Silva Tech4O watch test

Brad — Fri, 12 Jan 2007 06:41:38 +0000

I recently purchased a Silva Tech4O Accelerator^TM series watch in an attempt to more accurately measure my runs on trails of unknown distance. I’ve tried using my Garmin GPSMap 60Cx, but it has limited accuracy under tree cover, often lopping off 50% or more of the mileage. At only $50, I figured the watch was a small investment. I was a bit skeptical as it was hard to find a review of this product, and even the brand, anywhere online. It was also tough to find a local vendor, but South Summit (1819 Firman Dr, Suite 101, Richardson, TX; tel: 972-690-1812) had them in stock.

The first step was to determine my stride lengths. The watch allows you to specify different stride lengths for walking and running and claims it can tell when you are doing one or the other. It also allows for a weight input which is used to calculate calories burned. After determining my walking stride to be 29 inches, I set out on a stretch of concrete path which I knew to be a quarter mile. The watch measured both my total steps (almost exactly) and the distance to within the claimed +/- 5% accuracy.

Tonight I decided to figure my running stride length. I followed the same method as before and came up with 40 inches. I then ran back the known quarter mile distance while counting my steps. The watch again performed quite well, measuring my steps right on the nose and the distance within the 5% range. One of the neater features is the small display while in the pedometer mode. You can choose between distance, speed, calories, moving time, or the time itself. The speed display actually calculates an on-the-move pace, which could prove very useful in races when trying to stay ahead of cutoffs.

My initial impressions of the watch are good, though the buttons are not the most intuitive and take some getting used to. It is a nice looking watch that is very comfortable to wear. I’m anxious to give it a test at Northshore to see how it performs on the trail where my strides vary and I both walk and run.

Running and camping checklist

Brad — Fri, 05 Jan 2007 02:21:07 +0000

To make sure I don’t forget some of the goodies I’ve recently purchased and to have a list for next time, I’m putting together a checklist for my upcoming trip to Bandera.

Clothing

Race ready LD fitness shorts
shoes: for the run, backups, for after the run, flip flops
undershirt
technical shirt
long sleeve shirt
wind/rain jacket
fleece jacket
fleece pants
gloves
socks: Thorlo cushion and SmartWool, extras
bandanas
cap
change of clothes for after the run

Race items

race bib belt
lights: handheld, LED torch, headlamps
batteries for gadgets
gaiters, thank you Xy Weiss
sunglasses

Personal care

bandaids: round and regular
Bag Balm and Vaseline
toilet paper: regular and pre-moistened
ibuprofen
blister care kit
duct tape
medical tape
antibiotic ointment
lip balm
sunscreen
bug spray
analgesic cream

Nutrition

Succeed! mix: ultra, clip2, amino
Succeed! caps
Sharkies
amphipod hand bottles
Nalgene bottles
JetBoil stove, extra fuel
jugs of water if none available
trail mix
Oreos

Shelter

tent
sleeping bag
fleece bag liner (can’t wait to try it out for the first time)
pillow
tent lights: flashlight, book light
camping chairs

To dos: drop bags, crew/pacer supplies

Thanks to the Master Checklist from UltRunR for reminders

trailhonky » Gear

Silva Tech4O watch test

Running and camping checklist