Garmin, Polar, Nike...OH MY....

[momhmmx2]

I'm looking for a training watch that lets me know what my current pace is. This is the most important feature for me as I tend to run too fast and get too tired quickly! I'm going to run my first 1/2 at the W&D I have run the relay the past 2 years and always started out WAY too fast and paying for it later in the race.

It would be nice if it alerted me if I was off my set pace.

I'm SLOW but that's ok with me. I figure it's the same finish line regardless

HR and GPS would be nice as well.

Any suggestions? Thanks!!

 

[John VN]

I'm looking for a training watch that lets me know what my current pace is. This is the most important feature for me as I tend to run too fast and get too tired quickly! I'm going to run my first 1/2 at the W&D I have run the relay the past 2 years and always started out WAY too fast and paying for it later in the race.

It would be nice if it alerted me if I was off my set pace.

I'm SLOW but that's ok with me. I figure it's the same finish line regardless

HR and GPS would be nice as well.

Any suggestions? Thanks!!

Enjoyed my 305 Garmin and now the 910XT Garmin. Really can't go wrong with Garmin, IMO.

 

[jmv223]

I love my Garmin too. The display is large enough to read my pace while running and you can set a pace and have it alert you if you are too fast or too slow. Mine is an older discontinued model (Forerunner 205) but I love it so much I'm reluctant to upgrade!

 

[crewmatt]

Big fan of Garmin too, they have the most experience with this stuff. I have a 410, quite fond of. If you're looking for just a speedometer with a few other basic things (time, distance, etc), the 210 seems like it would be the best bet for you, and its not that expensive (compared to the latest/greatest).

The 405 has more features - preprogrammed workouts, etc, but some people dont like the touch bezel, but seeing as that model is 2 years old or so its also a good deal right now.

 

[RunRookie]

(duplicated)

 

[RunRookie]

Actually, Polar has the most years in the business of making sports watches. It is all they do, and they are very good. I wear the RS800CX which is great for programming multiple types of running exercises to match your various training runs, intervals, speed work, you name it.

The only issue I have with Polar is that they do not have a watch with built-in GPS. They have a nice, small GPS receiver that communicates wirelessly with their watches but you have to either clip it to your clothing or wear it in an armband. It is pretty small (the G5 model) and lightweight. It works just great, but some people just prefer not having to deal with a second device. As for me, it is no big deal, and I wonder if having it being separate helps to extend the battery life of the watch itself.

The other benefit of the RS800CX is that it is multi-sport so you cah use it for cycling, swimming, etc. so if you do cross-training, this is a great watch.

I have never used a Garmin so I cannot really compare the two. But from what I have read in this thread, and heard from others, ALL the 'cool' features of the Garmin have been in Polar watches for quite some time. The only real difference I can 'see' is built-in GPS and that most Garmins are physically a lot bigger.

Just my two cents...

 

[Ariel484]

I got a Garmin Forerunner 305 from Amazon.com and I really like it. My only complaint is that it's bulky! Other than that, fabulous running watch.

You can set it up to alert you if you're above/below a certain pace, and it comes with a HR strap (I've never used mine). I bought this one over the 205 because it explicitly stated that the 305 is Mac-compatible...of course I almost never use the computer software anyway.

 

[jenifred]

I have the Nike sportsband. DH has the Garmin 205. DH loves all the bells and whistles that come with the Garmin. The Nike is way less bulky and very easy to use. And even though it is not satallite based, the pod can be accurate. BUT, it's only accurate if your stride is consistent. Which means if you alternate between walking and running, it's going to be off even if you calibrate it.

 

[Qltrgrl2]

I bought the Garmin 310 online and love it. It was $150 including shipping and is great for pace and keeping track of my runs. However, it does not have a heart monitor. Other Garmaverages do have that feature.
Good luck and happy running!

 

[lmb80129]

I have a garmin 610 that I love. I found a website called dcrainmaker that had extensive reviews on a ton of running watches. It was very helpful in helping me make a decision.

 

[UGAFan0829]

My DH bought me the Garmin 210 for my birthday last year, and I have to say that it's the best investment we've ever made as far as running. However, I'm not positive that this model will alert you if your pace changes. I do love mine though and wish I'd gotten it sooner!

 

[APrunner]

I would go with the Garmin 210 or 610. It depends on the features you want and what you are willing to pay. Neither one of these are too big (like the 205 and 305) or have the potentially problematic bezzel screen like the 400s. Garmin is the top brand among runners, for a good reason. I have tried some other brands before, and sent them back for a Garmin. Currently I have the 610. It is pricey, but I love it.

 

[bosuch]

I've also got the Garmin 305, and like it... especially the virtual pacer - you set a goal time & distance, and it tells you how far ahead or behind you are of a virtual runner that will finish at that time.

Although lately I'm very tempted by the Motorola MotoActv - It's a full Android device, so it's got all the normal GPS stuff, plus it's a music player, supports Bluetooth headsets, integrates with your phone, etc. It even tracks pace vs. music, so you can see which songs make you run faster. I've heard mixed reviews about battery life though.

Bill

 

[cantwaitvaca09]

I have the garmin forerunner 110 and I love it
Worth every penny.

 

[Figment1990]

Sorry for hi-jacking, but I could have written the OP's post!

I'm new to exploring these, but can anyone tell me if any one of the garmins (or other) is better if you're also going to be training indoors on a treadmill sometimes?

 

[VickiHD]

DH just bought me the Garmin 210. (the teal one) I've only used it once so far. I was able to set up my intervals and such. Overall the set up was pretty easy and I really like the online "reporting" features that's you can us to keep track of your run and goals.

I have small wrists and it's not too big compared to some of those huge sports watches.

 

[poohmunk]

I splurged on the Garmin 610 and so far so good... I haven't quite gotten used to all the options, but I like that there's such good customization! The vibrate function is great for my run/walk intervals, so I don't have to worry about bothering other people with my loud beeping.

I had a Polar heart rate monitor from a few years ago, but the battery died, and I felt that the chestpiece would constantly slip down. I purchsed the my Garmin 610 with the HRM (although it can be purchased separately) and especially like that it is soft and flexible.

Also, if you're a high school or college student, there's a $50 rebate for some models through May (check out the official Garmin site).

I've taken the watch out for a few jogs and love it so far! As for indoor/treadmill training I think you have to purchase a separate footpad and calibrate that.

 

[momhmmx2]

Thanks everyone for the advice! I went with the Garmin 610..I was sold on it after I read it has a run/walk option and would vibrate when time to change speeds as well as the much needed current pace/speed option.

I also got a gift certificate to REI for my birthday..then with the $50 rebate (I have a daughter in H.S. who is an athlete), plus my REI dividends and some extra cash from birthday money..It was like getting it for free

 

[BlazerFan]

Thanks everyone for the advice! I went with the Garmin 610..I was sold on it after I read it has a run/walk option and would vibrate when time to change speeds as well as the much needed current pace/speed option.

I also got a gift certificate to REI for my birthday..then with the $50 rebate (I have a daughter in H.S. who is an athlete), plus my REI dividends and some extra cash from birthday money..It was like getting it for free

If I understand correctly, when you use the run/walk/run interval timer, you can still see pace/distance etc? I have a Garmin 305 and that's what I don't like about it for intervals, I don't get to see all the other information when I'm doing intervals. I broke down and got an interval timer but sometimes I don't feel the vibration when it's clipped to my fuel belt and I don't want to have it beep. If the watch would vibrate, that would be great.
thanks!

 

[momhmmx2]

If I understand correctly, when you use the run/walk/run interval timer, you can still see pace/distance etc? I have a Garmin 305 and that's what I don't like about it for intervals, I don't get to see all the other information when I'm doing intervals. I broke down and got an interval timer but sometimes I don't feel the vibration when it's clipped to my fuel belt and I don't want to have it beep. If the watch would vibrate, that would be great.
thanks!

That is correct. I programmed in the walk/run ratio and was able to see lots of other info as well. You can customize the screens and see what info is the most important to you. And yes it vibrates. I had no problem feeling the vibration.