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Lead Stories: Tuesday, October 14, 2008

TFS Review: Suunto Running Pack (T3, HRM, and Foot POD)

Posted May 4th, 2007 at 9:23 AM by Paul Petersen

Section: Gear & Apparel, Gadgets & Acces., Product Reviews, Special Features, TFS Reviews

Product: Suunto Running Pack (T3, HRM, and Foot POD)
Price: $269.99
Rating: Good 6.7/10.0
Pros: Accurate, stable HR monitor; POD is non-obtrusive and lightweight; POD works indoors and outdoors in any terrain or tree cover; 15-day training log built into T3 watch; Training Effect is great concept.
Cons: T3 watch is difficult to use with a steep learning curve; Need to continually recalibrate food POD; Foot POD accuracy can be variable, especially if position on shoe has shifted.
Overall: This is a nice concept, as the accelerometer (POD) will work indoor/outdoor and with any sky visibility, unlike GPS units. The heart-rate monitor is among the best I’ve ever used, and is in itself a great product. However, the T3 watch is not user-friendly. In addition, although sometimes the speed/distance readings are extremely accurate, too often they become systematically erroneous. The Suunto Running Pack would be a good buy for those who do a lot of indoor or trail running and/or want a training log within the watch itself. Others may want to consider adding Suunto’s GPS POD and/or just opt for a completely GPS-based training device.

In the growing world of athletic speed/distance monitoring, runners are presented with two primary choices: GPS units (ie - Garmin 305, Timex Bodylink, MotionLingo Adeo) or accelerometers (ie - Suunto Foot POD, Polar Foot Pod, Nike+iPod). I have trained with several different fitness GPS units and had variable success, and “foot pods” provide an intriguing alternative because they can be used indoors, under any sky condition, and boast of potentially high accuracy. I had the opportunity to try out the Suunto Running Pack (T3, HRM, and Foot POD), and put it to the test over three rigorous weeks of training.
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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.
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TFS Review: MotionLingo’s Adeo GPS Fitness Trainer

Posted February 12th, 2007 at 10:00 AM by Paul Petersen

Section: Gear & Apparel, Gadgets & Acces., Product Reviews, Special Features, TFS Reviews

MotionLingo’s Adeo has garnered much attention this year as an innovative GPS-based fitness trainer that not only tracks your speed and distance, but also accommodates full integration with any mp3 player.

I have run with many other GPS products, but the Adeo is the first to provide workout feedback via audio messages rather than a visual watch interface. This sounded like a great idea to me right off the bat and I enjoyed putting putting the Adeo to the test.

Product: MotionLingo Adeo Fitness Trainer
Price: $149.95
Rating: Good 7.1/10.0
Pros: Hands-free GPS updates; Works with all mp3 players; Lightweight; Considerably more affordable than other GPS units, Easy to configure workouts and view data; Rapidly-evolving online training log; Affordable cost compared to other fitness GPS units; Multisport support; Excellent, frequently updated software package
Cons: Often takes several minutes to connect with satellites; Unstable, GPS connection could be improved; Small, unresponsive buttons
Overall: The Adeo is a very innovative and exciting concept; one that true audiophiles will want to immediately add to their running rig. However, others may want to wait for the next generation of Adeos (to be released later this spring) because like most first generation products, there are a few issues (i.e. - GPS performance) that could use an upgrade.

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Nike+ rids itself of the iPod with new Nike Speed+

Posted January 17th, 2007 at 6:52 PM by Doug Berger

Section: Gear & Apparel, Gadgets & Acces.

If you’re an avid runner, then the Nike+iPod system certainly caught your attention and you may even be a user. Well, what if you could take the iPod out of the picture? Nothing officially has been announced yet, but a visitor to the Nike Store Europe website snapped a screenshot of a new Nike product called Nike Speed+, just before it was removed form the site. Luckily, our sister site Gadgetell picked up on the news.

The wrist-watch can will be able to wirelessly receive distance, pace, and other data from the same old Nike+ sensor that came with your Nike+iPod kit - minus the iPod part, of course. The device will also give users the option to upload the data it captures to nikeplus.com probably for charts and graphs of your pace and such. It is unknown if there will be an accessory for receiving audio updates.
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TFS Podcast 2: Interview with MotionLingo’s Jeff Lovejoy

Posted January 15th, 2007 at 7:00 AM by Adam Jacobs

Section: Special Features, Interviews, Podcasts

This week I had the opportunity to interview Jeff Lovejoy, President and Founder of MotionLingo. Jeff spoke with me about the creation of MotionLingo’s Adeo Fitness Trainer; the first GPS-enabled training device to provide audio updates during your workout.

We also discussed The Final Sprint’s hands-on review of the Adeo and my plans to put it to the test by running with it throughout a spring half-marathon. Download the podcast to learn more about the Adeo, their MotionTrak training log and what the future holds for MotionLingo.

Listen In
[MP3] Direct Download (Right click, select save as).
[RSS] Add The Final Sprint Podcast RSS feed to your RSS reader to have the show delivered to you

Host: Adam Jacobs
Guest: Jeff Lovejoy
Producer: Greg Cherniet
Music: Ryan Ahlwardt & Darnell Perkins
File size: 13.5MB
Length: 00:19:42

Interested in featuring The Final Sprint Podcast on your site, blog or My Space page? Click here to learn how!

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Relax and run “NAKED”!

Posted January 11th, 2007 at 4:00 PM by Paul Petersen

Section: Running & Training, Motivation

I have an odd habit. I try to run naked once a week. By “naked”, I actually mean “without a watch”.

We runners love our gadgets, and the sports watch is the grandaddy of all running accessories. Many of us literally feel naked without one. Take my iPod, GPS, HR monitor, and hydration pack - but leave me my watch!
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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).

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TFS Re-Launch Contest #2:
Adeo GPS Fitness Trainer

Posted December 12th, 2006 at 5:09 PM by Adam Jacobs

Section: Announcements, Gear & Apparel, Gadgets & Acces., Special Features, Sweepstakes

Thanks for your great responses to the first contest in The Final Sprint’s Re-Launch Celebration. The lucky winners of the sports watches have been notified. For everyone who didn’t win, don’t worry because you still have plenty of chances to snag a prize . . . and that starts right now!

Over the last few months, you, our loyal readers, have really helped us take The Final Sprint to the next level. To say thank you, we decided to focus this week’s giveaway contest on helping you reach new heights and realize your own goals.

That’s why we teamed up with our friends at MotionLingo and will be giving 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. It’s GPS That TALKS To You!

TO ENTER: All you have to do is submit your favorite motivational quote in the form below — click here to enter.
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Suunto’s Marathon Pack: The complete gadget set for the distance runner in your family

Posted November 25th, 2006 at 7:00 AM by Afton Cohen

Section: Gear & Apparel, Gadgets & Acces.

Stumped as to what to buy the runner and tech enthusiast in your family this Christmas? Look no further. Suunto has now added a complete companion bundle for endurance athletes, the Suunto Marathon Pack, to their product line-up. Everything your runner needs to train, maintain, and improve; while also fulfilling his love for gadgets - the marathon pack has a lot of potential. The pack includes the stylish Suunto t4 running computer / watch with ANT belt, the Suunto foot POD and the Suunto PC POD.

Let’s have a closer look . . . Read the rest of this entry »

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One of the best concepts of the year: Adeo Fitness Trainer by MotionLingo

Posted November 21st, 2006 at 2:00 PM by Jennifer Lipman

Section: Gear & Apparel, Gadgets & Acces.

Ever dreamed of having your own personal trainer or running coach that would work around your schedule, not cost a fortune and help you reach your goals? Well the concept behind the new Adeo Fitness Companion by Motion Lingo might just bring those dreams into reality.

Motion Lingo is a new and exciting company that specializes in GPS-enabled fitness products. The company’s flagship product is the ADEO (a-dee-oh), a device that’s about the size of the iPod mini and weighs only 2 ounces.

It automatically fades the music from your MP3 player to give you audible and programmed updates and then turns your music back up. These updates keep you motivated and informed on your progress; reporting on your pace, elevation, distance ran, calories burned, lap time and total elapsed time. The Adeo also keeps you updated on the battery status, time of day and your peak pace during the workout. Read the rest of this entry »

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