MiCoach Pacer

Because every runner is different and every heart is unique.

I did not finished my C25k, because before i finished the 9 weeks i got this nifty device as a pre birthday gift. True enough as the Ad say's this device caters more specifically with your personalized running needs.

First let's off with the parts:

image courtesy of stuff.tv

The package comes with a heart rate monitor and strap, a stride sensor and the micoach pacer, a USB connector and an audio connector. It also have an included one piece earphone, in case you don't already have one.

Getting Started:
First you'd need to register an account in the micoach website: http://www.micoach.com/


..then plug the device to your computer via USB - charge it for 2 hours. The website is very user friendly, and contains clear instructions on how to set up and use the micoach pacer.

You will choose a training plan to fit your specific needs; whether you just want to relax, get fit or improve your time for a full marathon.



After choosing your Training Plan micoach will then ask you to take an assessment workout. This will gauge your current fitness level and automatically calibrate your heart rate zones.

After the assessment workout, you may review your performace like the one we have below. Drag the little marker to check you stats for the specific time.



You may review your training plan and adjust it accordingly by clicking on Manage > schedule. Then just drag the workouts around

Then you're all done, just head out and enjoy the run and your training program. :)

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Item Review
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PROS:

- Its very easy to use, the website is user friendly and the instructions are clearly layed out.

- the battery for the pacer is rechargeable via USB, and since i got it 2 months ago i haven't purposely charged it yet except for its initial charge.

- it involves different easy to follow training plans

- it can be used with any kinds of shoes

- it's easy to calibrate both the heart rate and stride sensor

- you could move around your schedule depending on your availability

- battery for the stride sensor and heart rate monitor is replaceable.

- it can be used with any type of mp3 player

- it caters to a wide array of languages

CONS:

- it has lots of pieces which could easily be misplaced so i got a pouch specifically for micoach.

** there's news that micoach will very soon incorporate the ability to make your custom workout from scratch. :)

MY RATING: 5 PAWS

Sennheiser MX85 Sport II

ITEM REVIEW

I bought the Sennheiser MX85 sport II as a reward for finishing the Century Tuna Race. Safe to say, I'm happy with this earphone.

The design is a little weird and takes a bit of getting use to. It features a little extension that fits right in the folds of your ear. Its very comfy round the edges, but it could also make your ear hurt if worn incorrectly. It includes ear adapters of different sizes so you could adjust accordingly.

The earphone is sweat proof and water proof. Perfect for sports and in my case running.

Bass is decent and not too overpowering. If you're looking for the BUM BUM BUM feeling in your ear then this might not be the one for you.

The earphones however is a bit pricey. It costs $60 from apple store. Other than id say that its a very good buy.

Note on the sweat proof feature: so far it hadn't corroded yet, considering that my sweat is very acidic. What i noticed though is the slight discoloration of the chord because i wear it on my inner shirt. Other than that, its still in tip top shape. :)

my rating: 4 paws

C25k - couch to 5k

Im testing out the new iphone app to blog so "bear" with me hehe..

This is the c25k program i followed which was actually great for beginners like me who doesn't have a background in running. The program encouraged me to let go of the speed and focus on the time first to build my endurance and cardio. I hope it will do good for you too. :)

The C25k Training Program

The Beginning...

I have been an asthmatic all my life and frankly speaking the only sports I've ever participated are those in the comfort of my wii console. I love to eat, (the luxury of not gaining weight much) and when stressed i eat double of what i normally can. I love desserts, chocolates and ice cream and cakes and everything in between. So there, i guess you could safely say that though i am not fat i am definitely not fit. I used to go to the gym quite often before but with the new induced stress of my work and the change of lifestyle i embraced as i got older, i started to lunge deeper and deeper into the couch potato syndrome.

My lifestyle was sluggish and in the hopes of getting fit and having my waist a bit trimmer, i enrolled to the gym and started doing cardio workouts. The poison of choice was taebo, then turbo jam then pilates.

After a while, i noticed that my friends in the office were turning a hype about running a race sponsored by one of our local presidential candidates. I wasn't interested, mainly because i am barely surviving the taebo, to let alone put myself into an excruciating run. I passed on the challenge because i just plainly thought i can't. A month later, my office friends were having a mumble again about joining the condura half mary which of course i didn't join, because well, i am not yet capable to run 3k so how on earth will i be able to run a 21k? Another race passed but i continue to do my gym workouts.

During those months i also heard about the continuous ads airing on TV about the century tuna superbods run. I thought to myself, "maybe i could do this..." (and maybe i could have my picture taken with derek as well hehehe) so i told my dad that i wanted to join the race, and he told me I'm not in the condition to run. However being the hard headed girl that i am, i went against his advice and registered anyway.

I downloaded an iphone application called c25k - couch to 5k. It's a 9 week program designed to help me train from being a couch potato to running 5k races. I said, "hey this could be cool" and tried it in my next gym workout.

I was barely running on the 1st week, walking 1 min running 1 min but it was ok. It went on like that for couple of days and gradually increased as time went by. I was doing great, slow but great. I couldn't run fast, my heart was buzzing like a humming bird whenever i try to step up the pace, so i decided to just stick to my walking program. Only problem is... i only have 4 weeks to go before the century tuna Run.

How did i do on my 1st 3k race? find out on my next blog. :)