gps running watch elevation image
chichibaby
I have decided that I'd like to take running a little more seriously and I noticed a lot of the "real" runners use Garmin watches..what are they used for?
Answer
All Garmins (other than the Forerunner 50) incorporate GPS (global positioning).
This allows them to track your running as accurately as possible, and far more accurately than something like a pedometer or the Nike Plus system.
They have a lot of features and adjustability, most revolving around the GPS. You can very accurately track your actual distance and pacing (and heart rate with some models), and are able to even view your route in detail once you download a run to your computer afterwards.
Indeed, there's a lot of information it records that you can manipulate and study on the computer after the fact via software like SportTracks as well. You can accurately see whatever splits you want, review elevation data, with some models see how your heart rate varied, see how your run breaks down with what paces and heart rate zones for what durations, etc.
Those who wear them in races are able to review things in hindsight and get a sense of if they went out too fast and the like (which is actually one of its biggest bonuses during a race too, especially when combined with heart rate).
Anyway, everything else tends to estimate distance and pace, and certainly doesn't give you the information a Garmin does. It essentially records everything you could want to know during a run, and does it accurately.
They possess other features to help you retrace your route and the like if running in an unknown location, but the main thing is that you can constantly accurately monitor and record just about anything relevant to your run.
Garmin has the manuals for all models on their website, which can be a way to understand the features and how they work if you're interested. They're also often featured at race expos if you want to play a bit with one firsthand.
All Garmins (other than the Forerunner 50) incorporate GPS (global positioning).
This allows them to track your running as accurately as possible, and far more accurately than something like a pedometer or the Nike Plus system.
They have a lot of features and adjustability, most revolving around the GPS. You can very accurately track your actual distance and pacing (and heart rate with some models), and are able to even view your route in detail once you download a run to your computer afterwards.
Indeed, there's a lot of information it records that you can manipulate and study on the computer after the fact via software like SportTracks as well. You can accurately see whatever splits you want, review elevation data, with some models see how your heart rate varied, see how your run breaks down with what paces and heart rate zones for what durations, etc.
Those who wear them in races are able to review things in hindsight and get a sense of if they went out too fast and the like (which is actually one of its biggest bonuses during a race too, especially when combined with heart rate).
Anyway, everything else tends to estimate distance and pace, and certainly doesn't give you the information a Garmin does. It essentially records everything you could want to know during a run, and does it accurately.
They possess other features to help you retrace your route and the like if running in an unknown location, but the main thing is that you can constantly accurately monitor and record just about anything relevant to your run.
Garmin has the manuals for all models on their website, which can be a way to understand the features and how they work if you're interested. They're also often featured at race expos if you want to play a bit with one firsthand.
What are the pros and cons of Garmin forerunner 210 vs 405?
Ashley
Which is the best?
Answer
Garmin Forerunner 210 with Heart Rate Monitor
http://amzn.to/f32FYc
PROS:
Very simple to use
Good size for woman's wrist
Could use as a regular watch due to it's size
GPS connects fast
Power save mode
Has pace, distance, intervals, etc
CONS:
The battery contacts are tiny and tricky to get in place
Heart rate monitor strap seems very soft and pliable but cuts into my skin.
................................
Garmin Forerunner 405 Wireless GPS-Enabled Sports Watch
http://amzn.to/fyGEUZ
Pros.
1. Normal size - Unlike the 305, which I would not wear, the 405 is a regular watch. I wear it all the time.
2. Everything in one device - HR, pace, distance, elevation, laps.
3. Pace - I thought the whole GPS thing might be a bit too high-tech for a guy who loves the simplicity of running, but it is very, very nice to know your pace as you run. I use Hal Higdon's training plans, which call for all kinds of runs, with warm-ups, intervals, tempo intervals, pace segments, etc. The pace feature makes doing these workouts possible without having a coach at your side.
4. GPS frees you from mapping out your route. You just run until it shows your distance is done. The Garmin Connect site then shows your map. This doesn't sound so amazing, but it is very liberating. You just run wherever you want, explore your neighborhood, whatever. It transforms city running.
5. Auto laps. Great feature. Records all your details (time, HR, pace) for each lap automatically. You can review on the watch or on Garmin Connect.
6. The Garmin Connect website is very good and continually improving, with new features every couple of months.
7. The data seems pretty accurate, based on a track workout. In a recent 10K race, it recorded 10.2K, but some of that variation is certainly due to my weaving among the crowd. All GPS devices have a margin of error.
Cons:
1. Battery life - with GPS enabled, it needs a charge every couple of days to avoid the dreaded "low battery" warning in the middle of a workout.
2. The USB stick for wireless transfer. It works, but Nike does it better. The Nike+ pop-out USB stick is a much simpler way to transfer data to the computer and a much better way to keep from losing the USB part.
3. It can take a couple of minutes to find satellites and loses accuracy in bad weather. But this is probably true of any GPS device.
...................................
All in all, I would go for the Garmin 405. It is an incredible training device, the best choice in the market. 5 stars.
Garmin Forerunner 210 with Heart Rate Monitor
http://amzn.to/f32FYc
PROS:
Very simple to use
Good size for woman's wrist
Could use as a regular watch due to it's size
GPS connects fast
Power save mode
Has pace, distance, intervals, etc
CONS:
The battery contacts are tiny and tricky to get in place
Heart rate monitor strap seems very soft and pliable but cuts into my skin.
................................
Garmin Forerunner 405 Wireless GPS-Enabled Sports Watch
http://amzn.to/fyGEUZ
Pros.
1. Normal size - Unlike the 305, which I would not wear, the 405 is a regular watch. I wear it all the time.
2. Everything in one device - HR, pace, distance, elevation, laps.
3. Pace - I thought the whole GPS thing might be a bit too high-tech for a guy who loves the simplicity of running, but it is very, very nice to know your pace as you run. I use Hal Higdon's training plans, which call for all kinds of runs, with warm-ups, intervals, tempo intervals, pace segments, etc. The pace feature makes doing these workouts possible without having a coach at your side.
4. GPS frees you from mapping out your route. You just run until it shows your distance is done. The Garmin Connect site then shows your map. This doesn't sound so amazing, but it is very liberating. You just run wherever you want, explore your neighborhood, whatever. It transforms city running.
5. Auto laps. Great feature. Records all your details (time, HR, pace) for each lap automatically. You can review on the watch or on Garmin Connect.
6. The Garmin Connect website is very good and continually improving, with new features every couple of months.
7. The data seems pretty accurate, based on a track workout. In a recent 10K race, it recorded 10.2K, but some of that variation is certainly due to my weaving among the crowd. All GPS devices have a margin of error.
Cons:
1. Battery life - with GPS enabled, it needs a charge every couple of days to avoid the dreaded "low battery" warning in the middle of a workout.
2. The USB stick for wireless transfer. It works, but Nike does it better. The Nike+ pop-out USB stick is a much simpler way to transfer data to the computer and a much better way to keep from losing the USB part.
3. It can take a couple of minutes to find satellites and loses accuracy in bad weather. But this is probably true of any GPS device.
...................................
All in all, I would go for the Garmin 405. It is an incredible training device, the best choice in the market. 5 stars.
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