Gadget update!  I admit it, I love gadgets. I love knowing how far I rode, how long I was out there, what my heart rate was, etc.  My Suunto T-3 tells me all those things. I also love that I get to download the data. My motivation is improved when I log my training and when I stop working out, I feel guilty and I see a gap in activity on my log.  

I have also learned, from looking at the data whether or not I’m working hard enough to maintain my fitness or build on it.  It also tells me when I’m overtraining and running my immune system down increasing my chances of illness or injury. 

The only gap in the statistical information I collect these days is elevation.  I could have purchased an option on my Suunto that would provide me elevation and GPS tracking.  At the time, I didn’t think I would need it but now, it is especially important to me as we train for the BC Bike Race.  It has been good to have the feedback to determine what trails will be good training rides with the right combination of mileage and elevation.

 
I was chatting with Scott at Bikeworks Lake Stevens and he mentioned a new gadget called the iGotU.  It’s a little white box, very basic, you push a button to start it, the same button to end it, go home and download the data.  It shows you your GPS tracks, matches it to a street map if appropriate, and shows elevation for the ride.  If you want to get really fancy you can connect photos along the way to various waypoints (the system automatically logs the camera time against the GPS time and plots the pics at the waypoint you were at).  You can also share your ride, drive, run, trip with others through your profile on their website.  Below is the link to last night’s ride at  Tokul W.  

http://www.a-trip.com/tracks/view/36933

You can get the iGotU from Scott at Bikeworks Lake Stevens or you can get it online.  If you’re looking for a low cost, very easy GPS unit to give you the basics such as time, distance and elevation, this is a great option.