a solid running watch

[tim]

hello runners,

i'm pretty new to running, or at least running as an activity, and i
wanted to get a watch so i could keep start a beginner's running
regime which includes running for a certain amount of time and then
resting and starting the process over again. i'm also intrigued by the
concept of a heart rate monitor, is that essential?

running is something i want to get into long-term so with that in mind
and knowing that i'm quite literally starting at the beginning does
anyone have any watch recommendations?

i had a nike watch that i liked, but it broke in the span of 3 months
and i was pretty bummed to say the least, so i'd really like it if
you'd recommend a watch you use or have used in the past that you know
will hold up. i'll forgo worrying about price at this point, i just
want to hear what you guys have to say.

thanks in advance!

p.s. i posted this on the wjr facebook group also, so reply where you
see fit, i'll be checking both.

[RogerCruse]

Hi,
I got the Garmin Forerunner 305 about 18 months ago and it's great!.
As the 405 just last been launched this watch is now on sale for a
fraction of it's original price.

Roger...

[canis]

Good Morning;

I have been running and training for nearly 40 years. For most of
that time I never used a watch and have never used a heart monitor.
Neither are essential to the process. They do add useful data that
will help you see where you are in your progress but you can get a
better idea from racing.
One race a month will show you exactly what you can do, how far you
have come and how close to your goal you are.

Last year I participated in a study of "senior" runners that gather
lots for data before, during and after each run. At first I tried to
keep up with the information myself. After a while I stopped and just
check the information after each run. I learned a lot from the data
but none of the new information made my performance any better.

Now that I have said that, a GPS watch (Garmin especially) is a good
investment. They are well made, reliable and provide excellent
information. But they are pricey. One alternative is to buy a used
one from eBay. The 100 series is about $40. That is not a break the
bank investment and if you discover you don't really need or like
wearing one, you won't feel ripped off.

Heart monitors are a different story. I assume you have seen a Doctor
and been cleared for running. Target heart rate training is a trend
that waxes and wanes. Those that like it, love it. Others don't. I
find it a distraction. Part of the joy of running in being in the
moment. Purging my brain of all the worries of the day and feeling my
body work. The more data I try to track while I run, the less I enjoy
the run.

So in sum. If you think a watch/monitor is for you go for it. Go cheap
at first and see if it helps. Then upgrade or discard as you discover
how they work for you.

Keith

[tim]

thanks for the info!

[Eleftherios]

Hello,
I'm new to running since I joined the CF and I had the same debate
about how to track my progress. I just got the Garmin Forerunner 305
about a week ago and it's amazing. It does a lot. I'm still learning
how to use it. It comes with a usb cradle and when you get home, you
connect it and then you can load up your run. It graphs everything
out and shows you a map of where you went. It gives you tons of stats
too like avg HR, speed, pace, distance, elevation and more. It's
really helped with the motivation too. Being able to see my speed
increase and time go down slowly every week is really a big
motivator. Good luck.

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