Nike+ sportband or Garmin or other??

[runcanada]

Just wondering what gadget most people use to track their runs. I wasn't in the market to spend a lot of money. The Nike+sportsband seems like a cheap alternative, but wondering if anyone has feedback to give...

[listhestar]

I use, and have used a Garmin forerunner 110 for the last year or so. No complaints, comes with heart rate monitor which is ideal for interval/threshold training. Also downloadable to a computer with routes, heart rates etc. Not used the Nike one so I can't really comment.

[back_to_18 Graduate in reply to listhestar]

Hi listhestar!

I wonder if you would be able to answer a question about the Forerunner 110?

I have been wanting to buy a HRM for a while but want one that has heart rate at regular intervals (maybe every 1-5 seconds) rather than just showing average heart rate over the whole exercise period.

When you download the data to your computer what does it show you? (route, heart rate at what interval etc.)

Thanks!

[Greg_M Graduate in reply to back_to_18]

Not sure about the HR but with pace what it shows is average pace on the watch not the spot rate. However it does record the spot rate and you can use other software and upload the Garmin files just like you would to the Garmin site and get a whole lot more detailed data like spot pace than you do from Garmin.com.

Some good stuff put there.

[Greg_M Graduate in reply to back_to_18]

TrainingPeaks was one of the alternate sites for reanalysing your Garmin data, I couldn't remember.

[listhestar in reply to back_to_18]

Hi

Well looking at my watch when I run it gives a continuous read of heart rate and likewise it plots it on my computer all connected as a graph to suggest continunous readings (either that or its not a mathematically correct graph, geeky I know).

When I download to my computer it can show- heart rate, distance covered, elevation covered, pace and speed. It also shows you average heart rate and speed and min and max for each set of running.

Hope that helps, had mine for a while now and even take it hiking so my husband cant accidentally underestimate the mileage we walk (he would shorten the miles a little so I would actually walk it a few years ago when I was less fit!!)

[back_to_18 Graduate in reply to listhestar]

Excellent! Thank you so much for this listhestar!

It's quite amazing how hard it's been trying to find the answer to this question from either Garmin, user manuals or re-sellers!

Now all I need to do is convince my wife I need one!

[Cornish_Piglet Graduate]

I use Endomondo on my mobile phone, the free version.

[Gridlet Graduate]

I like Nike plus because you get trophys for milestones and it shows your progress in relation to others your age. It also shows pace, splits, heart rate and graphs. Pretty much the same as Garmin. It's a good one to start with. However, I'm very happy that my daughter has bought me a Garmin 405c! I will probably keep on with the Nike as well!

[tygfuz Graduate]

If you have a smart phone with GPS you can download Nike+ running for free now.

[jooniemac Graduate]

I have the3 nike+ sportsband and can honestly say this is the best wee gadget I have bought. I found having to carry my phone a pain so I invested in the sportsband, cannot recommend it highly enuff

[laj1987 Graduate]

I use the Nike + running band and would recommend it to anyone. Like Gridlet said you get trophies when you achieve milestones and you can set targets for yourself. It's quite sad but I love to log my run and get a trophy I can't comment on the Garmin although everyone else seems to swear by them.

[tygfuz Graduate]

As you say the sports band is a cheap option. If you want something more accurate GPS is the answer. Unfortunely GPS is more expensive and I have been reluctant to spend £100+ on a watch which is basically just for running.