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Another unreasonable Training Log request
BY: Guest on 2004-08-19 9:29 AM
Hi Ron,
The list of complicated, expensive graphing features requested doesn't seem quite long enough, so I though I'd add one.
Basically, it's a request to graph weight using exponentially smoothed moving averages. It can be an invaluable tool for people who are slaves to the scale, and make the scale useful to those who don't trust it. The method also has pretty good appeal to those of us with an analytical, empirical bent due to it's moderately high nerd factor. The one I use was created by the founder of AutoDesk.
The following is from a recent thread regarding weight and the scale and contains the rationale for the use of this method:
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RE: Another unreasonable Training Log request
BY: Guest on 2004-08-19 12:04 PM
interesting...i will download it later and check out the formulas...it could be a easy addition and we could graph both real data and the smoothed data...
i am noticing that in the weight/%bf/restingHR, due to the axis's - the data doesnt get spread enough to spot trends...may have to just make 3 separate graphs.
although, if you graph weekly data over 3 months - weight for example, they are averaged.
i will see what could be done...
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RE: Another unreasonable Training Log request
BY: Guest on 2004-08-19 12:48 PM
Ron - 2004-08-19 12:04 PM
we could graph both real data and the smoothed data...
This is what the SS does. It's very useful to see them both on the same graph, the daily data points jumping all over the place, while the smoothed data showing actual trends.
although, if you graph weekly data over 3 months - weight for example, they are averaged.
true, but there's no smoothing or weighting, so it's not quite as accurate
i will see what could be done...
Thanks. I think I speak for the entire BT community when I say "You are the man!".
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Mike
The purpose of BeginnerTriathlete.com is to be the most useful, helpful and supportive website possible for people who want to participate in triathlon and reap all the physical, mental and spiritual benefits that can come from it.
I weigh myself daily BUT I don't pay attention to daily changes. I get on the scale every morning after I get up but before I eat, put the weight into a spreadsheet that then calculates the average of the last 20 days which is my adjusted "real" weight. Do this for a few weeks and the little daily differences based on what you ate or drank the night before are accounted for and averaged out. It's a very reliable way to analyze trends. It's called exponentially smoothed moving averages.
If you're interested, the spreadsheet I use can be found here. I also recommend the on-line book "The Hacker's Diet" that the spreadsheet accompanies. If you like The Triathlete's Bible, you'll love this book.
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Mike
The purpose of BeginnerTriathlete.com is to be the most useful, helpful and supportive website possible for people who want to participate in triathlon and reap all the physical, mental and spiritual benefits that can come from it.