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    • CommentAuthorcutiger95
    • CommentTimeApr 1st 2008
     
    cutiger95

    Always have had problems with training and overtraining.  I generally blow up after a race or two and go years between running again.


    Well I am back at it again and am wanting to try a new tact to keep me physically capable of running.  I want to train with an HRM and either foot pod or GPS.  My target is a 5k on April 18th  a 10-k in August, a 1/2 marathon in October and potentially a marathon in Jan. of next year.

     

    This past weekend I completed a 5k in 25:21 and know that I would have been faster if my training were better.

     

    So what watches does everyone suggest.  I am currently looking at the Garmin 305, Polar 400SD, and the Timex Bodylink.  Does anyone have a suggestion or experience that would push one one way or the other.

    • CommentAuthorKDogg
    • CommentTimeApr 1st 2008
     
    KDogg

    I've got a Timex Bodylink. It works decently I'd say. When I run on the road, it will say I am going 6:55 pace or so and then all of the sudden it will drop to 6:05 and then back to 6:55, when I know I did not change pace. That type of thing is a given with any speed distance monitor, but I was especially surprised at the wide discrepancy. However, the good news is that the total distance ends up being just about what you actually ran (if you compare it with this site or another tracking site)

    The heart rate monitor is pretty decent I'd say. I like to use mine to check my resting heart rate (just to make sure the readings I get are accurate). Generally it is within a couple beats per minute of what I get, so thats good.

    The watch itself is pretty cool, but I'm left wanting more.

    Probably not worth paying full price, but if you can get a decent discount somewhere, then it might be worth it. 

    • CommentAuthorFloridan
    • CommentTimeApr 2nd 2008 edited
     
    Floridan

     

     

                                                                     Garmin.com 

    Now that Garmin is coming out with the Forerunner 405 the 305's should be coming down in price. Personally I'm holding out for the 405. It has all the features of the 305 and more packed into regular size sports watch!  I've never owned a watch like this but I just can't get over my gadget giddiness. I fell in love at first read.

    • CommentAuthorcutiger95
    • CommentTimeApr 2nd 2008
     
    cutiger95

    Gadget giddyness is part of my problem.  Really looking for a watch that will keep me in check as I am amping up for the fall 1/2 marathon.

    Tonight I did a 6 miler and started just fine with a nice slow rate.   By the 1/2 way point I was on target for my plodding starter self at about 10:00 per mile, not great not good, but where I need to be at this point in training.  Then I looked at my watch saw the pitiful time thought back 12 years ago to my college days.  And all of a sudden I was back at it and running quicker.  Ran the last 3 miles at a nice 8:02 clip or so and didn't realize it fully until it was too late. 

     Really need to get something to keep me amped down and reminded of my goals and I think heart rate will do that for me.  Adding in a stride measurement and speed is just icing on the cake and something I would like to have for pure HRM training when I am not concerned about distance except for logging shoe wear.

    • CommentAuthortruck38
    • CommentTimeApr 3rd 2008 edited
     
    truck38

    My Garmin 201 does the same thing with pace, I don't really go by it anymore I mostly go by the clock and distance. I've noticed it is particularly bad on hilly runs. The pace varies dramatically when running up a hill or down a hill. It will say I'm running an 8:30pace going downhill when I know I'm around the 6 to 6:15 pace. I know it takes a little bit of time to recalculate the new pace but this particular hill is 1/4 mile up and 1/2 mile down. It should have plenty of time.

    The distance is pretty accurate when compared to map my run but it does vary each time I run the same route.

    I like the Garmin when I'm on a new route it gives me an accurate distance and time without having to drive or plot it to find out how far I've run.

    • CommentAuthorjacanz
    • CommentTimeApr 4th 2008
     
    jacanz

    I have a really basic Polar monitor that I have to look at. But it does the trick - if you are a gadet fan then the new ones that beep will be right up your alley. I love Polar gear but that has mostly to do with the fact that it is easiest to get here in NZ a lot of the other brands aren't easy to find.

    The new one with the foot pod option looks good and i have read good reviews. But I would be tempted to just get a real basic model to start with perhaps even second hand to make sure it does the trick for you!

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