ETA: I'm not ready to go GPS/etc - thoughts on simpler

[secretlyevil]

ETA: I looked at all the suggestions, Garmin and non. I had the Garmin 410 in my cart and everything. I'm just not there yet. As cool as all the features sounded and (Garmin connect is wicked cool!), I'm just not ready to go to that level. It seems a little too hard core for me. Who knows in six months or even less I might be kicking myself. Anyway, I have been researching Timex's Ironman line. Anyone have any experience, feedback, suggestions? Any other non-GPS, simple running watch recommendations? The feature I really need is a multiple interval timing.

PS: And if anyone can point me to a previous thread, that would be great, the search feature isn't bringing anything up for me.




Since I've joined my running group, I have determined it's time to get a watch. Our workouts are all based on time . I'm looking at the Garmin 410 because I like that you can program an entire workout in it. But I'm not really sure I want to fork over the moola, any other recommendations? OR does someone have a thread bookmarked? My searching didn't turn up what I was looking for.

[texassmith]

I have the 410 and I love it! Worth every penny IMO.

[secretlyevil]

May 11, 2013 13:44:25 GMT -5 texassmith said:

I have the 410 and I love it! Worth every penny IMO.

LOL - you are not helping!!!!! My husband just gave me the look when I told him how much it was. And I really want a new phone and otter box for my birthday, not a fugly watch. Those things are HUGE and really not pretty. Yes, I'm that vain.

[texassmith]

May 11, 2013 13:46:48 GMT -5 secretlyevil said:

May 11, 2013 13:44:25 GMT -5 texassmith said:

I have the 410 and I love it! Worth every penny IMO.

LOL - you are not helping!!!!! My husband just gave me the look when I told him how much it was. And I really want a new phone and otter box for my birthday, not a fugly watch. Those things are HUGE and really not pretty. Yes, I'm that vain.

Haha, sorry! How much does it cost? I got it on sale at Costco back in January for $149 I think...not totally sure on the price.

[secretlyevil]

May 11, 2013 13:56:50 GMT -5 texassmith said:

May 11, 2013 13:46:48 GMT -5 secretlyevil said:

LOL - you are not helping!!!!! My husband just gave me the look when I told him how much it was. And I really want a new phone and otter box for my birthday, not a fugly watch. Those things are HUGE and really not pretty. Yes, I'm that vain.

Haha, sorry! How much does it cost? I got it on sale at Costco back in January for $149 I think...not totally sure on the price.

I actually found a refurbished one for $119...not telling where, they might get all bought before I make up my mind.

[coconutbug]

$119 seems like a good price. I don't think the other brands are going to be much, if at all, cheaper than that.

[Deleted]

If you want a pretty one get the 605. Or the Forerunner 110 in pink. I've seen some great prices. I think they are prettier than an Otterbox!

[MrsE]

Check out the Schwinn 810 GPS watch as an alternative to Garmins. I wanted a Garmin for my bday last year but DH "did research" and found strong reviews on Schwinn for nearly half the price of Garmin. I like it just fine and it actually picks up the satellite quicker than my running partner's Garmin. It works for me, but is sitting so lonely on my desk these days longing for a run.

[secretlyevil]

Something new to research! Cool.

[secretlyevil]

Ugh - I think I need to revise my original question and title of the thread. I'm not sure I'm at the level of GPS/lots of awesome features watches. I think I need something simpler.

[ebeth]

I used those timex ironman watches for years and years. In fact I still use them for track workouts and I'm seriously considering racing with it again. I don't really like my garmin for races, but I do like seeing the mile by mile feedback afterwards so I'm torn. anyway, I really like the timex watches. my advice to you would be to get something with a 'lap' function.

ETA: my timex watch was probably about $40-$50?  I really don't remember.  It doesn't have a HRM or anything.  Just a watch with some additional features (like countdown, lap function, etc). 

[kellydelq]

I actually got the Timex Ironman for a gift yesterday and was going to return it because of the no gps, I really didn't get a chance to look at it yet but I wanted something that will track my mileage as I am running and help me with my pace, assuming that without gps I cannot do that, someone correct me if I am wrong though. He got it at Dick's with a coupon and I am pretty sure it was around $75, no other feedback though, sorry! I may test it out on my next run and decide to keep it, I will let you know how I like it if I do

[coconutbug]

I wear a pretty basic Timex Ironman watch as my everyday watch. I also use it when I swim. I know there are interval functions on it, but I've never tried to use them. I really only use the timer setting for days when I want to go GPS-less. The only thing I don't like is that for the styles I've had, the bands weren't replaceable. So when some piece bent off, my dogs ate a corner, etc., I ended up having to just buy a new one.

ETA: The band issue isn't much of a deterrent to me, as I've been using Timex Ironman watches for 10+ years.  I usually just get them new on ebay for $25-35.

[texassmith]

I got this in my email today if you are interested in a simpler Garmin than the 410:

Just Press Start. It's that easy to start using your Forerunner 110. It uses its accurate GPS to record time, distance and pace while you focus on running. The 110 stores your data, so you can see your stats from yesterday, last week or last month.

For a limited time, get a great deal on this best-selling heart rate monitor/GPS watch. This unit is regularly priced at $229.99, but you can get it now for $60 off - $169.99! Plus you get free ground shipping for an additional savings! Take advantage of this great deal and use coupon code ACTIVE110 when you checkout.

We love the Forerunner 110 because it's uncomplicated - just answer a few simple questions to set it up and it's ready to go, and its push-button operation never distracts you from what really matters. See your data at-a-glance on the device, or upload it to Garmin Connect when you want deeper analysis. Get the information you want without all the extra bells and whistles.

[ddi741]

I have the Nike+ running app on my phone. I just recently started running so I am no where near ready for a Garmin type device plus this was free. It tracks my distance & speed which is all I was looking for.

[pamela]

I just use my phone, held in my hand for now. I haven't found an armband that can hold my phone in the otterbox case (the thicker one, not the commuter version). I did make sure that the water/fuel belt I just bought has a pocket big enough for my phone.

[pixy0stix]

May 13, 2013 11:51:05 GMT -5 pamela said:

I just use my phone, held in my hand for now. I haven't found an armband that can hold my phone in the otterbox case (the thicker one, not the commuter version). I did make sure that the water/fuel belt I just bought has a pocket big enough for my phone.

pamela - I have this case over my otterbox defender case: www.amazon.com/Armband-Otterbox-Tune-Belt-Defender/dp/B004WSWX92/ref=sr_1_1?ie=UTF8&qid=1368465083&sr=8-1&keywords=tune+band+otterbox+band

They also have an iphone 5 version. It's been working great so far.

[secretlyevil]

I have a windows phone. The available apps that might should work kind of suck. I love my windows phone but the lack of apps available is frustrating.