Cheap GPS running watch advice...
Discussion
I'm a slightly overweight 42 year old with 2 previous spinal operations which has meant for the last ten years even stepping off a pavement without seeing the drop first has meant serious back pain. However, shock horror I started going to the gym regualarly at the beginning of the month, it's made a huge difference to my core stability, general back pain and for the first time ever I've been able to use the treadmill, and even did a very boring 10k on it the other night. I've bought some running gear and I'm starting to run outdoors too and really enjoying it...and by watching the booze and lard intake I've dropped 3kg too.
I'd really like a reasonable running watch with GPS functions to help pace myself. Doesn't have to be too flash, but the following would be good. I might be doing a proper 10k event at the end of the month and I'd like something that makes sure I don't burn out in the first few km by getting swept along with all the good guys. Needs to have:
Current speed
Average speed since starting the run
Time per km
Distance covered this run
Total distance (odo)
And possibly an HRM too
Waterproof
Ideally £100 max
If it could be used for other sports (cycling/sailing) that would be good and if I could somehow "switch" between sports, so if I am out on the bike it knows I've not just run 30 miles in an hour and a half that would be good!
I would also push the budget if it was more of an outdoorsy Suunto kinda thing that I could use for walking/skiing etc which at the same time did not weigh a ton on my wrist. I'm happy running with my big chunky G-Shock (G Rescue model) but would not want bigger or heavier. Must be a plastic or ideally silicone strap.
Thanks in advance
I'd really like a reasonable running watch with GPS functions to help pace myself. Doesn't have to be too flash, but the following would be good. I might be doing a proper 10k event at the end of the month and I'd like something that makes sure I don't burn out in the first few km by getting swept along with all the good guys. Needs to have:
Current speed
Average speed since starting the run
Time per km
Distance covered this run
Total distance (odo)
And possibly an HRM too
Waterproof
Ideally £100 max
If it could be used for other sports (cycling/sailing) that would be good and if I could somehow "switch" between sports, so if I am out on the bike it knows I've not just run 30 miles in an hour and a half that would be good!
I would also push the budget if it was more of an outdoorsy Suunto kinda thing that I could use for walking/skiing etc which at the same time did not weigh a ton on my wrist. I'm happy running with my big chunky G-Shock (G Rescue model) but would not want bigger or heavier. Must be a plastic or ideally silicone strap.
Thanks in advance
Thanks guys. I feel some "mission creep" coming on here and possibly a Garmin 230 getting bought...
So if I've read this right, you can essentially get "apps" to customise the watch, like a different style of face, or data, is that right?
And I could customise the "other sport" setting so I have separate data for running/cycling/sailing? I really don't care about indoor running etc as treadmills have all that info on anyway.
If so, is there a timer/countdown? I'm thinking for dinghy racing, where I could for example set it to 6 minutes, start the watch, and it count down to a start with a visible display and an audible beep. Be great if it would then automatically loop back again.
Another question, ages ago my mate had a Foretrex, and you could hook it up to a PC, overlay the data on a map, and essentially "playback" a race (sailing in this case) with speeds and direction (compass bearing) displayed. Will the Forerunner do that...and hopefully in a much easier way?
Excuse the luddite question, without sounding too PH I'm more of a Swiss mechanical man myself!!!
So if I've read this right, you can essentially get "apps" to customise the watch, like a different style of face, or data, is that right?
And I could customise the "other sport" setting so I have separate data for running/cycling/sailing? I really don't care about indoor running etc as treadmills have all that info on anyway.
If so, is there a timer/countdown? I'm thinking for dinghy racing, where I could for example set it to 6 minutes, start the watch, and it count down to a start with a visible display and an audible beep. Be great if it would then automatically loop back again.
Another question, ages ago my mate had a Foretrex, and you could hook it up to a PC, overlay the data on a map, and essentially "playback" a race (sailing in this case) with speeds and direction (compass bearing) displayed. Will the Forerunner do that...and hopefully in a much easier way?
Excuse the luddite question, without sounding too PH I'm more of a Swiss mechanical man myself!!!
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