Does the Zip know if I'm running or walking?

[SunsetRunner]

Can the Zip tell the difference between running and walking?

If yes, can it still tell the difference if my run is at a 3.7 speed?

If not, is the caloric difference enough that I should input my run manually, or should I just leave it alone and let it assume I'm walking? It's just a 30 minute run, but I'm slowly gaining time.

I'm planning on getting a One soon since my Zip is old and starting to fall apart. Can someone answer these questions for the One as well, or would it be better to start a thread in that forum?

Thanks!

[MakMak · Accepted solution]

Hi, @SunsetRunner! For both trackers, there is a break point between running and walking, but it doesn't really do a great job of differentiating. If it's fast enough, it's a run, it then uses your running stride length and bases your speed/distance on strides per time. So, it doesn't really factor in how stride length can vary even with different speeds. So, it will tell the difference, but only up to a certain point.

[SunsetRunner]

Okay, that's what I was thinking, thanks! I run so slowly it's probably counting it as a walk. Do you think the difference in calorie burn is significant enough to try to manually input it? If I looked at it correctly it looks like it's already giving me around 350 calories per 30 minute jog anyway, which honestly seems like it might be too high. (F, 203lb, 5'8'', 3.7mph) I'm getting a One in the next couple of days, so the timer will help determine accuracy there if I'm counting wrong.

[MakMak]

Here is the breakdown between running and walking calorie expenditure, according to Runner's World. You can guesstimate what Fitbit does for you by manually entering in a walk or run over a time period and seeing what they give you for calories burned (and just delete it when you are done). There's a bit of a difference, if you're worried about thinking you have too many calories burned (and you tend to eat up to that), you can always err on the lower side. If you want a more accurate image of what you are doing, I'd suggest considering a heart rate monitor, although they have their limitations, too. You can either look at one of the Fitbit ones or a chest strap one, which is supposed to be at least a bit more accurate, although it's all relative.

[SunsetRunner]

Thanks for your help!