My birthday isn’t until July 31st, but this is what I want:
The Forerunner 405CX, 405, or whatever cool version is out in July…
Steven has had his Forerunner 405 (Jack) since December 22, but really hasn’t started using it intensely until now, since we finally have weather that permits outdoor running.
We were already impressed that it kept track of our pacing and distance, and even figured out when we were running laps at the park, but when Steven connected Jack to the computer today and showed me the Garmin Connect website… I was blown away.
The website shows elevation, speed, heart rate, as well as a physical google map of your run! I cannot believe we haven’t looked at this until today!
Of course, many of you already know this… and have been sharing your maps/charts on your blogs, but wow. This is one cool little watch!
If you click here, you can see our stats from yesterday’s race. And if you click on the “player” button (and hit play), it will show a little video of our movement on the map as well as our elevation vs. speed (chart shown below).
Today is a “Yes, I love technology” day!
It’s also a “I am so happy my legs aren’t as sore as they were yesterday” day! My legs aren’t usually sore after a long run, but they were immediately yesterday. I was changing in the backseat of my car, and just lifting my leg up while in the sitting position made my calf cramp. We walked around for about an hour and a half after the race, so I am happy we just didn’t get into the car and drive home! I imagine that would have made it much worse.
I really, really, really think I am going to have to try ice baths after my long runs now. Anything that prevents injury and lets me keep running… brr!
CONGRATULATIONS on running!!!!!!! I am sure you are feeling a huge sense of accomplishment. Each time you race, it’s got to just be so exciting!!!
marissa – Thank you! I do feel a huge sense of accomplishment… and a huge urge to sign up for even more! Ha ha!
You’re so funny!
I LOVE my Garmin. Although, I admit I hadn’t even looked at the Garmin Connect website until just now. Hmm. I currently use Bones in Motion but the Garmin Connect website looks pretty fancy.
Also, AWESOME TIME! I’m so jealous. Hopefully by next year I can get my time under 2 hours.
I love my Garmin! I have a 205, which works well for me…I’m not really into heart rate monitors or anything, but some people are and that’s okay! I like the blue color, however!
I’ve done ice baths before…you just have to jump in and do them. I think they really do help! My trick is to get in the tub and then let it fill with ice cold water (or dump the ice in). The gradual build up is much better than a giant plunge. Also, as long as I keep my toes out of the water, I can tolerate it.
Glad you’re not too sore.
Woohoo, a Garmin is a great motivator…and a great birthday present!
Erin – I hadn’t heard of that other website but Steven checked it out when he saw your comment and said that you can run with your phone and it can do your gps and pace as well. Cool! And thank you 🙂 I bet you can get under 2 hours if you keep working at it! It takes me a long time to train my body to run faster!
Susan – Some people ARE super super into heart rate monitors and wear one ALL THE TIME!!! I think it is fun to see the stats, but it is not something I pay attention to when I am running, unless something seems wrong (I used to have a watch that checked bpm – it’s broken now). Thank you for the ice bath tip! I wonder when I should start doing them… for anything over 15 miles? Hmm…
Mica – Me too! I think it will still take awhile to get back to 100% though. I bet if I start saving now, I could buy the Garmin for myself for my birthday! Hee hee.
I hope you get your Garmin for your B-day. After looking at the 405, it seems that my 305 fails in comparison. It’s impossible to keep up with these things, argh!
that watch is freaking cool!!!! it can do almost everything for you!!!! dang!!!! i had no idea they even made such a thing!!!!
=^..^=
Yay! Awesome! I want one of these soooo bad. I think they are totally awesome. And – holy crapola, you ran a half marathon!!! You are amazing!!!!
My birthday is July 30! But many, many, many years prior to yours.
That gadget looks awesome, I might need one. Yikes, I am going to really dork up the running trails down here!
I’ve had a Garmin Forerunner 201 for about 4 years and have been occasionally tempted to upgrade, but have resisted. I even have my own (adapted) scripts for rendering the data on Google Maps, but it’s no where near as nice as this Garmin Connect site. I guess I’m going to have to consider upgrading to the 405.
The real problem with this for me is that it’ll almost certainly push me to get one of the Edge 605/705s for my bike… 🙂
Tony – The funny thing is, they came out with the updated version of the 405 right after I bought it for Steven! Hee hee. You know, as long as it paces me and knows how far I’ve gone, that’s really all I need.
CourtneyInControl – I didn’t either! Well, until I started reading Runner’s World again last fall and saw that ad for it! Hee hee! They definitely sold me!
Mrs. Smith – Thanks! And I think the fact that you want one of these is a sign that you are turning into a true runner! 😉
Hotch Potchery – Ha! No wonder we are so similar, it’s the Leos in us! You won’t dork up the running trails! You’ll probably start to notice even more people with them if you get one!
Ren – Once you start, you can’t stop, right? 😉
I have a 405 (Mike.) good choice.
I haven’t looked through all the comments on here but Garmin is offering a $50 rebate on the 405CX now on their website! 😉 You know for the early present buyers out there… good until 6/30.
I second BiM from Erin. That’s what I use. Also use SportsTracks too. I’m a software freak I guess.
Congrats on the sub-2hr half marathon! Lindsay == Jealous!! 😀
Nat – Aww, Mike! I wonder if mine will be male too 😉
Lindsay – Sweet! Thanks for the tip. I already told Steven. Ha ha. I didn’t know about BiM. It’s so neat that you can use your cell phone! I will have to try that, in case there is a day I cannot use Steven’s watch. And thanks 🙂