Q. I do long road runs quite a bit and am looking into buying a gps watch. I used to have a polar heart rate monitor (ft4) but misplaced it. It was great for telling me the calories burned but I really need one that tells me distance and pace, too.
I was looking online last night and there are just SO many options. Polars versus Garmins versus Nike versus TomTom....
The features I want are:
-gps to tell me my distance/pace
-how many calories I burn (and visible during workout, not just after)
-decent battery since I run 20-40 miles per week
-weather proof since I run in rain/snow/extreme heat...
I do not need training plans, feedback, or anything like that...I just want it to be accurate and durable. Do you have any suggestions? Or any NOT to get? Even if I can eliminate some, that would be great! I loved my polar ft4, it just didn't have the gps features.
I was looking online last night and there are just SO many options. Polars versus Garmins versus Nike versus TomTom....
The features I want are:
-gps to tell me my distance/pace
-how many calories I burn (and visible during workout, not just after)
-decent battery since I run 20-40 miles per week
-weather proof since I run in rain/snow/extreme heat...
I do not need training plans, feedback, or anything like that...I just want it to be accurate and durable. Do you have any suggestions? Or any NOT to get? Even if I can eliminate some, that would be great! I loved my polar ft4, it just didn't have the gps features.
Answer
the Nike+ Sport Watch ( http://store.nike.com/nl/en_gb/pd/sportwatch-gps/pid-795756/pgid-560061 ) is simply great :)
i use mine mostly while biking (thus seriously interested in the newer TomTom one with multi sport support) but for running / biking the older Nike+ (with GPS technology from TomTom, including its quickfix data (whenever connected to the Computer (with Nike+ Connect installed) the GPS satellite positions for the next couple days are stored in the Watch's memory and when you want to start running the device finds the satellites quicker (i sometimes forget to do it again after not using the watch a few days & then the finding of satellites takes notably longer - VERY handy feature, certainly in freezing winter ;D))
otherwise the watch has all you are looking for including display of all the data (time, distance, pace and cal) at one glance (see 3rd pic).
it easily lasts several hours (not sure how quickly you get to 40 miles, but i can use it two days in a row without needing to recharge (the site advertises 8 hrs run per load, might be right - any USB plug (e.g. http://www.google.com/url?sa=i&rct=j&q=&esrc=s&source=images&cd=&cad=rja&docid=-NTbO2GqT6YM4M&tbnid=2jaDYSeMCiJ1-M:&ved=0CAUQjRw&url=http%3A%2F%2Fdoocoor.en.made-in-china.com%2Fproduct%2FsqzxoMbAbXrf%2FChina-USB-Travel-Charger-CW-CH7001-.html&ei=BXrAUouiJsTI0QXJxoHADw&psig=AFQjCNFPW1e-VhX_xf4NXCO-OuKyogHuLA&ust=1388432246883281 or of course at your computer) recharges it in about 2 hrs (from empty))
the TomTom watch is an evolution of the Nike+ / TomTom model with some added feature (for several sports like swimming, biking and so beside running) but for run / bike, the Nike+ is still perfectly fine
it is tight (50 m under water...)
& it connects (bluetooth?) to a heartbeat sensor & stores that as well - not sure it displays it while running as well however - but the Nike+ site is very handy for checking on your performances and progress :(or regress):
it also connects to a Nike sensor that you can put into your (Nike) shoes (one of them, obviously) to use it on a treadmill)
the Nike+ Sport Watch ( http://store.nike.com/nl/en_gb/pd/sportwatch-gps/pid-795756/pgid-560061 ) is simply great :)
i use mine mostly while biking (thus seriously interested in the newer TomTom one with multi sport support) but for running / biking the older Nike+ (with GPS technology from TomTom, including its quickfix data (whenever connected to the Computer (with Nike+ Connect installed) the GPS satellite positions for the next couple days are stored in the Watch's memory and when you want to start running the device finds the satellites quicker (i sometimes forget to do it again after not using the watch a few days & then the finding of satellites takes notably longer - VERY handy feature, certainly in freezing winter ;D))
otherwise the watch has all you are looking for including display of all the data (time, distance, pace and cal) at one glance (see 3rd pic).
it easily lasts several hours (not sure how quickly you get to 40 miles, but i can use it two days in a row without needing to recharge (the site advertises 8 hrs run per load, might be right - any USB plug (e.g. http://www.google.com/url?sa=i&rct=j&q=&esrc=s&source=images&cd=&cad=rja&docid=-NTbO2GqT6YM4M&tbnid=2jaDYSeMCiJ1-M:&ved=0CAUQjRw&url=http%3A%2F%2Fdoocoor.en.made-in-china.com%2Fproduct%2FsqzxoMbAbXrf%2FChina-USB-Travel-Charger-CW-CH7001-.html&ei=BXrAUouiJsTI0QXJxoHADw&psig=AFQjCNFPW1e-VhX_xf4NXCO-OuKyogHuLA&ust=1388432246883281 or of course at your computer) recharges it in about 2 hrs (from empty))
the TomTom watch is an evolution of the Nike+ / TomTom model with some added feature (for several sports like swimming, biking and so beside running) but for run / bike, the Nike+ is still perfectly fine
it is tight (50 m under water...)
& it connects (bluetooth?) to a heartbeat sensor & stores that as well - not sure it displays it while running as well however - but the Nike+ site is very handy for checking on your performances and progress :(or regress):
it also connects to a Nike sensor that you can put into your (Nike) shoes (one of them, obviously) to use it on a treadmill)
Which Satellite (GPS) Running Watch?
Cory J
I'm looking for a good GPS running watch. These are the kind that tell you exactly how far you've gone, how fast, etc. using the GPS satellites.
I've seen a couple that are pretty damn big, I'm sort of a small guy. I have skinny wrists and only weight 125 lbs, so I really don't want to lug a big thing around? If found another one that was a small watch, but you had to strap another thing on your arm to receive the signal?
...I don't want to mess with a foot pod and I don't need a heart rate monitor with it. So, which one should I get?
Are 305 and 205 the same size?
Answer
I have a Garmin Forerunner 305 which has the heart rate monitor. They make the 205 which does not have heart rate. I admit the unit is a bit clunky looking but I honestly never notice it while running. I love mine, it has helped to substantially reduced my PR in the full and 1/2 marathon.
Cheapest place I have found it for sale is www.boatersland.com which is actually a boating supply store (Garmin also makes GPS for boaters). I would recommend the unit with heart rate. That will help to to truly maximize your training.
Good luck
I have a Garmin Forerunner 305 which has the heart rate monitor. They make the 205 which does not have heart rate. I admit the unit is a bit clunky looking but I honestly never notice it while running. I love mine, it has helped to substantially reduced my PR in the full and 1/2 marathon.
Cheapest place I have found it for sale is www.boatersland.com which is actually a boating supply store (Garmin also makes GPS for boaters). I would recommend the unit with heart rate. That will help to to truly maximize your training.
Good luck
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