Apps vs Garmin

ebixa82

Hi,

I'm training for a marathon and currently use MapMyRun on my iPhone. I find it great. It tells me my average speed and pace after every mile. Maps the entire run on GPS, gives a total workout summary and breakdown. All of this without having to once look at it from the start to finish of the run.

I'm sure it's probably not 100% accurate but it's accurate enough for me.

I'm thinking of buying a Garmin but wondering do I really need one?

WHat can the Garmin do that the App can't?

One positive of the Garmin is that it will work out in Connemara, I ran it last year and my iPhone could not pick up any signal to use the App!

Krusty_Clown

This has been discussed a number of times (e.g. here, here, etc.) so you might get a better result from doing a quick search. I'd suggest that if you are happy with your iphone/app combination, you're better off sticking with it (until you find that you really need an alternative). Typical reasons for switching to a watch-based GPS (there are more manufacturers than Garmin):
1)Portability
2)Waterproof
3)Battery life
4)Accuracy
5)Advanced training/workouts
6)Multisport
7)Doesn't require mobile coverage
8)Sturdiness
9)Peripheral connectivity
10)Works abroad without data connection
11) Accessibility

That's all I got for now..

ebixa82

Cheers, sorry for not searching first.

Lock thread

Krusty_Clown

ebixa82 wrote: »

Cheers, sorry for not searching first.

Lock thread

The threads are not that easy to find, as words like Garmin, Forerunner and smartphone tend to get bandied around quite a bit.

RayCun

Much easier to check a watch for time/pace/distance than to check a phone. (Take it out of your pocket? Have earphones in all the time?)

On the other hand, it's much easier to check a watch for time/pace/distance than to check a phone, so you might end up running with your arm in front of your face all the time...

ebixa82

RayCun wrote: »

Much easier to check a watch for time/pace/distance than to check a phone. (Take it out of your pocket? Have earphones in all the time?)

On the other hand, it's much easier to check a watch for time/pace/distance than to check a phone, so you might end up running with your arm in front of your face all the time...

TBH I would think the opposite. I have the iPhone strapped to my arm. The voice tells you at whatever setting you want (every km/mile/5 minutes) what distance/pace/speed you are at.

I would find this much less distracting than looking at a watch. You don't look at the phone, it tells you everything you need to know.

rom

Krusty_Clown wrote: »

This has been discussed a number of times (e.g. here, here, etc.) so you might get a better result from doing a quick search. I'd suggest that if you are happy with your iphone/app combination, you're better off sticking with it (until you find that you really need an alternative). Typical reasons for switching to a watch-based GPS (there are more manufacturers than Garmin):
1)Portability
2)Waterproof
3)Battery life
4)Accuracy
5)Advanced training/workouts
6)Multisport
7)Doesn't require mobile coverage
8)Sturdiness
9)Peripheral connectivity
10)Works abroad without data connection
11) Accessibility

That's all I got for now..

Main reason is that can be fully charged before a run cause it serves a single purpose. Also a watch doesn't take calls on a run

ebixa82

rom wrote: »

Main reason is that can be fully charged before a run cause it serves a single purpose. Also a watch doesn't take calls on a run

Again, two null points thou. If I'm doing 20+miles I'll be sure to have it at 100% battery and will have the phone on silent or divert. I'm not popular enough for calls to be an issue anyways!

wrstan

Krusty_Clown wrote: »

This has been discussed a number of times (e.g. here, here, etc.) so you might get a better result from doing a quick search. I'd suggest that if you are happy with your iphone/app combination, you're better off sticking with it (until you find that you really need an alternative). Typical reasons for switching to a watch-based GPS (there are more manufacturers than Garmin):
1)Portability
2)Waterproof
3)Battery life
4)Accuracy
5)Advanced training/workouts
6)Multisport
7)Doesn't require mobile coverage
8)Sturdiness
9)Peripheral connectivity
10)Works abroad without data connection
11) Accessibility

That's all I got for now..

12) you don't have to carry a phone with you on every run :rolleyes:

ebixa82

wrstan wrote: »

12) you don't have to carry a phone with you on every run :rolleyes:

Again, null point. You strap a phone to your arm, you strap a watch to your wrist.

Just like this..

robinph

ebixa82 wrote: »

Again, null point. You strap a phone to your arm, you strap a watch to your wrist.

Just like this..

Not exactly lightweight though is it?

RayCun

ebixa82 wrote: »

The voice tells you at whatever setting you want (every km/mile/5 minutes) what distance/pace/speed you are at.

Fine when you're running on your own. In a race you run the risk of someone grabbing your phone and smashing it to get the stupid voice to shut the **** up

rom

watch > phone

Have you run 20+ miles with an iPhone on your arm ?

statss

personally when I got a Garmin I stopped bringing my phone and therefore stopped listening to music....I never would have thought it but my runs are more enjoyable without music....less clutter on the run, less distractions in the mind.

wrstan

statss wrote: »

personally when I got a Garmin I stopped bringing my phone and therefore stopped listening to music....I never would have thought it but my runs are more enjoyable without music....less clutter on the run, less distractions in the mind.

a definite +1 to that.

ebixa82

robinph wrote: »

Not exactly lightweight though is it?

I'm not a serious athlete. Will be happy with 3.15-3.30 on the day. I don't think the aerodynamic resistance of that strap will affect me too much!

robinph

ebixa82 wrote: »

I'm not a serious athlete. Will be happy with 3.15-3.30 on the day. I don't think the aerodynamic resistance of that strap will affect me too much!

That is pretty serious running, and I don't think your arm will appreciate the extra weight for three + hours if it can get away without it.

ebixa82

robinph wrote: »

That is pretty serious running, and I don't think your arm will appreciate the extra weight for three + hours if it can get away without it.

Good point. I guess I'll know in the next few weeks as I work towards 20 milers. Might just bite the bullet and buy a Garmin, good deals on the 310XT on amazon.

rom

ebixa82 wrote: »

Good point. I guess I'll know in the next few weeks as I work towards 20 milers. Might just bite the bullet and buy a Garmin, good deals on the 310XT on amazon.

http://www.handtec.co.uk/garmin-forerunner-310xt-noh-heart-rate-monitor-hrm.html

ebixa82

rom wrote: »

http://www.handtec.co.uk/garmin-forerunner-310xt-noh-heart-rate-monitor-hrm.html

Just bought one for 160stg minus HRM on Amazon. Will try cancel.

Thanks for the link!