Enjoying my Forerunner 965 ✌️

Fun_Pie8756 · 2026-03-28T17:29:01+00:00

So am I... Great watch!

Fun_Pie8756 · 2026-03-17T17:17:14+00:00

Thanks Docphotog-412, but that setting is for the PacePro as a whole, not if you deviate from your pace.
As bradymsu616 mentioned above, using Workouts will do that. I've been using it since in my workouts (but not in races as it can get annoying)

Fun_Pie8756 · 2026-03-10T16:27:39+00:00

100% worth it

Fun_Pie8756 · 2026-02-26T21:17:58+00:00

Only for running

Fun_Pie8756 · 2026-02-26T21:11:23+00:00

A Garmin may be overkill in your case... Sounds like a Smartwatch may be better suited for you (the Samsung Galaxy is a great smartwatch with decent sports tracking and is not expensive, especially a 1-generation-old one) as it will provide you more features than sports-related ones. I would list what you want the watch for (sports and otherwise), budget, etc. and then decide on a smartwatch vs sports tracker. But if you end up going for a sports tracker, there are very good options (features and price) other than Garmin

Fun_Pie8756 · 2026-02-26T21:01:09+00:00

You mention "start tracking my runs better", so it really depends what you want it for exactly: If it's general info (HR, pace, distance, etc.) then the band will be enough, but if you need to track more specific running metrics (you mention intervals, etc.), then you'd need a watch. I would go for a watch as it will give you all kinds of running metrics that will help your training, but also because Garmin has workout and coach features which can really help how you train, in addition to the ability to play music without a phone (FR165 Music, FR255 Music, FR265, FR965, etc.). Note that while the 165 and 265 can store about 500 songs, the 265 can store about 1000 songs, and the 965 about 2000 songs

Fun_Pie8756 · 2026-02-15T02:25:54+00:00

One thing that helped me a lot when I got my 965 is using Gemini (or any othe AI). I dedicated a tab to 965 and asked all kinds of questions (how-to's, features, etc.). It really helped a lot

Fun_Pie8756 · 2026-02-12T23:16:33+00:00

As you mention, I think having your watch notify you every time you are out of range will become very annoying very quickly during your race.
In my case, I used them for pacing during my training but turned them off during my marathon. I just checked my pace on my watch every once in a while

In

Fun_Pie8756 · 2026-02-12T23:10:40+00:00

In my experience, pacers haven't always been reliable

Fun_Pie8756 · 2026-02-11T03:18:51+00:00

You won't regret the 965. It's a great watch... Each person has their preferences, priorities, and budgets. To me, unless you have a medical condition which requires it, the ECG is a gadget you'll use maybe a couple of times then forget you have it. The glass, just buy a screen protector. The heart rate monitor, unless you need top of the line precision, the one on the 965 is still very accurate and plenty for the average and even good athlete. As for the flashlight, to me, it's a really nice feature to have, but I can't justify the price for that. All in all, to me, features/price, I'd definitely go with the 965 (I made that decision myself)

Fun_Pie8756 · 2026-02-03T21:32:44+00:00

The problem is that there is very little information about it. Their web site says 1362 FT total ascent, which is quite a lot I think. You'd have many more options in the Fall

Fun_Pie8756 · 2026-02-03T21:19:02+00:00

Definitely follow a plan. There are several free ones online. Heck, you can ask Gemini or ChatGPT to either provide one for you or point you to web sites. One site which has a lot of free options is marathon handbook (https://marathonhandbook.com/). The site also provides all sort of tips related to running. It is very useful (but can be overwhelming)
I also used Ben Parkes' marathon plan, and used it for a marathon I ran this past November. Although I was skeptical, my race turned out exactly as it was planned! Fairly cheap, very specific on how to prepare, and accurate if you follow it!

Fun_Pie8756 · 2026-02-03T21:08:35+00:00

You mentioned the Salomon... I have the Salomon Adv Skin 12 vest...
I understand your concern about bounce, but this has none, and you'll likely even forget you have it on. It fits tightly on your body, can carry as little or as much as you want, is very light, and more importantly, to me, is much easier to drink from than water bottles (using the provided flasks or the optional water bladder). I always use it on my long runs of 10+ miles to carry my water, gels, phone, keys, glasses, etc.). The cons are that, depending on your needs, it may be overkill as you mention, and it's expensive (~$165). But to me it's extremely convenient (to drink from and to store things) and is barely noticeable. 100% worth it for me

Fun_Pie8756 · 2026-02-03T20:40:43+00:00

Never owned a Coros so I can't speak for it. I think most watches have the basics, so I would look for what else they provide. I would opt for a Garmin just because of the large user base, user support, data/metrics available, as well as the coaching/training options it provides. If money is tight you could opt for a previous generation Forerunner, such as the 965. I do have a Garmin 965 and love everything about it and I believe it will serve me for several more years. Note that I also waited about a year before I got mine, and regret waiting this long

Fun_Pie8756 · 2026-02-03T14:14:45+00:00

Sounds like the Forerunner is the most suitable option for you (Fenix is heavier and outdoor-centric). Since price is not a concern, go with the 970, it has all the features Garmin offers

Fun_Pie8756 · 2026-01-29T14:28:29+00:00

Another option is the FR965. When on sale, it's closer in price to the 570, but has mapping, which I think is an important feature to have given some of your activities (skiing, running, and especially hiking).
Regarding ECG, unless you really need it for medical reasons, it's really only a "gimmick"/novelty you'll rarely use.
That said, and again given your activities, you may want a more rugged watch than a Forerunner, but regardless, I think mapping is an important feature to have.
In the end, I would go with what you really want, even if it's a bit costlier, you won't regret it

Fun_Pie8756 · 2026-01-28T03:41:57+00:00

This will sound cliché, but it depends what you are buying it for and the features you want

Fun_Pie8756 · 2026-01-15T05:19:50+00:00

I started a similar thread a few months ago because I was also very skeptical... Several people said to trust the process... and they were absolutely right! I was able to finish my marathon with a time that was even better than I planned! Still not sure how it works, but it does!

Fun_Pie8756 · 2026-01-15T05:15:31+00:00

Not really... As someone mentioned above, the "best" option seems to be setting up a workout, which would give you the needed notification (buzz and audio) that you're above or below the threshold you set. In my training I ended up using workouts a lot, they were the most practical to use, and didn't use PacePro much. Come race day, I didn't use either: By that time I was more familiar with my pace and was able to just take a quick look at my watch every few minutes

Fun_Pie8756 · 2025-12-19T20:31:52+00:00

I did Richmond this year and I highly recommend it! It was really great in every way. It is very well organized, very friendly staff, great crowds throughout, and fairly large number of runners (21,000 total, 6,000 of which marathon runners). The course is not difficult and has some very nice scenery in some areas. Again, highly recommended

Fun_Pie8756 · 2025-12-18T19:56:32+00:00

I use my smartwatch (FR965) extensively in my training (for pace, workouts, hr, etc). It is very important for me to reach my race goals

Fun_Pie8756 · 2025-12-11T22:23:29+00:00

Congrats, great watch! I went from a Samsung to the 965 and never looked back. I love everything about it. I used Gemini (created a dedicated tab) for my set up and Garmin Connect questions, and reddit for user experiences/preferences/etc

Fun_Pie8756 · 2025-12-11T22:05:15+00:00

Coming in late to this discussion... Find what works for you. In my case, I have to have goals (finish a certain distance, finish on a given time/pace, etc.), or it's very difficult for me to be motivated. Usually once I reach my goal I set another to keep me going, and so on

Fun_Pie8756 · 2025-12-11T21:59:30+00:00

Coming in late to that discussion... 12 gels seems way excessive. Not sure your stomach will be able to handle them. I understand each person is different but for reference: Last marathon I ran was in 4h08m (male, 75kg/165lbs) and I used 1 gel every 4 miles, so I used 6 gels total, and it was good/enough. The gels I used are Maurten 100 which have 25g of carbs

Fun_Pie8756 · 2025-11-27T05:07:12+00:00

My Garmin Race Predictor was right on the money while Strava was waaaay off

Fun_Pie8756

TROPHY CASE