High-Tech Toys for Runners
Have you been running all these years with nothing but a simple chronograph watch? Well my friend it’s time to embrace some of the new technology that’s out there for runners!
Garmin Foreruner X01 Series
Garmin offers several different GPS enabled devices with varying levels of features. Most of them come with software that helps you keep track of your workouts. They have fancy charts and graphs that plot your course on an elevation map so you can easily see how you’re performance is affected by that big hill. Most of them also double as a navigation device, so you can trace your steps back if you get lost. The main downside to the 101, 201, and 301 models is that they’re a bit bulky.
The Forerunner 101 (MSRP $114.27) is the most basic GPS enabled device that Garmin offers, which retails for around $115. It comes with a “Virtual Training Partner” feature where you can set the pace you want to keep and an alarm will go off if you deviate from that pace. It runs on 2 AAA batteries, which offer about 14 to 15 hours of battery life on average. The downside is that this particular model does not come with the Garmin Training Center software.
The Forerunner 201 (MSRP $149.99 - $160.70) is the next step up. It adds a rechargeable battery which lasts about 15 hours on a full charge. The Garmin Training Center software is included with this model. In addition, you can upload your workout data to the Garmin Connect website (coming soon), which is a community based website where you can share your workout data with others.
The Forerunner 301 (MSRP $199.99 - $324.98) has all the features of the 201, but adds the ability to switch between different sport modes. So if you also ride a bike every now and then, you can use this device to track your cycling workouts, as well as your running workouts. This model also adds a heart rate monitor and the ability to save up to 10 routes.
Garmin Forerunner X05 Series
The X05 Series offers the benefit of being much reduced in size in comparison to the X01 Series. They’re getting a bit closer to resembling a watch, as opposed to a brick on you’re wrist. These models also have a higher sensitivity GPS sensor than the Xo1 series, so these models will work better under tree cover or near tall buildings. Another feature that all of these models share called “Courses” is the ability to race against yourself from past workouts. This is one of the most attractive features for me personally. I’m a very competitive person, so the ability to compete against myself will without a doubt help me to continually improve my performance.
The Forerunner 205 (MSRP $199.99 - $214.27) offers an increased capability to store up to 50 routes. It does not, however, include a heart rate monitor. It’s a bit lighter than the 101, 201, and 301 models because of it’s smaller size, so there is less chance your arm will get tired from carrying it with you on a long run.
The Forerunner 305 (MSRP $299.99 - $324.60) has all the same features of the 205, plus it includes a heart rate monitor, optional foot pod, and a bike speed/cadence sensor on some models. If you occasionally run indoors, the foot pod is a device you can attach to your shoe and allows you to track distance and calories burned where there is no GPS signal. There is also an optional quick release wrist strap and bike mount which allows you to easily pop the device off your wrist and pop it onto your bike for a quick transition between sports.
The Forerunner 405 (MSRP $299.99) is about the size of a regular watch. It includes a heart rate monitor. The foot pod and bike speed/cadence sensor are optional add-ons. One nifty feature that this model has over the others is the ability to wirelessly transfer your workout data to your computer whenever it is in range. You can also wirelessly share workout data with a friend’s 405, then you can compete against their workouts. This model also has a sport watch feature, so you can use it as just a regular watch when not working out.
Polar RS800G3 GPS Training System
The Polar RS800G3 (MSRP $480.00) is claimed to have EKG-accurate heart rate monitoring ability.  The GPS unit is separate from the watch and can be attached to a strap on your arm. It has an altimeter which tracks elevation data throughout your workout, and you can upload the data to a computer to see an elevation graph of your run. There’s an optional bike mount, so you can use this device for cycling as well as running. It has several nice heart rate monitoring features, such as audible and visual alarms to keep you close to your target heart rate. You can also see your average heart rate for the entire run, as well as for individual laps. There is also an automatic lap recording feature, so you can have laps recorded at pre-specified intervals, such as every mile. All in all this is a very expensive, and very feature packed GPS device. If you have the cash, I’m sure you won’t be disappointed in all that it can do.
Suunto X9i
The Suunto X9i (MSRP $549) is one of the smallest GPS options available and includes a barometer, thermometer, altimeter, compass and GPS tracking. It seems to be geared more towards hiking enthusiasts. Heart rate monitoring is not included. Also, there isn’t a lot of performance data available during your workout, but you can get more info once you’ve uploaded the workout data to a computer. According to several end-user reviews throughout the web, many are claiming this model has a difficult time holding on to a GPS signal. So it seems you’re mostly paying for the small size here. You may have better luck looking elsewhere.
Conclusion
So does a runner need to have GPS tracking…probably not. But it can give a runner valuable training information that wouldn’t otherwise be available to them. It can be a valuable training tool for the serious athlete, or just a way to track your progress for the casual runner. These devices make tracking your mileage extremely simple. I remember the days of having to trace my running route in my car just to find out how many miles I ran. With a GPS device this is a thing of the past. For me, having a GPS device for running would be a motivational factor to get off my butt and go running more often. With prices for GPS enabled devices starting around an affordable $115, why not pick one up?
If you know of any other GPS enabled devices for runners that you’d like to recommend, feel free to comment below.
March 1, 2009
Tags: forerunner, garmin, gps, run, runner, runners, running Posted in: Gadgets
Leave a Reply