Runners? Affordable HRM that tracks distance and pace ...

I doubt this exists but just in case I'm bumping.

FYI the best I've seen is the Garmin 305 - I think it's about $120 on Amazon right now. Not sure about simplicity of program- I've been waffling on buying it for about 2 months

Runkeeper is great!! I use the app for my Iphone and I love how it tracks the excercies and keeps it for me. plus, it is free!!

I have a Garmin Forerunner 305. I got it for $180.00 at the Running Room (here in Canada). I absolutely love it. A little bulky on my wrist, but I don't mind it. I haven't even explored any of the trainer features on it yet.

Is there such a thing as an affordable, reliable heart rate monitor that tracks distance and pace? I have a Polar FT7 HRM but I have really gotten into running and need a way to track my pace to help me train. Oh yeah and it needs to be easy to use and program, I'm not so good with technology:blushing:

Also where did you buy yours and are the batteries easy to change?

Thanks for all the help!

Have a great day MFP!!!!

affordable is a relative term..... I had the FT-60 and it did all of that.... was on sale at best Buy for $180 ( I think it still is)....I took it back to the store though because I saw a pocketbook at the Coach Store I'd rather have than the HRM and couldn't justify both to DH

I have the Garmin 305 AND I LOVE IT!!!! Its perfect for running outdoors, and the GPS feature is of little use of you're on a treadmill. I'm not good with technology and I find it easy to use. You enter in a little bit of info into the watch, and load some software onto your computer, which just means you put the disc in the drive and follow the prompts. While you run you can choose from three different screens to look at by pressing the up and down arrows, depending on what info is most important to you (pace, calories burned, distance, HR, mph, lap pace). Each screen has at least 3 of those variables listed. When you get home, you use the included USB cord and plug it into your computer, and the software automatically opens up and gets the data from your watch. Then you get to see a map of where you ran, what your best pace was, your average pace, calories burned, etc, and a graph of just about any variable you choose (I look at HR and speed). Then, by clicking on the week you can see all of that arranged for the week, and compare to how you did last week....and on and on. I have found this so helpful and encouraging. I cannot stress how easy this is to use. I was intimidated before I bought it, but its definitely easier to use than, say, excel.

I use a Garmon forerunner as well, however, I think I'm going to upgrad to something a little less bulky. The device itself works great, though.

I also use the Garmin FR305 and have been for over a year. I use it for running and biking, and if you get the optional Footpod, you can use it on the treadmill also.

You can see my runs & bike rides on the Garmin Connect website:

http://connect.garmin.com/explore?owner=rvachon1971

i would suggest just using a website to figure out your distance and pace. i personally use runkeeper.com and LOVE it. especially if you have a polar, you can upload the info from your HRM straight to the website if you want :]

I used runkeeper on my iphone and it was off by like .8 of a mile.

Oooo interesting post!!
I love runkeeper and use it for all of my runs, but was wondering about buying a hrm. I was hoping to combine it with something like a garmin but was hoping there's a cheaper alternative out there!! Is there u reckon or best to save for a garmin? X x

Garmin Forerunner 305 is going to be the "least of the best" so to speak. You can come down quite far in price but you'll lose the GPS. The GPS btw is what makes the watch a bit bulky. Still, it's the best purchase you can make next to your shoes.