Archive for May 7th, 2008

A growing concern among many people in the world is the quality of health and physical training. As it gets easier to eat more and exercise less, it has become vital that individuals have access to a variety of tools to make training as systematic and easy as possible. Due to this, investing in a GPS running watch can make a large difference to runners and joggers, as well as to those who need a physical training program to recover from surgery or disease.

Before you purchase your own GPS watch for fitness running, you need to make certain that you understand how they work and how they can help you. In order to do this, you should know about the functions of the basic GPS wrist watch. In the most basic form, a runners GPS watch is nothing more than a stop watch and a hand held unit mixed into one. More advance systems possess functions such as heart rate monitor, performance indicators, distance meters and much more. This variance between the base models and the more advanced units allows you to purchase the exact type of unit that you need in order to improve the quality of your health and lifestyle.

Select the Right Watch for You

If you are a beginning runner, or someone just beginning physical training, you will want to investigate units such as the Garmin Forerunner 101. This unit is one of the more basic ones available, not only having an affordable price tag, but enough features where a beginning runner can adapt to the tool while receiving many of the benefits. The Timex Navman II is also a beginners watch, sporting similar functions to the Forerunner 101.

For intermediate to advance users, the Garmin Forerunner 201 has many features that the 101 lacks. Most notably, the 201 allows routes to be determined into the device, allowing long distance runners to expand their running areas safely. By providing all of the heart rate sensors, virtual running partner as well as distance and speed calculators, the device has everything the professional runner, jogger or triathlete needs in order to get into the best shape possible. With the ability to review daily or weekly histories for a period of two years, the progress of the owner of the watch can be accurately followed. This is highly important, especially for those who need to keep a constant eye on health matters.

For those who need a GPS running watch to improve health due to disease, illness or surgery, the features of the advanced systems could never be more important. As recovering from any health issue can be difficult, having the ability to chart progress and set reachable goals is important for being successful in building physical fitness.

Training Techniques

When you purchase a GPS running watch, there are several different methods that you can use to raise your level of endurance and speed and time. As there are many watches available, you will want to select the one that has all of the features required to make use of the method safely.

The first method method involves setting a daily goal based on distance. If you desire to be a long distance runner, this method would be good for you. Each day, you will want to set a minimum distance to run. If you eventually desire to run 20 miles in one day, you would start running one mile a day for a set period of time. Many use a week or two, so they can adjust to running. Then, after that initial period of time, another mile would be added. As you grow more capable of running the mile, the number of miles you add after each time frame may vary. Once you have reached the distance you want, you would begin training yourself using the second method so that you can pace while being able to reach the distance that you desire.

The first method requires that the GPS running watch has full distance based features, as well as position tracking capabilities. As long distance running usually involves leaving your neighborhood or running through parks and other natural areas, you will want to be able to find your way back to civilization if you make an incorrect turn.

The second method runners use to improve their physical fitness is to try to beat a pace. Instead of a specific distance in a day, the runner will try to run a certain speed every day, gradually lengthening the distance and lowering the time it takes to get there. This method is suitable for short distance runners, as well as cross country runners who need to work on their speed rather than their distance.

The second method requires a good speed/timing watch as well as pacing features. Garmin’s virtual runner companion is perfect for this style of training, as the virtual runner will help make certain that you stay on pace.

The third method is for those who need a slower start. Instead of running distance or beating a pace, joggers using this method will jog for a certain period of time per day while keeping careful track of their heart rate. This method is the slowest of the most popular methods, but is by far the safest for those with known health issues. An important part of physical training is to exert yourself without injury. By tracking heart rates and limiting the amount of time that you are jogging, you can slowly build up muscle tone and endurance without stressing your body. Jogging five to ten minutes a day while maintaining specific heart rates is suggested, while slowly adding more minutes as your body adapts to being able to handle the stresses of running.

The third method requires that the GPS unit has a heart rate monitor, pacing functions and distance calculators. This combination is important for following the progress of this type of runner. The mother health oriented features available in a watch, the more effective it will be when this method of training is used.

When you purchase your GPS running watch, you will want to purchase from one of the primary GPS and watch making manufacturers. Garmin, Timex, Magellan and Casio all have watches that are suitable for use with one of the three above methods.

If you are serious about starting an intensive training program, you will want to contact a professional trainer. The methods suggested in this article should be used carefully, and only within the limits of your ability. The information provided by the GPS runner watch should never take the place of medical exams and check ups given by professional doctors.

About the Author

Rebecca Blain is a professional and hobbyist writer who enjoys taking care of her fish and educating people about GPS watches for joggers and quality GPS receivers at http://www.everything-gps.com


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Fishing In Alaska - A Dream Come True

Posted by boyberm on May 7th, 2008

Fishing in Alaska is a dream come true for many an angler. The air and environment is clear and beautiful. The water is sparkling and what lies in that water is what has hundreds of people flocking to the state for the best fishing of their life. It is not unheard of to land a 35 pound King Salmon here and you will be amazed at the fish that are teaming in the waters.

In fact, you can catch that king salmon at up to weights of 50 pounds! You’ll also find huge fish including halibut, northern pike, Graylings, shiner perch, sturgeon, herring, and many, many more. Cod, walleye, flounder, crabs and shrimp are just teaming for you.

As for where to find them, you will need to check out the southeast region of Alaska. There are many locations to fish here and you can target just the fish species you are after. This is a warmer winter area of Alaska as well. But, still summers are cool and excellent for getting halibut on the move. Salmon migrate here to spawn and you’ll find a wide range of trout here too. Head to the locations between Bristol Bay and Cooper River where you’ll find many fish. You can also fish the coastal waters for halibut and ocean fish.

Make sure to check out Lower Cook Inlet. This is a popular location where you will be able to find Dolly Varden, a type of salmon. You’ll also find trout too in this area. You can dig for clams or fish for halibut and salmon off the coast. Another excellent location is in the Western and arctic regions. You’ll catch your fill of trout, pike, graylings, char and burbot here.

What To Take With You

Of course you will need your rods, freshwater and saltwater depending on where you head. Make sure to take twice as much tackle than you think you’ll need. Flies, weights, lures, a net, fishing line of several types, as well as pliers, waders, maps, and a compass are also necessary. Make sure to stock your first aid kit and include enough water in case you can leave the fish! For clothing, don’t forget you are in Alaska and you do need warm clothing, a fishing vest, sunglasses, hiking books, bug repellent and sunscreen. Check on getting the right fishing licenses too. Don’t forget your camera because these are truly some amazing locations not to mention the size of fish you’ll catch!

For bait, take a wide range of live bait. This could be prawns, night crawlers, crayfish, and razor fish. Look for frozen baits too. In artificial, take with you a wide range including lures, flies, streamers, spoons and spinners. Go for natural bit from the area if you can. You’ll find plenty of locations to purchase it in the area and of course you can find your own if you like. Don’t over bait though.

When heading off to fish in Alaska, it’s often wise to take with you a professional or to book a tour. These individuals can help you find the hidden locations where your fish are lurking. And, they can make sure that you see some of the best fish out there. Take the time to check out a few locations online and insure the organization’s quality. Then, head to the beautiful Alaskan country to get in some of the best fishing of your life.

Niall is a keen fisherman who is always looking at new tools to help him catch more fish. Visit Fish Finder Review for more information and great deals to help you find fish finders or other GPS and Sonar marine navigation systems. http://www.fish-finder-review.com

This article may be reprinted in full so long as the resource box and the live links are included intact. All rights reserved. Copyright Fish-Finder-Review.com


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Getting to Know iPod Video

Posted by boyberm on May 7th, 2008

You’ve heard it all over–Apple’s iPod Video is the best video player there is. You don’t question it anymore because a lot of people claim it is so. But is it, really? Not quite. That honor rightfully belongs to Zen Vision, a Creative Labs product. Zen Vision is every good thing iPod Video is, and more. The size of the screen for video playback in Zen vision is a whopping 3.7″ high-resolution screen, which is a lot of steps ahead of the iPod Video’s 2.5″ screen. On paper, 1.2″ may not seem to be such a huge difference, but it really does matter once you’re in front of the screen.

Aside from that, Creative Lab players–in which the Zen Vision is included–have something very useful that iPod players don’t have–a feature that allows listening to and recording FM radio. In this way, you can catch up on your favorite radio shows any time you want. Creative Lab players also have a built-in voice recorder which is great for taking notes in classes or work; it’s also very helpful in giving yourself some reminders every now and then.

Of course, there are some areas wherein the iPod Video reigns supreme. In terms if battery life, iPod Video has 20 hours, while Creative Zen Vision only has 13 hours. To make up for this weakness, Creative Lab offers the option to purchase extended-life batteries, but this will cost you extra.

If you’re torn between the Creative Zen Vision and the iPod Video, here’s something to consider–the iPod’s screen is smaller, but it offers better views even when looked at from different angles. The Creative screen, though larger, is best viewed straight on; when viewed from other angles, the pictures aren’t as clear. If your priority is storing music over video, get the iPod Video. However, if your main concern is storing video, and storing music is only a nice additional feature for you, then you’re better off buying Creative Zen Vision.

Nowdays, a digital audio player isn’t enough. People are looking for a player that can do so much more than churn out music. As a result, manufacturers are in stiff competition with each other to come up with the latest innovation. As of this moment, the latest is the video player. iPod has one, Creative Lab has one. iRiver also jumped on the video player bandwagon with it U10 video player. iRiver’s U10 is a bundle of contradictions. Sometimes, it seems to be the perfect choice for all digital media lovers; sometimes, you just don’t have any idea what iRiver folks were thinking when they were designing the player.

Let’s begin with the positive. iRiver’s 2.2″ screen, though smaller than those of iPod video (2.5″) and Creative Zen Vision (3.7″), has a higher resolution and quality. The battery life is also something to rave about at 28 hours. That in itself is a good thing, but it’s made even better by the price–$199.99 and $249.99, depending on the disk size.

Now let’s move on to the negative. The U10 come in two sizes–512MB and 1GB. For music files, these sizes are adequate, but for video files, they mean nothing. Unlike Apple and Creatice, iRiver does not offer video players with a disk size of around 30GB.

Aside from the dismaying disk size, iRiver also has a hard-to-use navigation system which can’t hold a candle to iPod’s clicking wheel system. You need to have a bit of a techie in you to find your way around iRiver U10. However, most people don’t want something that’s hard to operate, so in this aspect, iRiver fails to appeal to the pop culture market.

As of now, the iRiver U10 feels like an experiment, something which iRiver will use to decide what the market really wants–is it disk space, battery life, or extra features? Perhaps iRiver is just biding its time, waiting for the perfect moment to release a player that can surpass iPod and Creative. This remains to be seen.

George Wood is a successful webmaster of many popular sites including watches and wine site. If you want to read more about music players, click over to George music players site.

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