Garmin Connect

So a fun part of having the Garmin Forerunner, is the fact I can link it up to the Garmin Connect website and analyze my run.  Yes, this was one aspect I had a bit of an issue setting up, but once I finally got the watch-computer-website to connect and start talking to each other, it's worked pretty smoothly.  

Once I finish a run, I just need to walk by my computer with the ANT+ stick in it and my watch on.  Then it takes a minute or two and uploads to the website.  While I have the map here blown out, it does get closer so you can see your route.  It was all the general information (distance, time, splits, etc...)

Personally, I've had a lot of fun with the heart rate information and the graphs.  Yes, there's nothing but a line on the elevation, but again, I live in Florida... it's flat.  You can definitely see where my walking times were (pretty even considering it's the Galloway plan) and even my heart rate somewhat follows.  What I'd actually love to figure out to do is place the heart rate info over the pace.  That could be cool to see.

I feel like I'm back in all of my science classes analyzing information. Just this time it's information about me and not plants, or ocean tides, or animals.

So yes, after having my watch for a few weeks, I'm still definitely enjoying the watch.  So far, it's been a good purchase (Thanks Dad).

First Thoughts: Garmin Forerunner 410

I recently decided to make up my mind and bought the Garmin Forerunner 410.  I've had it for the last few days and have only just started to really explore what it can/cannot do.  These are my first reactions to the 410:

Watch Size- It is a bit big for me, but then again I have some pretty bony wrists so I was already expecting it to be a bit big.

Watch Set Up- Considering I do have a technical writing background and a minor in Professional Writing for Business Communications, I found a few flaws in their instruction manual.  You usually want to put the note about charging the watch first on the first page, it was on page 5 or 7.  Other than that, both the manual and the watch set up aren't too bad.  It has a bezel that you use to change options and the watch helps you get used to that.  It does get a bit frustrating at times, but I also find it kind of fun.

Accessories- The watch comes with a heart rate monitor, charger, and a wireless USB that connects the watch to the computer (pictured above).  The charger was cool because it came with different wall plugs which I recognized for at least the US and Europe.  While I don't have any immediate plans to travel over seas quite yet (Come on runDisney... Paris race soon???), I could definitely see how helpful the different wall plugs could be.

My heart rate monitor worked well on my first run and it was fun to see how my heart rate changed throughout the run.  I know my Dad has had some issues, but who knows why his isn't working quite well.  The only thing I don't like is that so far I haven't found a way to open up the strap so it's a but of a pain to open up.

The ANT+ USB device is small and I can see how I could lose it so I'm a bit nervous about that.  I'm trying to figure out a way to make sure it's always somewhere I know it will be or some how connect it to my keys or something like that.  Otherwise, the device itself is just a USB stick, nothing super special.

Garmin Connect- So the watch uses this ANT+ software to connect the watch to the server where you can log and analyze all of you runs.  This is what caused me the most pain while setting up the watch.  It took me a few days, multiple times uploading the software and playing with the watch to finally get it to connect.  After that, it was fun looking at all my stats (Although my dad is annoyed that my altitude didn't really change... that's what he gets for still living in CA).  Hopefully it will connect a bit easier after my next run.  Technically all you have to do is walk by your computer if the ANT+ is on and it will upload the info.  Should be cool if there are no more issues.

First Run Review-  Overall, the watch was fine on my first run.  I started it, was able to keep an eye on it, and it worked out well.  The one thing I'm going to either have to figure out how to change or get used to is the pace.  Right now, the pace shows the current average, not the current real-time pace like Nike+ used to.  Again, that should really be something I need to get used to or I might be able to change.

Current Feelings- I like it and hopefully I'll end up loving it soon!

GPS Watches

I've been looking ahead at my training schedule and I've realized that I'm pretty sure my iphone isn't going to last some of these longer runs.  It barely lasts to 12 miles in the half marathons, but then again I'm usually texting, changing songs, and using a ton of apps at the same time.  Still, I've decided to start looking at some GPS enabled watches to use on my longer runs.

I've been surfing the web and looking at reviews, but the problem with reviews is you get a mix of good and bad and it always seems like the reviews are so mixed that it might as well be a toss up.  Maybe I'll get a great watch that will work wonderfully, maybe I'll get a shitty watch that I'll be constantly fighting with.

I had the good and the bad in one of my old watches, a Polar (can't remember the model number).  The heart rate monitor aspect was great.  The timing aspect was great (when are they not?), but the GPS unit was blocky and never calibrated correctly.  It was a pain in the ass pretty much.  I think it told me I ran 3 miles when I really ran 1 mile once... That threw up the red flag.

I've been leaning toward the Nike+ considering I already use the Nike+ app on my cell phone.  I am tracking the year's mileage on an excel sheet, but I have over 500 miles logged on Nike+.  In fact, in the next 70 or so miles I'll finally be leveling up!  So as you can see it's hard for me to completely let it go.  Still, I've seen spectacular reviews and then I've seen reviews where people have returned multiple devices so I'm just not sure.

It does get frustrating looking through reviews and I'm at that point where I'm just not sure where to turn.  I've reached out to some fellow runners, one of whom I really respect, and I'm hoping to get some suggestions from then.  I'm also reaching out to you guys... do any of you have any suggestions about watches?  Not looking for anything super fancy and I would love to keep it on the more financially reasonable side.

Review: The Runner's Rule Book

Part of the Runner's World Challenge is that you can pick 1 of 3 books about running.  The first one was like an encyclopedia about running, the second one about a man's triumphant return to running after being seriously wounded and told he would not be able to run again, and then there was the Runner's Rule Book: Everything A Runner Needs To Know- And Then Some.

Since I am not yet able to sign up for the challenge, I started investigating the books a little more and ended up buying the Runner's Rule Book for my kindle.  It was one of the best decisions I've made in the last week or so.  I do plan on getting the second book as well, but I have a few "fun" books I need to finish first.

Now, The Runner's Rule Book starts off with the most obvious of all rules when it comes to athletics... Have Fun.  But there are just some great abstract and hilarious rules that follow.   Mark Remy's sense of humor is pretty much thinly veiled sarcasm.  While he does have some serious rules and in put, he's also poking fun at generic rules, rumors, or overly serious runner rules.  

Here are a few of my favorites:

Rule 1.25- Love Your Tan Lines

Rue 1.34- Read The Sports section Backward

Rule 1.40- Good Runners Make Good Drivers

Rule 1.52- Run Like A Dog

Rule 2.29- Pretend You're British

Rule 2.32- Do Whatever It Takes To Finish Ahead Of A Costumed Runner
               Because being outkicked by Elmo is too much to bear.

There are the joking rules mixed in with the serious and there are even a few guidelines for packing and things like that.  So if you every find some time to yourself when you're not working, cleaning, or of course running; I would suggest picking up a copy.

Product Review: Jillian Michael's Banish Fat, Boost Metabolism DVD

Coming from years of swimming competitively and then a few years competing in triathlons, I understand the importance of cross training.  It is something that really should be worked in to everyone's training routine in my opinion.  Every sport is great for something... running is great for cardio, weight lifting for muscle growth and toning, and swimming for maintaining your shape and increasing lung capacity.  If you want all of the results, then you have to work at all of the sports.  It's the simple

Since I'm now mostly running and walking, I've looked into doing some circuit training and light weight work outs in order to keep up with my cross training and to stay in shape in general.  I have race goals in running and toning goals in life as well.  So as part of my training I've been using Jillian Michael's DVD's. I've used two in the past; her "Banish Fat, Boost Metabolism" and "No More Trouble Zones".  Considering I haven't worked with the trouble zone DVD in a while, I'm going to review her "Banish Fat, Boost Metabolism DVD".

Jillian Michael's DVD, all rights are hers.

Jillian Michael's has kick boxing in her history and it shows in this DVD.  A lot of the routines are throwing punches or kicks.  It really makes it a lot of fun because you can visualize all your frustration and kick some invisible ass!  I've always been interested in kick boxing and so I think the video is a lot of fun.  While the work out is fun it's still hard.  You have to be prepared to sweat.  I'm usually sweating by the end of the 2nd circuit, if not before that.

What does the workout consist of?
A warm up, 7 circuits, and a cool down.  Each circuit consists of 5 activities and you go through the entire circuit twice.

What do you need?
You, the mindset that you will get it done, a towel because you will be sweating, and some water.

What's the intensity level?
I would estimate it to be around an intermediate/advanced level.  However, Jillian does talk about how to alter some of the exercises to make them easier or harder.  My shoulder is still hurting and so I put my knees down during a push-up-like exercise.  She also showed you how to make it harder by lifting one foot while doing the same exercise.

The good?
The workout definitely makes you work and you feel it.  You might be painfully sore after the first one, but usually you're just sweaty with the shadows of soreness in some muscles.  You can also do the workout anywhere because you don't need anything.  I've been keeping the DVD in my computer and just setting it up where I can do my workout.  It's great for rainy days when you can't run or get to the gym or run or if you don't have a gym membership or any weights with you.

The bad?
You have to have the right mindset to complete the DVD.  It does feel like it is super wrong and is taking forever, but that's part of doing a workout by yourself with no one else around.  Like I said earlier, you have to have the right mindset to get through it.  I personally don't like the music so I usually have my ipod on for music of the TV on next to it so I have something else to hold my attention and get me through the workout.  The best solution? Find a workout buddy to do it with you and then make some smoothies or have some other after workout snack together.

Overall, I really love my Jillian Michael DVD's.  I've had the Fat Burner and the Trouble Zones for about 2 years and have done them spontaneously these last couple of years.  I am working on doing them more.  I was thinking about focusing on one video a week that way I never get bored of one video and I change up the workout so I can shake up my muscle's memory.

I have also ordered 3 new DVD's from Jillian Michaels.  They should be getting here within the next week and I'll be getting into each one as soon as I can.  The "Ripped in 30" is on its way and I'm still waiting for "Yoga Meltdown" and "6 Week Six-Pack" to be shipped.  I'm getting excited though!

I'll review the new videos, as well as Trouble Zones as I work through them again.  I'll also be reviewing running apps and some workout items that are my personal favorites.

As a note: I am not a personal trainer, nor do I consider myself an expert on any level when it comes to sports equipment or workouts.  These are just my opinions of the items I use in my workout.  Try them out for yourself if you're interested, if not, ignore them.