offering race participants a ground level re-creation of the entire race, from start to finish–including critical course information such as first aid stations, water stops, terrain changes and landmarks on the course. For example, below is a 3D course representation of the famous Citgo sign marking 1 mile to go in the BAA Boston Marathon.

If you are interested in working with a Strands rep to develop a 3D Course Map for your event, please contact feedback@strands.com.

Strands for iPhone User Group on Strands

A new group has been formed on Strands.com specifically aimed at Strands for iPhone users. This group will serve as a page to centralize iPhone workouts and provide Strands Team with valuable feedback regarding the app.

You can access and join the Strands for iPhone Users here. Although it is not possible to join the group directly using Strands for iPhone, once you have joined the group at Strands.com you will be able to access the group using the app.

Date and Time Issues with iOS 4.1

If you recently updated your iPhone to Apple iOS 4.1 you may have noticed that dates and times for shared posts (including workouts) using Strands for iPhone have been incorrect. We are well aware of this issue, unfortunately we had no way of knowing this would happen after Apple upgraded their operating system for the iPhone last Friday.

The good news is that we have already fixed the problem and an updated version of Strands for iPhone (v 3.2.1) is now available at Appstore/iTunes, so make sure you get the update if you have not done so already!

For future reference, you can always manually change the date and time after you share a workout or post by clicking on the pencil icon in the bar directly below the notes section in a post.

This week we have prepared a short tutorial about searching for routes. Take a minute to view our video tutorial and read our overview about using the powerful new route search tool on Strands.com, and stop back next week for a tutorial about Strands Smart Routes.

Happy Training!

Strands Team

The enhanced route search function on Strands.com, allows you to search the database of routes uploaded by the Strands community. Using both a grid or map view, you can search for routes by location, route type, distance, proximity and popularity.

To get started, simply click on the Routes tab. Here you will find a grid view of routes in your area. If you would like to search for routes in a new location, type a city or zip code in the text field, or click “More Options” to search using the advanced search functions.

Another method to search for routes is with the map view. Select the map view tab and a map will display running hot-spots listed by the number of routes posted in the area. Double-click or use your mouse’s scroll wheel to zoom in on the map for a display of each routes starting point. If you mouse over the starting point, it will display a snapshot of the route on the map.

If you have any questions about searching for running routes, please contact feedback@strands.com, or visit our FAQ at www.strands.com/FAQ.

If you haven’t checked out the new calendar view on Strands.com, now is your chance! We’ve produced a short instructional video to acquaint you with the basic features.  If you prefer, you can also read the cliff notes version below. Check back again soon for more tutorials showcasing the many new features on Strands.com.

Happy training!

Strands Team

Calendar View

The calendar view in your strands profile is the best place to add, browse and edit all of your activity on Strands.com.

Add New Activity
Adding new activity to your calendar is easy. Click on the day and a pop-up window will appear where you can share a note or a workout post using the parser language. You can also share activity with details by clicking on one of the activity buttons.

Browse Calendar
Activity is color coded for easy browsing. You can also scroll over the activity for a post preview, or if you would like to filter the activity in your calendar, select the activity or date in the drop-down menu. Remember, the calendar is interactive. When you have located a post, simply click on it once to link to the original post.

Edit Calendar
To edit old activity, simply double-click the post. If you have added it to the wrong date, you can drag and drop to the correct date.

To make the calendar view your default profile view, visit your account preferences, select the “View” tab, and mark the Calendar checkbox.

If you have any questions about the Calendar View on Strands, please visit our FAQ or send an email to feedback@strands.com.

Strands for iPhone App version 3.2 introduces some exciting new features. We will be highlighting a different feature each week, so stay tuned!

New for 3.2:

• Routes function – Find and select a nearby route using either Chrono or Geo
• New, reconfigured Chrono screen – makes recording and uploading workouts easy
• Invisibility button in Chrono – allows you to work out anonymously but still record and upload the workout in full detail
• New privacy button – allows you to easily choose who you want to share workouts with
• New sharing options for Strands and social networks – allows you to easily choose where you want to share workouts

Chrono – Finding and Joining a Route

Using Strands for iPhone App version 3.2 you can find and select nearby routes to use for your workout. There are two ways to do this– through Chrono and through Geo. For this week, we will focus on finding and joint a route using Chrono.

To find and join a route using Chrono, you can follow these easy steps:

1) Press the Join Event/Select Route button in the Chrono screen prior to the start of your workout

2) Press the Join Event/Select Route button. You will be prompted to either “Select Nearby Route” or “Join Event”. Pressing Select Nearby Route will bring up a listing of local routes. Select a route using checkboxes to the right of each route.

3) Once a route is selected and you return to the main Chrono screen from the route menu (using the X button), you will now notice that the name of the route appears on the Chrono screen. When you enable Chrono map view using the button on the bottom right of the Chrono screen, the route is loaded onto the map.

4.) Once you have completed the route and uploaded your workout to Strands.com using the save button, your username and time for the route will be added to the list of people who have used that route under the route posting on strands.com

Stay tuned for blog post two where we will be highlighting the route function using Geo.