Happy Monday!! I had a recovery run on the schedule today which is my favorite way to start the week. For some reason it is always hard for me to hit a tough workout on Monday after a complete rest day. I like Mondays to help me to ease back into the tough stuff—> aka 2 x 3 miles @ 6:25 pace tomorrow. PS this might be my favorite fall running top right now—> it’s from Target, crazy soft/long enough/love the colors/seamless.
Let’s talk about Garmins for a minute. I purchased the Forerunner 225 and it arrived last week. I have been using the Forerunner 620 for awhile now and I am already EXTREMELY happy with the switch that I have made to the 225. Why didn’t I love the 620? Well, the touchscreen drove me crazy. I didn’t feel like it was very reactive at all to touch and so I would have to press down pretty hard for it to respond. It froze a lot (although it hasn’t as much over the last few months) and I just really wanted to go back to buttons like my old Forerunner 305 (the garmin that stuck with me perfectly for many many years). The 620 did every function that I needed and I loved the white/orange color scheme but it was time for me to move on…
The number 1 reason that I made the switch to the 225——> the wrist-based heart rate. A sensor is built into the watch to measure heart rate. I had a heart rate strap that went around my chest with my last garmin but I lost it and my coach needs all of the heart rate information from my runs in order to continue to make a custom plan for me. I could have bought a new chest strap BUT I actually don’t like wearing those. I have played around with the tightness/looseness/placement of the strap but it continues to chafe me (and if you use body glide to prevent the chafing then the reading of the heart rate is off) and bug me so I went for the watch that takes your heart rate from your wrist.
Time, distance, pace, steps, calories etc are all tracked on this watch along with an accelerometer (which will record distance indoors).
I just especially love being able to see my beats per minute and what zone I am in (warm-up, easy, aerobic, threshold and maximum zones) as I am running without having to wear a strap. I do not train solely off of heart rate but it is an extremely helpful tool to make sure I am going slow enough on my recovery days, hard enough on the hard days and right where I should be on the long runs. PPS I need to work on my cadence because I think that will really really help my calves.
Plus now I have more random running stats to study after a run like this one from my 19 miler:
Today was an easy 4 miler and as soon as I got to the top of this monster hill I turned around and it looked about 1/80th as steep looking down on it compared to looking up it. That always happens to me.
Finished the run and hung out with the kiddos. PS my sister is up to running three miles a day completely pain-free… her back surgery earlier this year has been a miracle. They told her at one point that she wouldn’t be able to run again but post-surgery her doctor has approved her to run and she has already built up to 3 miles without stopping!
I attacked her kitchen like usual. Pretzel rolls form Costco… great post-run fuel.
And then I saw these from my niece’s trick-or-treating bag. Whoever passed out these on Saturday night is a genius.. I’ll be doing the same next year.
Got home and put my ice sleeves on right away! My shins are feeling better today than last week and I think it is because of the scraping and icing. Shins, I just need you to stay healthy for a few more weeks and then I’ll take a nice break:)
We got outside to enjoy the perfect temperatures.
And Brooke is still wearing her race medal all around the house.
PPS I should not be allowed to do laundry for a bit… when I was washing my gloves with the rest of the load I forgot to take the hand warmers out and so this happened:
—————————————
What was your favorite Halloween candy over the weekend?
Garmin owners—> which one do you use? What one have you used in the past? Thoughts on them!!
Anyone pay attention to heart rate #s/zones with their running?
What was your lunch today?
87 comments
Natalie
LOVE gummy bears! Those would definitely be my favorite Halloween candy! :)
I use the Garmin 225, as well, and really like it. Sometimes it takes a while to pick up satellites for me, but I can’t complain too much.
Lunch was a delicious chicken pesto sandwich from Jason’s Deli. I don’t eat there often, but I probably will more now because of this sandwich!!
mary @ minutes per mile
i LOVE the garmin 220. it’s just perfect for me and its purple face makes me smile. i don’t do HR zones 90% of the time because i don’t like allllll of that data, but occasionally i put on the ole’ HR strap just out of curiosity.
Annie R
I use the 225 and I love it! I’m surprised you didn’t get the purple and white one since you love purple so much!
I was pretty good about not over-indulging in the halloween candy this year, but I loved the mini pouches of Sour Patch kids!
I don’t pay attention to heart rate really at all, that might be the next thing for me to obsess over. Currently it’s my cadence.
I had chicken over orzo and broccoli. It was delish!
Sarah @ SarahRuns26
I have the Garmin 620 also. I’m not a huge fan of the touch screen either, but mine is almost too sensitive. Sometimes I change things without meaning to or randomly stopping it and it messes with my paces, etc. Not sure if I’ll get a new one but it isn’t my favorite. I wish I liked it more than I do.
I do like knowing what my heartrate is, but I’m pretty terrible about keeping up with it. I love the idea of having the wrist sensor! I chafe so badly with the chest strap!
Lunch today – chicken and rice with roasted veggies! Yum!
So glad you sister is doing so well post-surgery! That is great news!
Jennifer @ JenChoosesJoy
I wear the 620 but love that the 225 has a built-in heart rate monitor!
I have been celebrating the NYC marathon by eating ALL day, lol! Lunch was a fall salad, pizza, wine, and gelato!!!
Laura @ This Runner's Recipes
I use the Garmin 10, although the Garmin 225 is tempting with its heart rate monitor in the wrist and the zones data. My lunch today was a salad with arugula, red cabbage, chickpeas, and cashews and a slice of bread. Favorite Halloween candy was peanut butter M&Ms!
Molly @ Motherhood and Marathons
I use the Garmin 110 and it has been good to me. It has a heart rate monitor strap, but I never use it because of the same reasons you mentioned!
My favorite candy from this weekend was an almond joy. I haven’t had one of those in forever!
Katie
I’m a super low-tech runner. I map my run out beforehand and just clock my time with my good ol’ Timex digital watch. Sometimes, I think I’d really like a Garmin, but then I worry that I’d be checking my wrist every three seconds to make sure I’m running the right pace. I’m kind of obsessive by nature, so that seems like something I would do.
Giulianna
hi! Im from brazil and im Very happy to hear what u said about preferring 225 to 620. I just switch from a tomtom to garmin 225 and I was not sure about which one I should choose, but I took 225. The touch screen was the point that make me choose the 225, I imagined what would happen when I start sweating. Good runs for u!
Michele @ paleorunningmomma
Those are also my kids’ favorite gummy bears. Happy for your sister to be able to run – always an amazing feeling!
Hollie
We sell the 620 at work and it’s just too much watch. I don’t think most people need that much technology. I have the 220 (which doesn’t include heart rate). I really like it to be honest. I think it’s perfect for me.
Lisa @ Running Out Of Wine
I have the 620 and I love it except for the touch screen. I also wish I didnt have to wear the HRM strap, but when I got the 620 the 225 wasn’t out yet.
Favorite Halloween candy was mini Reeses. And todays lunch was leftovers from dinner last night- grilled steak and veggies over rice!
Megan @ Skinny Fitalicious
I use the 225 and love it! I’ve found the higher end models cause me a lot of trouble. The things you mentioned like freezing, shutting down and not turning back on. It was just too complicated and I needed something I can count on.
crystal
Where did you get your ice sleeve? I’ve been looking for one.
The Hungry Runner Girl
Hey Crystal! I got them here:
http://amzn.to/1MtFRqJ
They are great!
crystal
Ordered! Thank you!! :)
Kelly
Hands down favorite – peanut butter cups!
I just got the Fitbit surge. I so far am loving the heart rate and sleep features.
I am new to heart rate training but, hopefully it makes it easier to take the easy days easy.
Lunch today was fruit, a salad and egg & cheese omelet.
rache
I recently got it too :) it’s great. And i never realised I slept so little!!
Valene
What marathon are you going to do? Is CIM a possibility even though it is a Sunday? I was hoping for that one but my injury recovery has taken longer than I thought ;-(
The Hungry Runner Girl
Oh no!! What injury do you have? I’m so sorry! I won’t be doing CIM but I will be posting about it in the morning… I just need to push the submit on registration now! I hope you recover quickly. Injuries are so frustrating!
Valene
Congrats on announcing your next races! I had a bad bout with IT band syndrome so I wasn’t able to participate in the marathon I trained for in July and pretty much had to stop running until late September when it finally started to feel better. They definitely are. Hope you are healthy for the rest of your training!
Jenny
Favorite Halloween candy we got was the tootsie rolls we put out and a big size Milky Way. I hid it from my kids :)
Fiona @ Get Fit Fiona
I”m all about Aero bars – definitely my favorite candy of the moment. In fact I might have left those until last to give out to trick or treaters, so if there was any candy left over it would be the Aeros.
Meredith
I have to say I have been enjoying the mini Rolos. I think I stole all of them out of my kids Halloween bags.
I have been running electronics free (except for MapMyRun on my iphone) but I am seriously thinking about trying out a Garmin. I like the benefits you mentioned about the 225. I’ve never been able to justify one before despite 3 half marathons, 1 marathon and who knows how many 5ks! I never feel like I ran enough! Sounds funny now! ha!
Jessica
I don’t use a Garmin yet; I track most of everything on my cell phone, but don’t track my heartrate. Maybe I should start………….
Lunch today was a turkey and cheese sammy with mustard on sprouted wheat bread, an apple, and two home-made cookies (I ran this morning AND went to yoga this afternoon, so the two cookies are totally allowable ;) ).
Your post the other day reminded me to revisit the Milky Way! I ate approximately 34 minis last night watching Netflix, and they were DELICIOUS- thanks for jogging my memory!
Rachael @ Catch Me if You Can
i dont understand half of what you said about the garmin…im a little too simple with my running, whats my pace, how long did it take, how long did i go. i wish i knew all that fancy stuff maybe it would make me faster!
Jess @ Jess Runs ATL
I currently have the 610 but have been eyeing the 235 which comes out soon. I was hoping it would be out in time for my marathon in Richmond in two weeks but no luck!
Trying to be good with food this week and next week so for lunch I had a spinach salad with chicken, bacon, almonds ,tomatoes, goat cheese, and a light balsamic vinegarette on top. Oh, and four treadmill miles on lunch!
Can’t wait to hear what marathon you’re doing!!
Jessica
I wear a Garmin Vivofit. I am a yo-yo runner so this is the perfect first watch for me. The chest strap is definitely something to get used to, but when I got the watch as a Christmas gift last year, I wanted something that would track my heart rate. Plus, it has a lot of other cool features :) I also use RunKeeper on my iPhone.
I am a chocolate girl at heart. My favorite Halloween candy is almost anything covered in the stuff. I plan to set a goal for myself to cut back on my sugar intake and eat well in general. My husband and I just moved into a new house (on a running/biking trail…EEEEEEE!!!). We also bought a brand new fridge that allows me more room for healthy foods and ideas….
I think things are setting up nicely! Now I just need more motivation!
LOVE your blog!!!
Katie
I love that Brooke is still wearing her medal, her race pics and vid were just adorable! May I ask what kind of back surgery your sister had? I had an L5/S1 discectomy in September and I’m just about to start slowly getting back in the running game! I’ve missed it while being injured and recovering from surgery!
Julia @ Lord Still Loves Me
That hill is impressive! I am trying to envision it from the bottom and it looks daunting as it can be. I’m so thrilled your sister is up to running! that is amazing and more than I usually run. Go her!
Sara @ LovingOnTheRun
I really really want to try out the 225! I have the 220 and LOVE it but I think having the heart rate (WITHOUT having to wear the chest strap) would be awesome! Look forward to hearing your thoughts about it.
Becky @ Ok, so here's the plan
We only have candy corn in the house right now, though fruity candies are my favorites. Sour gummies are the best.
I have a TomTom gps, which also has the wrist heart rate monitor. I never ever used the chest strap when I had one, and I do like having my heart rate data available, even if I don’t usually train based on heart rate zones.
Lunch today was a salmon salad sandwich and some chips.
Kristen @ Glitter and Dust
I love my Garmin Forerunner 910 XT because it does multiple sports and can track swim, bike, and run during my races. I like that it is waterproof and I can swim with it in the pool and lakes. I’m hoping to upgrade to the 920 at some point. The multi-sport feature is really nice.
Training with HR and zones is a must. It’s easy to go out too hard. This information helps me to control myself and pace for the distance.
Brooke should definitely flaunt her medal as long as possible. She’ll never forget her first race! :)
Kaitlyn
I have gone back and forth about upgrading to the 225 from the 220 for like almost a year, and it’s now at the very top of my Christmas list – so glad to hear you’re loving it!
Cheri @ Overactive Blogger
Just so you know – they’re updating the Garmin’s soon! Keep your eyes out for that!
The Hungry Runner Girl
Good to know! That is super exciting:)
Sam @ Grapefruit & Granola
I don’t have kids but had to work on Saturday and there was a candy bag at work. I ate little bite size snickers and starbursts. Probably too many :) Taco salad for lunch. Sorry about your laundry mishap!!
Brynne
I had leftover lasagna for lunch today, and then /accidentally/ ate a whole shareable since bag of PB M&Ms :((
I run with a 610 which doesn’t have a color screen or a HR built in. I wear a separate HR monitor on my wrist next to my watch. Sometimes it’s a bit much for my tiny wrist. It sounds nice to have it all in one but I can’t justify buying a new Garmin since mine is still in perfect condition.
I’ve been eyeing (and drooling over) that shirt at target forever!! I think this might be the final push I needed to go buy it :)
Kathy McElhaney
I had zero Halloween candy – marathon week!
I had a Garmin Forerunner 305, when it died I replaced it with the Suunto Ambit2 which I LOVE!
Lunch today was a favorite sandwich – turkey, Swiss cheese, sliced apples and apple butter on wheat bread! You need to try this :)
Brie @ Lean, Clean, & Brie
I just bought a Garmin 220 and I absolutely love it. I am kicking myself for not buying it earlier because it has been so helpful for me this past week of training and I can’t wait to put it to good use in my half marathon on Sunday!!!
Mags Runs
Hi! Can you tell us why you purchased a 225, right as the newer 230 and 235 are coming out? They also look awesome!
The Hungry Runner Girl
Hey Mags!! I bought mine here:
http://amzn.to/1WslG7A
Mags Runs
Sorry for the misunderstanding- I’m asking why (not where)?
The new 235 and 630 look soo cool!
Sally @ sweat out the small stuff
I just got the forerunner 25. It’s perfect for me. I had the 10 but needed more than 5 hours of battery life.
Lauren
Love my 225! How do you get all those fancy charts? Assume on Garmin connect online? I have my phone and watched synced which is very cool. But have never seen which zones I am in for how long! Thanks:)
Denise @ An Academic Athlete
I have the Garmin 310xt which is an older model, but the battery life is amazing (like 10 hours of running), and it’s completely waterproof. I will probably hold onto it until it completely dies on me. After my half 0n Saturday, I’m going to try running by HR for awhile…we will see how it goes. :)
Jane
I love my Garmin 310xt as it is light and has a large face, but it does require to be reset at least once a month. Once I figured out how to reset the watch, I don’t have any issues. Happy running! :)
Jill @ RunEatSnap
I’ve never used a Garmin but I’m intrigued! I would love a more objective measure such as heart rate because I often feel like I don’t push myself as hard as I could/should. And I LOVE Target workout clothes! And you are amazing at how quickly you’ve gotten back into your training!
Polly @ mytimerunner
I thank you so much for this post! I have been looking at the Garmin you reference for the heart rate monitor at the wrist. Currently, I have a basic Garmin, however, I have made a huge leap and signed up for my first marathon!!! EEK! Not sure why, but I feel like the distance of 26,2 and the training miles involved, i might need to start evaluating heart rate… I am no spring chicken at 43…. (should have started running before 40)… LOL!
So neat the your daughter got a medal!! My son just participated in a mile run that I was one of the organizers for… it was attached to the 5k that supports my son’s school. He was so excited about his participation medal!!! (he is 6). A friend of mine snap a picture of him and I coming in at the finish line!! It is my all time favorite photo ever!
Losing Lindy
my lunch was spaghetti squash baked with no oil with grilled chicken breast, onions and mushrooms. I am trying to be healthier, not going to lie, I need to try sauce next time.
MaryM
It makes sense that your cadence is lower because you are running up and down hills. I think it is harder to have a higher cadence while running up and down. Try a flat surface and you will probably be at 180. I love that Brooke wore her medal all day. She earned it!! Can’t wait to hear where you are running???
Margaret @ youngandrungry
I use the Garmin 620! I tried the 225 for a couple runs because the heart rate strap was chafing me like crazy, but I missed the touch screen! I haven’t had any problems with mine and I’ve had it for over a year now. I’m a big fan!
Elissa
It’s funny/ironic, I recently got the 225 and started working with a new coach that doesn’t do HR training. Go figure. So if anyone wants the 225 and is ok with a used one let me know :)
It’s a great watch but I just don’t need all of that data
Daniella
Hi Elissa,
I’m interested in your 225. Let’s connect!
Elissa
Shoot me an email :) emquilici86 at gmail dot com
Paula@thehealthy75
Snickers. It has some kind of hold on me!
I have the the 220 and love it! One of the best purchases I have ever made.
I’m not monitoring my heart rate yet, see how helpful it has been to you I’m thinking I might need to start…
Lunch was okay, the best part was carrots and hummus.
Gracie
I still have my original 305, and I like that it has enormous numbers…I can’t see very well.
Marissa @ Run Riss Run
I cannot believe it, I have yet to have a piece of Halloween candy. Eek. It’s been so busy!
I am currently using the 220 and I’m in love with it. I love that the light stays on super bright while I run in the early hours. Basically it does everything I want/need except for the heart rate, which is pretty darn cool. I don’t know if I can part with the purple though.
I wear a fitbit while I run as well so I can periodically chart my heart rate, but nothing more than that.
Lunch today was a leftover rotisserie chicken wrap from Costco with some added avocado cilantro dressing. Yum!
Chelsea @ Chelsea Be Healthy
Love love love my Garmin AND gummy bears!! I totally took the candy tax on my nieces Halloween candy! ;)
Amber Chi
I wear the 220 and I love it :) The hubby thinks that I should switch to the 225 because I never know if I am training at the correct pace for each of my runs. He has a point, but I can’t seem to justify spending money on another watch when the one I have works just fine! Oh, and I cannot wear the strap, it annoys the heck out of me.
Lunch was a tricked out salad with TONS of persimmon (a Fall favorite) and pomegranate seeds. Healthy food was on the menu all day, since I O.D.’d on M&Ms and candy corn all weekend!
Tedi @ running with infertility
The 220 sounds dreamy. I would love to see what my heart rate is while I run so I know if I can step it up without my heart going crazy.
Lunch was bean and bacon soup. It was just enough and fulfilling. Yum!
Sheena @ Paws and Pavement
Heart rate based training is very important and it really has made me realize I can push harder when I’m working out. I don’t use the chest strap while running but I do while riding my indoor trainer. I love pairing it with the Polar Beat app which which shows the HR zone in graph form. Yay that your sister is running!
adrianna
my 305 is still kicking, and hope it keeps on forever! for some reason, i love how huge and chunky it is on my wrist.
but when she dies, i know what i’ll be getting :)
Daisy- Fit Wanderlust Runner
I have been looking to upgrade my Garmin. Wasn’t sure there was one with a heart rate monitor on the wrist! I am super excited! Thank you for the recommendation.
Bret
I use the ForeRunner 220 with the heart rate strap.. So desperately want to switch to the 225! Jealous!
Stacey
I ran for years without a Garmin. I now own the Forerunner 110. I love it but only wear it about 10 percent of the time. The rest of my training is by feel. I’m afraid to race without it, though! I have a heart rate monitor for it, but never use it because, like you said, it chafes.
I had Peanut M&Ms today, left over from a friend’s Halloween basket. Yummmmmooo!!
Claire
I’ve been using heart rate training for the last 18 months to ensure my easy runs are easy. I’ve read about the Phil Maffetone method (180 – age). I do my easy runs at no more than 142bpm. I set my garmin to beep at me if my HR goes over that. It’s been great. In the time since using this method for at least 3 of my five runs per week I’ve improved my best times for full marathon, half marathon and 10k.
Christina
My favourite Halloween treat was chocolate! And we had plenty left over because trick or treating is still only semi-popular here in Oz so we only had a few little visitors.
Lunch today was delicious Vietnamese – so fresh, crunchy spring rolls with a chicken vermicelli salad bowl. Yummy!
mary
We have exactly the same hear rate zones. Now, if only I could run as fast in them…:-)
Kristin
I passed out gummy bears! ha. all the kids were so excited. I feel like this is the first year I’ve seen the little bags? I found them at target!
Kimberly @ Run with the Roushes
I’m still using the 405 and I love it. I’ve had it for over 3 years and I have never had an issue with it. I have been considering a new one because I think the 405 is bulky on my wrist. It’s amazing how much smaller the newer garmins are! I’m also very impressed with the new technology (such as the heart rate). I’ve been reading a lot about how to improve and I think I need to start monitoring my heart rate!
pd
If you can find it, fels-naphtha laundry soap (it’s a bar, you rub it on stains before you wash stuff) gets out stains like nobody’s business. Maybe it would help your shirt.
Kristine P
I love my Garmin 920XT for run and swim although the 235 does sound cool for the wrist HRM. I can’t seem to find the sweet spot for my chest HRM.
Nikki @ will run for pizza
I LOVE the 225! I had never used a HR monitor until I did a free class at Orangetheory Fitness, and I LOVED being able to see my HR. I really got to see that I’m capable of a little bit more, haha.
And I love the cadence tracking too! I had JUST learned about cadence in a good form running clinic, so I was excited that option was on the 225. And mine has always picked up the satellite INSTANTLY!
Maria
I’m looking into upgrading from my Garmin 410 so this was a very helpful post!
Maggie
The Garmin Forerunner 225 sounds awesome. What made you decide on the 225 over the 235? I have been trying to figure out the difference between the two.
My current GPS watch is about 4 years old (I’m lucky if it connects to a satellite in five minutes), and I bought it right before all the new Garmin Connect technology came out so I’ve been slowly thinking about a new one. I love that these new watches will give you cadence — I’m coming back from a femoral neck stress fx and my doctor wants me to increase my cadence from 178 to 186. I originally tried to just run with a metronome, but it was horribly annoying and I quickly quit using it.
My lunch today is a bagel thin sandwich with turkey, spinach, and siracha with a side of carrots and hummus.
Congrats to Brooke on her first race!!
Meg
I’ve been debating the 225 because of the heart monitor. I would chafe so bad from the strap I would bleed! Glad to hear you love it! and I didn’t realize that glide messed up the monitor.
Fave candy – 100 Grand and Nestle Crunch!
Kristin
I was disapppointed to see my son got no reeses that I could hijack from his candy! Gummy Bears and Mike and Ikes were the best!
I use the Forerunner 220 and I LOVE IT! I don’t use the heart rate strap even though I did purchase it. My fitbit actually tracks heart rate pretty well so I use that for most runs and getting a good idea of where I’m at now!
meghan
Congrats to Brooke and her first race. In Nova Scotia we have the largest kids race in the country for the Bluenose Marathon weekend. Pretty amazing to see so many kids running and having fun. I am eying the Garmin 235 to replace my Nike+ watch however, I am worried about loosing satellite – people seem to complain a lot about that with Garmins and I have never had an issue… even through that tunnel in the Chicago Marathon! As for Halloween candy… is it true you don’t give out mini bags in chips in the states!?! They’re a big hit here. Mars Bars for the win. G’luck with your marathon.
Katey
I’m so glad that you posted this. My two year old ran off with my Garmin a few months ago. A few days after that, I heard the “low battery” buzz as it was shutting off and have not been able to find it. So I’m asking for a new one for Christmas and would love to have all of those qualities that you mentioned.
Also, do (er, did) you like that Brooks pullover? I’m looking for some bright/reflective gear for the winter. I’m sorry that it got stained. I always hold a small memorial service for the clothes that I ruin in the laundry.
Faith @ Run the Day
I use the Garmin Forerunner 220 and I LOVE it! I had the Forerunner 110 and loved that for a long time but the button fell off.
Kay
Mmm, gummy bears!!
Julie VerHage
Can you give an update in a few days as to how accurate you think it is? I’ve heard mixed reviews. Thanks :)
Mark jones
Looks like a satellite dish on your arm.
scott hambly
CIM is where it’s at for you! Just sayin’. Scott and Casey
Mary
Janae…I noticed your cadence of 164. I went through being sidelined too many times due to different injuries. I finally found a PT who within seconds of watching me run new exactly what was causing all my problems. My strides were too long and after quickening my stride, taking smaller steps I have been pain/injury free. It hasn’t been easy, I have had to re-train my brain how to run…but keeping my cadence between the 175-180 mark truly is the injury free zone for me. Just wanted to share, could be the same reason for your shin issues. I love my Garmin because being able to look down at anytime to check in on my cadence has been a game changer for me! Happy running!!
Pille @ LivingOnTheRun
Hi Janae,
I know you haven’t been running lately because of the foot injury but would you say that the Garmin 225 was a good purchase and accurate with HR? I hate the chest straps too and looking to buy one that has HRM built in but keep reading reviews that it’s not accurate at all. What’s your verdict? :) Thanks!