New watch, eeek...it's so pretty 😍

[Run46]

I used to wear a bracelet type Fitbit flex 2 all the time to monitor steps & sleep etc, then got the Garmin Forerunner 235 (pic on the right) for all my running needs.I got it because it was perfect for running & it wasn't too complicated...I didn't mind that it was chunky as I only wore it when out on a run.

It's been a great sports watch but a few months ago the Fitbit stopped holding charge (7 years old so it did well) so I started having to wear the Forerunner constantly. It's a little over 5 years old and over the last couple of months I've seen that it doesn't monitor active minutes often and even if I track walks it's hit & miss. I also sometimes get a rash so was swapping wrists at night, and then the strap broke!

This was all the encouragement (excuse) I needed to treat myself to a new and more feminine watch so it's not out of place regardless of whether running or on an evening out.

I did some research to get everything I wanted from a sports & health watch (plus lots I didn't know existed) and found the Venu 3s...the 's' meaning it's a slightly smaller watch face and thinner band.

It was quite expensive but I found it with £40 off at John Lewis and I had £100 gift voucher I could also use, so decided to spoil myself ⌚️

It arrived yesterday and I love it...it's made me realise how glitchy my old Forerunner had become at syncing up to the app. It's pretty, light, comfortable, and was easy to pick up how to use the bits I need (now I've got my head to remember it's a touch screen) and is working wonderfully 😍

The real test will be on it's first run tomorrow...I'm looking forward to both the run & checking my stats afterwards 😊

[damienair Administrator]

Very nice. Enjoy your new watch. I upgraded to a Garmin Forerunner 165 back in October. The training plans are absolutely fantastic. Happy Running.

[Run46 Graduate10 in reply to damienair]

I only have the basics set up so far, I'll look out for those as I get to know the system, thanks 😊

[damienair Administrator in reply to Run46]

The Garmin Training Plans can be accessed via the Garmin Connect App under the Tab for Garmin Coach if your watch supports it.

[Gthants 60minGraduate]

Happy running! I have a garmin & know enough to get it to work to measure my runs. I'm really happy with the stats I get - though I know if I wanted there's a lot more detail there. I think I got the one you've just bough on special, special offer with a voucher from JL too! I bought it for my uni-aged son and he absolutely loves it, so would thoroughly recommend.

[Run46 Graduate10 in reply to Gthants]

Great, thanks Gthants, that's a coincidence 😀

One thing I've never done properly is intervals and I've seen you can set those up so that's something to look forward to 👍

[Gthants 60minGraduate]

I'm not running seriously enough at the moment to try them, but I have done in the past - and made a total hash of them. But yes: there'll be a setting somewhere on my watch to help me too! 😜

And re: deals. It just shows, doesn't it to keep your eyes peeled. I got my son's back in late October/early November and it turned an impossible desire into a (generous!) birthday-come-going-to-uni gift!

[Run46 Graduate10 in reply to Gthants]

Lucky lad, I bet he was chuffed with it.

Re the intervals...I'm only just getting back to running again after a few more weeks off due to my second virus of the year 😖 But I figure I could do a short, maybe 15 minute run with say, 3 or 4 little fast sections to try it out and mix things up a bit. I won't know if I like it until I try 😆

[cheekychipmunks Graduate10]

Gorgeous Run46 ! It looks very much like my pretty Vivoactive 5 which is also mainly touchscreen, and I love it too. I also had a Forerunner 235 which I gave to my daughter, then a 255 - but it was too big and ungainly so I sold it.

I hope you enjoy your Venu and enjoy your run tomorrow!

[Run46 Graduate10 in reply to cheekychipmunks]

Thanks, loving it so far.

It's great that they can now make sports watches that look more suited to day/evening wear so we don't have to compromise on the look anymore 😀 ⌚️👌