Using cell phone GPS for IM athlete tracking

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2009-09-20 1:04 PM

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Elite
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Roswell, GA
Subject: Using cell phone GPS for IM athlete tracking

Has anyone tried to let family members track them on the bike and run by carrying their cell phone? 

Sprint/Nextel has a service for my phone that would allow my wife to track me from her blackberry while I was on the course.  It costs $5 a month, but they also offer a 15 day free trial. 

Here is a link:

http://www.nextel.com/en/services/gps/family_locator.shtml

 

2009-09-20 1:09 PM
in reply to: #2416190

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Master
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Subject: RE: Using cell phone GPS for IM athlete tracking
As I recall the athlete guide, certain electronics (cell phones included) are technically illegal to carry during an IM race. That said, did I see anyone, hear of anyone getting penalized/DQ'd because they carried one? Nope.

Seems to me WTC is losing out on a significant revenue stream by not exploiting the technology that you describe - could be a raceday deal only, and maybe even linked to the timing chip instead of a cell device.
2009-09-20 1:38 PM
in reply to: #2416190

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Subject: RE: Using cell phone GPS for IM athlete tracking
This is something that Trakkers is doing and should hopefully be available at a race near you in the future!  All of the Rev3 races include this in the fee.

2009-09-20 1:51 PM
in reply to: #2416190

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Pro
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Subject: RE: Using cell phone GPS for IM athlete tracking

I was sitting next to a fellow spectator who had this set up at Redman last night.  Not sure what her husband was wearing (just a chip of some kind, or his phone?), but she was tracking him on her i-Phone.  It gave her something to do/cheer for, and she always knew how many MPH he was going which gave an idea of how bad it felt by the end.  

2009-09-20 5:21 PM
in reply to: #2416190

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Elite
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Roswell, GA
Subject: RE: Using cell phone GPS for IM athlete tracking

It looks like I could just stick my cell phone in my seat bag and fuel belt and my wife would know when to keep an eye out for me.

 

2009-09-21 8:30 AM
in reply to: #2416190


1

Subject: RE: Using cell phone GPS for IM athlete tracking
MyAthlete has been offering this rental service since April 2008.  About the size of a 9V battery, 2 ounces, waterproof to a meter and runs for 24 hours updating your location every 30 seconds.  You can wear it on the run and bike.  You rent it and they mail it  so you have it a few days before the race.

www.MapMyAthlete.com

 

2009-09-21 11:20 AM
in reply to: #2416190

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Expert
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Subject: RE: Using cell phone GPS for IM athlete tracking
Several similar apps out for the Iphone that I've tried that worked well such as Instamapper. I've only used them in training but thought as well that they'd be a great race-day tracker for family onsite as well as anyone checking in remotely. Based on the previous posts I wonder about the legality of this vs. the myAthlete devices as they are providing the same functionality.
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