I’ve mentioned before how much I love my tech gadgets.
And how convenient .. this week at the Runners’ Lounge, the Take it and Run Thursday theme is Running Technology Tips!
My obsession started with my Garmin Forerunner 201, back in March 2005. I suggested that my husband buy it for my birthday. I quickly became addicted.
Ever since, I’ve used it to track my time and pace. I have it auto-lap every mile so I’d know my splits. I’d download the data to my computer so I can track all of my runs — I even add notes each week to help me keep track of the mileage on my shoes.
Last summer, I decided to go one step further, and got a Nano with the Nike+ chip. And I’ve continued to use both devices. The Nano is a little less accurate some of the time. I did calibrate it to my pace on a track, but I think it gets confused. When I’m running under a 10-minute mile, it usually agrees with the Garmin. But when I’m running 10s or slower (usually on those longer runs), it usually thinks I’ve gone a bit farther. My last 10-mile run registered at 10.42. My last half marathon was 13.55.
I still love it, though. I can track mileage on the treadmill, which I can’t do with my Garmin (some models offer a shoe pod). Plus I like charting my runs on the Nike+ site. I’m usually participating in at least a half-dozen community challenges at a time — everybody run X miles, fastest 5K, most miles in a month / year, etc. It’s fun!
The only thing I didn’t like about my old Garmin was it’s interval tracking. When I ran my marathon, we used the Galloway run/walk method. The Garmin 201 does let you set intervals, and while you’re tracking your run it gives you your overall mileage. But when you’re done, it only keeps the run distance. As long as I keep moving forward, I want those miles to count!
Lately, I’ve noticed that sometimes when worn in the rain, my old Garmin would get a little water in it. It never stopped working, and the water would dry out. But it got me thinking it might be time to replace it. Especially with another marathon in my schedule. While I may want to try to actually run one straight someday, I think I may have to stick to run/walk intervals for the Goofy Challenge!
So I added this to my Amazon.com wishlist, and hubby came through again.
The Garmin Forerunner 205. I read a lot of mixed reviews about the 405, plus it costs a lot more. I know the 205 does intervals the way I want them and that’s really all I needed. I think it will work better for biking, too.
So far, I really like it. And I’ve actually learned to use features that the other watch had that I never bothered to figure out — like custom screens and manual lapping. That’s working out great for timing those hill repeats!
Hmm … It seems I was supposed to be giving out tech tips. Instead I’ve been telling you about how I use my tech toys.
Well, hopefully I’ve given you some ideas or helped you make some technology decisions!
