Tuesdays are "I Tried It Tuesdays" where I'll tell you about something I recently tried -- an item, a movie, an activity, etc.
Today's topic: Garmin Forerunner 205 wrist GPS
What it is: It's a little GPS receiver that you strap right onto your wrist, but it's not the kind of GPS that gives you directions, rather it records valuable information. Like mileage, your pace-per-mile, how many calories you've burned, how long you've been walking/running. It's sort of like an electronic pedometer (only waaaay cooler).
Who needs one? Anyone who does any type of fitness walking, running or biking and is interested in recording mileage without having to burn $4+ a gallon gasoline "driving the route" later to get the mileage.
Beyond basics: Beyond the basic functions I described above, the Garmin wrist-size GPS units also record each exercise session in the "history," can show elevation and can show you the route on a little map. If you're interested, you can hook it up to your PC and use the free software to keep detailed reports of your workouts. You can also train with a virtual partner -- and compete with a little runner right there on your GPS. Don't laugh..it's actually kind of fun and it makes you run faster!
Accuracy: I have the 205 and have found it to be extremely accurate when it comes to mileage, time, elevation. The only thing that isn't always accurate is the pace per mile. For the most part -- it's dead on, but sometimes...it's easily skewed if, say, I walk for a few yards.
Cost: You can get the Forerunner 205 for about $150. But, there are several models -- ranging from $100 to $350 -- depending on how many bells and whistles you want.
Where to get it? www.garmin.com or check eBay.com or your local sporting goods stores.
How it works? It receives signals from satellites in the sky. It's all very space-agey, but...if you're interested, here's a cool article that explains how GPS and GPS receivers work.
Outdoor sports only: Since these receivers rely on signals from the satellites you need a clear view of the sky. They do not work indoors.
Great for off-the-beaten-path trails: This is a handy gadget for hikers and trail runners who can often only guess what their mileage might be (since driving a car through a narrow, wooded path is not an option). With a wrist GPS, you can run all over God's earth, crisscrossing the country and it will keep track of every step with great accuracy.
Give it some time: If you buy one of these, you'll notice that it takes several minutes for it to get the satellite signal. Do what most runners do and stick your GPS receiver on your outdoor steps and let it catch the signal while you finish your pre-walk/run preparations. By the time you walk out the door, it will have the signal and be ready to go.
The rub: It's a little big -- particularly if you're a smaller woman -- it can be annoying. It's the size of a large men's sports watch and mine tends to rub my wrist bone when I sweat. If it bothers me, I just turn it under -- so the GPS face is on the inside of my arm.
Would I recommend it to a friend? I did, I have and I am.