Hills, Rocks, Sun, Sweat, and MotionBased GPS Mapping
I had an awesome hour run on Fowler Trail (and then on the fire road that goes to Golden – I don’t know the name of it) today. I love data, so I’ve been searching for a great watch / pedometer / HRM / web service solution for a year and I think I may have finally found it.
I’ve been running with a Fitsense watch for the past year which I liked, but didn’t love. I bought a Garmin Forerunner 201 and played with it some, but the Garmin software stunk (and wasn’t web based, so it ended up being stuck on one computer.) I was contacted by the folks from MotionBased a week ago and they set me up with an account. I dusted off my Forerunner 201 and – after three runs – am completely loving the combination of MotionBased and the 201. Since I do my training based on heart rate + time (vs. distance), I ordered a Forerunner 301 so that I’ll have a HRM.
Following is the run I did today.
It’s live data – you can click through on the View Activity link and you’ll get more data options (and get a feel for the kind of stuff that MotionBased keeps track of). The maps are awesome – you can play to your hearts content simulating your workout. I always thought the first part of Fowler was pretty steep, but it only gains 200 feet to the top. However, it’s a hilly run (and very rocky in the middle) so I gained (and lost) 1300 ft. over the 5.3 mile out and back run. An excellent way to massage the brain.
man this is sooooo cool.
I know you like gadgets too — so you got to look at the VTech IP 8100-2 Broadband Cordless Phone System. It only works with Vonage but I remember you saying that you used their service. Of course you may already have it.
I am still looking for a Macintosh based GPS solution. Years ago I bought an old Delorme based GPS with my Powerbook 5300 and it worked pretty well, but I’ve yet to purchase a standalone GPS unit for two reasons. 1) The previously stated lack of Mac OS X compatibility, and 2) the limited amount of memory in the current units for basemaps. The latter solution of course could be rectified with OS X compatibility.
I have each of my coaching clients use MotionBased for two reasons: 1) so I can see their terrain choices for the given workouts and 2) make sure that they’re not slacking off because I am not there looking at them. I can log in and check from anywhere. It’s super.
Hey I see you’re listening to Maroon 5. I honestly haven’t heard their stuff, but I did notice that Adam Levine from that group was featured on a track from Kanye West’s latest album Late Registration. Adam does backup vocals for the first track. Even if “hip-hop” isn’t typically your thing, I would really recommend giving it a try. Particularly from an entrepreneurial perspective, I tend to find a lot of rap music very inspiring.
Tom
awesome stuff, Brad. I am always looking for gadgets that combine my need for exercise with my love of electronic gizmos. Thanks for sharing.