Garmin Forerunner 201 GPS Receiver: Worth the Cost to Track Your Performance?

I have always used some method to try to track my performance while working out. Almost all of my workouts are performed outside and it is not always easy to determine how far or fast I have covered the territory. I have used numerous pedometers, but they always seem to freeze up or the batteries die on me. I was surprised when I discovered the Forerunner 201 GPS Receiver and discovered that it actually worked.

The wrist mounted device is not too noticeably once you get used to it and does a good job of letting me determine whether or not I have pushed myself and how much I have pushed myself. The device stores lap times, mileage, and calories burned. It also calculates speed, location, and altitude.

The key is that is calculates all of these things. In other words, I know how far I go, how fast, and whether or not it was predominantly an uphill or downhill trip. I have checked the device against the car pedometer and found that they each came out with the same mileage. A big change from the pedometer which showed that I had gone 7.8 miles versus the car reading of 5.2. The Forerunner 201 was exactly the same as the car. Using a watch I was also able to determine that the speed matched up exactly the same as it should have been. In other words, this thing works much better and more precise than any pedometer I have ever used.

In addition, the system has integrated mapping units which will show you your progress on the routes that you typically run. In other words, how do you stack versus the last time out? I rarely use the GPS functions other than to determine how I match up, but the functions do allow you to do some hiking and be able to find your way back. Not being a hiker, I cannot recommend nor can I shoot down the Forerunner 201 when it comes to off the beaten path adventures.

Thd display is easy to read and I find this to be important. I do not want to have to slow down to read the display and find out where I am, or how fast and afr I have gone. I want to be able to do so with just a glance. The Forerunner 201 allows me to just glance quickly at my wrist and see the numbers that I need when working out. It is also water proof and this is important if you sweat a lot or work out in an area where it is humid. I have both problems.

A few other things that I have found over the past few months. First of all, I do get the 13 or so hours that the device promises from the battery. Secondly, I get pretty good reception except when running in the downtown area. Though downtown reception is not terrible, it does tend to go in and out. Finally, I like the simplicity of the device. You do not need to worry about turning it on or off and you never have to worry about clearing anything like you do with a pedometer.

On the negative side of things, it does take a little while to get accustomed to the device. However, I feel that this may be because I am not accustomed to having anything on my wrist while running. The other negative and one that I was surprised by, was the "Virtual Partner". The partner is supposed to work as a way to push you to perform over and above your last workout. You are able to track your numbers via software. Yet, I found the software and the program to be difficult to use and not worth a whole lot.

All in all, I am very pleased with my purchase. I have a much better tracking device than the pedometers I have owned over the years. While it costs a little more, the device also provides accurate readings and the pedometers where not even close. I also have a number of different features that are and never were present with pedometers. I highly recommend the Garmin Forerunner 201 and feel that you will find it worth your while whether you are serious or not so serious with workouts. Either way, it is a great way to track your progress.