Garmin GPS/HRM or similar...

Any one of the Forerunner series will do the job for you.(I noticed Amazon.com has the 410 right now for about $150 which is about half price.....)

I have a Garmin 410. I like what it tracks, as the Garmin web interface has a ton of detail. I don't like that I can only see three things during my run though, unless I fumble a lot with the dial. Like heart rate, average lap time, and overall time, but anything else, like current speed, calories burned, distance, etc. can't be seen unless I go to the menu and make changes to my settings. I wish I could scroll through and see everything.

The watch face is also quite large, and it's less of a concern in the summer when I'm wearing a sleeveless running tank, but in the cold, and I'm wearing long sleeves, I've bumped the stop button several times in the middle of a run with my sleeve.

You need to read this: http://www.dcrainmaker.com/product-reviews

I second the dcrainmaker blog read - he gives ridiculously in-depth reviews of most options out there, from soup to nuts. I ended up going with a garmin 310xt over the garmin 410 and Polar FT60. My basic criteria: waterproof, HRM, gps (or compatible), compatible with a cycling cadence and/or power meter, programmable for workouts and run timers (I never remember to eat or drink on long runs/rides). What pushed me over the edge for garmin over polar was the data download files - garmin's are in a more widely used/readable format, so I'm not stuck to some proprietary program or a web site that will go unsupported in a few years. Also, the Polar battery is non-rechargeable, so I'd have to fuss with the gasket a couple times a year. I'd rather send in the watch for a replacement once every few years and know it's still waterproof.

What scared me off the garmin 410 is the less vigorous waterproofing, 8 hour battery life (20 for 310), and the bezel control. I like to get lost on long runs and rides (and need a watch that WILL get me home, even at the end of a long day), I'm prone to doing stupid things with/near water, and I'm not the most dexterous person. If you're not going ridiculous distances, not using it for biking, and don't need the extra waterproofing, the 410 is way better than the FT60 for price. The fragile 310 watch face has me seriously spooked, but I'm hoping a layer of protective 3M film and fanatical care will help with that.

I didn't really consider the garmin 305 or 405, or the other Polars, I think mostly because they didn't fit my initial criteria. Timex has some too, but you're stuck with their software (which is subscription based for the full version, so you keep paying - the demo is likely adequate but I don't like the principle). Suunto has a few but none knocked my socks off. dcrainmaker has covered them all, though.

Another vote for the 410 here, I have had one for about 6 months now and it really does make me want to go out and record tracks.
It's interesting to look back and compare heart rate and speed on a certain hill 2-3 months on and see your improvement.

I upload tracks to the garmin site, but also sportstrackerlive and strava as they all give me different info, and I can compare with friends on strava.


A couple of other points raised above - I agree re the bumping of the stop button - happened once, which was a bit annoying, and the waterproofing - no problems for me, and I have been completely drenched a couple of times.

Also, if you have big wrists, put the flexi strap on.

I have a Garmin 910XT that has never been opened that I'm going to get rid of is anyone is looking. I had an in store credit I had to use by the end of November but they couldn't get the Garmin Fenix that I wanted. If anyone is interested PM me.