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March 13, 2005
So, I've been running again
I've missed it, and now that things have finally settled into a managable order, I've gotten back to running. Kimberly got me a Forerunner 201 GPS wrist trainer. It's very cool, as it tracks speed, distance, laps, and presents it all in a small package.
The 201 has a serial port, and you can download some free software to view all your data on the PC. But, the instructions are very lacking, so here's a tip, you have to download both the "forerunner logbook" AND the "foreAthlete logbook" software. The forerunner logbook updates the 201's firmware. The foreAthelete logbook is the actual PC software used to view and export the data. It isn't at all clear on the website, believe me. I spent about 20 minutes trying to figure out what I was missing.
Perhaps the coolest thing is that once you get the software downloaded, it can export the run data into an XML format. And of course, someone has already made it so that you can import track data and view it on actual satellite survey map.
So, I'm not nearly in the shape I was when I ran the marathon last year, so don't laugh when you see the data from my latest run (I walked at least 1/2 mile).
Here's the logbook software in action:
Now, here's that data, imported and overlayed ontop of USAPhotoMaps:
Pretty neat, eh?
So other than the poor instructions associated with the device (not just on the website), my only big complaint is that it doesn't have a heart monitor...of course, the new 301 DOES. I'm just not ready to shell out the $$$ to upgrade the one I just got!
Posted by SunSword at March 13, 2005 11:26 PM