What kind of watch do I need?

[mollyjean]

I am overwhelmed with all of the options out there, so I'm hoping you ladies can help me.

I run approximately 30 miles per week. I am interested in a GPS capable watch that will show me distance, time, HR, and calories. These are the main "needs". The "wants"? Well, I'm not sure. There are SO many features on every watch! I guess an additional want would be smaller in size because I have very petites wrists. I would also like the ability to upload my data for tracking purposes.

I've been reading DC Rainmaker's reviews and I think I'm in information overload.

What is a decent "beginners" GPS watch? I don't need all of the bells and whistles, but I do want something accurate and easy to use.

Suggestions? Help a newb out?

[grk2012]

Garmin 110 will do everything you want, provided you get the one with the HRM strap. I've been using mine for about a year and a half and love it more all the time.

[mollyjean]

Thanks, grk! That does look like the easiest to use and has pretty much everything I would need.

[mollyjean]

Do you know if it has the capability to use the foot pod? I do run at the gym over lunch often and would like to be able to use my watch then too.

If the 110 doesn't support the pod, is there a similar version that does?

[Deleted]

I love DC Rainmaker! He's one chatty bastard though. But I trust him.

Go with the Garmin 110. I don't know about the foot pod, I know the 210 does (it is paired with my husbands footpod, but I use the 210 and when we run together that poor thing is so very confused!).

[aliciar6]

i was looking at the garmin 110 and almost bought it, but just ended up doing the nike+ sport band, even though it isn't gps. I got the nike+ shoes, which i was surprised i liked and another pair (brooks) with a second foot pod and pouch to clip to the laces.
it was pretty off the first few times i ran, but not it's almost spot on. it's off by like .02 miles when we run and it's small, which is one major reason i like it.

[mollyjean]

sessalee - chatty indeed!

aliciar6 - I looked in to the Nike+ system but didn't investigate the foot pod/pouch option. I don't wear Nike running shoes and don't really want to start so I guess I didn't think this was an option. Hmm... maybe I need to dig in to that further?

SO many options!

[joenali]

I have the Garmin 110 without HRM. I wish I had bought the one with the HRM so at least I have the option when I want it. I have a separate HRM that I wear when it decides to work except that I have to wear two watches, I look like a goober! but I just can't see spending more money on another watch.

[grk2012]

110 is not compatible with a footpod. If I run on the treadmill or track, I just run the watch on the "use indoors" setting, remember my distance, and do a manual upload, which then gives me my overall pace and all that.

[Bob Loblaw]

I've had the Garmin 405cx for a few years and I'm happy with it. It has a HRM and is compatible with the Garmin foot pod, which I use on the treadmill. It also transmits data wirelessly to your computer, which is nice. My only complaint is that when it gets too wet (sweaty), the bezel doesn't work well.

[carilyn]

I just for the Garmin Forerunner 405 from Costco.com for $160, with HRM. It has taken some figuring out, but I really like it so far. It does distance, calories, hr, time, lap time, average pace, you can program your laps to do speed work, etc. I don't use a foot pod, so I'm not sure about that part, though I would think it does. It also downloads to their site wirelessly and effortlessly, which I LOVE. It then lists all the data you would want about your run (splits, distance, time, calories, average pace, ect).

[aliciar6]

May 15, 2012 13:52:01 GMT -5 mollyjean said:

sessalee - chatty indeed!

aliciar6 - I looked in to the Nike+ system but didn't investigate the foot pod/pouch option. I don't wear Nike running shoes and don't really want to start so I guess I didn't think this was an option. Hmm... maybe I need to dig in to that further?

SO many options!

they make pouches that you put on your laces to hold the foot pod.
this is what i bought for my Brooks running shoes
www.runningwarehouse.com/descpage-AZONO.html

the foot pods can be bought for around $18 as well.
www.runningwarehouse.com/descpage-NISASK.html

i normally did not think i would like the nike+ shoes at all...but my friend took me to a great running shop in morristown, and i ran with them and the brooks, i had to buy both...i love the colors on the brooks so much and they were comfy. but i have found that i also love running in the nike's...

normally i have to wear orthotics becuase i severly damaged my foot in the army, but so far i haven't had to wear them with the nike's.

i'd say either put the foot pod in the pouch on your fav running shoes or give the nike's a chance and see what you think of them, i was 100% against buying them until i ran in them.