Garmins-what does everyone think?

[momof2minnies]

I would like to resurrect the question about a Garmin.For training is it all that necessary?

Is a sports watch just as good? If so how does everyone figure their pace as they go? FYI not a math wiz here so need all the help I can get.

TIA,
Linda

 

[FatElvis]

No, it's not necessary at all. That said, I do love mine! Honestly before I got mine, I never really calculated my pace other than to wear a cheapie timex or to check the clock before & after I got back from a run and then estimate. I run on the treadmill a lot so I generally know what my 10 minute pace usually feels like, so I just gauged it by that when running outside.

I think for serious training, it can be extremely valuable. Otherwise, they're fun & interesting & absolutely give you some good info. But totally necessary? Nah.

If you do get one, I found some good deals online (I got the 305). Good luck!

 

[Duanerice]

Love mine! Do I need it? Probably not, but what I like about it is that it gives me the freedom to just go run anywhere I want. I don't need to pre measure the route. I think that is the best feature.

I know my pace well enough by now that I can probably tell how far I've gone just based on time, but I still love it!
enjoy,
Duane

 

[amykab]

I've only had mine for a couple months but I totally it! I like knowing how far I have gone, and since I am new to running, knowing what pace I am going is helpful!!

 

[JimB.]

Do I NEED it? No. Ok, well, maybe.

Do I feel LOST without it? Yes, Sorta'. I love that I can measure my workouts as I go, that I can keep apprised of my (slow) pace & that I can map my workouts on my computer.

It's a very versatile tool that helps me.

 

[postesf]

It's not absolutely necessary, but now that I've had it...I feel lost without it!

I have the 305 and I do love mine! It's great for biking too cause it will tell me my mph!

Stacie

 

[wtpclc]

The biggest need fro a Garmin is to determine how far you ran or aer going to run. If you know that, the cheap watch will get you pace. Of course, unless you know where every mile falls, you won' tbe ablt to know your pace during a run, just after.

Many people use mapmyrun.com (I think) to figure out how far tehy went or will go. So, it can be done. The Garmin makes it a whole lot easier, though.

 

[noryen]

.. how does everyone figure their pace as they go?

Personally, I use the Nike+ iPod kit, but that's only because I had an iPod Nano to start with. It's fairly accurate after I calibrated it, but it's definitely not as accurate as a GPS.

A side benefit to the Nike+ kit is that it's usable on a treadmill. Sure, the treadmill already provides distance and pace info, but I like to download a history of my runs to my computer so that I can track my progress. (Note: A few Garmin GPS units can link to a "foot pod" for treadmill use.)

However, if I didn't have a Nano to begin with, I probably would have purchased a Garmin GPS instead.

EDIT: Actually, I might still get a Garmin because it has a LOT of features that are not available on the Nike+ kit. Not to mention that the older versions are very cheap now (e.g. $99 for the Forerunner 301 on Amazon.com).

 

[suzannews]

Love my Garmin, its the best money I've spent in a long time! Is it necessary for training...no. I trained for the Minnie without it, just my cell phone clock and a marked path. But, once I saw one at the Minnie and walked with someone who had one, I was hooked. I will never walk/jog/run without it again.

 

[scoolover]

It is very helpful in my quest to run every road in my town. It allows me know how far I have gone without maping it first and it helps me remember where I went.

The other day I did 16 miles and I was able to do my 4 mile splits without having to think too hard.

I would highly recommend one!

 

[soupy11]

I love mine and would not run without it.

 

[skfulkers]

Necessary? No, not really. Addicting once you've used it. You bet ya! Like Jim, I feel somewhat lost without mine. I very rarely go running or biking without it. I have the HRM with mine, so being able to see heart rate at any given time gives me just one more tool to use to be able to train effectively. Or maybe it's just one more gadget for me to get excited about. Dunno.

I will say that dollar for dollar, Krista and I both agree it's by far the best investment we've made for running.

Steve

 

[bunnyfoo]

Before my Garmin (I just got it last month), I would use my Timex and MapMyRun.com. I have to say that I really like the Garmin a lot If you live in an area with tall buildings like a downtown center, the Garmin may not work as well. I've used mine a couple of times when I go for a walk at work and the Garmin has me walking all over the place!

 

[Duanerice]

I'm all for the Garmin. I've had the 101 for almost 2 years. As everyone has said, it is great to just be able to go run and not worry about the course. Sure made the LR's for the marathon easier. OK, not easier but you know what I mean.

Well, I just had my birthday , 51st, and my wife bought me the Garmin 305. Couple of upgrades from the 101 but mainly I don't need to keep putting batteries in it and I can upload my runs to the computer. I'm sure all the other stuff will be great once I start using it.

enjoy,
Duane

 

[cryssi]

I have the 205 and could not live without it! I train alone and it really helps me pace...plus I like being able to go wherever the wind takes me and not have a pre-set route. I also like how you can set it to lap by distance...I am able to see my time per mile at each mile the way I have it set up.

 

[mkymsehi]

Considering a Garmin 405 with heart rate monitor is just below the cost of a WDW or Disneyland annual pass , I say it's worth it if you're seriously into training. If you're a casual exerciser, then it's not necessary.

I started with the Ipod/Nike+ kit. I love running with music in one ear (not two for safety reasons). But the Nike foot sensor wears out in less than one year for all the miles I put in.

After listening to my running buddies talk about their 105's, 205's, 305's, I found a deal on the 405 I couldn't pass up. So now I'm only one of two people in our group that has the 405.

I like seeing my workouts using the Garminconnect link.

 

[mkymsehi]

I checked on Craigslist, and ran across an add for a Garmin 405 charger, antenna USBus stick, and heartrate monitor & strap. $20.

The guy worked just down the street from my office. He said he lost his 405 during a recent move, and no longer needed the accessories.

What a steal! LOL.

 

[goofy57]

I have asked for a Garmin 305 for my b'day which is next week. If I get it, I will let everyone know how I like it.

Stan
bloomimgtonrunner@blogspot.com

 

[momof2minnies]

Well, I am the one that started this post back in August and now I must say I would be completely lost without my Garmin- I love it!

Never run without it!

Linda

 

[VernRDH]

I just got mine yesterday. I am going to road test it for the first time tomorrow morning on my 3 mile run. It will be really great on Sunday when we do our long run. I have used mapmyrun, but my MIL doesn't believe me when I tell her how far we have gone (if I say its 4 miles, she'll argue its only 3). So now I can PROVE how far we are going.

I got the 305 online at Best Buy for $159 with free shipping or in store pickup.