The invention is a training device that operates to make runners run faster. More particularly, the training device uses increased loading as an athlete moves it from one point to another either by running or by walking.

The present disclosure relates to a physical training apparatus, and in particular to a relay race training apparatus. The relay race training apparatus includes a tread mill, a column disposed at a side of the tread mill through a linear driving device, a swinging device disposed on the column, and a catching and releasing device connected to the swinging device, wherein the swinging device is used to simulate swinging and turning over of the catching and releasing device by a baton passer or a baton receiver in a running process, the catching and releasing device includes a catching and releasing body, a holding groove for holding a baton is disposed on the catching and releasing body, a limiting plate for limiting the position of the baton and a driving mechanism for driving the limiting plate to move along the baton are disposed in the holding groove.

An article of footwear includes an upper member and a sole structure, with a sensor system connected to the sole structure. The sensor system includes a plurality of sensors that are configured for detecting forces exerted by a user's foot on the sensor. The sensor system also includes a port that is configured to receive a module to place the module in communication with the sensors. The port includes a housing with a chamber configured to receive the module and an interface engaged with the housing and having at least one electrical contact exposed to the chamber. Additional retaining structure and interface structure may be included.

A system and method for analyzing and improving the performance of a body motion of an animal or human subject requires instrumenting a subject with inertial sensors, monitoring a body motion of interest, converting sensor data into motion data and animation, comparing the motion data with existing data for motion related performance parameters, providing a real-time, information rich, animation and data display of the results in color coded displays; and based on the results prescribing a training regime with exercises selected from a library of standardized exercises using standardized tools and training aids.

A physical training system includes a belt having a belt attachment member and a first band attachment loop for an elastomeric belt. The belt attachment member is moveably positioned on the belt and at least partially encircles the belt. The belt attachment member comprises a first portion and a second portion, the first portion extending completely across a width of the belt on the outer side of the belt, and the second portion extending at least partially across the width of the belt on the inner side of the belt. The first band attachment loop is moveably connected to the belt attachment member. The elastomeric band extends through the first band attachment loop. A foot coupling includes at least one flexible strap and a second band attachment loop. The elastomeric band extends between the foot coupling and the belt attachment member.

The present disclosure describes a course difficulty rating method using a mechanical method to obtain an energy differential for obtaining a difficulty rating. More specifically, the present disclosure describes a difficulty rating method used to determine a relative difficulty of a cross country running course or a road racing course using energy information of a self-propelled vehicle. The method includes: obtaining an energy reading of a self-propelled vehicle as it is propelled on a first course; obtaining an energy reading of the self-propelled vehicle at is it propelled over a second course; and comparing the energy readings collected by the self-propelled vehicle over the first course and the second course to determine an energy factor course for the first course.

Tracking and monitoring athletic activity offers individuals with additional motivation to continue such behavior. An individual may track his or her athletic activity by completing goals. These goals may be represented by real-world objects such as food items, landmarks, buildings, statues, other physical structures, toys and the like. Each object may correspond to an athletic activity goal and require an amount of athletic activity to complete the goal. For example, a donut goal object may correspond to an athletic activity goal of burning 350 calories. The user may progress from goal object to goal object. Goal objects may increase in difficulty (e.g., amount of athletic activity required) and might only be available for selection upon completing an immediately previous goal object, a number of goal objects, an amount of athletic activity and the like.

An embodiment is an avatar or avatar environment to visualize data within an athletic performance system or service and/or a social network system or service, for example as part of the Internet. The avatar may further evolve or alter its appearance, animation, or other visual or audio characteristics in response to the data or other input. In particular, the avatar of an embodiment may respond to and provide visualization of athletic or sport performance data. According to one or more aspects, an avatar may be placed on other network sites and updated based on athletic performance data. The avatar may be awarded for goals achieved by a user. The awards or gifts may further include non-avatar related items such as apparel, gift cards and the like.

Systems and techniques for the collection and display of athletic information. Athletic data relating to a single person or group of people is collected at a central location, and subsequently displayed at a desired remote location so that the person or people can review and critique their performance. In addition, athletic data for multiple persons can be collected at a central location, and subsequently displayed to a user at a desired remote location, so that the user can compare his or her athletic activities to others.

Aspects herein provide for an apparel item having an integrated parachute structure and a set of intake ducts. The parachute structure is configured to transition from a first slack state to a second inflated state subsequent to air entering the set of intake ducts incident to ground locomotion of the wearer thereby increasing air resistance to wearer movement.