best garmin watch for running and cycling image
CJC
Although I'm a little confused by all the offerings as well as the mixed reviews from users. Some say that the GPS on the garmin watches don't work - well that would be a shame not to get it. Some others say the Garmin 50 is too basic. Timex looks good, but doesn't have pace calculation (at least I dont think it does). So let loose people and tell me your thoughts!
Answer
You have 2 choices here, go for GPS or Footpod system. I prefer the GPS watches.
With the GPS you loose the signal a bit when you are in between tall buildings, under bridges and things like that so if you are running in a city footpod (like the Nike+ system) Might be better for you.
On the plus side, you can use them for multiple sports like cycling etc., the garmin ones let you download the data to google earth which is a nice facility and things like that. All will give you a pace display on the screen as you run. The better the watch and newer model and the gps gets more reliable. I've never had a problem with my Garmins GPS.
I'd say decide a budget for the watch and go to a running shop and check which ones do what, though I think the basic difference is that the gamin is all in one unit and the timex has a gps receiver separate from the watch (but the watch is smaller)
You have 2 choices here, go for GPS or Footpod system. I prefer the GPS watches.
With the GPS you loose the signal a bit when you are in between tall buildings, under bridges and things like that so if you are running in a city footpod (like the Nike+ system) Might be better for you.
On the plus side, you can use them for multiple sports like cycling etc., the garmin ones let you download the data to google earth which is a nice facility and things like that. All will give you a pace display on the screen as you run. The better the watch and newer model and the gps gets more reliable. I've never had a problem with my Garmins GPS.
I'd say decide a budget for the watch and go to a running shop and check which ones do what, though I think the basic difference is that the gamin is all in one unit and the timex has a gps receiver separate from the watch (but the watch is smaller)
Is there a device to count how many miles im running ? Something I can wear ?
Q.
Answer
Work it out before you go - and since you have the internet, mapometer is about the cheapest and best place. Next is a paper map but you have to buy that. OK these are not answering your question, they are answering another question but it might be useful.
Devices.
Cheapest is a pedometer, but being the cheapest it takes more work. This will count how many steps you take, and if you know how many steps you take in a mile, a few simple sums gives you the distance. These cost a few ££ or $$, and you sometimes get them free with other equipment if you look carefully. The sums are easy to do in your head (say 1000 steps to the mile, if you run 800 steps you have done 80% of a mile) and the sums can help you pass the time as you run - give the brain a work out too!!
Good points:
Not a bad solution for those on a budget, it can give you distance as you run.
It won't overload your brain with numbers and you can concentrate on running
Bad points:
Downside is you have to work it all out and different terrains need different numbers of steps to get over them.
Not enough numbers!! Other systems can give you more
Next is the Nike+ Sports band
This is a fancier pedometer, you wear a chip in your shoe and a special receiver on your wrist and costs £35 to £40 and maybe $60 to $80. This counts how long your foot is on the ground stationary for between steps and figures out your speed from that. From knowing the speed and how long you have run for it works out distance and calories burnt. I am not a big fan of the Nike+ system, but I did get one to see if I was being prejudiced unduly, I still don't like it! The data from your run can be displayed on the computer and runs saved for future to look at again
Good points
It is cheap (but it shows with its functions)
It says how far you have gone, your speed and energy used as well as time of day
The receiver watch is quite small and neat
This can be used on a treadmill (Why, I don't know - treadmills have all the functions as well)
Bad points...
Right - where do I begin...
It is a 2 device system so you have to pair the 2 together before you can run
It is not as accurate as they claim (claims to be 90% out of the box... mine was worse than that)
They suggest you buy Nike Trainers for these (sales pitch!) but you can use a 'foot pod sock' to hold the chip instead
The run data is held online meaning that you have to have internet connection
The Run data cannot be easily loaded into other software, meaning you have to use the Nike website - which is an out of date advert for Nike...
I'll stop there
Next cheapest is a GPS watch, a few makers make these, Garmin are the big players, but Timex, Suunto, and Polar all do similar. The GPS signals from sat nav systems are used to work out where you are on the planet. Then a few seconds later they do the same and work out how far you have travelled between samples, This gives your speed and distance (and a few other things). These typically cost £100 and up ($160+) but are my preference just because of the data they give you.
Good points (Well for my Gamin Forerunner 205)
It will beep if I run faster or slower than a set speed helping my pacing
It shows distance run, calories, and speed like the Nike+, but also current and average speed, + or - height, a small map of the route, lap information (Nike doesn't) but also the strange like when sunset is (8:03 today for me)
You can use this for multiple sports like cycling, some swimming, horse riding etc
Reasonable accuracy
Depending on the model it is a single unit meaning you don't have to pair it to another device - strap it on, locate satellites and run
Google earth - it will plot your run onto google earth so you can see where you ran (or other software as well)
Bad points
The older watcher are quite large
Expensive
Data overload - I can know too much and there is a temptation to run looking at the watch rather than the scenery
They loose Satellite signals in tunnels and can loose accuracy in built up areas
Next most expensive is Adidas myrun system
This is like the Nike+ system with the added benefit of adding a heart rate monitor in there too, costs a bit more than the GPS if you want the Heart rate monitor
Similar good and bad points to the Nike+ system
Next is Nike+ again
The Nike+ can be used with an Ipod - no other personal music players though - to give you vocal encouragement as you run. However with buying Nike+, Ipod, Nike+ trainers and the rest of the recommended kit this works out expensive (£200 or $300).
same good points as before with the added 'power tune' function where at a certain point in your run it will play your favourite tune
Bad points
At £70+ for the ipod, do you want to take it out in the rain to be dropped in a puddle as you run? Cheaper MP3 players are available and better to run with
If you had the cash I would look at GPS watch
Work it out before you go - and since you have the internet, mapometer is about the cheapest and best place. Next is a paper map but you have to buy that. OK these are not answering your question, they are answering another question but it might be useful.
Devices.
Cheapest is a pedometer, but being the cheapest it takes more work. This will count how many steps you take, and if you know how many steps you take in a mile, a few simple sums gives you the distance. These cost a few ££ or $$, and you sometimes get them free with other equipment if you look carefully. The sums are easy to do in your head (say 1000 steps to the mile, if you run 800 steps you have done 80% of a mile) and the sums can help you pass the time as you run - give the brain a work out too!!
Good points:
Not a bad solution for those on a budget, it can give you distance as you run.
It won't overload your brain with numbers and you can concentrate on running
Bad points:
Downside is you have to work it all out and different terrains need different numbers of steps to get over them.
Not enough numbers!! Other systems can give you more
Next is the Nike+ Sports band
This is a fancier pedometer, you wear a chip in your shoe and a special receiver on your wrist and costs £35 to £40 and maybe $60 to $80. This counts how long your foot is on the ground stationary for between steps and figures out your speed from that. From knowing the speed and how long you have run for it works out distance and calories burnt. I am not a big fan of the Nike+ system, but I did get one to see if I was being prejudiced unduly, I still don't like it! The data from your run can be displayed on the computer and runs saved for future to look at again
Good points
It is cheap (but it shows with its functions)
It says how far you have gone, your speed and energy used as well as time of day
The receiver watch is quite small and neat
This can be used on a treadmill (Why, I don't know - treadmills have all the functions as well)
Bad points...
Right - where do I begin...
It is a 2 device system so you have to pair the 2 together before you can run
It is not as accurate as they claim (claims to be 90% out of the box... mine was worse than that)
They suggest you buy Nike Trainers for these (sales pitch!) but you can use a 'foot pod sock' to hold the chip instead
The run data is held online meaning that you have to have internet connection
The Run data cannot be easily loaded into other software, meaning you have to use the Nike website - which is an out of date advert for Nike...
I'll stop there
Next cheapest is a GPS watch, a few makers make these, Garmin are the big players, but Timex, Suunto, and Polar all do similar. The GPS signals from sat nav systems are used to work out where you are on the planet. Then a few seconds later they do the same and work out how far you have travelled between samples, This gives your speed and distance (and a few other things). These typically cost £100 and up ($160+) but are my preference just because of the data they give you.
Good points (Well for my Gamin Forerunner 205)
It will beep if I run faster or slower than a set speed helping my pacing
It shows distance run, calories, and speed like the Nike+, but also current and average speed, + or - height, a small map of the route, lap information (Nike doesn't) but also the strange like when sunset is (8:03 today for me)
You can use this for multiple sports like cycling, some swimming, horse riding etc
Reasonable accuracy
Depending on the model it is a single unit meaning you don't have to pair it to another device - strap it on, locate satellites and run
Google earth - it will plot your run onto google earth so you can see where you ran (or other software as well)
Bad points
The older watcher are quite large
Expensive
Data overload - I can know too much and there is a temptation to run looking at the watch rather than the scenery
They loose Satellite signals in tunnels and can loose accuracy in built up areas
Next most expensive is Adidas myrun system
This is like the Nike+ system with the added benefit of adding a heart rate monitor in there too, costs a bit more than the GPS if you want the Heart rate monitor
Similar good and bad points to the Nike+ system
Next is Nike+ again
The Nike+ can be used with an Ipod - no other personal music players though - to give you vocal encouragement as you run. However with buying Nike+, Ipod, Nike+ trainers and the rest of the recommended kit this works out expensive (£200 or $300).
same good points as before with the added 'power tune' function where at a certain point in your run it will play your favourite tune
Bad points
At £70+ for the ipod, do you want to take it out in the rain to be dropped in a puddle as you run? Cheaper MP3 players are available and better to run with
If you had the cash I would look at GPS watch
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