Back into measuring...any recent changes to process?

No, GPS units are still not acceptable for certification measurements. Lots of posts about 18 months ago about the inaccuracies of GPS units.

Process is still the same, with the caveat of maps. If you can do a good digital map, it can be in color, if the png file can be less than 500 kb. No screens, not screen-captures, as the file must be 300 dpi native resolution (don't make it a 72 dpi, then up-sample it to 300 dpi).

If you want the measurement data sheets and application in Excel format, go to RaceMeasure.com. In the first paragraph on the linked page, are links to two Excel files (one 2003, one 2007). I use Documents To Go on my cell phone, and the Measurement Data Sheet self-populates after entering your calibration info.

Check this bulletin board for any questions you have, and if you can't find the answers after a search, let us know.

Welcome back!

There is now a maximum allowable difference in the counts of cal course rides, and a maximum allowable difference in the two taping measurements of a cal course.

Thanks, guys. Good to hear it hasn't changed drastically.

With regard to the max allowable differences in the cal course rides and the cal course tapings, this is what I found in the 2013 Measurement Manual:

For the rides:
"The spread among your calibration rides shouldn’t exceed 2 or 3 counts for riding each direction of the calibration course. If your variation is greater, do more rides until your counts stabilize." (page 17)

For the tapings:
I don't see a reference to a max difference in the manual...help me out here?

By the way, Duane...thanks for the link to your tools. I'm a smart phone holdout, so I'll be using a pencil and paper as long as they're still making them. I did create a 5-page step-by-step checklist years ago for measuring, as well as an Excel calculator to double-check my calculations. Trying to get those updated with any new info before I do any measurements.

I'm also thinking about holding a measurement clinic/demo with the running club if there's enough interest--don't want to pass along dated info.

As for the maps, I always thought drawing the map was the most fun part of the process, so I'll probably stick with the graph paper for that too. One caveat...I've only measured 5Ks in the past, and I suspect a way to automate the process would be good if you were doing longer distances.

Until I got my Android, I used the Excel sheet on a laptop. After I finished my cal rides, I would project what my clicks would be when I got to my starting point. I then let the laptop give me my split counts, and put it on paper (still do that with the Android). Saves time, especially for half-marathon and longer. Rolled the wheel until I hit the desired Start count, then hit the course.