TheFinalSprint.com - Track & Field, Marathons, Racing News, Training Advice, Elite Athlete Blogs, Interviews, Podcasts, Videos and More! - TheFinalSprint.com is the Premier Destination for Track & Field, Marathon, Cross Country, Olympic and Road Racing Enthusiasts.
Polar launches multisport training system
Posted August 10th, 2007 at 7:15 AM by Jeanie Rebb
Section: News & Results, Gear & Apparel, Gadgets & Acces.
Polar, the leader in heart rate monitoring and fitness assessment technology, today announced at the Outdoor Retailer Show the nation-wide availability of the RS800G3 multisport training system, the most comprehensive planning and analysis tool for athletes who train across multiple disciplines.
The RS800G3 multisport training system’s integrated view helps athletes plan their training, measure their body’s response, and then analyze their performance against personal goals. By providing the data that helps athletes avoid over- and under-training, the system helps users train in the most efficient manner possible to achieve peak performance and fitness.
Polar’s RS800 training system was initially launched with the s3 stride sensor for runners in the fall of 2006. With the introduction of the G3 GPS (global positioning system) Sensor to the system, the new RS800G3 multisport training system enables athletes to measure speed and distance for a variety of outdoor sports including running, cycling, kayaking, hiking, canyoneering, in-line skating, cross-country and downhill skiing.
Read the rest of this entry »
TFS Review: Polar RS800sd (Polar/adidas Project Fusion)
Posted May 18th, 2007 at 1:48 PM by Paul Petersen
Section: Gear & Apparel, Gadgets & Acces., Product Reviews, Special Features, TFS Reviews
Product: Polar RS800sd Running Computer
Prices: $469.95 (watch + HR monitor + speed sensor), $50-$70 (adiStar Fusion top), $120 (adiStar Fusion shoe)
Rating: Very Good 7.6/10.0
Pros: Very intuitive, easy-to-use watch interface. High amount of functionality and features. Very reliable, accurate heart rate monitor. Low-profile, easy-to-use speed sensor. Comes with Polar ProTrainer software. Can be used with or without Adidas adiStar products (versatile).
Cons: Very expensive. Stride sensor yields inaccurate values when your stride changes. Different calibrations needed for different types of running.
Overall: This is an expensive, high-end personal training system. In general, you get what you pay for. I loved how easy the watch was to use, especially considering its vast array of features. The heart rate monitor was superb, and reported very reliable values. The only weakness of the system involves the Stride Sensor. Although it is accurate and reliable when running at the speed it was calibrated at, it becomes less and less accurate as you increase or decrease your speed (which changes your stride), up to 10 seconds/mile. For many, this relatively small “drift” is either not applicable (if you generally run the same speed every day) or unimportant (if you are not concerned with 10 seconds/mile). But runners who regularly vary their stride through speed work, or are concerned about obtaining their precise pace, may want to look instead at other GPS units.
Garmin, Suunto, Timex, Adeo, Polar… and the list goes on and one. In today’s saturated market of fitness toys there is a plethora of gadgets available that can measure running stats such as pace, distance, heart rate, and more. The gadget companies respond by releasing increasingly innovative products that offer features of increasing quality and quantity.
The Polar RS800sd (speed+distance) may have just trumped them all. Using a foot pod to measure speed and distance, and an ECG-accurate transmitter to measure heart rate, the RS800sd running computer offers enough features, analyses, and bells-and-whistles to make your head spin. I recently had the pleasure of taking this unit for a “spin”.
Read the rest of this entry »
ASK FLASH: About Flash’s Training, Apparel, and Gear
Posted May 17th, 2007 at 6:00 PM by Joshua Flash Gordon
Section: Gear & Apparel, Apparel, Running Shoes, Gadgets & Acces., Columns, Ask Flash
Need advice? Injured? Confused? Overwhelmed? Bored? ASK FLASH!
ASK FLASH is a free advice column to help you with all of your running, fitness and nutrition inquiries. To ASK FLASH — simply fill out the form at the conclusion of the column.
Today, Flash will reveal his personal approach to several key running questions from Curious in Askea Grove, Alabama…
Q. What kind of clothes do you wear when training/racing? Stylish top of the line, or old tattered race shirts and whatever shorts you dig up?
A. I am very much a function over fashion kind of guy - but that doesn’t mean that fashion doesn’t matter. To me, it all starts with being comfortable. I’m not comfortable in cotton shirts because … well … because they make my nipple bleed. That is a bummer - who needs that?
I’m not comfortable in very short running shorts because my thighs rub and chafe. Again, bummer. Big droopy basketball shorts weigh far too much when you sweat like I do. So, I have settled into a style of comfort. I mostly wear good quality mid-length runners shorts, sleeveless technical shirts, and very high quality technical underwear (see Underwear…it really matters).
Read the rest of this entry »
Casio G-Shock GW-800: Finally … a positive sports watch experience
Posted April 19th, 2007 at 3:05 PM by Paul Petersen
Section: Gear & Apparel, Gadgets & Acces., Product Reviews
I am often surprised at just how flimsy and breakable many of my expensive sports watches turn out to be. Too often these gadgets, which are high-tech in functionality, literally fall apart (usually from the band breaking). And if the body of the watch actually withstands the punishment I dish out, the battery inevitably dies a premature death. These past experiences have made me - admittedly - a bit cynical when it comes to sports watches.
However, this all changed when I had the opportunity to try the GW-800 1V model of Casio’s G-Shock watch series.
At first glance it appears to be a normal sports watch, and it many ways - it is. Its core modes include date/time, world time, stopwatch, countdown timer, back-light, and alarm. But there are several “special” features that separate it from it’s peers:
Read the rest of this entry »
TFS Review: Timex IRONMAN Bodylink GPS System
Posted February 15th, 2007 at 12:30 PM by Paul Petersen
Section: Running & Training, Gear & Apparel, Gadgets & Acces., Product Reviews, Special Features, TFS Reviews
Product: Timex IRONMAN Bodylink System
Price: $275.00
Rating: Very Good 8.3/10.0
Pros: Accurate; stable GPS; good battery life; intuitive and easy to use; great watch features; good value
Cons: Data-logger & PC upload functionality not included; GPS external from watch; HR monitor unstable at times
Overall: This device is effective because it is easy and it works. GPS initialization is fast and reliable; GPS connection and accuracy is very stable. It’s best for runners who want to hit the road quickly and view results immediately. Analysis and mapping junkies may want to defer to a GPS unit that automatically comes with computer linkage - but otherwise, when it comes to reliability, value and simplicity, the Timex Bodylink is hard to beat.
Out of the box, the Bodylink comes with a beefy manual, the performance watch, the heart rate sensor, the speed + distance sensor (GPS), and an adjustable strap for the mounting the GPS on your arm. Despite neglecting to read any of the ample instruction manual, I had the watch and GPS figured out within minutes and was out the door. Before I even hit the road, the primary strength of the Bodylink System was evident: it’s ease of use.
Read the rest of this entry »
TFS Re-Launch Contest #4:
Adeo GPS Fitness Trainer
Posted December 28th, 2006 at 7:00 AM by Adam Jacobs
Section: Announcements, Gear & Apparel, Gadgets & Acces., Resources, Special Features, Sweepstakes
Thank you for all of your interest and participation in The Final Sprint’s Re-Launch Contests. Today begins the fourth and final phase of this month-long celebration (Don’t worry - we’ll be launching another exciting contest in January!).
This week and back by popular demand we will once again be teaming up with MotionLingo to give away . . . Adeo GPS Fitness Trainers! Two lucky winners will receive the Adeo (retail value $150); a personal training companion that gives you motivational audio updates on your pace, distance, calories burned and much more!
This contest is now closed. Stay tuned for the next giveaway contest and thanks for entering!
TO ENTER: All you have to do is comment on this post with what features of a training assistant device, like the Adeo, are most important to you (i.e. audio updates, GPS, etc.) and/or what you would put on your “wish list” in terms of ways to improve these types of devices.
This will enable you to have a real voice in the design and re-development of these types of products as we will be sending the final accumulation of your comments to all of the major training assistant manufacturers (i.e. - MotionLingo, Garmin, Timex, Polar, Suunto, etc).
TFS’s Top Picks of 2006
Gear and Accessories
Gear and Accessories
Posted December 22nd, 2006 at 12:00 PM by Adam Jacobs
Section: Announcements, Running & Training, Injury & Rehab, Gear & Apparel, Gadgets & Acces., Miscellaneous, Product Reviews, Sports Medicine, Special Features, Health & Fitness, Injury & Rehab, Exercise, TFS Reviews, TFS Top Picks
Want the gear that will go the furthest, last the longest and do the most to improve your performance? Want to buy the perfect holiday gift for the runner in your family? Want the newest, most advanced training tools on the market?
Then look no further! The Final Sprint’s Top Picks of 2006 is your ultimate guide to running gadgets, hydration devices and much more! We have put hours into testing and comparing each of these items and take pride in recommending each of our top picks.
TRAINING SYSTEMS (HRM + Training Assistant)
Overall
- Top Pick: Polar / adidas Project Fusion
- Best Value: Timex IRONMAN Bodylink System
GPS Training System
- Top Pick: Garmin Forerunner 305
Non-GPS Training System
- Top Pick: Polar / adidas Project Fusion
MP3 Player
- Top Pick: iPod nano RED
- Best accessory: DLO Action Jacket
Hydration Device (short/moderate distance)
Hydration Device (long distance)
Injury Prevention and Treatment Products
Check Out the New ADIDAS and Polar “Project Fusion” at the New York City Marathon Health and Fitness Expo
Posted October 26th, 2006 at 4:00 PM by Adam Jacobs
Section: Gear & Apparel, Gadgets & Acces., Miscellaneous
Interested in the new Project Fusion running system from Adidas and POLAR?
Well, if you live anywhere in the New York City area - you are in luck!
Polar and Adidas will have a joint display at the ING New York City Marathon Health and Fitness Expo.
The expo will begin on Thursday, November 2nd and will run until Saturday, November 4th.
It will be open on each of those days from 10:00 a.m. to 8:00 p.m. at the Javits Center.
Stop by Table #314 (Adidas and POLAR) to see a live demo of the new joint venture.
ADIDAS and POLAR’s “Project Fusion” Running System is NOW AVAILABLE
Posted October 17th, 2006 at 6:16 AM by Martin Kennedy
Section: Announcements, Gear & Apparel, Gadgets & Acces., Miscellaneous, Resources
Below is the original press release from Adidias concerning “Project Fusion” and their integrated system with Polar. This training system is NOW AVAILABLE. For more information on their alliance, please visit www.adidas-polar.com
Polar Electro, the innovative leader in heart rate monitoring, and adidas, one of the world’s leading sports brands, have formed a partnership that will introduce the world’s first completely integrated training system. Called “Project Fusion”, it seamlessly integrates Polar heart rate and speed and distance monitoring equipment into adidas apparel and footwear.
The integration simplifies use and increases comfort, allowing the products to become part of the athlete. Included in the project are the adidas adiStar Fusion range of apparel (t-shirts, long sleeve shirts, bras, women’s tops), the adidas adiStar Fusion shoe, Polar’s s3™ Stride Sensor, The Polar WearLink™ transmitter, and The Polar RS800™ Running Computer. Read the rest of this entry »
Polar ADIDAS Cooperation Wins Top Runner’s World Award
Posted May 12th, 2006 at 6:23 AM by Adam Jacobs
Section: Announcements, Gear & Apparel, Gadgets & Acces., Resources
Below is the press release from POLAR. For more information on their alliance, please visit www.adidas-polar.com
The Polar adidas cooperation has been awarded the “Running Accessory of the Year” Award at ISPO winter 06 by Runner’s World, the world’s leading running magazine. The award honors the cooperation with the two leading companies of their industries, both intent on developing technology and equipment that helps athletes to take their performance to the next level.
Polar Electro and adidas are the two companies with one shared goal. By joining forces, Polar and adidas have created products that when working together, are even greater than the sum of their parts.
What is your favorite running movie or documentary?
Recent Comments
Page 2 Articles
TFS Media Sites
The Final SprintSite Archives
- August 2008
- July 2008
- June 2008
- May 2008
- April 2008
- March 2008
- February 2008
- January 2008
- December 2007
- November 2007
- October 2007
- September 2007
- August 2007
- July 2007
- June 2007
- May 2007
- April 2007
- March 2007
- February 2007
- January 2007
- December 2006
- November 2006
- October 2006
- September 2006
- August 2006
- July 2006
- June 2006
- May 2006
Links from our blogroll
- Dirty Inspirations
- Balanced Athlete Blog
- SportMedBC
- ThatsFit.com
- Scott Jurek's Blog
- Running Planet
- Athlinks
- Sarthak.net
- Northern Colorado Track Club
- The Unforgiving Minute
- Cool Running
- RunFam (Anthony Famiglietti / "Run Like Hell")
- Marathon Rookie
- ING New York City Marathon
- SportNet
- MetaFilter
- Vancouver Falcons Athletics Club
- Gadgetell
- BlogTagStic
- Elite Running
© 2006-2008 The Final Sprint, LLC | Privacy Policy | Design by The Blog Studio
The Final Sprint, LLC is owned and operated by Adam Jacobs
On August 29, 2008
Ray Sharp said:
Ryan, Congrats to you on being a true world-class runner and leading the way for a resurgence of...