If you have paid any attention to cool, new fitness gadgets, you know that Polar is one brand that just keeps on popping up. Polar is a leader in heart rate monitoring, known for creating highly-advanced training management systems for athletes of all types. Now, the company has come out with the most advanced and versatile of them all -- the Polar RS800CX.

This device records your route using GPS technology, and it's compatible with Polar's range of W.I.N.D. running, cycling, and GPS sensors so you can track speed as well as distance, no matter what your terrain.

It's also designed with the multi-sport athlete in mind. Many of us don't just go for a run -- we run, bike, swim, rollerblade, and more. The RS800CX allows you to change your data from miles per hour to minutes per mile (pace), so you can always get the appropriate data for your training. Then, you can combine all the data from the different sports into one file, seeing where you're working hard, what you could put more effort into, and then congratulate yourself on how great you are!

Source

I don't know about you, but I tend to find one good running route wherever I live and stick with it. I might have variations on it -- right now I have a four-miler that can easily be made into a six- or a two-miler with little modification -- but if I'm happy with my route, I don't usually go out of my way to find something new.

And that, my friends, is boring. There are a million things to see here! There are wooded areas and the University of Florida and all kinds of gorgeous and interesting neighborhoods, but do I make an effort to run through them? No! And why not? Because I don't know a specific route, so I don't know how far I'll have to run, and I'm a dork who likes to know these things ahead of time.

Now I have no excuse. With Run.com I can plug in my city and find a bunch of cool new running routes, all with mileage listed and a description. In Gainesville, there are 16 routes listed (and I might just have to list my boring old route, too).

Source

Got some get-up-and-go this morning? Great. Now put on those running shoes, strap on your iPod, and do whatever it is you do to prep for your fancy fitness routine. Whatever you do, just make sure you do it outdoors -- and with a trash bag.

You are about to embark on an eco-running journey. The concept, started by Samuel Huber of Milwaukee, is simple: Just hang on to that bag and pick up any trash you encounter along your exercise route. Huber wants runners to combine their passion -- running -- with a purpose -- cleaning up the environment. He's sure it will make a difference. According to treehugger.com, studies show that by cleaning up an area you remove the incentive to contribute to its mess.

If you're not a runner, have no fear. You can still pick up litter while you walk, rollerblade, skateboard, or hike. Use your imagination. Just don't forget the trash bag.

Source