Running Gadgets! Deciding on a GPS watch is hard!
I purchased a Forerunner 620 and I am stoked about it! Ok… my guy, Ricky, bought me the 620 for an early Christmas gift (best bf award, please)!
Let’s backtrack – I've never used or owned a GPS running watch. I had my heart set on the pretty purple and white Forerunner 220. The 220 seemed like a great step up from the Forerunner 15 or 10 with the pace and distance alerts, the interval training option, and the built in accelerometer for days when I was confined to a treadmill due to bad weather. With so many options out there to choose from when it comes to GPS watches, its tough to narrow down which one is best for you. Garmin has 11 just for running! Oiselle and Soleus have also collaborated and are coming out with running watches specifically for women at the end of this month. Then there’s TOMTOM’s Cardio Runner watch that has the heart rate monitor built into the watch itself. This is a key difference from the Garmin watches that require you to wear a heart rate monitor around your chest to get the data (chafe much? I'll be sure to include whether that happens in a future review).
Here's what I'm looking for in a watch:
- Easy to use
- Touchscreen
- Be able to get my pace, splits and distance
- Log my workouts with an app to track my progress
Simple enough right? But the Forerunner 620 is going to give me things I never even thought about. It can pretty much do everything, but here's just a few features that I can't wait to try:
- Garmin online software that tracks your stats, progress and allows you to plan your training. Data is automatically updated via WiFi or Bluetooth. This means no extra step to connect it when you're done with your run.
- iOS/Android app that allows live tracking. This allows others to track you during your race. (App is free).
- Tracks VO2 max (with the heart rate monitor). This seems like the best feature of the watch, and really sets it apart. Once your VO2 max is established, it can predict how you will perform at a variety of distances (5K, 10K, 13.1, 26.2). (Note: the VO2 Max can only be achieved if you purchase the heart rate monitor).
I am waiting to receive my heart rate monitor (should be here in a couple weeks) and then I'll get out a review on how all of the features work.
What kind of GPS watch do you have and what are your likes or gripes about it?
J
