Why is that runners need technology designed for precise military targeting that requires four satellites available line-of-sight in order to do a complex trilateration calculation that determines their position … and not just a watch? Or better yet, a heart-rate monitor (see my post on how to choose and use HR monitors) to help you train at the appropriate intensity.
I confess, I can't explain it beyond the phrase "gadget lust." On the other hand, I own a GPS running watch and indeed lust after the top-of-the-line models. It's not a rational thing. So I’m going to list the best reasons for runners to want a GPS watch and link to a description plus manuals so you can check out which of the various models satisfies the following reasons for wanting a GPS running watch:
- Because you want to optimize your training by staying at a given pace and knowing how far you ran.
- Because you are willing to live with the lags and inaccuracies of a GPS watch’s “real-time” pace calculations (figuring it beats wearing a shoe pod or Nike+ shoes or a pouch on non-Nike shoes). Just be happy with getting a take on average pace every quarter mile.
- Because you need lots of incentive to make sure you get out to run regularly ... and trying to get your money’s worth after a large investment in a running gadget serves that need nicely.
- Because you’re a geek who wants to map a course in Google maps, pick a pace, transfer it to your watch, and then get real-time feedback if you go off course and on how you’re doing against your chosen pace.
- Because you want to return to a running route and compete against your previous run to push yourself and compare your fitness level (slightly more training and fitness oriented than the previous item, which is just a simple video-game version of knowing you're on pace).
- Because you like to pioneer new running routes and easily share them with others.
- Because you want to put up a memorial to a good workout or race. As an example, here’s Zachary Long’s recent running of the Disney World Marathon. Note the nice reverse splits.
- Because you want to try your hand at the trendy new art of run-writing.
- Because you don’t like to have to hail a cab in smelly, sweaty running clothes in order to find your way back to the hotel when you do a run in an unfamiliar city.
- Because, similarly, you like to have a GPS breadcrumb trail to follow back to your starting point when you run on, uh, real-world trails with turns and valleys and trees (but not too many trees).
- Because you want the coolest device for running, period, and that has to include tracking pace, distance, heart rate, foot-pod strides, calories and then uploading the data for study and sharing ... AND MAPPING with GPS!
For now, the Garmin Forerunner 405 is the ultimate GPS runners watch. The 405 manages to have a usable User Interface in a form factor that one can legimately refer to as a watch and yet handles heart-rate, GPS, strides per-minute and accurate current pace with the optional foot pod plus easy connection to PCs or the Internet. Buttons clearly identified on the bezel as well as the familiar spin-the-dial pioneered by the iPod for increasing counts and scrolling through lists add to the ease of use.
Eventually, Nike will develop the full set of iPod accessories and capabilities including monitoring hydration as described in this patent, and given the simplicity and screen area of iPods this all-vital-signs-monitored device will become the preferred ultimate running gadget, but for now the 405 is it.
Link to a description of GPS running devices including manuals.
