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1426 Views 13 Replies Latest reply: Aug 9, 2011 2:07 PM by gojackets99 RSS
AllieAA Rookie
AllieAA
4 posts since
Aug 1, 2011
Currently Being Moderated

Aug 1, 2011 12:54 PM

Watches for training?

Hi all ~ I'm training for the NYC marathon and am looking for a watch that will help me track distance, time, heart rate and calories burned.  I have done quite a bit of research and it seems watches fall into either the cheap and simple bucket or the expensive and complicated bucket without much in between.  I really don't want/need anything super fancy and I'm not looking to spend tons of money on this.  I just want something that is dependable and accurate.  I'm leaning towards the Garmin FR60 Watch bundle that includes a foot pod and heart rate monitor and the ability to track progress online -- has anyone used this watch before?  Or does anyone have a suggestion for a good watch under $150?

Tags: training, marathon
  • Cindyd32 Pro
    Cindyd32
    64 posts since
    May 13, 2009
    Currently Being Moderated
    1. Aug 1, 2011 1:57 PM (in response to AllieAA)
    Re: Watches for training?

    I love my Nikeplus I use with my IPOD.  It tells you mileage along the way so if you are running a route not mapped out you will know when to turn back.  If you do not run in nike shoes you can get a pouch to secure the sensor.

    The nike website is not the best but if you use Slowgeek.com you have more functionality with your nike downloaded info.




    CindyD32
  • Guy Grim Pro
    Guy Grim
    61 posts since
    Nov 14, 2010
    Currently Being Moderated
    2. Aug 1, 2011 2:05 PM (in response to AllieAA)
    Re: Watches for training?

    Allie;

     

    I am in the same boat.  I thought about getting the Garmin Forerunner 305, but I am not sure I like the look.  So, I started looking at the Forerunner 110 with Heart Monitor.  I think Dicks has it for $229.00. 

     

    Although, I did look at the FR60 today.. Ugh!

     

    Right now I run with an HTC Incredible with the SportyPro App for Android.  i love the program, but I hate carrying my phone. 

     

    I think I want to to read more reviews before making the purchase. 




    Training

    656 Total Miles Since November 15, 2010 - 35 Miles YTD (1/20/12)

    PR

    5K - 27:46 (07/24/2011)

    20K - 01:59:39 (09/05/2011)

    13.1M - 02:08:58 (08/07/2011)

    26.2M - TBD in 2012

    Recent Races

    Orange, CT - 5K Chilly Chili Run - Time of 29:07 - 1/1/2012

    TeamGrimmy.com

  • CassieTomchik Amateur
    CassieTomchik
    9 posts since
    Jul 29, 2011
    Currently Being Moderated
    3. Aug 2, 2011 11:58 AM (in response to AllieAA)
    Re: Watches for training?

    I have the Garmin 305 and LOVE it! I got mine on Amazon for under $150 over a year ago. Since newer models have come out, it may be even cheaper now. I use it for running and cycling.

  • AllieAA Rookie
    AllieAA
    4 posts since
    Aug 1, 2011
    Currently Being Moderated
    4. Aug 3, 2011 8:37 AM (in response to Cindyd32)
    Re: Watches for training?

    Thank you, Cindy.  I've heard from friends that the Nikeplus is great and will definitely do some more research on it.  Really appreciate your input.

  • AllieAA Rookie
    AllieAA
    4 posts since
    Aug 1, 2011
    Currently Being Moderated
    5. Aug 3, 2011 9:09 AM (in response to Guy Grim)
    Re: Watches for training?

    I'm with you, Guy - I definitely want a watch so I don't have to carry a phone!

     

    I've been researching a number of Garmin models and I've found great reviews on nearly all of them.  In comparing the FR60 to the 305, I was leaning towards the FR60 because it's a little smaller and lighter than the 305, I like the look of it more and it's less expensive.  However, according to the Garmin website comparison, the FR60 is not GPS enabled whereas the 305 is and the 305 allows you to create workouts while the FR60 doesn't.  On the other hand, the FR60 computes heart rate-based calories burned and includes a foot pod while the 305 doesn't.  So I guess it boils down to figuring out what functions are most important to us!

     

    Without purchasing the foot pod for the 305, Amazon is showing both models for about the same price.  Based on Cassie's input and others I've talked to, I think the 305 would be a great choice if GPS is a desired function. I haven't looked at the 110 myself, but the Garmin website has a great comparison tool if you want to match it up against the other models.

     

    And check out Amazon for reviews -- there are a bunch!

  • AllieAA Rookie
    AllieAA
    4 posts since
    Aug 1, 2011
    Currently Being Moderated
    6. Aug 3, 2011 9:14 AM (in response to CassieTomchik)
    Re: Watches for training?

    Thanks so much, Cassie!  I have been torn between the 305 and the FR60, so it's always helpful to get firsthand feedback.  It's great to know that you're happy with it when used for cycling as well as running.

     

    And Amazon is definitely the way to go -- it's actually unbelievable the price differential between Amazon and other retailers!

  • CassieTomchik Amateur
    CassieTomchik
    9 posts since
    Jul 29, 2011
    Currently Being Moderated
    7. Aug 3, 2011 9:49 AM (in response to AllieAA)
    Re: Watches for training?

    Good luck! These "big" purchases can be a bit nerve wracking!

  • ValerieAlbanese Amateur
    ValerieAlbanese
    24 posts since
    Jul 30, 2011
    Currently Being Moderated
    8. Aug 3, 2011 10:40 AM (in response to AllieAA)
    Re: Watches for training?

    I just purchased the Garmin FR60 today, myself! I'm excited for it to arrive and to see how it works for me. I'll check back in and perhaps we can compare notes!

  • LauraKDecker Amateur
    LauraKDecker
    16 posts since
    Jul 28, 2011
    Currently Being Moderated
    9. Aug 3, 2011 11:00 AM (in response to AllieAA)
    Re: Watches for training?

    this is a topic all too familiar to me, as I just purchased my Garmin forerunner 410.  It's a bit more than you were looking to spend (and was for me too), but WELL worth it.  The added features really allow you to analyze your workouts and literally my running has improved in the month since I've been using it.  It wirelessly downloads my workouts when I walk in the door, I can customize the screens with as much or as little data as I want, and the GPS is extremely accurate and sync's up in seconds.  Definitely something you should put ALOT of thought into, and it's a big purchase, but honestly my opinion is sometimes it's worth just a little extra for something that you will use this much!  Good luck with your decision.

  • Dobrobuck Pro
    Dobrobuck
    151 posts since
    Apr 17, 2011
    Currently Being Moderated
    10. Aug 3, 2011 1:37 PM (in response to AllieAA)
    Re: Watches for training?

    I've been using the Garmin 305 (128.00$ on amazon) for a few weeks now and it has worked great for me. All my runs as well as intervals for my wifes runs have been recorded and loaded into our laptop to review. It seems to track quite accurately sometimes to my disappointment when I thought I would have run further lol. Although it does look a little bulkier than some other gps/watches I dont notice the weight or anything like that. It came with a heart rate monitor band so HR and calories burned are also recorded. I have a female friend (smaller body type) and she wears the same 305 with no problems. Pretty easy to operate and good instructions, also good info on the website. Good luck in your search!!




    4/30/11 IL Marathon 10K 57:43

    5/14/11 Kirby Derby 10K 57:49 3rd place in div

    7/4/11 Freedom 5K 28:59

    Lost 80lbs since 6/17/10 starting wt 280lbs

    Joined Second Wind Running Club 9/2011

    8/27/11 13.38mi 2:32

    9/17/11 13.45mi 2:27

    Habitat for Humanity 5K 12/31/11 26:42 PR

    4/28/12 IL Marathon 1st 1/2 2:10:38

    Cycled 1600 mi summer of 2012

    Cycled Hilly Hundred 10/25/12

    Upcoming races

    April 2013 1st full marathon..

  • Cindyd32 Pro
    Cindyd32
    64 posts since
    May 13, 2009
    Currently Being Moderated
    11. Aug 9, 2011 12:52 PM (in response to AllieAA)
    Re: Watches for training?

    Something to consider before purchasing a GPS watch, where you will be doing your running at?  GPS is nice but not perfect as your GPS might not pick you up in all locations, i.e. tree coverage, tall buildings.




    CindyD32
  • Guy Grim Pro
    Guy Grim
    61 posts since
    Nov 14, 2010
    Currently Being Moderated
    12. Aug 9, 2011 1:13 PM (in response to AllieAA)
    Re: Watches for training?

    I was lucky enough to find the Garmin Booth at the "Providence 1/2 Marathon Expo" last Saturday and I had the opportuntiy to look at all of the watches with trained Garmin Reps. 

     

    After a long discussion I ended up purchasing the Garmin Forerunner 210.  I have used it one time during the 1/2 marathon and I love it! 

     

    I am glad I bought it.  Once you get your Garmin registered you can upload everything online.  Pretty awesome.  Feel free to check the link ... http://connect.garmin.com/activity/104811702

     

    It is easy to leqarn, easy to use and not to large. 




    Training

    656 Total Miles Since November 15, 2010 - 35 Miles YTD (1/20/12)

    PR

    5K - 27:46 (07/24/2011)

    20K - 01:59:39 (09/05/2011)

    13.1M - 02:08:58 (08/07/2011)

    26.2M - TBD in 2012

    Recent Races

    Orange, CT - 5K Chilly Chili Run - Time of 29:07 - 1/1/2012

    TeamGrimmy.com

  • gojackets99 Amateur
    gojackets99
    7 posts since
    Jul 28, 2011
    Currently Being Moderated
    13. Aug 9, 2011 2:07 PM (in response to AllieAA)
    Re: Watches for training?

    Hi AllieAA,

     

    I hate to make your head spin, but I too am looking for a good sports watch (however, I would like to have the GPS funtionality).  Last night researching, I stumbled onto this regular guy's (well, he's a devoted triathlete) website.  It is www.dcrainmaker.com.  This guy's site has extremely detailed reviews on just about all the Garmin watches plus all sorts of other stuff.  It will blow your mind the amount of time it seems this dude puts into his site.  The good news is that I now know more about fitness watches than I ever thought I could know, but the bad news is that I now know more about fitness watches than I ever thought I could know.  For what it's worth, I beleive I am going with the Garmin 210 or the Nike+ SportWatch.  I am a litte torn between the two.

     

    Good Luck,

     

    Ed

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