I’m the first to admit that I am a low-tech runner. I’ve had a Garmin for two years and it is sitting in my drawer, collecting dust. I don’t run with music. I don’t track my miles online. I pretty much train like the old fart that I am.
However, even I will admit I was pretty enamored of the MOTOACTV watch that Motorola sent me recently to try. And let me tell you–for all you geeks who DO love to mix technology and running, this watch represents the motherlode of features. Here’s what it can do:
- Track your time, distance, speed and calories burned
- Store up to 4,000 songs on its MP3 player
- Determine which songs motivate you by measuring performance against music
- Allows you to plan your runs with a training portal calendar
- Work with a bazillion different activities (40 in reality)
- Coordinate with bluetooth headsets
- Allows for touch-screen ease of use
What did I think of it? It is pretty easy to use and very intuitive–this is key for a tech flunky like me. I also like the touch screen; this again adds to the ease of use. My learning curve with the device was really short. It comes with a “get started” guide that is enough to get you out the door. For more detailed information, you have to go to the web site.
What I didn’t like: I felt like it took longer for the MOTOACTV to find satellites than the Garmin does. I’m not a fan of waiting two to three minutes to start my run (impatient, maybe?). I also didn’t find that it held a battery charge for very long, but I’ve found that with the Garmin also. Once on the charger, however, it charges up quickly.
Overall, I’ve got to say, this is a very cool little gadget. You’ve got just about every possible feature all in one watch (you can also attach it to an armband if you choose). You can use as few or as many of the features as you’d like on any given day. I’d say MOTOACTV is leading the charge of running technology for the future with this.
Want to win one of your own? Tell me in a comment below. I’ll use random.org to pick a winner next Friday, April 27.
Disclaimer: Motorola provided me with the MOTOACTV free of charge. All opinions expressed are my own.
This fellow Howard County gal would love to win
Since I’m still mourning the demise of my Garmin. I’d love to win this!
Marcia recently posted..Life Balance Yin Yang
I would love to try one out!
Wow! Looks like a great tool! I think I would name it Molly-Moto!
I would love to win one to see what a GPS watch is all about. My Timex might be a bit sad, though.
Carrie recently posted..I will not get injured…I will not get injured…
Old farts unite. Sign me up!
Jamoosh recently posted..Friday Free For All
Very cool!! I have to listen to music so being able to do so through the watch would be awesome! I could see this as a great tool to continue my learning process with!!
indeed i have been really interested in this and my garmin is biting the dust apparnetly so perfect timing!
Amanda @RunToTheFinish recently posted..Why I’m being an open book
That sounds so cool! I love the thing about it measuring your performance during songs. That’s so awesome. I want to win!
Kristen recently posted..Race Recap: Clyde’s 10K
I would love to win one!! I’ve been wanting a GPS watch for awhile now, and I LOVE the part about it telling you which songs are most motivating. So cool!
Leah @ Chocolate and Wild Air recently posted..Fun Friday
I have a very outdated Garmin and would love to try some of the newer GPS technology. I would love to win!
Melissa (@TheDailyMel) recently posted..Recovery Day 6
That watch looks COOOOOOL!!!!!
Bill Fine recently posted..Boston Marathon Recap….a VERY LONG run!
I would love to win one!!! I’ve hear such awesome things about it =) =)
Michele @ nycrunningmama recently posted..Running with music does NOT make me slower
I would love to win this! Thank you for the opportunity!
I would love to win it. It so techie but so simple!
Yes- I would love one! I like the idea of matching music to workout speed/tempo. I rarely run with music, but would use it more often if it was part of an all-in-one gadget.
Laura recently posted..Kashi granola bars and New Zealand accents
I’d love to try that!
Kovas recently posted..Lance Armstrong and the Engine 2 Diet
I’ve been wanting a GPS watch, but I dont want a brick strapped to my wrist. The MOTOACTV might be for me, tho.
Oh my gosh. I’ve been eyeing this up for a while! I want this so, so, so bad
Haley @ Climb Run Lift Mom recently posted..Top 25 Outdoorsy Moms
Yes, me, I’d love it. Since I didn’t get a Boston shirt for my birthday and all!!
Jill recently posted..Come run my long birthday run with me / Shoe winner
Boy would this make my day, week, month, year! I’ve been a runner for over 5 years and still don’t know my actual hood pace! I’d love to get this so I could improve my race times and work more on speed work! Thanks for the great giveaway!
I am such a “poor mans runner” myself – I’d love to win.
*four leaf clover* xo
Ali Mc recently posted..Switching my stride
Sign me up! I’ll love to try that!
Michel@Babyweightmyfatass recently posted..Shoe Fairy
It looks so neat! Would love a chance to try it out! Would love to win this!!! Thanx for the giveaway!
I really like the look of the MOTOACTV watch. Please consider me for the drawing. I’d love to own it.
Ooh, I’ve never had a gps watch before! I’d love to try it out!
ImTheMarigold recently posted..Random Friday Facts
yes I would love to win one!
thank you for the chance!
Caroline recently posted..The Waiting Game
I would love to win one of these not for me but for my wife. Several years ago she needed to have back surgery and had 2 disc in the lower part of her backbone replaced. She’s limited to the types of exercising she can do and running is one that she has picked up and activly persues, each month setting herself new and harder goals. I have tried to encourage her as much as i could but being out of work for nearly 3 and 1/2 years limits the amount of equipment she could use to help her improve her health and spirit. New running shoes, not in 2 years, running shorts, kind of…a new GPS watch for her never to have an excuse not to come home again, priceless (i’m joking on that bit) however, it would be great to win her something i could only ever dream to buy her, its the little things, thanks for doing this
I think I’d definitely love this little number!!
abbi recently posted..Marketing that has worked
ohhhhhh how cool
I want I want
I have nothing like it for my runs
I just run and am totally in the dark as to how fast, far or anything else
Tara Burner recently posted..Day 3 Bible Based Health & Wellness – Satisfied? Tips on eating til you’re satisfied not stuffed!
I would love to win it, I am currently looking at GPS watches and not sure what to buy
Jen R recently posted..It’s official!
Sounds really cool, I’d love to win one.
Does the touch screen get fussy when you’re all sweaty? The bezel on the garmin does that and it drives me CRAZY!
Kari @ Running Ricig recently posted..Aspaeris
both my dad and running buddy have this watch and I’m in total envy. Would love to win one!!
Thanks for the review. I would love to win that. I am actually in the process of shopping around for something, but hey……….. Have a good one.
Kenley Jones recently posted..Technology Update leads to Weight Loss?
Who wouldn’t want to win a toy like that? Music and data = triathlon/engineer’s wet dream
Christina recently posted..Katy Trail in the Sunshine
Thanks for the review. I am training to do a few charity rides and runs and would love to have a tool like this.. Go ahead..Make my Day!
My Garmin is dying a slow death; I would love to win this pretty little watch
Um, yes please! I think that’s cool that it plays music too!
Heather@Just a Colorado Gal recently posted..Fun Facts for Friday
I would love to win this!
bobbi recently posted..TTT: A Favor, Rain, and an Observation
Sounds like a great product. I have been thinking of buying a GPS-watch forever. Would love this!
Christine @ Love, Life, Surf recently posted..Fitfluential
oooh! this sounds super cool, definitely throw my hat into the ring
Andrea recently posted..Silence is Golden
I just signed up to be a pace-group coach and pace leader at a fall marathon… Which means I’m going to have to bite the bullet and get a GPS device so I can keep my runners on target. (I’m good at knowing my own pace by feel, but now I’m responsible for a dozen other people, too!)
Winning this would be SO HELPFUL!!!
Beth (i run like a girl) recently posted..Friday potluck
My wife would love this. Her Garmin is dying a slow death.
That thing looks very cool, I would love to have it!
I’ve got a clunky garmin so I’d love the chance to upgrade it!
Sounds neat. And would be a great gift for my husband! (We share my Garmin now!)
Thanks!
I would love to win one! Sounds perfect for a techno-phobe like me!
I’d love to win one.
Robin recently posted..Boston Marathon 2012 Race Report
I would LOVE to win one!
LisaM@RunWiki recently posted..Three Little Birds
Oooo, I would love to win one! I need a watch so bad!
Mandi recently posted..Marathon 2.
YES!!! YES!!! I would love to win! Could be just the thing I need to get a jump start!!
Harmony recently posted..Lucky Nuun Winner!
Unlike you, I LOVE the Garmin and use it on every run. I do not love that it is losing battery life. Would be open and would love to try this new device!
Shut Up and Run recently posted..Just a Little Prick
I would love to try that out! Count me in
Christy@My Dirt Road Anthem recently posted..Who needs boobs when you can have a Garmin?
Count me in, I am a geek who has always wanted a GPS watch, TheWife would be relieved if one suddenly appeared in the mail and no charge on the card
Harold recently posted..A Dog, Hip Belt Problems and a Good Run
I would love it win!!
Yes please! And since I’m here, congrats on Boston! I’m sure it was no easy feat! I thought of you every time I read an article on the “heat wave”! So glad you made it out safe and sound! Also sounds like you and your group had a fantastic time!
Chicken recently posted..Wednesday Why’s
Seems like a cool running watch! Would love to win it.
I’d love to win one! The feature where it matches music to your peformance looks so cool!
Jamie | My Run is Not Done recently posted..Goals, Crossfit, and the Liebster
I’d love to win this! So neat! I like that it stores music as well
Carly recently posted..#SweatPink
this is an awesome watch!!!!! i’d LOVE to win it!!
So cool! I saw this at the expo for the NYC Half last month. I’ve only been running Garmin-full since the beginning of the year when I started training for my 1st half. Between the Garmin and my iPhone or iPod for music I am missing winter runs when all my running clothes had pockets. I don’t like running with “stuff.” I’m a very minimalistic runner and this would combine everything into one!!! Would love to win one and try it out!
Hmmm…I tend to be low tech myself (especially easy runs), but I do use the GPS when it really counts!
I’m throwing my hat in the ring!
Adrienne recently posted..Healing Feet Profile
I love my Garmin, but it would be fun to have this cool little number just for running!
Dianna on Maui recently posted..Valley-to-the-Sea Race Report AND Lessons Learned
Looks like an awesome “watch” to have!! Thanks for the giveaway!
Sure, why not?! Sign me up! I’ve seen these and am totally intrigued.
Heidi @BananaBuzzbomb recently posted..Vegans and Alcohol
I would love to try out a new device!
Nifty little device, holds music, tracks calories records miles… the list is endless! Thanks so much!
OOh, this sounds great! I would love to win one..Hubby and I have to share 1 Garmin
Thanks for the chance! Would love to win this…My Garmin has been misbehaving…
Marcia@momwifefitnesslife recently posted..Three Things Thursday
That’s self control! Having a Garmin and not using it to obsess over the data?
I haven’t heard much about MOTOACTV, but I love me some good running stats to (try to) interpret
I’d love to win one and maybe use it this summer trying to add some speed. I tend to zone out and return to a comfortable pace too easily.
Gracie recently posted..Boston marathon pictures
My Garmin is slowly dying and I am in the market for a new GPS watch so I’d love to win this one!
Toni Church recently posted..Getting Fit
Me want!
Paul recently posted..10 days to Eugene: 1st weather report
I need a new pedometer as I try to keep track of my daily mileage – so this would be perfect and I can load music too!
This tech junkie would love to try this.
Run Jilly Bean recently posted..I’m a Runner
OOOOOOH! I would love to try this. Have been restraining myself from spending the $$ on a Garmin as we are setting up a new household right now… would be wonderful to get in on the latest greatest. Please enter me.
Great review! Hope you are fully recovered from Boston and raring to go!
Elle recently posted..Produce Power… Are You Eating Your Freggies?
This is THE watch I want…I would love to win it!!
Forget MegaMillions…allit would take to make me happy is the MOTOACTV!
I would love to win one. I don’t have a Garmin and am getting tired of mapping my runs.
Id lvoe to win one. Thank you for the chance!!
Debby H recently posted..Weekly Update
Oh my gosh! I would LOVE a shot at that!
Sarah
It summer soon and I need this to start getting back in shape
I just started running two months ago and use Runkeeper on my phone. I’d love to be able to leave all that behind and just wear this swanky/sweet watch. Thank you for giving one away!
I’d love to win this!
Denise S. recently posted..Ragnar Relay!
This little thing is superb! It amazes me how much it could do for such a simple exterior design. Oh well, little things have their means of surprising you huh?
It’s also perfect for marathon training programs too! I’d like to get one too, but maybe in the future. I have another gadget that works okay for now. However, I’d love to have that feature where your music will change depending on your performance – that would really challenge me to run harder so that I can listen to some pumped up music!
Thanks for sharing this post!
That looks really cool! I still run with my Nike+ and iPod and have not even started looking into what types of watches are out there. This definitely looks like a top choice!
Lindsay_NYC recently posted..Lebanon: It’s a Love/Hate Relationship
I would love to win the watch!!! Thanks for the review:)
Katie @ msfitrunner recently posted..Pardon the Interruption…and a WINNER
Who wouldn’t want to try something new?
This would be cool for my daily run to track my mileage, calories and listen to music all at the same time – thanks!
Would love to have one – sounds FAB!!
Very cool – put me on the list!
Kathy R recently posted..Rest, Plans, Family, and PETTY!
I’d love to win this funky gadget. My hubby has been wanting a GPS watch for some time and I just haven’t purchased one for him yet.
You’re like me, you seem to come from the old school running time. No sweat wicking fabrics necessary, no GPS watches to rely on, no gloved shoes or crazy sugared sticky gus. Just you and the road…and I like it!
Britt @ Chicago Runner Girl recently posted..A little unexpected rest
I think I derserve to win this since i NEVER win blog contests EVER!
Middleaged Runner recently posted..What does a bad decision look like???
I want to win!!
THAT WOULD BE AMAZING!!! This lil gadget sounds fabulous!
sounds cool… i’d love to win one
Wow that looks really cool!
Mamarunsbarefoot recently posted..Sand Castles
Not really sure about the music in the watch, but the GPS part is cool – throw my name in the hat
Steve recently posted..Chugging Along
Wow, this watch looks interesting (big, but handy)
Ok, count me in. I’d love to try out the new technology. Great giveaway!
Jeff recently posted..Blogger new style
Awesome watch. Please count me in the giveaway. Need to get in shape and its perfect to help me on my way. Thanks.
I’ve always wanted one, but they are so expensive. I would love to win one!!!
Michele Bagrowski recently posted..Still have Sickies!
Sounds like it does it all. Great giveaway!
me me me me!!!! please!
Jen recently posted..Spring Training Contest
I would love to try one!!!!! Pick me! Picke me!
My garmin lost its “mode” button last Sunday. I’d love to try a new watch!
Andrea Hill recently posted..Crossfit: Snatches and Double-Unders
A gadget like this has been on my want list for months!
I just saw this at my local running store and loved how clear the screen was and the touch screen feature!
I don’t own a running gps watch and would love to be able to track my route online!
Me likey!
Cool gadget – would love to try it on my jogs around town! Thanks!
I love the idea of having a watch that knows the songs that motivate me the most – coolest function ever!!!
I have a Garmin 50, so the most basic watch available, but would love to upgrade. So – pick me! Thanks for holding the contest!
I am just starting to train for my first half so this would be perfect to help me along. I love the mp3/gps combo.
Ooh ooh ooh! Pick me! Pick me! (Welcome Back Kotter, anyone?) I’ve been drooling over one of these for months!
I’ll jump in. It sounds fun.
l would love to win
I won’t run without my Garmin. I’m absolutely annal about getting in the miles or time that I have scheduled for that day. As for the MOTOACTV, I’ve had my eye on that “running partner” for a while. Would LOVE to try it out. Sign me up.
Joanne recently posted..Life After Boston and FOFF Spicy Sweet Potato Fries
I’ve never run with a GPS, but it’s an interesting idea, and I’d like to win.
This looks awesome. The touch screen and music storage are definite bonuses. I would love to try it out.
I would love to win one. It sounds like a very fun gadget!
Tracy recently posted..Half Marathon 15 min PR
Sure, I’ll take a free GPS watch. But I don’t see how it could be better than my iPhone.
This would be a great replacement to my original klunky, trying to give up garmin. Thanks for the chance.
Neat! I’d love to try this out.
I’ve been thinking about these since they came out. I’d love to win one.
Rob F recently posted..Starting Over
This is great device for me, I’d love to win it!
I would love to try a new watch.
I’m a true data-junkie and love being able to track my training. I’ve been playing with getting a GPS watch instead of hauling my iPhone with me every time so this would be perfect!
Looks very similar in style to the NIke+ GPS sportswatch but I love that it plays music too,
Robin Brunet recently posted..Boston Experience…Part II
I’d love to try this watch out!! I’m recovering from a broken bone in my foot, boot off ths week and I get to start walking then running …
I like the idea of the music feature, though I don’t run with music. I also love the color scheme! I’ve always loved the black/red combo. I’d love to win it and see how it works compared to the 305!!
Erik recently posted..Numbers…
It is a very useful GPS watch but I cannot betray my beloved Garmin and I-pod.
Thank you for this post.
Black Knight recently posted..Mud and Cobblestones
I love my Garmin, but this sounds awesome, I would love to win one!
I’d love to win one – it sounds snazzy.
I’m sad for your Garmin collecting dust though.
Mandy recently posted..Chocolate Endurance
Sounds amazing, I’d looooove to win!!!! Great giveaway!
Beth @ RUNNING around my kitchen recently posted..AIM 5K recap and weekly recap
I would LOVE to win this watch!
Christine recently posted..I’m a Running Coach
I need to get myself a running watch. Crossing my fingers on this!
Hi , I would LOVE! to win this watch, it looks so amazing and would love to train with it but too expensive for me right now
ita my birthday on April 26th so that would be a perfect gift:) regards from San Diego!
Don’t tell Mr. Garmin but I have been looking for a new toy, and maybe Ms Moto will work just fine.
Coach Dion recently posted..RUNNING SOMEWHERE
I’d love to win this watch! (And if your Garmin is just collecting dust…I’d take that off your hands too!)
Is it cheating if I comment twice since I really want this
Joanne recently posted..CNYEats Cream Cheese Frosting on top of Poor Man’s Cake
What a great giveaway! Would love to try this. Especially cause its a touch screen….
this would be awesome to win!
Thanks!
Well, here is a long shot, because I need a new (or old) one, my garmin flew off my bike during Saturdays race and I dont know where it happened. So I will put my name in the hat for a chance
Hi! I’m new to your blog (found it through Erin at seemomrunfar, and found her through the adoption community). I’m a new runner and finished my first Half in March. I’m working on my pace now, b/c it wasn’t too terrible for someone who had only run for 18 weeks
(I finished in 2:03… not impressive for most runners but for me, a huge victory!). So now that I know pace can actually improve, I’m about to buy this kind of device! I might as well try to win one first 
. thanks for the chance, and for your inspiring blog!
becca recently posted..companions
That watch sounds AMAZING!!! I love Garmins.. I wear my EVERY single time I run.. If I don’t have it, I feel lost! PICK ME PICK ME!!
Madison recently posted..Hump Day!
Would love to win this!
Looks like just the Motovation I need!
My glitchy Garmin needs replacing. This would be perfect!
Lisa Pokorny recently posted..SOLE-lutions
I’d love to try this watch out! Thank you!
I want one!
Me! That watch looks awesome. I hate carrying stuff, so if I can consolidate music and GPS into one? Perfect.
I would LOVE to win this!!
I had no idea that it did all that. Wish I would have checked it out at a booth they had setup at Ragnar Relay this weekend. I rarely run with music anymore, but my Garmin 305 is pretty essential.
I would love this neat-O little GPS! I’m a poor graduate student and I pine over GPS watches but can never afford them. Plus it has music?! One less thing to carry!
Pick me, pick me……
This looks awesome! I love that it has music too. My old garmin is on its way out.
Me please. I have an old timex ironman (very low tech) and the face literally fell off the band at last weekend’s HM. Bummerama. If I don’t win this, I guess I’ll just have to drop some very serious hints for Mother’s Day.
Rachelle recently posted..Run. Inspire.
Ooh! This sounds really cool. Would love to give it a try!
Lisa recently posted..Talking Women in Sports
I also have a garmin wrist gps for golf,would love to c the differences in the two,as u know garmin does not have distances to hazards,would like to c how accurate this one would be,,thxs for consideration , Joe
Pick Me! PLEASE! My Garmin bonked the day before I needed to leave for Boston, so I borrowed one for the race. Since I just threw my name in the hat for NYC, if I get that, there will REALLY be no money to buy a replacement. I REALLY need this!
Melissa C recently posted..Oh No, what have I done this time?
I would love to win this, please please pick me!
Holy cow!!! That looks great! I’d love to win this! The MP3 player completely rocks!!!
You said that it has an mp3 player…Do headphones plug into it? If so, that’s genius!! What a cool giveaway
Kara recently posted..Leatherman’s Loop
I want one
So cool! Would love to win!
I admire you for your low-tech, simple running ways. HOWEVER I myself am admittedly gadget-crazed – I would love to try it!
Marlene recently posted..Boston Marathon Race Report
Very cool giveaway. I’d love to win it for my mom… or maybe keep it for myself and give her my old Garmin.
Laurie recently posted..Oh happy morning…
Holy cow! That thing is fancy! I’d love to win one!!
Kate @ Run with Kate recently posted..Spectating the Foxy Trail Half Marathon
I would love to win one!! Be great to try it out and have some fun.
Wow – that would be amazing! To be honest, I had never heard of this before and have been using a garmin. I really like the garmin but haven’t quite figured out the bells/whistles… technology and I are not really friends.
Amy G recently posted..come back tomorrow!
I would love to win one of these motoactv as it will really help me take my training to the next level.
Hell yeah I’d like one! I am one of those geeks that had the original Garmin Forerunner that was almost as long as my forearm. I freaked out when I thought I’d left my Garmin 310XT in London…then I found it safely tucked in a sock!
Alison Gittelman recently posted..Running in England
I started running in December and realized that I need one for my trail runs since I’m doing the DC Ragnar in September.
Alyssa K recently posted..I’ll take "Auditions" for $200, Alex!
Love running & would love to be able to track my miles!
My garmin has served me well for 4 1/2 years, but has stopped holding a charge. I could really use something to replace it. A few friends have recommended this watch.
I’m on my 3rd Garmin (all used off eBay), and had a brief experience with Soleus, so I’d love to win this and try it out to see which of the 3 is the best.
David H. recently posted..Socializing at Blue Ridge
I really enjoy your blog….inspiring to all of us women who are trying to do it all. Thank you
I would be curious to see how this one compares to the garmin – plus this paired with Bluetooth would be pretty cool.
Krissy @ Shiawase Life recently posted..wordless wednesday.
I’d LOVE to win one, as I work in a running store and have done a TON of research on it. From everything I’ve heard, this should change the Excercise/Fitness Electronics game permanently.
I’d like to win one.
I turned 45 today. I feel like I need one. Thanks for the review and the drawing!
Would love to win one for my husband who takes care of our 5, 3, ad 2 year old so I can work and go to school.
I’m getting back into running and would love to win one!
Dang wish I had found this sooner would love one
too late for the contest but a friend has this and just LOVES it. pretty cool
MilesMusclesMom recently posted..The Reveal II: Mission Miami to Key West!!
Would love a cool new watch
chris recently posted..No NYC Marathon again, PYP 50k this Saturday
Awesome watch wiyh so many tunctions would love one!
It’s going to be end of mine day, but before end I am reading this great paragraph to increase my know-how.
free stuff recently posted..free stuff