Sunday, 29 April 2012

The Original Shoe Pouch for Nike + iPod, BLACK

The Nike+ system works with any iPod Nano, including the new 4th generation iPod Nano and 2nd generation iPod Touch and new iPhone 3GS. If for any reason you are not 100% satisfied we will guarantee a replacement of your purchase or a refund. We stand by the Shoe Pouch as our product and look forward to you becoming another happy customer.

Don't forget to check out our tuneband armband which is completely compatible with the Nike+ iPod system, and it comes in the same great 8 colors as the Shoe Pouch.


Technical Details

Color: Black
  • Securely attaches the Nike+ iPod or Nike+ SportBand sensor to any lace type shoe
  • Holds the Nike+ sensor in a tight, small neoprene pouch, extremely durable
  • Maintains full accuracy of the Nike+ system
  • Attaches through the laces at 4 braided nylon attachment points, low profile, will not tear
  • 100% Guaranteed Satisfaction
I just received this item last night but am very pleased with it. The attachment process is a bit cumbersome as you need to unlace your entire shoe to attach it, which is great since it means it is super secure on my shoe.

The pouch itself is the perfect size for the Nike Sensor - I've not actually used it yet but am very happy with the product so far.

Shipping Note:I ordered this item last week to try to get it in time to use it for a half marathon I was doing on Sunday. Unfortunately it took a little longer to get it in the mail than I expected so it didn't arrive until Monday.

I contacted the company as I had paid for 2 day shipping and was a little upset that it had taken them a few days to get it into the mail and they gave me a partial refund of my shipping cost. Please note that they may take up to 3 days to get this in the mail so account for that time while you are deciding how fast you'd like to receive it.  running watches with GPS

This is a great product to house your Nike+ sensor. I questioned this initially as it was, indeed, an extra expense (12.00 incl. shipping)on top of an already expensive running gadget (Nike + watch). I read some product reviews online and even some do it yourself how-to video's on You Tube. However, I realize how annoyed I am on raceday to have something 'flopping' on the tongue of my shoe, so I ruled out any DIY project that may result in that or a similiar feeling.

Here are some Pro's and Con's I have found that encouraged me to tip the scales towards a 4 star rating:

Cons:
- added expense (& not included in Amazon Prime shipping)
- does not transition easy from one shoe to another (i.e. training to flats, training to trail shoes, training to training, etc.). You need to unlace the 1st 1-2 laces in order to remove and re-apply from one shoe to the other.- - Somewhat large and thick on top of shoe

Pros:
+ Secure, non-moving case for cool little gadget that helps perfect accuracy of tracking your run
+ Great variety of colors
+ Peace of mind knowing that the sensor is secure
+ Neoprene pocket is practically (if not 100%) water proof
+ Although size is somewhat of an issue (it takes up about 3-4 laces from top to bottom on my training shoes, as well as the fact that it is thick (probably a little less than an inch in side view), the sensor is secure. The reason why it is so thick is because there is heavy heavy duty velcro that is holding the pocket shut. Seriously, it is a small square of velcro but it takes 2 fingers to pry it open.

Overall, this is a great product. It may be a little large, but it does the job well. I wouldn't hesitate to recommend it to a close friend. You get what you pay for and this is well worth the peace of mind and comfort.

More information at The Original Shoe Pouch for Nike + iPod, BLACK

Monday, 23 April 2012

Polar FT60 Women's Heart Rate Monitor Watch (Purple)

The smartest way to better fitness, the Polar FT60 women's heart rate monitor watch helps you stay motivated and improve your conditioning. The FT60 works by first checking your daily condition, and then guiding you to the ideal training intensity for your age and fitness level. Knowing your heart rate not only helps you reach your personal fitness goal, but also improves your physical condition in general, as it's vitally important to train at the appropriate intensity level. If you exercise too hard, you may quit before you reach the real benefit, but if you work out too leisurely, you'll struggle to lose weight at all. The FT60 helps overcome these problems by encouraging you to map out a complete fitness routine.


Product Features

  • Purple women's heart rate monitor watch with several innovative training features
  • Displays heart rate as percentage of maximum, bpm, and within target zone indicator
  • Polar Star personalized training program delivers feedback and weekly training targets
  • Polar OwnCal mode tracks energy expenditure for single and accumulated workouts
  • Offers ZonePointer and Polar OwnZone modes; water-resistant to 30 meters; 2-year warranty
I purchased this item 5 months ago. I have never owned a HRM before, but I can't think of anything else to expect from one! It shows all the pertinent information that I need. I love the zones - they are determined by: your age, fitness test results or (my preference) self determined ranges.

The transmitter connects immediately with the proper equipment at the gym so your heart rate is on the equipment's display and you don't have to keep looking at your watch. I have not noticed interference between the transmitter and my receiver, but there has been (very rarely) with the gym's equipment.

I've sweated buckets, even showered with it on and sustained no damage to either unit. The chest strap stays right where it needs to and is barely perceptible (by me, the important one - I don't care if others know it's there). The watch is pretty large, but I only wear it at the gym so it's not a big deal. I'd prefer to have the display on the inside of my wrist but that is not possible without inadvertently pressing buttons during my workout. running watches with gps

I haven't purchased the equipment (Flowlink) to transfer information to my computer, but I don't find that necessary for my use. Maybe later...

The FT60 pushes me when I'm slacking and don't work out enough for the week. It warns me when I'm working out too hard and need to slow down (to avoid burnout and wasting the following day due to exhaustion). It has really helped me to lower my resting heart rate significantly and workout on a regular basis without overdoing it. I am now enjoying the workout and the effects!

More information at Polar FT60 Women's Heart Rate Monitor Watch (Purple)

Friday, 20 April 2012

Nike+ SportWatch GPS Powered by TomTom

Combining Nike’s understanding of the athlete with the GPS expertise of TomTom, Nike+ SportWatch GPS is a game changer for runners. Nike+ SportWatch GPS powered by TomTom uses both GPS technology and the Nike+ shoe sensor to capture every step of your run. Runners can then upload their data to the nikeplus.com website, where new mapping features allow them to see there runs and find popular routes, track their goals, receive coaching tips, challenge friends, and share their progress through Facebook and Twitter.

Technical Details

  • Water resistant Nike+ SportWatch features TomTom GPS for accurate speed and distance information, indoors or out--even if the GPS signal gets interrupted
  • Track your time, distance, pace, heart rate (with optional sensor), and calories burned; view your mapped route with pace data/changes in elevation on Nikeplus.com
  • Rechargeable lithium polymer battery charges via USB, provides eight hours of run time with the GPS and sensor both turned on, up to 50 days of standby power
  • Join challenges and connect with friends as a member of Nikeplus.com--view/share routes, find popular running areas, share activity on Facebook or Twitter
  • Personal coaching features help keep you at your best--reminds you to run, stores your run history, and remembers your personal records
Ok, little bit annoyed that this has dropped $30 in price since I bought it a month ago.
Had a few reservations based on other reviews and was considering the Garmin 405 but the Nike watch seemed a bit less bulky so I gave it a shot. running watches with gps


Occasionally it takes a few minutes to find a satellite but most of the time it syncs within 10 seconds. I found that plugging the watch into your computer just before a run helps with the speed of satellite syncing.
As for the map accuracy I'm very impressed. Long road runs through parks and track running have been spot on.

Overall, give this watch a go and especially now that it's priced more competitively against the Garmins.

Would be nice to have the ability to directly import runs into RunKeeper though. There's ways around it but it's a bit of a manual process

Get now at Nike+ SportWatch GPS Powered by TomTom

Wednesday, 18 April 2012

Garmin Forerunner 305 GPS Receiver With Heart Rate Monitor

With a few one-star reviews, I was a bit hesitant to order this. Now, after two weeks of use (10 runs of 2 to 2.5 miles each), I have no regrets with the purchase whatsoever.

I haven't had any of the problems reported by any of the one-star reviewers. It syncs to the satellite in a reasonable* amount of time, seems to track my pace very well, tracks distance well, and the heart rate monitor seems WAY more accurate than the dedicated exercise machines at my local gym.

*by reasonable, it does take a minute or two to sync to the satellites each time. That's the only thing I could possibly think of improving, but it's not a big deal. Being the super-impatient person I am, I often turn on the watch, set it on my front porch, go back in and change into my running outfit, and by the time I come back out it's ready to go.

I haven't seen the pacing issues others have reported. I'm a beginning runner... but if I keep a solid pace... it reports about 10mins/mile... if I push a little harder... about 9mins/mile... if I let up... about 11mins/mile. It seems very consistent over my entire 2-2.5 mile run.

I have a 2.1 mile run where I've done the same exact route about 6 times... and when I compare the maps of each run... they overlap almost exactly. running watches with gps

I have thyroid and heart issues, and this watch gives me the confidence to know I'm not exceeding my max hr for too long (I can easily get into the 180's) and gives me the feedback and stats to keep me motivated.

Last but not least, I've bought dozens and dozens of items from Amazon over the years, and this is the first review I've taken the time to write - hope that gives you an indication of how happy I am with this product. ;-)






Technical Details

Edition: Forerunner 305 (English Only)
  • 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 With Motionbased, Which Provides Online Mapping & Route Sharing
I've been running for a couple of years and have never tried another GPS or heart rate device so I've got nothing to compare it too, but that said I'm very happy so far. I really like the live data while running and especialy like review performance and run details after the fact.

I use the Garmin website and sprttrack to keep runnings logs and track equipment mileage.

The Good:
I like the larger size. Its easy to see, I can display lots of info.
The workout tool. At runnerworld.uk there are some downloadable workouts for 10k-marathon. Nice and easy.
Satelite sync is pretty good. The only time I've had big issues are in cities or other areas where there are allot of real tall buildings. But since thats only when I travel not that big a deal.

The Cons (why I only give it 4 stars):
I wish the Garmin software or website provided more downloadable/custumizable schedule llike addidias miCoach does.
HR monitor died after 9 months and I had to replace it.

REBOOT
I found 1 time my watch would not turn on or respond to charge. I did some reading online and found reboot instructions which fixed it. Heres the process -- press the mode button and then the lap button, and to keep them both depressed for at least 10 seconds. Then they should be released before pressing the on button, and hey-presto it should come back on again. You might need to hit on 2x.

More information at Garmin Forerunner 305 GPS Receiver With Heart Rate Monitor

Friday, 13 April 2012

Timex® Marathon® GPS Watch, Black

The NEW Timex Marathon GPS watch is another exciting addition to the Timex Health & fitness family. running watches with gps

An affordable GPS watch for runners and walkers who simply want speed & distance on their wrist during a workout!

Product Features

  • Fast and accurate GPS - powered by SiRFstarIV, 100 Lap Memory Chronograph
  • Pace, Speed and Distance - Current or Average Data, Interval Timer
  • 30-Workout Memory (100-laps-per-workout), Hands Free Auto Split Based on Distance
  • Data Review Mode, Five Alarms, Two time Zones - Manual Setting or World Time Selection - 106 Cities
  • 8-Hour Battery Life in GPS Mode, Rechargeable Li-Ion Battery with Cable
More details at Timex® Marathon® GPS Watch, Black

Tuesday, 10 April 2012

GARMIN FORERUNNER 205/305

The main review complaints, on other websites, is about prolonged satellite acquisition time. Maybe it's just the "Big Sky" of Montana, but instead of the several minute wait I read about about, my acquisition time is 10 seconds and less. Quite acceptable. running watches with gps

 I just wish that there was a way to use this for swimming, in regard to being waterproof, picking up heartrate and having a pace measurement that goes all the way down to meters/minute. MPH or KPH just are not small enough units to fine tune ones swim pace. Also, it would be grand to have a function to measure strokes/minute.

Though I have only had this a few days, it seems to be pretty good.

More technical details at GARMIN FORERUNNER 205/305

Saturday, 7 April 2012

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

I love this thing! The custom zones are great. Had my zones and VO2 levels tested at the gym and my trainer was able to set the watch to MY zones. This also allows me to see a more accurate calorie count. running watches with gps

A couple notes that didn't keep me from giving it 5 stars, but just to keep in mind:

1. The orange is MUCH brighter than on my screen. Think, street construction cone orange. It's much more neon orange.

2. The G1 GPS Sensor is AWESOME on most days. I recently ran with it on a very cloudy/rainy day and it completely lost track of the signal. I haven't used the footpod, so can't compare, but I may end up buying it for use on cloudy days.

Product Features

  • Simple-to-use wrist heart rate monitor/training computer in orange 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
  • Compatible with S1 foot pod
I'm really happy about this product, the different features, GPS Integration, etc, the only negative points I was able to talk about are:
- GPS Location, but that was a given due to my geography and the woods and buildings near my training areas.
- Display is hard to read, I would have loved it to be more clear or the contrast a bit different...
- The product came with only 2-3 booklets, none sufficient enough to provide a clear guide on how to use all the features therefore I had to go online and download it there....I'm still to figure out how to manually input the "Time in Zone" into the polarpersonaltrainer.com site....

Overall I think this is a great product and proves an awesome cost/value with the GPS POD!

More details at Polar RS300X G1 Heart Rate Monitor Watch with G1 GPS Sensor (Orange)


    Thursday, 5 April 2012

    Garmin Forerunner 410 GPS-Enabled Sports Watch with Heart Rate Monitor

    If you’re ready to take your training to the next level, Forerunner 410 can get you there. This advanced sport watch is GPS-enabled and accurately records your time, pace, distance, heart rate, elevation and more.

    I am really happy with my Forerunner 410. I used to use a Nike plus device, but it broke. I was grateful because it was terribly inaccurate. I did quite a bit of research on watches before purchasing the Forerunner. I had a few runner friends recommend this watch to me. I waited until it came on sale and then grabbed it! I have been using the watch for about 4 months now. I run about 3 times a week.

    I like that it stores my runs if I don't sync after each run. When it comes time to sync it does is automatically and quickly. I like that! I also like the website where I can view my runs and make notes about my training. I really like how easy it is to use. It took a little bit of time to set up before I could use it. I didn't think it was unreasonable or difficult. running watches with gps

    I wish the battery lasted a little longer. I like that it goes into a power saving mode if you don't use it. I just don't think the battery lasts very long. I also wish it had a few more functions. I don't mind because I only run. If you were training for a marathon it might not be the best watch for you.

    Overall, I like this watch. I think it is pretty accurate and easy to use. I think it is a little over priced for the functions it has. I would recommend this product! 

    More details at Garmin Forerunner 410 GPS-Enabled Sports Watch with Heart Rate Monitor

    Sunday, 1 April 2012

    Garmin Women's FR60 Clamshell Bundle (Black) by Garmin


    Technical Details

    • Easy-to-use women's fitness watch for indoor & outdoor use
    • Can be used for running, cycling & other fitness activities
    • Water resistant to 50 m
    • Calculates time, heart rate & distance
    • ANT+ technology: wirelessly connects to heart rate monitor, foot pod & speed/cadence sensor, then shares fitness data with computer
    This set is a must for runners. It includes the watch, foot pod, heart monitor, and a USB type device that allows you to transfer the data from the watch to the Garmin online program. I'm new to running outdoors and I wanted the same information the treadmill offered; distance, heart rate and time in a watch.

    That's exactly what this set offers. It also allows you to upload all your workouts to the online Garmin site and it's free! It does take a while to learn the settings on the watch and it's a good thing I waited several weeks before reviewing the set because I would have initially rated it lower because I couldn't figure out how to use it. The only instruction the set includes is a short quick set up guide. running watches with gps

    I had to search online for the full manual and once I read that and watched a few set up videos, I was able to use everything. I learned how to set up the watch to show 4 settings (heart rate, distance, time running, and calories) on the main screen while running.

    You can choose which features you want to display on the watch while running. The foot pod is very accurate I checked by driving my trails that I run and they're almost exact, off by .02. Great product for the price! 

    More information at Garmin Women's FR60 Clamshell Bundle (Black)