Experienced Runners, input needed

[five-08808]

So, I have recently been bitten by the running bug. I'm building my base now averaging about 15-20 miles per week. I'm going to run the TIR in March. With that said, I'm not satisfied with the gps running apps available on the iPhone and am considering going with a gps watch and heart rate monitor band/strap. I don't need a ton of options, mainly, I just want to keep track of my pace, distance and heart rate. Obviously there is tons of choices out there and it's a little overwhelming. I don't want to break the bank if I don't have to, but, I also don't want to buy some cheap crap that will stop working within a month. What suggestions/experiences do you have? Point me in the right direction please.

[perow]

I don't run unless my butt is on fire but wife does about 5-6 miles a day and I bought her a polar and she loves it. Couple different models out there just find the that best fits your needs.

[grizzman]

I have a Soleus GPS watch that I bought for $90 a year and a half ago that has been accurate and reliable. It doesn't have a HR function and doesn't download, but it works for my purposes.

[HUNTING_COACH]

Map My Run app. For android or mac. It is awesome. The wife and I used it when training cor the Austin 1/2 marathon. GPS and keeps your time and pace. Does not have heart rate but do you really need that.

I would reccommend that app.

[Rswan13]

I use a Garmin 310xt watch with a heart rate monitor. I have been racing triathlons for 4 years and using this watch for 3 1/2. It tracks great and they have tons of different models depending on which particular options are important to you. I like the 310xt because I can swim with it and immediately switch to the bike and then the run. Plus you have the ability to upload the data to their Garmin Connect website and compare all your past runs to see how you improve over time. It sounds like you don't need all the extra bike and swim options but definitely check out some of the other Garmin Forerunner watches. Highly recommend their products!

[banzai]

I have a 2007 spec garmin 305 that you can borrow for free if you want and it will track and record your pace, route, and heart rate. You can download every run and it will add it to a spreadsheet and show you the map of where you went.

I am charging it up to see if it still works (I'll test the battery by taking it to work tomorrow). I used this to train for an Ironman and it worked well. By today's standards it is old fat ugly dinosaur. Google the image, you may not want to be seen wearing it. Me, I wear old school like a badge of pride, like rockin' my old Buck 110 on my belt or driving my bronco.

Edit: you cannot swim with the 305 I'm offering like RSwan13 does with his 310xt.

[five-08808]

Banzai what an awesome gesture. I would hate to borrow something though in case it got damaged. Interested in selling it or working out a trade?

[five-08808]

I don't need anything that I can swim with, tri's may come later, right now I'm just trying to get ready for the Texas Independence Relay. My goal is to run each of my legs at just under a 9 min mile pace. I know that's slow by many peoples standards, but, that's my goal and I will be happy with that. Right now I'm averaging a 9:05 mile pace, so I have 3 months to shave off about 15 seconds per mile

[banzai]

Banzai what an awesome gesture. I would hate to borrow something though in case it got damaged. Interested in selling it or working out a trade?

Don't worry about damage. Just train and use it. If it breaks, I would hope it it breaks while it is being used, otherwise it will die from lack of use or too much dust crushing it into the bottom of a drawer.

If you want to keep it after you reach your goal, then we will talk about trades.

[Kevin]

Have you tried GPS motion X with a polar HR monitor?

You can set it up to give your audible feedback as often as every minute. Average or current. Neat app.

[curtintex]

I don't run unless my butt is on fire but wife does about 5-6 miles a day and I bought her a polar and she loves it. Couple different models out there just find the that best fits your needs.

Exact same story for me. I don't run. Wife runs daily and loves her Polar system that I bought her.

WARNING!!! My old CPA logged 70 miles per week. Fanatical runner. He had a massive heart attack and died in his sleep. I'm not 100% it was the running that did it, but I say why take a chance.

[five-08808]

Well I am floored by your generosity. PM me with your paypal for shipping and I will get it done. Assuming that you don't mind shipping it? If you don't want to mess with shipping, I have a buddy that is working in Georgetown and he frequently commutes back here to Clear Lake. I could arrange for him to pick it up for me. Thank you so much, I really appreciate it and will train with it with pride.

[five-08808]

I will be at the lease tomorrow thru Saturday, do, service there sucks. I'll check back Saturday. Thank you again!

[five-08808]

As far as the running only for a reason goes, my Department pays good money to those that pass the quarterly PT which includes a 1.5 mile run. I have always passed it, but always dreaded it. To top it off, some of the new, younger team leaders on the SWAT team have decided we need to run our butts off at the beginning of each training day. So, I decided about 6 weeks ago that I was going to embrace it. The first 3 weeks were a grind, but, it finally clicked and I now love it. I have grown to love the challenge of each training run, and I love the feeling of accomplishment when I finish a run. Dix weeks ago a 1.5 mile run in 14:00 was a struggle. Now, 1.5 miles in 13:00 and I'm just getting started. I feel better, am eating better, and know that I am extending my life with each run.

[banzai]

Five-0,

I charged up the old Garmin and updated the software from the Garmin site. It connected to satellites and the heart-rate monitor.

Good luck hunting and we will work out the shipping when you get back.