Getting started with your GPS

Merry Christmas GPS Runners. I'm sure that many of you are excited to try out the new running GPS you got for Christmas this year. Here are a few tips to help you get started.

GPS receivers use signals from orbiting satellites to determine location. They need to have unobstructed view of at least three satellites to lock in the position. This means that they don't work very well indoors or under thick tree cover. I've used my Garmin ForeRunner extensively in New York City (Midtown Manhattan), and can tell you that it works extremely well even when surrounded by tall buildings after you get the satellites locked in. Here's an example of a New York City run I recorded.

1. Give the battery a good charging.
   
2. Take a quick glance at the owners manual. Don't be intimidated. If it's confusing come back to the owners manual later. It will make more sense after you use your GPS.
   
3. If your unit has a heart rate monitor strap it on.
   
4. Go outside to an open area with unobstructed view of the sky.
   
5. Power on your unit and give it a minute or two to sync with the GPS satellites. The first time you power it on (or if you travel a long distance between use) the receiver will take a little bit longer to lock in the satellites.
   
6. Hit your start button and start walking quickly.
   
7. Experiment with the different displays to learn how the unit works. Take the time to go through all the menus.
   
8. Find the function that allows you to mark your current location. If you run in far-away locations you can mark your starting point and then easily find your way back later using your GPS. Save your curent position so that you can experiment with the go to function later.
   
9. If your unit has a heart rate monitor watch your heart rate as you walk steadily, then pick up the pace or walk up a hill or some stairs. Watch how the unit displays your heart rate.
10. Most importantly, record a short run by hitting the start button and then running a decent distance, at least a half mile. This will be the first run that you import into your computer.
11. Hit your stop button at the end of your run.
    
12. When you get back home install the software that came with your GPS so that you can upload your activity. You should be able to see your route, pace, and other parameters. Make sure that the route displayed on the map accurately shows the route you ran.

Now that you have recorded a run and uploaded it to your computer take a few minutes to read through the owners manual. You should also run through the personal set-up options to define your maximum heart rate and other settings.

Congratulations, you're on your way to better fitness and a lot of fun.

In my next postings I'll give you some tips about how to use your log book software to record, share, and analyze your activities.