1. Polar RS800CX Multi

Running GPS Polar RS800CX

Specifications
- Dimensions: 2.3 x 2.3 inches
- Weight: 3.5 oz
Pros:
- Premium Heart Rate Monitor analysis
- Excellent data transmission with G3 GPS Sensor
- Excellent Signal Recepcion (G3 GPS)
- Precise speed, distance and pace data
- Infrared data transmission to PC
- Superior quality Software (Polar ProTrainer 5)
Cons:
- Software not Mac compatible
- GPS Sensor separately from the watch (GPS pod)*

* But we can consider this an advantage because the watch will not run out of battery as often of the GPS pod.

Running GPS watch Polar RS800CX Multi is Polar’s top product training tools. It’s perfect for the high-tech athletes and professional coaches who want to improve performance by planning, monitoring and analyzing training data. The RS800CX is an ideal tool to help you maximize your performance. Not only does the device track your speed and distance but it measures your body’s response to the effort you expend. The quality of the analysis of the Heart Rate Monitor allows you to track all kind of data and also has visual and audio alarms if you exceed or fall below your target. Target heart rate zones can be set automatically or manually giving you more control over your workout. The OwnZone® determines the personal heart rate limits and the Fitness Test™ with OwnIndex® measures your fitness level in just less than 5 minutes. Also the OwnOptimizer® enables you to test whether or not you have rested enough between exercise sessions. The RS800CX allows more in-depth analysis as it gathers more detailed information about your workouts than other units, including combining training files from different sports, and then synchronizes with the Polar ProTrainer 5 software for guidance, analysis and also for creating individual training sessions. It is water resistant to 50 meters and the GPS runs on a single AA battery for up to 30 hours. An optional foot pod is needed indoor to measure speed and distance (S3 Stride Sensor W.I.N.D. with impressive quality).
The G3 GPS sensor W.I.N.D. is a sensitive SIRF III GPS system that provides highly reliable GPS reception even in wooded areas

Polar RS800CX Multi Sport Heart Rate Monitor Watch with G3 GPS Sensor W.I.N.D.

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2. Garmin Forerunner 405CX

Garmin Forerunner 405CX

Specifications
- Dimensions: 1.88 x 2.78 x 0.64 inches
- Weight: 2.11 oz
Pros:
- Wireless Data Transfer
- Touch-bezel control replaces botons
- Software Sharing
Cons:
- Touch-bezel control can be hard to use
- Heart Rate Monitor can be inaccurate
- 8 hours battery life

Running GPS watch Garmin Forerunner 405CX is a stylish watch with a very high-sensitive GPS receiver with HotFix™. It transfers data wireless to your PC or Mac. A touch-bezel can be hard to get used to but it eliminates several buttons. The unit allows you to view detailed graphs of your data. Your pace, speed, distance, calories burned and times can all be plotted over time. It can also track pace, elevation and heart rate. It also tracks calories used. All thru his easy to red display. The included software allows you to customize and schedule your workouts. You can get workout templates on the Internet. You can review your workout history and view maps of your routes you followed. Garmin Connect is a web application which allows you to upload your data for analyzation and creation of graphs. You can also use stored data from previous workouts to race against yourself or comprehensive analysis. Garmin çconnect presents your data in clear and easy ti understand evaluation. You can even load data from a friend’s workout to race against them being part of the Garmin Community. The Forerunner 405 is water-resistant (IPX7) making it one of the bests year-round, all-weather training tool. Ready for the triathletes?

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

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3. Polar RS300X G1

Polar RS300X G1

Specifications
- Dimensions: 2 x 2 inches
- Weight: 1.6 oz
Pros
- Easy to use
- Excellent Heart Rate Monitor analysis
- Appearance / Design
- Superior quality Software
Cons
- Software not Mac compatible
- G1 GPS Sensor can lose tracking
- GPS Sensor separately from the watch (G1 GPS pod)*

* But we can consider this an advantage because the watch will not run out of battery as often of the GPS pod.

running gps watch Polar RS300X G1 is a stylish heart rate monitor with GPS technology to provide you with accurate speed and distance information to help you get the most from your workout. The wrist heart rate monitor allows the watch to display your heart rate and it has a visual and audible alarm to notify you if your heart rate goes above or falls below your target zone. The Polar OwnZone feature helps you find your personal training zone and leads you through a warm-up designed around your current physical condition. The Polar OwnIndex Fitness Test calculates aerobic fitness providing a reference to base training intensity and measure improvement. And the Polar OwnCal that 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. 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 optional Polar S1 Foot Pod will allow the watch to track your speed and distance during indoor runs. The RS300X G1 is water resistant to 50 meters. You can also upload your training data with the optional Polar Flowlink. The G1 GPS Sensor Battery Life is up to eight hours.

- Polar RS300X Heart Rate Monitor Watch (Orange) - Polar RS300X G1 Heart Rate Monitor Watch with G1 GPS Sensor (Black)

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4. Garmin Forerunner 310XT

Garmin Forerunner 310XT

Specifications
- Dimensions: 2.1 x 2.2 x 0.8 inches
- Weight: 2.5oz
Pros
- High-sensitivity GPS and HotFix™ satellite prediction
- Ready for multisport
- Precise speed, distance and pace data
Cons
- Optional wireless heart rate monitor
- Optional cadence sensor
- Big dimensions
- The GPS don’t work in the water
- Expensive

Running GPS watch Garmin Forerunner 310XT it seems designed for the triathletes. Forerunner 310XT moves easily from wrist to bike with the optional quick release and bike mounts, making the transition between sports effortless. It categorizes multisport activities in one workout and can also log transition time in the process. Triathletes can analyze their performance from start to finish. Forerunner 310XT is 50 meters waterproof. It’s also a perfect running gps watch for Ironmans and Half-Ironmans because the battery life is up to 20 hours. The lack of ability to toggle GPS on/off makes the erroneous GPS tracking in the water totally “hose” the time/distance for the race. The watch is considered expensive because is two times the price of the 305, which basically has the same functionality, except being waterproof.

Garmin Forerunner 310XT GPS Enabled Sports Watch

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5. Garmin Forerunner 305

Garmin Forerunner 305

Specifications
- Dimensions: 2.1 x 2.7 x 0.7 inches
- Weight: 2.72 oz
Pros:
- High-sensitivity SiRFstar III GPS receiver
- Precise speed, distance and pace data
- Display fully costumizable
Cons:
- Variable pace readings
- Software not Mac compatible
- Not Mac friendly
- Short battery life (8 hours)
- Big dimensions

Running GPS watch Garmin Forerunner 305 is an excellent training watch with nearly flawless operation. The display is fully customizable. It has heart rate sampling, calories burned, distance, elevation, grade, and heading, as well as multiple lap and pace modes. It integrates with your PC via USB that also recharges the watch. The software includes training log updates that are fully automatic. Though initial acquisition of the satellites takes quite some time, once they have been acquired they rarely drop.This watch is very accurate. The display is easy to read and can be completely user-customized. There are readings for heart rate, distance, current pace, average lap pace, average run pace, and several others. One exception to its otherwise stellar accuracy is the elevation readout and pace measurement. It is very simple to upload your workout data to your PC. The Training Center software provides long-term data storage and is easy to use. It is very useful for analyzing and presenting the your data. The mapping and location marking functions are so rudimentary.

Garmin Forerunner 305 GPS Receiver With Heart Rate Monitor

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6. Suunto X10

Suunto X10

Specifications
- Dimensions: 2.2 x 2.2 x 0.6 inches
- Weight: 2.68 oz
Pros:
- Excellent satellite receiver
- Designed for a wide range of professionals
- Altimeter, Barometer and Compass
- 100 m water resistant
- Long battery life
Cons:
- Weak
- Software need to be reviewed
- Not Mac compatible

Running GPS watch Suunto X10 is more for professionals such as mountain guides, explorers, outdoors professionals; trekkers, adventure racers, bikers, hunters and fishermen. They will love the altimeter, barometer and compass capabilities that X10 offers. The X10 GPS watch is compatible with National Geographic TOPO! Maps, Google Earth, and Fugawi. You can plan routes on your PC and upload them to your watch. Calculate speed, distance, direction, and time to your next waypoint. The menus are easy to navigate and overall the watch functions as it should. The main pro is that Suunto X10 locks to satellites in seconds and it’s so difficult to loose the signal, even in dense vegetation or forest.

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7. Timex Ironman Triathlon T5J985F5

Timex Ironman model T5J985F5

Specifications
- Dimensions: 9.5 x 1.8 x 0.5 inches
- Weight: 4.8 oz
Pros:
- Easy to use
- Easy to read
- Comfortable
Cons
- GPS-3D Pod looses signal easily
- Distance measurement may not be accurate

Running GPS watch Timex Ironman Triathlon combines heart rate monitoring with GPS location in a stylish unisex watch that attaches to the lightweight GPS receiver and chest strap heart rate monitor. Provides latitude, longitude and altitude and elevation data including ascent and descent rates. It measures your speed in real time, your average speed on a run and the maximum speed you ran. It calculates your pace and gives you your average and best pace.

Timex Ironman T5J985 Unisex Trail Runner Bodylink Heart Rate Monitor Watch

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8. Garmin Forerunner 205

Garmin Forerunner 205

Specifications
- Dimensions: 2.1 x 2.7 x 0.7 inches
- Weight: 2.72 oz
Pros:
- Easy to read screen
- So simple to set up and use
Cons:
- No Heart Rate Monitor
- Poor Signal Recovery
- Not Mac friendly
- Short battery life
- Big

Running GPS watch Garmin Forerunner 205 can import courses, be programmed for advanced workouts and has a virtual partner feature. The 205′s interface it is big but comfortable. Its face is a little harder to read though. Its strap is made of plastic instead of Velcro and is more comfortable. It can be used for walking, running, biking, and skiing. But the heart and soul of the 205 can be found on the data screens. It has 2 main screens and an activity specific screen that you can customize on the fly. It allows you to mark way-points so that you can review your logs. The watch interfaces with a PC via USB. If you’re looking for an complicated workout with a variety of intervals and intensity levels, or just a quick three-mile jog against your best time last week, the 205 has you covered.

Garmin Forerunner 205 GPS Receiver

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9. Suunto t6c

Suunto t6c

Specifications
- Dimensions: 1.34 x 1.34 x 0.5 inches
- Weight:
Pros:
- Easy to use
- Accurate heart rate monitor
- 100 m water resistant
Cons:
- For GPS data needs Suunto GPS Pod
- Software not compatible with Mac

Running GPS watch Suunto t6c is designed for triatheltes, spinners, mountain bikers, runners. Displays simultaneously heart rate, stopwatch and time/lap functions. The heart rate zone can be adjust with an alarm. Also have an interval timer with warm-up and real time average heart rate for each lap. It’s a good-looking and accurate heart rate monitor. Together with the software it gives you all the information you need to conduct a through workout review.

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10. Garmin Forerunner 201

Garmin Forerunner 201

Specifications
- Dimensions: 1.44 x 0.92 inches
- Weight: 2.75 oz
Pros:
- Big display
- Easy to read
Cons:
- No heart rate monitor
- Serial PC interface
- GPS signal weak

Running GPS watch Garmin Forerunner 201 is a good introductory training watch, much like the Forerunner 101 with a PC interface. It is a good product for the money. Oddly enough, it uses a serial port connection instead of USB. The included Training Center software is easy to use but very basic. You can program a virtual partner. It allows you to run intervals and monitors your pace and mileage. There is no heart-rate monitor. The watch suffers from accuracy problems when running in shaded areas. The altitude feature is seriously inaccurate. Though it looks chunky the watch is lightweight. Is waterproof up to 1 meter deep. It has several alarms and a function that automatically pauses the timer when you stop. The watch stores a detailed performance history and provides a summary of your last run. You can store a week’s worth of data on calories burned, mileage, and total training time. Its rechargeable lithium-alloy battery lasts approximately 14 hours.

Garmin Forerunner 201 Wrist-Mounted GPS Fitness Computer

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Technorati Tags: Garmin Forerunner 201, Garmin Forerunner 205, Garmin Forerunner 305, Garmin forerunner 310XT, Garmin Forerunner 405CX, GPS running watch, Polar RS300X G1, Polar RS800CX, runners gps, running gps, Suunto t6c, Suunto X10, Timex Ironman

Finally, a GPS-enabled training device that isn\\\’t afraid of the water. The rugged Garmin Forerunner 310XT is the triathlete\\\’s indispensable training tool a GPS-enabled, swim-proof trainer that tracks bike and run data and sends it wirelessly to your computer. This multi-sport device has up to 20 hours of battery life, tracks distance, pace and heart rate (optional), and goes from wrist to bike in seconds. Time Your Swim The swim-proof Forerunner 310XT is waterproof to a depth of 50 meters, so you can wear it in the pool or the lake to time your swim. And its slim design and flexible wristband mean Forerunner is easy to wear in any conditions. Transition Effortlessly When you\\\’re ready to jump out of the water and onto the bike, Forerunner 310XT moves easily from wrist to bike with the optional quick release and bike mounts, making the transition between sports effortless. Forerunner 310XT categorizes multisport activities in one workout and can also log transition time in the process, so you can analyze your performance from start to finish. Collect Workout Data Forerunner 310XT tracks your position precisely with GPS satellite data and records distance, pace, heart rate (optional), power data (from ANT+-enabled third-party power meters) and more. High-sensitivity GPS and HotFix satellite prediction mean Forerunner acquires satellites quickly and tracks your movement even near tall buildings or under tree cover. And using innovative ANT+ wireless technology, Forerunner 310XT connects seamlessly to an optional heart rate monitor, foot pod or cadence sensor. When paired with the optional wireless heart rate monitor, Forerunner 310XT continuously tracks beats per minute and uses heart rate data in advanced calorie computation. Train in a certain heart rate zone to improve fitness and monitor your level of exertion. Run, Sync, Store and Share Once you\\\’ve logged the miles, innovative ANT+ wireless technology automatically transfers data to your computer when Forerunner

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Perform a thorough warmup for at least 20 minutes. Then time yourself over 2000m. This is best done on a 400m track, but can also be done on a flat road stretch provided you can accurately measure and mark 2000m (a running gps Watch could be used). If you can run 2000 meters under 7:30, next time run 3000m. Run the first 4 laps at a perceived 90% of maximum possible speed and increase to percieved 100% on the last lap. The last lap should be at least as fast as the first. Enter your maximum pulse (note it when finishing the test or save max recorded pulse from a monitor)in the field below. The MAS test enable  to determine the intensity of your intervals. It can also predict your times for longer races.

Technorati Tags: GPS running watch, runner gps, runners gps, running gps, Running GPS Training

The G3 GPS sensor tracks your speed and distance whether you are running, skating, skiing, riding or rowing etc. A single AA battery provides up to 15 hours continual use. The G3 GPS Sensor is also water resistant and weighs only 80 grams (including battery), making it compact and built to withstand training in the harshest conditions, typical of many extreme adventure sports.

How the G3 GPS Sensor differs from the s3 Stride Sensor The G3 GPS Sensor can be worn on the arm, attached to a belt, or even carried on top or inside a back pack. Movement in outdoor activities is tracked by GPS technology, which provides speed and distance data. The s3 Stride Sensor, which can be used both outdoors and indoors, attaches to the shoe and uses sophisticated sensors to track the position of the foot, giving highly accurate speed,

Technorati Tags: GPS running watch, Polar, Polar RS800G3, runners gps, running gps

The Suunto running gps POD is the most sought after addition to athletic performance enhancing watches. The GPS POD uses Global Positioning System technology to track and send real-time speed and distance data to your Suunto wrist top computer. This elegant “one button – one mode” POD is ideal for all outdoor athletes who want a constant feed of information regarding their speed and distance. This POD will work for any outdoor sport that covers a distance, from running to cross country or downhill skiing, and back again. It attaches with a durable clip to your arm, belt, or bicycle and is truly the most versatile of Suunto’s PODs. It’s two batteries are user replaceable. The GPS Pod is compatible with the Suunto t3, t4, t6, t3c, t4c, and t6c wristop training computers.

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Technorati Tags: GPS running watch, runners gps, running gps, Suunto

Woman Stretching Before Running

Whenever you exercise, it is important to do stretching to warm up the muscle. This results to higher amplitudes painlessly and with minimal risk of injury.

What few people know is that stretching before exercise is also important because it prepares the tendons, ligaments and muscles for the intensive physical effort and it also prevents muscles and joint injuries. At this point in stretching, it is necessary to be cautious.

Light jogging is recommended to begin the session, cycling for a few minutes or climber, to stretch the muscle below without “surprise” cold.

Why stretch?

• Reduces muscle tension and makes the body feel more relaxed.
• Helps coordination by allowing freer and easier movement.
• Increase the extent of the movement.
• Prevents injuries such as pulled muscles (a previously stretched muscle resists stronger and better than a strong muscle tension without stretching).
• Ago so strenuous activities easier as cycling, because it prepares you for the effort (the stretch is a way of signaling the muscles that they will be used shortly).
• Favors the movement to create vasodilation.
• Prevents loss of mobility that is could occur in sports like cycling.

How do I stretch?

• The right way is a stretch that is relaxed, sustained and with focused attention on the muscles being stretched.
• The wrong way (unfortunately practiced by many people) is to rebound or stretching movements to pain. Such methods may, in fact, cause you more harm than good.

The easy stretch

Technorati Tags: runners gps, running gps

Designed for athletes of all levels, this running partner and personal trainer has one goal in mind – a better you. It continuously monitors your heart rate, speed, distance, pace and calories burned so you can train smarter, more effectively. It tracks your every move with a super-sensitive GPS that even works on tree-covered trails and near tall buildings.

Product Specification :

GPS Type :Running
Routes :50
Waypoints :100
Max Battery Life :10 hrs.

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

Running GPS Suunto T6c Watch (Fall 2009) – The T6c Heart Rate Monitor by Suunto accurately records how your body performs during exercise, enabling later analysis and planning with Suunto Training Manager. By measuring your exercise load and relating it to your personal fitness level, Suunto t6 tells you if the session improved your condition or not. Features: Time mode: includes functions such as time, date and alarm. In addition to time and date, displays either day, seconds or dual time Alti/Baro mode: displays data on either altitude and related parameters in Alti or weather data such as barometric pressure and temperature Baro Training mode: stopwatch functions, such as lap time and interval time, and heart rate data. Offers control functions as well as logbook Speed/Distance mode: available for use with an external speed and distance sensor. Displays speed and distance information and offers control functions and alarms Heart rate belt uses error-free ANT transmission technology Compatible with following wireless Peripheral Observation Devices (PODs)*) Foot POD, attached to the shoe, measures speed and distance while running gps. Combined with the heart rate data, it gives you all the info you need from your run Bike POD combines speed and distance functions with the detailed heart rate analysis of the Suunto t6, making it one of the most advanced training tools ever developed for biking GPS POD employs the Global Positioning System to track speed and distance PC POD is a wireless USB link for PC. It enables real time heart rate detection with PC directly from the heart rate belt. (Downloading from Suunto t6 still works with cable only.) PC interface software + cable Water resistant to 30 m (100 ft)

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Technorati Tags: GPS running watch, runners gps, running gps, Suunto, Suunto t6c

Note: We have various school rules we must follow.

We are not allowed to:

Run without shirts

Run off campus

Run slow (GPS watches from coach)

iPods are frowned upon due to people not listening and going varius directions without the team

Our course has almost NO trees and gets very hot. We have one section with about 25-30 m of trees and it is a very steep trench like thing.

What sort of things can we do to make running more enjoyable?

Your coach has you gps’d? That rocks… wish I could afford that. Have you tried follow the leader (some call it leap frog)? How about running while exchanging shirts? And my personal favorite, most annoying sing-a-long (everyone gets to pick a song on the run and everyone else has to sing along).

Technorati Tags: GPS running watch, runners gps, running gps, Running GPS Training

Duration : 0:6:51

Technorati Tags: Garmin, garmin forerunner, garmin forerunner101, garmin gps, runner gps, runners gps, running gps

I’ve seen a couple that are pretty damn big, I’m sort of a small guy. I have skinny wrists and only weight 125 lbs, so I really don’t want to lug a big thing around? If found another one that was a small watch, but you had to strap another thing on your arm to receive the signal?

…I don’t want to mess with a foot pod and I don’t need a heart rate monitor with it. So, which one should I get?
Are 305 and 205 the same size?

I have a Garmin Forerunner 305 which has the heart rate monitor. They make the 205 which does not have heart rate. I admit the unit is a bit clunky looking but I honestly never notice it while running. I love mine, it has helped to substantially reduced my PR in the full and 1/2 marathon.

Cheapest place I have found it for sale is in Amazon (check banner prices list on the right side). I would recommend the unit with heart rate. That will help to to truly maximize your training.

Good luck

Effective training and exercise means knowing how often and how hard to train. In its most basic form, a heart rate monitor is like a rev counter for your body, giving you a precise measurement of your exercise intensity. Different intensities bring different benefits, and following a well balanced plan will result in greater improvements in a shorter time. Simply put, whether you are planning to compete in a world championship running GPS event or are just looking to maintain a basic level of health and fitness, the unique and personal information a heart rate monitor provides will help you get the most from your efforts, remain on track, and stay motivated.

The principles of heart rate-based training may not have changed since 1982 when Polar introduced the very first wireless heart rate monitor, but the technology has evolved in leaps and bounds. Measuring more than beats per minute, Polar’s products can even sense changes in the autonomic regulation of your heart beat (such as changes caused by a lack of sleep, post-training fatigue, jetlag, illness, etc) and will automatically guide you to exercise at the optimum intensity for your current physical condition.

Running GPS Polar Watches takes the complexities of exercise physiology and creates simple features that make safe and effective training possible for everyone. For coaches and serious athletes, complete training solutions incorporate heart rate and recovery, performance, technique and environmental measurements (e.g. speed, distance, cadence, power, altitude, GPS Data etc.) along with PC software to provide the precise planning and analysis needed to achieve top performance.

Technorati Tags: GPS running watch, Polar, Polar RS300X G1, Polar RS800CX, runners gps, running gps

The term “off-season” is somewhat misleading because it seems to sound rather passive and uninspiring. You don’t really associate ideas like growth, progress, and accomplishment with something termed the “off-season.”

But the truth is, what you do this off-season is immensely important and will largely determine your in-season triathlon performance. One way or another, either through improvement or digression, how you handle the next several weeks in your triathlon training is critical.

Let’s take a few moments to break down more specifically what off-season triathlon training consists of.

Here’s how a typical triathlon training year is divided up into its different periods:

Race Phase (priority triathlon races): 3 weeks

Peak Phase (tapering and race readiness): 2 weeks

Build Training (increasing intensity): 8 weeks

Base Training (building endurance): 12 weeks

Transition II (preparation): 4 weeks

Transition I (recovery): 6 weeks

The Transition I and II periods comprise what most people are referring to when they talk about the triathlon “off-season.”

The Transition I period is an intentionally unstructured period that is meant to recharge you mentally and physically. The challenge in this period is to strike the right balance between not becoming a couch potato, but not approaching training as seriously as the other periods of your training. It’s important in this period to utilize more days for rest and recovery.

The Transition II period is easing into establishing an endurance base in your swimming, biking, and running gps — in preparation for the main endurance phase to begin.

Off-Season Mistakes That Triathletes Commonly Make:

1.  Not taking proper time off or slowing down to recover.
The OCD or Type-A sort of triathlete can particularly be relentless in pushing his or her body, even in the off-season. Not making the commitment to properly recover in the off-season will catch up to you in one of two ways, or both. First, it is likely to lead to injury or a digression in your level of physical fitness and performance. Lack of off-season recovery also leads to triathlon burn-out. You can get to a point mentally where you hate swimming, never want to see a bike again, and set your running shoes on fire. You start to dislike doing triathlons but make yourself do them anyway. Not a good situation!

2.  Not creating a year-round triathlon training plan.
Okay, you fill in the blanks on this adage and you will get my point: Failing to plan is ________ __ ____. It’s true! Nobody develops a plan to fail, but not having a plan is doing exactly that. There’s a reason why the most successful triathletes have a year-round systematic triathlon training plan. The off-season is a great time to craft such a plan.

3.  Putting on weight.
Some triathletes dig a hole in the off-season by putting on weight. They either keep eating just as many calories in the off-season when they are not training as much, or they think that since it’s the off season it is okay to eat whatever they want. When it comes to body weight and the off-season, you should try to maintain your same body weight. If you need to shed weight, then do it in the off season so you can train and focus like you need to when base training resumes.

4.  Ignoring limiters.
Every triathlete has something that is hindering optimal performance, and the off-season is a great time to focus on improving these. Common limiters include: poor swim, bike, or run technique, lack of flexibility, a general lack of muscular strength, and excess body fat. The off-season is a great time to give such limiters some additional focus.

Add Some Zing To Your Winter Training

To help you in that Transition I period of the off-season, I’ve decided to give you some “FUN times guide tips” for changing things up and enjoying it.

Enjoy your mornings – No more 4:45 a.m. running gps training sessions every day. Set the alarm for 6:00 a.m. and get some extra sleep; enjoy your coffee, and catch up on your reading.

Pick a ball (or puck) and do the sport – Get out a little and do some other sports like tennis, soccer, basketball, or hockey.

Go Zen – Sign up for a Yoga or Pilates class to improve your flexibility, coordination, and overall state of mind.

Plan a fun and exhilarating getaway – Go on a cross-country skiing adventure, or take a couple days for hiking in a national park.

Pamper yourself – Schedule a couple significant massage sessions during the off-season.

Attend a triathlon camp or clinic – Invest some time in learning from experienced triathletes and coaches. I’ve never met a triathlete who did not feel like a triathlon camp or clinic was well worth it.

Do an off-season fun event or group rides – Why not do the 5K Turkey Day Trot or the 10K Santa Special Classic? Don’t go to set a world record, just go and have fun. Rather than individual bike rides, consider joining a cycling or tri club for some winter group rides.

Go on a triathlon shopping spree – Make sure people know you’d appreciate having holiday gift certificates from cycling, running, and multi-sports stores so you can have some fun getting some new tri stuff. The economy needs all the help it can get!

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Technorati Tags: runners gps, running gps, Running GPS Training

Winter Running GPS

Continuity is the key to keeping and improving your running GPS. It takes up to ten years to reach your full potential as an endurance athlete. Even a couple of weeks of doing nothing throw you back considerably! If you want to be better in 2010 than this season, take to heart the top sportsman’s mantra “Champions are made in Winter”.

In Autumn and Winter, the basis is laid by general endurance training, which can be well varied and should include related sport disciplines. It is also the time when you should carry out specific strength, technique and motor skills training, which provide high quality stimuli and are important building blocks for making real progress. So don’t keep using the same running gps route at the same old speed, but make a point of incorporating other elements and work especially on your weaknesses.

By training in an organised way, you avoid the winter bodyweight Yo-Yo trap and irregular training according to whim, which only guarantee one thing – you will get slower. In this, to have a gps running watch can be your ideal companion.

Technorati Tags: GPS running watch, runners gps, running gps, training

Suunto t6c

Reaching your goals can be tough. It takes the right tools, knowledge, and guidance to improve with each training session. Enter the running gps Watch Suunto t6c heart rate monitor and fitness trainer watch, a professional-grade training tool for monitoring, analyzing, and optimizing your workouts. The t6c is equipped with a bundle of valuable features, but none is more valuable than its correspondence with the included Suunto Training Manager PC software, which provides a detailed analysis of seven physiological parameters with an accuracy previously available only in sports laboratories. This analysis breaks down nearly every aspect of your training, so you can make adjustments and train more efficiently in the future.

The t6c also tracks your real-time Training Effect, a quick and accurate measurement of how hard your body is working at any given moment. By knowing your Training Effect, you’ll enjoy a more intimate understanding of your body’s workout “sweet spot,” an essential tidbit if you want to achieve your targets without setting yourself back by under- or over-training. The Training Effect works intuitively: The watch first notes the info from your personal fitness profile, and then analyzes your physiological progress and translates the data into a simple one-to-five scale. For example, if you want to improve your aerobic fitness at a moderate tempo, you should exercise until your TE meter reads between 3.0 and 3.9, two to four times per week. To improve your aerobic condition more rapidly–but without the risk of over-training–you should push yourself harder once or twice per week, so your TE meter reads 4.0 to 4.9, with a few recovery sessions in the TE 1.0 to 2.0 range. The Training Effect is relative to each individual. While a novice runner might achieve a TE of 4.0 on a four-mile jog, a professional runner might have to complete an uphill marathon to get the same reading. In other words, both runners will have to exercise hard to achieve a TE of 4.0.

Suunto Training Manager PC software,

The running GPS watch Suunto t6c includes a couple of additional features that put it above and beyond traditional heart rate monitor watches. For example, the t6c gives you a readout of your excess post-exercise oxygen consumption level (EPOC), letting you measure and adjust your training loads to ensure that your body is safely getting the most from each workout. And users will love the built-in altimeter, which lets you monitor your climbing or hill performance to know how your body will react when training at various altitudes.

Finally, the running GPS Suunto t6c offers interference-free digital ANT transmission, making it easy to pair your heart rate monitor with the included Suunto comfort belt. You can also use this secure connection to monitor your speed, distance, or cadence by pairing your Suunto t6c with an optional Suunto training pod. Training pods are small units that attach to such items as a running shoe or a bike to calculate your speed, distance, and even pedal revolutions per minute while you exercise. Pods are ideal for athletes who aren’t satisfied with half-hearted training efforts, but really want to monitor their training routines down to the last detail.

What I Say

Running GPS watch Suunto t6 heart rate monitor has been designed for everyone who exercises with the goal of improving their fitness and who wants to know how effective their exercise is. Whatever your current fitness level, by using Suunto t6 and its training software you can plan a program that maximizes the effectiveness of your training and enables you to meet your goals.

Suunto t6 provides sports laboratory accurate information on seven key body parameters including EPOC. By understanding how your body responds to exercise, you can better plan your own personal training program and, most importantly, monitor its effectiveness. The technical features of the wristop computer, combined with the PC interface developed for more graphical representation of your performance, and our Internet Community, where you can share information with other like-minded athletes from around the world, make Suunto t6 the device of choice for every true athlete and fitness enthusiast. Foot POD, attached to the shoe, measures speed and distance while running.

Combined with the heart rate data, it gives you all the info you need from your run Bike POD combines speed and distance functions with the detailed heart rate analysis of the Suunto t6, making it one of the most advanced training tools ever developed for biking GPS POD employs the Global Positioning System to track speed and distance PC POD is a wireless USB link for PC. It enables real time heart rate detection with PC directly from the heart rate belt. (Downloading from Suunto t6 still works with cable only.) PC interface software + cable Water resistant to 30 m (100 ft)

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Technorati Tags: GPS running watch, runners gps, running gps, Suunto, Suunto t6c

Garmin Forerunner 205

The Running GPS watch Garmin Forerunner 205 includes a high sensitivity SiRFstar III GPS receiver and a new courses feature for optimal performance. What does this mean? It means that the 205′s ability to both track, and maintain a lock on, your position is better than anything before it. After an initial battery charge, our product tester had the 205 on his wrist and was tracking speed and distance with GPS satellites within 3 minutes. The next time we used the 205, satellite acquisition was nearly instantaneous. A run through dense trees didn’t faze the unit either; tracking remained true and steady. Performance on a bike was equally impressive. Whatever witchcraft has been cooked up by the designers of the SiRF technology, we like it!

While the Forerunner 205 isn’t billed as a GPS navigation device, it does have some rudimentary mapping, waypoint marking, and routing capabilities. In addition to marking locations along your journey, you can zoom in or out of a simple map that displays your current direction and path. There’s also a “go to location” feature that routes you back to your starting location, or to any location you have defined. Once you have defined several locations, you can save this information as a route, allowing you to travel the same path in the future. As you’ll see below, the 205′s new “Courses” feature gives you new levels of control over how you define your favorite runs and rides.

The heart and soul of the running gps watch Garmin Forerunner 205 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.

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

What I Say:

The release of this device is a major achievement from a design and technology perspective. This isn’t just marketing-speak; the Forerunner 205 is the most accurate, most reliable wrist-mounted performance and GPS tracking tool we’ve ever tested. Yes, it’s that good. While no device this compact can do everything (yet), the 205 pushes the boundaries of what is possible from something strapped around your wrist. While the 205 doesn’t offer heart rate monitoring, or connectivity with Garmin’s wireless speed and cadence sensor — for that, you’ll need to step up to the Garmin Forerunner 305 — but it’s a great way to get basic GPS location and performance data.

If you’re looking for an complicated workout with a variety of intervals and intensity levels, or just a quick three-mile jog against your best time last week, the Running GPS 205 has you covered. Navigating to the Workouts menu on the device yields three options: Quick Workouts, Interval, and Advanced Workout. A quick workout is just that; set the distance and time, distance and pace, or time and pace of your planned workout and off you go. Interval workouts are just the same, but they allow you to add repetitions and rest between them. When you really want to get fancy with your exercise, you can step up to advanced workouts, which include goals for each workout step, as well as varied distances, times, and rest periods. You can use the Garmin Training Center software to set up these workouts and then upload them to the device.

Garmin Forerunner 205 GPS Receiver

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Technorati Tags: Garmin, Garmin Forerunner 205, GPS running watch, runners gps, running gps

Suunto X10

Suunto is a top manufacturer of GPS watches, Suunto delivers critical data using twenty-seven satellites and a wide network of powerful computers. It’s easy to keep track of your location and route with a Suunto GPS watch on your wrist. The Suunto X10 allows you to plan your trek at home and upload the route to your watch. Transform your Suunto training watch into a GPS wristop computer with the Suunto GPS POD or Suunto Multisport Pack.

The running gps Watch Suunto X10 and X10 Military watch provides full GPS functionality as well as outdoor essentials like an altimeter, barometer, and compass.

Suunto commemorates 10 years with the Suunto X10. When you’re trekking through a new frontier, adventure racing, biking, fishing, or conducting field operations, the Suunto X10 provides critical decision-making data. With full GPS functionality, including route planning and uploading, as well as outdoor essentials like an altimeter, barometer, and compass, the Suunto X10 wristop computer shows nature who’s boss.

Main Features:

• Faster GPS performance than any other Suunto Watch
• Top notch GPS tracking in difficult conditions, such as when you’re in a storm or thick jungle
• Long battery life and universal USB chargeability
• Plan routes on your PC and upload them to your watch
• Calculate speed, distance, direction, and time to your next waypoint
• Find home
• Includes altimeter, barometer, and compass
• 100 m water resistant
• Complete watch functions: calendar, alarm, dual time, and stop watch

National Geographic TOPO! Maps

Running GPS Watch: Go beyond north and south with a GPS watch that knows where you are going and knows how to get you back to base camp. Plan your trek at home and upload the route to the X10. The X10 GPS watch is compatible with National Geographic TOPO! Maps, Google Earth, and Fugawi.

Also included with the X10 and free for download from Suunto.com is the Suunto Track Exporter PC software, which makes route planning and waypoint programming, fast, accurate and simple.

Going where you’ve never gone before? The X10 records your tracks, which you can save or use to find your way home. Found the perfect swimming whole? Mark the coordinates on your watch.

Altimeter Watch: Measure your altitude from the lowest points of Death Valley to the highest peak of Mount Everest. Suunto altimeters measure elevation using air-pressure. An altimeter is useful for a load of outdoor activities, including running, biking, hiking, skiing, or snowboarding.

Barometer Watch: Know when to take shelter from a storm and when to carry on. A barometer measures atmospheric pressure in order to forecast weather.

Compass Watch: Know your direction at all times. The standard version of the X10 uses degrees while the military version uses Mils. Mils spaces the compass to 6400 units, with the value being that one mil delimits one meter at the distance of one kilometer.

What I Say:

Anyone with an adventurous spirit will love the Running GPS Suunto X10. Professionals such as mountain guides, explorers, outdoor professionals, members of the military, and law enforcement officers make critical decisions based on the X10′s information. Avid trekkers, adventure racers, bikers, hunters, and fishermen will find a lot to love in the X10′s GPS, altimeter, barometer, and compass capabilities.

The Suunto X10 Military Watch adds to the already full-featured X10 a red back light and a compass that measures in mils or degrees.

Personal Review:

1. GPS – after setting it up correctly, it only took about 3 minutes to lock in. (I was also riding in a car)
2. Barometer/Altimeter – tested against what the weather.com had for my location and the X10 was spot on. (haven’t tried the weather alarm yet)
3. Compass – works great. Even has degrees in order to be more precise.
4. Navigation – haven’t used it much, but worked like a charm getting me back to my car.
5. Activity – This gives you a review of how far you have gone, how fast, how long it has been, etc. I mostly use the distance traveled.
6. Thermometer – Hmmm… well this thing works great, BUT only if it is off your wrist. It seems your body temperature affects it. I just take it off for a few minutes then it works fine.
7. This thing has some great little features that I didn’t even think about when I bought it. It has sunrise and sunset time for your last known GPS coordinates. It allows you to track back to the start or end of a route. It records your max altitude. It records your average speed. It has many more features that I haven’t used yet. I am going to buy a solio solar charger to take with me on long trips.
8. The one thing that I have a problem with is that the map software that comes with the watch is not compatible with a Mac.

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Technorati Tags: GPS running watch, runners gps, running gps, Suunto, Suunto X10

Garmin Forerunner 310XT

The running gps Watch Garmin Forerunner 310XT is one more triathlete’s training tool — a GPS-enabled, swim-proof trainer that tracks bike and run data and sends it wirelessly to your computer. This multi-sport device has up to 20 hours of battery life, tracks distance, pace and heart rate, and goes from wrist to bike in seconds.

The swim-proof Forerunner 310XT is waterproof to a depth of 50 meters, so you can wear it in the pool or the lake to time your swim. And its slim design and flexible wristband mean Forerunner is easy to wear in any conditions.

Transition Swim-Bike-Run Effortlessly

When you’re ready to jump out of the water and onto the bike, Forerunner 310XT moves easily from wrist to bike with the optional quick release and bike mounts, making the transition between sports effortless. Forerunner 310XT categorizes multisport activities in one workout and can also log transition time in the process, so you can analyze your performance from start to finish.

Collect Workout Data, Sync, Store and Share

Forerunner 310XT tracks your position precisely with GPS satellite data and records distance, pace, heart rate (optional), power data (from ANT+™-enabled third-party power meters) and more. High-sensitivity GPS and HotFix™ satellite prediction mean Forerunner acquires satellites quickly and tracks your movement even near tall buildings or under tree cover. And using innovative ANT+™ wireless technology, Forerunner 310XT connects seamlessly to an optional heart rate monitor, foot pod and cadence sensor.

When paired with the optional wireless heart rate monitor, Forerunner 310XT continuously tracks beats per minute and uses heart rate data in advanced calorie computation. Train in a certain heart rate zone to improve fitness and monitor your level of exertion.

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 the optional Garmin Training Center™ software. You can even plan workouts on your computer and then send them to your Forerunner.

Main Features:

• The swim-proof Forerunner 310XT is waterproof to a depth of 50 meters, so you can wear it in the pool or the lake to time your swim.
• When you’re ready to jump out of the water and onto the bike, Forerunner 310XT moves easily from wrist to bike with the optional quick release
• When paired with the wireless heart rate monitor, Forerunner 310XT continuously tracks beats per minute and uses heart rate data

What I Say:

Running GPS Watch Garmin Forerunner 310XT is simply Ok, onto the feature set. Large, clear buttons. Large screen. Ability to track multiple sports. Quick upload of data. Lots of customizable options and screens.

I consider it:

• Easy to set up and use. Pairing with the ANT USB stick is simple and can quickly get you started without the manual.
• Online tools are pretty good (much better than previous iterations). Also, works with the MapMy list of sites (fitness, run, walk, hike, bike, swim, tri).
• Customizable display allows for up to 4 tracking items per screen. So, you can track pace, HR, time and distance covered on one screen then scroll to another and get a map of your HR, your calories burned and a bunch of other potential options, all determined by you.
• You can create routes on your watch and when you run it, it will record whenever you are on that route path. Great for comparing against previous training routes and for quickly setting the route and having it track you properly. Once you are on the route, it tracks you.
• Auto-multisport option allows you to set that and when you click lap, it will dump you to the next “sport” whether it be a transition or another sport such as biking/running.
• Tracks you the individual after you enter your height, weight, level of fitness. Provides caloric burn and other related info based on your input.
• Virtual training partner. You can actually have it show how you’re doing on a saved route versus your virtual training partner. This partner is a previous version of you doing the same route and tells your pace and how far you’re up/behind. Pretty cool.
• Multitude of things you can configure and display/adjust/fine tune.

Problems?

• Swim? As I quoted from the Garmin site above, this watch bills itself as the triathlete’s indispensable training tool. Umm.. triathlete means 3 sports, typically involving SWIMMING, biking and running. Swim is not an option. In fact, when I clicked other one time, it had what appeared to be an icon of a downhill skier. I’m not sure how that showed up since that option isn’t there. HUGE mistake in my book for a watch billed to be for triathletes.
• Elevation Accuracy? This one is WAAAAAY off. On a 3.3 mile run, it had me ascending 853 feet. Unless I’m climbing the Washington Monument, I’m not getting that type of elevation in 3.3 miles. I’d have to say it is off by, 600 feet or so. On a 60 mile bike ride, it had me at 1500 feet and that one at least took me up some legitimate hills.
• Switching events: There is no way to switch events mid-stream on the watch if you didn’t set it properly to begin. Let’s say you ran one day and then biked the following day. If you left it on run then switched when you realized the mistake, it clears the data and you start with a new workout. The original workout is kept but you can’t append the “new” workout on either on the watch or with any of their software (both installed SW and online site). So, when workouts are categorized, it shows a multisport recording on the installable software and whatever you mistakenly set in the online site. You then have 2 workouts you can’t consolidate or run reports against without manual intervention.
• Swim accuracy leaves a bit to be desired. While I haven’t put it through its paces and will hopefully edit this review in the future, for a 1/2 mile swim, this thing was way off. Beach, opposite direction, gaps. All were part of that swim result.

While there are a lot of pros, the cons are extremely negative. I’m highly disappointed in the overall performance considering it is billed as the triathlete’s dream. It really does track mileage well and with enough fudging (using the elevation in MapMyRide instead of from the watch) and by manually adjusting routes in my various tracking sites, I can get close what I want. The HRM is good and the coupled effect of it all makes it as worthwhile as having a set of watches out there. But, I will not be ultimately promoting this to other athletes. I wouldn’t recommend it to a hardcore triathlete.

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Technorati Tags: Garmin, Garmin forerunner 310XT, GPS running watch, runners gps, running gps

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

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

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