Here is a rather fun and silly movie of Eccles trying to play with too many toys at the same time.

Enjoy!

Yes, that is right. After years of being quiet, Lois and I are doing a charity gig. Please keep the evening of Saturday 25 April open. Details to follow.

www.tuesdayschild.co.za

download the band’s music

Netathlon does not have a mechanism by which you can export the training data to import into your training software (well at least not that I could find!). So, I created a simple utility to do just that.

This very simple free utility converts the RAW data generates by Netathlon into a HRM file that can be imported into most training software (tested with SportTracks and Polar Precision Performance).

Download Netathlon to HRM.

No cost or registration (also no viruses or spyware). Just install and off you go. Download the installation here (only about 400k). The software only runs in Windows, and works on Vista.

Instructions

It is very easy to use, simply select the file(s) that you wish to convert, and it saves a copy as a .hrm file. You can then import the .hrm file into SportTracks, and all of your training data will be available. Remember to select metric or imperial units first.

DO NOT RENAME the RAW file before converting. The RAW file does not contain the date of training, so the only way that you can get the date is from the file name.

Upgrading

To upgrade, simple uninstall the previous version, and install the later version.

A few notes

• This utility was written by me, it has nothing to do with the folks that created the Netathlon software
• I have only tested it with cycling files. However, if you have any other Netathlon files, send them to be and I will have a look
• This utility is provided “as is”. While it works fine for me, I cannot guarantee that it will not do any damage on your machine. USE AT YOUR OWN RISK.
• You may not modify the software, however feel free to distribute it.
• If you have any comments or suggestions, please leave a comment below, or Email me – cdstrachan@gmail.com

Version History

1.0.3

• Updated to support Run and Row files.

1.0.2

• added support for Polar Precision Performance software.
• Fixed minor error with progress bar when running more than one import sequentially.

1.0.1

• first version supported SportTracks only

If you do like this software, how about making a donation to my favourite cause.

Finally, thanks to this site, and this site for the help on the file formats.

I have just got back from a fantastic 65km cycle, and do you know how I feel? GREAT!

The cycle tour is in exactly 30 days, and this year I really am putting in the time training (mostly on my indoor trainer). However, getting out today on the road showed that the indoor training is really making a huge difference.

Even though the South-easter was howling, it didn’t really bother me. So, I am looking forward to a great race (remember that this time last year I was in bed after back surgery).

I am just about ready for the 109km race, and I think that I should even be able to tackle Boyes Drive!

By the way, for our annual fund-raiser (of which the cycle tour is our main event), watch this space for a surprise announcement…

65km cycle

Good news, the decision regarding Chapman’s Peak being open for the Argus Cycle Tour has finally been made. Yes, it will be open.

According to the cycle tour website:

Following high level meetings, we are very pleased to announce that Chapman’s Peak will be open on Race Day Sunday. We are comfortable that the safety of cyclists, which is clearly our primary concern, will not be compromised and are delighted that this iconic part of the route will be enjoyed again this year.

I am so glad they managed to sort this out. The alternative route (the dreaded Ou Kaapse Weg) is a much tougher and longer route. So we will be cycling through Hout Bay after all. I just hope that no rocks fall on my head :-)