Timex Run Trainer GPS Running Watch
Review by Tim-August 2012 
I recently had the need for a new GPS running watch and thought I'd try something other than Garmin. After doing much research I settled upon the Timex Run Trainer GPS watch. I selected the watch due to the updated GPS chip, heart rate monitor, price, and look of the watch. I have now worn the watch for over 200 miles primarily on trail. The watch is a good fit and is comfortable during long runs. The heart rate monitor (included) is a little different than others I have worn in that it has a metal button as the connecting device - the monitor is comfortable and easy to adjust for fit. Satellite acquisition seems slightly faster than my last GPS watch; however, it is still not as quick as I'd like. The software which has some drawbacks (more on that below) is simple and easy to use and connects effectively with the online website, Training Peaks (www.trainingpeaks.com). The charging connection is accomplished with an clip like device that connects the watch via USB to either a A/C charger (included) or to your computer for data transfer/charging. I would like to see all GPS watches convert to a mini-usb connection on the device instead of a proprietary connection. (This type of connection may be infeasible due to the need to have a sealed case to insure no weather or dirt intrusion for the electronics.) Battery life was very good both in standby (not using the GPS) modes and GPS/run modes.
Garmin Forerunner 305 GPS Running Watch
Review by Tim
January 2008
Forerunner 305 is a great improvement over the 201 for trail runners and a slight improvement over the Forerunner 205. First, the GPS receiver maintains coverage much better in canyons and heavily forested than the Forerunner 201 or 205 did. (It is my belief that this has been greatly improved due to firmware updates.) Second the controls have been better positioned on the watch to aid in use while running on the trails. The last great improvement with this watch is that it seems to synch up much more quickly with the satellites than the Forerunner 201. Additional improvements are that it can now be charged and connected to the computer using a USB connection (versus the serial port connection of the Forerunner 201). The Forerunner 305 also comes with much better training software and the ability to create "courses" on the watch. I have only created a limited number of courses on the trails and find that I primarily like to use them when I am trying to meet or beat my performance on a particular trail or run. The biggest difference between the Forerunner 305 and the Forerunner 205 is the HR rate monitor. I did not buy the watch for the HR functionality but I have definitely learned the great value to having that information available both during the run and post-run in the software.
My biggest recommendation to all users is to frequently check for updates via the computer software for the watch's firmware. I have noticed that Garmin is very good about releasing firmware updates that help the watch's performance.
Pros: Heart Rate Monitor, Faster synch (over the 205), better coverage in canyons and densely forested areas, more usable controls, better handling of highly twisty trails.
Cons: None.
Review written December 2005 by Trey
This may not be a usual review to have on trail running site, but we are all other things besides trail runners and I am first of all a parent. It is my love for my boys that often forces me to run the roads or park trails as opposed to the off-road trails we all love and for this I now have a BOB. Kind of an odd name for a stroller, BOB, but the name is the only odd thing about my BOB.
I will admit to you, this is one impressive stroller. My BOB came with 16” spoke wheels (not the mag wheels you usually see) and double drink holders for each boy. A drink holder does not seem like a necessity for a stroller, but if a cup of goldfish keeps everyone happy for 15 extra minutes then my 4 just turned into 6. In addition to the cup holders the BOB features shocks and extended handle for you long striders and the easiest fold up mechanism I have yet to see on a stroller.
Pros – The folding process and weight make it easy to use
Cons – Even the shocks still don’t allow you to take it off road. And the price, it was not cheap.
Review by Tim
October 2006
I recently purchased the Garmin Forerunner 205 after losing my Forerunner 201 (which I loved). The Forerunner 205 is a great improvement over the 201 for trail runners. First, the GPS receiver maintains coverage much better in canyons and heavily forested than the Forerunner 201 did. Second the controls have been better positioned on the watch to aid in use while running on the trails. The last great improvement with this watch is that it seems to synch up much more quickly with the satellites than the previous model. Additional improvements are that it can now be charged and connected to the computer using a USB connection (versus the serial port connection of the Forerunner 201). The Forerunner 205 also comes with much better training software and the ability to create "courses" on the watch. I have only created a limited number of courses on the trails and find that I primarily like to use them when I am trying to meet or beat my performance on a particular trail or run.
Update October 2007: I covered over 800 miles with this watch and it worked in nearly all conditions I encountered. It was much more resistant to mositure that the previous model and maintained coverage in all but the most forested areas.
Pros: Faster synch, better coverage in canyons and densely forested areas, more usable controls
Cons: None. Update October 2007: After a little over a year I have not been able to get the watch to work after removing it from it's charging/synch cradle.
Review written December 2005 by Trey
This review should have been done 2 years ago with the birth of my first son, but I am happy to wait because I now have used 2 other strollers to compare. The Baby Jogger single is a good stroller for pushing out of the garage to run, but try to avoid putting in the car. The folding process is cumbersome and does little to reduce the size. In fact, it easily takes up the back of my Chevy Tahoe making it difficult to take the dog. I was willing to accept this fact, until I bought my first BOB (read the BOB review) which is smaller than my baby jogger even though it is a double. The shocks on it are stiff, and do not have the range of motion you would expect from a jogging stroller.
Pros – Packing aside, this is a smooth riding stroller
Cons – Cumbersome to pack up and takes up a log of room.