Every runner is on a quest for The Edge. Often it comes in the form of specialized equipment. I found the ULTIMATE!Look what the county installed for runners who use the bike path right outside my neighborhood! It’s a state-of-the-art Runner’s Speed Monitor. Using a sensor, the RSM detects the runner and flashes speed up on a digital read-out. How great is that???
As in all technical equipment for athletes, trial and error were required to learn to use it to my full advantage.
I couldn’t get it to rec
ord me, no matter where in the road I positioned myself as I raced toward it. But I noticed that it easily detects and records cars. Being an analytical person, I concluded that the sensor might be set to pick up metal. So I covered myself in aluminum foil – a gleaming outfit (with hat) not easy to wear when the temperature is over 100 degrees. And I ran repeatedly toward the RSM.No dice.
Unwilling to look a gift horse in the mouth, I knew there had to be a way for me to play with the newfound RSM. I did some testing in my car. Alas. I discovered that the lowest speed the RSM can record is 12 mph. This is a five-minute mile. Clearly, this RSM was developed for the Kenyans. Holy Nairobi, Batman!
Frankly, I am not that good. Yet. So now I have new goals. Hit 12 mph. Light up the RSM. Lose the foil.
It’s a Kenyan thing.
I want a hat like that!
ReplyDeleteYOU HAVE ONE!!! It's in your kitchen cabinet! HAHAHAHHHA!!! I was disappointed that the sensor didn't like the foil, but I thought I looked GORGEOUS.
ReplyDeleteThere's an app for that :) MapMyRun - but I love The Hat :)
ReplyDeleteI've gotten a couple of gentle off-blog explanations about the Traffic Speed Indicator Display or SID, letting me know that it is not there for runners. Uh, darlings. You can't see me, but I'm rolling my eyes. I KNOW THIS. But everyone has to admit that it's a big toy too marvelous to pass up! Thanks to the Florida Highway Patrol for assisting in my training. And for not giving me a ticket when I tested the UPPER limits of its capability in measuring speed. (grin)
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