Ohhh, now I get it.

Today I did my run with a new piece of electronics. . .because I needed new running gear just like I need more running shoes (are you getting the sarcasm across the internet miles?  Because I'm laying it on thick).

I got a Garmin 310XT. 

A couple weeks ago, I had a duathlon, and it rained almost the entire race.  I might have mentioned a little something about it in a previous post.  Anyway.  Normally I wear a MotoActv.  An awesome exercise watch that also has my music on it.  One small piece on my wrist, like a large watch, and cordless earphones, and I am good to go - usually.

Over the past year of wearing the Moto I have discovered a few disadvantages. 
#1 - Battery.  Of course, with the Moto doing everything except the laundry and dishes, the battery wears out fairly quickly.  I have figured out how to use it so that it lasts at least for a half marathon run, if not a little longer.  Keep in mind that for those two hours the Moto is using GPS and music, so the battery is usually at 10% by the end of a race.  It died during my full marathon.  Still, I liked having ONE piece that did it all.  It has been more convenient, than not.

However,
#2 - Moto uses a swipe screen action.  I have to drag my finger over the screen in order to get to the items I need.  This is normally not a problem, except when it's raining (remember the duathlon?  It was raining).  When it's wet, or my finger is wet, I can't use the screen, which pretty much makes the Moto useless to me.

Finally,
#3 - Now that I am a super-awesome multi-sport athlete (hey, this is my blog, and I can be Queen of Fitness if I want. . .), I have found that the Moto does not transition easily from one event to the other. 
This was the main reason I was looking at new fitness technology.

That was a long explanation to get to my main point.  Sorry.
The Garmin is awesome. 

I used mine today, and I think I want to wear it 24/7.  I am completely lured into its addictive powers of information.

Luckily, a fellow LKN MRTT (Moms Run This Town) was selling hers, so I got a great deal.  Otherwise, I could not afford such an amazing piece of technology.  However, that said, if you are looking for a good fitness watch - investing in a Garmin would be a wise choice.

I love it.

I wore it today for a 4 mile run after work.  It's very easy to set, and the entire run I could easily see the screen which let me know at a glance:  1)  Distance, 2) Running time, 3) Pace and 4) Heart rate percentage.  I'm sure the Moto could give me all this information too - but because of battery life, the screen was not always visible, in order to save power.
It was so helpful to see all the information.  I kept my heart-rate in between 80-90% for the run.  I managed to keep my pace at a 9:10mm or less.  It helped to see the numbers as I ran; to guide me with improving my running.

It also can be programmed to switch from run to bike to run with the press of one button - which will come in handy during duathlons.

Now, I totally understand why some runners are fanatical about their fitness watches - their pace, minutes per mile, heart-rate, etc.

I get it.
Now, if only I could get the Garmin to do the laundry and dishes. . .