Of Mice and Marathons

Nice miles Jason. You're not wasting any time getting back at it.

I ended up going with a Garmin 610 (shows up tomorrow!). It ended up being between the 410 and that, but the vibration option (I typically run with music) and the claim of more accuracy pushed me to get it. Thanks for all the input.

I was hesitant because of the touchscreen but I know some others have it (Scott Keate is one). It's a lovely watch, and the vibration alert is awesome. If you have ever run in a pack the beep alert is like a ringing iPhone; everyone has the same technology and you always think it's your device that's making noise!

I have found it helpful to have one watch for easy runs and one for workouts and racing. You could still use your old watch for normal routes, and turn off the alert and pace so you aren't monitoring it. I can't turn the pace off on my 210 (wish I had purchased another 410), but I use current pace (to check in once in a while), but for the most part I keep the watch set to clock mode so I am not always looking and checking mileage and pace. This way you can run a route that deviates from your normal routes while still getting a pretty accurate measure of distance but you won't obsess about pace and run as slow as you need to. I still fiddle with my watch too much, but I am getting better. If you check every split you are likely to run faster even if you don't think you are.

I was contemplating what I should do with my old watch (sell it, fix it, give it away..). I think I'll probably hang on to it like you said. I have a heart rate monitor with it. I'm not sure if it'll sync with the Garmin or not (Polar HRM). I just reread an article about the importance of training slow that Rachelle forwarded me months ago and it talks about the benefits of running less than X% of HR on your easy days. Maybe my old one will just be a HR watch that tracks distance (not pace!).

I was pretty hesitant about the touch screen, too. I couldn't really find any complaints about it in any reviews I found though.

I find that heart rate monitors are just another number to worry about (even though I am numbers obsessed). Somewhere on the blog Sasha has some insights into heart rate monitors and zone training. These are helpful to keep in mind. But there are others on the blog who use them daily and probably benefit from them. Once I get into training I start taking my resting heart rate in the morning (I picked this up from Jake). When I used to smoke I think it was 60 or so. Deep into training it will be 38-44!

I've run in some rain and a lot of sweat with the 610. Mine is quite new, but it seems fine.

It's okay to track pace as long as you can't see it while running. I look after I do my run (I usually have a good idea because I may catch a split or two, and I check in to see a current pace to see if I am running too fast if I toggle through). Ultimately your easy pace doesn't matter (as long as it is slow enough). No one will make fun of you for running too slow!