Heart Rate Monitor

Camping and Outdoor Equipment

Polar RS800 Heart Rate Monitor

The polar RS800 heart monitor wrist watch is the standard model in the 800 series. Just like when buying a new car you can decide which further optional extras you would like to add and pay for.But don’t just over look this option and go for an immediate upgrade. This watch is superb and has enough functionality for even the most ardent of trainers. We have also included a write up of the Polar RS800CX with its specifications on this site, so you can read and compare specifications, to see which watch suits your requirements.

I personally own the polar RS800CX.On shopping for the watch I was going to purchase the Polar RS800 but after much deliberation opted for the CX version as it just gave me a little bit more and suited me for what I wanted and what I wanted to achieve.The PolarRS800 has been designed for elite training levels. This wrist heart rate monitor has a complete system for planning, over seeing and analyzing your training. It comes with the polar W.I.N.D 2.4 Ghz, (disturbance free transmission from all other electronic devices.), in a comfortable textile polar wear link. The Polar

Polar RS800CX

Computer connectivity

Compatible with Polar ProTrainer 5™ software

Transfer exercise data from wrist unit to polarpersonaltrainer.com via Polar WebLink (SonicLink/Infrared)

Transfer of Data

Polar IrDA USB Adapter or internal/external non-Polar IrDA adapter - opt.

Languages

Display text in English, German, French and Spanish

Recording Stuff

Average heart rate

Calorie expenditure - exe.total

Distance (total) - opt. with Speed sensor

Exercise Time (total)

Exercise file info page with date and time

Lap info

Maximum heart rate

Memory left indication

Number of exercise files (with summaries) - 99

R-R Recording

Recording rate - 1s,5s,15s,60s

Target zone limits

ProTrainer 5 software allows you to easily prepare a detailed training program and analyse all results on your personal computer. Another feature is the altimeter which records all details of ascents for route profiles and metres climbed. If you decide on having the optional polar S3 Stride sensor, you will get very consistent and accurate distance and speed data and can even be used in conjunction with the Adidas Adistar fusion running shoe. The watch is also water resistant and has a user replaceable battery.

Included in the heart rate monitoring are maximum heart beat based upon fitness and age, maximum and average heart beat of all exercise and specific laps, three target zones and audible alarms to alert you if you are over training or under training. And as basic for a watch you get 24hr time display, dual time zone, date and day display, alarm with snooze and an impressive stop watch.

The following polar features are also included. Polar Owncal shows how much energy you are using and how many calories you are burning or have burned over a specific amount of time. R.R intervals which measures heart beat intervals. This particular feature is especially useful during low intensity training or at rest. Polar Sports Zones is a very easy way to choose and keep an eye on the quality and intensity of training that you actually do. Polar Ownzone predetermines a safe level of training exercise for yourself depending on age and fitness level. It always helps with an appropriate warm up routine before you get more intensive

If you are really serious about your athletics training then the Polar RS800CX heart rate monitor wrist watch is most definitely for you. This watch has a complete system for planning, monitoring and then analyzing every aspect of your training.

As a heart rate monitor, the Polar RS800CX works by first checking your daily condition, and then guiding you to the ideal training intensity for your age and fitness level. Its vitally important to know your general heart rate so as to be able to set up the right intensity level of training for your body. This will result in your improved level of fitness and any goals you have set yourself with the likes of weight loss or such. With exercise is easy to over exercise or on the other hand under exercise. The Polar RS800CX will help you with this and set up a suitable personal level of training and intensity that you need. The watch displays heartbeat on the screen in several ways including a percentage of your maximum heartbeat, beats per minute and a graphical target zone indicator. You can decide which reading you prefer and apply it. And if you heart beat slips below or rises above your pre set level a beep will alert you to this and you can adjust back to the level you wish to sustain.

The Polar RS800CX also comes with a variety of Polar functions. The zonepointer is both audio and visual and shows you where you current heart rate sits within you target heart rate zone. The polar OwnZode mode provides you with a customized target zone for specific training sessions. The polar OwnCal mode shows the number of calories you have burned or are burning in a specific training session. It also records the number of calories burned over a number of training sessions. The OwnOptimizer mode prevents you from under or over training. There is also a polar fitness test that will measure your aerobic fitness level at rest in just five minutes.

What really makes the Polar RS800CX stand out though is the polar ProTrainer 5 software. The software can be used in advance to plan out your training in advance and get this you are even able to create maps and plan routes using the G3 GPS sensor. How fantastic is that! The information can then be transferred to the watch. After training, all information of the sessions can be transferred onto your personal computer for analysis and storage. Each time you transfer a file to your pc the software creates a diary entry so with the custom calendar you can monitor your training over the long term

And finally the polar RS800CX supports the complete range of W.I.N.D sensors. These sensors include CS Speed sensor pod for bike training, S3 Stride Sensor for running and the G3 GPS for skiing, canoeing, mountain biking and rowing.

Other watch features include several recording options to help track your heart rate, calorie expenditure, distance, and more and save it in an exercise file (with 99 total files); water resistance to 50 meters; a Polar WebLink connection for transferring exercise data from your wrist unit to a computer; a 12/24-hour clock with a day/week indicator; a built-in backlight; an alarm with a snooze; and a low battery indicator. Sporting an attractive silver housing, the watch carries a two-year warranty

Polar RS800CX main specifications

Running stuff

Distance summaries

Run Distance

Running Cadence and Average Stride Length

Running Index

Running route elevation profile

Shoe selection

Speed displayed in pace, or kph/mph

Speed/Pace and Distance

Speed/Pace lock

Speed/Pace summaries

Speed/Pace target zones

Target pace

Target pace alarms

Time and Distanced based interval timer

Totals mileage, kilocalories, time training

Trip Odometer

Polar s3 stride sensor™ W.I.N.D.

Polar RS800 SD

Running stuff

Distance summaries

Polar G3 GPS Sensor W.I.N.D.

Run Distance

Running Cadence and Average Stride Length - opt. with s3

Running Index

Running route elevation profile

Shoe selection

Speed displayed in pace, or kmph/mph

Speed/Pace and Distance

Speed/Pace lock

Speed/Pace summaries

Speed/Pace target zones

Target pace

Target pace alarms

Time and Distanced based interval timer

Totals mileage, kilocalories, time training

Trip Odometer

Polar s3 stride sensor™ W.I.N.D. - opt.

Polar RS800 Main specifications

Basic features

Automatic/Manual target zone (% / bpm / HRR%) - %/bpm/HRR%

Backlight

Display zoom

Easy start (setting wizard)

Event Countdown Timer

Graphical target zone indicator

Heart rate (displayed as % of maximum heart rate)

Heart rate (displayed as HRR%)

Heart rate (displayed as bpm)

KeyLock

Over-sized display

User configurable displays - all lines

Visual and audible alarm in target zones

Water resistant - 50m

Recording stuff

Average heart rate

Calorie expenditure - exe.total

Distance (total)

Exercise Time (total)

Exercise file info page with date and time

Lap info

Last OwnIndex

Maximum heart rate

Memory left indication

Number of exercise files (with summaries) - 99

R-R Recording

Recording rate - 1s,2s,5s,15s,60s

Target zone limits

Time in target zone

Basic stuff

Automatic/Manual target zone (% / bpm / HRR%) - %/bpm/HRR%

Backlight

Display zoom

Easy start (setting wizard)

Event Countdown Timer

Graphical target zone indicator

Heart rate (displayed as % of maximum heart rate)

Heart rate (displayed as HRR%)

Heart rate (displayed as bpm)

KeyLock

Over-sized display

Sound volume level setting

User configurable displays - all lines

Visual and audible alarm in target zones

Water resistant - 50m

Computer connectivity

Compatible with Polar ProTrainer 5™ software

Transfer exercise data from wrist unit to polarpersonaltrainer.com via Polar WebLink (SonicLink/Infrared)

Data transfer

Polar IrDA USB Adapter or internal/external non-Polar IrDA adapter - opt.

GPS

Battery type - AA

Full power mode (up to 30 hours with an optional lithium battery) - avg. 10 hours

Low battery indicator

Low power battery mode - avg. 15 hours

Route tracking (with PC)

SIRF-III chipset

Shock resistant

Speed and Distance

WAAS support (wide area augmentation system)

Water resistant - 20m

Languages

Display text in English, German, French, Spanish and Italian

Polar exercise stuff

Altitude, ascent and descent

Automatic lap recording

Average heart rate of each lap

Average heart rate of total exercise

The Polar RS800sd heart rate monitor wrist watch is for runners who are very serious about their running data. The sd version has all the same advanced features that you find on the Polar RS800 but with the added s3 stride sensor.

The s3 sensor is a wonderful piece of technology which gives you information on about how to improve your running technique..

The Polar RS800 sd records speed, distance, altitude and has a numerous amount of heart rate functions. These include maximum heart rate, average heart rate and target heart rate. The polar owncode function on this watch ensures that it will not interfere with other athletes heart monitors. Another function we like very much on this heart monitor is the Polar own optimizer that measures the heart at rest. This lets you know if you have had enough rest. As all serious athletes know, rest is just as important as the training itself.

Features Of The Watch

Alarm with snooze

Countdown Timer

Date and weekday indicator

Dual time zone

Low battery indicator

Reminders (visual/alarm)

StopWatch

Time of day (12/24h) with alarm

User replaceable battery

Watch stuff

Alarm with snooze

Countdown Timer

Date and weekday indicator

Dual time zone

Low battery indicator

Reminders (visual/alarm)

StopWatch

Time of day (12/24h) with alarm

User replaceable battery

Basic stuff

Automatic/Manual target zone (% / bpm / HRR%) - %/bpm/HRR%

Backlight

Display zoom

Easy start (setting wizard)

Event Countdown Timer

Graphical target zone indicator

Heart rate (displayed as % of maximum heart rate)

Heart rate (displayed as HRR%)

Heart rate (displayed as bpm)

KeyLock

Over-sized display

User configurable displays - all lines

Visual and audible alarm in target zones

Water resistant - 50m

Accessories For The Polar RS800

The Polar Wearlink+ W.I.N.D Transmitter is compatible with the Polar RS800 and RS800sd running computers as well as the CS600 cycling computer. It offers a 2.4 Ghz disturbance free transmission. The transmitter is an electrode strap and a connector with a clip on mechanism which is ideal for quick and easy wear. This transmitter is water resistant up to 30 metres and with it’s changeable battery can deliver up to 2 years of usage on an average of 10 hours per week.

Polar G3 GPS Speed and Distance Sensor Set is a compact and lightweight GPS module that communicates wirelessly to the polar RS800 heart monitor wrist watch. This allows any athlete to record speed and distance measurements for an array of sports including running, cycling, skiing and kayaking. Coming with the SiRFstar111 chipset the G3 sensor is an excellent tool giving optimal power consumption. Added to the Polar RS800 this gives the athlete probably the most comprehensive planning and analysis tool available on the market. It weighs only 80 grams and is built to withstand the harshest of conditions or most extreme adventure sports. The G3 requires just a single AA battery to give up to 20 hours of continual use.

Polar IrDA USB Adapter Interface. You can use this polar IR USB 2.0 adapter to transfer your training data quickly and efficiently from you Polar RS800 to your personal computer. This is done via infrared signal and then you can store all your stats and at a later day analyse and compare all your critical performance data. Over time you can build up a detailed training log for yourself.

Adidas Adistar Fusion Running Shoe

Polar has teamed up with Adidas and the result is the Adidas Adistar fusion running shoe which has a Polar S3 sensor placed in it’s sole which can send messages to your Polar RS800 heart monitor wrist watch. The S3 sensor measures stride, speed and distance to your Polar RS800 heart monitor which is stored and then you can download on to your home computer and compare training efforts and monitor these efforts against heart beat records. The more information that you have, the more you can analyze.

The men’s adidas adistar fusion is an elite training shoe with premium running technology and proven adiSTAR performance. The shoe has all the qualities that you associate with adidas. The upper of the adistar fusion is of air mesh which gives maximum ventilation. The inlay is a moulded orthoclase antimicrobial moisture wicking sockliner, whilst the midsole with adiPRENE technology gives you all the protection you need from harmful impact forces. You also get full forefoot adiPRENE for forefoot propulsion and efficiency.

There is also the registered torsion system for mid foot integrity. And then of course there is the strategically placed cavity in the midsole that holds the outright Polar s3 stride sensor which sends readings to you Polar RS800 heart monitor. You will not even notice that the s3 sensor is even there. The sole of the adistar fusion is quick strike for best lightweight durability and flexibility whilst the forefoot part of the sole is blown rubber which combines light weight with grip.

So here we have two very fine products combined together to make one very advanced and almost necessary product for the serious athlete. A marriage made in heaven? Possibly. Whether this combined product will make you a better athlete, one will never know unless one tries. But one thing for sure is that it will certainly help with that ambition.

The Marathon

Ok we have given you most of the information you need on the polar RS800 in previous pages of this site. I don’t know which sport you are interested in or are training for. However I am a running nut and the ultimate challenge for any runner is of course the marathon. I’m training and building up to run my first marathon next year and storing all my details and progress via my Polar RS800 of all my training. Writing about the marathon on this site may not be completely relevant to you all but I’m sure the runners of you out there will enjoy reading.

The marathon is a long distance race with the official distance being 26 miles and 385 yards. It ss after the Greek soldier Pheidippides that the marathon is so named. Pheidippides was a Greek soldier who became the messenger from the Battle of Marathon to Athens. The historical accuracy of this legend is in doubt however, contradicted by accounts given by Herodotus in particular.

History

The name marathon comes from the legend of Pheidippides who was a Greek messenger. In the legend Pheidippides was sent from the town of marathon to deliver news to Athens that the Persians had been defeated at the Battle of Marathon. The battle took place in August or September of 490 BC. The Legend says that Pheidippides ran the whole distance without stopping once. When he reached Athens he burst into the assembly shouting and screaming “we have won”. He then collapsed and died. But as mentioned before the accuracy of this legend is in doubt. But the possible routes that Pheidippides could of taken due actually add much substance to the legend.

Between Marathon and Athens stands the mountain Penteli which means that if Pheidippides did actually make his famous run he would have had to run around this mountain. The most obvious route from the south in fact almost matches the modern day Marathon to Athens highway. This highway follows the lay of the land southwards from Marathon Bay all along the coast until a gentle incline towards east Athens between the mountains Hymettus and Pentelli. Once through this gap between the two mountains there is a steady small decline into the city Athens itself. The distance of this trip is 26 miles.

Running the marathon

Most people who enter marathons do not enter to win. They enter one to test themselves, see their personal finishing times and finishing place within their gender and age group. There are even runners who enter that just want to finish the course no matter what their time is, just to be able to say they have run a marathon. People set themselves goals such as breaking four hours. More competitive runners may have the goal of running under three hours. In the year 2005 in U.S.A the average time for male completion times was four hours and thirty two minutes. For women the average time was five hours and six minutes.

An important element in training for a marathon is the long run. Recreational runners will try to reach a maximum run of about 20 miles on their longest weekly run with a weekly total of about 50 miles of running. Obviously professional runners have greater weekly training mileages. The more you train the better your results and achievements. However an increased training load does offer the greater risk of injury. Most training schedules for the marathon are set over a period of 6 months or more with a gradual increase in mileage and intensity allowing the body to adapt slowly and surely. The polar RS800 heart rate monitor wrist watch is a great asset to have in these schedules to record and analyse your progress.

For the last two or three weeks before the start of a marathon runners will reduce their training schedules gradually by up to as much as 75% from their volume peak of training. They will also take days of complete rest to allow the body to recover properly and be fully rested from any strong intensive efforts. Basically they just want to keep the body ticking over gently until the big race where maximum effort is required. Also many marathon runners will increase carbohydrate intake during the week before the marathon. This is known as carbo-load and allows the body to store more glycogen. And just before the race many runners will avoid eating solid food to try to avoid any digestive problems and also they make sure they are fully hydrated.

During the running of a marathon, coaches recommend trying to maintain as steady a pace as possible. For real novice runners it is sometimes recommended to start out slower than the average goal pace in order to save energy that will be used in the tougher second half of the marathon.

Whilst running the marathon it is essential to drink fluids. But you have to be careful with the amount of liquids you do actually take on board. Drinking more fluids in a race than one loses can cause a decrease of sodium in the blood which can result in vomiting, coma and even death. This condition is called hyponatremia. In 2001 the International Marathon Medical Directors Association issued a warning that urged runners to only drink water when they were actually thirsty rather than drinking ahead of their thirst. It is found that women are more prone to hyponatremia than men. Eating salt packets during a race can help with preventing hyponatremia.

When the marathon is over it is likely you will suffer from muscle soreness. It is believed this is caused by microscopic tears in the muscles. However there is no scientific evidence to back up this theory. It takes most runners approximately 3 weeks to completely recover from a marathon. After a marathon it is reported that the immune system is suppressed for a short time but the taking of vitamin C will help with this. Blisters on the feet and toes only become painful after the race and even toenails can turn black and fall of the toe. This is because the toenails were too long and kept impacting on the running shoe and bruised them severly.

Gentle exercise in the week after a marathon will aid in the bodies recovery as will the consumption of carbohydrates to replace glycogen stores and proteins to aid muscle recovery.