As I mentioned in my previous post, I was not a runner before beginning training for my triathlon . Things like running pace or or distance did not mean much to me.
When I first started running, one of my team members taught me about the “walk/run” method. Just like it sounds, you alternate walking and running. For example, I would run for 5 minutes and then walk for 2. As it turns out, for some people, they actually end up with better times this way. I immediately fell in love with the method, as I did not feel the pressure of needing to run the entire distance without stopping. Also, by keeping track of how long I was able to run for before needing to walk, I knew if I was improving. I went from running for 5 minutes and walking for 2, to running for 10 minutes and walking for 1. I began looking for watches that could notify me at set intervals so I knew when to walk and run.
The Garmin FR610 had this feature, along with many other cool ones. The watch has GPS, a heart rate monitor option, a cycling option, and is highly customizable. As you scroll through all the display options on the watch, you can chose which ones you want flashing across the screen. For example, I always wanted lap pace, distance, and a timer (you can chose up to 4 things to be displayed at a time. Sometimes I would only pick 3 per screen).
More serious athletes would probably chose different things to be displayed. I also loved the “virtual partner” option, where you are essential “racing” against a partner, and are informed by a vibration every time your partner is beating you.
One of my favorite specs of the watch, is the wireless auto sync capabilities. I would come home and upon walking through the door, all my data from my ride or run (distance, altitude, pace etc) would automatically upload to the computer with a map of my course. That would always make me really proud. Plus I can always easily access my courses for future workouts.
The only negative things about the watch are the battery life and that it is not completely waterproof. Other then that, I really love this watch and can’t wait to use it again come training season! It really helped motivate me to get through my runs! Ironically, I grew out of the walk/run by the time of the triathlon 
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Like always, leave a comment with any questions!
Click here for more information about the watch!
RM
