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Then I got one for Christmas from a very thoughtful friend and am delighted with it. It has features for interval training I haven't even used yet.
Highly recommended. One warning: you may discover, like I did, that you're running a lot slower than you thought you were but, of course, that's useful information.
It's easy to use once you get the hang of it. It picks up the GPS signal quickly and although it can momentarily be fooled when I run through a heavily wooded area, it quickly adjusts once I am back in the open.
I had considered getting myself one of these for some time but had decided against it. It is a great training aid for any serious runner.
I was concerned it would feel bulky on my wrist but I hardly know it's there.
Although I have not yet utilized the GPS route track to find my way back to the run starting place, it is good to know that it is available if I ever need it. I love the freedom that it provides, in that,I can run anywhere and have an accurate milage count, while being able to monitor my pace. are also great to have. I am so enthusiastic about the Forerunner, that I gave both my running adult children (21 y/o daughter, 30 y/o son) one for Christmas this year, and they both love it, as both have used mine during the past year. I deffinitely give this a "two running shoes up," and recommend it for anyone who runs, or walks. It's great, after a run, to record my average pace, best pace, and calories burned, in addition to my overall time.
Lastly, the cost of the Forerunner is very reasonable for a GPS, and won't break the budget. I have owned a Forerunner for almost a year and have loved it from the first run. It is easy to use, and the face is just the right size so that the numbers are easy to read. The other features such as the history, coach,etc.
Take outside. I've now used it for 6 six mile runs.Yes, I've been drooling over the Garmin Forerunner 305 GPS Receiver With Heart Rate Monitor, but you can pick this 101 model for under a hundred dollars. It's okay for me, and the digital readouts are very easy to read while running.There are other bells and whistles, including a virtual running buddy to pace yourself, compass directions to your starting point, lap information, and more. When location is "captured" (there's a progress bar noting satellite acquisition), velcro on wrist. Press power off button.That's how easy this was to operate the first time.
At conclusion, press stop button. Give it a try, and see if a GPS unit works for you. So my Manoa Valley run went from 5.5 to 6.0 miles (Gmaps Pedometer versus this Forerunner), and my Diamond Head run went from 6.0 to 6.6 miles. But I really wanted an accurate note of my time and distance. In both cases, I suspect the Forerunner was the more accurate (in Gmaps Pedometer, you have to straighten some curved trails). Go for your walk or run. Insert batteries.
Push power on button. Read pace and distance. you can lose signal contact in dense vegetation.I'm going to have fun with this. BUT. Open box. Push button for starting your walk or run. And if you do upgrade to a 305, well, now you have a backup, or can attach it to your bike.I'm 6 foot tall, and this might seem big on a smaller person's wrist.
It could be operator error, but battery life should not be. I needed a battery operated unit so that I could use the Garmin while hiking peaks from a backpack/backcountry situation, therefore being able to replace batts and use it every day, and during the pack, to track elevation and distance, etc. Disappointed with the unit. It has great capabilities and the price was right, but the pace function does not work dependably, and the battery life does not appear to be the 14 hours advertised. I have the 201 for day hikes, which charges electrically.
I love having time/pace/total distance all displayed at once. I typically turn it on and set it on my front porch a few minutes before I run. I was afraid the bulk of the watch would bother me but it hasn't. I live in a rural area with no tall buildings. I recently ran my first half-marathon and enjoyed being able to go back on the watch and see my pace for each mile of the race. 98% of the time I have no problems, when I have a problem it's with signal strength.
Two AAA batteries are lasting me over 50 miles which is not bad if you only run 10-15 miles a week like me. This is the first & only gps watch I have owned. I have been very satisfied with the Forerunner 101 as compared to the cost. The distance seems to be very accurate & consistant.
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