GPS Running

Running GPS Watch For Cross-Sport Training

Polar RS300X G1

We know that speed and distance is nothing without heart rate monitoring. Only by combining these three with the RS300X, you can truly make sense of your training. G1 GPS sensor provides speed and distance in various outdoor sports, so you know it’s worth all the effort.

The RS300X G1 running gps Watch enables athletes to train at the right intensity and improve their performance through core metrics such as heart rate, speed, distance, pace, and calorie burn. Advanced features include Polar’s exclusive OwnZone feature for individualized zone training by heart rate or pace, a fitness test, and auto lap splits, which display average heart rate, pace and distance per lap. Athletes can easily review up to 16 past workout files to check their progress and ensure they’re staying on track with their fitness or training plan.

The RS300X G1 personality:
Measures your heart rate combined speed and distance
Simple-to-use wrist heart rate monitor/training computer in black helps you to train at the right intensity
Includes G1 GPS Sensor for tracking routes and WearLink+ 31 coded transmitter
Provides metrics for heart rate, speed, distance, pace, and calorie burn
OwnZone feature for individualized zone training by heart rate or pace, a fitness test, and auto lap splits
Tracks your latest 16 training sessions and your last 16 weeks of training
Transfer training data to polarpersonaltrainer.com with optional Polar FlowLink™

You can also use S1 Foot pod (separately available) if the area where you are running, or the weather conditions, impossibilities the correct reception of the satellite GPS signal. But, really, you don’t need it. The GPS works fine, just be aware that if you end up running on trails/trees, it’s going to have some difficulty staying in close contact with so be ready for your time to get a little wacky. The G1 GPS Sensor is not as good as the G3 GPS Sensor who runs with the RS800 series, but it accomplish perfectly his function with the RS300X. You don’t need to upgrade if you are satisfied with all that Polar RS300X offers to you. Both runs perfectly for your needs.

S1 Foot pod It accurately measures your running speed/pace and distance. Committed runners will find the most value in the real-time pace and distance measurement of the S1 foot pod. And even though it attaches to your shoe laces, it’s so light that you’ll forget it’s even there, which means it won’t affect your running performance.

Main Features:

• Heart rate displayed as percentage of maximum heart rate, BPM, and average heart rate of total exercises. Very easy to see and use
• Tracks your latest 16 training sessions and your last 16 weeks of training
• Visual and audible alarm in target zones: Informs you every time your heart rate and/or speed/pace exceeds the upper limit or falls below the lower limit of your target zone during a training session.
• Polar OwnIndex Fitness Test calculates aerobic fitness (comparable to maximal oxygen uptake, VO2max) providing a reference to base training intensity and measure improvement.
• Polar OwnCal: Shows your energy expenditure during one exercise session as well as your accumulated kilo calories during several exercise sessions. Because the OwnCal tracks both the energy expenditure during one exercise session and the accumulated kilo calories during a longer time e.g. one week, it helps in achieving both short term and long term goals.
• Time in Target Zone feature calculates the amount of total training time spent in your personal target zone. You can use this feature together with the Total Exercise Time to determine the effectiveness of your training program.
• Watch features: alarm with snooze, dual time zone, stopwatch
• Water resistant to 50 meters
• Back lighting, display zoom
• Event Countdown Timer: Keeps your motivation high by showing how many days are left before your next running event (e.g., Barcelona 23 days).
• G1 GPS Sensor Battery Life: up to eight hours

Transfer training data to polarpersonaltrainer.com with optional Polar FlowLink™

What I Say:

Running GPS Polar RS300X G1 is a smart, intuitive training computer for runners and cross-training athletes, the wrist heart rate monitor helps you to train at the right intensity with personal training zones. This version of the RS300X comes with Polar’s G1 GPS sensor, which provides speed/pace and distance measurement for outdoor sports such as running or cycling. It’s a great choice for those who mix up their training regimen with cycling, in-line skating, paddling, mountain biking or hiking.

With the optional Polar FlowLink you can transfer easily your data to polarpersonaltrainer.com. I hardly recommend it.

Very good product quality/price

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Technorati Tags: GPS running watch, Polar RS300X G1, runners gps, running gps

Garmin Forerunner 305

running gps Watch Garmin Forerunner 305 sports a unique design that wraps the GPS antenna around part of the wrist for a better view of the sky, and its high sensitivity GPS receiver provides improved tracking under trees and near tall buildings thanks to the integrated, high-sensitivity SiRFstar III GPS receiver. Forerunner 305 also sports a robust ANT+™ wireless heart rate monitor with softer, more comfortable chest strap and superior battery life. It eliminates cross-talk with other devices to reliably measure and send heart rate data, and it helps you train in your optimal heart rate zone.

Forerunner 305‘s courses feature lets you compete against previous workouts: you can compare your pace and heart rate to your past performance over the same run. You can also use Forerunner 305 to train for your next duathlon or triathlon with multi-sport workouts, a feature that lets you seamlessly transition between sports without resetting the unit, so you can use it for running, biking and more.

Train indoors and still track your distance, pace and calories burned with the optional Foot Pod accessory. This wireless sensor attaches to your running shoe and transmits distance and pace data to your Forerunner 305 so you can still use it when GPS reception is unavailable.

The heart and soul of the Running GPS 305 can be found on the data screens, which give you real-time information about all aspects of your workout. In fact, the 305 can display a dizzying array of data, such as calories burned, distance, elevation, grade, and heading, as well as multiple lap and pace modes. The 305 adds the ability to track heartrate, lap heartrate, average heartrate, and heartrate zones via the included coded heartrate chest strap. With the purchase of a separate wireless cadence and speed meter, you can also track bike performance data.

Thankfully, the device makes it easy to define how much or how little data you want to view during a workout. You can arrange the data that’s most important to you and then make that data appear front and center on the device. Indeed, within a few minutes of skimming the manual and fiddling with the device setup, you’ll have your most important data displaying just the way you like it. The ability to display heartrate is a big plus, too, as it’s a fairly good indicator of excercise output, fatigue, and fitness level. The 305 has all the heartrate functions you’d expect from a full-function monitor, including the ability to set target zones and alerts to maximize the effectiveness of your workouts.

Training Peaks

As an added benefit, you can plan, analyze and store data from your workouts through the online community, Garmin Connect™, or the free Garmin Training Center® software. Conveniently upload your data to Garmin Connect for an in-depth analysis of your workouts, online mapping and route sharing that will take your training to the next level. With Garmin Training Center® software, you can analyze data with interactive graphs that chart your pace, time, distance and heart rate. Overlay your run on a map so you can pinpoint specific areas and see how elevation and other factors affect your performance. And if you’re a serious endurance athlete, you’ll be glad to know that the 305 is also compatible with TrainingPeaks.com, an easy-to-use web based training system designed to help athletes train for any event.

Main Features

• High-Sensitivity, Watch-Like GPS Receiver That Provides Exceptional Signal Reception
• 1 Piece Training Assistant That Provides Athletes With Precise Speed, Distance & Pace Data
• Includes Training Center Software, Which Allows Users To Download Workout Data For A Detailed Analysis
• Used For Multiple Sports Such As Cycling, Cross- Country Skiing & Windsurfing
• Data Acquired May Also Be Analyzed. Which Provides Online Mapping & Route Sharing

What I Say:

The Running GPS Forerunner series provides outdoor athletes and runners with real-time information about speed, distance, and heart rate all on a single device with an easy to read display. With features like auto-lap/pause/learn/scroll, training assistant tools, various alerts, and Training Center, the Forerunner enabled people to use all of that data to train smarter and more effectively. The Forerunner x05 series incorporate many of the same great features of the Forerunner x01 series such as ease-of-use, large easy to read display, and software training features while improving other areas of the design to better meet the demands of athletes.

Garmin Forerunner 305 GPS Receiver With Heart Rate Monitor

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Technorati Tags: Garmin, Garmin Forerunner 305, GPS running watch, runners gps, running gps

Timex Ironman

running gps Watch Timex Ironman it seems more focused to triathletes. But I really still don’t understand why you need to carry two pods: the GPS pod and the Data Recorder Pod. So many things! While you are in the bicycle it’s ok because you can put them in you pack… but when it’s time to run? and swim!!!

Most cyclists who keep performance data use some sort of Polar product. I picked up the Timex for it’s relatively open protocol, 3D GPS data and compact size. I strap the watch to my handlebar with the included rubber mount and drop the other two units in my water pack or seat bag. The system works as advertised, with a caveat that you can expect problems using the data recorder. Timex says some units shipped with bad transmit/receive modules and are replacing them.

PC Coach

The provided training software is the most basic imaginable. However it does allow the GPS unit to export NMEA data for upload and mapping at sites such as GPS Visualizer. Other software like PCCoach also imports the Timex data and Timex provides an open source library for interfacing with the system. Kudos to Timex for that.

There are lots of part to the system. I like the flexibility. You can decouple the GPS data and get up to 72hrs of HRM data recorded! On the other hand, I can envision losing track of the data recorder which is very tiny. Perhaps Timex can make the accessories in a gaudy color so they are more “sporty” or create a “find it” feature so they are easier to find if they are misplaced.

The HRM picks up signals well with no body cream or fussing about required and is relatively comfortable to wear. The HRM is also “coded”. This might be a feature for runners who participate in mass events where they are closely packed, it just annoys me. It renders the HRM unable to interact with my I-Magic trainer and means I’ve got to go back to Timex if/when the strap malfunctions, Thankfully Timex, allows you to change your own battery.

The GPS unit seems to pick up signals quickly and well. I haven’t had dropouts when riding along the towns and tree-covered roads of New England. The unit does turn off if you aren’t moving so be sure to check it if you stop for a snack or to fix a flat. Being able to view my route in Google maps and mail NMEA formatted rides to other people is great. It could be a fabulous tool for making cue sheets. If a firmware and software update allowed the Timex to have more waypoints and allow waypoint upload/downloads/cueing this feature would be killer.

Timex Trainer Software

The running GPS watch itself is relatively easy to operate which is a good thing because the manuals spend so much time reiterating everything in multiple languages they don’t have room to provide any actual, useful instructions. Be prepared for lots of trial and error when trying to access functions, reset values and get things to work as you’d like them to. However, it’s comfortable and suitable as an everyday watch. For cyclists there are real-time mode, summary, navigation, waypoint and interval display modes which can be customized somewhat. The watch allows programmable HZ bands. The pace display is limited to mile/minute since it’s oriented towards runners; cyclists will have to go to the summary data display when the ride is over to get that data. If you’re looking for power or cadence data you’ll need to also have a SRM or powertap.

The data recorder is both the strength and weakness of this system. Yeah it’s lightweight, long-lived and records lots of data. It is also difficult to use, inflexible and unreliable. It decides for itself when data constitutes a new ride so I often find I can’t get good summary data like ride time or average speed. I can’t figure out how to change what you are recording except with the PC software. The sync cable is USB but has a proprietary connector to the recorder which is awkward to attach and seems fragile. The cord is also easy to forget at home when using a laptop on rides. A standard micro USB connector would be nicer. The recorder is activated by a single button but regularly fails to connect to the watch, HRM or GPS. The system provides no diagnosics or recourse that I could find. It should connect to the HRM, the GPS or both 100% of the time with no messing about and offer on the spot recording filters. On the upside the unit is lightweight, and the battery and storage capacity are excellent. I hope Timex provides software and firmware updates so I can pick when rides should be broken up, don’t have to fiddle with the recorder to synch and can pick what I data want to record in the field.

Main features:

• Water Resistant to 50m
• Heart Rate Monitor
• Preset heart rate zones
• Automatically set your 5 training zones
• Measure recovery heart rate
• Amount of time spent within selected zone
• Measures real-time, average, and max speed
• Calculates your pace, average pace and best pace
• GPS functionality to provide latitude and longitude
• Ascent and descent rates
• Up to 10 waypoints
• On-the-move directional heading
• Navigate to selected waypoints

What I Say:

If you’re a recreational or touring cyclist, Running GPS Watch Timex Ironman Triathlon is a useful system for training and keeping track of ride data. I’ll give it a four based on the data recorder issues and the runner-focused displays. A few tweaks and it would be a killer unit for cyclists. And remember: Data Recorded is purchased separately.

Timex Ironman T5J985 Unisex Trail Runner Bodylink Heart Rate Monitor Watch

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Technorati Tags: GPS running watch, runners gps, running gps, Timex, Timex Ironman

The Forerunner 405CX is the top GPS-enabled training Garmin Running GPS Watch

Garmin Forerunner 405CX

Anyone who has used a running gps watch already understands the power that attaching location data to traditional measurements like distance, speed, time, calories burned, and heart rate can provide. Knowing exactly where you worked hardest, ran fastest (or most slowly), and lets you tailor your workouts to improve for specific distances, conditions, and types of terrain. It gives a complete picture of how you interact with every portion of your run.

The high-sensitivity GPS receiver sustains satellite reception, whether you’re tackling a trail or jogging through the urban canyons of skyscrapers. The Garmin Forerunner 405 is water-resistant (IPX7) and can be used outdoors or indoors (with an optional foot pod), making it one of the bests year-round, all-weather training tool. Ready for the triathletes? This sleek sport watch tracks your distance, pace and heart rate, then wirelessly sends the data to your PC for later analysis thru the USB ANT™ Garmin Stick, already in the Box, and it’s compatible with Windows® 2000 or later and Intel-based Mac running OS 10.4 or later.

The Running GPS Watch 405CX features heart rate-based calorie computation and comes with a second wrist band option suitable for smaller wrists. Forerunner 405CX comes loaded with serious training features and continuously records your time, distance, pace, calories burned and heart rate, and displays on easy-to-read screen. Each workout is stored in memory so you can review and analyze the data to see how you’ve improved. And advanced training features will challenge you to step up your pace — race against Forerunner’s Virtual Partner® to improve your times, or set up interval workouts without having to circle the track. You can even download recorded courses to compete against previous workouts.

To use the watch, simply tap the touch bezel to change screens without fumbling for a button. Like all the running GPS watches, Forerunner 405CX comes with a flexible, wireless heart rate monitor to help you make the most out of your training. The digital heart rate monitor continuously tracks heart beats per minute and uses your heart rate for advanced calorie computation, so you know how many calories you’re burning, and it’s so easy to read. Train in a certain heart rate zone to improve your fitness level or compare your pace and heart rate to past performance on the same run. The revolutionary patent-pending touch bezel on the face of the watch makes navigating the options easier than ever.

Simply by tapping, holding or running a finger along the bezel, runners can begin a new workout, access their training history or challenge a Virtual Partner. The Forerunner 405CX makes training with a Virtual Partner easy and efficient. Runners can adjust the Virtual Partner’s pace without stopping in the middle of a workout, and the Virtual Partner is always on and ready for a challenge.

Share your workouts
Like if you have a running partner, with Forerunner 405CX, you can share your locations, advanced workouts and courses wirelessly with other Forerunner 405 users. Now you can send your favorite workout to your buddy to try, or compete against a friend’s recorded course.

Sharing data is easy: just select “transfer” to send your information to a nearby device. Once you’ve logged the miles, innovative ANT+™ wireless technology automatically transfers data to your computer when Forerunner is in range. No cables, no hookups. The data’s just there, ready for you to analyze, categorize and share through our online community, Garmin Connect or our optional Garmin Training Center™ software. You can even plan workouts on your computer and then send them to your Forerunner. Garmin Connect keep all of your workout data stored at Garmin Connect for comprehensive analysis. Garmin Connect presents your data in clear and easy to understand evaluation.

And be a part of a community
In 2007, Garmin acquired Motion-based, the largest shared repository of customer-generated gps-based routes, courses and maps. This was a significant move for Garmin to support the gps user community and bring a wealth of route options to gps users.
With a simple connection to your computer, you can join a worldwide network of cyclists and outdoor enthusiasts through Garmin Connect our new, one-stop site for data analysis an sharing. You can pair the Forerunner 405CX with an optional foot pod to track your speed, distance and running cadence indoors when GPS signals are unavailable.
The wireless foot pod clips onto your laces for easy removal and automatically turns on when you start moving.

Main Features

• Advanced heart-rate based calorie computation
• Fits most wrists comfortably with either the original strap or the included fabric wrist straps
• High-sensitivity GPS receiver with HotFix™
• Touch bezel interface
• Time of day (12/24h), dual time zone, day/date, daily alarm
• Training And Motivational Features: Virtual Partner®; courses; workouts; goals
• Ability to mark locations, back to start, save location
• Zone Training: heart rate zone training, supports five heart rate zones
• ANT+™ Wireless Technology: Automatically transfer information back and forth between the watch and the computer
• Unit-to-unit Transfer: send workouts and locations to other Forerunner 405s
• Can be used for running and cycling
• Compatible with GSC 10™ speed/cadence bike sensor to monitor pedaling cadence and wheel speed
• Compatible with foot pod to measure speed, distance and runner’s cadence indoor and outdoor
• Battery Life: up to eight hours (training) or two weeks (power save mode)
• Water resistant to IPX7 (1 meter of water for 30 minutes)
• Weight: 2.11 oz (60 g)
• Display: Round four-level gray FSTN, 124 x 95 pixels
• Size: 45.75 mm x 70.5 mm x 16.4 mm
• Distance Accuracy: 99% with clear view of sky

What I Say:

Let me to compare the Polar RS400SD with the Garmin. Love not needing a foot pod if I use Garmin, however Garmin Connect and Garmin Training Center have minimal information compared to Polar Pro-Trainer software. If Garmin would update/upgrade the software to be as customizable and informative as Polar’s Pro-Trainer I would give this watch a 5. I Recommend this watch for someone that just wants to keep basic information and maybe do a little advanced training. If you want a whole running package (watch + software) I would definitely recommend the Polar RS400 or better the Polar RS800CX. Always there’s a big problem: if you uses Mac, forget about Polar because their Polar’s Pro Trainer works only under Windows. Garmin Training Center works in both platforms.
With this software you easily can:

• Review your workout data, including pace/speed, distance, time, calories burned; and if available, heart rate, cadence and detailed elevation.
• View a detailed graph of your workout data, plotted over time or distance.
• View a map of your workout that shows the exact path you traveled.
• Categorize your workout history according to type of activity.
• Review previous workouts, which are saved by day and week.
• Create customized workouts with specific goals and rest intervals. Then send them to your fitness device.*
• Schedule workouts for a specific day with calendar.
• Get custom workout templates designed by the experts at TrainingPeaks.com

Garmin seems to get focused to the popular runners. If you are a professional I recommend the Polar series.

Garmin Forerunner 405CX GPS Sport Watch with Heart Rate Monitor (Blue)

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Technorati Tags: Garmin, Garmin Forerunner 405CX, GPS running watch, runners gps, running gps

Running GPS for high-tech athletes

Polar RS800CX

No matter the terrain, whatever the sport, the impressive Polar RS800CX is the most accurate way to measure your speed and distance as well as plan, monitor and analyze your body’s response to your training sessions. You can also see your route on a map after the training session. Is the perfect running GPS and ideal for cross-terrain sports like running, cycling, Nordic skiing, in-line skating, and kayaking, this is an essential addition to your training. The perfect partner.

Designed for the elite athletes and coaches who want to improve performance by planning, monitoring and analyzing training data. The heart rate monitor features such innovations as OwnZone® to determine personal heart rate limits and Fitness Test™ with OwnIndex® to measure your fitness level in just 5 minutes! Also the OwnOptimizer® that enables you to test whether or not you have rested enough between exercise sessions.

Running GPS Polar RS800CX synchronizes with the Polar ProTrainer 5™ software for guidance, analysis and creating individual training settings. Remember that this software is only available for Windows users. it doesn’t extist a Mac version.

Highly sensitive barometric altitude sensor shows your elevation profiles for a complete data for your running GPS performance.

Main features:

• Wireless ECG accurate heart rate
• Polar sport zones help you train at the right intensity
• Polar OwnZone®: determines personal heart rate limits for an exercise session
• Polar OwnCal®: counts and displays calorie expenditure
• Polar Fitness Test™ with OwnIndex®: measures your fitness level in 5 minutes
• Polar OwnCode® (2.4 GHz) W.I.N.D
• Polar OwnOptimizer®: train and rest in the right balance as the test lets you know whether or not you have rested enough between exercise sessions
• 3 HR-based target zones with visual alarms
• 3 HR-based target zones with audible alarms
• Monitor shows maximum, average and minimum heart rate of total exercise
• Interval trainer (HR, pace, distance) guided workouts
• Running Features: speed, pace, distance, running index, target pace, time, total mileage, speed summaries are optional
• Watch Features: Time of day with alarm, dual time zone, date and weekday indicator, stopwatch, low battery indicator, alarm with snooze, user replaceable battery

The G3 GPS Sensor W.I.N.D.

With the G3 GPS sensor W.I.N.D. you’ll be able to accurately measure your speed and distance. The inbuilt sensitive SIRF III GPS system provides highly reliable GPS reception even in wooded areas. With the G3 GPS Sensor W.I.N.D. you really dont’ need the foot pod. For certains occasions you always can use the optional S3 Stride Sensor W.I.N.D. with your Polar RS800CX MULTI for more accurate results.

What I Say:

Let me to compare the running gps Polar RS800CX MULTI with the top Garmin product: the Garmin Forerunner 405CX. Despite that Polar Software is only compatible with Windows (polar software developers please take note!), if you are a serious runner, triathlete, coach… and you want the complete and most serious analysis about your trainning or performance, this is your choice: Polar RS800CX. Garmin is more focused to the popular market while Polar is for people who understands what they want, people that will improve the RS800CX measures for develop more efficiently his performance, his trainning, is focused to the professionals. Garmin Forerunner 405CX will be similar to Polar RS30 G1, but is far from the top Polar product: RS800CX.

Polar brand speaks alone: Polar is the leading brand among consumers, coaches, and personal trainers worldwide and the company is committed to not only producing the best products, but also being the leading educator on the benefits of heart rate based exercise. So… what you can expect from his top product, the RS800CX? all, of course. It is definitively the top gps running watch.

Versions:

Polar 90033450 RS800CX G3 – MultiSport With IR Interface:
WearLink®+ transmitter W.I.N.D. and G3 GPS sensor W.I.N.D. (s3 stride sensor™ W.I.N.D. optional)

Polar 90033855 RS800CX-SD- RUN Wrist Unit With IR Interface:
WearLink®+ transmitter W.I.N.D. and s3 stride sensor™ W.I.N.D. (G3 GPS sensor W.I.N.D. optional)

Polar RS800CX:
WearLink®+ transmitter W.I.N.D. (s3 stride sensor™ W.I.N.D. and G3 GPS sensor W.I.N.D. optional)

Polar 90033450 RS800CX G3 – MultiSport With IR Interface

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Technorati Tags: GPS running watch, Polar, Polar RS800CX, runners gps, running gps