Run-tracking automated WiFi watch?

November 9, 2011 3:32 AM

Does this exist: a watch-type device that will track my runs, then automatically connected to my WiFi network once I'm home and upload the run data to a central location without any input from me?

I don't want to use a smartphone app because I generally don't bring any device with me (I don't listen to music while running) so the wristwatch form would be great.

I want to automate the tracking as far as possible partly because in the past I have just stopped using Nike+, and partly for the geek satisfaction. Extra bonus points if they collected data is easily exportable from the collection system.

I don't know quite what to search for to see if something like this is available.

Thanks!

posted by StephenF to Health & Fitness (9 answers total)

Best answer: I believe the Garmin Forerunner 405 does all of those things.
posted by brozek at 3:34 AM on November 9, 2011

Best answer: Yes. I have the Garmin Forerunner 405cx [which comes with the heartrate monitor]. It automatically uploads the data to your computer, but you do have to have the little usb stick they give you inserted for that to happen. The upload feature is pretty awesome. Sometimes I'm irritated by the time it takes to recognize the satellite at the start of a run, but otherwise I think it's pretty fabulous. Some people don't like the touchbezel eature, but I've run in pouring rain and it's never been a problem.
It's what got me to transition from treadmill running to running outside [and now despising the treadmill], because I was obsessed with being unable to know my pace while running outside.
I recommend it to people all the time. It goes on sale periodically at amazon, I got mine for under $175.
posted by atomicstone at 4:09 AM on November 9, 2011

Best answer: The Forerunner does seem to fit your specific criteria - purely for running, worn as a watch, not connected to a smartphone app. If the watch form factor is a nice-to-have rather than a must-have, and if you don't need to track routes but only exertion data, there's also the consumer-grade Fitbit. That's a belt clip, and a bit more Feltronic - you can wear it all the time and it will track your overall steps and your sleep patterns - but it doesn't have GPS. So, it will track your runs in terms of steps taken and calories burned but not route taken.
posted by running order squabble fest at 5:03 AM on November 9, 2011

Response by poster: Splendid, thanks so much folks!
posted by StephenF at 5:04 AM on November 9, 2011

Nike has something similar, look for "Nike+" or "Nike+iPod." I haven't paid attention since seeing this Wired article in 2009, so I don't know how the Nike stuff has progressed (or not) since then.
posted by Wretch729 at 6:23 AM on November 9, 2011

If you go with the Forerunner, get the heart rate monitor and take some time to get things set up and calibrated. It made a HUGE difference in my exercise efficiency.
posted by chrisfromthelc at 10:00 AM on November 9, 2011

Best answer: Motorola just released a gps/running watch with wifi:

http://www.dcrainmaker.com/2011/11/motorola-motoactv-in-depth-review.html


You may want to check out his reviews of the various other options too:

http://www.dcrainmaker.com/p/product-reviews.html

I have a garmin 310xt and I am pretty happy with it, you do have to plug in the usb stick and make sure the garmin software is running but that isnt a major problem.
posted by pixie at 11:18 AM on November 9, 2011

Re: exporting all of the garmin/polar/timex watches will let you export the data as the industry standard GPX / TCX formats.

Im not sure what the export options for the motorola are like and I dont think the Nike+ watch lets you export at all but could be wrong.
posted by pixie at 11:23 AM on November 9, 2011

Im not sure what the export options for the motorola are like and I dont think the Nike+ watch lets you export at all but could be wrong.

It doesn't, but there are third party hacks that will extract GPX files from your Nike+ data. I used it to backfeed all my old Nike+ runs into Garmin connect and it went fine.

DCRainmaker's site is the bible of GPS-enabled tracking devices. Great reviews.
posted by Lame_username at 12:06 PM on November 9, 2011