[riley0003]

Hi everyone,<br>
I'm starting training sessions with a new running group and the coach said I need to get a "runners watch" to time my distances. I want to get something really, really simple. Any suggestions, comments, or ones to avoid?<br><br>
Many thanks,<br>
Susan

 

[CassadAAmius]

You can get a digital watch with a lap timer for less than 30 bucks at Target.

 

[Tamster]

I have your basic Timex Ironman triathlon watch. It was probably about $30 through Amazon and it works fine for what I want to know. When I run with John, it's nice to have the data readily available that is on his Garmin, but really, for a simple and basic runner like myself, who doesn't want to be bogged down in statistical data, it's not something that is worth the $200+ for a Garmin <b>for me</b>.<br>
all of the statistical garmin data is nice and it's probably very beneficial and maybe even a necessity depending on your running goals - but I'm old school and want to keep my running simple, enjoyable and a way to escape the regimented routine of life of always adhering to a time schedule, etc.<br>
so, if you are looking for inexpensive & basic, I like my Timex.

 

[Mustang Sally]

Do you need it to tell you how far you've gone, or just how long it took?<br>
Do you want heart-rate data?<br>
Do you want it to talk to your computer?<br>
Are you a data-geek?<br>
Do you like the idea of looking at your run on a map?<br>
How much time do you spend on indoor treadmills?<br>
Do you like Pina Coladas?<br><br>
The requirements-gathering exercise is the first step.

 

[ksrunr]

I too use a Timex Ironman purchased at Walmart for track work outs. Garmin for everything else. The timex is easy and functional for these type workouts.

 

[SLOjim]

The Timex Ironman watches are the best quality low price watch you'll find..... in over 25 years of running I've had 5 Ironmans and 3 are still working.<br><br>
My favorite are the ones with the disappearing digital data.....<br><img alt="" src="http://pic50.picturetrail.com/VOL494/2260273/7371929/130548661.jpg" style="border:0px solid;"><br><img alt="" src="http://pic50.picturetrail.com/VOL494/2260273/7371929/130548616.jpg" style="border:0px solid;">

 

[CassadAAmius]

These watches also work if you get caught in the rain.<br><br>
Sal, I'm glad to see you recovering your sense of humor.

 

[riley0003]

<br>
Yes to the last question -- I do like pina coladas! I plan to have dozens when we go to Mexico in November.<br><br>
The watch supposedly is to determine how fast I'm running. The coach wanted me to run 400 meters in 2:15, and I didn't have a watch. I don't need it to talk to my computer. I do have DH's heart rate monitor strap but I lost the watch part that goes with it (not very helpful, I'll admit), but mostly I use that on the treadmill and all the pertinent data is displayed for me. I run on the treadmill about 1/2 of the time during spring, summer and fall, and 100% of the time in the winter. I'm not a data-geek but I get along OK with computers for the most part unless they do something unexpected.<br><br>
I don't want to spend a lot of money, and I want something easy to use.<br><br>
Got any suggestions?<br>
Susan

 

[Mustang Sally]

Go for the Timex Ironman series, then. If you won't be making a fashion statement, get one of the ones designed for men. The numbers are bigger and easier to read, and the buttons work better when you're oxygen deprived and Not Terribly Smart.<br><br>
Not that I'd know anything about that.

 

[tomwhite]

...I had a 1968 Timex WindUp Divers' Watch......<br><br>
......managed to lose it LAST year at DD2's House..<br><br>
...it just sort of ''approximated'' the Running Time.....<br><br><br>
I really miss that watch.

 

[Tamster]

here's mine. i like it.<br><br><a href="http://www.amazon.com/gp/redirect.html?ie=UTF8&linkCode=ur2&camp=1789&creative=9325&tag=kickrunners-20&location=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.amazon.com%2FTimex-Womens-Ironman-Triathlon-T5B721%2Fdp%2FB00020J1GW%2Fref%3Dpd_bbs_sr_5%3Fie%3DUTF8%26s%3Dsporting-goods%26qid%3D1214415421%26sr%3D8-5" target="_blank">http://www.amazon.com/Timex-Womens-I...4415421&sr=8-5</a>

 

[millbot]

Susan, a Timex Ironman (or similar) will do what you need. The expensive GPS and accelerometer watches are completely unnecessary on the track.<br><br>
If you are doing speed work off the track or want something to track your course, distance, time, heartrate, elevation change, etc., then the Garmins or Polars are worth looking at.

 

[hally]

Timex- Ironman-Target<br><br>
Don't support Wally World if you can avoid it. They treat their employees like crap.

 

[evanflein]

Amen to that... I only go in there cuz it's the only place to recycle plastic bottles here...<br>
(oops, sorry Susan, didn't mean to hijack!)<br><br>
I use a Garmin cuz I run roads and trails. I get teased when I use it on the track, but since I hardly ever do that I don't mind. I use the 205 cuz it's what I won as a door prize last fall and don't mind cuz I hardly ever used the HRM on my old 301 anyway...

 

[Labduck]

I love it when I get to run on the track and can use my Timex Ironman instead of my Garmin 205. It's a great watch for track work. My more expensive Nike watch I use to measure cooking times on my barbecue.<br><br>
Mrs. Labduck has a pink Ironman (Ironlady?) watch.

 

[Mustang Sally]

I keep the 305 on at the track because Coach generally prescribes the pace by HR zones (which, interestingly enough, map pretty cleanly to T = border between Z3/4, I = high Z4, R = Z5).<br><br>
I shut down autolap (and, as Choovie noted once, then have a panicky turning-on session about 750m into my next road run) and have a display screen set aside for track work. That display doesn't show the Garmin's idea of pace or distance: just elapsed lap time and HR.<br><br>
If it weren't for the HR, I'd run mostly nekkid on the track, too.

 

[Aija]

MS, if you run mostly nekkid at the track, all the bois must have to wear ice shorts.

 

[millbot]

This thread survived much longer than the one on pre-cooling.<br><br>
ETA: I just want to say I think it's cute that you geeky wimmins wear your Garmins at the track. <img alt="" class="inlineimg" src="http://www.kickrunners.com/forum/images/smilies/smile.gif" style="border:0px solid;" title="Smile">

 

[OrangeMat]

I like my Garmin 305 but hardly use any of the fancy features that come with it. Mostly just the autolap and distance features matter to me. I rarely if ever use the HRM with it. I was raised on RPE and so that's what I go by.<br><br>
The one thing I don't like about it is that it gets heavy on my wrist. Many times on my longer (and hotter) runs, I tend to take it off and just hold it, wrist band strapped shut on itself, to give my wrist a break. But I'm guessing that's just me.

 

[Mustang Sally]

I'm sort of holding out for the 505, OM. I agree with the 305 being bulky and a bit dorky, but can't justify the expense right now.