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15 Replies Last post: Sep 12, 2007 2:55 PM by runawayjesse 1 2 Previous Next

biketm

454 posts since
Jul 9, 2007

Sep 12, 2007 8:00 AM

Distance and pace gadgit...

Does anyone know of a reasonable priced distance and pace gadgit "without" all the bells and whistles. I have a hard time knowing my pace at times, because sometimes I think I am going slow, or fast but am way off sometimes. And I don't need anything to download on a computer, just to let me know this info while running. I have certain landmarks I use to figure my pace, like a water tower exactly 3 miles from my house, but I would like to run anywhere and know my pace.

Thanks for any suggestions.

Tim

AndyHass

1,385 posts since
Dec 14, 2007

1. Sep 12, 2007 9:09 AM

in response to: biketm

Re: Distance and pace gadgit...

Garmin Forerunner 201. No heart monitor, no computer link. Just distance, average pace, and a few other nice-to-have features. It still has many I've never used but it's pretty basic.

gregw070

250 posts since
Dec 14, 2007

2. Sep 12, 2007 9:32 AM

in response to: biketm

Re: Distance and pace gadgit...

quote:<HR>Originally posted by AndyHass:
Garmin Forerunner 201. No heart monitor, no computer link. Just distance, average pace, and a few other nice-to-have features. It still has many I've never used but it's pretty basic.<HR>

I have a 201 and it does have a PC interface (serial). At $119 at amazon, it's a pretty good deal if you just want distance. One caution though: it does well in open areas, but is basically useless with any kind of tree cover (like on trails). I also found it worked much better if I wore it on my upper arm rather than my wrist.

biketm

454 posts since
Jul 9, 2007

3. Sep 12, 2007 9:32 AM

in response to: biketm

Re: Distance and pace gadgit...

Thanks...just the price range I was looking for. Question: the watch looks fairly big and bulky....is it comfortable to wear?

http://www.tigergps.com/gafo201.html?siclientid=1916&sitrackingid=10069904&yahoomatchtype=std&ovadid=2382428521&OVRAW=Garmin%20Forerunner%20201&OVKEY=garmin%20forerunner%20201&OVMTC=standard&OVADID=2382428521&OVKWID=22877871521[/URL" target="_blank">

Tim

dgb2n

139 posts since
Dec 14, 2007

4. Sep 12, 2007 9:37 AM

in response to: biketm

Re: Distance and pace gadgit...

It is comfortable to use during your workout but I wouldn't want to wear it as a regular wristwatch.

I used to wear it on my upper arm so that it got better GPS reception. The 205 model will give you better reception but I don't think it is anymore comfortable than the 201 (and I've owned both).

VictorN

406 posts since
Dec 14, 2007

5. Sep 12, 2007 9:43 AM

in response to: biketm

Re: Distance and pace gadgit...

The 201 is a good option as long as you won't be running through dense woods or in big cities next to tall buildings. As dgb2n suggests, wear it on your upper arm for better reception.

I used a 201 till I left it on top of my car one morning and drove off. It was winter time, so I'm sure it ended up in some snowbank only to be discovered by some homeowner who probably wondered what it was.

Victor

------------------
www.competitiverunner.com[/URL" target="_blank">

sdewan

53 posts since
Oct 16, 2007

6. Sep 12, 2007 10:31 AM

in response to: biketm

Re: Distance and pace gadgit...

My wife picked up the 101 at our local target for $99:

http://www.target.com/gp/detail.html/sr=1-3/qid=1189608643/ref=sr_1_3/602-4184468-6719848?ie=UTF8&asin=B000JES950[/URL" target="_blank">

We've been using it for a couple of months and it works fine for our normal routes. The only time it had problems was on the Las Vegas strip, where it kept losing the satellite signal causing it to report an erroneous distance.

------------------
"Turn off your mind, relax and float downstream..."

biketm

454 posts since
Jul 9, 2007

7. Sep 12, 2007 11:23 AM

in response to: biketm

Re: Distance and pace gadgit...

quote:<HR>Originally posted by sdewan:
[b]My wife picked up the 101 at our local target for $99:

~~URL=http://www.target.com/gp/detail.html/sr=1-3/qid=1189608643/ref=sr_1_3/602-4184468-6719848?ie=UTF8&asin=B000JES950~~http://www.target.com/gp/detail.html/sr=1-3/qid=1189608643/ref=sr_1_3/602-4184468-6719848?ie=UTF8&asin=B000JES950[/URL]

We've been using it for a couple of months and it works fine for our normal routes. The only time it had problems was on the Las Vegas strip, where it kept losing the satellite signal causing it to report an erroneous distance.

[/b]<HR>

Cool, they are availble at our Target store. I never would have thought a Target would ever carry such an item.

Thanks all for the suggestions and help. Like I said, I just want to know my pace while running, and the distance will be nice to know also.

Also, for those who wear in on the upper arm...is it hard to read up there?

Tim

leemantodd

38 posts since
Jul 31, 2002

8. Sep 12, 2007 11:33 AM

in response to: biketm

Re: Distance and pace gadgit...

I would vote for the Forerunner 305. I have had one for 18 months and based on the feedback I have read and my experience as well as 3 other people I run with that all have them it works great.

I know it is more than you are looking for but at $217 on Amazon with free shipping plus a $50.00 rebate you can get the best(IMO) for $167 delivered to your door. A great price for for a topline product that you will use more than you think.

4boysmom

1,307 posts since
Dec 10, 2007

9. Sep 12, 2007 11:41 AM

in response to: biketm

Re: Distance and pace gadgit...

I have a Garmin 301, which works pretty well. HOWEVER--reception is terrible on the tree covered bike path and if there is heavy cloud cover.

Instant pace is never correct. Use lap pace.

When you look at your data, ask if it makes sense. If you normally run a 9:00pace, and the garmin suddenly give you a 8:00, it's probably not correct.

I upload my data to Training Peaks. It has a map function, so I'm able to see how well the garmin tracked me. It's not uncommon to see the garmin track me cutting through back yards and running through the river.

The garmin isn't perfect, but I'm very happy with mine.

leemantodd

38 posts since
Jul 31, 2002

10. Sep 12, 2007 11:52 AM

in response to: biketm

Re: Distance and pace gadgit...

I agree that the current pace reading is of suspect accuracy. I use the following fields

Heart Rate
Average Pace
Distance
Time

These field seem to have a good accuracy and I run consistentcly on a trail with heavy tree coverage and do see the information vary while under the tree canopy but once I am in a clearing it returns to the correct information. I have not had any issues with losing a signal under the trees.

It seems like the 305 has the better software and chip set so maybe that is why I don't seem to have as many issues.

AndyHass

1,385 posts since
Dec 14, 2007

11. Sep 12, 2007 12:08 PM

in response to: biketm

Re: Distance and pace gadgit...

The instantaneous pace reading is bunk with any GPS unit.

Nice to know the 201 does computer interface...never had the need to try it!

Except occasional errors from signal loss or plotting errors, I find mine very accurate. Forests or major cities with tall buildings will definitely screw it up...true for any GPS unit I've ever used.

The alternative is to go with a foot pod device....sacrifice distance accuracy for better instantaneous pace readings and working in any cover/locale.

biketm

454 posts since
Jul 9, 2007

12. Sep 12, 2007 12:39 PM

in response to: biketm

Re: Distance and pace gadgit...

quote:<HR>Originally posted by AndyHass:
The instantaneous pace reading is bunk with any GPS unit.

Nice to know the 201 does computer interface...never had the need to try it!

Except occasional errors from signal loss or plotting errors, I find mine very accurate. Forests or major cities with tall buildings will definitely screw it up...true for any GPS unit I've ever used.

The alternative is to go with a foot pod device....sacrifice distance accuracy for better instantaneous pace readings and working in any cover/locale.<HR>

I would actually rather have a foot pod system, but they seem to be real pricey...any ideas on one that is affordable? Most of the people I know that have them spent atleast $350.00

Thanks,

Tim

gregw070

250 posts since
Dec 14, 2007

13. Sep 12, 2007 1:33 PM

in response to: biketm

Re: Distance and pace gadgit...

quote:<HR>Originally posted by biketm:
I would actually rather have a foot pod system, but they seem to be real pricey...any ideas on one that is affordable? Most of the people I know that have them spent atleast >50.00

Thanks,

Tim

<HR>

A quick google found this http://www.tigergps.com/garminfore50fp.html[/URL" target="_blank">

It doesn't look like it's out yet, but a watch with a footpod for $149 is much cheaper than what I've seen so far for foot pods (like you said).

By the way, I have a Suunto with a foot pod (I guess I have a lot of gadgets I don't use). If you calibrate it at the speed you're running, on the same surface (i.e. road), and on a similarly hilly course, it's very accurate (more accurate than my 201).

Instantaneous pace is pretty good also on flat sections (like within 10 sec/mile I'd say). I got tired of the foot pod and the 201 though and don't use either anymore. I do wear a HRM. When I race, I'll try to keep an even effort based on HR and found that on flat courses, my splits are within 10 secs per mile when I do this anyway.

biketm

454 posts since
Jul 9, 2007

14. Sep 12, 2007 2:43 PM

in response to: biketm

Re: Distance and pace gadgit...

quote:<HR>Originally posted by gregw:
A quick google found this http://www.tigergps.com/garminfore50fp.html[/URL" target="_blank">

It doesn't look like it's out yet, but a watch with a footpod for [b]49 is much cheaper than what I've seen so far for foot pods (like you said).

By the way, I have a Suunto with a foot pod (I guess I have a lot of gadgets I don't use). If you calibrate it at the speed you're running, on the same surface (i.e. road), and on a similarly hilly course, it's very accurate (more accurate than my 201).

Instantaneous pace is pretty good also on flat sections (like within 10 sec/mile I'd say). I got tired of the foot pod and the 201 though and don't use either anymore. I do wear a HRM. When I race, I'll try to keep an even effort based on HR and found that on flat courses, my splits are within 10 secs per mile when I do this anyway.<HR>

Thanks, that's more like it price wise. I don't really want to spend a whole lot because it's not that important to me. The only thing about this one is...I hate waiting for something I have my mind on NOW, LOL. I'm sure others can relate.

Tim

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Sep 12, 2007 8:00 AM

Distance and pace gadgit...

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