Running GPS as a running partner (II) August 13, 2009
Posted by runninggps in Garmin Forerunner 405CX, gps running watch, Polar RS800CX, running gps.Tags: Garmin Forerunner 405, gps running watch, Polar RS800CX, running gps
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This post it comes after some emails asking me wich one I consider the best running gps outside in the market. My watch collection permits me to compare some of the bests gps running watches. So… let’s take a look.
Now, considering that we already know what are the possibilities of the perfect running gps partner. Let’s go to compare the big ones outside. Let’s take a look at brands like Polar who makes everything from improving an athlete’s sports performance to helping people enjoy a healthier lifestyle, and aiding rehabilitation and weight management; Garmin, who has one of the bests GPS technologies; Timex, an all-around brand; and Suunto, the compasses excellence around the world.
But, who applies better all this technology? which is the best GPS computerized running watch? We have four main brands who are developing the perfect runner GPS partner: Polar, Garmin, Timex and Suunto. While Timex has only one model and it points very fragile and Suunto is a world-wide little known but with a very good product, I will focus in Garmin and Polar. Garmin was the first to introduce this technology in this area, we well-know Garmin for his GPS on the road solutions. Garmin is the one who have more watch models available. Starting with the Forerunner 101, an entry-level GPS-enabled personal trainer for just only 115$; and ending with the complete Forerunner 405CX for 470$. He have a very good product with a excellent software for all the analysis we want to do. Polar is the reference brand for everybody. They cater for all levels of fitness by offering a comprehensive product range and recently they came across the GPS technology. They introduce the GPS pod that you can pair it with your polar compatible watch. Not like Garmin who incorporates the receiver GPS in the watch itself but with much better technology and analysis.
Let me to compare the 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 training 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 training, is focused to the professionals. Garmin Forerunner 405CX will be similar to Polar RS30 G1, but is far from the top Polar product: RS800CX.
So… I think I finally find the perfect partner: the Polar RS800CX MULTI. It is definitively the top running GPS watch.
With him I’m ready for my first competition!!! and I hope this review was useful!
Running GPS as a running partner August 1, 2009
Posted by runninggps in gps running watch, running gps.Tags: gps running watch, running gps
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Running outdoors is one of my passions. Fresh air helps me to disconnect and reconnect to the reality. I like to start my journey with my body and my mind completely cleans.
First I find it a little boring without any kind of motivation. I don’t go to competitions. I also don’t know anything about my body possibilities. I need a coach and I discover this watches that analyzes your data while running. I recover the motivation and I started my watch collection.
And I don’t have a running partner…
I spend several years of training with a heart rate monitor. It is the best way to improve my fitness training at the right intensity because I know I’m sure I will not be over or under training. It’s also perfect as a partner while running because it helps me to be motivated all the time and it gives me the evidence of my progress. It’s like to have the perfect coach who have the exact data to tell you what you need to do at each step.
After a couple of years the technology came with a new product: the foot pod. With him paired with my watch I can track more data: real-time running speed and distance. Now I have a lot of information in my wrist unit display. My training is getting better and my motivation ready for the next performance. Is this the perfect partner, or not? Not yet…
Now, with the miniaturization of the GPS technology, the most important computer training watches brands and the high-tech GPS enterprises are developing the perfect partner for the runners. The running GPS watch merge computerized information compilation with GPS monitoring. Now I also can compare the data about my heart rate, my pace, speed and distance with the route on a map after the training session. The analysis of my training could not be better. If there’s a rise or a slope I will know it at the exact point and I will see how my body reacts. Monitoring and analyzing my training data gives me the possibility to improve performance by planing my next running gps session.
The data can be used as my run to help pace myself. Also, it can be downloaded to my computer at the finish of my run to analyze my improvement. The most resourceful GPS running watches come with multi-session features which let you to contrast several runs.
Now my watch collection is focused in GPS running watches.
Some of the bests features that I like more are:
- An interval workout is occasionally called a step workout. It consists of a stage of intense exercise followed by a period of rest. For instance, you may run hard for 3 minutes and then rest by walking for one minute.
- A distance workout would merely measure the distance you’ve run and alert you after you reached your goal. The timed workout function is just like a countdown clock. It notifies you once a certain quantity of time has passed. A heart rate workout helps you maintain your heart rate in a certain range and notifies you as soon as your heart rate rises outside a certain upper limit or goes under a certain lower target. Finally, for a calorie burn workout the GPS runner watch would alert you when you have burned the amount of calories you set as a goal.
- A few of the voluntary features of GPS runner watches include warm-up and cool-down options, an altimeter that tracks inclines and declines and thermometers that can record information about the weather during your run. Some GPS running watches can even interface with foot pods you place in your shoes that record your step length and pace. They can interface with a heart monitor that records your pulse or heart rate so you correct your effort in order to remain inside your preferred training range. Some can download digital maps and mark the course you have gone in order to help one keep from getting lost.
Now that I have my personal trainer, my coach, maybe it’s time to go to a competition… a running gps competition 
