Garmin Forerunner 220

Garmin Forerunner 220 GPS watch

garmin.com £209.99(watch only)  £239.99(watch + heart rate monitor)

 

After 2 years of running and getting along fine with my Garmin FR10 I decided it was time to splash out and upgrade to the next model, the 220 really looked the business as wasn't too expensive, so I took the plunge and have now been using this watch for 3 months, and I have really started to enjoy using it and all the features. The 220 comes in 2 colours black/red and white/purple, and also comes in 2 options, with, or without heart rate monitor. HRM can be added at a later date and other manufacturers HRM also work, I use mine with the Mio Link.

Other runners that have had the FR10 have all commented on the clearness of the screen. The watch does have nice, large, clear digits and a great backlight that makes the watch easy to read especially in the dark

 



The charging clip really is a good design which continues to get smaller and better in my opinion, this watch has a spring loaded clip that attaches to the four metal contacts on the back of the watch as can be seen below

The watch is really easy to use, just pressing the red button as seen on the photo above, starts the process of the watch searching for satellites (which I seem to find quite  a lot quicker than I did with the FR10) The photo below show a bar above RUN which gradually fills up as the watch acquires more satellites, a full green bar and your ready to go

 

The watch has five buttons to use (not touchscreen as on the 620), they operate - backlight, start/stop, lap and scroll up/down through functions/data screens.

So as I go into the menu I have, options for

TRAINING. In here I can access and begin My Workouts (which I have created and added from Garmin connect) I can also access my Training Calendar (also downloaded from Garmin Connect) and I can also edit and set up quick interval sessions without needing to create online and download. Intervals can be set a time/distance/open so you can work regular intervals such as 5mins, 800metres, sessions requiring varying set intervals need to be configured online. You can also set whether to record a warm up and cool down in addition to your workout. I like to use the interval session whenever I can as the results give a great set of data showing how far I covered in each interval, or how quickly I completed the distance, very useful indeed.

HISTORY. This menu option as it says gives access to stored runs within the watch, so you can keep a check of how you did over recent runs, each run stored has data for distance, time taken, pace, calories used, cadence and lap distance/time details (if connecte average heart rate and maximum heart rate) all useful in that post race comparison with running parters. Within this section is also a Totals section which shows the total miles/running time for the week and month.

RECORDS. Does exactly as it says, this is where all your running records are displayed for 1mile/5k/10k/hm/marathon. longest runs distance and time. The watch also gives you notice if any of theses are beaten at the end of any run.

SETTINGS. This screen allows setting up of sensors such as footpod or heart rate monitors, also here connections to Bluetooth devices can be set up such as connections to phones to upload activities to Garmin connect apps. Here you also set up your personal profile for accurate measurements height/weight/gender/age and here also you set up heart rate zones for training. Also as you would expect are general settings which allow time setting, alarm setting, colour settings, and units settings. Here you also setup your in run screens, the watch allows 2 screens to be set up containing 3 fields on each screen which can be put together in any combination using (timer, lap time, distance, lap distance,pace, average pace, lap pace, speed, cadence, calories, heart rate, average heart rate, heart rate zone and elevation) so a really customisable watch for all running needs.

When out on a run I found the watch really easy to use with just a quick tap on the menu up/down button to change between my chosen data screens. A quick tap on the power button gives a brief backlight which can be altered in its duration.

A tap on the red button starts/pauses and stops the run  whilst a tap on the lap button ends the current lap and starts the next, unless auto lap is configured to either a set time or distance. On completion of the run you can save or discard the run details. The feature I particularly like on this watch is the ability to upload my runs via Bluetooth to the Garmin Connect app on my phone, saving time not needing to connect to my computer after every run.
Uploading my runs to the app gives me access to a wide range of details such as route, time and distance as well as many other details as can be seen on the screen below, the number crunchers dream.

A useful feature of the watch is the ability to extend the sleep function giving you longer to start your run and not requiring constant button pressing to prevent standby, very useful as a number of times I have missed recording full runs as I have attempted to start runs only to find the watch gone into standby and needing to find signals again.

The watch also give audible beeps and vibrates to signal upcoming standby, lap completion and alerts including pace warning, heart rate warning and walk/run indicators.

The watch can also auto pause, however, this I find is not as accurate as the FR10 and as a result have now turned this off, with the watch taking longer to restart after an auto pause, leading to a few discrepancies in results in comparison to partners results.

The watch has a good battery life also on average I complete approximately 2-3hours running per week and charge the watch weekly, it never drops below 40%, no problem for the long distance runners, plenty for a 5-6 hour marathon ay struggle with an ultra run.

Garmin also say that the watch is waterproof which certainly does seem to be the case, and apparently can be used whilst swimming( I have not tried this) however, there is no claim that this watch can record distance whilst swimming, and research on the internet does show that the 220 is of no use to the swimmer in recording distance. The 220 also has no cycling settings which I believe is on the 620. Therefore, this is a watch based with the runner in mind.

The watch also has an internal accelerometer that can be used to analyse running cadence and also allows you to look at average stride length very useful in looking at how different conditions affect running styles. This also calibrates the watch enabling accurate recording whilst training without satellite signals, for example when using a treadmill giving more accurate results.

The 220 also records elevation whereas this function was missing from the FR10.

Pros
Easy to read
Comfortable
Good connectivity (Bluetooth ant+)
Waterproof
Programmable
Mid range pricing

Cons
Auto pause not too accurate
no swim/cycle mode

In general a highly recommended watch for the runner that wants to take their running to next level giving plenty of options to analyse data and to set up training sessions.





The Running Bug

website  therunningbug.co.uk

Just though I would write a few words on the running site that I spend most of time on.

The Running Bug

When im out and about at the various events, groups and training sessions, I cant believe how many people dont use this site. 3 years ago when I first started running I came across the Bug and joined up. Its free and full of like minded people, from absolute beginners to the experienced ultra runners and professional coaches.

The best thing about the Bug is the sense of community on there. Theres a section on there devoted to logging your miles, where people comment on your runs giving you encouragement and basically giving you the motivation to carry on when you think its a lost cause. 

The bug even has its own app which you can use to track and upload your runs, and you can even link runs done in strava and runkeeper.

Theres a forum section, where you can go for general chat, advice on training, as questions about tech and running gear, and even look for events/review events. Everyone is so friendly and theres even marshalls that are so welcoming and look for every opportunity to comment on your posts.
If your interested in the latest running gear, then theres a section of reviews where bug members have tested the items and reviewed them for your information.
Regular competitions and loads of interesting articles on keeping running efficient, healthy diet, various exercise techniques etc, help keep you interested and motivated.

I really cant heap enough praise on this site, if it wasnt for the bug I dont think id still be running today. I have met some many new friends who regularly meet up and get some runs together.

If your a runner/jogger or just looking at the possibility of becoming a runner, then I highly recommend this site, you really cannot do better. They even have a cyclebug too.
GET ON THERUNNINGBUG.CO.UK TODAY AND JOIN THE BEST RUNNING COMMUNITY AROUND.

Mio Link Heart Rate Monitor

MIO LINK HEART RATE MONITOR (bluetooth /ANT+ compatible)

Mioglobal.com £89.95

Look what arrived this morning my Link from Mio. Couldn't wait to open, so lets have a look in the box.

In the box we get the charger , the Link, a quick start guide (multi language) warranty, and a simple illustration guide to how/where to wear the link and how to charge.

The first thing I noticed when holding the band was wow this is soft! I was expecting a rigid plastic band which I think was down to using heart rate chest straps, bit this band was a soft silicon like rubber band, nice and comfortable and lightweight. The wrist band comes with two prongs to secure the band at the correct size and two studs which fasten any loose ends.

Further exploration of the strap finds that the actual working part of the watch is a removable chip containing the sensors and LEDs used to measure heart rate.

This photo shows the top of the chip with the power on/off switch in the middle and the indicator light at the top(more on this later)

This photo shows the bottom of the chip, with led lights and the red sensor at the center. As you can see by the logos, the Link is Bluetooth and ANT+ compatible.

So onto the wrist it goes, really comfortable, and it doesnt have to be overtight against the wrist, next question, how easy does it connect to devices? Whilst im downloading the Mio Go app, I try to link with my Garmin forerunner 220. A quick trip to settings and sensors menu on the watch, add sensor, and there it is as easy as that. A quick power on/off test and as soon as the Link is switched on, it is picked up by the watch, and reading my heart rate.

The Mio Go app also connects really quickly to the Link, and just requires a few details, name, date of birth, height, and weight, then your away. In the app I can see an instant/constant heart rate.

I am also able to select training zones in 2 modes. 

 

1 zone setting indicates training on/above/below target zone,

 5 zone mode allows customisation of 5 zone levels such as rest zone, aerobic zone, 50-60% max, all changable to suit your needs.

 Current zone level is indicated by a flashing LED on the wrist strap which changes colour as your zones change.

The charging clip is clever as it uses magnets to fasten to the band, holding securely in place (this has been an issue with some of the GPS watches I have used). simply attach the stap and connect to your usb socket and its as easy as that.

OK so thats pre use testing complete, got to say im impressed with the quality so far, so its off on a run I go! 

My first run using the link was a nice easy paced (or so I thought) 10 mile run with a group of friends. I am really impressed with the comfort of the Link, compared to the old chest strap heart rate monitors, I didnt feel the need to keep adjusting the monitor, and if im honest, I completely forgot I was wearing it, so super bonus points there. There was no indication on the band of my actual heart rate, however, that wasnt the purpose of using it (there are watches available for that) I wanted to be able to connect to my Garmin watch which this did and all the data was recorded there. I had my band set to 5zone setting which meant the flashing LED indicator changed progressively from light blue through dark blue, green, yellow, purple to red, giving me an idea of which zone I was training in, this will be better when I get better aquainted with the levels and colours.

One thing I did notice the following day when using the Mio Go app was that there was a useful battery indicator, showing me I had 2 bars, this follows approx 3 hours of testing, 2 hours out and about on the run and an hour showing off to the family and getting used to the kit, so not a bad battery life from such a small unit. Not suitable for 24/7 monitoring, but perfect for training/event monitoring.

Update- I have now been using the Mio Link for 3 weeks, and really could not be without this, the information I am getting is fantastic, linked to my garmin app and my strava app, I get feedback on my heartrate during my runs, based on training zones, and I can look at  how different conditions, terrains and activities affect me during sessions, allowing me to adapt my training accordingly, most interesting is looking at recovery rates especially during those high intensity interval sessions.

feedback graph from Garmin Connect linked to Forerunner 220

feedback chart from Strava, showing time in training zones

As a PE teacher I would be interested in introducing these to pupils within my classes, who have always struggled with the old heart rate chest straps, not least it being embarrassing even putting the straps on. Mio really have struck gold here.

VERDICT
Pros:-
Comfortable soft rubber wrist strap (available in 2 sizes)
Easy to use (1 button on/off)
Easy to clean
Bluetooth/Ant+ meaning you can connect to virtually any app/watch
Quick and easy charging  no long tangled wires

Cons:-
Hard to think of any! Battery life limited upto 10hrs but is that really a problem!

If you serious about training, go out and get one of these, Im going out and buying one now, thanks to Mio for the review sample.

Mad Dog 10k Southport

www.maddog10k.co.uk
Southport (£24.75 entry)

Thought I would add a review of my favourite 10k of the year, The Southport Mad Dog 10k held in February every year. 2015 will be the 5th running of this popular event, it will be my third; with many more to come



Each year the race has a theme, as you can see this year its Game of Bones (Game of Thrones!!). Each race has a custom logo which is superbly represented on the excellent medal and probably the best T Shirt you will get in any race (I have yet to see anything better!)

 

The main problem I have encountered with running events is the anxiety before the race with getting there, parking up, and getting to the start in time. No such problem here, the organiser have sorted plenty of free parking at a local car park, unfortunately this is not within walking distance (weather wise you probably wouldn't want to anyway), however this is sorted by plenty of free shuttle bus rides to the start (GNR take note FREE!!!) these buses get you to the start in plenty of time to collect your fantastic Tshirt and to prepare for the race by getting a pre race massage. There's a baggage collection area within the school sports hall and some local shops offering some sports goods for sale. Theres a great atmosphere in the hall, its a great place to meet new friends, and its warm (which it usually isn't outside!)

 

 

The organisers give you plenty of warning to get to the start which is only minutes away from the sportshall, and all the locals are out in force to support the 2000 runners at the start of their run. The route takes you along the Coastal road under the famous Southport Pier, loops around the Pleasure Beach, then takes you around the Boating lake and returns back along the Coastal rd back to the Start. There's plenty of support around the course, notably from the local Sea Cadets who turn out in force to marshall the race and offer encouragement and a friendly smile.



 

There's plenty of entertainment around the course with local groups turning out to keep runners motivated from Elvis to an African drumming group which always add a boost to tired runners. Fancy dress is always encouraged as you can see below, with the organisers offering cash prizes for the best fancy dress on the day! You can also win an Ipad by getting at least £10 sponsors, or an ipod by submitting a photo of you in your maddog Tshirt in interesting places.

 

So I finally made it to the end in 2014, after months of injury it wasn't my best result ever, but the atmosphere of the race more than mad up for it, and the goody bag WOW!! you will not get better than this one, full of goodies and the fantastic medal.

 

There's also a fantastic run for younger runners the Crazy pups run which takes place before the main race, a perfect opportunity for your pups to earn a great medal.

 

If your a runner and haven't run this race before, I would highly recommend this one, superb value for money, superb Tshirt and medal, and a fantastic doggy bag. Great support and entertainment around the course, and its a flat PB running course, weather dependant, (last years wind was horrendous).

 

And best of all the organisers do all of this for FREE, everything goes to charity, you cant say better than that!!!

5/5 - a definite must for runners of all abilities

 

see the official video of the event

 

 

 



Silva Cross Trail 2 vs Petzl Zipka plus headtorch

Comparison review of the Petzl Zipka plus and the Silva Cross Trail 2 headtorches.

Petzl Zipka plus rrp £44.95

Silva Cross Trail 2 rrp £99.95

So I decided to take the plunge and enter the Delamere Forrest Night run, a new experience for me, so  I needed to get a headtorch. First up was the Petzl Zipka, which was kindly loaned to me by a friend, initially I thought great, nice and light, looks like its not going to be a distraction. 

So evening comes and of we go for a training run, Ian and I both wearing Petzl, I had Zipka and he had Tikka.

The obvious difference being that the Tikka had headband, whereas the Zipka had unique retractable cord, with a rubberised pad on the back of the torch to give grip.

During the run initially we started along a paved canal path and for this purpose the light output 80lumens was fine the combined light from both was more than sufficient for this purpose. The run then moved onto an offroad track, with mud, puddles and ruts. The run then became a bit more of a challenge with some concentration really needed to miss the biggest puddles, making running somewhat difficult. Also throughout the run I found it difficult to keep the torch where 

I needed it, with a lot of movement around the forehead.

On the night of the Delamere run, I took the decision to wear a cap underneath the torch, this alleviated the problems of moving the torch throughout the run, allowing me to concentrate more o. The tarrain rather than the torch. On the gravel tracks of the forrest all was fine with vision being sufficient, I did struggle with dark wooded areas with rocks and roots, and heavy mud, having to constantly look at my feet, making the running difficult. A lot of the time I relied on the stronger torches of people around me to illuminate the route ahead. A feature of the torch I didnt require was the red led used for map reading, where it is important to remain underected.

Race complete, I'm bit by the bug, next purchase a stronger headtorch, following recomendationsmby my friends on therunningbug.com I went for the Silva Cross Trail 2 with its 250 lumen output.

In the box came the torch, headband, battery compartment, 4 x AA batteries, plus bonus items I wasnt expecting an attachment to add to my cycle handlebars, and an attachment to fasten the torch to a cycle helmet, as well as a belt to attach the battery pack.

On wearing the torch for the first time, I was,impressed how comfortable the torch was, nice,and light, the battery pack attached to the accompanying belt meant the torch was nicely balanced on the head.

I couldnt wait to get out, so Ian was called out again, we avoided the canal and went straight for the mud and rocks. Instantly we were amazed at the light the torch was kicking out. The torch has 4 modes, high (90m), med (60m), low (40m) and wide beam which has a 20m radius, (all modes are combined with the wide beam to give a view ahead and around your feet which feels great, Silva call it intelligent light).

View on wide beam only. (Similar to zipka full power)

View on max power.

On full power the torch can last upto 5hrs, with advertised lifespan of upto 30hrs on minimum, so plenty of power for those 10k/13 miles training runs, I found that that min mode was more than sufficient for the terrain.

The torch has a big power button, easy to use with gloves on, mode is changed with a simple press of the button, light angle is also easily adjusted with a rotating bezel. Upon turning the torch off, there is also a useful battery indicator by way of a green/amber/red led inicating battery percentage remaining.

Comment by Ian at the end of the run was that he now had lumen envy.

So in summary, both are great torches, however, for running on even suraces I would recomend the tikka rather than the zipka as the hearband made the torch feel much steadier on the head, the zipka I think is more of a walking torch, to be used with hats/helmets. but for the serious offroading, on uneven surfaces for me the Cross Trail 2 is perfect, not too expensive but more than capable of doing the job, easy to use, comfortable and efficient.

Yurbuds Focus Earphones

Yurbuds Focus Earphones (£25)
www.yurbuds.co.uk

 

Most would agree that there are two flaws when running with earphones, the tangled cord and, an earphone that doesn't slip out of a sweaty ear.
Yurbuds, claim that they have the answer, developed by athletes for the athlete, Twistlock technology addresses one problem. Though alas, I find not with the first point. Pulling the woven cord from my pocket I find a ball of tangled spaghetti in my hand, which delays the start of my run, although not as bad as other earphones that I have owned I might add.

Inserting the earphone is very easy, with a quick twist, once you get the hang of it, can be a bit fiddly at first.
The ones I had initially didnt fit as the "bud" part didnt want to twist into place, being too small, but a quick email to yurbuds and they sent replacements free of charge! now thats service.

They felt comfortable and secure, but for how long would they hold in place..?. Only one way to find out, long run, and what better way to access the sound quality, than good old Metallica

Six miles late I am surprised, the earphone is still secure and throughout the run there was no cause for adjustment. The clarity of the earphones is very good, and the ambient noise quality impressive, as I like to be aware of traffic around me.
At last a reliable pair of earphones that do not slip out, are sweatproof and dont take all day to untangle.
 

Garmin Vivofit Actvity Tracker

GARMIN Vivo Fit Activity Tracker(£76-£100)

The VivoFit consists of a central unit that snaps into a wristband (small and large supplied). So if you decide you fancy a change in colour, just purchase a new wristband and away you go. The clasp is a bit odd, but proves comfortable to wear over the course of the day. I quite like the design too, even if I did get a lot of mixed comments mainly that if looks cool but also that it looks like something out straight from the set of Star Trek…

The watch is primarily a pedometer - no GPS as you may expect from Garmin. So it would appear that it’s primary objective is to encourage gradual improvements to your day-to-day activity levels. The band provides the number of steps and distance walked per day. I decided to compare the distance measurement with my Garmin GPS watch. The distance accuracy seemed reasonable but not brilliant, certainly not in the same bracket as a GPS based unit.

There is a red bar that appears on the bands screen now and again. Whilst not immediately clear what its purpose is, I worked out that it is a move bar that comes up when you have not been active for a while. Great idea, but this is let down by the fact the watch has no kind of haptic or audio feedback as often I would not see that it was telling me to move.

Syncing the vivo fit with the iPhone app is really simple and gives you a full overview of your activity levels for the whole week. Therefore, you can spot days when you are less active than others. There are various  badges to earn, mainly focused on achieving a record number of steps.

Not having to remember to charge the unit is a great feature. Although it does come at the cost of not having a back-light, so no reading the time or syncing in the dark - but I can live with this.