Inexpensive Running Watches

dp1228
dp1228 Posts: 439 Member
edited September 28 in Fitness and Exercise
I have a Polar FT4 heart rate monitor and I love it! I've started jogging recently and as I get better I find myself wanting to know keep track of things like my distance, speed, and pace. I don't want to have to worry about tracking all that while im trying to focus on my PR, so i want a running watch to track it all for me. I'd really love to get the Polar RS300X but its 169 dollars and that is a LOT to spend on a watch for me right now. I was wondering if any of you have running watches that were relatively inexpensive but basically work the same way as the RS300X and tracks distance, speed, and pace. I'd spend up to 100$. Thanks!

Replies

  • dietnfit
    dietnfit Posts: 9 Member
    One really inexpensive way to track your running...instead of getting a running watch per se, you can buy a regular sports watch (use a Dakota). But track your miles and pace on a site like Mapmyrun.com.

    Mapmyrun is is free and will track your workouts. You can buy premium memberships but it isn't necessary.

    What is nice, you can map out your runs ahead of time and know where your mile markers are and track your pace. It will give you month end data such as miles run, average pace, calories burned...etc.

    Not as fancy as a running watch...but it is inexpensive and easy to use.
  • jagfan
    jagfan Posts: 255 Member
    I bought my niece a Garmin 305 for Christmas off of Amazon and got a really good deal, but I think it was over $130. She loves it and constantly tells me how much she uses it.

    I have an android phone and use Cardiotrainer. It is a really neat app and tracks everything I do...rather I am walking/running outside for the GPS or manually enter my workout classes, etc. If you have a smartphone, I highly recommend it. It is free. I also have a friend with an iPhone, and she uses RunKeeper. That works on both iPhone and androids...

    Hope this helps!
  • Treece85
    Treece85 Posts: 7 Member
    Try ebay they auction a lot of different type of watches for working out. I got one for a penny and paid $9.99 for shipping and handling. Also cardio trainer on the smart phone is a great idea I use that when I leave my watch at home.
  • jagfan
    jagfan Posts: 255 Member
    I am impressed with the $10.00 watch...I will remember that when I am ready for a new HRM!
  • Montco_cancel
    Montco_cancel Posts: 74 Member
    Best deal you can get on a GPS watch is either a Garmin 205 or 305 from amazon/ebay. They are very functional and work extremely well. Highly recommend.

    The other option, is get something like a Timex Ironman watch, map out a route, and do it all for free.

    I'd say the 305 is your best bet though. Even a used one might be ok.
  • lclarkjr
    lclarkjr Posts: 359 Member
    Garmin Forerunner 305. About $130 on amazon which is a great deal for a GPS watch. And it includes a HRM strap, too. Best running tool I own!
  • dp1228
    dp1228 Posts: 439 Member
    thanks for all the information! I was trying to see if I could get an inexpensive watch to do it all for me. but, I may just go with the suggestions that some of you mentioned.
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