What running watch/ sports watch/ smart watch would you recommend to a brand-spankin'-new graduate, and why, please?

[Henriette2013]

Hello. I know I don't NEED a running watch. I plod along very slowly and am not (yet!) pushing myself to elite levels. Just graduated a few days ago and still far from being able to run 5K. But, I think a watch would keep me motivated to measure my fitness, note my pace, map my runs, etc. Also, I have lots of sleep problems so I would be quite interested in a watch with a sleep tracking function. I dunno. I don't mind spending a bit of money if it helps enjoy this experience: more interesting, less drudgery... I live in Canada, by the by; not sure if our available models are at all different than yours.

Would any of you please share experiences you've had with your watches? Any thoughts and or advice? I've never had a smart watch so wonder if perhaps I ought to just start with a FitBit Charge2 (lower end of the price spectrum, fairly simple) or if I should dive in with something like a Fenix 5s. I appreciate any insight, knowledge or saucy jokes you'd care to share.

Thank you. xo

[Ajs07 Graduate]

Hello I have an old Fitbit which has done me ok till now 😂 I’ve graduated C25k and Bridge to 10k but would love a new activity tracker/ watch preferably one with a heart rate monitor as I’m now training for a half marathon. I too am also confused about the different types available but seem to be draw to a garmin watch but these are pricey 😂

[Not_giving_up]

Recently bought a Garmin Viviosmart. Very pleased with it. Does all you need and simple connect and syncing with smart phone

[Not_giving_up]

Oh yes and it monitors your sleep too

[runswithdogs Graduate]

Hello fellow Canadian. I started with the basic Garmin forerunner 10 years ago, but upgraded last year to the Forerunner 235, which has lots of extra neat functions, including sleep tracking. Sometimes Costco has great deals on running watches if you're a member, and Amazon and the Running Room often have deals as well. Happy running, you'll love whatever you end up getting. They are very motivational.

[Hidden]

I have the garmin forerunner 30. It tracks my run with distance, pace, cadence, wrist heart rate and GPS obviously maps the run. It also monitors my sleep. It is incredibly easy to Bluetooth the data to my phone in seconds as and when I want to. Great bit of kit for my hm training.

[GeorgiosA Graduate]

I had a Garmin before they could track sleep or had a wrist based heart rate, and was happy with it. Now on a fitbit surge which is excellent, monitors sleep and heart rate and can export to Strava if that interests you. A bit cheaper than Garmin with equivalent functions.

[Lynn1234]

I was given given a Garmin Forerunner 30 for Christmas...apparently after a lot of research and advice taken. I’ve been really pleased with it. It seems accurate and does so much. Links to my iPad and the app is easy to to use. Would recommend ...only thing is, it is addictive !!!!!

[Oldfloss Administrator Graduate]

Many folk start with Garmin Forerunner 10... basic... dose not break the bank and reliable

I started with that

[BenK123 Graduate]

I’ve got the Garmin ForeRunner 235. I wanted a watch that could track my cycle commutes, do phone notifications and track heart rate as well as the basic run tracking.

It does sleep, estimates VO2 Max (something to do with fitness) as well as simple step tracking.

The 230 does all this as well, but you have a separate chest strap for heart rate.

The word on the street is that the 235 will be replaced later this year so prices may start coming down...

[mcgurranhouse Graduate]

I have a garmin forerunner 35 - absolutely love it - gps watch, step counter, heart rate monitor - love it!

[LookNannyruns Graduate]

I’m a Fitbit charge 2 girl myself. I got it a while ago long before I even thought about running. Mainly for heart rate monitor, I did lots of activities but Fitbit made me realise that I didn’t always exert myself too much!

Anyway I love the charts and stuff, call me sad but I think of it as my conscience on my wrist.

Hope you find what suits you xxx

[pinkaardvark Graduate]

I have a garmin fenix 5 which is a real treat and seems to work flawlessly for what I have used it for so far. It is probably overkill for what I need, but to me it was worth the cost to know it "just works". That said you may well get the same behaviours lower down the garmin tree of products ie the forerunner 235 sounds like a good watch. Coming from a sony smartwatch 3 that had ropey gps lock on and max 2 day battery life, the fenix 5 locks on within seconds and lasts over a week.

[davelinks Graduate]

Can't go far wrong with a Garmin..I have an FR210 my wife got an FR10 from Amazon, which she finds very good, a lot on here have the FR10, then there's the FR15 & FR25 and so it goes on and so does the price, so shop around..😊

[misswobble Graduate]

I love Garmin F10. I upgraded to F15 and wish I'd not bothered. Mind you I still have the F10

I can't afford much else but not sure why folks want to monitor their sleep? Or even heart rate. I know, I know ................. stats crazy peeps