Polar
Societal Implications
Much like the Garmin GPS tracker, Polar has a similar product in that we can now have the heart monitor as well as GPS tracker, mile logger, and pace calculator. It is intersting that our technology has so advanced that we can know what heart rate our bodies should be beating at to have the most effecient workout. This product stems off of that because you can set your target heart rates into the watch, and it will worn you whether you are too far above or below your target heart rate. This is intersting because running is no longer feeling out your own body, it is about listening to a machine, as our society strives to reach a more accurate "truth."
RS200SD Running Watch
This gadget runs about $230, but reading more about its features...has made this watch quickly climb to the top spot on my wish list. It has so many special features and options, one might be able to spend weeks playing with this watch. Some of its features include; Average heart rate during runs, calories burned, miles logged, as well as it keeps track of your target heart rate; and warns you when you are below or above it, and it also keeps track of calories burned over a series of workouts...so that you can keep track of a weeks worth of exercise as well as set goals for the weeks ahead!
To top it all off, it's waterproof, which is one issue I have been having with the Nike Running Set.
Polar S3 Stride Sensor set
When GPS no longer works inside, this is the thing to use to track your miles on the tread mil. One difference between this and the Garmin foot sensor is how the companies market its use. Polar says that with this device, runners can "analyze their stride to help improve your running technique. Receive highly consistent and accurate speed/pace, distance and cadence data." It might be interesting to find out how this really improves your running technique. Needless to say, it costs about $140 to find out.
