Anyone got a suggestion on a good runners watch?

[iccanui]

I dont want to spend more then like 40 or 50 bucks, but im looking for a good runners watch that will let me set timers so that i can kinda jog for 8 min, then beep so i know to sprint for 3 min, then beep so i know to jog for 8 and so on and so on. I would prefer it have a heart meter, but it seems those are ultra expensive so i am surethats not possible. Though if possible at least a mile tracker ( pedometer ? ) would be nice too.

Thnx for any replies.

[acidburn]

I have a watch/heart rate monitor made by Polar. I can't tell from looking at it what model it is. It uses a chest strap to monitor your heart rate. Doesn't do distance, but it has features where you can compare your heart rates from workout to workout and keep track of your progress. The plus side of Polar monitors is that they sync up with most gym cardio machines so if you run on a treadmill sometimes you won't have to use the hand grips to get a heart rate.

I'd recommend this brand because I've had it for a few years now and it's still going.


EDIT: re-reading your post I realize I didn't really answer your question about the runners watch. Hmmm, I'd still recommend polar's watches because you'll probably find the features you want with the heart rate part too. :)

And reebok makes some good watch/monitors at a lower price point too, but they're still pretty good as well.

[iccanui]

Ok, ill look into that. Ive seen a lot of polar products, so its nice to hear you give it a good review. Ill take that brand mores seriously now.

Thnx acid.

[Bani-Banan]

Not to start a new thread,
I'm thinking of buying a new watch. For like 10-20dollars off of ebay. Bad of good decision? :)

[acidburn]

Not to start a new thread,
I'm thinking of buying a new watch. For like 10-20dollars off of ebay. Bad of good decision? :)

What kind of watch?

[acidburn]

Ok, ill look into that. Ive seen a lot of polar products, so its nice to hear you give it a good review. Ill take that brand mores seriously now.

Thnx acid.

This one is more than you said you were looking to spend, but still not outrageously prices compared to other models. It pretty much does everything you were talking about.

http://www.shoppolar.com/_polarelectrostore/cgi-bin/pd.cgi?frompage=category&page=product_detail&fromcategory=Running:+Running&category=Running:+Running&pid=F222248S3DQHVA2ZB3D

[iccanui]

Well honestly im thinking that when the iphone app store goes lie there is gonna be a be software that is gonna make the iphone do most of what i want. there is a nike+ coming out for it then, so im really just looking for something to work while i wait for that.

I give up on the heart monitor. That would be nice, but im not willing to spend that kinda money on a temporary item.

So check it out, what you think of these. Its gonna be one of them.


http://www.amazon.com/Timex-T5E921-Mens-Watch/dp/B000AYYJ12/ref=pd_bbs_5?ie=UTF8&s=watches&qid=1209250557&sr=8-5

http://www.amazon.com/Accelerator-Runner-Watch-Amazon-Exclusive/dp/B000WCRDW4/ref=pd_bbs_sr_10?ie=UTF8&s=sporting-goods&qid=1209250557&sr=8-10


I like the timex cause its cheap and does possibly the most important function, time memory. If i understand it right i can program a timer and just repeat it over and over. I mean all i really want is something i can trust to tell me to jog for 8 minutes and run for 2 or 3. A pedo is nice, but perhaps secondary.

The Tech 4 has a timer built in and baring it being too hard to access i can reset it manually. I dont think that will be too big a deal. The pedo is a nice function that i want if i can get, but again, im not willing to pay too much for. Ive already seen this tech in experimental phase on the iphone, so like i said, im expecting the app store to take care of a lot of that kind of thing in a month or so. Besides, maybe im underestimating the importance of a pedo on a watch.


What ya think?


Sad part is, as im thinking over these two, i keep telling myself i can just make a playlist with my shuffle that i never use that will time my runs. Take a podcast i havent heard yet and splice in 3 minute songs at the 8 minute mark, like buzz out loud or something. Or just make song playlists for it. But thats extra work =x

[acidburn]

Of those two I'd go with the Tech 4. The Tech 4 has a lot of the functionality you wanted.


The Timex just seems like a standard digital watch with a couple timing functions. If you are just looking to fill the void, that one might do it if all you want is the timers. It looks as though you'll manually have to mark the laps if I'm reading the description right. Doesn't sound that convenient if you are running. But that's just my take. :)

[iccanui]

looks like I agreed. Damned amazon iphone interface makes it so easy to impulse buy hehe.

I got the tech 4. Can't wait for it to get here. God I'm turning into a nerd, I'm excited about a watch. Oh well I can live with it.

Thnx for the help deciding acid.

[frankiethewaffle]

With my cardio fitness level, I just "watch" other runners.

I build muscle, I don't make my heart beat for long periods of time. I wish I could have added something.

[iccanui]

Well, by posting that you made me realize that my fitness is more cardo related and im not interested in getting big. So you helped crystallize my fitness thought process.

So you did add something, thank you :)