<p>Most serious runners are not happy with the Nike +. It assumes a constant stride and can be really off on varied terrain/hills.</p>
<p>I’m a runner and I love my blinker lights. I got them at a bicycle store, the ones that clip on rather than attach to handle bars. I clip them onto my shorts, a white one for the front and a red one for the back.</p>
<p>Thanks. With an ID at least someone could find me.</p>
<p>Does anyone have a recommendation for iPod speakers that clip onto your shirt, rather than the earbuds?</p>
<p>"Most serious runners are not happy with the Nike +. It assumes a constant stride and can be really off on varied terrain/hills. "</p>
<p>I was trying to make the point that not all “serious” runners are alike. Not all runners need or care about the amount or the precision of information that can be provided by the Garmin 305. One of the most serious runners I know (he’s run for 40+ years), runs totally on feel. He says his body tells him when to turn back. It wouldn’t work for everyone, but it works for him. My son has been happy with the Nike + because he’s happy with ballpark information. He doesn’t really care if he runs 5 miles or 5.263 miles or even 6.5 miles … it’s all the same to him. He runs in ranges - short, medium or long runs, fast pace or moderate pace. He doesn’t care about the precision a 305 would give him, but he does care about running with a brick on his wrist. Serious runners take various approaches to the sport and they have different needs from a sports watch. The 305 probably gives the most information and the most accurate information, but that’s why it’s so big. A lot of runners prefer to give up some of that for a smaller watch and that’s why Garmin has so many different devices. They even have their own version of the Nike + … a non GPS device with a foot sensor.</p>
<p>Yes, many old school runners run by feel or time and don’t use a GPS. The Nike is for hobby joggers. If your son enjoys it, great. The Garmins are large but very light and are not noticeable during a run as far as weight or discomfort. I am a small female, as are many of my running friends, and once you get over the size of the Garmin, there is no problem. The Garmin foot pod is mainly for treadmill running or situations where you can’t get a GPS lock.</p>
<p>I run with a water bottle in one hand and my iPhone wrapped in a ziplock bag in the other. It does not bother me a bit to carry these two items for 1-2 hours. I’m sure I would have been fine with the 305, but Costco had a smaller Garmin watch on sale, and that’s what I got. I do not wear a chest strap for heart monitor - that bugs the heck out of me, a bra band is plenty! Recently I saw a running bra with a heart monitor device built in that is compatible with Polar readers. That could be a gift that might be welcomed by some female runners. 
Im on my iPhone and it is a pain to look up things, but if I find the thing, I will post a link.</p>
<p>Anyone have an opinion on the Garmin 305@ $150 vs the 410@ $209? The gift is for my 24 year old son who is training for his second marathon. He has a MAC computer and I believe the 410 is compatible but not sure about the 305. I actually have both in the house and plan on returning one. :rolleyes:</p>
<p>^^ Go to a web site called dcrunner. He gives great reviews of all the Garmin watches.</p>
<p>Thanks for all the great ideas! I studied all the Garmin reviews and I bought the 305, even though it was slightly larger. I also bought one of those medal racks. My runner will love them.</p>
<p>Running tights, socks, shoes, jacket, long/short sleave running shirts, massage … oh that is what I am dreaming for Xmas. I run 7 miles a day and 10+ on weekends and I have been running for 20+ years.</p>
<p>Oops… the web site is dcrainmaker not dcrunner. Sorry. His reviews are really good and he gives lots of info.</p>
<p>^^^Thanks.</p>
<p>
</p>
<p>I have the 405CX which is the same as the 410 minus the updated touch bezel. I am very satisfied with the 405 and would choose it again over the 305. The functionality is essentially the same, but the 405/410 is a much smaller package.</p>
<p>The big complaint with the 405/410 is the touch bezel, but I have not found it to be any more annoying than an iPod touch. It’s just a matter of learning how fast to do stuff like tap and scroll to get it to do what you want. Just like with the touch screen iPods. I actually like the bezel interface a lot.</p>
<p>^^^Thanks for the review. My only concern with the 410 was the bezel, so I’m glad to hear it isn’t that much of a problem. I’m sure he would prefer the smaller size.</p>