Re: GPS watch (like Garmin ForeRunner) and tree cover

From: Ignoramus24825 (ignoramus24825_at_NOSPAM.24825.invalid)
Date: 11/17/04 

Date: 17 Nov 2004 17:14:15 GMT

On Wed, 17 Nov 2004 17:04:19 GMT, Phil M. <pmarg@charter.net> wrote:
> Leafing through rec.running, I read Ignoramus24825's message of 17 Nov
> 2004:
>
>> I run to improve my long distance running performance. I am thinking
>> about buying a GPS watch like device, such as Garmin ForeRunner. I
>> would like to know the exact distance of my run, to figure out my
>> training progress or lack thereof. I googled this group and checked
>> epinions.com, it looks like forerunner s a reasonable device, but does
>> not work well with tree cover.
>>
>> I usually run on sidewalks in suburban areas. Most of my runs involve
>> long stretches of relatively straight roads. No tall buildings, but
>> some areas have quite a few overhanging trees. I am concerned that GPS
>> reception would not be great in those places and that would mess up
>> all the distance and mpm measurement.
>>
>> Any thoughts on whether it would be a waste of money to buy such a
>> device. If you like any particular model, let me know also.
>>
>> thanks
>
> For me it was not a waste of money. I've had my Forerunner 201 for 10
> months. I am 95% satisfied with it. If you want exact mileage, even a GPS
> device will not be exact. But for training purposes it is close enough.
> Ocassionally I run under thick tree cover, but even then I don't lose the
> signal very often. When I do lose the signal, the Forerunner will take
> the missing data and fill it in with an estimate of your pace and
> distance. If you make a turn while the Forerunner has lost the signal,
> then it won't be as accurate. A few weeks ago I ran on the Des Plaines
> River trail and I never lost the signal. It could be because about half
> of the leaves had already fallen. Garmin is very good about keeping the
> firmware up to date. They are now on version 3.4 as they've fixed several
> issues.
>
> With the Forerunner I can download the data to my PC using the Forerunner
> software. Or even better, download the data using MapSource. That way you
> can overlay your routes on an actual map. Additionally, you can upload
> your data to http://www.gpsvisualizer.com/map?form=forerunner, then
> convert your data to a jpg image. Here's an image of my 10 mile run along
> the Des Plaines River: http://tinyurl.com/6q6ze (notice the slight detour
> while I had to wait for a train). Here's one of the Steamtown Marathon:
> http://tinyurl.com/684d7
>
> In my limited experience with dealing with Garmin, they have been very
> helpful. A few weeks ago one of the buttons stopped working. I called
> Garmin support. They immediately gave me an RMA number to send the unit
> back to Kansas. 5 days later I had a brand new Forerunner delivered via
> DHL.
>
> I got mine from Amazon for $125. Currently it is $120 with free shipping.
> Not bad.
>
> Phil M.

Thank you, just the answer that I was looking for!

i 

-- 
Running Log: http://igor.chudov.com/weightloss/exercise.txt
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