Your recommendation of best, most intuitive easy to use running watch

[hmcAsWas]

I used to be a runner - lapsed.

Sick of being fair, fat and fifty so am planning to go back to it. Have done some short runs over past couple of weeks in preparation for a relay marathon (where I am running 2.6 miles as are my other 9 team mates) and I have remembered how much healthier (and thinner) I was when doing this regularly.

Soooo impulsively have entered the New Forest 10K on 9 September. Looked at last years results and worked out that a chip time of 57 minutes and 22 secs would get me around 10th position (out of 120 women in the 50-59 category who completed the run) - so obviously being the goal driven type I will aim for that. Will need a running watch - one that is reliable but also very simple and intuitive to use and doesn't need a degree in computer programming to operate. 'Easy to use' is my most important criterion. Your recommendations would be gratefully received

I know some of the older cheapest forerunners (not that old- 2 years?) did up to 4 hours (a friend had to borrow my bit better than basic one for a marathon) but I think the newest ones do much better. If you look at the specs on Garmin website they say how long they last between charges- just check how long they last in GPS mode.

Ps what are aftershokz like? I run on single track roads so hardly ever use headphones due to worrying about not hearing stuff.

I've got a forerunner 235 and it's very wizzy for running - you can set a distance and it will predict your finish time at your current pace, or clearly displays your pace so you can self monitor. Battery lasts ages. It gives you little medals for PBs and links very well with Strava etc.

BUT bear in mind it's not an activity monitor, it won't record aerobic workouts etc. and flatly reguses to accept any walks with a buggy.

I wish I'd bought a Fitbit smartwatch personally.

I think my Aftershokz are great. If possible, visit a running shop and try a pair on, to see if you like how they feel on your head. If you have long hair, you can adjust the angle they 'sit' at by resting them on a ponytail.

I like to listen to music when I run, but also like to be able to hear what's going on around me, and they are perfect for that. Apart from first time to get them going, they're quick to charge. And they don't 'spill' so good for other use in places where you don't want to piss people off with a bit of tinniness emanating from you.

I haven't found any sunglasses comfy with them. That doesn't bother me, but if it bothers you it might be a problem. In which case you could try using a single wireless AirPod (something I didn't fancy as I was convinced I'd lose it and they're even more expensive than Aftershokz)

The Forerunner 235 sounds promising - I don't want activity monitor, just something to strap on when I go out for a run, so I can see how fast I'm going. I usually run by how it feels IYSWIM, but I have personal goals for new 5k and 10k PBs this year, and so I think I need to pay a little more attention to speed.

I love my Garmin Forerunner 235

Thanks for the tips auntiestella. If you’ve got goals I’d definitely recommend getting a watch...useful for training as you can see how you are progressing, and useful on the day as running to ‘feel’ might not tie in with your goal pace. Eg it’s easy to set off too fast with adrenaline, then slow down too much whereas a quick look at your wrist can mean you can adjust your pace. I don’t think I would have achieved my (pretty lame) PB’s without my watch!

If you join the run mummy run face book page they have a second hand selling page people selling on older model watches reasonable prices to try out different makes.

Yes head phones & sunglasses can be an issue if you use wireless ones, I don’t like wearing sunglasses running I prefer to use a cheap golfing visar head thing so it shades my eyes & face but any heat goes out the top of my head ok. In winter I use a baseball hat.

I think my decision is made, and I'm going for a basic Garmin 35.

If (when?) I become addicted and want to play with more features, then I'll upgrade to whatever is 'best' when (if?) that moment comes.

Sounds like a good choice!

I’ve just upgraded my slightly more than basic Garmin, which I’ve had for 3 or 4 years to a all bells and whistles one. The 1st one was definitely a lot easier to use, although I am in love with my new one and all the functions/data!

Don't talk to me about upgrades!!!

I was titting about on Garmin Connect yesterday, and it looks awfully tempting....l

I heard that wrist heart monitors aren't terribly accurate - do they tend to run high, low or hop around at random?

I’ve tested it (by checking) and mine seems to be broadly accurate, and fairly steady. But it said that a run I would class as ‘easy’ was strenuous due to my heart rate and that I’d need lots of rest after. So I don’t worry about it too much.

The cadence measurement thing though- I like that!