GPS for runners
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 110
The newest 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 recent introduction, the Forerunner 405Cx (shown above, 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.
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. I’ll just list a couple of the more popular ones. All of the above units, with the exception of the Forerunner 101, come bundled with Garmin’s Training Center software. For a more robust solution, check out MotionBased, a powerful application which, among other things, allows you to view your route on maps and aerial photos.
The cell phone alternative
GPS-enabled cell phones are becoming more and more commonplace, and there are applications for them that allow you to track your runs, such as BiM and AllSport GPS. Here’s a head-to-head comparison of BiM and the Garmin Forerunner 205.
