Training tools?

[slapwhitey]

I've decided I want to attempt the 1/2 Marathon in '12 and have started to work on getting myself into shape. I think I'm going to try the run/walk method to build up my stamina. I was wondering if anyone could recommed a good method of timing your runs/walks whether it be a watch, etc. I live up north so this time of year is treadmill weather but I hate constantly staring at the treadmill to time everything properly. I'd prefer to watch the tv to help the time fly by. I'm new to all of this so any information would be greatly appreciated.

I gotta say, reading some of the stories on this thread and watching the race videos has helped motivate me to finally do this. Thanks.

Chris

 

[Dennyha]

I have a timer on my Garmin 305, but I like an external timer better. The one I use is the Gymboss.

http://www.gymboss.com/

You can buy one off of Amazon, or Ebay. It is identical to the one sold by Jeff Galloway, except for color.

This unit will beep at adjustable volume, or vibrate, or both. The Garmin will only beep, and sometimes I tend to not hear it.

I actually clip the Gymboss onto my Garmin watch strap. It is quite small and unobtrusive.

 

[slapwhitey]

Thanks, I appreciate the info. I'll definitely look into that one.

 

[FFigawi]

Soleus makes really good watches for timing runs, setting intervals, and other related activities. That's what I use when I need something simpler than my Garmin.

 

[johde]

I use my Garmin 305 for interval timing but I'm looking into something else. If you have a smart phone, Runkeeper will do interval timing as well. And through the month of January the pro version is free. I've downloaded it but haven't tried it yet. I may try it this afternoon as I'm considering going to the gym on Campus because of the cold and snow coming through tomorrow.

Denny- as far as hearing the 305 better, I put a corn pad on the back of the watch with the hole over the speaker hole. That raises it off my arm and makes it easier to see.

 

[cewait]

I got to say that this timer is an EXCELLENT choice

http://www.jeffgalloway.com/detail.aspx?id=49

I ran about 12 miles with Jeff and I guarantee you I know when he was about to walk and when it was time to move over as he started his gallop. When I first spotted him I was kidding him about the volume of the thing and he said it was set at old guy's volume.

 

[Dennyha]

When I first spotted him I was kidding him about the volume of the thing and he said it was set at old guy's volume.

That's what I need: OLD GUY'S VOLUME

 

[deleckidesign]

I have a Garmin FR60 and found it works great and isn't too large on my small wrists. Although when running a race, I had to hold it up to my ear to make sure it was my watch as so many other people had beeps too! I may get a gymboss or the one from jeffgalloway.com to try for a race so I can set it to vibrate.

 

[sap1227]

I got to say that this timer is an EXCELLENT choice

http://www.jeffgalloway.com/detail.aspx?id=49

I ran about 12 miles with Jeff and I guarantee you I know when he was about to walk and when it was time to move over as he started his gallop. When I first spotted him I was kidding him about the volume of the thing and he said it was set at old guy's volume.

sorry to be off topic, but do you know what intervals Jeff Galloway ran when he did the marathon?? Just curious

 

[DizGirl20]

I've decided I want to attempt the 1/2 Marathon in '12 and have started to work on getting myself into shape. I think I'm going to try the run/walk method to build up my stamina.

Me too! Thanks for posting... I was concerned that some sort of watch/timer was going to cost a lot of money but $19.95 is very doable. This is such a great forum for new runners. Thank you to all.

 

[slapwhitey]

Me too! Thanks for posting... I was concerned that some sort of watch/timer was going to cost a lot of money but $19.95 is very doable. This is such a great forum for new runners. Thank you to all.

Good luck on your new venture to the 1/2 marathon. I can't wait. I'm already obsessing about it. Actually looking forward to my exercise...that doesn't usually happen.