Ask The Experts

- Simon

Answer:
There are two devices that came out in 2000 that are pretty accurate and can save you all of the trouble of measuring you own runs. Both come with a foot pod that you connect to your running shoes. That foot pod measures the length and time of your stride, communicates it to a wristwatch you wear, and voila! The watch displays that distance you've run!

One device is made by a company called Fit Sense and the other by Nike. The Fit Sense device has a smaller foot pod (uses a watch battery) and is a bit lighter. It also is able to download the data to your computer, which is nice. The watch piece looks a bit bulky, but is light nonetheless. The Nike device has a bigger foot pod (uses AAA batteries), but the watch piece is more stylish.

In other words, for just running, the Fit Sense has more features (including the download), but if you plan to wear the watch around as well, then the Nike Device is better (it looks like a watch...).

You can find links to the Fitsense device and to RoadRunner Sports (for the Nike Device) with discounts on both products through the MarathonGuide.com Products Page

Both devices are quite accurate and fun - it's really nice to know how far you've gone.

Hope that helps and good luck with your training.

- John Elliott