Runway Step Configurations
Overview
The Runway Step Configurations feature helps pole vaulters track and manage their approach run settings. Record your step counts, measurements, and pole specifications for different runway configurations. Perfect for tracking what works best for you and maintaining consistency across practices and competitions.
Features
Step Management
- Multiple Steps: Add as many steps as needed for your approach
- Custom Measurements: Record exact distances for each step
- Step Numbers: Organize steps sequentially
- Flexible Editing: Update configurations as you progress
Pole Information
- Optional Pole Data: Add pole specs for each step (optional)
- Weight Tracking: Record pole weight
- Length Recording: Note pole length
- Grip Notes: Track grip height or other grip details
- Quick Reference: See pole info at a glance
Configuration Tools
- Drag & Drop Reordering: Easily reorganize steps
- Auto-Sorting: Steps automatically sort by number
- Edit Anytime: Update measurements and pole info
- Delete Steps: Remove outdated configurations
- Save Automatically: Changes sync to your account
How to Use
Adding Your First Step
- Navigate to Runway Steps
- Open hamburger menu (☰)
- Select “Runway Steps”
- View your configuration screen
- Add New Step
- Tap “Add Step” button (+ icon)
- Enter step information:
- Step Number: Which step (e.g., 3, 4, 5, 6)
- Measurement: Distance in feet/meters
- Tap Save
- View Your Step
- Step appears in your list
- Shows step number and measurement
- Expandable card for more details
Adding Pole Information
- Open Step Details
- Tap on any existing step to expand
- View current step information
- Add/Edit Pole
- Tap “Edit” icon
- Scroll to Pole Information section
- Fill in pole details:
- Weight: Pole weight (e.g., “150 lbs”)
- Length: Pole length (e.g., “13’6"”)
- Grip: Grip height or notes (e.g., “Top grip” or “12’9"”)
- All pole fields are optional
- Tap Save
- View Pole Info
- Pole details shown in expanded step card
- Organized and easy to read
- Update anytime as you try new poles
Managing Multiple Steps
Adding More Steps
- Continue adding steps for your full approach:
- 3-step approach
- 4-step approach
- 5-step approach
- 6-step or longer
- Each step can have:
- Unique measurement
- Different pole if needed
- Specific notes in pole fields
Editing Existing Steps
- Select Step to Edit
- Tap on step card to expand
- Tap Edit icon (pencil)
- Update Information
- Change step number
- Modify measurement
- Update pole information
- Tap Save when done
- Changes Sync
- Updates save to your account
- Available across devices
- Maintained in cloud storage
Deleting Steps
- Remove Unwanted Step
- Tap on step to expand
- Tap Delete icon (trash)
- Confirm deletion
- Step Removed
- Deleted from your configuration
- Cannot be undone
- Other steps remain intact
Reordering Steps
- Drag and Drop
- Press and hold on step card
- Drag to new position
- Release to drop
- Steps automatically renumber
- Auto-Sorting
- Steps sort by step number
- Keeps configuration organized
- Maintains logical order
Understanding Step Configurations
Step Number
- Purpose: Identifies which step in your approach
- Common Values: 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8
- Progression: Track different approach lengths
- Competition: Know which step for different heights
Measurement
- Distance: How far back you start
- Units: Feet, meters, or custom
- Precision: Record exact measurements
- Consistency: Use same measurement system
- Coach Guidance: Work with coach to find right distances
Pole Information
Weight
- Purpose: Track pole stiffness/rating
- Format: Typically in pounds (lbs)
- Example: “150 lbs”, “160 lbs”, “12.7”
- Progression: Move up as you improve
- Multiple Poles: Different weights for different steps
Length
- Purpose: Record pole length
- Format: Feet and inches or metric
- Example: “13’6"”, “14’0"”, “4.2m”
- Standard Lengths: Common: 13’, 13’6”, 14’, 14’6”, 15’
- Step Dependent: Longer steps may use longer poles
Grip
- Flexible Field: Use for any grip-related notes
- Grip Height: Where you hold (“12’9"”, “top grip”)
- Hand Position: Notes about hand placement
- Adjustments: Track grip changes
- Example: “Top grip”, “12’9" grip”, “Hand at 13’”
Typical Use Cases
Practice Preparation
- Review your runway configuration before practice
- Know which poles to bring
- Have measurements ready for runway setup
- Coach can help verify settings
Trying New Configurations
- Save your current working configuration
- Experiment with new step/pole combinations
- Add new step with different measurements
- Compare results between configurations
- Keep what works, delete what doesn’t
Competition Prep
- Know your competition runway settings
- Have pole specifications ready
- Quick reference during warm-ups
- Confidence in your approach
Tracking Progress
- Record configurations as you improve
- Update pole weights as you progress
- Modify step distances as needed
- Historical record of your development
Best Practices
Accurate Recording
- Measure Precisely: Use exact measurements
- Verify with Coach: Confirm distances are correct
- Update Regularly: Keep configuration current
- Record Immediately: Add new configs right away
- Document Changes: Update when you change poles/steps
Organization
- Logical Step Numbers: Use actual step counts
- Consistent Units: Stick to feet or meters
- Clear Pole Notes: Make pole info easy to understand
- Delete Old Configs: Remove outdated/unused steps
- Regular Review: Check accuracy periodically
Experimentation
- Try Different Steps: Experiment with approach length
- Test Pole Combinations: Try different poles at different steps
- Track Results: Note what works in journal
- Gradual Changes: Don’t change everything at once
- Coach Input: Work with coaches on modifications
Safety
- Use Appropriate Poles: Don’t exceed safe weight ratings
- Follow Coach Guidance: Coaches know safe progressions
- Update When Growing: Adjust as you get stronger/taller
- Don’t Rush: Progress at safe pace
Troubleshooting
Steps Not Saving
Check Internet Connection:
- Ensure Wi-Fi or cellular data enabled
- Configuration syncs to cloud
- May need to retry if connection lost
Verify Login:
- Must be signed in to save
- Sign out and sign back in
- Check account status
App Restart:
- Close and reopen app
- Check if changes persisted
- Contact coach if issue continues
Reordering Not Working
Drag and Drop:
- Press and hold on step card
- Wait for card to “lift”
- Drag to new position
- Make sure you’re on steps list (not in edit mode)
Auto-Sorting:
- Steps sort by step number automatically
- Change step number to change order
- Can’t manually override number-based sorting
Pole Information Not Showing
Expand Step Card:
- Tap on step to expand
- Pole info shown in expanded view
- Collapsed view only shows step number/measurement
Add Pole Data:
- Tap Edit on step
- Scroll to Pole Information
- Fill in fields
- Save changes
Lost Configurations
Cloud Sync:
- Configurations stored in cloud (Firestore)
- Sign in to same account on any device
- Data should sync automatically
Different Account:
- Configurations tied to your user account
- Verify you’re signed into correct account
- Can’t transfer between accounts
Deleted by Accident:
- Deletion is permanent
- No undo option
- Re-enter configuration if needed
- Consider taking screenshots of important configs
Privacy & Data Storage
Your Configurations
- Personal Data: Only you can see your configurations
- Cloud Storage: Saved to your account in Firebase
- Multi-Device: Access from any device when signed in
- Private: Coaches/admins cannot view your runway configs
Sharing
- Not Shared: Configurations are private
- Manual Sharing: Can show coach on your device
- Screenshots: Can screenshot to share via text/email
- No Auto-Sharing: Never shared without your action
Tips for Athletes
Getting Started
- Start with your current working approach
- Record measurements coach has given you
- Add pole specs you’re currently using
- Update as you progress
Multiple Configurations
- Can save multiple step configurations
- Try: 3-step, 4-step, 5-step approaches
- Different poles for each
- Compare what works best
Working with Coaches
- Show configurations during practice
- Verify measurements are accurate
- Update when coach recommends changes
- Use as communication tool
Practice Efficiency
- Have configurations ready before practice
- Know which poles to grab
- Save time setting up runway
- Focus on jumping, not remembering numbers
Advanced Usage
Multiple Pole Options
- Add different steps with same number but different poles
- Example: Two “6-step” entries with 150lb and 160lb poles
- Test which works better for different heights
- Delete the one that doesn’t work
Measurement Notes
- Use grip field for approach notes
- Example: “Fast approach” or “Controlled run”
- Track technique variations
- Reference for competitions
Seasonal Updates
- Update configurations at season start
- Modify as you progress through season
- Save successful competition configs
- Archive old settings by deleting
Need Help?
Common Questions
Q: How many steps should I add? A: Work with your coach. Most vaulters use 3-6 step approaches depending on skill level.
Q: What if I use different poles on same step? A: Create separate step entries to track different pole options for same step count.
Q: Can I share my configurations with teammates? A: Not automatically. You can show them your phone or send screenshots.
Q: What units should I use for measurements? A: Use whatever your facility/coaches use. Stay consistent with one system.
Q: Do I need to fill in all pole information? A: No, pole information is completely optional. Add what’s useful to you.
Contact Support
If you have issues:
- Try signing out and back in
- Check internet connection
- Restart the app
- Contact a coach or administrator
- Provide screenshots of any errors
Related Documentation: