adidas introduces miCoach SMART RUN

adidas has introduced the miCoach SMART RUN, calling it "the most advanced and intuitive wrist based running device on the market." The watch offers much of what you'd find in a typical running watch: GPS mapping, heart rate monitoring, and interval training. What separates the SMART RUN from its competition is that it's completely wireless -- no earphone cord and no heart rate strap:

There are no cables, straps or additional sensors with this unique all-in-one device. SMART RUN uses optical technology to track your heart rate from your wrist. A built-in accelerometer counts every step so you can monitor your stride rate. GPS tracks your speed, distance and logs your route and an MP3 player with Bluetooth® wireless audio delivers music and audible coaching guidance, eliminating headphone cables and music players.

Additionally, adidas has changed the way information is delivered to runners, particularly during a workout where the athlete is zone training.

The miCoach system is founded on this concept with 4 colored zones - blue, green, yellow and red. SMART RUN uses these zones to coach you throughout your workout. Guidance comes in various forms including vibration, through the 1.45" color touch screen display and, if you are using a Bluetooth headset, the coach will tell you to speed up or slow down.

The watch even has "400 anatomically correct animations ... to guide you correctly through each repetition and circuit." And I'm not entirely sure what that means, but it sure sounds impressive.

The SMART RUN comes with 4GB of memory, 3GB of which is set aside for music files.

The miCoach SMART RUN will be available Nov. 1 and will retail for $399.