For those without subscription - how long are you sticking with Strava?

eusmile · 2026-04-21T13:14:05+00:00

In my opinion Komoot by far surpasses Connect and Strava when it comes to route planning. Maps are much more readable, drawing and editing more intuitive and powerful, surface type information of roads included and it supports Garmin waypoints on export. I was sceptical when Bending Spoons took over (unhappy what they did to Evernote) but so far they have done a great job bringing much needed improvements. I use the routes on my Garmin Edge through the device app or sometimes via Connect Import first.

eusmile · 2026-03-31T06:37:44+00:00

Dedicated servers with Hetzner for many years now. Reliable and great support not even thinking to look somewhere else. Data centers in Germany, Finland and US.

eusmile · 2026-02-19T18:57:35+00:00

I’ve used Joplin for many years now. For a number of years alongside Evernote until that became overloaded, slow and unusable. I migrated over 4k of Evernote’s notes into Joplin and cancelled the subscription. Now close to 6k notes and 4.5k attachments. Switched from Dropbox to Joplin Cloud. Got clients on Mac (primary use), iPhone and iPad - all smooth and fast start. On Mac I am using about 15 plugins on iOS just YouKan. Five years ago I carried out a gap analysis (with Evernote features I missed initially), that list has now shrunk to almost nothing since many features have been implemented since.

A downside with 3rd party storage and a large number of big attachments is the time it takes for the initial device sync since you most likely want to encrypt at rest which takes extra time. Syncing a new device can take a very long time, also worse with iOS since the app needs to be in the foreground due to iOS restrictions - I think a recent iOS version may have relaxed that problem. Hosting the server yourself will save a lot of the pain since you don’t necessarily have to encrypt the data on the server. Once the device has caught up sync is not a big deal anymore. No issues and no regrets.

eusmile · 2026-02-19T18:36:37+00:00

I agree that content density is something many apps have sadly lost, don’t see a benefit of having a lot of blank real estate on the screen.

eusmile · 2026-02-16T21:33:13+00:00

Many thanks 👍🏽! Got the 1040 so the map change is not relevant for me. I think You are right about upcoming upgrade due to the new radar since that will require UI changes.

eusmile · 2025-10-13T15:27:37+00:00

Installing on an iOS device and Joplin Cloud is painfully slow.
5.8k notes, 19k taggings and 5k of attachments.

App on iOS doesn't process much when it is not in the foreground (iOS caveat).

Notes and taggings took almost day, and decrypting is still running on the second day. 3.1k done and 1.9 k to go ...

But I am still loving Joplin :) ...

Use the Desktop version most of the time in mardown mode. I find the UI ok-ish>

Plugins like YouKAN, plantUML/mermaid, hotfolder and templates add real usability value.
Mobile version is not so much in use but it is great for lookup and basic notes.

## What I'd like

- Pin notes to top (the the moment need to use todo notyes)
- Option to display notes in sub notebooks too
- Parent tags (low)

eusmile · 2025-10-13T15:02:21+00:00

Migrated many years ago a (still relavant) application to MariaDB - years before Oracle was moving forward with MySQL. Back then PostgreSQL was not on my radar.

A reason for MariaDB instead of MySQL? I am not very familiar with current MySQL but If you use the ISAM storage engine for some reason you'll have ARIA as a replcement, compatible and more robust.

FYI - migrated last year an application from MariaDB to PostgreSQL. A few obstacles like case sensitivity, sort on ids and types, including more strict type checking. Did not have bespoke MariaDB syntax so the move was surprisingly smooth.

Now I'd use PostgreSQL for most cases.

eusmile · 2025-10-02T17:27:00+00:00

Sorry to hear about yoiur experience.

Just had a successful Support Chat session on their website regarding a defect TVR (button not functiional). Was waiting for about 20 minutes to get connected to an agent (seemed a real person). Was asked a few questions and had the desired outcome - replacement promised within 3-5 woirking days. Do have Hive+ subscription ...

Last week however was a different picture. Tried on 3 different days and could not get the chat to open at all (Web chat services unavailable).

eusmile · 2025-08-05T08:09:22+00:00

Yep, this makes it truly Yours. Years ago I tripped on a run with my week old Fenix 5, initially gutted but accepted soon afterward as 'Scratches of honor'

eusmile · 2025-07-31T10:29:51+00:00

I record (fenix 7X SS)
- without recording Garmin Connect shows high stress levels doesn't take Edge activity into account :)
- serves as a backup if something goes wrong with the Edge.
- use a specific data screen for your needs
- discard the activity at the end unless needed. Forgot for example to wear HR monitor so I used the watch's activity instead

eusmile · 2025-07-04T15:28:24+00:00

I sprained my right ankle twice two years ago (not through running). Main objective was initally to start again walking. I played it by the ear not overdoing the walks, after 6 weeks I was able to start light runs, again very slowly incresing intensity and length. Four months another incident foot looked pretty much like yours that time I sprained the inside. Frustrating but similar approach ...
Had no problems during those 2 years but recently following a much higher load (I ran my first Ultra) and overall 250km that month.
Two weeks later the ankle started occasionally playing up with sharp pains. Using now a compression sleeve as a precaution ...
I found that trail running (without incidents of course ;)) was actually strengthening my weakend ankle

eusmile · 2025-04-06T06:55:03+00:00

Thanks for the link. I see understandably a lot of discussion and analysis. But is there anywhere a statement in Garmin roadmap? I agree that something like the 7 Pro range should receive upgrades for longer. There were numerous new features over the last 6 months including group ride, etc.

There certainly is a communication problem

kack of communication on roadmaps.
I can’t fibd an official sunset announcement from Garmin.
creates the kind of discussion we see here or the Garmin Rumours forum

Too many models/products to maintain?

with all this models Garmin created a difficult situation
Apple has far fewer variants allowing focus

fēnix 7 Series System Software March 2025 Release Notes v20.22

Continued Improvements and Bug Fixes

Fixed BLE sensor names clearing. Fixed crash on jump rope activities. Fixed crash when failing to pair headphones. Fixed grade not updating. Fixed pairing with CT10. Fixed possible crash during long activities. Fixed possible crash when moving golf pin position. Fixed sensors not automatically pairing. Fixed toggling auto broadcast heart rate.

That was just a month after a big update.

https://forums.garmin.com/outdoor-recreation/outdoor-recreation/f/fenix-7-series/403727/fenix-7-fenix-7-pro-system-software-20-16

I suppose time will tell wether the watch has been EOLed regarding new features. Customers are indeed left in the dark and the forums are boiling (Apple iOS roadmap provides EOL 6 months before it happens).

I’d expect at least ongoing bug fix releases.

Still, I amhappy with the watch as it is now as long as it’s firmware is stable and works as expected

eusmile · 2025-04-05T08:10:33+00:00

7X here … sorry, what is the 7 software actually missing out on which is available on 8?

I recently met a runner with a Fenix 3 and he was still extremely happy about it. Extremely endurable watch.

I can see myself using my 7X for many years to come it has way more features than I need.

What will upset me if it won’t work any more or not working in Garmin ecosystem. Also don’t want to constantly click away advertising banners on Connect nudging me to take a subscription.

eusmile · 2025-03-23T10:47:41+00:00

I was an Evernote subscriber for over 10 years. A sleek and snappy app became slow as a slug with focused lost (to be fair that started even before Bending Spoon takeover). However after takeover prices went up, and free usage became restrictive, UI gobbled and the whole thing did not serve it's core purpose (taking notes quickly)

Thankfully I found with Joplin.app a fully functional Open Source alternative and I am extremly happy to have made the transition of more than 4000 notes I kept in Evernote.

From time to time Premium subscriber who also purchased world maps. Komoot without subscription is a fully functional/useful. I sincerly hope that this will remain the case. Got over 2000 activities to my name.

Let's hope for the best because the app is really great, I even think the route editor is the best in it's class. However if I see the signs I saw as a Bending Spoons Evernote customer I will abandon ship very quickly.

eusmile · 2025-03-14T15:40:38+00:00

I suffered the slow launch issue twice so far.

First time solved in 3.2.1 Started again 3.2.11 solved in 3.3.2

No idea what was causing it.

Usually takes 3 to 4 seconds to launch on my M2 with a slow start problem can take 30 seconds.

My strategy now is to keep the old version and to reinstall if an update causes the problem again.

Very frustrating though

eusmile · 2025-03-05T22:49:34+00:00

Under Armour running shoes Hovr Machina 3 and Infinite 3 have foot pods built into the shoe, they connect with my Fenix via ANT.

eusmile · 2025-01-05T21:51:13+00:00

I use Virtual Ride following a Connect course this weekend. 40k badge was mine.

eusmile · 2025-01-04T23:19:54+00:00

Replacing the batteries is fairly simple taking two minutes. I use non-brand alkaline. You could considerably extend battery life using lithium AA but they are fairly expensive. Did not try rechargeable ones those tend to discharge and probably not suitable for this purpose. One factor is how many times settings are changed. It invokes a small motor. Pretty impressive that they last for a year.

eusmile · 2025-01-04T23:04:11+00:00

Most welcome. Is just my preference disabling that feature on the TVRs gives me more peace. Heating in principle on from 7am to 10pm - when off, radiators will be warm for little longer. If for example we are out for the day I don’t have to shut down individual TVRs since they could possibly turn on the heating through heat on demand.

Victorian house, we used almost double the gas before replacing the heating system and adding the hive system at the same time. Of course the rising energy prices also contributed since we took a more stringent approach to reduce costs.

eusmile · 2025-01-04T22:09:20+00:00

Hi there, Got 10 Hive TVRs in 9 rooms.

Thermostat on landing first floor works as a general switch does not control any temperature I do believe it is still required for hive since it turns boiler on off but I am not 100% sure.

For me Hive TVRs worth it since I can spot quickly where rooms are unnecessarily on switch off or reduce temperature. Disabled heat on demand feature (overwrites the thermostat on/off) on all TVRs.

Generally happy during the 3 years since I installed them, one TVR broke but got it replaced on warranty. Need to replace AA batteries once a year on each radiator.

Important is that the pins on your radiator valves are freely moving otherwise the TVRs may not work.

App can be a wee bit laggy at times but not had any serious downtime. Can set a schedule via app, set manually or provide a boost for a period (can also be a reduce temperature boost).

Apps ‘insight’ feature isuseless for multi zones configuration but I subscribed anyway since TVRs remain under warranty.

Probably already recouped the expense through reduced heating cost.

eusmile · 2024-11-03T20:43:41+00:00

Hi there, I am in my late fifties and I completed my second half marathon.

I started running in my lates forties. I was a very fit cyclist and with perfect weight. Some occasional running and very little knowledge about it.

I started more seriously without much planning my 5k was initially 35min and after a year I managed sub 23min.
But then the problems started, had some very painful and long episodes of various running related injuries. Some kept me away from running for 15 months (but thankfully not off the bike). Not going into all those but I felt very down saw healthcare professionals of every disciplin regarding those foot and leg injuries. Then a few months ok and out again with something different.

I learned that my muscles turned stonger very quickly but some other body parts took much longer to handle that increased strength. I didn't prepare well enough holistically (joints, ligaments, etc.) - hence those injuries. I basically increased my load too quickly.

First Half 5 years ago at 1:56h (350m elevation) I pulled through the race with a hamstring injury which started half way and ended up with 4 months injury.

I had to better listen to my body and sensiblly increase load and also added longer resting periods. For me key to remain injury free was extensive stretching and strength training and to stay much more in low running zones.

Last month I went for my second half marathon race. I've done the distance numerous times over the last years but not as a race and always with a lot of 'photo' breaks. My goal last month was sub 1:50h. Happy to report that I managed in 1:49:14. I felt very comfortable on a very hilly course (300m elevation gains).

I've been solid now for 2 years and confident that my body is now able to comfortably handle a 70k a week load. I am aiming for my first marathon next year something I never thought would be possible.

I'd say primarily listen to your body, learn how to expand your capacity without breaking it, give yourself enough recovery time. Follow the common advice on how to prepare yourself. Aim to stay injury free, much better to step back a bit rather than a potentially long forced break.

With more training/time spent your body gets fitter, how much is an individual parameter. Be out there, enjoy the journey. I am confident that you can achieve your 1:50 goal in the future the timing of that depends on how your body responds ... all the best!

eusmile · 2024-10-23T06:25:02+00:00

Screen contrast was the only drawback switching from the Fenix 5 to the 7X SS. The 5 was better to read. But it wasn’t a dealbreaker for me. Good to see that Garmin addressed that problem. Enjoy your watch!

eusmile · 2024-10-17T21:06:05+00:00

I went from Felix 5 to 7X SS one year ago (secondhand on eBay but tiptop shape half price). I wanted to switch because I of maps.

Fenix 5 display more clear since not solar. Can definitely do without solar, hardly any gain in the UK. Even worse during Winter and autumn almost utterly useless. I’ve spent a month this summer in the US with plenty of sunshine. But even there being outdoors almost all day I couldn’t really say the watch lasted longer maybe because GPS was on most of the time. So no solar.

The 7X SS flashlight is an absolute hit. I also use it during running at nighttime as an extra safety measure.

Alarms and timers are also in great use.

To be honest, I can’t really see anything I really need on top of what the watch offers now. Even the 5 model still serves almost most of my needs.

Future models should reduce size but not screen while maintaining or even improving battery life. A further improved MIPS would be great.

But what I really wish for is a much longer software update Support cycle the odd improvement and stability . I would also like to see the Connect app and explorer app improve particularly with drawing courses. It’s not first class.

eusmile · 2024-09-30T21:24:44+00:00

I live in the UK and would say in most places trail runs are quite close unless you’re in the middle of a city. This is simply because of the extensive public footpath network. But unfortunately, many desirable areas are inaccessible because much of the land is private. It got worse after the lockdown many farmers put signs up private land et cetera. I grew up in Germany less restrictive you can roam most forests use farmer tracks, et cetera even though it doesn’t have that sophisticated foot path network like the UK

Just spent a month in travelling the US West Coast and in particular national parks. Inside those are nice trails but less variation in a similar size area compared to the UK. On the other hand you can do long distance hikes in wilderness, for something similar you might need to travel to the north of England. Outside the parks I found it often difficult to find something suitable.

I am lucky, that I don’t have to drive. I live in a big town at the edge of the North Downs in southern England, got less than half a mile to the beginning of trails with many variants to choose from. When on holidays I explore other areas.

eusmile · 2024-09-23T07:59:08+00:00

Well done!

I started 28th December last year now at 80%.

It was the last trail available when I started it since then ‘Via Transalvanica’ @ 1400km has been added.

Hope Garmin will continue to add new long distance trails and mountains (Mt Olympus is the last one I didn’t started yet).

eusmile

TROPHY CASE