holmbrew said:I think the Foretrex units also lack many of the running specific
features that are really cool about the Forerunner like: the Virtual
Partner, the pace alerts, auto lap features, interval alarms.
That's why *I* like the Foretrex 😉 It doesn't have all those gimmicks
that encourages you to look at a watch rather than the trail. If it
allowed you to set splits - time to various landmarks - it might be
useful, but for an overall average pace, it's just not a useful concept
for trail runners. It's a good way to get hurt, IMHO. That said, I have
used a GPS twice, I think, just to get an idea of change of pace over
different types of terrain (many times for mapping, but only these 2
times for pace). And it was scary both times. FWIW, I generally only
look at watch to see when it's time to head back or if I have time to do
one more loop or whatever - or check for even splits across a section I
may run twice, etc. Same thing for hrm - just an occasional check when
things seem out of whack based on perceived effort. I like to play with
numbers *after* the run, not during 😉
The Forerunners, as far as I can tell, make you decide between being
able to use AAA batteries or download your data, and that's not a choice
I'm willing to make if that's another device that does both. Even the
Forerunner 301 has rechargeables. If you can take spare rechargeables
with you and change batteries, that would be good (like my camera), but
I got the impression, the rechargeable batteries weren't user
replaceable, and that limits its use.
Quoted message said:It is
really a pretty complete device for the runner geek who like all the
cool data. I think the Foretrex products of more for hiking and sailing
because they have a more complete GPS feature set.
I've noticed the water sports aspect and the don't see altimeter
mentioned, so I'm assuming they're lacking that, which is a bummer 🙁
From posts in other groups (mostly trail, longer runs), it looks like
many runners are using the Foretrex because of battery life. Many
runners aren't willing to choose between downloadable and battery life.
For perspective, one of my long-term running dreams is to take a running
vacation where I might be out camping (car) and running multiple days.
15-hr battery life just doesn't work well in those situations. Although
a real GPS might be better for logging the run than any of the Forexxxx
products to date - replaceable batteries, downloadable, map, distance,
elevation profile.
And if you ever saw my living room with all the rechargeable devices
attached, you'd understand why I'm reluctant to buy yet another such
device 😉
Dot
--
"Dream Big, and dare to fail." --- Norman Vaughn
who was with Byrd in Antarctica and whose 99th birthday was Dec 19