An open, hackable and free training diary.

> python3.7 -m venv env
> source env/bin/activate
> pip install choochoo
> ch2 config default
> ch2 help
> ch2 diary

Please see the full documentation. This page contains only some images and a Technical Overview.

The following plots are generated automatically from the diary - clicking a "link" starts Jupyter and pushes the page to the browser. The pages can be edited and serve as an introduction to accessing the data manually.

The next plot is generated by ch2 jupyter show calendar - it is one of a set of "templates" that provide a starting point for exploring the data with Jupyter (for details try ch2 jupyter list).

The system includes:

• An SQLite3 database containing time series data.

• An interface to move data between the database and Pandas DataFrames.

• A FIT reader to import new data.

• Algorithms to derive new statistics from the data (using Pandas for efficiency).

• Pipelines to apply the algorithms to new data on import (in parallel processes for efficiency).

• An embedded Jupyter server to explore the data.

• Pre-written scripts to present graphical data views via Jupyter.

• A "diary" (using curses in the terminal) to present textual data and allow data entry.

The database has an SQLAlchemy ORM interface. The schema separates "statistics" (named time series data) from the source (which might be direct entry, read from a FIT file, or calculated from pre-existing values). SQL tracks dependencies to avoid stale values.

The pipelines are Python classes whose class names are also configured in the database.

The data are stored in an "open" format, directly accessible by third party tools, and easily backed-up (eg by copying the database file). When the database format changes scripts are provided to migrate existing data (see package ch2.migraine). Data extracted from FIT files are not migrated - they must be re-imported.

Support libraries include: FIT file parsing; spatial R-Trees; reading elevation data from SRTM files; estimating power from elevation and speed; Fitness / Fatigue models; detection of pre-defined segments; clustering of routes; climb detection.

The "diary" view, where the user enters data, is also configured via the database. So the fields displayed (and the statistics collected) can be customized. This configuration can include "schedules" which control when information is displayed (eg: weekdays only; every other day; second Sunday in the month).

The combination of customizable diary fields and scheduling allows training plans to be entered and displayed. This presents a steep learning curve but is ultimately very flexible - "any" training plan can be accommodated. Python code for generating example plans is included (see package ch2.config.plan).

Currently the program is single-user (ie the data in the database are not grouped by user). Multiple users can co-exist using separate database files.

Choochoo collects and organizes time-series data using athlete-appropriate interfaces. It facilitates calculations of derived statistics and extraction of data for further analysis using Python's rich data science tools. Both data and code are open and extensible.