Remember all that stuff I wrote about simplicity, about running when I want, where I want, for free? Throw that all out the window. I want a fancy running watch with heart rate monitor, and pace calculator and everything else. But which one? At something over $300 regardless of brand, I'm feeling some trepidation. I'd prefer to spend somewhere around $150, but it seems that in order to monitor speed, I'll have to spring for the more expensive version. If there's a good less expensive speed tracker, please tell me. i-run links to an excellent blog story explaining the technology of pace tracking. The story also evaluates most of the main contenders.I'm turned off by the size and look of the Garmin Forerunners - I just don't like the idea of going out with a big clunky GPS device strapped to my wrist. And since I have an Apple Powerbook rather than a PC, I won't be able to interface with the thing anyway. If you are thinking about a Forerunner, however, there's currently a $50 rebate on the 205s and 305s - get it before May 15th.
So on to the Nike Triax Elite and Polar 625X models, both equally expensive and with similar technology (neither brand seems to use GPS). They're both ugly, but Nike seems a bit sleeker, with an S shaped band and face for easier viewing. Since I'm not an elite runner, or even an elite blogger, I don't have the luxury of testing each out. But I can go to the store and try them on and push their buttons, which is what I have planned for tomorrow - after my run.
3 comments:
I can only speak for Garmin. I swear by them, but more for the information gathered by such devices more than the brand itself (though Garmin does rock, IMO).
Whatever you choose, the data is wicked valuable for training. I can't imagine doing without it. Best of luck.
I've found gadgets to be quite helpful in training. Since I come fro a cycling background, it was easy getting voluminous stats from a bike computer (plus, added bonus, the bike holds the stuff, not your wrist!)
I've been using my Nike+ gadget with my iPod Nano and love it. It synchs quickly and easily and is Mac friendly. It lets you choose from a variety of workouts, like running a certain distance, for a certain time, until you burn a certain # of calories. However, it won't do HR. For that I'm using a regular, separate HR monitor wristwatch.
I agree with Jamie, data is very valuable for training and motivating. Along with my HR data I also record my perceived effort, which is usually very diff from whatever the HR says. Interesting how the correlation goes.
I have a garmin now and love it. But before I got the 205 I had the timex version. What I still love about the Timex training system is that the watch is separate frome the GPS device. You wear this gps device on your upper arm (like you would an iPod) and it transmits the information to the watch. This then is great because the watch is just a sports watch and you can wear it all the time and not have some big clunky think on your wrist. Here is a link to the system. Timex Speed&Distance I love GPS data from my runs, it has totally changed my training and I highly recommend it. Good luck searching.
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