Welcome to our "Coolest Things" series. Each week, the running editors at ACTIVE.com will tell you about the coolest things happening in the running industry so you're never a step (or fartlek) behind. See last week's post here.
Run as Fast as Usain Bolt (…or at least, try to)
Wish your running coach could teach you how to run as fast as some of the best? Well, this one can.
Puma has released an exciting new product for runners and techies alike that actually mimics the speed of the world's greatest runners, including 100-meter Olympic champion, Usain Bolt.
Photo credit: Associated Press/Wong Maye-E
The Puma BeatBot is a small, robot-like device that sits on four wheels and literally races you, pushing you to your absolute best like any great running coach should. Whether you're trying to beat a friend's time, pace yourself on dauntingly long runs or shatter a world record, you can program the device to the appropriate speed.
BeatBot is equipped with an accelerator and infrared sensors that will help it follow the lines on a track, but it's unclear whether or not it would work similarly on a road. All features of the robot can be controlled through an iPhone app.
Right now the bot is just a prototype, but we're crossing our fingers this product will be available soon.
Want more info? Check out this cool video of the BeatBot featuring Bolt himself.
Nick Symmonds Auctions Off Own Skin as Advertising Space
Photo credit: Associated Press/Alexander Zemlianichenko
Two-time Olympian or savvy businessman? Looks like Nick Symmonds might be both.
The track and field star, who specializes in the 800- and 1500-meter distances, is once again auctioning off valuable advertising real estate—his own body—before the upcoming track and field season.
For a pretty penny, sponsors can place a URL, social media handle or even a logo on his right shoulder (the left is already taken, sorry everybody) via a temporary tattoo that Symmonds will wear during each event on his competition schedule this year, including the 2016 Olympics if he were to qualify.
Though the Olympics require that athletes tape over any advertising on their bodies—"antiquated rules," as Symmonds refers to them—he promises to still be an avid and vocal supporter of that brand, company or person during the Games.
This isn't Symmonds' first call for advertisements. In 2012, marketing agency Hanson Dodge paid $11,100 to have him display its Twitter handle on his skin, a decision the agency said they do not regret.
To see the eBay listing in full, click here.
So, any takers?
Editor's Note: Within two weeks of introducing the auction, Symmonds received an offer from the CEO of T-Mobile, John Legere. Legere's winning bid of $21,800 bought nine inches of advertising space on Symmonds' right shoulder.
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