I was reading a runner's forum recently where a runner asked the question "Do I need a GPS?"  The answers were interesting, varying from runners who believed they were an unnecessary waste of money to those who would never run without one.  So what is the truth?

Do you need one?  Probably not.  Would it help you improve your running?  Almost certainly.  Would it be fun to have?  Definitely!

I have run with a Garmin GPS for couple of years now and wonder how I ever trained without one.  The current model is the Forerunner 405, but mine is the 205.  It has more features than I'm likely to use, but the ones I already use are impressive to me.

I wear it for all my training runs and also for races.  At a glance I can see how long I have been running, how far I have traveled, and my current pace.  It also beeps whenever my pace changes enough to move me into a different zone, from 10 preset zones that I adjusted to match my own running level.  It also works for bikes and, I believe, for swimming, just in case you're into triathlons.  I use it on my bike cross-training (different zones, of course).

After my workout, I download the Garmin GPS data to my computer.  I then have a record, lap-by-lap, of each workout.  Adding my own notes gives me a running log.  The workout information includes the date and time of the run and for each lap:
  • Lap #
  • Distance
  • Time
  • Average Pace
  • Average Speed
  • Maximum Speed
  • Calories
  • Ascent
  • Descent
  • Time and distance in each of the 10 zones
  • A chart showing pace against either time or distance with (optionally) speed, elevation or grade
  • A map showing the course taken
I can also compare my run with any previous, similar run.  This gives me a chance to observe my progress, not just by guessing at it like I used to, but from real measurement. 

When planning workouts, I can select from running, biking or other.  In running, I have created separate groups for easy, hills, intervals, LDS, pace, races and tempo runs.  You can create as many groups as you like and as many workouts in each group as you like!  You preset the unit to beep after a certain time or distance, or when you heart rate gets into certain zones.  The 205 doesn't have a heart rate monitor, so I don't use that function.

This is only a quick view of the possibilities.  One of the neat features is that you can set a pace and it will create a virtual running partner for you.  You can then watch whether you're ahead of or behind the partner, who is running at your preset pace.  How cool is that?

By now, you will be eager to get one, so let me give you a link to click on.  When you get there, type "Garmin" (without the quotes) in the search box, and it will take you to the Garmin GPS Forerunner 405.  This is the new, improved version of mine (the latest of the Garmin GPS units), and it includes a heart rate monitor also.

Now you'll be able to see your progress with every run!