about running better understanding you than yourself codoon running elf
Regarding running, Codoon Running Elf understands you better than you do.
1. Preface
There is a prevalent opinion in society, namely-- 'Running hurts the knees.' The so-called rumor is always more powerful than the truth. Even though I've told my friends and family countless times that 'unscientific running hurts the knees, but scientific running not only doesn't hurt, it actually benefits the knees more than prolonged sitting,' this opinion still seems to be mainstream.
Actually, I can imagine that this opinion might have originally come from people who don't run and were mentally affected by those who exercise through running.They use 'running hurts the knees' to numb themselves.
So you might want to ask, okay, you say scientific running, but what exactly is scientific running? Regarding this question, I think scientific progress has given us a more objective explanation: Maybe in the past, we would say'High cadence, small stride, and choosing the right running shoes' is considered healthy, but whether you achieve that is hard to measure. The advancement of technology and the upgrade of electronic monitoring devices can provide more detailed data support. For example, sports watches, heart rate monitors, and fitness bands.
Running injuries are closely related to running posture, so are there devices that monitor running posture? If running speed is hard to improve, it might be related to running efficiency, so are there devices that monitor running efficiency? The answer is yes. For example, Garmin'sAccess Running Dynamics Pod APAC, but this device costs 500 yuan. Is there a cheaper option? The answer is still yes. For example, the Codoon Running Elf discussed in this article. So how does it perform? Please follow me into the main text to find out.
2. Appearance and Details
▲ The front packaging of the Codoon Running Elf continues the design of the previous Codoon watches N3 and X3, with a black and green color scheme, hard paper packaging, matte surface, green pull tab, glossy black Codoon English name, green product name, and other elements kept simple.
▲ The side also features simple Codoon English lettering.
▲ There is more information on the bottom, and I think it's necessary to highlight a few points:
(1)Waterproof rating:The official definition of IPX6 is 'water-resistant, can withstand direct water spray from any direction without entering the interior', which is quite high for daily use. Even in heavy rain, it doesn't reach the level of 'spray,' so there's no need to worry about the Codoon Running Elf getting waterlogged while running in the rain.
(2)Product weight:10g, which is very light, so you don't have to worry about it weighing down your foot when attached to the shoe.
(3)Operating environment:-10℃ to 40℃. Honestly, I think this temperature range could be improved. For example, in northern regions, it's normal for winter temperatures to drop below -10℃, which would affect the use of the Codoon Running Elf. Of course, the maximum temperature of 40℃ is fine, as it's not recommended to run in such high temperatures due to the risk of danger.
(4)Charging time:The bottom only shows the charging time, which is2 hours. The discharge time varies based on usage frequency. Once connected to the Codoon App, the interface will display the remaining battery, which is quite convenient to check (this will be discussed later).
▲ The packaging of the Codoon Running Elf uses a drawer-style design with small edge spaces, making it quite secure.
▲ 'Family portrait.' Since it's a small accessory, there aren't many items included, just the Codoon Running Elf itself, a charging cable, a shoe clip, and a manual.
▲ Unlike Garmin's running dynamics sensor, commonly known as 'little green bean,' the Codoon Running Elf adopts awaterdrop shape. However, I personally think that since it's a waterdrop shape, would it be cooler if it were made transparent or semi-transparent? The small waterdrop in the middle of the Running Elf is actually an indicator light that flashes green during exercise (this will be mentioned later).
▲ The back of the Codoon Running Elf featurescharging contact metal points. The edges are raised, making the overall design less monotonous and ensuring a tighter and more reliable contact between the Running Elf and the charging slot.
▲ The charging contact metal points correspond to thecharging pins,charging slotandcharging cable. The edges of the charging slot can better enclose the Codoon Running Elf. The charging cable uses a commonUSB head, making it easy to find an external charging head.
▲ The top and bottom of the Codoon Running Elf have recessed areas for fixing it to the running shoe with the shoe clip.
▲ The front and back of the shoe clip. Compared to some marathon events that use chips fixed through shoelaces, using a shoe clip is much more convenient (no need to untie the shoelaces each time).
▲ The appearance of the Codoon Running Elf and shoe clip after assembly.
3. On-foot and Simple Demonstration
(1)Installation demonstration
▲ During installation, as long as you find the top and bottom holes of the Running Elf, positioning and installing it is relatively easy.
(2)On-foot effect
▲ The overall on-foot effect is quite balanced and aesthetically pleasing, with a moderate size. However, when positioning, you need to ensurethe small end is forward, and the large end is backward, andplace it on the left shoe, to better collect data.
(3)Indicator light display
▲ Regarding the indicator light, whenconnecting to the CodoonAppand shaking the left foot,the blueindicator light turns on;when you start running normallyit flashesgreen.
4. Codoon App Interface and Data Display
(1)Running Elf interface
▲ Connect via Bluetooth, open the Codoon App, and bind the device in 'My' - 'My Equipment.' After binding, the main interface of the Running Elf is shown as in the picture.Remaining battery,history records,correct running posture videosandrelated coursesare all valuable information.
(2)Wearing page display
▲ To help Running Elf users wear it correctly, the interface also includes videos and images showing correct and incorrect wearing methods.
(3)Data page
▲ The difference from directly using the Codoon App is that the page with the Running Elf bound includes the 'Running Posture Analysis' item highlighted in red, which contains multiple data points such as forefoot and rearfoot landing ratio, pronation degree, etc. The App evaluates the collected data, and users can make improvements based on the evaluation. So, how is this achieved? See the next item.
(4)Running posture analysis details
▲ Click 'Running Posture Analysis,' and the inner page includes detailed explanations of various data points such asrunning posture scoretolanding method,pronation degree,landing impact force,cadence to pace ratio,ground contact timeand other data, along with animated demonstrations of correct methods and personalized courses for runners with high or low arches. This setup not only lets you know your actual running state but also allows for targeted improvements.
5. Summary
Based on my use of the Codoon Running Elf, I believe it has the following features:
Advantages:
(1) Complete data required for running posture analysis and comprehensive improvement plans;
(2) When used with the Codoon App, it can expand its functions;
(3) While achieving similar functions, it is relatively low-priced.
Areas for improvement:
(1) If the operating temperature could go below -10℃, it would be more practical in cold regions;
(2) The waterdrop shape could be available in white or transparent.
These are my personal experiences and results. Any mistakes or omissions, I hope Codoon friends will kindly point them out.