Dive Gauge Console
Dive Gauge Console Running Gear Review: Nike+ vs. Garmin Forerunner 205/305 GPS As a gadget and tech junkie, it was to my good fortune that my initiation into the world of distance running roughly...
Dive Gauge Console
Running Gear Review: Nike+ vs. Garmin Forerunner 205/305 GPSAs a gadget and tech junkie, it was to my good fortune that my initiation into the world of distance running roughly coincided with the appearance on the market of several new high-tech running gadgets: the Garmin Forerunner 205 and 305, and the Nike+ system. I have used both the Garmin Forerunner 205 and Nike+ for greater than 6 months each, and what follows is a review and comparison of my experiences with them. The Nike+ System Back in 2007, I was just beginning my life as a runner, and I was looking for tools to help me progress. The Garmin Forerunner and Nike+ systems both had instant appeal to my techie side, however I was initially hesitant to invest the several hundred dollars (at the time) needed to buy a Forerunner. I was also swept up in the excitement surrounding the introduction of the Nike+ system, and my first pair of "real" running shoes were Nike+ ready. Since I owned an Ipod Nano, and had shoes that could accommodate the little Nike+ foot pod accelerometer internally, I decided to give Nike + a try. In the interest of full disclosure, I'll say at the outset that I no longer use the Nike+. However, that doesn't necessarily mean that I wouldn't recommend it to anyone since it does have its benefits and uses. The Nike+ certainly helped my running in those early days, and the motivation provided by the on-line Nike+ challenges was great. I liked being able to gauge my pace, track distance, and record my runs on-line. But for a perfectionist like myself, the Nike+ has some major drawbacks. The most serious problem I had with the Nike+ was that it was only really accurate if I ran at the same steady pace on every run, and stuck to more-or-less flat ground. Any deviation from the pace you calibrate it at messes up both the pacing data as well as the distance recording for your run, and at times I found these measurements to be quite far off. Now, for many runners this is not a big deal, but if you like to mix up your training and include things like intervals, tempo runs, and long, slow runs, the Nike+ comes up way short. Furthermore, for me as a road racer, tenths of a mile and accurate pacing data matter a lot, so these shortcomings presented some major problems. That being said, I'm glad that I used it, and it did help a lot when I first started out. Even after I upgraded to the Garmin Forerunner 205, I did still continue to use Nike+ for treadmill runs (this probably goes without saying, but GPS doesn't work on a treadmill). The Nike+ recordings on a treadmill are accurate enough, and in my case are more accurate than the readout of my treadmill's own data console (it has never worked quite right for some reason). I do believe that the Nike+ can be a valuable tool for a new or recreational runner. It's cheap (less than $30.00), so it won't dent your wallet too much if you decide you don't like it, and the website and on-line community associated with Nike+ are both motivational and interesting. If you're a new runner just starting out, or an experienced runner who tends to run most of your runs at the same pace, then the Nike+ would be a great addition to your running toolbox, and would surely provide some motivation for you to hit the road. However, as mentioned above, it has some major drawbacks for a serious runner who cares about missing tenths of a mile or needs really accurate pacing information. Garmin Forerunner 205/305 GPS Wristwatch If you want a personal running computer that will allow you to take your running to the next level and permit you to mix up your training runs with speed and long distance, you're going to need something more than Nike+. I, unfortunately, am a perfectionist, and the inaccuracy of the pacing and distance data provided by Nike+ continually bugged me (and I was growing tired of mapping my runs on-line to figure out actual distances that I had covered). So, after about six months of consistent use, I decided to relegate the Nike+ to the treadmill only, and I asked Santa for a Garmin Forerunner 205 for Christmas. Sure enough, the fancy new GPS wristwatch was in my stocking, and it has not been absent from my wrist during a run in over a year. Simply stated, this is one of the coolest and most useful gadgets of any kind that I own, and it has allowed my running to progress in ways that probably would not have otherwise occurred. First, let me explain the difference between the two current-generation Garmin Forerunner models (a fancy new waterproof model is on the way - the Garmin Forerunner 310 XT - but I'll explain in a bit why I'd still go for one of the current ones for now if you're considering a purchase). The two current models are the Forerunner 205 and the Forerunner 305. The only real differences between the two watches (besides color – the 205 is blue, and the 305 is red) are that the 305 can sync with an included heart rate monitor, an optional foot pod accelerometer (for the treadmill), and an optional speed-and-cadence sensor for your bike. Otherwise, from what I can gather, they are virtually identical. Given the minor price difference between the two Forerunners (about $10.00-$15.00 more for the 305), it would seem to make sense to go with the 305 if you’ve decided to buy a Forerunner. So, I have now been using the Forerunner 205 regularly for over a year, and I have absolutely nothing but good things to say about it. The pacing data is right on (I have run enough chip-timed races with the 205 to verify this), as is the distance data. In addition to time, current pace, and distance, I have three data screens (which is the max on the 205/305) set up to show such variables as average pace, elevation, percent grade, calories burned, and time of day. Of all of these, the only one that seems somewhat iffy from time to time is the elevation, though if you smooth it out in one of the training programs that sync with the Forerunner, elevation patterns look pretty good as well. So far, I have pretty much exclusively used the Forerunner in its most basic mode - to simply track my data while I run. It is possible to configure things like training/pacing partners and interval workouts on the watch, and to use it as a (very) basic real-time GPS mapping device for things like hiking, but I haven't used it much for this. In addition to running, I have used it while walking, snowshoeing, and biking (less extensively), and it works great for all of the above. For me, the two features that matter most from a training and racing standpoint are accurate pacing and distance measurements, and as I said above this is where the Forerunner blows away the Nike+. I actually trust the Forerunner more than most of the on-line mapping programs when it comes to calculating distance, and being able to import all of my data into the computer is great. For the latter, I have skipped the included Garmin Training Center software and instead use an amazing, free program called Sportracks. Sportracks downloads all of the data from the Forerunner and lets you look at it in almost any way that you could possibly want. Among other things, Sportracks gives you GPS route maps, tons of data graphing options (e.g., pace vs. distance, pace vs. elevation, mile splits, etc.), and keeps a detailed running log that includes run times/dates, weather conditions pulled from the internet, distances run, and calories burned. As a scientist who loves data, Garmin Forerunner + Sportracks makes me one very happy runner. A few last comments about some potential concerns with the Forerunner bear mentioning. One of the concerns I initially had about these watches was their size. Yes, they are big, but I have never noticed it as a nuisance while running, and I actually think the size is a positive rather than a negative since it makes it easier to read your data on the go. This is one of the major reasons why I would probably not consider upgrading to the newer and smaller Forerunner 405 - if you pack too many data streams on a small screen then things could get awful hard to read at mile 20 of a marathon. The other concern someone in the market for a GPS watch might have is the forthcoming new Garmin Forerunner 310 XT, which is waterproof to 50m and offers wireless data transfer. It would take a lot of new bells and whistles for me to spend an extra $100-$200 to choose to purchase the new 310 XT over the current 205 or 305. The new watch looks sportier, and the wireless sync feature is nice, but I don't really care if I can dive to 50m with it on. If for some reason I'm out for a run and I wind up 50m underwater, I probably won't be resurfacing to make it back home anyway (though in all seriousness, I can see how the 310 XT might be useful to a triathlete). For me, I'll stick with the 205/305. Hopefully I've given you a feel for what the Garmin Forerunner 205/305 can do. Really, there's probably a lot more that it is capable of than what I have discussed here, but the best way to experience it is to try it out. As a runner who has now completed 1,266.01 miles (did I mention that I love accuracy!) with the Garmin Forerunner 205 (and it's still going strong, with no major problems), I can honestly say that next to my running shoes, this is the most essential piece of running gear that I own. I highly recommend the Forerunner - get one and you won't be disappointed. Author: Peter Larson, This View of Life Blog About the Author Peter Larson is a college professor, scientist, and runner from New Hampshire. He writes a blog, This View of Life, that chronicles his life as a runner, father, and teacher. His blog, This View of Life, can be found at: |
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Balistik Blabber: Dr. Death... Aka Steve Williams
Greetings and welcome to Balistik Blabber 23! This series of articles is called "Ex-WWE Talent", where I dig up long forgotten wrestlers who've been with the World Wrestling Entertainment company and have moved on... or not... Today we take on one of the World Wrestling Entertainment's biggest mistakes... EEEVEEERRR! This is the man who popularized the gutwrench powerbomb before Jack Swagger (who in part, helped inspire this issue)...
"DOCTOR DEATH" STEVE WILLIAMS!
Name doesn't ring a bell? I can't really blame you... and after a few paragraphs you'll see why. Another addition to the "brains & brawn" package, STEVEN WILLIAMS graduated from the University of Oklahoma bringing with him the title of "All-American" for his stellar performance in American football. At the same time, he competed in amateur wrestling where he almost won a National Collegiate Athletic Association tournament. Who denied him of this achievement? Future Olympic wrestler Bruce Baumgartner... it took an Olympic caliber wrestler to beat Williams... that alone should be enough for anybody to gauge his abilities!
Early on, Williams had entertained the thought of doing professional wrestling... so much so that he already thought of his in-ring gimmick, inspired by college life: either he lost a bet or something but once he was made to wrestle wearing a hockey mask, a matter which made one of his coaches call him "Doctor Death" (Jason?)... Thus one of pro wrestling's most clear-cut gimmicks was born! He was scouted and trained by Bill Watts, a wrestling veteran who feuded with Bruno Sammartino in the World Wrestling Federation (WWF) and the man who established his own promotion called "Mid-South Wrestling" (which would later evolve into World Championship Wrestling) in which Williams made his pro wrestling debut. In Mid-South, he teamed up with eventual WWF superstars Andre the Giant and Ted DiBiase respectively, even winning the Mid-South Tag Team titles with the latter! Soon the promotion was renamed into the "Universal Wrestling Federation" (UWF) and Williams eventually reached the pinnacle of the company by defeating Big Bubba Rogers for the UWF Heavyweight title!
Throughout the years Williams would be able to wrestle in nearly every major wrestling promotion to live and die... I think... In National Wrestling Alliance (NWA), he encountered even more future WWF stars such as Barry Windham, Ron Simmons (......DAMN!!!), Dustin Rhodes (aka Goldust), The Road Warriors and even the Steiner Brothers. He also participated in one crazy match: a "Triple Cage Tower of Doom" match in the "Great American Bash" event of 1988! That same year, in grand fashion at the "Starrcade 1988" event, he won the opening match of the show and earned the NWA United States Tag Team championship with Kevin Sullivan (one of, if not, the biggest rivals of Chris Benoit) against "The Fantastics" team of Bobby Fulton and Tommy Rogers! It should be noted however that in his early times in WCW, Williams used to fight AGAINST Sullivan who, together with Simmons and Mike Rotunda (aka "Irwin R. Schyster") formed "The Varsity Club" stable. He would later join the stable which lead to the NWA title win. After they were stripped of the title and disbanded, he left the NWA and made the fateful trip to Japan... where he signed up with All Japan Pro Wrestling (AJPW)! In an unbelievable match on March 6, 1990 he and his partner Terry Gordy defeated Stan Hansen AND Genichiro Tenryu to WIN THE "ALL JAPAN TAG TITLES"! Their alliance was named "The Miracle Violence Connection" (MVC... NOT to be confused with a crossover arcade fighting game!) and it would become one of the most successful international tag teams of all time! Their achievements include 5-time "All Japan Unified World Tag Team Champions", 2-time "World's Strongest Tag Team League winners" (1990 and 1991), WCW World Tag Team champions after beating the Steiner Brothers in 1992 as well as NWA World Tag champions beating Dustin Rhodes (GOOOLLLD...USSST!) and Barry Windham the same year! Many dispute whether or not the NWA recognizes this particular reign but let's not dive into that any further. I would however like to point out another claim that apparently, there was a time in his career that Williams was completely UNDEFEATED ON U.S. SOIL FOR A DECADE...!!! The records don't exactly point it out but majority of the early 90's, all he had were either pin fall victories or draws; no losses... across various wresting promotions... wow... even I didn't know that until I did my research. Real or not, that's an even better record compared to multiple title reigns in my opinion!
After 1992, he went back to Japan and exploded... NO, NOT LITERALLY FOOL (you know who you are)! To put it simply, Williams was on a roll: on January 30, 1993 the MVC beat the team of Mitsuharu Misawa (TAAAIGAAAH DURAIBAAA!!!) and Toshiaki Kawada (GAAAMENGIRIII!!!) to win the "All Japan Tag Team" titles. They just beat an awesome All Japan tag team, how else can you top that? By beating Misawa one-on-one to win the prestigious "ALL JAPAN TRIPLE CROWN HEAVYWEIGHT TITLE" THAT'S HOW! Williams won his first and only Triple Crown against the "Master of The Stiff Elbow" on July 28, 1994, obliterating Misawa's mind-numbing-near-TWO-year reign as Triple Crown champion! What separated this match from other Misawa matches is how Williams prepared for this bout. Other challengers would just take that elbow shot from Misawa and throw some lame counterattack... usually resulting in a beating. What Williams did was different: every time Misawa attempted those elbow shots, Williams gave him a push; not just a regular standing "that all you got?" push... a REALLY STRONG PUSH! It knocked Misawa off-balance and completely messed up his main offense! That, and some vicious back drop drivers, dangerous German suplexes and of course, some badass "DOCTOR BOMB"s earned Williams the victory! No, you didn't read that wrong: in Japan, your finishing maneuver needs to be applied more than the average 2 times for it to be effective... yeah~ Anyway, after what can easily be considered a brutal match, who else would challenge him for his shiny new belt? Why, none other than a young, then-orange-trunks-wearing guy named KOBASHI KENTA who fights to a brilliant but losing effort. Finally, after a reign of 86 days, Williams lost the Triple Crown to Toshiaki Kawada in October 1994. Taking into account the talent he's faced during his reign, Williams has pretty much tasted every bit of All Japan had to offer: a nice mix of chops from Kobashi, some crisp elbows from Misawa and a sprinkle of brutal kicks from Kawada... and lived to tell the tale! Other AJPW "gaijin" (foreigners) wrestlers who have had the pleasure of teaming up with this monster player include Johnny Ace, Gary Albright and Bam Bam Bigelow.
In 1998 Williams was encouraged by fellow Oklahoma native Jim Ross to sign up for the WWF which he did. For the sole purpose of selling his brute strength and dangerous technicality, the creative minds of the federation created the "Brawl for All" Tournament! The plan was to have Williams go through the other entries, win the event and gain a sort of "powerhouse" gimmick. First round went fine and dandy when he beat Carl Quellet but in the next one... something went utterly wrong... Williams was "knocked out" (notice the quotation marks) and legitimately injured by Bart Gunn. The aftermath was a blow to his pride and all plans for his big push shelved indefinitely... the only consolation he got from the mess is a few more months with the WWF until he was released from his contract... what a screw up!
Thankfully, not all ties were severed between Williams and the WWE. Five (5) years after the nasty '98 embarrassment, he appeared in a WWE house show TWICE (May 23 and 24, 2003) winning and losing against Lance Storm resulting into a tie between the two! A month went by and a proposal to become a trainer was made to Williams but it didn't reach a favorable end. On September 19, 2003 he participated in the "Major League Wrestling (MLW) WAR GAMES" as a member of "The Funkin Army" (led by Terry Funk, members include Sabu, Sandman & Steve Williams) versus "The Extreme Horsemen" (led by Steve Corino, members include Justin Credible, Arn Anderson and Barry Windham) which the Funkin Army won. Williams also had the prestige of being a part of one of the first ever professional wrestling events to be held in China! On December 30, 2003, NWA Mid-Atlantic toured there where he beat Terry Taylor for the "NWA Mid-Atlanctic Heavyweight" title! This guy is LOADED with titles! It's all so good you'd think life was perfect for him... and you'd be dead wrong... In April of 2004 he announced that he was battling throat cancer following a shoot match for K-1 (the kickboxing federation) Japan... the treatment involved surgery to remove a growth in his throat as well as possible removal of his voice box to get to it... scary stuff! I'll just summarize the battle for you: HE BEAT THE LIVING CRAP OUT OF CANCER!
Steve "Doctor Death" Williams has had an amazing career in professional wrestling, one full of titles, memorable matches, unforgettable OMG moments and lots of that manly drama only professional wrestling can provide. Only recently in September 2008 did he announce his retirement from the business. He still sometimes makes appearances for the "Sooner World Class Wrestling" (SWCW) federation in his hometown of Oklahoma, wrote his biography entitled "How Dr. Death Became Dr. Life" and is a regular employee at the local Southwest Airlines airport there. Despite lacking the charisma and appeal sought after in today's superstars, Williams has created a class of his own: he worked hard... he watched his health... not entirely a face... not entirely a heel... not even entirely neutral! ALL CHAMPION! The WWE may never include him into their hall of fame but it doesn't matter... Steven Williams has done it all and doesn't need to prove anything anymore! Even if the only people who remember him are his closest friends, colleagues and biggest fans... even that number can beat the fan boys of other less hardworking wrestlers out there today!
Thank you for your time! Tune in next... errr... TIME for another trip down memory lane with me as we tackle more ex-WWE performers!
About the Author
http://thewrestlinggame.com/wrestling/articles/balistik_blabber_dr_death_steve_williams.asp