User Comments

1. 

   11/11/07

   davegill55

   I would really, really, really like to have the Garmin 305 GPS watch which is an amazing device to have. My biggest problem when I run, is my pace. The Garmin will give you your pace and a whole lot more.

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   1. 

      11/12/07

      cyberpenguin

      Is this the same thing as the Garmin Forerunner 305?
   2. 

      11/12/07

      davegill55

      Yes it's the Garmin Forerunner 305
2. 

   11/12/07

   cyberpenguin

   I'd really like to get a hydration system for marathon-training. Not sure which kind I'd get quite yet (Fuel Belt, Nathan Trek, Amphiphod, CamelBak, etc.). Need to do more research first, but definitely think this'd be a useful thing to have!

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   1. 

      11/12/07

      cymrusteve

      Corey, I'm an Amphipod fan. I used to use a Fuel Belt, but now prefer the clip on Amphipod bottles with the larger opening (useful for adding sports drink powders). The bottles are easily cleaned and the belt is so comfortable you hardly know you're wearing it. It doesn't jig up and down either...
      
      Fuel Belts have changed a bit since I owned one (I had a 4 bottle version), so I can't really make a straight comparison on current models. I must say I had no issues with the comfort of the belt - the downside for me was bottle size, size of bottle mouth and the elastic bottle holder that I sometimes struggled with.
      
      Haven't used a Nathan Trek and I would only consider a CamelBak for bike riding. Last time I wore one on a run, it drove me crazy.
   2. 

      11/12/07

      cyberpenguin

      Thanks so much, Steve! I'm definitely going to check out the products you recommended.
      
      On a related note, I'm sure you've probably already seen the blog post I recently wrote about hydration systems:
      
      seecoreyrun.blogspot.com/2007/11/interesting-article-about-hydration.html
      
      The article I just read from the Seattle Times (which I mention in the above blog post) concurs exactly with your assessment!
3. 

   11/12/07

   cymrusteve

   Dave, the Forerunner 305 is a great training tool - I rarely run without mine. I must admit I've had a few issues with the heart rate monitor chest strap, but otherwise no problems whatsoever. It's accurate, surprisingly lightweight for it's size and provides no end of useful (or useless depending on your point of view) data....
   
   You can even upload your data to the MotionBased web site and view your training courses/races on a Google Map, check the course elevation, laps, weather, heart rate, speed and much more.
   
   Here's my activity list:
   
   stevespeirs.motionbased.com/

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4. 

   11/12/07

   cymrusteve

   I really don't have anything on my wish list aside from a new pair of Brooks ST3's....
   
   www.cymru66.com/running/brooks-st3-shoes-of-choice-for-2007-marine-corps-ma...
   
   I found out in Saturday's Richmond Marathon that my current pair have completed too many miles. It's my own fault for leaving it too late to buy a replacement pair
   
   This leads me to a couple questions:
   
   What do you do with your old running shoes and at what point do you replace them?

   [reply]
   1. 

      11/12/07

      cyberpenguin

      Can you give your old running shoes away to a place like Goodwill or Salvation Army? (As the treads on them are obviously no longer good for running, I'm sure there are some people who could use them as regular walking shoes.)
      
      It'd certainly be nice if you could somehow "recycle" them like a plastic cup or a paper bag, eh?!
   2. 

      11/12/07

      davegill55

      I know a guy here in Denver that collects them and donates them to The Denver Rescue Mission, which is a homeless shelter. He even recruited a few guys from the shelter to run in The Colfax Marathon here in Denver. It made quite a story.
   3. 

      11/12/07

      cymrusteve

      I usually take mine to the local running shop (www.runningetc.com) who "donate thousands of used running shoes to local charities and to High School Coaches for their athletes who can't afford running shoes."
      
      Now and again, I'll keep a pair for yardwork