Question:I run to improve my long distance running performance. I am thinking
about buying a GPS watch like device, such as Garmin ForeRunner. I
would like to know the exact distance of my run, to figure out my
training progress or lack thereof. I googled this group and checked
epinions.com, it looks like forerunner s a reasonable device, but does
not work well with tree cover.
I usually run on sidewalks in suburban areas. Most of my runs involve
long stretches of relatively straight roads. No tall buildings, but
some areas have quite a few overhanging trees. I am concerned that GPS
reception would not be great in those places and that would mess up
all the distance and mpm measurement.
Any thoughts on whether it would be a waste of money to buy such a
device. If you like any particular model, let me know also.
Answer:For me it was not a waste of money. I've had my Forerunner 201 for 10
months. I am 95% satisfied with it. If you want exact mileage, even a GPS
device will not be exact. But for training purposes it is close enough.
Ocassionally I run under thick tree cover, but even then I don't lose the
signal very often. When I do lose the signal, the Forerunner will take
the missing data and fill it in with an estimate of your pace and
distance. If you make a turn while the Forerunner has lost the signal,
then it won't be as accurate. A few weeks ago I ran on the Des Plaines
River trail and I never lost the signal. It could be because about half
of the leaves had already fallen. Garmin is very good about keeping the
firmware up to date. They are now on version 3.4 as they've fixed several
issues.
With the Forerunner I can download the data to my PC using the Forerunner
software. Or even better, download the data using MapSource. That way you
can overlay your routes on an actual map. Additionally, you can upload
your data to http://www.gpsvisualizer.com/map?form=forerunner, then
convert your data to a jpg image. Here's an image of my 10 mile run along
the Des Plaines River: http://tinyurl.com/6q6ze (notice the slight detour
while I had to wait for a train). Here's one of the Steamtown Marathon:
http://tinyurl.com/684d7
In my limited experience with dealing with Garmin, they have been very
helpful. A few weeks ago one of the buttons stopped working. I called
Garmin support. They immediately gave me an RMA number to send the unit
back to Kansas. 5 days later I had a brand new Forerunner delivered via
DHL.
I got mine from Amazon for $125. Currently it is $120 with free shipping.
Not bad.
