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Discussion: watches
Subject: watches By: Jill K. Written on: 2006-06-01 21:56:13 Message: I am a long time runner. I have set a goal to run a marathon. I am looking for a good watch/heart monitor. Does anyone have a suggestion? I would also like one that will log my miles. Any help would be appreciated.
Subject: RE: watches By: Jay T. Written on: 2006-06-01 22:46:37 Message: Well, you can spend alot of money for a high speed gizmo depending on your needs. A bunch of guys that I train with use a Life Wise heart monitor. The reason for using this one is durability and cost. I picked it up for $50 bucks at radio shack. I told another guy to get this same one and he got it on sale for $20. This is my third year using it and it works great.
Subject: RE: watches By: Becky D. Written on: 2006-06-02 00:00:01 Message: I have a Polar HR monitor and it works great. One advantage to using Polar is that it is compatible with a lot of workout machines in the gym (elliptical, treadmills, bikes) so you can see it right on the screen without having to use the watch. Maybe just the gyms I have been at have a contract with Polar, they may be others that are compatible with fitness machines. I've had mine for 3+ years and it's still going strong.The watch keeps track of HR, % max HR, kCal burned, and time (no stop watch aspect that I've been able to work, however). Those are really the only things I care about. I'm sure you get ones that tell you more, I just wasn't in the market for it. I bought it at a Dick's Sporting Goods for ~$90. Hope that helps!
Subject: RE: watches By: Brad H. Written on: 2006-06-02 12:03:38 Message: I have a Garmin GPS and it's the greatest IMO. Not only can you track heart rate, but the GPS is an awesome training tool. It tracks your mileage, pace, total time, calories burned etc. and keeps track of 2 years of runs... It also has a "virtual partner" that you can use to set training goals with... I have had great success with it. It's a bit more expensive, but when you think of how much you will spend on an HRM alone, you can add a few more bucks and get the HRM/GPS combo.
Subject: RE: watches By: Josh T. Written on: 2006-06-02 12:07:44 Message: Hey Brad, How much is the Garim GPS?
Subject: RE: watches By: Jael A. Written on: 2006-06-02 17:34:31 Message: Jill, I have the "older version" of what Brad is talking about and I love it (mine does not tell you how many calories I am burning and it is not compatible with your computer). It is a Garmin-GPS. Mine gives me mile pace, how many miles I am running and amount of time I have been running. I bought mine at Target for $99.99. Jael
Subject: RE: watches By: Teresa S. Written on: 2006-06-02 23:00:40 Message: I also have the Garmin 301, it was $199 at REI and for a struggling runner like me... I love it. The virtual partner helps me stay on pace( slow pace) but consistent none the less. I love to see the exact miles that I run, no more estimating milage. I love to see the exact pace. Then the best part is going home and hooking up to the computer and seeing where I was runnning, what pace I am doing at what point in the run, my hr at each point. It stores 2 years of runs/bikes and I can compare each run/bike to the same course! I go to this Motion Based website and hook up the satalite to see the terrain, elevation of where I ran/biked. Its awesome, for a gadget girl like me, this is one of the best parts of multi-sport! And it has a hr monitor, too. And you can swim with it. Kool! I am planning next to get the mp3 player for my swim goggles! Then I can train to Rick Springfield and be a complete my tri-geek! Teresa
Subject: RE: watches By: Brad H. Written on: 2006-06-03 09:21:04 Message: Jill; I also got my 101 at Target ($69 on sale!) I used to use the Timex Speed and Distance, but I prefer the Garmin. I just checked ebay and there are all kinds of 301's (with the HRM) for under $200. It might be more than you wanted to spend, but overall you'll be happier and won't have to upgrade for many years... Besides, if you buy a cheap version, you'll spend most of your time wishing you would have bought the Garmin anyway. Treat yourself. You've been running a long time, you deserve it...
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