Poll for runners: Garmin (or similar device) or no Garmin?

[MJonesMBA2001]

When you run, do you use a Garmin or similar device that measures distance, pace, and any extras like heart rate, or do you just wear a watch and run for time?

 

[rubato]

I just run with a watch for time, but have been debating the Garmin. I can get my route mileage at mapmyrun.com, so I don't know if I really have a need for one, but they seem cool!

 

[SetzKitten]

I use a garmin with a heart rate monitor. Love it. Although after I did my first run with it and downloaded it to my computer, I realized that my running route looked like a pornagraphic picture. I couldn't show it to anyone. LOL.

 

[momof2minnies]

Addicted to my Garmin- could not go out without it.

Linda

 

[SAHDad]

Garmin. Even for treadmill runs, where at the moment, it serves mainly as a really expensive stopwatch, since I haven't been wearing the heart rate strap.

 

[KarenAylwood]

Garmin.

I just got mine about a week or two ago, it's been on 4 runs with it and it makes a world of a difference. I have a better idea of how I'm running in the moment, and knowing exactly how far I ran is awesome.

 

[John VN]

I will not head out to pound the pavement without the 305 my son sent me. Enjoy scrutinizing the numbers when displayed.

p.s. DD and DSIL will be in Zhengzhou on Sunday for DGD #2.

 

[FireDancer]

I am in the middle. I don't have a Garmin but I always know how far I ran. Sometimes I know in advance because it is a route I already know. Sometimes I just run for time but I go back and plot my route so I know the distance and can calculate my pace.

One of these days I will break down and get a Garmin.

 

[NeverlandClub23]

I know the distance of some of the routes I run but I broke down and bought a Garmin 305 yesterday (a little under $150 with free shipping from Amazon). I can't wait to get it . I have a love/hate relationship with the treadmill. I love that I have control and the knowledge of what I'm doing but hate the boring-ness and the lack of freedom. When I run outside I think I'd push myself harder if I knew exactly what I was doing and I think I would run more often outside.

 

[VernRDH]

Garmin 305 all the way. I would feel naked without it.

 

[Tiger Lily 03]

Garmin! Absolutely love my 205. I don't have to take the time to mapmyrun. I already know as I go. Mine has lasted quite some time and I think the investment is worth my freedom to know how many steps I've put in as I go. Fun!

 

[dismagiclover]

Love my Garmin too

 

[MJonesMBA2001]

I will not head out to pound the pavement without the 305 my son sent me. Enjoy scrutinizing the numbers when displayed.

p.s. DD and DSIL will be in Zhengzhou on Sunday for DGD #2.

Awesome!! Congratulations to all of you!! I wish we could do it again!

To answer my own question, I have recently gotten a Garmin 305, and was on the fence about whether or not it's as useful as people seem to make it out to be. In the last few weeks I've been doing the Insanity workout and running less, but when I do run, I really like having it. I have to get used to utilizing it, though, because I've been a Timex Ironman Triathlon wearer for many many years, and have used no real tools.

For those of you who use it - do you do anything besides having it on you as is? Do you set up custom things, or do you/can you change around the displays to monitor different things?

 

[StacyMarie]

Old school, I run for time, lol! I do know the distance of my route so I just pay attention to my time.

 

[FireDancer]

I have a question for you Forerunner users. I keep looking at these and will eventually get one. The only real difference I can see between the 205 and 305 is the heart monitor and bike sensor. Is that it? I would pretty much just use it to keep track of my time, distance, and pace and like the idea I can plug it into my computer and get an elevation map or actual satellite image/map image of my run.

Would the 205 allow me to do all of that. It appears as though I can from my Googling but I wanted to confirm it with people that use it.

Sorry for the pseudo-hijack OP.

 

[APrunner]

I have the 305. The main difference though is the heart rate monitor. I bought the 305 because it really didn't cost much more than the 205. I do not use the heart rate monitor often, but it is nice to have, if the cost is not too drastic. With the 405 out, you can find the 305 at pretty good prices.

The garmin is the best running purchase I have made. It is great when traveling. You can map a route out online, which is what I used to do, but it is nice to just change directions once in a while. It has also really come in handy in races too. I have the time and distance right there on my wrist. I do not have to wait for a mile marker to see where I am and how I am doing. I have been in some races where there was not a marker at every mile. It gives a pace too, but I do not think that is 100% accurate. I think the pace is more reliable if you are running fairly straight at a fairly constant speed. I still look at it in races sometimes to get a sense of how I am doing, but I would not rely on it too much.

 

[RedSonya]

I always run with my Garmin 305. I don't use most of the features, I only use the distance and pace.

 

[NeverlandClub23]

Can you get the Forerunner wet? I just received mine yesterday and won't be using it until this Saturday but they're calling for rain (which I'll still run in) but wonder if it'll mess up the device?

 

[FireDancer]

Can you get the Forerunner wet? I just received mine yesterday and won't be using it until this Saturday but they're calling for rain (which I'll still run in) but wonder if it'll mess up the device?

The 305 is rated as IPX7 which according to their website:

[SIZE=-1][FONT=Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif]Most newer Garmin® GPS units are waterproof in accordance with IEC 60529 IPX7. IEC 60529 is a European system of test specification standards for classifying the degrees of protection provided by the enclosures of electrical equipment. An IPX7 designation means the GPS case can withstand accidental immersion in one meter of water for up to 30 minutes.

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[NeverlandClub23]

Thanks Frank!