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  1.  
    • CommentAuthorFree Membercutiger95
    • CommentTimeApr 1st 2008
     
    cutiger95

    Always have had problems with training and overtraining.  I generally blow up after a race or two and go years between running again.


    Well I am back at it again and am wanting to try a new tact to keep me physically capable of running.  I want to train with an HRM and either foot pod or GPS.  My target is a 5k on April 18th  a 10-k in August, a 1/2 marathon in October and potentially a marathon in Jan. of next year.

     

    This past weekend I completed a 5k in 25:21 and know that I would have been faster if my training were better.

     

    So what watches does everyone suggest.  I am currently looking at the Garmin 305, Polar 400SD, and the Timex Bodylink.  Does anyone have a suggestion or experience that would push one one way or the other.

    • CommentAuthorFree MemberKDogg
    • CommentTimeApr 1st 2008
     
    KDogg

    I've got a Timex Bodylink. It works decently I'd say. When I run on the road, it will say I am going 6:55 pace or so and then all of the sudden it will drop to 6:05 and then back to 6:55, when I know I did not change pace. That type of thing is a given with any speed distance monitor, but I was especially surprised at the wide discrepancy. However, the good news is that the total distance ends up being just about what you actually ran (if you compare it with this site or another tracking site)

    The heart rate monitor is pretty decent I'd say. I like to use mine to check my resting heart rate (just to make sure the readings I get are accurate). Generally it is within a couple beats per minute of what I get, so thats good.

    The watch itself is pretty cool, but I'm left wanting more.

    Probably not worth paying full price, but if you can get a decent discount somewhere, then it might be worth it. 

    • CommentAuthorFree MemberFloridan
    • CommentTimeApr 2nd 2008 edited
     
    Floridan

     

     

                                                                     Garmin.com 

    Now that Garmin is coming out with the Forerunner 405 the 305's should be coming down in price. Personally I'm holding out for the 405. It has all the features of the 305 and more packed into regular size sports watch!  I've never owned a watch like this but I just can't get over my gadget giddiness. I fell in love at first read.

    • CommentAuthorFree Membercutiger95
    • CommentTimeApr 2nd 2008
     
    cutiger95

    Gadget giddyness is part of my problem.  Really looking for a watch that will keep me in check as I am amping up for the fall 1/2 marathon.

    Tonight I did a 6 miler and started just fine with a nice slow rate.   By the 1/2 way point I was on target for my plodding starter self at about 10:00 per mile, not great not good, but where I need to be at this point in training.  Then I looked at my watch saw the pitiful time thought back 12 years ago to my college days.  And all of a sudden I was back at it and running quicker.  Ran the last 3 miles at a nice 8:02 clip or so and didn't realize it fully until it was too late. 

     Really need to get something to keep me amped down and reminded of my goals and I think heart rate will do that for me.  Adding in a stride measurement and speed is just icing on the cake and something I would like to have for pure HRM training when I am not concerned about distance except for logging shoe wear.

    • CommentAuthorFree Membertruck38
    • CommentTimeApr 3rd 2008 edited
     
    truck38

    My Garmin 201 does the same thing with pace, I don't really go by it anymore I mostly go by the clock and distance. I've noticed it is particularly bad on hilly runs. The pace varies dramatically when running up a hill or down a hill. It will say I'm running an 8:30pace going downhill when I know I'm around the 6 to 6:15 pace. I know it takes a little bit of time to recalculate the new pace but this particular hill is 1/4 mile up and 1/2 mile down. It should have plenty of time.

    The distance is pretty accurate when compared to map my run but it does vary each time I run the same route.

    I like the Garmin when I'm on a new route it gives me an accurate distance and time without having to drive or plot it to find out how far I've run.

    • CommentAuthorFree Memberjacanz
    • CommentTimeApr 4th 2008
     
    jacanz

    I have a really basic Polar monitor that I have to look at. But it does the trick - if you are a gadet fan then the new ones that beep will be right up your alley. I love Polar gear but that has mostly to do with the fact that it is easiest to get here in NZ a lot of the other brands aren't easy to find.

    The new one with the foot pod option looks good and i have read good reviews. But I would be tempted to just get a real basic model to start with perhaps even second hand to make sure it does the trick for you!

    • CommentAuthorFree Memberjp1
    • CommentTimeJul 6th 2008
     
    jp1

    I'm really loving my 625x. It's pretty expensive but I enjoy being able to just go run and not have to create maps or check routes in order to prepare. I still do that though.

    Plus the pacing beeper is a nice touch.

    Here is the info I got from my run today:

    Data  Value  Unit 
    Duration 1:16:00   
    Sampling Rate 5 s 
          
    Energy Expenditure 890 kcal 
    Number of Heart Beats 12782 beats 
    Recovery -94 beats 
    Minimum Heart Rate 86 bpm 
    Average Heart Rate 168 bpm 
    Maximum Heart Rate 180 bpm 
    Standard Deviation 9.4 bpm 
          
    Minimum Speed 4.8 mph 
    Average Speed  7.9 mph 
    Maximum Speed   14.5 mph 
    Distance  9.9 miles 
    Odometer 190 miles 
          
    Minimum Altitude  30 ft 
    Average Altitude  84 ft 
    Maximum Altitude  120 ft 
    Ascent 400 ft 
          
    The website also gives me a pace. Avg of 7:40 minute mile

    I also wear a cheapy pedometer for steps taken. 14112 total.

    It's fun info to compare one run to the other and overall improvement.

    Jeff

    • CommentAuthorFree MemberGilly32
    • CommentTimeAug 24th 2008
     
    Gilly32
    I love the Polar RS800, but it's costly.
  9.  
    Randy Jewell
    I have the Polar S625X and love it. 
    • CommentAuthorFree Memberd7b
    • CommentTimeOct 5th 2008
     
    d7b

    garmin 405.

     None of them are brilliant really. But this one has some nice features.

     Software doesn't have many great features but you should need them if you are in a serious training program. 

    Using this site with the 405 is the goods though.

    cons: waterproofing. I'm sure my acidic sweat will melt holes in it soon enough...

    I really wanted the Suunto T6C. Fully kitted out it is costly , but can atleast go in the water at the pool or beach.

    But the navigation functions in the Garmin are good if you are also an outdoor person as well as athlete and sealed the deal. 

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