8,136
edits
Changes
no edit summary
* '''How far did I run?''' This is the most basic question, and sadly, the Fenix 3 does badly here. The Fenix 3 is not as bad as its predecessor, and it's comparable with the Epix/920XT, but it's a long, long way behind the [[Polar V800]] or the [[Suunto Ambit3]]. How big a problem this is for you will depend on the type of terrain you're running in, but if this is important to you, look for a more accurate watch.
* '''How fast am I running?''' Knowing how fast you're running can be a nice to know, or it can be vital for your training or race performance. Because of the nature of GPS, watches that rely on GPS signal alone tend to have serious problems with current pace. Thankfully, the Fenix 3 is one of the few devices that will display current [[Pace From A Footpod]] while getting all other data from GPS.
* '''Where am I? '''The Fenix 3 does not have full color maps, but you can download a course, and it will give directions back to the starthas some basic navigation functions. This is It's not as good as the [[Garmin Epix ]] or the [[Leikr]] with their full color maps, but it's at least as good as any other watch. ** '''Track Outline'''. There is a display of where you've run, rather like a breadcrumb trail. There are no maps, so this is just the outline on its own without any context. However, you can use it to backtrack along your path. ** '''Course Outline'''. This is an outline of a route that can be downloaded. I've found this useful during ultras or in unfamiliar cities where I've needed to know where to go. ** '''Back To Start'''. This is a simple arrow point to your starting point, so it won't help you backtrack. ** '''Back To Waypoint'''. You can mark a location and use the arrow to point to it later. Again, this is a simple "as the crow flies" pointer. ** '''GPS "Compass"'''. There's no magnetic compass so you have to be moving for the GPS to give you a sense of direction.
* '''What's my cadence? '''[[Cadence]]''' '''is one of the most critical and often overlooked aspects of running. If you get your Cadence right, many other things naturally fall into place. Not only does the Fenix 3 get [[Cadence]] from a [[Footpod]], it will also get it from the Garmin Run Heart Rate monitor. There is also support for Cadence from the internal accelerometer, though I find that's not as accurate. The Cadence alerts are especially useful for keeping you on track.
For ultramarathon running the battery life of the Fenix 3 makes it a great candidate. If you hope to be still moving during the [[Second Dawn]], the Fenix 3 might be for you. See [[Best Running Watch#Watches for Ultrarunning| Watches for Ultrarunning]] for more details.