Distance Run without Connected GPS

[Angrybirdie]

If Connected GPS is not on, will Blaze track the distance run? Kind of disappointed as I bought the Blaze so that I do not require to jog with my mobile phone.

[bbarrera]

yes but it only counts steps, and estimates mileage by multiplying steps by a stride you enter. If you run at different strides, say a fast run one day, a slower recovery run the next day, then expect accuracy issues with mileage as Fitbit doesn't support foot pod that long ago solved this problem (and treadmill mileage as well).

[Rich_Laue · Accepted solution]

@Angrybirdie the Surge with its built in GPS might have been a better choice, the Blaze has always been advertised with connected GPS. 

When i set my stride i used the average of 5 runs on 5 consecutive days, this has given me a fairly reliable distance. Perfect no, but close yes. 

[Angrybirdie]

Hmmmm, if I need to carry my phone to connect GPS then it will defeat the purpose of getting the tracker. I can continue to use the fitbit apps in my phone.. Surge should be the one I looking for but too big for my wrist.

[Rich_Laue]

Go for several runs with your phone and its connected GPS.. Use this data to calculate the average stride, total distance of the runs, total steps done during your runs. Use an online stride calculator if you want. 

Now that the stride is set you can leave the phone home, but please carry some kind of paper with ID. 

[bbarrera]

Don't get the Surge, it is almost 18 months old and overdue for an update. There are a bunch of issues with Surge, go review that forum. Stay tuned, I'm predicting the Surge will see end-of-life and replaced with a new high-end Fitbit in the coming months - Fitbit CEO and CFO can't help themselves and earlier this month were telling Wall Street about more new devices this fall. Another alternative, go to a running store and ask to see GPS running watches - there are plenty worth looking at and with useful running features not on Fitbit Surge/Blaze. Or just stick to running with phone.

[SunsetRunner]

I agree

Do not buy a Surge. Its will not last you past 12 months.

Theres some really good other makes (cant mention other companies or mods will remove) supplying HR & GPS features much further advanced than Fitbits current range. 

If you dont mind loosing the fitbit dashboard and walled in history data then its worth looking around.

[Rich_Laue]

My problems with the Surge is that it is bulky, and during winter gets caught in the sleeve. I found this wore the design of of the rubber, other than that my 19 month old Surge is performing flawless. 

[SunsetRunner]

Same with mine Rich the edging of the band wore down. I actually found it quite comfy and it did everything very well. Only got 8 month with mine then the battery couldn't get past a day. Such a shame

[LeahinMN]

You all are so knowledgeable so I'm hoping I may pose a question that you would help me with. I tap Exercise, then Running and I want to track my mileage (distance) and elapsed time. But I see pace at the top and then time. I can see how to change the secondary stat to time, distance or the other options. But how can I change the pace-the first stat- to something else. In my case, I want distance and time. Thanks!

[Angrybirdie · Accepted solution]

When you see the pace on top, you tap on it, it will change from pace to
avg pace, calories, heart rate, steps, time, clock etc. Is that what you
want?

[LeahinMN]

Thank you!  I did try that but apparently didn't tap it firmly enough. I did it now and tapped until it changed. Your help is greatly appreciated.
Sent from my T-Mobile 4G LTE device

[SunsetRunner]

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@SunsetRunner wrote:

I agree

Do not buy a Surge. Its will not last you past 12 months.

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mine, and other, got its 1st birthday.

[bbarrera]

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@SunsetRunner wrote:

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@SunsetRunner wrote:

I agree

Do not buy a Surge. Its will not last you past 12 months.

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mine, and other, got its 1st birthday.

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Go to Surge forum and scroll down the page, just look at the number of broken band threads.

The band cannot be replaced on Surge, instead the entire device must be replaced.

What happens after 12 month warranty expires (24 months in Europe) and the band breaks? Fitbit offers you 25% off next purchase. Even some posters on this forum that have claimed "no problems with Surge" are now back tracking and either had Surge replaced, or now admit the band is worn even though it isn't worn all the time.

On Fitbit's last financial report and conference call with analysts, they reported a huge increase in warranty reserves (from $40M to $60M) for "a legacy product" which I think its fair to say is the Surge. So I would not buy a Surge, the industrial design is flawed (band) and not competitive (lack of waterproofing for swimming). I hope Fitbit launches a Surge 2 soon, this week a news site claims to have images of upcoming trackers to be released later this year.