The Running Thread - 2016

[PrincessV]

ATTQOTD: I have two Garmins - a Forerunner 10 and 210 - sitting in a drawer "just in case." But they both bruise my wrist and take forever to pick up a satellite, so I use the iSmoothRun app on my iPhone and sync that to Runkeeper after each run. I originally got the Garmin 10 to use when it rains, but it turns out putting my phone a plastic baggie works great! I do pull out a Garmin when I do pool running, though. During races, I wear a digital but no GPS or anything watch with a large read-out so I can see it without reading glasses - I set it on Chrono so I know the actual elapsed time from the start and can start my phone app earlier and not have to fiddle with it at the start line.

 

[FFigawi]

Anyone remember these? I recall thinking they were amazing in how they displayed average pace while I was trying to calculate mine with my Timex. Oh, how times have changed.

 

[Ariel484]

I've been running for quite a while, so I started with Timex watches with lap functionality, then got into heart rate monitors and went through several brands over the years. When GPS watches first came out, I wasn't impressed with their size, so I held off for quite a while; however, when Garmin developed the Forerunner 405, I was finally sold on the form-factor and immediately bought one. Ever since, I have stayed with the Garmin line simply because they are the best GPS watches for pure running. Here are the GPS models I have gone through:

Garmin Forerunner 405
Garmin Forerunner 405CX (x2 since I dropped and broke my first one)
Garmin Forerunner 610
Garmin Forerunner 225 (my current watch) - changed to this watch for the wrist-based optical HR monitor. I was very happy to give-up the chest strap. If I was purchasing today, I would get the Forerunner 235 which is basically the same thing except with some smart watch features as well as 24-hour HR monitoring.​

Over the years, I have always used DCRainmaker's website that @LSUlakes mentioned. Ray is the only unbiased and detailed reviewer of all things electronic for fitness.

This made me think about the ones I have used throughout the years...

Garmin Forerunner 305
Garmin Forerunner 210
Garmin Forerunner 220
Garmin Forerunner 230
Garmin Forerunner 25 (current)

Before buying the 230 I had a VivoActive - took it out for one run and didn't like it, so I returned it.

Pre-Garmin I used some sort of stopwatch on my wrist and MapMyRun.com (which I still use occasionally to plan out routes).

 

[ebradley23]

Anyone remember these? I recall thinking they were amazing in how they displayed average pace while I was trying to calculate mine with my Timex. Oh, how times have changed.

View attachment 201803

Are you sure you weren't awaiting trial? That thing looks like an ankle monitor for people out on probation.

 

[ZellyB]

Anyone remember these? I recall thinking they were amazing in how they displayed average pace while I was trying to calculate mine with my Timex. Oh, how times have changed.

View attachment 201803

HA! Never saw that one before. My husband had the 305 which was big enough, but he LOVED that thing. He refused to give it up until it finally died on him and couldn't be revived.

 

[kirstie101]

GREAT QUOTD!

I started running in 2012 with a simple timex to track my time and I used mapmyrun to figure out my distance. When the Garmin Forerunner 10 came out I bought one as the price was right. Technically it does what I want it to do, and that is tell me my pace and my distance. Its worked well for me for 3 years now but I'm ready for an upgrade. Originally I wanted the 220 as I wasn't interested in the heart rate monitoring. But now I think I want the 225 or 235. Can't really decide. Looking forward to seeing more answers to today's question!

@LSUlakes I'm no longer running RnR Vancouver on 10/23 due to my IT band.

 

[LSUlakes]

@LSUlakes I'm no longer running RnR Vancouver on 10/23 due to my IT band.

Sorry you are having to do this. Hope it gets better soon.

 

[michigandergirl]

Anyone remember these? I recall thinking they were amazing in how they displayed average pace while I was trying to calculate mine with my Timex. Oh, how times have changed.

View attachment 201803

Yep, I had one of these, possibly even an older version. I used map my run for awhile and about 2 months ago I got a Garmin Forerunner 225, which I think is pretty cool, but I admit I don't even know half of what it's capable of yet.

 

[LSUlakes]

For those who drive to WDW, I am looking for a place to eat dinner off of exit 384 SW Archer Rd (I-75) on a Sunday evening around 7:00PM. Any suggestions?

 

[croach]

ATTQOTD: I use the Garmin 220. I stay pretty simple on my run data so this does everything I need. But if I ever get back in the pool I might try something new since I always lose count of my laps. I also have a heart rate monitor that I wear on my forearm and connects to my watch.

 

[Tasmen]

QOTD: It seems someone is always looking to get their first GPS watch or upgrade to a newer one for various reasons. What watch or GPS device do you use for tracking your runs (or other activities) and why did you choose it?

I use my fitbit charge HR right now along with my phone (all the running apps). I've been contemplating getting some kind of garmin to wear in conjuction with the fitbit for runs. I don't see myself getting rid of the fitbit all together because most of my friends use fitbit and hello friendly competition to keep me motivated and moving.

 

[virtuoso1989]

Welcome to the thread! This thread is as good as any to introduce yourself as I am sure many that post on here also post to the thread specific to which ever Disney race they are participating in. If you would like, I can add any race you are signed up for to the OP. I just need the following info: Date - Username - Race/distance (Goal). Thanks again for joining in on the fun!

Thanks LSUlakes! Here are my races so far:
10/23 - virtuoso1989 - Valparaiso Half Marathon, Valparaiso, IN (1:48:00)
11/5 - virtuoso1989 - Indianapolis monunental Marathon (4:00:00)
1/5 - virtuoso1989 - WDW 5k
1/6 - virtuoso1989 - WDW 10k
1/7 - virtuoso1989 - WDW half marathon
1/8 - virtuoso1989 - WDW marathon
1/13 - virtuoso1989 - light side 5k
1/14 - virtuoso1989 - light side 10k
1/15 - virtuoso1989 - light side half marathon
4/21 - virtuoso1989 - dark side 5k
4/22 - virtuoso1989 - dark side 10k
4/23 - virtuoso1989 - dark side half marathon
7/15 - virtuoso1989 - RNR chicago 5k
7/16 - virtuoso1989 - RNR chicago half marathon

 

[roxymama]

ATTQOTD: I have the 220 Forerunner. I feel like I could use more of its features if I took the time to really look into it. I do like syncing it to my phone app after every run to see the more detailed data for my run.

 

[baxter24]

ATTQOTD: I have a Garmin Forerunner 225. I got it as a birthday gift back in July and love it. The features are really nice and it didn't need take long at all getting used to wearing a watch while running.

 

[LSUlakes]

I use my fitbit charge HR right now along with my phone (all the running apps). I've been contemplating getting some kind of garmin to wear in conjuction with the fitbit for runs. I don't see myself getting rid of the fitbit all together because most of my friends use fitbit and hello friendly competition to keep me motivated and moving.

The Forerunner 235 (and a few others) double as a fitness tracker in the same way that a fitbit does. One watch to serve all purposes. Although I suppose the problem would be comparing data from Garmin Connect to your friends with whatever the software is for fitbit could pose a problem. I am sure there is a way to overcome that...

Thanks LSUlakes! Here are my races so far:
10/23 - virtuoso1989 - Valparaiso Half Marathon, Valparaiso, IN (1:48:00)
11/5 - virtuoso1989 - Indianapolis monunental Marathon (4:00:00)
1/5 - virtuoso1989 - WDW 5k
1/6 - virtuoso1989 - WDW 10k
1/7 - virtuoso1989 - WDW half marathon
1/8 - virtuoso1989 - WDW marathon
1/13 - virtuoso1989 - light side 5k
1/14 - virtuoso1989 - light side 10k
1/15 - virtuoso1989 - light side half marathon
4/21 - virtuoso1989 - dark side 5k
4/22 - virtuoso1989 - dark side 10k
4/23 - virtuoso1989 - dark side half marathon
7/15 - virtuoso1989 - RNR chicago 5k
7/16 - virtuoso1989 - RNR chicago half marathon

Nice list! The current list is only going to 1/15. I have a separate list for races after that date for when I start the 2017 running thread. Good luck on your upcoming races!

 

[BuckeyeBama]

Anyone remember these? I recall thinking they were amazing in how they displayed average pace while I was trying to calculate mine with my Timex. Oh, how times have changed.

View attachment 201803

Still have mine, and it still works.

Edit- Just checked and the one that still works is the next edition - the 301. It is still huge, but it has the red start/stop button. I bought it in 2005, used it for about 6 years, and it still works. I had the 101, 201 and 301 before finally switching to the "smaller" versions.

 

[Anisum]

QOTD: It seems someone is always looking to get their first GPS watch or upgrade to a newer one for various reasons. What watch or GPS device do you use for tracking your runs (or other activities) and why did you choose it?

I use the Garmin 230. I picked it because it had the options I needed beyond what the 10/15/20/25 could provide and at the time I didn't see the need for the heartrate monitor. I will say if I could go back I'd get the heart rate monitor because sometimes it would be nice to be able to calculate VO2Max with ease.

 

[surfde22]

QOTD: It seems someone is always looking to get their first GPS watch or upgrade to a newer one for various reasons. What watch or GPS device do you use for tracking your runs (or other activities) and why did you choose it?

Add me to the Garmin camp. I currently have a Forerunner 220, though I've long be thinking about getting a 235. We'll see if that happens.

 

[OldSlowGoofyGuy]

For those who drive to WDW, I am looking for a place to eat dinner off of exit 384 SW Archer Rd (I-75) on a Sunday evening around 7:00PM. Any suggestions?

http://hirosandwiches.com/

We've hit it for lunch on the way down. Fast and relatively healthy (if you choose wisely) but probably a sodium bomb.

Although I saw something on Yelp indicating it was closed.

 

[opusone]

For those who drive to WDW, I am looking for a place to eat dinner off of exit 384 SW Archer Rd (I-75) on a Sunday evening around 7:00PM. Any suggestions?

Looks like there is a Chuy's tex-mex place there. That would be my vote.