Help me justify buying a Garmin!

[IlanaK]

I really want one, the 305 is less than £100 on amazon right now. I started running a month ago on the c25k programme and discovered I LOVE running! I am doing my first race in October. Currently I am using a gps app on my phone (Run keeper). I want something tha monitors heart rate which the 305 does, but do I really need. garmin? Is it much better than the apps? I want to need it so convince me!

[IlanaK]

Bump!h

[fridayschild]

Two reasons:

1. you are clearly hooked. The battery on your i phone will not last long enough when you are using your app to train for a marathon (this is quite a good line to toss nonchantly into conversation. My running partner dined out on it for months)
   

1. I did a half marathon this year in 2 hours 0 minutes and 0 seconds EXACTLY this year, which was frustrating in the extreme. At that stage I had been trying for 18 months to get below 2 hours... Had I been wearing a Garmin I would have been able to find that tiny little burst to get me over the line one tenth of a second sooner.
   

That said, I don't have one. The rest of my life is super-organised, driven by the clock. I like that when I run I never really know how I am doing apart from listening to my body.

[IlanaK]

Thanks! Half marathons sound scar right now, but you never know! Does your running partner have one? Do they like it?

[mckenzie]

I have one Ilanak but like FC, I like to switch off when running and not no how long/how far etc most of the time. That said, when I was helping some other runners train for a half marathon last year I did find it really helpful and I wouldn't have been without it. It's quite heavy - I found it took quite a bit of getting used to and I wouldn't like to wear it for a race. I'd rely on markers and my good old Omega from Argos stopwatch for that.

[mckenzie]

I can't believe I put 'no' instead of 'know'. I should be shot

[IlanaK]

Oh no! I was hoping everyone would tell me I couldn't live without one!

[mckenzie]

Have you tried to see if you can get a secondhand one on Ebay?

[Sarah159]

Bought my OH the 305.... then bought myself one a month later. Love it, use it running (great download using Google Earth) and in the gym and in classes. Wouldn't be without it, buy it buy it buy it :)

[anchovies]

My husband has a 310XT and although most of the time I don't wear it (long runs, runs for fun etc) it is fantastic for running intervals or racing. If you want to just run for pleasure they are not as useful, you find yourself running in tune with the watch rather than how you feel IYKWIM

[IlanaK]

I just had a look on eBay and they are going for as much or more than on amazon.

I am not sure what type of runner I will be. When I finish the c25k I will probably either just continue to run 5k a few times a week. Or I might feel like I want to do the bridge to 10k programme. I will definitely keep running though as I love it.

[Clure]

I've got one, its one with a foot pod (not satellite) this one which is not quite as accurate though accurate enough as a starting point. I do find that the battery on the actual watch and the footpod have needed changing a couple of times a year. I do find it very useful - keeps track of time, speed distance and like fridayschild said can give you that extra push if you are after a PB. mine was a present, its not too bulky for a small female wrist, however I think now I would probably opt for a GPS, my friend has this though struggling to work out all its functions!

[Bunnynamedstanely]

I've got one - it's fab wouldn't be without it. Does look big but you quickly get used to it.

[Jellibob]

DH bought me a reconditioned 405 for my birthday, as a surprise (I thought it would be a Kindle), and I love it. Would have said I didn't want one, but now I've got it it's great, not huge, more like a chunky watch.

I did a 5k race on Wednesday, and it really helped me maintain a decent pace. I particularly love it beeping at me after every 1k, and giving me my average pace during and after a run.