Athletic training optimization

The present applicationis a Reissue application of application Ser. No. 14/656,004, filed Mar. 12, 2015, now U.S. Pat. No. 10,456,077, issued Oct. 29, 2019, whichis a continuation-in-part application of U.S. patent application Ser. No. 13/842,124 for “Athletic Training Optimization”, to Thomas C. Chuang, and filed on Mar. 15, 2013,now U.S. Pat. No. 11,103,747,which is a continuation-in-part application of U.S. patent application Ser. No. 13/758,731 for “Athletic Training Optimization,” to Thomas C. Chuang, and filed on Feb. 4, 2013,now U.S. Pat. No. 10,300,334,which claims priority from Provisional Patent Application No. 61/595,026 entitled “Athletic Training Optimization,” to Thomas C. Chuang, and filed Feb. 4, 2012, the entire disclosures of which are incorporated herein by reference for all purposes.

Athletes are constantly trying to improve their performance at their chosen athletic activity. Performance is closely tied to the athlete's fitness level in athletic activities such as running, cycling, and swimming. As a result, methods and apparatuses for improving fitness levels in athletes are needed.

Methods and apparatuses for athletic training optimization are disclosed. The following description is presented to enable any person skilled in the art to make and use the invention. Descriptions of specific embodiments and applications are provided only as examples and various modifications will be readily apparent to those skilled in the art. The general principles defined herein may be applied to other embodiments and applications without departing from the spirit and scope of the invention. Thus, the present invention is to be accorded the widest scope encompassing numerous alternatives, modifications and equivalents consistent with the principles and features disclosed herein. For purpose of clarity, details relating to technical material that is known in the technical fields related to the invention have not been described in detail so as not to unnecessarily obscure the present invention.

For example, athletes often follow a training plan to prepare for an upcoming race in the hopes that they will run a faster time. Many training plans call for workouts to be performed at various paces. These paces are determined by the athlete's current fitness level. In order to make the most of their training, some measure of the athlete's current fitness level is needed so that the runner can train at the appropriate pace.

For example, in running, in the prior art, a lactate threshold test may be utilized to determine a runner's current fitness level (i.e., the user's lactate threshold pace). Other training paces may be generated from the results of the lactate threshold test using lookup tables as described herein. Lactate threshold testing is highly accurate in determining the user's lactate threshold pace. However, as a runner trains and improves or decreases fitness, the lactate threshold pace measured becomes outdated. Lactate threshold testing must be performed at a testing facility and is expensive. As a result, for most runners it is not practical to repeatedly use lactate threshold testing as a regular part of their training regimen to track the user's current fitness level.

Another technique discussed in the prior art to establish a current fitness level is for the runner to run a race at maximum effort and use the runner's performance to establish the runner's current fitness level. This technique is relatively inexpensive compared to a lactate threshold test. However, the inventor has recognized problems with using race times exclusively to establish the runner's current fitness level. For example, a runner may not wish to frequently race because of the effort and physical stress required for a peak performance. Furthermore, racing also interrupts the runner's training rhythm, as additional rest beforehand or recovery afterward may be needed. Furthermore, the accuracy of this method is predicated on the runner performing at a near peak level in order to gauge the runner's fitness level, which may be difficult or undesirable for the runner to repeatedly achieve each race.

The inventor has recognized that improved methods and apparatuses are needed for developing current, up-to-date workouts and training plans for athletes which optimize their training. In particular, improved apparatuses and methods are needed to monitor/determine an athlete's current fitness level so they can train at the correct intensity level (e.g., pace).

Because a runner's fitness level improves as he trains (or alternatively, decreases as the runner decreases training), methods and apparatuses are needed to monitor a runner's current fitness level. Furthermore, methods and apparatuses are needed to optimize a runner's training based on the runner's current fitness level.

In various embodiments described below, the methods described below may be implemented as sequences of instructions executed by one or more computers. The instructions may be incorporated into one or more application programs stored in a non-transitory computer readable storage memory of one or more computers, the one or more application programs which when executed by a computer cause the computer to perform the methods recited herein.

In one example, a fitness level monitoring method includes receiving a baseline data associated with a baseline activity, the baseline data comprising a heart rate (HR) data and a movement or pace data, receiving a training data associated with a plurality of training activities, and processing the training data to identify a need for a fitness test activity. The method includes receiving a fitness test data associated with a fitness test activity, and processing the baseline data and the fitness test data to identify a user fitness level change (i.e., determine a current fitness level). In one example, a computer readable storage memory stores instructions that when executed by a computer cause the computer to perform this recited method for fitness level monitoring.

In one example, the baseline activity is a baseline run. In a further example, the baseline activity is a baseline cycling activity or swimming activity or walking activity. In one example, the baseline data further includes navigation data. Where the swimming activity is in a pool, navigation data may include directional data operable to calculate number of laps swam.

In one example, a method for updating a current training pace includes storing a training data associated with a plurality of user activity, the training data including heart rate data and pace data. The method includes identifying a need for a training pace update activity, receiving an update data associated with a training pace update activity, and processing the update data to determine an updated current training pace. In one example, a computer readable storage memory stores instructions that when executed by a computer cause the computer to perform this recited method for updating a current training pace. In one example, the training data further includes navigation data.

In one example, the training pace update activity is a training pace update run. In a further example, the training pace update activity is a training pace update cycling activity or swimming activity.

In one example, a fitness level monitoring method includes receiving a baseline data associated with a baseline run, the baseline data comprising a navigation data, a heart rate data, and a pace data. The method includes receiving a fitness test data associated with a fitness test run. The method further includes processing the baseline data and the fitness test data to identify a user fitness level change. In one example, a computer readable storage memory stores instructions that when executed by a computer cause the computer to perform this recited method for fitness level monitoring.

In one example, a fitness level monitoring method includes receiving a baseline data associated with a baseline run, the baseline data comprising a navigation data, a heart rate data, and a pace data. The method includes receiving a training data associated with a plurality of training runs and processing the training data to identify a need for a fitness test run. The method includes receiving a fitness test data associated with a fitness test run, and processing the baseline data and the fitness test data to identify a user fitness level change. In one example, a computer readable storage memory stores instructions that when executed by a computer cause the computer to perform this recited method for fitness level monitoring. In one example, the user fitness level change is an improved fitness level.

In one example, the method further includes receiving a current training pace input by a user, wherein the user is prompted to run the baseline run at the current training pace. In one example, the method further includes determining an updated current fitness level training pace. In one example, determining an updated current fitness level training pace includes retrieving the heart rate data from the baseline data, receiving an update data associated with an update run, wherein during the update run the user is prompted to maintain a target heart rate, the target heart rate determined from the heart rate data from the baseline data, and processing the update data to determine an updated current training pace.

In one example, a method for updating a current training pace includes storing a training data associated with a plurality of user running activity, the training data comprising navigation data, heart rate data, and pace data. The method includes receiving an update data associated with a training pace update run, and processing the update data to determine an updated current training pace. In one example, a computer readable storage memory stores instructions that when executed by a computer cause the computer to perform this recited method for updating a current training pace.

In one example, a method for updating a current training pace includes storing a training data associated with a plurality of user running activity, the training data comprising navigation data, heart rate data, and pace data. The method includes identifying a need for a training pace update run, receiving an update data associated with a training pace update run, and processing the update data to determine an updated current training pace. In one example, a computer readable storage memory stores instructions that when executed by a computer cause the computer to perform this recited method for updating a current training pace.

In one example, during the training pace update run the user is prompted to maintain a target heart rate. For example, the target heart rate is determined from training data associated with a running activity in the plurality of user running activity. In one example, identifying a need for a training pace update run comprises determining an elapsed time from a previous training pace update run. In one example, identifying a need for a training pace update run comprises determining a user fitness level change (i.e., determine a current user fitness level). For example, determining a user fitness level change includes receiving a workout data associated with a workout running activity, and processing the workout data and the training data to determine a user fitness level change. In one example, processing the workout data and the training data includes identifying a running activity from the training data having a same navigation route and a same approximate pace as the workout running activity, and comparing a first heart rate data associated with the running activity and a second heart rate data associated with workout running activity.

In one example, the method further includes identifying a current start location of a user, and searching the training data associated with a plurality of user running activity to identify a user running activity having a same start location as the current start location. The method further includes prompting the runner during the training pace update run to run a route corresponding to the user running activity having a same start location as the current start location. For example, prompting the runner during the training pace update run comprises outputting turn by turn directions. For example, the turn by turn directions are voice communications output at a headset.

In one example, a system for training optimization includes a sensor configured to monitor a user heart rate data, a navigation system configured to monitor a user navigation data, the navigation data comprising user location data and user pace data, and a processor. The system further includes a memory configured to store a baseline data associated with a baseline run, a training data associated with one or more training runs, a fitness test data associated with a fitness test run, and a training optimization application configured to process the baseline data and the fitness test data to identify a user fitness level change.

In one example, the navigation system, processor, and memory are implemented at a body worn device. For example, the body worn device is a wrist-worn device or a smartphone. In one example, the system further includes a headset configured to receive and output audio prompts to a user.

In one example, a system for updating a training pace includes a sensor configured to monitor a user heart rate data, a navigation system configured to monitor a user navigation data, the navigation data comprising user location data and user pace data, and a processor. The system further includes a memory configured to store a training data associated with one or more training runs, an update data associated with a training pace update run, and a training optimization application configured to process the update data to determine an updated current training pace. In one example, the training optimization application is further configured to identify a need for a training pace update run.

In one example, the training optimization application is configured to process the navigation data to identify a current start location of the user, search the training data to identify a training run having a same start location as the current start location, and prompt the user during the training pace update run to run a route corresponding to the training run having a same start location as the current start location, wherein the training optimization application is further configured to prompt the user to maintain a target heart rate determined from the training run having a same start location as the current start location.

In one example, an apparatus for training optimization includes an interface configured to receive a user heart rate data, a navigation system configured to monitor a user navigation data, the navigation data comprising user location data and user movement or pace data, and a processor. The apparatus further includes a memory configured to store a baseline data associated with a baseline activity, a training data associated with one or more training activities, and a training optimization application configured to process the baseline data and the training data to identify a user fitness level change.

In one example, an apparatus for updating a training pace includes an interface configured to receive a user heart rate data, a navigation system configured to monitor a user navigation data, the navigation data comprising user location data and user pace data, and a processor. The apparatus includes a memory configured to store a training data associated with one or more training activities, an update data associated with a training pace update activity, and a training optimization application configured to process the update data to determine an updated current training pace.

In one example, a non-transitory computer readable storage memory stores instructions that when executed by a computer cause the computer to perform a method for athletic training. The method includes identifying a present start location of a user, processing a stored data to identify a workout for the user to perform, and receiving a training data associated with the workout during a performance of the workout by the user.

In one example, a method for athletic training includes receiving a first data associated with a first athletic activity performed at a training pace, the first data comprising a first heart rate data. The method includes receiving a second data associated with a second athletic activity performed at a target heart rate, the target heart rate associated with the first heart rate data, the second data comprising a pace data. The method further includes determining an updated training pace utilizing the second data. In one example, the athletic activity is a running activity. In a further non-limiting example, the athletic activity is a cycling activity, swimming activity, or walking activity.

In one example, a method for athletic training includes setting a training pace for a workout type, correlating a target heart rate to the workout type, and setting an updated training pace for the workout type responsive to receiving a data from an athletic activity corresponding to the workout type. In one example, the athletic activity is a running activity. In a further non-limiting example, the athletic activity is a cycling activity, swimming activity, or walking activity.

In one example, a method for athletic training includes receiving a plurality of training data associated with a plurality of training activities, wherein each training activity of the plurality of training activities is identified by a workout type. The method includes identifying the plurality of training data associated with a workout type, and processing the plurality of training data to identify a fitness level change. The method further includes receiving an update data associated with an update training activity, and identifying an updated training intensity utilizing the update data. In one example, the plurality of training activities are running activities and the updated training intensity is a training pace. In a further non-limiting example, the plurality of training activities are swimming or cycling activities.

In one example, an apparatus includes a processor, a user interface, an interface configured to receive a heart rate data from a heart rate monitor, and a navigation system configured to monitor a user navigation data comprising user location data and user speed data. The apparatus includes a memory storing an application comprising instructions executable by the processor, the application configured to output a plurality of prompts at the user interface during an athletic activity, the plurality of prompts configured to assist in determining an updated current training pace, wherein the application is further configured to determine an updated current training pace from a training data monitored during the athletic activity. In one example, the athletic activity is a running activity. In a further non-limiting example, the athletic activity is a cycling activity, swimming activity, or walking activity.

In one example, a fitness level monitoring method includes receiving a baseline data associated with a baseline athletic activity, the baseline data comprising a navigation data, a heart rate data, and a pace data. The method includes receiving a training data associated with a plurality of training athletic activities, and processing the training data to identify a training athletic activity from the plurality of training athletic activities usable to identify a fitness level change. The method includes identifying a user fitness level change. In one example, the athletic activity is a running activity. In a further non-limiting example, the athletic activity is a cycling activity, swimming activity, or walking activity.

In one example, a method includes receiving a training data associated with a plurality of user athletic activity, the training data comprising navigation data, heart rate data, and pace data. The method includes receiving a data associated with a current fitness level determination, and processing the data to predict an estimated race performance time. For example, the current fitness level determination comprises a training pace update activity. In one example, the method further includes identifying a need for a training pace update activity.

In one example, a fitness level monitoring method includes receiving a baseline data associated with a baseline activity, the baseline data comprising a heart rate data, and a movement data. The method includes receiving a fitness test data, and processing the baseline data and the fitness test data to identify a user fitness level change. In one example, the movement data is associated with user running. In a further non-limiting example, the movement data is associated with user walking, cycling, or swimming.

Advantageously, these methods and apparatuses allow the user to train at determined optimized training paces reflecting their current fitness level without the need to constantly perform a lactate threshold test to determine their current fitness level. Furthermore, the user need not constantly perform a race in order to estimate their current fitness level, avoiding the stress on the body of running a race and the need to interrupt their training to perform a race at peak performance. To run a race, the user must taper their training in advance of the race, and may need recovery time after the race before resuming normal training.

Simultaneously, these methods and apparatuses avoid the limitations of heart rate based training used alone. These limitations are due to the variety of factors affecting a user heart rate during running which are independent of the user fitness level. Such factors include ambient temperature (or other weather factors), stimulant intake (e.g., caffeine), the course topography and elevation profile, time of day, length of time into the run, the user stress level, whether the user is dehydrated, or even variability of the heart rate monitor. Furthermore, the user heart rate may vary due to simple day to day variations of up to 2-3 beats per minute. Furthermore, it is easier psychologically for the user to maintain a desired pace than a desired heart rate. For example, it is intrinsically easier for a user to know how to maintain a target pace of 8:00 minutes per mile than a heart rate of 165 bpm.

Furthermore, heart rate based training methods in the prior art are not specific to the user, failing to account for heart rate variations from user to user based on training data. For example, the average heart rate for a user A running at marathon pace may differ from the average heart rate for a user B running at marathon pace.

Methods and apparatuses described herein utilize heart rate data, but do so in a matter which reduces or eliminates these prior art problems by (1) only using heart rate data periodically, i.e., limiting its use, (2) personalizing it to each specific user based on actual training data, and (3) when it is used (e.g., in pace update runs), minimizing the effect of factors which affect HR independent of the user fitness level (e.g., performing the pace update run on the same course as the baseline run).

illustrates a system for athletic performance monitoring being worn by a walker or runnerin one example.shows a walking or running personwearing a training devicearound his wrist and wearing athletic shoes to which a sensor unitis attached. However, the sensor unitmay also be incorporated in the sole of the shoe or elsewhere on or within the shoe. The sensor unitmay also be attached directly to the foot of the person. The personis also wearing a sensor unitaround his torso.

Training deviceand sensor unitsandare placed on or attached to persondirectly or indirectly. For example, training deviceand sensor unitsandmay be attached to or on, placed within, or otherwise integrated with worn shoes, accessories, clothing, or equipment. Training deviceand sensor unitsandmay be mounted directly on runnerby adhesives, bands, straps, hooks, other mechanical connectors.

In some examples, the training devicemay be attached to the user's wrist in an enclosure which is similar to a watch and combined with other functionality such as timekeeping or with other sensors such the navigation device. In further examples, the training devicemay be attached to the user's arm using an enclosure similar to an armband and combined with other devices such as a cellular phone, an audio device and/or the navigation device.

In some examples, the sensor unitmay be attached to the top of a user's shoe with removable fasteners such as clips. In other examples, the sensor unitmay be inserted within the user's shoe, such as within a recess formed in the sole of the shoe.

In one example, the sensor unitincludes one or more sensors(e.g., heart rate sensors or accelerometers) or other inertial sensors and may be attached to the user with a chest strap in an enclosure which may include other sensors such as a heart-rate monitor (HRM) sensor. In the example shown in, sensor unitincludes sensorsa andb which are heart rate sensors mounted in parallel on both the left and right side of the runnertorso. Sensor unitmay also include tri-axial accelerometers.

In further examples, any number of sensors may be provided to sense any desired type of athletic performance information. Furthermore, as used herein, the term “sensor” may refer to one or more sensors. Sensor of varying types may be placed at the same desired location on runner. For example, training devicemay include both an inertial sensor and a GPS unit. Sensor unitmay include both an inertial sensor and a heart rate sensor.

Training deviceand sensor unitsandare operable to communicate wirelessly amongst themselves. In the example shown in, sensor unitis in communication with training devicevia a wireless linkand sensor unitis in communication with training devicevia a wireless link.

Training devicemay also be configured to communicate with computing devices, exercise devices, navigation devices, sensors, and any other enabled devices through a communication network, such as a local area network, a wide area network, or the Internet. Such communication may occur via wired or wireless links.

In the example shown in, training devicefor has been incorporated into a wrist-worn device. For example, wrist worn device may assume a watch form factor having some form of visual display and audio output. Data collected by sensor unitand sensor unitare transmitted to training device(i.e., the wrist worn device) for processing and/or output together with data collected by training device. The collected sensor data is processed, stored, and/or displayed at training device.

In a further example, data collected by training deviceand sensor unitsandare transmitted to an electronic device for processing, where the electronic device need not itself have a sensor. For example, the electronic device may be an MP3 or other type of digital music player, watch, handheld computing device, cellular telephone, or any other device capable of displaying information or outputting audio. The electronic device may process the received sensor data and output associated information to the user via a user interface output such as a LCD display. The electronic device may be attached to the runner's body in any manner similar to that of a sensor so that it is easily carried, moved, heard, or viewed during running Utilizing the user interface, real-time feedback is provided as to the user's arm/opposite leg synchronization, arm rotation across the torso, and vertical/horizontal displacement ratio.

illustrates a simplified block diagram of training deviceshown in. In one example, training deviceis a wrist worn device such as a watch. Although shown worn on the wrist, training devicemay be worn on the user's forearm, arm, or elsewhere in further examples. In further examples, training devicemay be a smartphone or other mobile device. The various components of training devicemay be housed integrally or separately in any combination.

Training deviceincludes a navigation unitadapted to provide geographic location information. In one example, navigation unitis a GPS unit including a GPS receiver and antenna. The GPS unit is adapted to provide geographic location information for the devicebased on signals received from orbiting satellites. In a further example, navigation unitmay use cellular (i.e., via a cellular transceiver operable on a cellular communications network) or other positioning signals instead of the GPS to determine geographic position and generate navigation information. Navigation unitis operable to determine speed, current and previous locations, bearing and heading, and altitude of a user. Navigation unitis operable to calculate position and display map, route, and location information. Map information stored in memorymay be retrieved and displayed on a device display along with the calculated position information.