Ever had so much to say about something you just didn’t know where to start? That’s kinda how I feel about my new running partner — Forerunner 610. We’ve been a pair for a few months now, logging mostly training miles and a few races in between. Most recent race — a local 10k, which I ran yesterday with my daughter (a Forerunner 110 devotee). Her first 10k, her first "1st in age group", and likely not her last. For the next few posts, I’m going to cover some my favorite features on the 610. At the top of my list: this watch is just a touch faster. Fast to acquire satellites, fast to configure the training pages, fast to set up an interval workout, fast to save my run history so I can view lap splits. The touchscreen responds to tap, touch and swipe actions, so it’s easy and quick to navigate. I also love that it’s a resistive touchscreen — not capacitive. In other words, it requires a deliberate motion to change screens or select a menu option, so you don’t have to worry about changing things up with an accidental tap. I’ve also found that using my fingernail to swipe and scroll works even better than using my fingertip.

So, does the touchscreen Forerunner 610 make you faster on race day? Let’s just say it’s made my training more fun and kept my motivation up when I was tempted to skip a workout. And that’s where having the right training partner makes all the difference on race day. If you’ve been waiting to get your hands on the 610, visit your specialty fitness retailer for a chance to buy a new Forerunner, trade in your old one and get $50 back. Trade-in units will be donated to the Girls on the Run SoleMates charity running program. See trade-in program details here.