RUNNING
|
NEW WATCHES, NEW WAYS TO TRAIN
AUGUST 2011 NEW TIMEX GPS RUN TRAINER see below in news section -GARMIN FORERUNNER 610 -introduction SEE NEW GARMIN FORERUNNER 610 PAGE -full review SEE FULL ROBERTAFRICA YOUTUBE REVIEW HERE (3 videos) -NEW SUUNTO QUEST -NEW POLAR RCX5 -NEW NIKE SPORTWATCH GPS |
|||
|
SEE TIMEX GLOBAL TRAINER AND GARMIN FORERUNNER 610 FULL REVIEWS ON YOUTUBE CHANNEL 'ROBERTAFRICA' |
|||
|
Above is the
link for the
video for my new
running/
multisport
watch, the Timex
Global Trainer. I am indebted to Ray Maker of sport tech blogging site DCRainmaker.com (see right) for his input and references. |
|
||
The video is divided into sections-
1 Africa's poverty and sporting heritage;
2 Kenya's simple and basic lifestyle serving to emphasise her runners in terms of a suitable mentality and outlook, with external help and analysis;
3 How technology can attempt to make this ability more efficient, and especially for those non-African athletes seeking to progress in a Western-style system, using various sporting and even gaming gadgets;
4 The last and biggest video focusses specifically on the Timex device, along with comparisons for its use and effectiveness.
This video attempts to describe how Africa's focus on athletics (ie innate ability and outlook) rather than economics (developing a system that seeks to empower its people) will inevitably create and even enhance poverty, but at the same time providing the perfect training ground (literally) for individuals who improve themselves in isolated and traditional surroundings, devoid of distractions or Western-style responsibilities.
It is technology which will level the playing field in economics, but a singular lack of interest and/or ability to develop the same will inevitably lead to a concentration of resources into the wrong hands, a state of affairs which the West has successfully addressed.
Watches such as the TGT epitomise this approach, with the emphasis being on empowerment and analysis of data.
(below, left) The Timex Global Trainer with heart rate belt, (right) Maria McCambridge after her victory at the 2009 Adidas 10-mile, sporting her Garmin Forerunner 305 |
||||||
  |
||||||
|
||||||
|
For a superior
text review of
this device see
DCRainmaker's
(above)
exhaustive
coverage at http://www.dcrainmaker.com/2010/08/timex-ironman-gps-global-trainer-in.html. Ray's report includes a large number of stills during various activities (mine pertain to personal use) and helpful references to eg cycling integration (my speciality is running). The PC screenshots are a useful insight as the Global Trainer heavily relies on PC/Macintosh connectivity to maximise its functionality. Ray also features numerous other watch and related device reviews. |
||||||
Latest Running/Multisport Watches and News
- True multisport device
- Integrated GPS
- Swimming mode measures strokes and efficiency
- ANT+ for additional pods -bike, footpod
- Barometric altimeter
- Vibration alerts
- Training Effect
- Advanced workouts creation with wireless ANT+ connection to Garmin Connect Web service for further analysis
- Virtual Racer (like with Forerunner 610) enables competition with created or downloaded courses
|
Press releases- http://www.hexus.net/content/ item.php?item=32016 http://www.triradar.com/2011/10/04/ garmin-forerunner-910xt-launched/ Garmin shop- https://buy.garmin.com/shop/shop.do?cID=&pID=90671&ra=true Prices- US -$450/$400 with/without HRM UK -£389/£359 " " Release scheduled for November 2011 |
 |
See Timex publicity release below (from Timex Sports on Facebook):
We have posted the latest improvement to the Global Trainer firmware (V3.14) and the latest Device Agents (for PC and Mac) that are required to work with firmware V3.14 at http://timextrainer.trainingpeaks.com/device-agent.aspx. Instructions for updating your Firmware are located here: http://home.trainingpeaks.com/upgrading-the-timex-global-trainer-firmware.aspx.
The notable changes and improvements to the Global Trainer are:
Performance Mode
The Lap/Split pop-up display has been increased in size and covers the entire screen: Lap and Split times appear for five seconds, and for the next five seconds, the displayed lap summary is based on what data was being viewed when the lap/split was recorded. Additional data fields are available: For each lap, live data for Average Cadence, Average Pace, Average Heart Rate, Average Speed, and Average Power can be viewed.
Multisport Mode
The Lap/Split pop-up display has been increased in size and covers the entire screen: Lap and Split times appear for five seconds, and for the next five seconds, the displayed lap summary is based on what data was being viewed when the lap/split was recorded. Additional data fields are available: For each lap, live data for Average Cadence, Average Pace, Average Heart Rate, Average Speed, and Average Power can be viewed. For each segment (sport) of a Multisport event/workout, Average Cadence, Average Pace, Distance, Average Heart Rate, and Average Speed can be viewed.
Sensors
ANT+ Foot Pod is now a choice in the Configure Sensors menu to provide Pace, Distance, and Running Cadence data indoors or when GPS signals are compromised. To address this additional functionality, alert zones are now available for Run Cadence and Bike Cadence.
Firmware also supports calibration of the Foot Pod over a user-selected measure distance or through input of a calibration factor (percentage) GPS.
Acquisition
Upon start-up of the GPS receiver, a satellite status bar is displayed until any button is pressed.
Data Transfer to the Online Log
Improved watch data output will now provide more accurate results in the Timex Ironman online log powered by TrainingPeaks.
New Suunto Quest -see section on this page...
New Timex GPS Run Trainer coming mid-October 2011...
New Garmin multisport watch for 'later this year'
-see DCRainmaker headline story...
See Timex link with pictures/details
- 15 workout storage
- Customisable timers and display
- Integration with TrainingPeaks.com for workout uploading and analysis
- Recovery and nutrition timers
- Waterproof to 50m
- Footpod compatible
- PC/Mac synchronisation with computer setting of watch functions
US$225, speed/distance
$275, as above with heart rate belt
Availability, mid-October 2011
(right) Polar (screen grab from Italian order page) shows the brand new RCX5 triathlon/running device. Thanks are due to http://www.courseapied.net/forum/msg/89724.htm.
A standout feature would be the external GPS -no integration, as is becoming the norm with high-end watches.
Also possible (updated correction -DEFINITE) inclusion of a dual-frequency heart rate belt -ie, gym-compatible and underwater.
Publicity for this device is due to start in April -shipping is due early May 2011.
Blog commentary here.
Polar announcement (Polar France) set for March 21st.
(update -they were late)
More basic information here (Polar blog).
Useful blog discussion on new Polar as well as Suunto, Timex and Garmin devices by serious athletes on Slowtwitch.
MARCH 22 2011
(right/far right/below right) Polar RCX5 display up close
SEE FACEBOOK.COM/POLARUSA
See DCRainmaker page (as above re Timex Global Trainer review) for announcement of future details release -by March 25?
(Update -never happened; Timex UK announced that no successors to the 2010 Timex Global Trainer would be shipped for Spring/Summer 2011)
 |
 |
|
MARCH 23 2011
Polar Finland Official Press Release More useful feedback/commentary on Slowtwitch forum Facebook.com/PolarUSA shows feature set for the RCX5 for the first time, including-
|
|
||||||
|
|||||||
|
YOUTUBE VIDEO (right) Great Polar introductory overview -display, sensors, measurement, integration with Polarpersonaltrainer.com MARCH 24 2011
(Rumoured) US pricing: -$349.95 for 'basic' version, ie no pods -delivery scheduled for May 2011 Datalink info -transfers data wirelessly via USB to PC/Macintosh, NOT compatible with previous Polar models |
|
|
MARCH 28 2011
Slowtwitch (sports forum) post shows WVarta (Polar rep and tester) using, and liking, the G5 sensor -testing, accuracy, sensitivity. G5 sensor/pod is NOT WATERPROOF -(update -IS water-resistant) See Wayne's posts (on the Polar RCX5 and other subjects) on Slowtwitch here (far right) Chris@Polar (see Twitter page) posts new picture from a private function, 28th March |
 APRIL 9 2011
Wayne's previous Slowtwitch posts -see April 5-8 -computer syncing, field tests eg auto laps, S3+/G5 sensors Wayne due at Toughman Triathlon Westchester, New York April 10 to show off the RCX5 for the first time to the public... http://www.toughmantri.com/news/ Launch not likely to be May 1 (from Slowtwitch) APRIL 26 2011
Altimeter (hardware) confirmed as not being included; pre-selling to retailers scheduled (UK) for May 4 |
|
MAY 2 2011
FIRST LOOK -DCRainmaker gets to test the RCX5; full review in a week (right-far right) The slim body and large clear display of the new Polar, with small external G5 GPS (below) The slim depth of the RCX5 distinguishes itself  |
 |
|
|
|
MAY 6 2011
NEW Jan Musil's RunToTri blog -RCX5 pictures; links and commentary NEW (right) RUNNINGWILLI.COM VIDEO (in German) SEE HERE FOR PHOTOS AND RCX5/OTHER LINKS Coverage is German -simply use Google Translate. Thanks very much Willi. MAY 9 2011
Latest DCRainmaker
post -RCX5
photos on
bike/swimming,
display and
heart belt useMAY 23 2011
(1) DCRainmaker (see link above) late
with review due to software uploading glitch with the RCX5 -should be sorted out by next week(2) Official RCX5 promo finally ready -see http://www.polarusa.com/us-en/rcx5/ |
NEW SEE DCRAINMAKER'S IN-DEPTH REVIEW -April 27 2011
(right) Announcment at CES, Las Vegas, January 2011
-'tap' screen, integration with Nike+ shoes with shoe pod, direct linking via USB (PC/ Macintosh) to NikePlus.com
(far right) Review/hands on -T3.co.uk (including video)
More basic details and order page (UK) for Sportwatch
-without HR, £179, -with HR, £229 (from Simplyrun.co.uk)
 |
 |
|
MARCH 31 2011
'The Wait Is Over' - Nike Sportwatch finally available for online ordering -price (UK only) 199 Euros -built-in GPS, just 3 buttons and tap screen for operation -tracks pace, heart rate, altitude, calories -uses Nike foot pod sensor (for when GPS data are not available, eg indoors), and works with Polar Wearlink heart rate belt -synchronises directly with NikePlus.com, shows mapping data and offers downloadable training programmes and goals -displays messages and motivational information |
|
APRIL 1 2011
-First
UK pricing
-£179.99 (GBP)
-Sweatshop.co.uk(Wearlink heart rate belt, £59.50) (see features summary including video) -First review (User's post, Nike forum) -overview, functionality Another review (Wired.com) -easy to use, fast GPS synching, fun goal-setting and personal records capability with easy linking to NikePlus.com Youtube overview -slick (corporate) summary of features again emphasising ease of use, display and GUI APRIL 1-3 2011
SEE SHANNON
FELGNER'S
YOUTUBE CHANNEL
FOR USE OFAND COMMENTARY ON THE NIKE SPORTWATCH (opposite top, left-right) Personal user and purchaser Shannon tests out her new Nike for the very first time in the Michigan, USA woods -size, ease of use; Shannon's first run -setting up and synching the pod, GPS fix, pressing Start and away she goes (bottom) Shannon's reaction to her first test run -(again) ease of use with crystal clear display, easy to view and configure menus, concise summary and recording of runs with GPS data, including heart rate, pace, distance and comparison with previous runs APRIL 6 2011
NEW
Online
manual for the
Nike Sportwatch
GPS
-PDF on this
sitePress release, Nike UK (Word document on this site) NEW Nike forum post (as April 1st) updated to show comparisons with Garmin Forerunner 310XT -also GPS issues, data display, mapping APRIL 7 2011
NEW
-Unboxing/first impressions from DCRainmaker.com-usability, GPS accuracy |
 |
 |
 |
|
APRIL 7 2011
Stay tuned for announcement.....
|
APRIL 12 2011 'The Wait Is Over' for Garmin fans |
||
|
NEW GARMIN FORERUNNER 610 JULY 2011 -SEE NEW GARMIN FORERUNNER PAGE -full review JULY 2011 -SEE FULL ROBERTAFRICA YOUTUBE REVIEW HERE (3 videos) MAY 2011 -Garmin 610 manual link (Quick Start and full) here SEE GARMIN 610 PRESS RELEASE -'a necessary partner for all serious runners' (thanks to Simon Gilbert, Andy Silver of Garmin UK) SEE GARMIN SITE for overview, pictures/video, main features PRICING Limited numbers at London Marathon 2011 Expo (13-16 April) sold for £359GBP -pre-orders taken Official price £329.99 on Garmin site US pricing -$399 with heart rate monitor Official release date May 6 2011 (from DCRainmaker -see below) A hardcore watch for running enthusiasts. Ultra-sophisticated, easy to use, leading-edge technology to enhance performance. 1 Integrated GPS with fast syncing 2 Touch screen -works even with gloves 3 Large high-resolution display 4 Splash-proof -NOT waterproof 5 Vibration alarm -also works with alerts etc. 6 Fitness Training Effect -new measure of training intensity 7 'Virtual Racer' -set goals with previous runs, online or with others on Connect.Garmin.com 8 ANT+ compatible accessories, eg footpod for indoor workouts |
  |
|
|
(right, above) Sample display showing run info -distance, time, pace (right, below) Graphical User Interface of the brand-new Forerunner 610 showing the large LCD and simple interface, a cornerstone also of the Nike Sportwatch GPS's operation DCRainmaker's in depth review -interface -with videos -functionality -alerts, timers, Virtual Racer, mapping -create basic workouts on the watch, then upload to a PC/Macintosh computer for later viewing -customisable backlight -ANT+ functionality -use with (optional) footpod for indoor workouts
|
||
|
JULY 14 2011
Suunto Quest, with major new running features and integration with running community Movescount.com-
August 10 2011 Suunto range displayed at Outdoor Retailer trade show, including Quest -running features detailed August 16 2011 Gearcaster.com -price for running pack (with footpod) US$329 |
September 2011 NEW -see the Quest playlist on YouTube; setting, training, footpod See Suunto Quest manual (PDF)  |