I like this Garmin and that is saying a lot because I'm into simple and I'm not a gadget person. Buying anything electronic, involves time spent downloading and reading a manual, usually software, and then you have to register the product and think of a username and password for the new website that you will remember later, and I would rather be running :)
Once I figured out how to charge the battery (seriously, three components are necessary for this step) the rest of the set up was a breeze. The GPS signal picks up right away and the heart rate monitor is paired.
I have one swim, one bike and one run workout stored and transferred to the Garmin Connect site.
I am still reading up on the data fields. There are 40 choices and that is possibly TOO many.
Two things I was kinda bummed about:
1- No cadence monitor. The sales guy at REI said it was included, but it's an accessory.
2- Size. I have a small wrist and the width of the watch is almost the same, but it is snug.
I have retired the old Garmin. 102 was a great training partner and will always have a special place in my heart because Shane gave it to me when I first started running.
Thanks for that. I've never run with a Garmin or any other GPS/heart rate monitor gadget. I just use my Start/Stop. I don't take splits and don't look at my watch during a run or race. I literally start it and then just stop it at the finish. I've been thinking about a GPS for trail running, but don't know if it's worth it for me. I might be doing a race in November where there is no trail and you make your own way (South Africa Sky Run). That I won't attempt without GPS and I'll have to start using it long before the race. I just know I'll be paying for lots and lots of features I'll never use.
ReplyDeleteHi Johann, That race sounds interesting, though I know I would get lost...even with GPS. There are plenty of models that are less costly and will do what you need. The Garmin 310XT is marketed as the "multi-sport" solution. We'll see...
ReplyDeleteI LOVE my 310xt. I'd bet you'll come to really love yours too once you get into the nitty gritty. There are a lot of data fields to choose from and you'll find you experiment a lot before settling into what you like to see during each discipline. Theres a brilliant in depth review of the 310xt on Ray's blog at
ReplyDeletehttp://www.dcrainmaker.com/2009/09/garmin-forerunner-310xt-in-depth-review.html
where he details just about everything it can do. Thats also a GREAT blog for training/gadget info. Ray's reviews are really good and are written for the normal person to understand.
I have to say generally my favorite data fields when running are current pace and average pace. Same on the bike only with speed. I tend not to look at the other stuff until after my workout is over.