Runners: Should invest in a sports watch?

GreenEyedGal

I'm a beginner runner, like a hardcore beginner. For the past few weeks I've been using the Runkeeper app to keep track of my distance and speed and while I love it, I don't know how accurate it is, especially the calories burned part. I noticed that this watch is on sale and I'm tempted to purchase it. It would be nice to know my average heart rate, calories burned and a more accurate pace but then again, I'm not an expert runner nor am I interested in doing a race so maybe it's not even necessary? What do you think? Is the Runkeeper app sufficient enough?

shorewife

My friend who is marathon training uses Runkeeper so I think it is pretty accurate for distance and pace.  From what I saw though it is not accurate for calories burned.  You would really need to invest in a heart rate monitor, not just a sports watch, if you are looking for accuracy as far as heart rate and calories burned.  

andkatiesays

The 405 sucks really really bad, don't do it. If you want an older model Garmin, go for the 205 or 305 (has heartrate). 

Sorry I don't know anything about runkeeper, I just wanted to make sure you didn't waste your money on the worst garmin ever lol. I can't tell you how many complaints we had about it in the store I work in! 

meringue57

I run and have used Runkeeper (on my iPhone) and the Garmin 405.  I have to say, the Garmin has helped me as far as figuring out what different paces feel like.  I'm not sure if that makes any sense, but with Runkeeper, I couldn't look at it while I was running (it was either in a pocket or a holder on my arm), for real time idea of my current pace.

Soooo - I disagree with pp - I like the Garmin.  It was a little intimidating to learn how to use at first, but I've had pretty good luck with it since I received it as a Christmas present this year.

karaiu

I use RunKeeper...whenever the signal is actually working, which is only about half the time. The distance is pretty spot on when it's working (I run with a group once a week so I know the mileage is accurate compared to what we're running).

I'm training for a half-marathon and would also love recs for GPS watches. I like the RunKeeper app but my problem is that I need the distance to work, especially when I run by myself. I live among high-rises and thought it might be that, but I've run in open trails outside of the city and had the same issue.

jdbmjm

I have the same Garmin 405 (with the heart rate monitor) and i LOVE it. I agree that it helps understanding what different paces feel like, I will push myself harder and longer, and I don't have to pre-map a plan to make sure I get all my miles in. I have a tendency to wander up and down various streets and it's hard to keep track afterwards because I can't remember exactly where I was. The Garmin takes a minute to get used to, but now it's second nature. I have no problems with it at all. 

JoeLies

I wore a $25 lap watch for years, didn't bother with a Garmin until I felt I needed to strategically train to get better.  I still personally prefer my lap watch and only wear my Garmin for long runs, otherwise I waste my energry focusing on pace or HR rather than listening to my body.  I think they are a waste of money for most people and definitely a waste if you don't KEEP running in the future, but YMMV.