Image courtesy Garmin.
A GPS receiver lets runners track their athletic performance — not only how far you run, but heart rate, elevation gain, and more. And it gives you an easy way to maintain a record of your data; just download it to your computer. The units below are less than ideal for navigation, but they are great for capturing your running stats. Here’s a run down (pardon the pun) on a few key models:
Garmin Forerunner 610
The newest model, the Forerunner 610 (shown at left and in the image at the top of this page), eliminates the problematic touch bezel found on the 400 series, repalcing it with the Forerunner’s first touchscreen. The current top of the line.
Garmin Forerunner 410
A recent introduction, the high-end Forerunner 410 improves upon the 405 and 405CX’s touch bezel.
Garmin Forerunner 210
Another recent release the Forerunner 210, keeps the small form factor of the Forerunner 110, but brings some additional features, including added pace functionality.
Garmin Forerunner 110
Another newer model, the Garmin Forerunner 110, is a very basic sports watch. It lacks the touch-screen bezel of other recent introductions, opting for four large buttons instead.
Garmin Forerunner 405Cx
A high-end model, the Forerunner 405Cx (shown at right), increases accuracy in heart rate-based calorie computation and comes with two additional form-fitting bands to accommodate large or small wrists.
Garmin Forerunner 310XT
Another recent entry, the Garmin Forerunner 310XT is targeted to tri-athletes. It is waterproof to 50 meters and can go for up to 20 hours on one charge.
Garmin Forerunner 405
The Forerunner 405 builds on the feature set found in previous models. Available in either sage green or black, the unit has a sleeker and more watch-like appearance. A wireless connection sends data to your computer, eliminating the need for cables. The perimeter of the unit features a touch-sensitive bezel, minimizing the need for buttons on the unit.
Garmin Forerunner 205 and 305
The Forerunner 205 and Forerunner 305 have greatly improved reception (compared to the first generation models below), and are ideal for trail runners or anyone with a restricted view of the sky. The 305 (pictured at left) ups the ante, adding a heart-rate monitor.
New on the scene
A couple of new entries into the field have caught people’s attention:
Discontunued: Garmin Forerunner 101, 201 and 301
These last generation products don’t have the killer reception and updated styling of the later models, but they will do just fine for someone running in the open. The Forerunner 101 doesn’t allow transfer of your running data to the computer, and uses two AAA batteries. The Forerunner 201 does allow data transfer, and drops the weight to 2.75 ounces thanks to the li-ion battery. The Forerunner 301 adds a heart rate monitor to this feature set.
Keeping a record of your running data
There are a number of applications that allow you to log your data and maintain a record of it. My favorite is Garmin Connect.
The cell phone alternative
If you have a smartphone, check your market or app store for apps like MapMyRun, RunKeeper or Garmin Fit.
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