GPS watch for running? (& maybe cycling in future)

[CaptainWentworth]

I've recently got back into running again, having dabbled a bit on and off for years, and have started training for the Great North Run. I need to start upping my mileage but I'm finding it a real faff to manually map all my runs in Map my Run- I don't take my iPhone out with me as I don't like the idea of having it strapped to my upper arm.

I've been looking into Garmin GpS watches and I now just don't know which one to get! Feel like the Forerunner 10 is a bit basic, but then the other get really expensive really quickly!

I want to:

• track where I've been and distance
  
• see pace and average pace
  
• set a pace and try to stick to it (virtual trainer/ partner?)
  
• do interval training
  
• track calories accurately (if possible)
  

I also intend to do more cycling over the next year or so as DH is really into it, so may be good to have something I could use for that too- DH has a Garmin Edge- although I guess I could get something more specialised for that later too.

Has anyone used any of the forerunner models or have any recommendations?

thanks!

[mercury7]

I find the opposite, with heart rate, I am usually having to slow down to keep in in the 70-80% zone, but then I'm in favour of longer lower intensity workouts.

But in any case I really love being able to go home and look at graphs of speed distance and heart rate :o

[DrSocks]

Exactly - heart rate monitor is useful for threshold training. I find it way too easy to kid myself that I'm working harder than I think I am!

If you can I'd go to a shop and try on what you're thinking of buying. The 110 was the smallest on the market when I bought it but its still pretty chunky. It's normally fine but I often find on looooong runs I end up with a bruised wrist.

[CaptainWentworth]

Glad I'm not alone oohdaddypig!

Yes the FR10 does look really good, it has nearly all the features I want, but I read it doesn't show average pace (only instant) and it definitely doesn't work with a HRM which I was wondering about. I keep reading how I should be doing 'threshold' runs. So do those of you with a HRM use it a lot?

The 10 also doesn't have interval training really, only walk/run, where it beeps to remind you to stop running/ start walking or vice versa. I want to be able to set intervals at certain levels of intensity, I think.

There are some quite good prices on the 210 and 410 at the moment so was wondering about one of those... The 210 is only about £30 more than the 10 now, in some cases bundled with a HRM.

[milewalker]

I have the forerunner 10 and it does all you want and I love it. the only downside for me is that it only has 3 hours battery life, ok when I do half marathon but not so good when I move up to a full marathon (unless I'm going for 2hrs 59 which I doubt very much)

[mercury7]

I use the garmin 210 with HR monitor for treadmill and (occasional) outdoor running, not used it for cycling yet but I think it should be fine for cycling.

I'm very enthusiastic about using a HR monitor:o

[DrSocks]

I have a forerunner 110 and get in really well with it. I've had it for just over a year, it's done over a thousand miles of running with no issues apart from a dodgy charger which garmin quickly replaced free of charge.

I just had a look at the forerunner 10 and have watch envy now. It seems to have most of the featuresyou'd need. The 110 doesn't have a virtual trainer feature even. The caveat would be that I can't see that you can use a heart rate monitor with it, which I find immensely helpful when I know I need to push myself I training and it will help you know accurately what you've burned.

[oohdaddypig]

I could have written your post. I think garmin is the way to go but I haven't bought it yet (need dosh). I think the men's model looks more useful.

ATM I put my iPhone in my pocket which is annoying but useful for pacing. Can't believe how much I've slowed down in the heat...