Sprenzy Shopping Blog

If you are thinking about buying a Garmin Edge 305 or Forerunner 305 but are hesitant due to the price, you can now get a $75 rebate on an Edge 305 or $50 rebate on a Forerunner 305.

Just sign up for the PowerBar newsletter and you’ll get the rebate form. The rebate offer is good if you purchase a Garmin Edge 305 or Forerunner 305 between June 1, 2007 and November 30, 2007. The rebate paperwork must be postmarked by December 30, 2007.

I’ve been using an Edge 305 for the last year and love it as a cycling computer and training tool. Here is my previous post on the Edge 305. An added benefit of owning a Garmin fitness product, is the ability to upload your training data to MotionBased (MB), where you can further analyze the data. I am completely addicted to MB and can’t wait to upload my data after each bike ride.

Over the last year, the cost of an Edge 305 and Forerunner 305 has dropped almost $100. With the $50 Forerunner 305 rebate, I’m seriously considering getting it to track my running workouts.

Although the current Forerunner is a big improvement in form factor over the previous models, I still think the Forerunner is a little large for a wrist-mounted device. I have to remind myself that it’s a GPS fitness device, so a size comparison to a normal running watch isn’t appropriate. I’ll probably end up getting a Forerunner 305 because I love uploading and tracking my workouts in MotionBased so much.

Do you run, bike or workout alone? If the answer is “yes”, do you carry emergency contact information in case you get injured in an accident? What will happen if you are seriously hurt and can’t communicate your medical conditions? The solution is to wear a Road ID. From RoadID.com…

“If you are a runner, cyclist, triathlete or just a person who doesn’t sit on the couch all day, Road ID is for you. This awesome piece of gear not only looks good but it could save your life. In the event of an accident, if you can’t speak for yourself, your Road ID will. Available in 5 different styles. It’s not just a piece of gear - it’s peace of mind.”

The 5 different Road ID styles are the Wrist ID, the Shoe ID, the FIXX ID (dog tag), the Ankle ID and the Shoe Pouch ID. I’ve seen many magazine ads for Road IDs over the years and I always thought it was a brilliant product, but I only recently bought the Ankle ID. Road ID products are very well made and are extremely convenient to use. It definitely beats the plastic bag which contains my driver’s license and business card with emergency contact information. The major problem with the plastic baggy approach is it’s hidden in a pocket and may not be quickly seen or accessed by emergency personnel, whereas, a Road ID can be seen easily.

Getting injured on short run or on your daily bike route can happen suddenly and unexpectedly. I’m sure you’ve seen or read tragic news stories of people being injured whose identity is unknown for several days. There are many testimonials on RoadID.com about the effectiveness of Road ID products. Here is one example…

“I never thought that I would be hit by an automobile while cycling. I was wrong. The accident occurred when I had to exit a riding trail due to construction. A driver of a truck failed to see me and struck me on my right side. I was unable to effectively communicate and answer the paramedics’ questions. Fortunately for me, I was wearing my Road ID. It gave them the information they needed to contact a family member and to get my medical history.”

If you know a runner, cyclist or an active person, tell them to get and wear a Road ID. Better yet, buy the person you care about a Road ID. If you don’t know which Road ID style is right or what information to place on the ID, you can get a gift card and let the recipient choose the right one.

I hope I will never have to put my Road ID to use, but it’s peace of mind for me and my family that they will be contacted in case of an emergency. It’s such a simple but effective product. One that could save your life, so don’t leave home without it!

“Your shirt talks to your Running Computer
Your shoe talks to your Running Computer
And they all talk to you”

You may have seen this Polar/adidas marketing pitch for Project Fusion, which combines Polar’s latest heart rate, speed and distance monitoring technology with adidas adiStar Fusion apparel and running shoes. Project Fusion was awarded the “Running Accessory of the Year” Award at ISPO winter 06 by Runner’s World magazine.

“The results of the Polar adidas co-operation are the adiStar Fusion apparel and running shoes, which have been merged with the latest heart rate and speed and distance monitoring technology from Polar. This totally unique and truly revolutionary running gear has been built around the Polar RS800™ Running Computer. During a run, it collects all of the information from the sensors that are positioned in the apparel and shoe, then immediately informs the athlete. Everything is collated and translated into information the athlete can use such as: heart rate, speed and distance, cadence, route profile and calories burned. After the running session, all information can be downloaded to the PC, and added to the training diary.

The adiStar Fusion apparel have soft, heart-rate sensors built in. These machine-washable textile sensors work in conjunction with the Polar WearLink® connector - it just snaps onto the front of the apparel and sends all training data straight to Polar RS800™ Running Computer. No bands, no adjustments, no extra kit - just put the shirt on, snap on connector and start running.

In the midsole of the adiStar Fusion shoe is a special cavity that houses the tiny and very light Polar s3™ Stride Sensor. Because it’s internal, the Stride Sensor is more convenient and delivers even more consistent running speed and distance readings, without compromising comfort or performance. And all of the speed and distance information is sent from the very heart of the adiStar Fusion shoe straight to the Polar Running Computer.”

The training system is well integrated and very cool. The s3 Stride Sensor works and fits in the adiStar Fusion shoe similar to the Nike+ Sport Kit sensor for the iPod Nano. The main differences between the Nike/iPod and Polar/adidas systems are the plethora of running features and the HRM provided by the Polar RS800.

The Polar RS800sd (includes the s3 Stride Sensor) is Polar’s top of the line running computer. With this watch, you’ll get an HRM, running cadence, average stride length, target pace, running elevation profile and much more, see complete specs at Polar. The Nike+ Sport Kit is limited to distance, time and pace.

The total cost of the Polar RS800sd, adiStar Fusion apparel and shoes will cost $550+. You can save $120 by getting in touch with your inner MacGyver and invent a way to attach the s3 Stride Sensor to your shoe. I did with Glad Press’n Seal and my Nike+ sensor.

The Polar RS800sd is a great HRM watch for the running enthusiast or data analysis geek. When I say data geek, I mean it in the nicest way, since I put myself in this category. The problem with such a high-end watch, at least for me, is after downloading and analyzing the data the first few weeks, I’ll end up ignoring 3/4 of the watch features. I wouldn’t recommend purchasing the RS800sd unless you are a hard core runner and plan on using all of the watch features.

Otherwise, I would go with an iPod Nano with the Nike+ Sport Kit to add speed and distance feedback on your run. It’s hard to give a definitive recommendation for either system because there’s a trade-off with each… HRM or music.

Now, the primary reason I’m excited about the Fusion Project is the adiStar Fusion apparel. I already own a Polar RS200 HRM with the Wearlink transmitter and strap. The Wearlink chest strap is the most comfortable HRM strap that I’ve used because it’s made of cloth, whereas most HRM straps are a hard rubberized plastic. Despite being very comfortable, the Polar Wearlink strap will still slide down to my waist while I’m running.

It’s completely fine when I’m cycling or during a spin class, but it’s a pain in the butt while running. I’m constantly re-adjusting the chest strap when I’m pounding the pavement. However with the adiStar Fusion shirts, I can just attach the Wearlink transmitter and not worry about it slipping. The shirts can also be used as a base layer during cold weather runs.

So my ultimate solution is the iPod Nano with the Nike+ Sport Kit, Polar RS200 with a Wearlink transmitter and an adiStar Fusion shirt. I have the best of all worlds… music, speed and distance, and heart rate monitoring. Then I can geek out over the data during my run to keep motivated! Or pre-occupy myself, so I forget that I’m suffering running.

It’s freezing here in San Francisco! The highs are in the upper 40s and the lows are in the low 30s (Fahrenheit). Yes, I admit it, I’ve grown soft (temperature tolerance only) living in Northern California. I left the Northeast in 1996 after a brutal winter where two feet of snow fell every other week. These days, I prefer choosing to see snow only when I’m snowboarding. Given my soft state, any day below 50 degrees F is cold!

For all of you who are experiencing a real winter, Runner’s World has a good article about winter running apparel in the February issue. The article discusses taking a layered approach with a base layer, a thermal layer and an outer layer to keep warm and dry without overheating.

“Base Layer - No matter what material your base layer is made of, it should cover as much skin as possible without being too bulky. Synthetic fabrics, such as polyester and polypropylene are designed to wick sweat from the skin without absorbing it. Wool absorbs the moisture vapor generated between your skin and the fabric as you sweat but keeps you warmer than cotton when wet.

• Outdoor Research Sequence Long Sleeve Tee - It’s best for humid climates and for runners who tend to sweat a lot, since its blend of polyester and Merino wool is effective at wicking away moisture away from the skin.

• Brooks HVAC Pulse Seamless Long Sleeve Shirt - The nonchafing seams and stowaway mittens (women’s) or thumb holes (men’s) make this formfitting shirt suitable for high-intensity workouts when the weather turns chilly.

• GoLite DriMove Zip Top - The top’s loose fit and half-zip design make it ideal for training runs in cooler climates or as a companion to a water resistant shell.

Thermal Layer - Like an extra blanket on your bed, a good thermal layer traps body heat without adding bulk. A thermal layer can come in a variety of forms, from a heavyweight half-zip shirt to a cushy microfleece pullover. This layer should be made of synthetic or wool fabrics (avoid cotton) to continue the moisture-wicking process started at the base layer.

• Asics Thermopolis Lite Crew - The top’s soft and stretchy polyester/lycra fabric also excels at moisture management and breathability; when paired with a light shell, it’s great in everything but the most frigid weather.

• The North Face Quilted Hybrid Jacket - More snug-fitting hoodie than jacket, this tip includes thumbholes to help protect your hands from the cold.

• Gramicci Cross Country Zipneck - This midweight shirt is best worn over a base layer in cool conditions or under a light jacket in cold weather.

Outer Layer - For your final line of defense, look for a lightweight jacket that won’t change into a sauna midway through a run. Your water-resistant shell should keep light rain and snow at bay and regulate your temperature by allowing excess warmth to escape through vents. Switch to a fully waterproof jacket when the weather gets really fierce.

• Adidas adiStar Gore Windstopper Jacket - Its water-resistant Gore Windstopper fabric and a soft lined, stand-up collar keep icy gusts from penetrating your core.

• Pearl Izumi Torrent Jacket - The shoulders, arms and removable/stowable hood are made of waterproof polyester to prevent moisture from soaking through in heavy rain or snow, while the rest of the jacket is made of breathable, water-resistant polyester.

• New Balance Nemo Jacket - Despite being seam-sealed, the jacket maintains a comfortable temp inside by using a large rear vent to disperse excess heat.”

What goes on the lower part of your body depends on the weather and how comfortable you are with “spandex” fitting clothing. I’m partial to Under Armour or Pearl Izumi pants/tights. I have used Under Armour Cold Gear Leggings and shirts for running, cycling and as a base layer while boarding with great results.

Finally, to keep your fingers warm and toasty, don’t forget about running gloves. Despite the frigid temps in Northern California (hey, it’s all relative), I’m going to continue running with many layers on. And remember… cotton kills!

Last week, I mentioned the Garmin Forerunner and the iPod Nano with the Nike+ Sport Kit as great fitness gadgets to motivate more exercise. The only problem is both fitness tools can be expensive at $150+ each. For under $50, an alternative solution is the Silva Accelerator Series Speed and Distance Pedometer Watch.

The Silva Tech40 Accelerator Series Watches come in hiker, runner and fitness designs, which are different aesthetically but offer the same functionality. The watches offer the basics of any sport watch (chronograph, countdown timer, alternative time zone and daily alarm mode) along with a pedometer that captures speed and distance.

From Silva USA, the pedometer features…

• Highly accurate step counter with adjustable sensitivity allows users to tune the sensors to their individual walking style. Doctors everywhere are now recommending 10,000 steps a day to maintain a healthier lifestyle.

• All sensors are contained in a simple wrist watch. That means no funny looking mechanical belt clips or funky shoe pods.

• Get off the beaten path! Free yourself from mileage markers at the track or trail! Pick a new route every day! The Accelerator can automatically distinguish between running and walking, and can calculate your average speed, distance, caloric expenditure, and total exercise time.

• The Accelerator has a delayed step counter feature that differentiates between ancillary movements and actual steps. This feature provides users with the most accurate results by delaying calculation until it has registered 10 steps in a row to eliminate overly sensitive step counting.

• The smart scheduling features allows users to set the pedometer to automatically start/stop counting steps at a predetermined time every day, so you’ll never forget to turn it on.

I really like the fact the pedometer is built into the watch and doesn’t require an external shoe pod. Additionally, the watch offers a personal profile where users can choose between metric or imperial units and enter their weight, running and walking stride lengths. Silva claims a 95+% accuracy for their pedometer, which is very good for a wrist mounted pedometer watch.

Based on the specs, my only complaint is the watch doesn’t display your pace (e.g. 7 minute mile pace). It does display your speed (e.g. 6 MPH), which you can covert to pace yourself. To learn more about the watch, check out the interactive user guide for the accelerator series.

The bottom line is the Silva Tech40 Accelerator Series Watches are a simple and affordable alternative to take your walking, hiking or running to the next level.