New Balance NX950 GPS Runner Watch: First Impression

New Balance NX950 GPS Runner Watch

This is my first impression of the New Balance NX950 GPS Runner Watch.

I was originally shopping around for a fitness band because they're so popular and my Nike Fuel Band went south on me. However, before making the investment I sat myself down and asked, “What is it that I really want in a fitness tracking device?”

I loved the concept of the Jawbone UP24 and Fitbit Flex bands but I wanted a device with a screen, GPS, and a focus on running in particular. Tracking my sleep activity and number of steps is cool, but not necessary for me.

When I found the New Balance NX950 GPS Runner Watch, I had to try it. First, for a GPS running watch it was very affordable. I purchased the watch for around $75.00 on Amazon with free shipping.

There was a little doubt as to how it would compare with higher end running watches like the TomTom or Garmin brands. But in the end it was the customer reviews on Amazon that finally sold me.

New Balance NX950 GPS Runner Watch Details:

•      GPS, it monitors speed distance, and pace
•          It has 6 customizable interval timers
•          It tells the time (of course…lol), day, date, and has an alarm
•          The watch is not water proof but water resistant
•          Has run memory that allows you to view your pace history
•          As you run you can view your average and current pace
•          Includes a USB charging cable to download workout data
•          Choice of two viewing screens while you run with 3 fields per screen
•          Any stat can be set to any position on either of the two screens
•          Tracking for running and cycling
•          Auto-lap function at user set distance
•          12 hour battery life

After receiving the watch, I found it very easy to maneuver through the screens to adjust the settings. There are six modes: Running, Interval, Cycling, History, Setup and Clock. Even without pulling an all-nighter with the New Balance NX950 manual, I could figure out how each mode functions.

My first run with the NX950 was awesome. The GPS only took a few minutes to activate. Sometimes the GPS picks up right away. To test its accuracy I ran on a pre-marked running trail. At every half mile, the NX950 was right on target! The GPS function is right in the watch. There is no shoe sensor, and no additional gadgets to wear on your hip or arm. Yay!!!

The face is large which makes the watch a bit bulky, but it doesn't feel heavy and fits snugly on my small wrist. I know a lot of runners prefer smaller faces and a variety of color options, so the aesthetics of the New Balance NX950 may not be preferred.

I recently incorporated the run-walk-run method into my training. The interval mode works well but you cannot see your running stats at the same time. 

A work around is to use the auto-lap feature instead. The NX950 will beep and that is my signal when to run, walk, or jog. Previously with the Nike Sports Band and it was impossible to set interval times.

For the price I am very pleased with my new running watch! You can spend a whole lot more to get more options, but the New Balance NX950 really does suit all of my running needs.

If you have any comments or questions, just leave them down below.

Happy Running!

~Candra

 

Life Beyond Running

Although I created this blog to devote to my running journey, I have also embarked upon a health and beauty journey. Essentially, I want to be a healthy, whole and well-rounded woman.

I am a new fan of blogger Lauren Mechelle. Not only does she have the best giveaways online (which actually sparked this blog post), but she is living the life I believe many young ladies dream of. She is pursuing her dreams, sharing her gifts with the world, and not afraid to explore unfamiliar territories.

Although I frequent her blog for beauty and DIY tips, I decided today to browse through her “life” category. I was very excited to read about her recap of her attendance at Workshops for Women, organized by Councilwoman Blondell Brown in Philadelphia.

In this post (http://www.laurenmechelle.com/2014/03/councilwoman-browns-workshops-women/), she shares treasures of information that will help in progressing her passion and career. I love reading articles like this!

Too often people complain about they cannot do and what they will never accomplish. I know. I use to be one of them. But sometimes you have to take “life” by the reigns and insist on doing better and going higher.

The sky’s the limit!

Network outside of your comfort zone. Dream big and don’t be ashamed. I love running with my whole, but it isn’t everything. I believe that in order for me to be a whole person, I have to say yes to more than just one or two opportunities.

Thank you Lauren for overcoming intimidation, saying yes to life, and sharing it with the world!

Running Quote of the Week - 

"I always loved running...it was something you could do by yourself, and under your own power. You could go in any direction, fast or slow as you wanted, fighting the wind if you felt like it, seeking out new sights just on the strength of your feet and the courage of your lungs." – Jesse Owens

Cold Weather Running Quotes

Ever since I started running again back in 2007, I have struggled with cold weather running.  It is difficult to get my muscles warmed up and breathing in near freezing temperature air is misery. To relieve my cold weather running experience, I frequent the gym more often and run out my miles on the treadmill. Treadmill running has its perils too, but at least it's hot. :D

I stumbled upon a few running quotes that really got me motivated to get back out on the cold concrete. Last night I ran at the gym. Today, it's back to road running. I'll save the treadmill for snow days. ;)

"There's no such thing as bad weather, just soft people". - Bill Bowerman

"This is about doing something difficult and not stopping when it becomes not just difficult, but cold and difficult... or cold and wet and difficult... or cold and wet and dark and difficult." - Suzy Hamilton

"Runners don't get rained out, they get rained on." - Unknown

Should I Be Running 6.7 Today?

Anyone who knows me well can tell you that there is always something wrong with me.  Wait… that didn't come out right. (Smile)

As I get older, I seem to be more prone to aches and strains. Thank God that I have not suffered any major sickness or long term injury (other than minor knee pain).  Yet, when you love to run like I do, anything that inhibits a run can be frustrating.

Last week I somehow strained my lower back.  I thought perhaps I did it working out, but when I think back, I was doing a lot of chair moving at church.  I do happen to also recall moving a large table as well.  Yes, I should have waited for help, but I think I’m super woman. 

So, for the last several days I took a break from running, thinking that would help my back. But, instead of getting better, it became sorer and Mr. Icy-Hot and I saw a lot of each other.

Then yesterday I decided to jump the “rest and relax” ship and head to the gym.  I couldn't take it anymore! Hahaha… Running addicts know where I’m coming from.

I hit the treadmill with the intent to walk.  After all, it made sense to me to not run a 10K if you have a sore back.  I tried to walk.  I promise I did.  But I was surrounded by everyday athletes like me, running their hearts out.  Running euphoria was in the air.

I tried to walk and preoccupy my mind with the theater movie of the day, “Maid in Manhattan”.  That was a no go.

I started walking at 4.0…then 4.5….then a slight jog at 5.2.  The soreness in my back was bearable.  As a matter of fact, after I hit the first mile, my back felt less sore.  Well that’s all I needed to crank it up to 6.7! It felt good to be home again! (Smile)

PLEASE NOTE!!! – If you have an injury, see your physician and ask how you should proceed with your fitness regimen.  My decision to go to 6.7 with a sore back is because I’m stubborn.  Be warned.

The ironic thing was this morning, my back feels better.  Thank God for having grace and mercy on my stubborn running soul.  The morning before, I had to pull myself with my upper body to get out of the bed.  Now granted that is not so different from other mornings, but this time it was physically painful. 

This morning, there was only a slight soreness and as I sit at my computer blogging, I can feel no pain.  Hallelujah!!!

Once again...I am not a doctor. You definitely should see a doctor if you are injured or else you can cause more damage to your body. It seemed like getting back into my exercise routine helped do the trick or like I said before, God just had mercy on this running-loving lady.  Either way, I’ll take it.

My Top Ten Excuses For Not Running Today

My top ten excuses for not running today....ends today.

1. It's too cold.
2. It's raining.
3. I have to do my laundry.
4. I'm too tired.
5. I need to join a gym first.
6. I just went to the hair salon.
7. My cute running clothes are dirty.
8. I don't want anyone to see me/I'm embarrassed of my body.
9. I don't have time.
10. I need someone to run with me.

There is no excuse for not doing the best you can when you can.  Get fit today.

Do Runners Feel Pain?

Do Runners Feel Pain?

Since middle school I have loved running.  In my younger days I competed in the shorter distances and now that I am older I love to tackle the longer runs.  One thing that all distances have in common is painful training.

Some runners are nutty and they love the pain.  They love the hurt.  I am more conservative in my rush for pain.  Although I must admit that when training I need a little burn to make me feel accomplished.  Okay, maybe I’m a bit nutty myself. 

I feel that runners pain, but I very seldom mind.

It is my passion for running that helps me endure the pain.  I have always hated hill and incline workouts….always.  But I will run as many hills as it takes if it means I simply get to run.  My love for running overrides the pain.  I feel it, but I can endure.  I feel it, but it doesn't control my will.

And such has been my life…

I have lived through some pretty painful times, but the outcome of life’s pains made me a stronger person.  As long as I keep moving forward, I am sure at some point to get my second wind. 

In some ways being a runner conditioned me to handle all kinds of pain.  Runners have mental toughness. 

If there is no finish line, we are not finished.

Do runners feel pain?  Of course we do.  But we endure it for the sake of doing what we love, and being the best at it that we can be.

Next Race? The Findlay Market 5K #Cincinnati

On Your Left...Running Traffic

I learned the hard way that very few people understand the phrase, "on your left".

Yesterday I didn't have time to get a long run in, so I went to a local park that is surrounded by a paved path about a quarter of a mile long.  One loop around is short but half of the loop is on an incline so it is great for hill workouts.  However... never again will I run at this park on a beautiful warm day in the evening.

The path was loaded with runners, walkers, baby strollers, dogs on leashes, and children.  Please understand that it was a beautiful sight to see.  I love seeing others get off the coach and get moving.  And how sweet it is to see young couples holding hands while pushing their little one in the baby stroller.  

However, if your trying to work on speed, this is not the ideal environment.

So... I learned that very few people understand the phrase, "on your left".  When someone is running, riding a bike, or on roller blades, and they say, "on your left"; this means that the person/people they are passing should move to the right.  

Instead most people turn around with a confused look on their face and move towards... the left.  Or they have their head phones on their ears and they can't hear you in the first place! Lol

I was forced several times to run off the path, into the grass, and hurdle a few ditches.

Then about twenty minutes into my run a boy's baseball game gears up.  

Parents are pulling up lawn chairs in droves right along the path, blocking the grassy areas I needed to pass up people who's iPod's are turned up loud or had no clue what was going on when I said, "on your left!

Just another adventure in running.... :)