What running watch?

[The Boosh!]

Hi guys,

I'm in need of a running watch and unsure which one to buy as it is a bit of a minefield out there...

My current #1 is the Garmin Forerunner:
http://www.garmin.com/uk/forerunner10

Should I be considering any better alternatives? My budget is no more than £100 and it only needs to have GPS, a 5 hour battery live with GPS on plus the usual basic functionalities. I'm only a novice runner but am currently working myself up to running the London Marathon at the end of April.

Thanks for your help,
Luke

 

[TarkMalbot]

I did a lot of research and went for the Forerunner 15. It Has the heart rate function and battery lasts longer.

 

[The Boosh!]

I did a lot of research and went for the Forerunner 15. It Has the heart rate function and battery lasts longer.

I'm tempted by this - How do you find it? Does it take ages to get GPS?

 

[TarkMalbot]

It does take a while to pick up GPS to be honest but for that price range you are looking at I don't think you will get any better as they use a similar receiver. Other than that I find it perfect for what I need. Plus it is waterproof unlike some of the other GPS watches which is what I was after for the mud races I do.

This is a good review of it:

http://www.dcrainmaker.com/2014/06/garmin-forerunner-15-depth-review.html

 

[Jack!]

I went with the Forerunner 110 because it shows splits, which I thought was pretty important.

As far as I know, the 10 just shows total distance covered and the time taken, so you can't see how quickly you ran the last km or mile. The 110 gives you this information, you may not think it's important now, but if you get into it you'll want to know this information as you go. It also gives you projections, showing you how long it's going to take to reach the next km/mile at your current pace, again really useful, lets you know if you're slowing down or speeding up without realising it. For example, when gunning for a 25 minute 5k, I could aim to beat 1k per 5 minute pace.

Don't think the 110 costs much more either, so definitely the one to get.

 

[The Boosh!]

Thanks guys - any more for any more?

 

[Rob]

My input.. Why do you even want a watch? My iPhone is perfect for it. Get an arm band, and it does splits, live update if you tap. All sorts.

 

[The Boosh!]

My input.. Why do you even want a watch? My iPhone is perfect for it. Get an arm band, and it does splits, live update if you tap. All sorts.

I did try that for a few weeks but the reason is because it's a PITA having to twist the arm band around, unlock the phone, then try to see through the clear plastic what my time/ pace/ distance is. I also find it horrible running with my phone on my arm. I get paranoid when I am out in the rain that my phone will get damaged plus i like the idea of virtual pacing and other features unique to watches. There's also the issue of charge - I don't think it would last longer than 3 hours with strava on in the background.

For the sake of £100 I'd sooner have something that's specific to what I am doing.

 

[Rob]

I did try that for a few weeks but the reason is because it's a PITA having to twist the arm band around, unlock the phone, then try to see through the clear plastic what my time/ pace/ distance is. I also find it horrible running with my phone on my arm. I get paranoid when I am out in the rain that my phone will get damaged plus i like the idea of virtual pacing and other features unique to watches. There's also the issue of charge - I don't think it would last longer than 3 hours with strava on in the background.

For the sake of £100 I'd sooner have something that's specific to what I am doing.

Ah ok, just thought I'd put it out there.

I use run keeper, and an armband I'm sure won't let it get wet. Then I have it so it doesn't lock for the whole run, and there's a setting where just taping the screen gives you an audio update. I do like running gadgets though, so I'm interested in any feedback once you've got it!