It wasn’t that long ago that Suunto launched its new range of Ambits. Okay, so it was April 2013, which in technology time is a few light years back. And while our running has probably not advanced that much since then (speaking for myself at least), gadgetry waits for no man nor his faltering training plan.
This latest release, the Ambit2 R, is particularly pertinent to the running fraternity with features honed for our breed. Personally, I take note of the ‘don’t get lost feature’ (they call it Track Back), having a propensity to follow a trail just to see where it goes and sometimes taking the exploration that one turn too many for my memory. And of course the Apps just keep rolling out…the Ghost Runner perfect for all you A-Types.
And here, alas having not got one on our own wrists as yet, we turn over to the bods from Suunto and their press release. We hope to have a review shortly. In the meantime, here’s the shopping list:
“[The Ambit2 R] provides responsive and reliable speed and distance readings thanks to FusedSpeedTM, a unique combination of GPS and accelerometer data from your wrist. Suunto Ambit2 R also measures running cadence from your wrist.
Suunto Ambit2 R can also help you reach your performance goals. You can plan your own moves, or download complete training programs from Movescount.com. The watch reminds you of daily targets, tracks target completion, and provides speed and intensity guidance while you run.
Additionally, Track-back and full navigation offer the freedom to explore new trails without getting lost. Download routes from Movescount.com or simply select Track-back at any point during a run. Suunto Ambit2 R will show you the way.
Suunto Ambit2 R is available in black or white, with the white sporting a soft silicone strap for an improved fit for women. Both can be purchased with or without a Suunto heart rate belt.
With Suunto Apps, even more running features become available. Personalize your Suunto Ambit2 R with running Apps of your own, or choose from the thousands of free Apps in the App Zone on Movescount.com. They include:
· Virtual coach: Let the coach determine when you should run easy and hard! This App is for endurance intervals. Select your pace level and the coach will give you target paces to run.
· Ghost runner: Challenge yourself against a competitor. A positive distance means that you’re ahead while a negative one means you need to pick up the pace.
· Running efficiency: This App helps you improve your running efficiency by recording the number of heart beats over a kilometer / mile.
· High intensity intervals: This App gives a short but sharp interval work out. Start with a warm up, run 15 x 200m with 30sec recovery and end with a cool down.
· Marathon time: It uses your current speed to give an estimate of your finish time during a marathon, so you can see if you’re on track for that target time.
Movescount.com, the online sports diary from Suunto, makes it easy to analyze every aspect of your training and share your experiences with others.
The Suunto Ambit2 R will become available in March.
All new features will also be made available to Ambit2 and Ambit2 S users via a software upgrade later in spring.”
