Hello all, so I am an Apple fiend.
OH wished to buy me a Garmin, I’m a little reluctant.
I did Ct5k & then Nike app 10k
I generally run 3 maybe 4 times a week. Tracked via Strave on my IPhone/Apple Watch. I vary it from 4.5 to 10k (once a month ish).
I don’t really think I need to know all stats & things. I’m a bit of a techno phobe!
Any suggestions?
please & thank you 🏃🏻♀️🏃🏻♀️🏃🏻♀️⌚️⏱️👀
I'm a Garmin convert, from Fitbit a few years ago now, but I love the stats, I also love that I can create my run in the app and send it to my watch to follow. I've heard Apple watch battery doesn't last as long, but it sounds like yours does what you want it to. I'd say if you are happy with what you have stick with it .Maybe suggest he buy you some super new running shoes instead 😀
Hello SueAppleRun ! If you don’t mind me asking, which Garmin app do you use to create your run, and how? Thank you!
In the Garmin connect app, click more, click training, click workouts, click create a workout. What I like is when I programme in intervals it shows me pace for each interval
Thanks a lot, Sue! 🙏 I’ll give it a try.
Oh then once you've made a workout you can add to your calender and send to watch....I forgot that but a few times, it's top right on my app
Hi. I have a very basic Garmin Forerunner 35 which I love. I must have it about 5 years now. It does everything I need or want. I have it set up to just show average pace, distance and time. I have all smart features turned off. It is also very accurate which I like. I have no plans to upgrade until it stops. But the battery is still excellent so no sign of any issues with it yet. The newer version of my watch is the Garmin Forerunner 55 I think. My wife has a Garmin Forerunner 45 and it too is great. You don’t need anything more technical than that unless you’re doing triathlons etc.
I love my Forerunner 55. (Went from Forerunner 30 to be able to record swimming).
The battery on it is fantastic.
My suggestion? If you love your Apple Watch and it’s working for you, ask your husband to buy you something else! I absolutely love my Garmin but if you’re happy with what you’ve got, why change because someone else wants you to? You’re the one who’s going to be using it-it should be something that suits you best! I’m sure this is coming from a good place but I’d direct him towards some new trainers or something else you’d actually like instead! That’s me though!
If you want to know about Garmins, the first thing to remember is there are lots of different ones available with various levels of tech to get used to. I love my forerunner 265s but it took a bit of getting used to and I still don’t think a lot of how it works is particularly intuitive. I chose it by thinking about what features I wanted and looked for while model ticked the boxes. The Garmin website has a tool to help you choose which watch suits you here IF you decide you want one!
Hi VS1975 , as others have said, if you’re happy with your Apple Watch and it does all you need, there’s really no need to switch. I love Apple for everything (iPhone, iPad, iMac), but Garmin is my go-to for activities.
I’ve had a Forerunner 235 - gave it to my daughter and took over my husband’s unused Vivoactive 3, thought I needed a swankier one and had a Forerunner 255 for a Christmas a couple of years ago, hated it and sold it on Vinted! I love my old Vivo, quirks (elevation and HR) and all, but don’t want to change it until it fails on me completely.
My advice is to stick with your Apple unless you find it’s not doing what you need it to.
having read reports from people that have used both, the GPS on Garmin is superior for running than Apple Watch. Mine is just the basic model, which I’ve had for 6 years, and I love it. But having said that, if you aren’t interested in all that Garmin produces, then choose another present that you’ll love.
I also love my Garmin. I've had a forerunner 45 for 4 years. It has everything you need...speed, GPS, heart rate, pace, sleep, distance, steps etc etc etc. The thing I love the most is Garmin Coach which keeps me honest haha. It's a training module for 5k 10k or half-marathon. Each course takes 10-15 weeks and you can set a 5k 10k or HM time that you would like to train for. There are 3 different instructors each with a slightly different way to get to your target. I always use Greg Macmillan. There are 4-5 runs a week depending on the course and I find it so useful as I do need a structure to keep me on task. I always make sure I am on some sort of training course. It keeps me motivated which isn't always easy. Happy hunting !!
Thank you all that took time to respond.
There’s a few options to think about.
It’s mainly as my Apple Watch face is very scuffed so I was looking to replace it. When OH said to look at Garmins & he’d treat me.
The forerunner sound like it would be sufficient for my needs/wants, I will look at the others mentioned too. Thank you 😁
Do you actually want/need a running watch or a smartwatch? You might find this interesting reading: runnersworld.com/uk/gear/te...
I've got a basic Garmin (Forerunner 45S) and only use a fraction of its capabilities. I don't even wear it for every run, let alone all the time. As a rule of thumb, the more I enjoy a run the more the watch hates it. Good. Life's too short to be dictated by algorithms.
I have had Garmin from... currently have a Garmin 245 Music... and love it... garmin.com/en-GB/p/646690
I don't use every single facility on it, I never use heart monitor for example... but I do like the fact it has some more advanced stuff than my earlier Garmins..
I agree with SueAppleRun , if you are happy with what you have, stick with it... and a choice of some other sassy runnin related gear, or something else sounds like a plan and a lot cheaper maybe
On your running , well done to you!
I have been running on and off, admittedly more off , for the past 16 years. I had a faithful clumpy rather large Garmin which I absolutely loved.
Although it still works, sadly the main button doesn’t exist anymore! Think I have just worn it down.
It took me forever to decide which Garmin to replace it with, as there are so many. Finally settled for Forerunner 165, and I love it.
It has taken me a while to get used to the technical aspects, but I’m not very tech savvy.
I love that I can look up everything on my I phone as well as the watch, but as everyone else says, it’s personal choice.
I like my Apple phone/ iPad, but for me prefer to stick to garmin for running.
Hope you are happy with whatever you decide to go for 🏃🏼♀️➡️
Hi, I’m not a technophobe but also don’t want or need all the info some of these gadgets put out. Not saying they aren’t useful, just not for me. Being an Apple fiend, I presume you run with your iPhone?
I use only my iPhone but I’ve downloaded an app called Run Interval that I find great. It allows you to easily programme runs. So for example I run 3 times a week, Mon, Wed, and Friday. I’ve prepared a number of runs from 2k to 12k with 2 five minute warm up/down intervals. I’ve also programmed timed runs from 5 mins to 65 mins again with the start and end 5 minute warm up/down.
You can also do random runs when the app calls out distance every half kilometre with your times for each distance segment.
At the end you get a map of your actual run and it gives times and distance. It’s really simple to use and once programmed with runs, it’s only a matter of selecting your run and pressing start. There is a lot more functionality available with the app but I appreciate its simplicity and the fact that it doesn’t send your data anywhere.
My better half wanted to buy me a Fitbit thingie but I resisted (politely) as it’s not what I want or need.
I had one but gave up and went back to fitbit. Garmin won't allow manual addition of e.g. walking. In seems that they are in thrall to insurance companies.
I've had a Garmin Forerunner 45 for 3 years. It's perfect for what I need. I use Garmin Connect App to see all the stats.
I’ve thought of going the other way! I’ve got a Forerunner 735 which, to be fair, does everything I need. Even my doctor (I’m a heart surgery survivor) is happy to accept data from it so I’ll stick with what I’ve got.
I have had various Garmins since 2007, and currently have a 245 which is great and does so much. But the big advantage of Garmin for me is the Garmin Connect app/site on my laptop which has now a record of every run/walk/cycle I have done in the last 17 years. Fascinating to compare your times, heart rates, routes etc over the years. It is also like a diary in that you are reminded of individual days out that you had exercising. The 245 face can be configured like a traditional watch and I wear it full time as my normal watch The only downside is that it tells me how badly I sleep and issues me frequent bollockings
I'm not sure if I can add much to this. After completing my C25K, I decided to reward myself with a Garmin as I wanted to continue my running journey.
I really do like it and am discovering exactly what it can do bit by bit. (I had no idea you could create runs). Its a bit overwhelming but just like my runs, I'm slowly and steadily learning more.
Thanks everyone, after some research I’ve gone with a Vivoactive 5. I think it’s sufficient for my needs (plus got blue light discount, winner winner) 🏃🏻♀️⌚️
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