If you are serious about running and keeping track of your performance you probably have heard of GPS systems that can help you along the way. Most of these little devices are equipped with little fitness computers that can report on your speed, average speed, distance covered, location, heart rate, and much more.
If you are ready lets go over a few of the most popular GPS systems that can assist you during your workout:
Suunto X9i ($421):
Suunto X9i is a very capable GPS wrist watch that can give you information on altitude, vertical speed, thermometer, atmospheric pressure, compass, and of course your location. People at Suunto also recently developed a software called Suunto Trek Manager (STM).
With STM you can create routes on the maps you have uploaded, edit and erase existing routes, visualize the altitude profiles for your routes, analyze and plan your training, and keep a training diary. You can also create your own activity reports by adding photos and text to the profiles.
So the X9i does provide some performance data, but mostly after you’re done working out and have uploaded your data to your PC using STM. If you are looking for more data during your workout you’ll have to look elsewhere. However the small size and compactness of the X9i makes it quite desirable.
Forerunner 305 ($263):
Garmin’s Forerunner 305 is nothing less than high tech personal trainer. It includes a wireless heart rate monitor and can alert you based on time, distance, pace, and of course heart rate. To make your workout more interesting the Forerunner 305 integrates smart features. For example you can download a previous course on to the 305 and compete against it. If you don’t want to compete against your previous performance you can give the “virtual partner” a try. Virtual partner is a digital runner and you can race with it based on time, pace, or distance. And if you get the holographic add-on you can see him/her running right next to you :)
Other features include a Auto Pause, that lets you automatically pause your work out based on a lower speed limit, so you don’t have to hit a button every time you stop to tie your shoe laces. Similar to Auto Pause, there’s something called Auto Lap. It can record lap data when you reach a specified time, distance, or position.
You can still rely on Forerunner 305 to keep track of your performance on those rainy days when you have to hit the treadmill instead of the asphalt. You can buy the Foot Pod which attaches to your running shoe and transmits distance and pace data to your Forerunner 305 when GPS reception is unavailable.
Also in the box, you’ll find the Garmin Training Center software that helps you customize your workouts to meet specific goals and objectives. You can create your own workouts or use workout templates included on the CD. Interactive analysis tools let you chart performance overlaid on a map.
FRWD W600 (€400):
FRWD W600 is somewhat the combination of above two. It does provide a lot of vital data during your workout and also includes a barometer and an altimeter. It is a bit smaller and more stylish than Forerunner but you’ll have to carry an extra bluetooth GPS receiver.
Just like the other two it includes software to analyze your performance on your PC. Speaking of PC, FRWD W600 connects connects wirelessly to your computer. USB dongle for your PC is included.
After the performance you get to relive the best aftermaths on a computer screen with fabulous satellite pictures. You can analyse your route, speed, distance, heart rate, altitude profiles, oxygen consumption etc. You can also compare performances and start a virtual competition against your own or your friends’ performances and see where the differences appear.
The only problem with FRWD is designed by a Finnish company and is not very easy to find in the U.S.
Amaryllo Trip Tracker (€160):
Amaryllo Trip Tracker probably has the least functionality compared to others. It lacks heart rate info, calories, altimeter, barometer, etc. But it does cover all the basics. You can see your speed, average speed, and distance covered. It also displays the direction you’re heading and lets you store waypoints along the way. No way you can get lost with this device.
Different from the rest is Amaryllo Trip Tracker can also be used as a bluetooth GPS receiver - so you can pair it up with a PDA, laptop or cell phone and with the help of some navigation software you can have yourself a navigation system.
Timex Trail Runner ($300):
The Timex brand may be familiar to triathlon runners and such. Their advanced product with GPS functionality is called Timex BodyLink Trail Runner. It is another GPS system for runners that is easy to get hold of in the U.S and if you can ignore a couple bad reviews on Amazon it sounds like a good buy. The BodyLink Trail Runner has three components - the wrist computer, GPS receiver, and the heart rate monitor; all of which talk to each other wirelessly. It can store waypoints (only 10 though), help navigate back to these waypoints, show directional info, create 5 different training zones for your heart rate, and various other features.
In terms of price, functionality, and the amount of stuff you have to carry, Garmin Forerunner 305 seems to be the clear winner here. We’d also like to hear what you think. Let us know if we missed any other brands.
