What is best fitness tracker for running?

flippy1234
flippy1234 Posts: 686 Member
edited November 23 in Fitness and Exercise
Hi there,
Just started training for a 5K. I am a beginner. Do any of you have suggestions for the best tracker? I also need one that you can see the seconds on.
Thanks.

Replies

  • jennybearlv
    jennybearlv Posts: 1,519 Member
    My Garmin Vivoactive got me through C25K just fine. I have a Fénix 3 now which you can download programs into and it gives you data on cadence and a bunch of other stuff. I was doing a 5K program from Garmin before I got bronchitis for Christmas. I liked what I did of the program. Both watches show seconds in the timer data field.
  • NorthCascades
    NorthCascades Posts: 10,968 Member
    Garmin Fenix and Forerunner are equally good, and among the best running watched available.
  • Duck_Puddle
    Duck_Puddle Posts: 3,237 Member
    If you’re just starting out, you may not want to make a huge $$$ investment yet until you have a better idea of the features that matter to you.

    If you have a smartphone, there are a number of apps that work well (runkeeper, endomondo, strava, mapmyrun, and several couch to 5k variants).

    If you’re interested in a tracker and want something reasonably priced, try a Garmin 15. It’s got plenty of running features, GPS, etc and you can get it for around $70. It’s got the essential features and won’t break the bank.
  • Jthanmyfitnesspal
    Jthanmyfitnesspal Posts: 3,522 Member
    edited January 2018
    Wahoo fitness TICKRrun plus their phone app.

    https://www.wahoofitness.com/devices/heart-rate-monitors/tickr-run-running-monitor

    (Full disclosure: I have only used TICKR, which only reports HR, but I like it a lot and want to upgrade to TICKRrun, myself.)
  • apullum
    apullum Posts: 4,838 Member
    I second not paying for a specialized device if you're just starting. I've used Runkeeper since I started running and it suits me just fine. I would try the free apps that @Duck_Puddle mentioned before committing to buying something more expensive.
  • pomegranatecloud
    pomegranatecloud Posts: 812 Member
    Garmin Forerunner or Fenix.
  • scorpio516
    scorpio516 Posts: 955 Member
    Depends on what you want.
    The garmin forerunners are great.
    Polar makes pretty good watches.
    Suunto makes very good watches.
  • GOT_Obsessed
    GOT_Obsessed Posts: 817 Member
    Duck_Puddle wrote: »
    If you’re just starting out, you may not want to make a huge $$$ investment yet until you have a better idea of the features that matter to you.

    If you have a smartphone, there are a number of apps that work well (runkeeper, endomondo, strava, mapmyrun, and several couch to 5k variants).

    If you’re interested in a tracker and want something reasonably priced, try a Garmin 15. It’s got plenty of running features, GPS, etc and you can get it for around $70. It’s got the essential features and won’t break the bank.

    Hi. I am just going to jump on board this thread. I hope it is ok.

    Do these apps tell you what your speed and distance is? That is what I am looking for once I am done my C25K. (on week 6, day 3 currently)

    Thanks.
  • jennybearlv
    jennybearlv Posts: 1,519 Member
    GOT_Obsessed wrote: »
    Duck_Puddle wrote: »
    If you’re just starting out, you may not want to make a huge $$$ investment yet until you have a better idea of the features that matter to you.

    If you have a smartphone, there are a number of apps that work well (runkeeper, endomondo, strava, mapmyrun, and several couch to 5k variants).

    If you’re interested in a tracker and want something reasonably priced, try a Garmin 15. It’s got plenty of running features, GPS, etc and you can get it for around $70. It’s got the essential features and won’t break the bank.

    Hi. I am just going to jump on board this thread. I hope it is ok.

    Do these apps tell you what your speed and distance is? That is what I am looking for once I am done my C25K. (on week 6, day 3 currently)

    Thanks.

    Yes, these apps are perfect for recording speed, distance, and getting a calorie estimate to share with MFP. A watch is really only necessary if you want to keep track of your data as you are running. It's nice to know your pace, heart rate, or how long you have been running without pulling out the phone all the time. A beginning runner really doesn't need all the bells and whistles of a Fenix or Forerunner, but it is neat data if you know you will stay active.
  • Duck_Puddle
    Duck_Puddle Posts: 3,237 Member
    GOT_Obsessed wrote: »
    Duck_Puddle wrote: »
    If you’re just starting out, you may not want to make a huge $$$ investment yet until you have a better idea of the features that matter to you.

    If you have a smartphone, there are a number of apps that work well (runkeeper, endomondo, strava, mapmyrun, and several couch to 5k variants).

    If you’re interested in a tracker and want something reasonably priced, try a Garmin 15. It’s got plenty of running features, GPS, etc and you can get it for around $70. It’s got the essential features and won’t break the bank.

    Hi. I am just going to jump on board this thread. I hope it is ok.

    Do these apps tell you what your speed and distance is? That is what I am looking for once I am done my C25K. (on week 6, day 3 currently)

    Thanks.

    I am not sure about the C25k apps (but there seem to be a billion of them so some probably give different info than others), but Runkeeper, Endomondo, mapmyrun and strava (and probably others that I’m forgetting about) will give you time, distance, pace, speed, HR (if you have a BT HRM connected), etc. Runkeeper will speak your stats to you during your activity. The others might too, but I’ve used Runkeeper so I’m familiar with it. I have a fancy Garmin watch now, but Runkeeper worked more than adequately for a couple of years for me.
  • GOT_Obsessed
    GOT_Obsessed Posts: 817 Member
    Oh, thanks guys. Very helpful!
  • flippy1234
    flippy1234 Posts: 686 Member
    I am just starting out and doing the couch to 5K so I need the seconds especially since you run for say 30 seconds then walk for 30 seconds and so on.
  • scorpio516
    scorpio516 Posts: 955 Member
    jennybearlv wrote: »
    GOT_Obsessed wrote: »
    Duck_Puddle wrote: »
    If you’re just starting out, you may not want to make a huge $$$ investment yet until you have a better idea of the features that matter to you.

    If you have a smartphone, there are a number of apps that work well (runkeeper, endomondo, strava, mapmyrun, and several couch to 5k variants).

    If you’re interested in a tracker and want something reasonably priced, try a Garmin 15. It’s got plenty of running features, GPS, etc and you can get it for around $70. It’s got the essential features and won’t break the bank.

    Hi. I am just going to jump on board this thread. I hope it is ok.

    Do these apps tell you what your speed and distance is? That is what I am looking for once I am done my C25K. (on week 6, day 3 currently)

    Thanks.

    Yes, these apps are perfect for recording speed, distance.

    I wouldn't say perfect. Apps are often 10-15% off in distance which ruins pace calculations
  • MeanderingMammal
    MeanderingMammal Posts: 7,866 Member
    scorpio516 wrote: »
    jennybearlv wrote: »
    GOT_Obsessed wrote: »
    Duck_Puddle wrote: »
    If you’re just starting out, you may not want to make a huge $$$ investment yet until you have a better idea of the features that matter to you.

    If you have a smartphone, there are a number of apps that work well (runkeeper, endomondo, strava, mapmyrun, and several couch to 5k variants).

    If you’re interested in a tracker and want something reasonably priced, try a Garmin 15. It’s got plenty of running features, GPS, etc and you can get it for around $70. It’s got the essential features and won’t break the bank.

    Hi. I am just going to jump on board this thread. I hope it is ok.

    Do these apps tell you what your speed and distance is? That is what I am looking for once I am done my C25K. (on week 6, day 3 currently)

    Thanks.

    Yes, these apps are perfect for recording speed, distance.

    I wouldn't say perfect. Apps are often 10-15% off in distance which ruins pace calculations

    But for someone doing C25K, they're good enough. There's no need to buy a proper device until well beyond that stage.
  • MeanderingMammal
    MeanderingMammal Posts: 7,866 Member
    flippy1234 wrote: »
    I am just starting out and doing the couch to 5K so I need the seconds especially since you run for say 30 seconds then walk for 30 seconds and so on.

    Endomondo and Runkeeper have baked in C25K plans that'll give you audio prompts for the walk/ run intervals.
  • JustSomeEm
    JustSomeEm Posts: 20,269 MFP Moderator
    I use MapMyRun, and it works just fine. :)

    Are you using a C25K app? Sounds like you might not be... if not, there is one by ZenLabs that is free, and will tell you when to walk and when to run which frees you from having to constantly watch a clock.
  • riffraff2112
    riffraff2112 Posts: 1,756 Member
    I use runtastic on my smartphone. Works like a charm. Logs the map for you, allows you to add everything from weather conditions, to pictures, reads out splits (if you wish).
    I started using it to see if it was something I would benefit from before spending a lot of money, then realized it is perfect for what I need and didn't have to buy anything better.
  • NorthCascades
    NorthCascades Posts: 10,968 Member
    scorpio516 wrote: »
    jennybearlv wrote: »
    GOT_Obsessed wrote: »
    Duck_Puddle wrote: »
    If you’re just starting out, you may not want to make a huge $$$ investment yet until you have a better idea of the features that matter to you.

    If you have a smartphone, there are a number of apps that work well (runkeeper, endomondo, strava, mapmyrun, and several couch to 5k variants).

    If you’re interested in a tracker and want something reasonably priced, try a Garmin 15. It’s got plenty of running features, GPS, etc and you can get it for around $70. It’s got the essential features and won’t break the bank.

    Hi. I am just going to jump on board this thread. I hope it is ok.

    Do these apps tell you what your speed and distance is? That is what I am looking for once I am done my C25K. (on week 6, day 3 currently)

    Thanks.

    Yes, these apps are perfect for recording speed, distance.

    I wouldn't say perfect. Apps are often 10-15% off in distance which ruins pace calculations

    A phone is a lot less convenient than a watch to use while running, too.

    Nobody needs anything but feet to run, of course nobody needs the latest watch. But the OP did ask what is "the best."
  • Tacklewasher
    Tacklewasher Posts: 7,122 Member
    JustSomeEm wrote: »
    I use MapMyRun, and it works just fine. :)

    Are you using a C25K app? Sounds like you might not be... if not, there is one by ZenLabs that is free, and will tell you when to walk and when to run which frees you from having to constantly watch a clock.

    I agree with this. If you are starting, try the Zenn Labs C25K first and see if you like running. And I don't think you can program a watch to trigger at the C25K walk run times.

    I've stuck with Garmin (am on my 4th one, only 1 that broke) and have a Fenix 3HR. Would have loved a 5X, but it was $400 more ($440 vs $850 Cdn) and I think the 3HR will do more than I need.
  • MeanderingMammal
    MeanderingMammal Posts: 7,866 Member
    Tacklewasher wrote: »
    And I don't think you can program a watch to trigger at the C25K walk run times.

    With Garmin you set it up in Connect and download it to your device.
  • CaraLanglois
    CaraLanglois Posts: 17 Member
    I used the zen labs C25K app and the MapMyRun app at the same time. I would get audio cues to run and walk AND audio cues for time, distance and pace. All while listening to a really great playlist:)
  • AnvilHead
    AnvilHead Posts: 18,343 Member
    MeanderingMammal wrote: »
    Tacklewasher wrote: »
    And I don't think you can program a watch to trigger at the C25K walk run times.

    With Garmin you set it up in Connect and download it to your device.

    ^ He's right. Garmin Connect allows you to design custom workouts, which can then be sent to your wearable device. But you would have to design a workout for each phase of C25K.
  • Tacklewasher
    Tacklewasher Posts: 7,122 Member
    AnvilHead wrote: »
    MeanderingMammal wrote: »
    Tacklewasher wrote: »
    And I don't think you can program a watch to trigger at the C25K walk run times.

    With Garmin you set it up in Connect and download it to your device.

    ^ He's right. Garmin Connect allows you to design custom workouts, which can then be sent to your wearable device. But you would have to design a workout for each phase of C25K.

    Needed to know that a year ago LOL.

    :)
  • Jthanmyfitnesspal
    Jthanmyfitnesspal Posts: 3,522 Member
    CaraLanglois wrote: »
    I used the zen labs C25K app and the MapMyRun app at the same time. I would get audio cues to run and walk AND audio cues for time, distance and pace. All while listening to a really great playlist:)

    Me too. Zen labs app and wahoo fitness app with HRM at the same time. Very helpful to track hr during the runs.
  • scorpio516
    scorpio516 Posts: 955 Member
    AnvilHead wrote: »
    MeanderingMammal wrote: »
    Tacklewasher wrote: »
    And I don't think you can program a watch to trigger at the C25K walk run times.

    With Garmin you set it up in Connect and download it to your device.

    ^ He's right. Garmin Connect allows you to design custom workouts, which can then be sent to your wearable device. But you would have to design a workout for each phase of C25K.

    Or, even the cheapest good devices (Forerunner 25, TomTom Spark/Runner) have built in run/walk intervals. You've got to go up to the FR23x to get custom workouts
  • GOT_Obsessed
    GOT_Obsessed Posts: 817 Member
    Yep I use Spotify at the same time as the Zenlab c25k app.
  • mitch16
    mitch16 Posts: 2,113 Member
    I love my Garmin Fenix 5S, but it is pricey--I wouldn't invest unless you decide you are serious.

    I see loads of people who run with their smartphones--for their music or whatever--there are plenty of free apps that you could add to track for your C25K training, and some of them have built in audio cues. Heck, even an inexpensive digital watch will work if you're only interested in time and not your total distance at this point.
  • BruinsGal_91
    BruinsGal_91 Posts: 1,400 Member
    scorpio516 wrote: »
    AnvilHead wrote: »
    MeanderingMammal wrote: »
    Tacklewasher wrote: »
    And I don't think you can program a watch to trigger at the C25K walk run times.

    With Garmin you set it up in Connect and download it to your device.

    ^ He's right. Garmin Connect allows you to design custom workouts, which can then be sent to your wearable device. But you would have to design a workout for each phase of C25K.

    Or, even the cheapest good devices (Forerunner 25, TomTom Spark/Runner) have built in run/walk intervals. You've got to go up to the FR23x to get custom workouts

    I've had my FR25 about a year now and it does everything I need. I dithered between the FR25 and the FR35, but decided I'd rather spend the $60 difference on a new running top. The FR35 has a HR monitor which I wasn't really bothered about, and a touch screen for accessing playlists, texts, emails etc. I don't run with a phone, so that was pretty useless to me.
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