Runkeeper insights

I’ve been using one of the best apps in the Apple iPhone world….RunKeeper Pro. This app has gone through a wonderful evolution since its introduction last year. Basically, it tracks your exercise through its GPS capability and sends your results to the RunKeeper web site, where you can access your information and a multitude of reports about your performance and progress. It even maps your routes on Google Maps. It will track walking, running, bicycling, etc., and even allows for manual entry of exercise on gym equipment. And there’s even a free version that allows you to get a taste before buying the Pro version for ten bucks (a real bargain).

Since Runkeeper Pro also tracks your weight, speed, and elevation gain, it can provide some pretty accurate information on calories burned by type of exercise. It has made me acutely aware of  the differences between certain activities. For example, bicycling and cross-country skiing burn more than twice the calories of walking. That’s significant for me because time and laziness are key factors in my inactivity, which means that if I can only spend 30 minutes a day on exercise, it makes sense to do things that either burn more juice or make it possible to go longer before burning out. Since making this realization, I’ve focused almost exclusively on the two activities I really love: Bicycling and cross-country skiing. I find myself doing both with greater frequency and less resistance to get me out the door.

iPad stand

And now from Geeky Gadgets comes the home-made iPad stand made from pencils and rubber-bands:

Pretty cool. It should work well with my toilet-paper screen wipes and tin-can-and-string earphones. Thanks to Mr. Italo for the lead.

Hot (or cold) enough for ‘ya?

I’m not sure how many places on earth experience as dramatic temperature shifts as we do here in Canada. I can only assume that many parts of Russia and China go through something similar. Historic Winter temperatures in the -40 degree range (at minus 40 Celsius and Fahrenheit are the same – did you know that?), are complemented by Summer temperatures around +35C and more. That means an annual range of 75 degrees from coldest to hottest. It’s no wonder we have to build our houses on wood frames….few materials could withstand such temperature fluctuations.

Anyway, I’ve come to the conclusion that the two (or is it one, really) most common questions emanating from Canadian lips are: Is it hot enough for ‘ya”?, or “Is it cold enough for ‘ya?”.

These musings as we face yet another 32C day with humidity in the 75% range for a Humidex (perceived temperature) of around 40C. Municipal rescue vehicles were going around our neighborhood last night announcing that all pools would be open till 11PM during the heat wave.

Of course, this kind of heat is nothing for those in the Southern US. I was foolish enough two years ago to attend a conference in Phoenix, AZ, in mid-July. It was between 102-110F the whole week. Stepping outside the hotel to cross the street to the conference center was like entering a blast furnace. No one had the temerity to say, “Well, at least it’s a dry heat!”.