Running Accuracy

[es007]

I have used the Zip for walking and running.  It is reasonably accurate for walking, but is grossly inaccurate for running.  Example, I ran 4.5 miles and it recorded 1.95 miles.  Less than 50% accuracy!  Another run was 5.5 miles and it recorded 1.05 miles.  Only 20% accuracy.  I have tried it on my belt, on my pocket, on my bra and on my shoes - all have the same result, off between 50-80%.  I have adjusted my stride length from my actual stride down to something much less to see if it improved - same level of inaccuracy.  The Zip is a walking only tracker.  FitBit is engaging in false advertising, as it clearly states on the Zip product page: "log workouts, track run and hike stats."  Let this be a warning to others!

[SunsetRunner]

I'm going to guess that while running, you subject the Zip to more jolting than it receives while you are walking. The fact that the reported distance on Zip is not proportional to the distance that  you actually ran suggests to me that you have the "battery problem", where the tab at the edge of the battery compartment does not maintain steady contact under the increased vibration of running.

When you jostle the battery hard enough, it disconnects and then reconnects, and you lose your steps when the Zip does its power on reset. You can try a fix yourself, using this process: http://imgur.com/a/l1KwH

If that doesn't work, try contacting Fitbit support, and give them a chance to make you happy (although it sounds like you've already made up your mind about the Zip).

[Ozzie65]

Hi @es007 - By default, Fitbit uses estimated stride lengths for running and walking. In many cases, these are accurate, however, not in all cases. Please take a look at the help article as this may help with your issue.

https://help.fitbit.com/articles/en_US/Help_article/1135

[es007]

I have adjusted my stride length three times.  In each case the accuracy was off 50-75%.  I have had 4 calls with tech support.  Their final answer was that this devise was not made to measure running.  When I asked which was, I was told all devices used the same accelerameter and algorithm.  Hence, FitBit in general is not made to measure running.

[es007]

I have adjusted my stride length three times. In each case the accuracy
was off 50-75%. I have had 4 calls with tech support. Their final answer
was that this devise was not made to measure running. When I asked which
was, I was told all devices used the same accelerameter and algorithm.
Hence, FitBit in general is not made to measure running.

[Ozzie65]

Hmm... Interesting. I have never run with a Zip, but have run with multiple other trackers. I have never experienced an issue with inaccurate distance. If your stride length is in  your profile accurately, I don't understand why the distance would be off, unless there is an issue with the device itself.

[SunsetRunner]

To see if the problem is a battery connection problem, rather than a stride length or simple unsuitability problem, make note of the start time and duration of one of your runs. After you have synced, go to your website dashboard, and look at the hidden "more" option on the "Steps" pane, and you will be able to see your activity at 5 minute resolution.

Locate the portion of the display that corresponds to your run. If your Zip show activity during your entire run, then the problem is *not* one of a dislodged battery. If any portion of your run shows *no* activity, this supports the hypothesis that your Zip is not maintaining steady contact with your battery.

[SunsetRunner]

In my experiments with the Zip, it appears to be able to count at a frequency of at least 3 steps per second.

Can you tell me your time, distance and your actual, measured stride length for one of the runs for which your Zip malfunctions? If you don't have a stride length that you've measured, your height would be a good enough proxy.

From that we should be able to do the arithmetic and see what your step frequency is, to see if it high enough to suggest that you are operating outside of the Zip's frequency capabilities.

[rpband]

My Zip is very accurate for running.  I do attach it to my running shoe or bike shoe laces.  Might be a problem with the device.