Running watch?

**gks** · 06-17-2012, 07:35 PM

Alright, so I've mostly been active in The Nib since joining. Time to branch out.

Over the past 2-3 years I have been increasingly been interested in running. August of 2010 I ran a local 5k, August of 2011 I ran a 10 Mile local race. Major kudos to anyone who can guess which one it is, if you can, you're hardcore. Not many 10 mile courses as far as i know.

I started with RunKeeper on my iPhone. Grew tired of the inaccuracy. Bought a Garmin running watch. Grew frustrated with its "touch" controls that failed to work with sweat. Then the battery went to crap after a winter of non-use.

I'm now using Runmeter, an iPhone app, to log my runs using the built in GPS. However, I'm not real concerned with distances during training, more just time. Time is a general thing: how long have i been running? Rough time splits. etc.

Does anyone have any suggestions for a smallish watch (I'm a small guy, 5'7" 125lbs)?

Thanks!

edit: it would be great if I could program it for interval training. Beep every 30 seconds to stop. Then every 15 seconds after to start again

**LeverTime** · 06-18-2012, 05:29 PM

I use a G-Shock whenever I'm running / biking / etc. If you don't need a GPS to keep track of distance, I think it's a good option. Mine is solar powered, and syncs the time automatically with atomic clocks, so it is largely maintenance free.

**JimP** · 06-18-2012, 05:37 PM

Timex Ironman, small and light. Will do everything you ask.

**gks** · 06-18-2012, 05:41 PM

Thanks for the recommendations :)

I'll check them out and see if I can find one that works for my needs. Appreciate it. Happy fitness to you both! :)

**JeffJ** · 06-18-2012, 10:22 PM

I'm currently using a Garmin 410 GPS watch/heart rate monitor and I've used a couple of different Polar Heart Rate monitors in the past (RS200 and RS800). The GPS being built into the Garmin watch is neat, though the watch is pretty huge and as mentioned the controls are quirky. My take is that Polar in general has features and programming for more serious training.

If you don't need a HRM, the suggestions above are great. I ran with a Timex Ironman for years.

**Go West Young Man** · 06-19-2012, 02:06 AM

I run with an old Garmin 310 , it's pretty big but the buttons never fail me and the battery has lasted forever.

**gks** · 06-19-2012, 06:27 AM

Originally Posted by JeffJ

I'm currently using a Garmin 410 GPS watch/heart rate monitor and I've used a couple of different Polar Heart Rate monitors in the past (RS200 and RS800). The GPS being built into the Garmin watch is neat, though the watch is pretty huge and as mentioned the controls are quirky. My take is that Polar in general has features and programming for more serious training.

If you don't need a HRM, the suggestions above are great. I ran with a Timex Ironman for years.

Originally Posted by Go West Young Man

I run with an old Garmin 310 , it's pretty big but the buttons never fail me and the battery has lasted forever.

The Garmin I have is a 405, so it's the same as the 410. The controls get wonky when sweat gets on it. So you have to lock the watches buttons when running. You can still start and stop the watch without any hassle. But the battery is just terrible.

Due to the cost of a new watch, I've just decided to send the Garmin in and have the battery replaced. It's like $80 and a new watch will cost that or more. May as well just have the GPS and everything in one rather than have it separate.

**Go West Young Man** · 06-19-2012, 07:04 AM

The 305 versus a regular running watch.
You can see how easy the buttons are to use, they're huge!

Click image for larger version.

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(not my picture, stolen from the web)

**gks** · 06-19-2012, 09:58 AM

yea that is a massive watch though.

**Dennis** · 06-19-2012, 10:48 AM

Originally Posted by gks

Over the past 2-3 years I have been increasingly been interested in running. August of 2010 I ran a local 5k, August of 2011 I ran a 10 Mile local race. Major kudos to anyone who can guess which one it is, if you can, you're hardcore. Not many 10 mile courses as far as i know.

Crim?

GL on the watch - no clue.

**Matthew h** · 06-19-2012, 12:12 PM

Originally Posted by Go West Young Man

The 305 versus a regular running watch.
You can see how easy the buttons are to use, they're huge!

(not my picture, stolen from the web)

Yep, massive, but works a treat for running or cycling. Had mine a couple of years and can't justify changing it as its so reliable,the battery lasted for maggies bike and hike which is 30 mile mountain bike and 43 mile walk.

**gks** · 06-19-2012, 04:30 PM

Originally Posted by Dennis

Crim?

GL on the watch - no clue.

Thats the one. There's a few locals around here huh? lol

**raisindot** · 06-25-2012, 10:34 AM

Originally Posted by Go West Young Man

The 305 versus a regular running watch.
You can see how easy the buttons are to use, they're huge!

(not my picture, stolen from the web)

I've got the 305, and I love it. The size isn't that big an issue, and I'm a short guy (5'8"). The big buttons and display make it easy to keep track of a lot of information (pace, time, distance covered) at the same time, and there are tons of customization features. You can also upload your workouts to Gamin's web site and keep track of them and see topographic displays of your routes.

The only quibble is that my first 305 totally died on me after about 2 years with no warnings at all. Just wouldn't turn on. Pretty sure it was a battery failure. Nice thing is that Garmin will replace it with their own reburb for around $90--about $40 less than even buying a refurb. Other not-so-nice thing was that my replacement 305 was stolen, but Garmin again let me get a replacement for the same $90. So two 305s in a year for $180. Beats spending the same amount for one new one, I guess.

**drocu** · 06-25-2012, 10:47 AM

Originally Posted by raisindot

I've got the 305, and I love it. The size isn't that big an issue, and I'm a short guy (5'8"). The big buttons and display make it easy to keep track of a lot of information (pace, time, distance covered) at the same time, and there are tons of customization features. You can also upload your workouts to Gamin's web site and keep track of them and see topographic displays of your routes.

I am also a big fan of the Garmin 305. I purchased one for my wife a couple of years ago and it is still going strong. At the time, we tested multiple brands including Polar, Suunto, and the Garmin 405. We purchased the 305 because we really didn't like the stupid bezel on the 405 and preferred buttons. Why would Garmin get rid of buttons and replace it with a touch interface that doesn't like moisture? Big problem when it comes to sweating/rain.

Anyways, the 305 is big and clunky and not a fashion statement. But it works really well and is probably really cheap since it's discontinued and an older model (if you can find it).

**RondeB** · 07-08-2012, 07:28 AM

I am a huge Garmin fan. Currently using a 405 for about 2 years now. Wife uses a 305 and we have a 205 that is a backup. I've trained for and run 2 marathons with it. The only thing is you have to keep up with the battery as it is a bit quirky and can run out on you if you don't check/charge it the night before you run. All you have to do as mentioned previously is lock the bezel and use the buttons.

I would like to try the motoACTV, which seems insane cool but doesn't have great iPhone compatibility for some of its features. It does have lots of cool factor. Also the newest gamins for multisport look good, but seem to be a bit expensive unless you need all the functions they offer.

**Jporco** · 07-11-2012, 04:57 PM

Another vote for the Garmin 305. I use it for training, marathons, 5k's, etc. I always make sure it is fully charged the night before my runs (3 times a week), and have never had a problem with it - going on 3 years now.