What Watch do you run with?

[Pennyguy23]

I am trying to find something that:

Monitors my heart rate and tells me if I am going over board

Measures distance run and pace( what I am running each mile) If they have such a thing

Anyway to tell when I might finish if I stay on this pace?

Mostly I want to know my pace each mile and heart rate. Thanks for the help. I'm very new, I usually just run until I'm tired so I stay in shape, so I really have no idea

Just trying to find the best watch for marathons and marathon training. Thanks

 

[chimera]

Join the rest of us with a Garmin addiction:

This is the 305, though they also have an upgrade 405. Heart rate monitor, GPS, pace, mileage, run or bike, etc. If I can get the thing to do laundry, it would be perfect

 

[UP Disney]

I am considering the 305. What is the advantage of the 405? Is there any other benefits besides the smaller size?

 

[SAHDad]

I am considering the 305. What is the advantage of the 405? Is there any other benefits besides the smaller size?

FWIW - I have a 305, not a 405. That said - I believe the 405 picks up the satellites faster, and it has a touch screen (so you don't have to keep hitting buttons to change settings or displays). I think the 405 is also a bit lighter, and looks more like a watch.

I think, however, that the 405 will only display 3 data fields, while the 305 will display 4. And, since you can get a new 305 for considerably less than a 405, that's probably another consideration.

 

[UP Disney]

FWIW - I have a 305, not a 405. That said - I believe the 405 picks up the satellites faster, and it has a touch screen (so you don't have to keep hitting buttons to change settings or displays). I think the 405 is also a bit lighter, and looks more like a watch.

I think, however, that the 405 will only display 3 data fields, while the 305 will display 4. And, since you can get a new 305 for considerably less than a 405, that's probably another consideration.

I found the 305 for approx. $165 and the 405 for $299. That was the main reason I was wondering what was added in the 405 besides the size.

 

[Pennyguy23]

Join the rest of us with a Garmin addiction:

This is the 305, though they also have an upgrade 405. Heart rate monitor, GPS, pace, mileage, run or bike, etc. If I can get the thing to do laundry, it would be perfect

I was looking at that on runners world reviews and I was kind of disappointed at the 323$ price tag it showed. VERY happy to see its only 159$ on amazon. Thanks so much for the help I think that is what I will be getting.

 

[Tiger Lily 03]

Love, love my Garmin! BEST toy! I'm currently using the 205 (no HR monitor). I've got 405 envy, but saving the $ until my unit quits since it works just fine for me now. The savings can go to another event registration!

I definitely recommend a Garmin.

 

[Pennyguy23]

Love, love my Garmin! BEST toy! I'm currently using the 205 (no HR monitor). I've got 405 envy, but saving the $ until my unit quits since it works just fine for me now. The savings can go to another event registration!

I definitely recommend a Garmin.

Is the 405 really worth it? I just don't see why to spent double? Its just smaller and has a wheel instead of buttons right?

 

[Pennyguy23]

Ordered my Garmin 305, That was fast and easy. 159$ Compuplus.com


Ok now that we got that set, On to shoes

 

[chimera]

I think you'll like it! What race are you training for?

Come on over to the weekly thread and introduce yourself! You'll find folks there training for all kinds of things.

WK of Jan 18 - WISH Walking/Running Club

 

[ImMarcik]

Ordered my Garmin 305, That was fast and easy. 159$ Compuplus.com


Ok now that we got that set, On to shoes

I bought some brand new asics on Saturday and I've ran in them twice! I've been trying to decide what Garmin to get to. I like that $159 price, I think I'll check it out.

 

[StitchAttack]

If your haven't seen the watches in person, the reduced size is a huge plus for the 405. The 405 is sized like a rather large watch. The 305 is HUGE in comparison. Definitely go out and try both of them on before you buy.

 

[Pennyguy23]

If your haven't seen the watches in person, the reduced size is a huge plus for the 405. The 405 is sized like a rather large watch. The 305 is HUGE in comparison. Definitely go out and try both of them on before you buy.

I think that I almost prefer the larger. I am not going to use it as a watch so the if its bigger I can see it better. Plus its double the price for not much more. If I want something new next year I can change it up. But for now I think it should be just fine. I have read a few hundread reviews of it and not much complaining.

 

[lil mermaid]

Another vote here for the 305 - I got it for the $159 price when Costco was having their deal, and just couldn't justify the extra money for the 405. I love this thing! Can't say enough about it.


Although I have never used the 405, I have seen it, and it does look a lot more like a regular watch and is smaller. The 305, while really large, doesn't feel heavy or uncomfortable at all.

Oh, and just another thing - make sure you get properly fitted for your shoes - it will make all the difference in the world!

 

[disneygirlinnj]

Oh, and just another thing - make sure you get properly fitted for your shoes - it will make all the difference in the world!

Agreed! I was apparently running in the wrong type of shoes (I tend to over pronate when when I run..I think thats the terminology!) and my knees would hurt all the time after about 3 miles. I went to a 'real' running store (they only cater to runners, not like a Foot Locker, etc) and they had me run on a treadmill when I was there and video taped it. When they played the video back, it was clear why my knees would hurt! They fitted me for a great pair of sneakers and inserts, plus kept within my budget and didn't make me spend a ton of money. I have to head there in the next few weeks and let them know that I registered for the 1/2 and ask their opinions. My friend ran the NYC Marathon this year and they helped him out tremendously.

Oh! And thanks for the info about the watches. I definitely want to get one and it looks like the 305 it is, unless I can find the 405 on some crazy sale!

 

[skfulkers]

FWIW, I've heard some not-so-great reviews on the 405 to date. I, too, was having 405 envy for awhile, but I think I may hold off. Apparently there are some software bugs that they're still working through. Not too surprising with a new model, but anyway...

I bought my DW a Polar RS 200sd a few months ago, and I've worn it once or twice. While it is nice to have the smaller "wristwatch" type band (as opposed to the Garmin which is so big it looks like you could coordinate space shuttle launches during your run ), I actually prefer the Garmin. Maybe it's just because you end up getting used to the thing on your wrist and really don't notice it's even there after a few runs.

Either way, you can't go wrong. If you've never had a speed/distance/pace/HRM unit before, you'll LOVE all the features these things give you!

Steve

 

[momof2minnies]

Pennyguy,
I too have the Garmin 305 and love it.I did not think I would.It becomes an addiction when you run.

I found a little trick though.I found it very cumbersome on my wrist like a watch so I wear it with the face on the inside of my wrist and it is easier to read that way too when you bring your wrist up in a running motion.

Linda

 

[Pennyguy23]

Pennyguy,
I too have the Garmin 305 and love it.I did not think I would.It becomes an addiction when you run.

I found a little trick though.I found it very cumbersome on my wrist like a watch so I wear it with the face on the inside of my wrist and it is easier to read that way too when you bring your wrist up in a running motion.

Linda

Thats a great Idea I will have to try that.

 

[smileyk8]

ok i have the dreaded garmin 405. Have to admit it's my first ever running watch so i don't have anything to compare it to. Size wise it seems tiny compared to forerunners. I really love having a virtual run partner and also the speed programmes are awesome, but they maybe features of 305 i'm not sure. It's great, but my only niggle is battery life doesn't seem that good.

I would agree, go and actually see them and ask someone which would suit your specific needs. I was one excited person wirelessly downloading all my data and giggling at my speed changes! Good luck