Reddit reviews Garmin Forerunner 235, GPS Running Watch, Black/Gray

i just dropped $$$ to see Colin Mochrie (of Whose Line fame) do improv tomorrow but now i want to drop $$$$$$ on a running watch (p.s. does anyone want a gently-used apple watch sport) but i shouldn't but i want it and it'll make training for my half more fun bc i love data

I'm not sure what your budget is but this is an absolute steal and will do everything you are looking for and more https://www.amazon.com/Garmin-Forerunner-Running-Watch-Black/dp/B0160BC1FO

I've been using it for a year now, cant beat it especially at that price

FYI this is similar to the US amazon price of $249.99.

Mostly aesthetic, all of which are highlighted in this link! Also, if you're interested in getting the 235, I believe that amazon has a sale right now, it's going for $150 here.

I think the VA4/Venu are both great, and would serve you well. I think the whole Garmin infrastructure and software with Garmin Connect, etc., are great, and superior to Samsung's (disclaimer: that's based on liking Garmin, I don't really know much about Samsung other than I hate their phones - lol).

If you think they are still a little bit expensive and over-featured, consider the Frontrunner line. I didn't (I ended up going all-in on a Fenix) but I've seen some threads on here that make them seem like a terrific cheaper alternative, and there are so many models that, while it's confusing, you can pick and choose the features you are willing to pay for. For example, I read someone reporting how happy they are with a 245. I just looked on Amazon and its $149. https://smile.amazon.com/Garmin-Forerunner-Running-Watch-Black/dp/B0160BC1FO/ref=sr_1_3?keywords=garmin+frontrunner&qid=1574871025&smid=ATVPDKIKX0DER&sr=8-3

So, I wholeheartedly endorse the Garmin lineup, but perhaps a cheaper version?

Finally, I hate all things Apple, but my wife uses an iPhone and has an Apple Watch Series 3. She absolutely loves it, and it does all sorts of fitness things on top of having seamless integration with her phone. It's on sale for like $169. If you use an iPhone, I would reluctantly steer you towards considering that. :-)

You're young. At 5'9" and 190 you are probably a skinnyfat with a runner inside. And while my inclination is to doubt whether this is even possible (it is) or safe (it's really not in your best interest) if you can do one mile in 10 minutes today then at least you're on the right track (hurr hurr hurr). If you do not have any health problems whatsoever, I believe this is possible. Otherwise, graciously bow out before you kill yourself.

I'm going to give some advice, some warnings, and then a couple of motivationals so stick with me:

1. First on your list is taking care of those feet. If you weren't a runner yesterday, then you probably don't have decent running shoes. Don't go to Modells or Dick's or Sports Authority, go to a runner's shop where you will be properly fitted (here on Long Island we have Runner's Edge and The Running Company, find a specialty shop like these). Running shoes are expensive, you're going to spend at least $100 on these so get the best ones you can afford. Wear these shoes only when running, not to work or lounging around the house. Buy appropriate shorts and socks at the same time and change your socks at least twice a day in addition to after every run. When your shins / feet start to hurt, it's time to pony up for new shoes again. Get used to it!
   
   
2. Watch this video by Mark Cuccuzella on running form. This may be the best advice you ever receive because he talks about running economy and form. Improve these and you will have a better chance of avoiding injury and burnout.
   
   
3. Get a good heart rate monitor. I use the Garmin ForeRunner 235, it's incredibly accurate and doesn't require a chest strap. If you don't have $270 to spare on top of the $150 you're going to spend on shoes, get the Timex Road Trainer, it's only $60.
   At 40 my heart rate hovered around 185 while training. You're half my age, you should be able to sustain 180-200 easy. If you feel like you're going to pass out, slow down.
   
   
4. You don't have a lot of time to work on diet. Stay away from bloating foods (broccoli, cauliflower, peanuts, low quality fats and dairy). Lean toward bananas, whole muscle meats, eggs, fish and rice. There's a strong emphasis on proteins - you're going to need them at every meal. But you're also going to need a ton of simple and complex carbs. This guide is pretty decent, but still - stay away from beans and dairy.
   
   
5. You will be tired. If you aren't sleeping 8-10 hours a night now, you will. Plan to be in bed at 9 or 10pm.
   
   Now get to it. Run in the morning, every morning (except rest day).
   Run at the same time every day, take 1 day off every week and walk 3-4 miles. I always run in the morning before work - less distraction, nobody else is even awake to bother me.
   Warmups should be at least 20 minutes / 2 miles (if you're not dripping sweat, you're not warmed up).
   Follow that with sprinting intervals. If you can keep running (runner's high will get you) do it.
   You have 8 weeks, here's a sample progression for your goals at the end of each week.
   
   Week| Sprint (mph / minutes)| Jog (mph / minutes)
   ---|---|---
   1|6.6 for 10 | 6.0 for 30
   2|6.8 for 20| 6.2 for 30
   3|7.2 for 20 | 6.4 for 15
   4|7.6 for 15 | 6.4 for 20
   5|8.2 for 15|6.6 for 30
   6|8.8 for 15|7.0 for 30
   7|9.2 for 15|7.2 for 30
   8|9.6 for 15 | 7.4 for 30
   
   
   A few warnings:
   
   
6. This is not a good idea.
   
7. Running is expensive! But that's because it's worth it.
   
8. Your feet will hurt. Your tendons will hurt. Your quads are going to be on fire some days. Your shoulders will hurt (I hurt my shoulders more while running than when I was in gainz mode). Keep good form and these will go away.
   
9. You're probably going to enjoy a phenomenon called runner's trots. Your entrails are not accustomed to the hours of jarring punishment you're about to dole out.
   
10. You are going to sweat like you've never known before. Dripping, splashing sweat. Your clothing will be soaked and stinky. You are going to have to do laundry every day. Running clothes reek if left in a pile when wet.
    
11. Your appetite will be a confusing mix of hunger and non-hunger. Keep bananas on hand and drink water. Stay away from caffeine after 12 noon, it's going to screw up your sleep schedule. Absolutely stay away from alcohol.
    
12. You are going to gain weight before you start losing weight. This is because muscle is more dense than fat, and your legs will start bulking faster than you start burning fat.
    
    Here's some motivational / fun stuff:
    
    If you aren't in a cast at the end of the 8 weeks, you are going to look awesome. People will notice.
    If you aren't in the hospital before the end of the 8 weeks, your cardio health will be better than it's ever been. Your doctor will notice.
    It takes a minimum of 21 days to form a habit, so about three weeks into your 'training', you will be a runner.
    I'm betting you enter a handful of races for the 2017 season just to show off :)
    Tell everyone you can about the challenge. They'll keep you accountable and motivated, and it will be harder to quit.
    You're going to be ecstatic at every milestone. Keep it up, you're going to have fresh PR's a few times a week.
    Keep a log of your progress. Whether it's Runtastic, Runkeeper, MapMyRun - these will provide stats and achievements.
    
    Remind Me! February 17th
    
    Source: used to run 6-10 miles every morning, spent a lot of money on shoes, ran some races.
    
    edited: clarity
    

the black forerunner 235 is on sale at amazon too: https://www.amazon.com/dp/B0160BC1FO/ref=psdc_617647011_t2_B00XKRWTUE?th=1

A couple of months ago I bought a Garmin Forerunner 235. I love this watch since it has so many features. Before the run, I set my finish distance of a half marathon on my watch. The watch has several screen to look at, but I kept it on the screen where it told me the distance remaining, estimated finish time, and average pace. Other screens can tell me how far I have gone, total time elapsed, heart rate, cadance, heart rate, and a bunch of other stuff. It’s 100% customizable too. You can change what each screen shows, or you can download different data fields from the Garmin store for free. I highly recommend this watch, but if you didn’t want to spend that much money, I have heard good things about the other cheaper watches.

Yes! It actually just came out yesterday.

Garmin Forerunner 235

Its kinda pricey, but it does wrist based HR which is kind of hard to find. I don't have it so I can't really speak to that but its on my Xmas list.

I went to see what the current prices are, and Amazon has it new for $270, but only in black...apparently colors are more popular.

I've been extremely happy with the 235. This is my first Garmin, and it's a nice upgrade from the TomTom I was running with before. There are plenty of complaints out there about the optical HR, but I have had zero problems with it. It's been rock solid for me. I got it before Christmas when it was on sale, and I have yet to see it give a weird HR reading, or cadence lock, or anything like that. Clearly some people have problems with it, so YMMV, but it's been great for me.

Otherwise, it has pretty good battery life. I wear it all the time with activity tracking on and smartphone notifications on, and I get 6-7 days out of it between charges...that includes 6 runs a week. Also, this is the first watch I've ever had where the instant read pace is actually a usable field. It loses it's mind sometimes, like all instant pace does sometimes...but most of the time, it's actually pretty close to a realistic number.

I'm very pleased with it. It's been a really nice upgrade. Probably my only real complaint is it's a little large on the wrist for day to day wear...but since it's winter time, so I usually have long sleeves on anyway. I may not wear it for short sleeve season...we'll see.

The best thing I can think of is a used previous gen GPS watch like the Garmin Forerunner 220. You don't have the same functionality as the newer watches due the fact you can't put third party apps on it, but it would still keep track of miles and elevation. I have a current gen Garmin Forerunner 235 and it lets me install apps. One of those is a hike app and a downloadable maps app which lets me upload trails from alltrails.

It would be cheaper to go with a bluetooth chest strap that is compatible with your phone. If you do get a wrist based fitness tracker I would get one that has gps so you can ditch the phone altogether. Something like this garmin or the fitbit surge. Garmin let's you export your runs to different platforms unlike fitbit (Smashrun, Strava, Runtastic, etc.) so you probably should avoid it if that is important to you. Personally I would go with a older Garmin and HR strap because I don't necessarily need a full time fitness tracker and you can find them for much less $.

Garmin Forerunner 235, GPS Running Watch, Black/Gray https://www.amazon.com/dp/B0160BC1FO/ref=cm_sw_r_cp_api_i_X6jlDbNB9BDR5