Complete Running Network » GPS & Mapping

Featured Web Site: Is Bones In Motion (BiM) ‘The Final Frontier’ for Tracking Your Runs?

Mark Iocchelli — Fri, 16 Mar 2007 11:20:00 +0000

If a runner from the 70′s running boom was magically transported through time to present day, I’m sure he or she would be astounded at all the technological options we runners have for tracking our every footstep.

It wasn’t long ago when, if we wanted to figure out how far we were running, we’d have to do things like:

count city blocks (which meant we’d have to run in mostly straight lines!)
drag around a mechanical distance measuring device like the ones engineers and surveyors use and measure out a route
drive our intended route and measure it with our vehicle’s odometer

All of these options were cumbersome and limiting in various ways. Most notably, if we wanted to accurately know how far we were running (what runner doesn’t?) they required us to measure out and stick to those routes. For better or worse, we were hopelessly tied to our chosen paths. In spite of these problems we made do and, not only that, we were even able to figure out how fast we were running using a lost art/science I think we used to call “mathematics”.

And then some pretty revolutionary products started to come out. I remember the first time running alongside a friend with his brand-new Timex BodyLink system (a GPS equipped speed+distance monitor). Wow. That was terrific! We could go pretty much anywhere (look Ma, no more set route!) and know how far and fast we were going – all in real time. Several other companies got into the game with their own products: Garmin with it’s now famous Forerunner products, Polar (my system of choice) with it’s ultra-durable line of speed+distance+heart rate monitors, and many other companies.

Flash forward only a few years and many of these products have integrated with now taken for granted services like Google Maps that not only tell you how far you ran, but exactly where you ran. Could it get any better?

Yup.

In the last year or so, Apple and Nike teamed up to integrate the too cute iPod Nano with a footpod and a tremendous Web service. The outcome: Music + voice prompts + speed + distance monitoring and a kick-butt Web site where you can upload your data and compete with other runners and even teams of runners. Wow.

But, are we done evolving?

Nope.

Bones in Motion (BiM)—today’s featured website—takes things in another direction. It merges yet another kind of technology into the world of tracking your runs—it merges the technology included in your GPS phone. I think this kind of system might just be a no-brainer for a lot of runners—especially runners who like the security of carrying a cell phone and who would rather not carry other devices when they run.

So, exactly what does BiM do? Well, a lot:

because it is GPS enabled, it records where you run and the elevation of your runs
using your phone, you can upload your run data where it can be analyzed for speed, distance, elevation and more
integrates with Google Maps
you can make/answer calls while your run data is being recorded
if your phone is equipped to play mp3′s, you can listen to them while it is tracking your run
integration of BiM tracking stats into your blog!

BiM does a lot more than that and it looks like they’re working on adding even more. Please take a look at their video demo and read their FAQ for more information.

So, is Bones in Motion the Final Frontier for tracking your runs? I’m not sure but it sure seems to be a great step toward it – and it’s a nice alternative for runners who might be looking for something a little different.
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Note: BiM may not be available in your area. Check their Web site for details.

Retail Therapy: Pocket Tote Workout Bag, by Hat Attack

Runner Susan — Wed, 21 Feb 2007 13:00:07 +0000

Why should your gym bag be boring? Take a look at this one available at Lucy, it has plenty of room for your running shoes, water bottles, a change of clothes and any other essential marathon gear. It’s also great for those spontaneous weekend getaways. And with spring on the way, this pattern will blend right in. It’s lightweight and durable. Check your bag with style.

Available at Lucy, $58.00. Size: 17″ tall x 19″ wide x 5″ deep.

Go on, live a little! You deserve it.

Adeo Attitude

Dennis Fisher — Thu, 01 Feb 2007 13:00:49 +0000

I’ve spent the last several weeks testing a clever little device called the Adeo, a combination GPS receiver/chronograph that works with any MP3 player, and I love it. The idea may sound familiar, but I believe that the folks behind the Adeo have it all over the Nike + iPod system. If you’re in the market for a device like this, I’d put the Adeo at the top of the list.

The Adeo is about the size and shape of a package of Chicklets, and probably weighs less at 2.1 ounces. You can either use it alone or in conjunction with an MP3 player, and once it’s set up, it’s amazingly simple to use. As you start your workout, the Adeo begins tracking your time and distance and announces your elapsed time, total distance covered, elevation above sea level, calories burned and current pace every quarter mile. It also has the ingenious capability to sense when you’ve stopped for a few seconds, like at an intersection, and automatically pauses your workout.

After your workout, you can connect the Adeo to any PC or Mac via a USB connection and upload your data using the included MotionTrak software. The application is intuitive and blessedly simple to use and also gives you the option of storing your workouts on the company’s servers so you can see aerial views of your running routes and keep an online training log. The Adeo can hold up to 10 hours of workout data, so you don’t have to go through this process but once a week or less if you choose.

In practice, there are a few minor drawbacks to using the Adeo. If you’re using it with an MP3 player, as I did with an iPod Mini, you are compelled to wear a fairly large neoprene belt that has slots in the back for the Adeo and the MP3 player. The belt is much like the water-bottle carriers many runners use on long runs, and it shares their annoying tendency to ride up and end up under your rib cage after a few minutes.

The other problem I encountered was with the battery. The Adeo has a rechargeable lithium ion cell, which the company says has a life of six hours after a charge of four to six hours. However, several times I went for runs of an hour or a little more and by the next day, the battery was completely dead. Having to charge the battery after every run got to be a bit much.

But overall the Adeo was simple to use and the GPS receiver worked in a number of areas where my standalone GPS watch often loses its connection with the satellites. At $149 the Adeo isn’t cheap. But when you consider that an iPod Nano and the required Nike + kit cost $230 minimum, the price doesn’t seem out of line.

Give it a look and I think you’ll be impressed.

Safety: Nike + iPod Sportkit Surveillance?

Aaron Engelsrud — Fri, 01 Dec 2006 17:02:10 +0000

The University of Washington School of Computer Science and Engineering recently proved that the new Nike/iPod Sport Kit can be used in covert surveillance activities. In an article titled Devices That Tell On You: The Nike+iPod Sport Kit the author shows that with a little know how and ingenuity the Nike foot pod can be used for surveillance – even without the iPod in use.

The article quickly outlines what the technology is, how it works and what could have been done to prevent malicious use. However, the authors quickly point out the following:

We stress, however, that there is no evidence that Apple or Nike intended for these devices to be used in any malicious manner. Additionally, neither Apple nor Nike endorsed this study.

In the end, I don’t think this is really a big issue. The concept and thought behind the study is important, security in technology is something we all need to pay more attention to. But, the range of the foot pod is 60 feet – not very far. Plus, the foot pod does not contain any personal information – no name, social security number, or birth date. Nothing really helpful. I guess you could be easily tracked going in and out of doors or locations, but even that provides no real personal information. The government will not be tracking your exercise from an illicit satellite in constant orbit over your home town. Also, if you see someone with a black wand like device following you around scanning your feet, be wary.

Bottom-line, simple security precautions eliminate any issues. Turn off the foot pod when not in use for running. Or take it out of your shoe all together. It can’t be tracked if it’s not there.

Keep running!

Gettin’ In Gear

Running Chick — Mon, 16 Oct 2006 15:27:23 +0000

Runners often cite “affordability” as one of the reasons they are initially attracted to the sport. For the most part, the lack of equipment necessary to run translates to a minimum financial investment. A pair of running shoes usually does the trick.

Of course, it’s probably more comfortable to run in shorts and a t-shirt rather than jeans and a button-down, so some type of gear becomes necessary. Running can be as affordable or as expensive as your budget, and imagination, will allow.

Where are some places to go to find gear? Running Chick has put together a quick list of different types of places to get your gear—simple, fancy or otherwise:

Local Running Store/Local Bike Shop/Local Sporting Goods Store

It always pays to buy local and support your hometown community. If you are new to the area, check the Internet or your local phone book for listings, or ask around at the gym, the office, church, school, etc.

Runners might be surprised to find that the local bike shop often has nutrition and hydration products that can be used for both disciplines.

Off-Price Stores

Places like TJ Maxx, TK Maxx (UK), Marshall’s, Ross, Winners, etc., will often have running apparel tucked in to their “active” clothing racks. It may take some persistence and patience to find something, but the deal will make it worthwhile.

TJ Maxx

Winners (Canada)

Big Name Stores

Even if you don’t have one of these stores in your area, you can shop online and get the same (or better) deals as in the store.

Dick’s Sporting Goods

Mountain Equipment Co-op (Canada)

Nike factory stores

Lucy: Women’s active wear

Target

Walmart

Online Retailers

Remember to check out the clearance pages on these sites!

National Running Center

Road Runner Sports

Campmor

RnJ Sports

Nashbar: Biking (check hydration/nutrition sections)

Performance Bike: Biking (check hydration/nutrition sections)

eBay

Race Expos

This is a great place to try on the gear you see in the catalogs and magazines. For example, if you have been wanting a Fuel Belt but aren’t sure which size would be comfortable for you, you can test it out at the Expo!

You’ll also find local businesses at the Expos too. You may uncover a gem you didn’t know existed.

Other Tips

There are sites like Bizrate that can help you compare shoes prices.
If you are having trouble finding the shoes you want, check with the manufacturer directly. For example, one runner bought trail shoes from Inov8 and was directed to Schnee‘s as a retailer.
Always look in the “clearance” section—at stores and online.
Shop the seasons in the off-season. Buy your summer gear in the fall when it’s marked down to sell quickly.
Once you find something you like, buy more than one.
If you are ordering online, consider combining your order with that of a runner-friend and save on shipping costs!

What are your favorites? Feel free to share your favorite stops for gear in the comment section.

Poll: Tracking the Love, Part II: And the Winner Is …

Runner Susan — Mon, 09 Oct 2006 15:30:47 +0000

I was pleasantly surprised to discover that I’m not the only one who has inappropriate feelings about their Garmin Forerunner. An astonishing 48 percent of the readers who voted on the GPS poll at CRN use some version of the Garmin Forerunner. Several of you have even lovingly named (and secretly caressed) yours. And for those of us who have a need to simplify and analyze our runs, the Forerunner is a dream.

In contrast to those who love to analyze, a fairly large group of CRN runners (18 percent), use no form of tracking. And while I have absolutely no mental capacity to understand such nonsense, I envy the free-spirited group who step out the door and run just to run. Although, I suspect this is the same group of runners who secretly measure the distance with their car.

But whether you are in a car or using an online pedometer, there are many tracking tools out there. Dianna, the Running Chick, uses the Nike Triax and claims it is as accurate as any other running gadget. Jessica, from SoCal Trail Girl, swears by the Nike + iPod Sports Kit. Mark, the Running Blogfather, uses a Polar with its top-end running computer. He says that once it’s calibrated it is unbelievably accurate—and does the laundry.

The Forerunner may not do the laundry, but it does provide many beneficial push-button functions to aid runners in getting the most out of training. The main features include distance tracking, wireless heart-rate monitoring, lap recording, and calories burned. A new feature on the 305 models even allows you to download courses to compare and compete against previous workouts. Bob, from A Running Destination, says “I know for a fact I train smarter and set more realistic goals having this feedback.”

The Forerunner also comes with a feature called the Virtual Partner. I have to admit, I am intrigued by this function. The Virtual Partner lets your train against a digital person at any specified time or goal. Set it to race against your personal best or a virtual Michael Johnson. Personally, I’d use mine to boost my ego and set it so I’d always win. Yes, technology can be a wonderful thing. It can also be not so wonderful. Katy in Australia, says “I often run where satellites can’t find me. I get really annoyed that my pixel-self stops to pant while my virtual trainer passes me. I resent that.”

With all the built-in features, the masses are right, you can’t beat the Garmin Forerunner as a training tool. But a tool it is. Whether it’s running for fun or to qualify for that big race let your body decide what works best for you.

Now, if we can just get the Forerunner to vibrate …

The 25 Best Running Product Innovations

Aaron — Tue, 03 Oct 2006 15:30:33 +0000

Running has come along way since 1000 B.C. Many running products that we use everyday have become quite commonplace and even taken for granted. This post is a “dedication” to the great running products that were invented and produced to make our sport that much more enjoyable. Please, in the comments, add to my list any innovative running gear that you feel is missing!

The running shoe
Body lubrication (e.g. BodyGlide and Vaseline)
Technical material for shirts, shorts, and hats. ( e.g. Coolmax and DryZone)
The running bra
Reflective material, e.g. 3M and IllumiNITE
Lycra and Spandex material
Portable music (e.g. tape, cd, mp3 players)
The chronograph (stopwatch)
The heart rate monitor
GPS and other distance/pace tracking systems
Water bottle carrier (belt)
Ibuprofen
The running baby stroller
Yak-trax
The fuel belt
Power drinks, power gels, energy bars, recovery drinks, etc.
Insulated underwear
Running socks
Sweat proof sunscreen
Lip balm
Running knee and ankle braces
Running sunglasses
The hair elastic (my wife wanted that on the list)
Hydration packs (e.g. Camelbak packs)
Nip-guards and Band-aids

Poll: Tracking the Love (Part I)

Runner Susan — Wed, 20 Sep 2006 18:22:59 +0000

Last December I received my very first (and only) Garmin GPS. It changed the way I ran. Before and after each run I lovingly stroke it against my cheek. I would sell my soul in the blink of an eye to always have mine by my side. That is how much I love my Garmin.

But loved or unloved, there are many types of tracking devices to provide feedback to runners on running time, distance, heart rate, pace, and calories burned. And, in a shameless attempt to take advantage of technology while at the same time provide readers with information regarding these devices, I need you to
show me the love.

Vote here and let us know what tracking device you use and why. Be sure and check back next week for results and more information about tracking devices for runners. The more you tell, the more electronic devices I can exploit. Let the exploitation begin.

Note: If the poll does not respond (hangs), please click on the title of this post and try again.

[poll=3]

Why? (leave me a comment)