Watches with GPS/heart monitor

[jrichards]

Hi all -

I've joined a running club, and am really trying to cultivate a liking for running. I'm interested in getting a watch that can track my distance/time.

I know there are watches with GPS, and also ones with heart rate monitors. What I want to know is if there's a watch that combines both features, but without the separate heart rate band you wear around your chest? Is there a watch that just does it all?

If so, any suggestions? If not, suggestions for those with the band? And, do you find the band uncomfortable?

Thanks!

Jennifer

[Gumbeaux]

I know there are watches with GPS, and also ones with heart rate monitors. What I want to know is if there's a watch that combines both features, but without the separate heart rate band you wear around your chest? Is there a watch that just does it all?



Something like this? (http://www.amazon.com/Garmin-Forerunner-405-GPS-Enabled-Monitor/dp/B0011UNMIK/ref=sr_1_2?ie=UTF8&s=watches&qid=1242228993&sr=8-2)

http://ecx.images-amazon.com/images/I/511Rxa9MzJL._SL500_AA280_.jpg

[Robyn1007]

The Garmin Forerunner 305 is very popular with my tri friends. They are coming out with a 310XT model sometime this summer which adds a waterproof feature. I expect the 305 to go on sale when it comes out and I expect a bunch of people to upgrade and want to sell their perfectly good 305s. I'm waiting a bit to see what happens before I purchase. :) I'm not sure of the differences between the 305 and the 405 that Gumbeaux posted.

[Robyn1007]

Found a comparison chart:

https://buy.garmin.com/shop/compare.do?cID=142&compareProduct=11039&compareProduct=349&compareProduct=348

[Miss Giggles]

The ones with the chest strap are accurate. I love my Garmin 305.

You don't even feel them while you are working out. The timex ones without the chest straps aren't that good. You might as well pause and take your own heart rate.

I've had two Polars and a Garmin. Both are great products. I use the Polar for indoor use and the Garmin for outdoor use.

Also if you've got a cell phone with a GPS, there are running programs for Blackberries and Iphones but not everyone likes to run with their phone, because of their size and it sucks the battery down. Plus you can't get them wet.

[Robyn1007]

Eek, sorry I missed the no heart rate strap. But, I agree with Miss Giggles, the watch based ones are woefully inaccurate and I've no problems with my heart rate strap and often forget it's on after I finish my workout (driving home or what not). Is there a reason why you don't want one of those?

[SusanMac]

The Garmin ones are really great. I have one from Polar that I like a lot. It has a chest strap (for HR) and a footpod you wear on your shoe which tracks pace/distance. It's quite small & you don't even know it's there. The wrist device is much smaller than the Garmin's too. (I've found that the Garmin's are definitely designed for men!)

Not to be a curmudgeon....and I definitely love running gadgets....but if you are new to running & trying to love it, these devices are quite expensive. If you're brand new to running, then you might just get data overload....a bunch of numbers that don't actually help you. I'm not sure a device like this will help you like running more. It won't detract from your running experience at all, but is a big investment if you're not sure about running yet.

Just food for thought.

P.S. Be sure to join us over on the Virtual Running Buddies thread!!

[Robyn1007]

Susan is right about the data overload. I purposefully leave my heart rate strap at home on some runs just to remind myself to run based or Rate of Perceived Effort (RPE). I currently have a Polar which is great but I bought it for cycling before I started running and it's not one that is compatible with the foot pod otherwise I wouldn't be considering the Forerunner, I'd just get the pod.

One thing to keep in mind that I learned from Aggie94 here is that HR monitors do qualify as a medical device under Flex Spending so double check with your provider but if you've put money into a medical flex spending account it's a way to buy one pre-tax. :)

[jrichards]

Thanks everyone for all of the great info!

I was trying to avoid a chest HR strap, since it seems like it would be uncomfortable. Sounds like that's really best way to go though, and that many of you have no issue with it. I've heard complaints from others about them, so maybe it just depends on person/size?

I am not normally a gadget person, and am definitely new to running, but I think this would excite and motivate me. I like the idea of being able to run anywhere (not just routes I can map distance in my car), and get feedback on how fast/far I went, etc.

I like the Garmin Forerunner 305 over 405 for my purposes. Amazon has them today for $172, sounds like a good deal for that model. What do you all think?

SusanMac - thanks for invite to VRB thread. I'll have to check that out.

Robyn1007 - great tip that this might qualify for flex spending. I have money in there I will need help using up this year.

Jennifer

[Robyn1007]

Yeah, if I weren't waiting on the things I mentioned I'd go for that deal too!

Also, you should know about www.mapmyrun.com. That's what I use to figure out my distances. You can also search routes others have done in the area. :D

[SusanMac]

I put the HRM chest strap under my jog bra, so never notice it. I think it would bug me more if I was a guy :-)

Happy shopping! I do hope it helps you get excited about running!

[Natasha]

There are all kinds of amazing watches and devices out there... I know many people who just love and swear by theirs. While I'm impressed by all the cool things you can do with them, I'm a low-tech kinda girl in some ways and don't have anything but a Timex that can be set for laps and intervals (soooo 1989, I know :p). Garmin and Suunto are the ones I have the most vicarious experience with (from DH and misc. running / biking friends).

Mostly I just wanted to pop in and say good luck with the running! It's an awesome sport and with time hopefully you will start to love it!

[jrichards]

So I did not buy the Garmin Forerunner 305 yet. I decided to wait on Robyn's logic and see if price drops once 310xt is out.

I'm seeing conflicting info as to when the 310xt will be available. I've seen mid June, but also July 20th. Do you know when it is?

Also, my first 5K is this coming Saturday! Exciting!

Hope you're all doing well with your running, and your summer's are off to a good start.

Jennifer

[Robyn1007]

I wish I could tell you more! Apparently there are some out there already but it appears shipments from Garmin are slow to their distributors and some have them (and have already sold out) while some do not. Not very good planning Garmin's part. They make great products but apparently need someone new in their marketing and supply chain positions. :rolleyes:

[SusanMac]

Can't help you with the Garmin, but wanted to say good luck in your race this weekend!! That's very exciting & a big milestone you can be proud of.

[Natasha]

Hi Jennifer,

Just wanted to say enjoy your first 5k! Fleet feet!

Hope everyone else's running is going well too :)

Natasha

[jrichards]

So I completed my first 5K, yay!

I did totally wipe out from tripping on a tree root at Mile 1. I was really lucky that I didn't get seriously hurt . . . it could have been really bad.

I ran the entire time though otherwise, and enjoyed it.

Thanks for the well wishes!

Jennifer

[SusanMac]

So sorry about the trip. But congrats on the race! Sounds like you did awesome. Hope you're planning to do more!

[oceanjasper]

If you aren't so concerned about the heart rate monitoring from the get go, check out the Nike+ipod gadget. It is like a high-tech pedometer and will track your distance, time, pace, and calories burned - anywhere you run. If you connect it to your computer, the Nike website will track all of your runs and give you your fastest times for certain distances, your average pace, and lots of other little motivators. I absolutely love mine. I bought it for less than $40 Canadian and I am sure they are cheaper in the US. I understand that they don't last for a super long time, but that might be a good start for you, rather than spending $170.

[Gumbeaux]

I want this (http://www.engadget.com/2010/01/25/timex-readying-gps-equipped-ironman-global-trainer-wristwatch/)!

http://www.blogcdn.com/www.engadget.com/media/2010/01/timex-ironman-global-traine.jpg

[Robyn1007]

Since this got bumped up I'll add that I purchased a Garmin Forerunner 305 last fall and I'm totally in love with it. It helps motivate me and keeps me on track. I also love being able to change routes on a dime and know what my distance is while I'm running.

[peterd503]

I have tried 2 Polar units with chest straps and both worked intermittently on me and quit within 2 days although both worked on other people after that.

[oceanjasper]

Post above has been reported.

[cherylopal]

jumping on this thread- i'm looking to get a heart rate monitor for dh. i have a polar with chest strap that i love love although it needs a battery- its also 10 years old and i haven't used it in over 5 years so maybe i need a new one too. i was very interested in the strapless models- not sure dh would tolerate a strap- i had no problems with my strap but still would prefer to not have one.

do the garmins have a strap??

i use mine for working out more than running and dh would prob be the same.

[Robyn1007]

Cheryl the Garmins do have a strap and honestly the ones without straps are notoriously inaccurate so I wouldn't do anything without one personally. I've had both Polar and Garmin now and find the Garmin strap more comfortable as it's a little more flexible.

[cherylopal]

Thanks Robyn- that does make sense. I hoping the technology would be there by now! And thanks for the info re garmin being more comfy. That should be nice bday present for my DH.

[Sarah428]

Has anyone had problems using their Health Care Flexible Spending Account to purchase one? I was planning on it based on the discussions here but now I've been told I need documentation of medical necessity from my Dr...ugg

And trying to decide between the Forerunner 305 and 405, any thoughts?

[Robyn1007]

Has anyone had problems using their Health Care Flexible Spending Account to purchase one? I was planning on it based on the discussions here but now I've been told I need documentation of medical necessity from my Dr...ugg

And trying to decide between the Forerunner 305 and 405, any thoughts?

Each Flex Spending account is going to have different rules and guidelines so be sure to use the ones your plan gives you.

I've heard lots of reports that using the bezel controls on the 405 are a PITA, especially with sweaty hands etc.

[Sarah428]

Hopefully my doctor will write me a letter (I feel like a 3rd grader needing a note to get out of class! ;)) It seems like there are "approved HRM" but the Forerunner isn't one of them since it has the GPS device that isn't medically necessary.

Thanks for the info Robyn, it seems like the reviews are good for the 305, it just looks so big, but I'm leaning towards that one.

[Robyn1007]

It is big but I got used to it pretty quickly and appreciate all the different info I can get onto the screen. I keep my average lap pace, total time, distance and heart rate on my front screen (current pace is a little off because of varying satellite connections so I don't watch that).

[SusanMac]

I often borrow my DH's Garmin to run, and really like it. It is definitely big, but smaller than previous versions.

I've found that, if I put on a wrist sweatband, then put the Garmin on top of it, it doesn't move around on my wrist.

[Miss Giggles]

I have the 305 and a small wrist. It is big but not uncomfortable.

[MealsMadeWLove]

By monitoring heart rate, the simple observation that the harder we exercise, the faster our heart beats is put to good use. Professional athletes and amateurs alike have for decades been relying on the information provided by their heart rate monitor for the following reasons:


A heart rate monitor is like a rev counter, giving a precise measurement of exercise intensity.
Training at your own ideal pace is made possible with a heart rate monitor.
Direct measurement of heart rate during exercise is the most accurate way to gauge performance.
Progress can be monitored and measured, increasing motivation.
It maximizes the benefits of exercise in a limited amount of time.
It introduces objective observation. Are you on the right track? Are you improving?
It is a tool for regulating frequency and intensity of workouts.
Because of the immediate feedback it provides, heart rate monitoring is an ideal training partner.

How does it work?When you start training, your heart rate increases rapidly in proportion to the intensity of the training. In Polar Heart Rate Monitors, the transmitter belt detects the electrocardiogram (ECG - the electric signal originating from your heart) and sends an electromagnetic signal to the Polar wrist receiver where heart rate information appears. The heart moves blood from the lungs (where the blood picks up oxygen) to the muscles (which burn the oxygen as fuel) and back to the lungs again. The harder the training, the more fuel the muscles need and the harder the heart has to work to pump oxygen-rich blood to the muscles. As you get fitter, your heart is able to pump more blood with every beat. As a result, your heart doesn’t have to beat as often to get the needed oxygen to your muscles, decreasing resting heart rate and exercise heart rate on all exertion levels.

[aggie94]

Spam reported. Both of them. :rolleyes:

[Gumbeaux]

The Garmin Forerunner 305 is very popular with my tri friends. They are coming out with a 310XT model sometime this summer which adds a waterproof feature. I expect the 305 to go on sale when it comes out and I expect a bunch of people to upgrade and want to sell their perfectly good 305s. I'm waiting a bit to see what happens before I purchase. :) I'm not sure of the differences between the 305 and the 405 that Gumbeaux posted.


The Forerunner 305 is Deal of The Day (http://www.amazon.com/gp/goldbox/ref=cs_top_nav_gb27) on Amazon and is selling for $124.99.

[jrichards]

The Garmin Forerunner 405CX GPS Sport Watch with Heart Rate Monitor (Blue) is on Amazon right now for $160 (normally $370).

I still have not bought one but am so tempted.

Jennifer

[Robyn1007]

Wow, that's a great price!

[cherylopal]

i haven't yet made the plunge- still want one- a girl next to me in my last race had one and i was talking with her at the start and my dh's friend who ran with us had one and couldn't believe that we did without- might be asking santa- i heard those elves are amazing!!