• SiRFstar IV™ Chipset: Uses the most advanced GPS technology for fast satellite lock-on times and reliable signal retention. The technology puts the Run Trainer watch on part with the most advanced GPS watches on the market
• Real-Time Pace, Distance, Heart Rate: Up to four customizable data lines in a large, easy to read digital format makes the Run Trainer both nice to look at as well as powerful
• 15-Workout Memory: Can save up to 15 workouts of up to 100 individual lap times. Session data can be downloaded via a USB cable to PC and imported into the Training Peaks™ online training log portal
• Hands-Free Chronograph Operation: Can record lap/splits based on distance and can automatically stop and start the watch when you stop running or resume again
• Up To Five Interval Timers: Variable interval timers facilitates structured interval sessions with optional warm up and cool down built-in
• Hydration and Nutrition Reminders: If you are competing in an endurance event that requires re-fueling. The Run Trainer can be programmed to remind you of when you need to re-fuel
• Wireless Sensor Compatibility: Utilizes on-board ANT+™ technology to pair up with external devices such as foot pods, heart rate monitor chest straps and bike cadence sensors

Following their release of the Timex Global Trainer watch, the first Timex GPS watch with fully integrated GPS circuitry, Timex have now released another GPS watch which some commentators say is on par with the Garmin Forerunner 110 and 210 watches. Their new GPS watch, the Timex® Ironman® Run Trainer™ may well be a runners dream with all the major features runners need in a package that, unlike some other GPS watches, does not over-complicate your training. The Timex Run Trainer watch is simple enough to use right out of the box, but with enough features to satisfy many athletes, with its improved chipset, the new watch promises to deliver on what the Global Racer watch lacked.

The Timex Run Trainer watch with GPS Technology is designed exclusively for running. With support for a heart rate monitor chest strap, the Flex Tech™ Heart Rate Sensor the watch has the ability to track, speed, pace, heart rate and altitude and boasts advanced training features like interval timers and pace alerts. The watch has a large, easy-to-read customizable display that can display up to 4 data lines making it easy to catch a glance of while you are pushing yourself to a personal best time. The watch features a similar intuitive interface, so if you’ve used any of Timex’s other best-selling sports watches, you are probably already half way to learning to use the new watch.

The Run trainer features an impressive 8-hour rechargeable battery (in full-GPS mode), that is equivalent to the most popular Garmin Forerunner GPS watches and uses the SiRFstarIV™ GPS chip, for optimum acquiring and retention of the GPS satellite signal. The new Run Trainer is also ANT+™ compatible allowing linking up to popular foot pod devices, bike cadence sensors and heart rate sensors that use ANT+ technology. The watch can store up to 15 sessions in memory of up to 100 individual lap times with sessions summarized in a date-ordered list. The Run Trainer watch provides you with the ability to upload your data to PC via a USB cable in a format that is recognizable with the popular TrainingPeaks™ online training log.

But perhaps the feature that makes the Run Trainer watch so compatible with the needs of advanced runners is its variable intensity interval training feature. The Interval Timer allows you to set alerts up for each interval based on running cadence, heart rate or running pace. The watch also has Hands-Free Automatic Operation abilities, allowing you to automatically measure your performance at set intervals based on either time or distance. This is an extremely attractive feature for runners who want to break, say a 5 km race down to their individual 1km split times.

The Run Trainer watch borrows a nice feature found in other Timex heart rate monitor watches in its recovery mode feature. The recovery mode feature works with the heart rate chest sensor recording how long it takes for you to recover after a hard workout. Measuring your rate of recovery is a good test for signs that you are over-training. If it takes longer than usual for your heart rate to drop, then it is a sign that you may be pushing too hard and thus not getting the full benefit for your training efforts. A fast heart rate recovery is also a good indicator that your overall fitness level is good. Serving runners further is the Run trainer’s support for Hydration and Nutrition Reminders and a Countdown Timer feature.

Overall there is a lot to like about the new Timex Run Trainer watch, fitting the description of a mid-range GPS running watch, whether you want a simple way to keep track of your speed, pace and distance on your long runs, or a training tool to help you with a structured training session, the Timex Run Trainer is a great choice for those who want to focus more on running than trying to figure out their watch, without selling themselves short on features. The Timex Run Trainer GPS Speed and Distance Sports watch is due to hit the shelves in October and to be quite honest we can hardly wait!

There is currently a battle in the running watch scene between two high-tech devices that achieve the same thing, but in different ways. On one side is the pedometer watch, which is cheap and basic, it gets the job done and provides a number of functions that are not present in a standard running watch. On the other hand is the fancier, feature-rich GPS watch, it is bulkier, heavier and a lot more expensive, but is the ultimate running tool for runners who want to push their training to new heights.

If you’re a keen runner, or an enthusiast in another sport for that matter, then choosing between these two watches is a tough job. This is especially true if you’re not the sort who is easily coaxed into buying into the latest “fad” gadget. To state the fact bluntly, a pedometer watch will nearly always provide you with the functionality you need for basic running at only a mere fraction of the price of a GPS watch like the Garmin Forerunner. A pedometer watch provides you with relatively accurate readings for distance, pace and other useful running metrics and some even feature advanced pace reminders and can provide you with advanced features above this, but on the other hand, the majority of pedometer watches are targeted mostly at those who are aiming to lose weight and get fit rather than active runners who seek to improve on their running times.

While in the past pedometers were far less accurate than the high-precision readings provided in a GPS watch, with the introduction of advanced accelerometer technology it is now possible for a pedometer watch to provide speed and distance readings that are exceptionally accurate, thus the pedometer watch is no longer the slouch that it used to be and holds up much better under tunnels or around large buildings or tree that would otherwise obstruct the GPS signal.

To be fair to the GPS watch, however, a really good GPS watch for runners provides you with some high-level features that are not offered in cheap pedometer watches. The Garmin Forerunner for example offers you advanced, structured workouts, the courses feature that allows you to run against previously recorded times for a pre-set course and the popular Virtual Partner feature, that allows you to “compete” against a computerised competitor at a pre-defined pace. The Garmin will display how far behind or ahead you are placed in comparison to your virtual partner during a training session or even a race.

GPS watches also provide you with pace alerts (some pedometers offer this too), which allows you to train within a lower and upper pace limit. The watch will sound an alarm when you breach this zone, alerting you to the fact that you need to adjust your pace. Most of the high-end GPS watches, feature the ability to transfer your training data to a computer and imported into software that comes standard when you purchase the watch. Most software allows you to keep an electronic training diary and to perform advanced analysis on your workouts. You can also import the courses you have run and view a 3D representation of them in the software.

At the end of the day, the choice between a pedometer and GPS watches will come down to your personal preference as well as the type of training you do on a regular basis. The most important thing is to ensure that if you are paying a lot of money for a watch that it has all the features that you need and that you will use them in your day-to-day training program. If there are a lot of features that you won’t ever use then you are wasting your money which may be better spent on a cheaper product. Even a cheaper product like a pedometer watch may be overkill, although it won’t cost you nearly as much money this does not mean it is money well spent if you only use the basic chronograph stopwatch timer and not the step counter, speed and distance measure and other unique features that these devices offer. As with all major purchases, do your research, buy what you need within your price range and have fun!

Garmin Forerunner 410 Watch

Price: $249.99

Garmin have just announce that they are soon to be releasing two new watches. The Forerunner 210 is a more advanced version of the Forerunner 110, which is a light-weight GPS watch that is quick and simple to set up. Both of these watches utilize the new SiRFstarIV chipset, which is smaller than the old SiRFstarIII chip as well as more accurate and reliable, as does the new Forerunner 410, an incremental upgrade of the Forerunner 405CX watch and is something to definitely look forward to when it is released into retail stores later this year.

Perhaps the most obvious benefit of the Garmin Forerunner 410 (and this will be a great relief to many runners) is that, due to the smaller chipset, it has been made sleek and streamline and more like a normal sports wrist watch. Another of the gripes of the old Forerunner 405-style watches are problems with the bezel, which athletes often complained to be over-sensitive. The new watch features a new and enhanced touch-bezel that allows runner to quickly scroll through a list of features while they are running and in almost all weather conditions.

The new watch transitions smartly into power save mode which utilizes less battery drain, however the watch will alert you when it is doing so, so you have a chance to manually override it if you wish to. When you have completed your workout the Garmin Forerunner 410 GPS watch allows you to wirelessly transfer your data to a PC or Mac and then to “Garmin Connect”, Garmin’s online training community portal. The ANT+ stick also allows you to link up to ANT+ devices such as heart rate monitors, foot pods, bicycle cadence devices and various types of exercise fitness equipment.

In terms of features, the Garmin GPS Forerunner 410 delivers the full “swag”, allowing you to customize the display screen with the ability to show three consecutive fields and up to 30 different data fields to choose from. You can even decide how many fields to display on the screen and have the choice to show one ultra-large field, or three smaller ones. Basically, the Forerunner 410 watch is the choice for athletes who want the maximum number of features and customizeability. It is also possible with this watch to have training pages scroll while you are on your run so you can view multiple information in a pre-determined cycle.

The Forerunner 410 supports Garmin’s advanced workouts feature, which allows you to set up complicated staged workouts and personalized goals. In terms of heart rate training, the 410 Garmin watch offers the ability to set up heart rate training zones with out-of-zone alerts and the new watch support’s Garmin’s heart rate based calorie consumption measurement feature.

The new Forerunner 410 watch is scheduled to be displayed at the upcoming Chicago and New York marathons before being released into retail stores. This exciting new watch offers several improvements on the older 405CX watch, most significantly the newer chipset which makes the Forerunner GPS watches, sleeker, lighter and more comfortable than ever!

Garmin Forerunner 210 Watch

Price: $249.99

Garmin have just announced a new GPS watch into their Forerunner line, the Forerunner 210 GPS running watch. The Garmin Forerunner 210 GPS watch is designed to be as easy to use as the model released prior to it, the Forerunner 110. Like the 110 watch, it is designed for runners who want the power of a GPS watch, but without the complexity and endless convoluted menu systems that were the burden of many of the older Garmin GPS watches. The Forerunner 110 answered the call and now the followup watch, the 210, takes it one step further.

Utilizing the new SiRFstarIV chipset, the Forerunner 210 delivers much more power and accurate GPS tracking ability in a much smaller chip. This allows the wristwatch to be offered in a much smaller, lighter, more comfortable size. The watch uses Garmin’s “HotFix” technology that enables the watch to quickly obtain and maintain a satellite signal. Where the new watch offers benefits over the 110 watch is in some extra training modes it offers to runners. With the Garmin GPS Forerunner 210 watch a runner has the ability to create customized interval training sessions. We have talked about Interval Training in the past, and have harped on about the fact that they are one of the key training workouts for improving fitness and performance. Garmin’s advanced interval training features allow you to view your current pace for each interval.

The new watch also allows you to set up heart rate alert. A heart rate alert notifies a runner that their heart rate is above a max threshold or below a min threshold, effectively allowing you to define an optimal intensity and stay within it for the course of a training session. The 210 Forerunner watch also supports a food pot device in addition to GPS which allows for indoor training and offers additional information such as your running cadence and steps per minute which can be viewed when you transfer your personal training history to the Garmin Connect online community portal.

The new watch is available in a trendy looking glossy black/black design that looks extremely fashionable and high-tech. Like the Forerunner 110, the watch features a lighter battery, that is rechargeable and can sustain GPS/training mode for 8 consecutive hours and will keep the watch running for up to three weeks in power save mode. Data can be transferred to Garmin Connect via a USB connection. The watch does not support wireless ANT+ transfer like other Forerunner watches, however this is not a huge drawback. Both watches support a heart rate chest monitor that allows accurate heart rate information to be displayed on the watch as well as the new heart rate based calorie consumption feature that is present in the latest Forerunner watches.

If you enjoy simplicity in a watch with a blend of power and you are serious enough about your training to utilize some of the advanced features of the Forerunner 210 watch like its interval training feature and heart rate alerts, then considering it’s utilization of the new chipset, it’s comfort, size and lower weight profile, the Forerunner 210 delivers an outstanding package when compared with other Forerunner watches that are bulkier, heavier and have more convoluted requirements when activating features.

This exciting new model is due to feature at the Chicargo and New York City marathons, before being released in retail stores, so look out for it soon.

Garmin Forerunner 110 Watch

Price: $199.99

The Garmin Forerunner 110 GPS running watch is Garmin’s answer to runners who requested a watch that has GPS and is “simple as pie” to use. The new watch not only delivers on this reuest in spades, but it utilizes the new GPS tracking chipset SiRFstarIV, enabling a watch that is not just far more accurate and reliable, but due to the smaller size of the new chipset, is far less bulky than other Forerunner watches and so looks and feels much more like a normal wristwatch. In essence, the new Garmin GPS Forerunner 110 watch is made for runners who just want to know “how far and how fast?”

The Garmin Forerunner 110 GPS Watch is ideal for runners who want an “entry-level” watch that is capable of tracking their goals and progress when they train and exercise. The new watch is capable of display your running pace in two ways:

- Averaged out over the current lap/mile (using auto-lap)
- Over the duration of the entire run

Like other Foreunner GPS running watches, the 110 watch also allows you to set up a heart rate monitor chest strap. This can be purchased with the watch initially or purchased seperately at a later date, the strap allows you to monitor your exercise intensity while at the same time your running pace, speed and distance travelled over your run. The more recent Forerunner watches support the a new calorie consumption measuring mode, that uses your heart rate data to calculate consumption far more accurate than in the older watches.

The new watch is water-resistant, and as stated, is a much slimmer feel on the wrist due to the fact that it uses the new high-sensifitvity SiRFstarIV GPS chipset which also has support for Garmin’s “HotFIX’ technology. It allows a runner to acquire satellite reception much more quickly than with watches that use older chipset and handles areas that have traditionally been troublesome for a GPS receiver such as in forrests and urban canyons where there are large buildings to obstruct the signal. The new chipset also consumes much less power, which has allowed Garmin to reduce the battery size and reduce the weight of the watch. The watch is rechargable and can sustain up to 8 hours in GPS/training mode and three weeks when the watch is set to “power save” mode.

The Forerunner 110 comes in three very attractive colors schemes: gray/pink, charcoal/red and black/gray. This watch does not support wireless ANT+ technology, but allows a runner to upload data to software using a USB cable and then to upload data into “Garmin Connect”, Garmin’s online community that alllows like-minded athletes to collaborate and share experiences.

The Garmin Forerunner 110 watch has the capacity to store up to 200 hours of training data and will present accumulated totals to athletes on the watch, without needing to transfer their data to computer. The computer software and Garmin Connect allows much deeper analysis, however, allowing runners who want to analyze their data further, the opportunity to review and tweak their training methods and performances.

The Forerunner 110 watch is a relatively cheap GPS watch that is far more user-friendly than older Forerunners which tended to be bogged down with convoluted menu systems and other complexities. Add to the fact that this watch utilizes the current generation SiRFstarIV chipset and you have a sleeker, lighter, more comfortable Forurunner watch that is setup quickly and easily, allowing you to simply put it on and start running.

• Speed and Pace
• Overal Distance Traveled
• Elevation above sea-level

Many GPS watches can plot 3D maps over a traveled route which can later be transferred to PC or Mac allowing reviewing and analysis of your workout in detail.

Few would dispute the Garmin Forerunner GPS watches are currently the most sophisticated sports watches in this market today. While offering all the benefits of GPS, the Forerunner watches offer much more.

There are currently six GPS-capable Forerunner watch models, but what can you expect? The table below summarizes the the features found in most of the six Forerunner watch models:

Forerunner 101, 201, 301 models compared

The older Forerunner models are cheaper, support considerably greater memory storage capacity and support a lot of the features of the latest Forerunner watches, but these watches don’t offer support for a bike cadence, or foot pod devices and have a less receptive GPS antenna than it’s successors.

	Forerunner 101	Forerunner 201	Forerunner 301
Amazon Price	$69.99	$117.15	$79.99
Specifications
Unit dimensions, WxHxD	8.28 x 4.35 x 2.3 cm	8.28 x 4.35 x 1.8 cm	8.28 x 4.35 x 1.8 cm
Weight	74 g	78 g	78 g
PC transfer		(serial)	(USB)
Battery Type	2 AAAs	Rechargeable	Rechargeable
Battery Life	15 hours, typical	15 hours, typical	15 hours, typical
Heart Rate Support
Map Navigation
Display Data Fields	3	3	3
Bike speed/cadence support
Foot Pod support
Memory
Lap History	5000 laps	5000 laps	5000 laps
Waypoints	100	100	100
Routes	0	0	10
Software
Garmin Connect
Garmin Training Center
Features
Virtual Partner Feature
Courses
Auto Pause
Auto Lap
Auto Scroll
Sports Profiles
Simple Workouts
Advanced Workouts
Pace Alert
Time/distance Alert
Interval Training
Customizable Screen(s)

Forerunner 205, 305 and 405 models compared

The more modern versions of the Forerunner watches all support the SiRFstar-III giving them better GPS sensitivity and reduced signal-loss.

The Forerunner 405, has a more “standard” watch shape, but lacks navigation features. It has a smaller watch face that only displays three data fields, compared to four in the 205 and 305 Forerunner models.

	Forerunner 205	Forerunner 305	Forerunner 310XT	Forerunner 405	Forerunner 405CX
Amazon Price	$149.99	$252.99	$249.95	$282.61	$189.99
Specifications
Unit dimensions, WxHxD	5.33 x 6.86 x 1.78 cm 2.1″ x 2.7″ x 0.7″	5.33 x 6.86 x 1.78 cm 2.1″ x 2.7″ x 0.7″	5.4 x 5.6 x 1.9 cm 2.1″ x 2.2″ x 0.8″	4.8 x 7.1 x 1.6 cm 1.88″ x 2.78″ x 0.646″	4.8 x 7.1 x 1.6 cm 1.88″ x 2.78″ x 0.646″
Weight	77 g	77 g	72 g	60 g	60 g
PC transfer	(USB)	(USB)	(USB/Wireless)	(USB/Wireless)	(USB/Wireless)
Battery Type	Rechargeable	Rechargeable	Rechargeable	Rechargeable	Rechargeable
Battery Life	10 hours, typical	10 hours, typical	20 hours, typical	8 hours, typical	8 hours, typical
Heart Rate Support
Map Navigation
Display Data Fields	4	4	4	3	3
Bike speed/cadence support
Foot Pod support
Device to Device Transfer
Touch Sensitive Bevel
Memory
Lap History	1000 laps	1000 laps	1000 laps	1000 laps	1000 laps
Waypoints	100	100	100	100	100
Routes	50	50	0	0	0
Software
Garmin Connect
Garmin Training Center
Mac Support
Features
Virtual Partner Feature
Courses
Auto Pause
Auto Lap
Auto Scroll
Sports Profiles
Simple Workouts
Advanced Workouts
Pace Alert
Time/distance Alert
Interval Training
Customizable Screen(s)
Heart Rate Based Calorie Computation