View the original article on Runnersweb.com here.

SecuraPAL device allows you to send SOS alerts to "pals" while tracking workouts

HERMOSA BEACH, CA — Whether you are walking, running or biking the reality is you never know what could happen when you are out on the road, but most of us still take our safety for granted when we leave home to exercise. A new device from SecuraTrac, a dynamic provider of personal location and emergency notification services, can be used by adults, teens, children and the elderly for a variety of security purposes including keeping athletes of all types and abilities safe.

The SecuraPAL (Personal Automated Locator) device uses GPS technology to help keep you safe, especially if you work out alone. Weighing a mere two ounces SecuraPAL can be worn on a running belt or carried in a pocket without disturbing your workout routine. Measuring a few square inches, it is even small enough to fit inside the keycard pocket built into running shorts.

One of the most important features of the SecuraPAL device for athletes is the SOS button. By holding down the button for two seconds a user can send a text message to one of their "pals" alerting the person that he or she is injured or in some type of distress. In the text message received by the "pal" will be the user's exact location. An email can also be sent that will include the location, turn-by-turn directions to their location, and a visual map.

If you always plan your workout route ahead of time or only bike and run on certain roads, SecuraPAL can also be used with virtual boundaries. These boundaries, or SecuraFences, are limitless and can be put in place by the user when logged into their online account. If you were to cross a SecuraFence during your workout your "pals" would receive a text message notifying them that you have left one of your designated areas and that something out of the ordinary might have occurred.

Additionally, SecuraTrac reports your movement during a workout to your personal account allowing you to log in to view your route. With this information users can employ any Internet mapping technology to calculate how much distance they covered in their workout. Up to 90 days of device history are stored and available through your account.