Looking for a 'gadget' to inspire my parkruns!

[doggymum]

I am considering treating myself to a garmin or something similar, but just wondered if there were any watch style gadgets that also measure your heart rate without the need for a chest strap which aren't too expensive? If yes or no, any recommendations for this kind of gadget?

All help greatfully received

[Oldgirl Graduate]

Hi doggymum, there are loads on here who have Garmins because I asked a similar question some months back as hubby had suggested he would buy me one for my birthday. So off to a running shop I went to check them out, but I'm very small framed and they were huge on my wrist, wouldn't even stay fixed as the main part of the watch over-lapped and it just slipped. I decided against buying for that reason only. I ended up buying a Ipod Touch with GPS which I can upgrade later with a heartrate monitor if I want to. I use RunKeeper or Runtastic Apps with this and they seem to be fine. However we have had such a wet summer and I also live in a very tree lined area so the GPS signal can be a bit dodgy some days, especially if the cloud is very low and thick along with the trees the signal has no chance. I do love my Ipod though as it gives me my music, podcasts, email, camera, calender, books, films oh the list goes on and it was a lot less expensive than a Garmin. Not sure this is of any help to you. If nothing else it will let you see if your getting replies.

Garmin users please add your input for more information.

[doggymum Graduate in reply to Oldgirl]

Thanks Oldgirl - I can see this post (obviously!!) and the number of commets has gone to -35 now. Might have to go and try a garmin on then, as although I am overweight I do have small wrists!