Marathon Weekend 2016

[opusone]

I like what I've seen about the Garmin products and being able to keep the data on the computer. Do they store info in an App also?

All your Garmin data is "in the cloud" on what they call Garmin Connect after you sync with either your computer or your phone. That way, you can see all your data from anywhere (any computer with internet access or the app on your phone).

As far as pace, I have found that the instant pace display isn't really great to use for trying to keep a specific pace regardless of the watch or app you use. It is too variable and will make you want to adjust too often, so you'll be like a yo-yo. There was some discussion earlier about Lap Pace which several watches have. This is by far the best tool to keep a specific pace.

What I do is set up my watch to auto lap each mile, and then I display Lap Pace and Lap Distance as two of the displayed data fields. So, for example, let's say I'm trying to keep a 9:00 pace. After I've run for a short while, maybe 0.1 or so miles, I can look down and see my average pace for that 0.1 miles. If my lap pace shows a 9:10, then I slightly speed up and check again after another 0.1 or so miles, which at that point, the lap pace will be telling me my average pace for the total 0.2 miles. I keep performing these slight adjustments every so often until my lap pace is 9:00. Then, when I eventually get to the first mile, the auto lap kicks in, displays my first mile split, and the lap distance and lap pace start all over for the second mile.

 

[margitmouse]

All your Garmin data is "in the cloud" on what they call Garmin Connect after you sync with either your computer or your phone. That way, you can see all your data from anywhere (any computer with internet access or the app on your phone).

As far as pace, I have found that the instant pace display isn't really great to use for trying to keep a specific pace regardless of the watch or app you use. It is too variable and will make you want to adjust too often, so you'll be like a yo-yo. There was some discussion earlier about Lap Pace which several watches have. This is by far the best tool to keep a specific pace.

What I do is set up my watch to auto lap each mile, and then I display Lap Pace and Lap Distance as two of the displayed data fields. So, for example, let's say I'm trying to keep a 9:00 pace. After I've run for a short while, maybe 0.1 or so miles, I can look down and see my average pace for that 0.1 miles. If my lap pace shows a 9:10, then I slightly speed up and check again after another 0.1 or so miles, which at that point, the lap pace will be telling me my average pace for the total 0.2 miles. I keep performing these slight adjustments every so often until my lap pace is 9:00. Then, when I eventually get to the first mile, the auto lap kicks in, displays my final mile split, and the lap distance and lap pace start all over for the second mile.

Ah! This is great to know! I couldn't understand how people were getting their pace more frequently and accurately.
I'm not sure I'm in a place right now to get another watch, but a runner can dream can't she?! I mean, really, one does have to research!

Someone else here said they had a Vivoactive didn't they?

... And as far as the weather: cooler is better.... But no rain is BEST!!

 

[margitmouse]

@opusone - Which watch do you have?

 

[DopeyBadger]

in response to someone's earlier comment- the free mapmyrun shows laps without the $30 upgrade. You just can't use the app like a journal and document weather and what you ate, stuff like that.
My free version stores the route I ran, distance , pace, and laps. My biggest objection is the inaccuracy...
I'm not sure how much better run keeper is but the people I run with, like it a lot.

Apologies on the mapmyrun info from earlier. Don't know what my coworker was saying then when she said she had to get the $30 MVP version for lap pace voice feedback. Definitely highly recommend the Garmin watches. I have a Garmin 620 but I don't find all of the extra bells and whistles to be worth it and could probably do with the new 230/235 at the most.

 

[margitmouse]

Apologies on the mapmyrun info from earlier. Don't know what my coworker was saying then when she said she had to get the $30 MVP version for lap pace voice feedback. Definitely highly recommend the Garmin watches. I have a Garmin 620 but I don't find all of the extra bells and whistles to be worth it and could probably do with the new 230/235 at the most.

Actually kinda made me of sad to hear she spent that kind of money for that feature : /
Another poster on here explained to me how she was ably to get feedback more frequently and i was able to get the voice prompts more frequently... Never paid $30 though...

I had thought I wanted an Apple Watch but realize that I don't really need its bells me whistles, and that I really need more support for my activities.... So I can live up to all of you!!
At one time I looked at the 220, had recently bought my Timex though, so didn't really entertain the idea too much. I'm at the point here I feel like I could support my training with better information ( that sounds Ike a valid excuse right?!?!) so am sort of looking around.... Maybe for a Christmas present idea for someone !!!!


... And you all are sooo helpful with things like that!

 

[FFigawi]

might as well plan on signing up now, LOL, especially if you keep hanging out around here, this board has a way of talking you into things just ask @Keels

Do it! You won't regret it.

 

[opusone]

@opusone - Which watch do you have?

I use the Garmin Forerunner 225 which has the heart rate monitor on the back of the watch such that I don't have to wear a chest strap to get heart rate data. This is their mid-level GPS running watch. They just announced they are coming out with the 235 in the next month or two which will replace the 225.

However, even the Garmin Forerunner 25, which is their budget model, has the Lap Pace feature.

 

[Neoflynn]

I was entertaining the idea of picking up the Vivoactive but have since changed my mind as they just announced the Forerunner 235 and it has the extras I'm looking for (most notably the HR wrist monitor) So now I think that's what I am going to go with, I also use the Nike + running app on my phone and I love it as I get audio feedback every 1/4 mile and that helps me adjust my pace as neccesary

 

[Keels]

@Keels- you've mentioned before how much you like your newer watch.
Do you find that your pace speed is pretty accurate moment to moment? I have a Timex run 20, which I really like but the moment to moment pace seems to jump around. I'd like to find something that can help me adjust my pace better than at every mile lap. Can you see/read the face easily while running? It looks pretty fun! And like the waterproof feature too. Any input you can share?

The only thing(s) I really have to compare it to were my Garmin 10 and RunKeeper, but I do find the pacing and timing to be MUCH more accurate, as well as total distance and things like that.

The face is very easy to read while running, or just wearing in general. You can also change the timer on the backlight to make it more suited to your eyesight. And you can change the "watch faces" and other readout screens so the type is larger, etc., just the way you like it.

The reason this watch spoke to me over the others in the market was simply because of the ability to read notifications on my phone. I like that I can just look at my watch when it buzzes and read text messages, emails, alerts, etc. instead of having to pull my phone out every time I get a notification. I'm sure that's not what Garmin intended to be a No. 1 selling feature when they put out this watch, but it was for me and my husband - it's been a real game-changer for him as far as working out and things go during a work "shift".

 

[rteetz]

The west part of the speedway has started paving

https://twitter.com/bioreconstruct/status/658027632492171264

 

[IamTrike]

I was entertaining the idea of picking up the Vivoactive but have since changed my mind as they just announced the Forerunner 235 and it has the extras I'm looking for (most notably the HR wrist monitor) So now I think that's what I am going to go with, I also use the Nike + running app on my phone and I love it as I get audio feedback every 1/4 mile and that helps me adjust my pace as neccesary

I think the 235 looks neat, To me it seems like the best of both worlds. The smart watch components of the vivoactive with the heart rate and running watch capabilities of the 225.

The only thing(s) I really have to compare it to were my Garmin 10 and RunKeeper, but I do find the pacing and timing to be MUCH more accurate, as well as total distance and things like that.

The face is very easy to read while running, or just wearing in general. You can also change the timer on the backlight to make it more suited to your eyesight. And you can change the "watch faces" and other readout screens so the type is larger, etc., just the way you like it.

The reason this watch spoke to me over the others in the market was simply because of the ability to read notifications on my phone. I like that I can just look at my watch when it buzzes and read text messages, emails, alerts, etc. instead of having to pull my phone out every time I get a notification. I'm sure that's not what Garmin intended to be a No. 1 selling feature when they put out this watch, but it was for me and my husband - it's been a real game-changer for him as far as working out and things go during a work "shift".

I bought my Garmin 220 from a buddy who had just got a vivoactive. He felt that the 220 was the best running watch he ever had, but that the vivoactive is a better all around watch. It does a really good job as running watch, but its more useful during the day both because of the activity monitoring and the text messages.


I really like the 220 and I think I'll likely get a 235. That being said I really wish Garmin would pick up some of the things that Nike has done with their watch. My favorite feature on the nike + watch was also it's biggest downfall. I loved that it had a USB plug built into the watch band. I could take it off and charge it at any point and didn't have to worry about a special charging cable. That also meant the band took a lot of wear.

 

[Waiting2goback]

I am going to throw a watch out there for you all to consider. I haven't used it personally, mostly because I chose to spend my money on different things this year. But the Samsung Gear S is a smart watch. It will serve as a phone and running watch in that it can do everything your GPS watches do, it had a HRM on it, and it can also act as a stand alone phone. It has it's own phone number so you don't need to bring your phone with you, if you already do. You can put music on it so you can use a Bluetooth headset with it and have all your music with you too. If you're a Verizon customer the line is only $5/month on your bill.

I have been toying with the idea all year. I don't know why I can't make up my mind. I do know I wouldn't use that HRM. All the research I have done says the HRM on the wrist are not accurate so I will stick with my chest strap.

 

[opusone]

I do know I wouldn't use that HRM. All the research I have done says the HRM on the wrist are not accurate so I will stick with my chest strap.

Not true, the optical HR monitors on the wrist can now be just as accurate as the chest strap. I tested mine out on multiple runs/rides using both the chest strap (Garmin 610) and the wrist optical HR monitor (Garmin 225), and the heart rate readings were identical throughout the activities. See one comparison below of a 20-mile bike ride where I wore both devices. Check out the DC Rainmaker website to learn more (he has the most thorough reviews).



That being said, I don't know if the Samsung Gear S HR monitor is any good, but as a general statement, the optical versions are now very accurate.

 

[derekleigh]

Never been one whom is interested in running in costumes, but a few of us are possibly dressing up for the races. I had a few conditions and one being I wanted to wear a mask. What is runDisney's policy on running with masks? Prof. Callaghan to be more exact. I read on their website:

"...costumes cannot interfere with the safety of you or other runners. If a costume is questionable or offensive to others, we reserve the right to either have you change into something more appropriate or remove you from the event."

But nothing on masks.

 

[AThrillingChase]

Never been one whom is interested in running in costumes, but a few of us are possibly dressing up for the races. I had a few conditions and one being I wanted to wear a mask. What is runDisney's policy on running with masks? Prof. Callaghan to be more exact. I read on their website:

"...costumes cannot interfere with the safety of you or other runners. If a costume is questionable or offensive to others, we reserve the right to either have you change into something more appropriate or remove you from the event."

But nothing on masks.

I can tell you masks are not allowed at mnsshp. I would imagine it is similar rules but you may want to email them

 

[camaker]

Anyone have experience rehabbing hamstrings? I pulled mine a month ago and after a month of therapeutic massage and stretching and strengthening exercises I tried a 1/4 run/ walk yesterday and could only make it 3.5mi without discomfort. I'm starting to get worried about Marathon Weekend at this point.

 

[opusone]

Never been one whom is interested in running in costumes, but a few of us are possibly dressing up for the races. I had a few conditions and one being I wanted to wear a mask. What is runDisney's policy on running with masks? Prof. Callaghan to be more exact. I read on their website:

"...costumes cannot interfere with the safety of you or other runners. If a costume is questionable or offensive to others, we reserve the right to either have you change into something more appropriate or remove you from the event."

But nothing on masks.

Masks are not allowed. It is listed under Runner Info:

 

[BuckeyeBama]

Anyone have experience rehabbing hamstrings? I pulled mine a month ago and after a month of therapeutic massage and stretching and strengthening exercises I tried a 1/4 run/ walk yesterday and could only make it 3.5mi without discomfort. I'm starting to get worried about Marathon Weekend at this point.

Depends on the severity of the injury. I have been totally unable to run for months after one incident, but back to running within a few weeks with another. If you made it 3.5 miles, it is pretty well healed. Just ease back into the longer distances and totally skip speed work.

 

[BuckeyeBama]

Ran 8 miles yesterday - great run - felt awesome. Ran 16 miles today. I purposely ran with depleted glycogen stores to work on the mental portion since it has been so long since my last "bonk". I also wanted to see how my body would handle the load burning only fat for fuel. Wow! what a tough run, physically and mentally. I am glad that I did it. It is always good to force yourself beyond your body's limits from time to time. But I am glad that it is over and won't be doing it again until after the Dopey.

I need a nap.

 

[derekleigh]

Masks are not allowed. It is listed under Runner Info:

View attachment 130926

Thank you. I thought I had seen a more detailed breakdown for costumes. However ever being the person that would not run in one, I never paid attention to the rules.