Running is as old as legs, but it took the invention of satellite networks for us to track our running down to the nearest metre and calorie burned. The Garmin Forerunner 201 is a clever device that, although appearing to be a cross between a wristwatch and a stopwatch, is filled with impressive high-tech gizmos. First off, it's in constant communication with the GPS satellite network to keep track of your movements, including altitude. This gives it much higher accuracy than a simple pedometer, which doesn't take elevation into account when calculating your energy expenditure.

The Forerunner 201 can also be programmed to give you a virtual partner, with whom you can keep pace. Simply set your training goal, and the Forerunner 201 will keep you updated with your performance compared to your virtual running buddy. A personal-computer link and software also enables you to monitor and analyse your progress. And it displays the time, of course.