GPS Anyone

Does anyone have any advice on using a GPS for trail running. I recently bought a Garmin to use (two days ago), but am having a hard time finding the mapping software that shows trail level topography.

which Garmin did you buy? I just got the 405 that is really fun, but I already had the "MapSource" software that gives me 100k detail for maps (pretty coarse) that the Garmin Training Center software can display. I think Garmin has another freeware that has better coverage, but I'm not sure what it is off hand. you can also display your run using Google Earth if you have the bandwidth and computing power.

the Training center also allows you to upload workouts onto the 405, that I've found to be really helpful in doing HR training rather than pace training.

The Garmin website is not super well organized, but there are some goodies on it if you have the time to muck about!

I thought about a 405, but was looking for more than it had to offer. I bought a Mapping 60CSx, There are a lot of trails out here in the Black Hills, but little maintence. One of the biggest trails (100 plus) has sections cut out from logging. They are trying to slow pine beatle infestations. Basically you are running along on a great trail to have it completly disappear into timber logging. It takes quite a while to find it on the other side of the logging. I plan on have it in my Camelbak, pull it out and use it as needed.

I have the MapSource software that came with it, but it has no topo features or trails for my area.

I like the functionality of the 60 series when it comes to mapping, I use one a lot for work. That's one problem I have with the 405 - it doesn't do a great job of combining tracks into a trailmap - it just shows the info for that run/bike/hike. Before the 405 I would just run with the 60Cx while it was on in my pack, so it'd record the track-log (making sure the TL was enabled), then upload the data into the MapSource program.

The MapSource program has some other CD's (MapTopo http://www8.garmin.com/cartography/mapSource/topous.jsp) you can buy that give coverage of different sections of the US and World, but the program and coverage is pretty clunky. it looks like they are putting together a higher resolution software package, but I haven't seen it yet. DeLorme has some nice high resolution stuff, but I don't know how well it'd talk to a Garmin.

What I usually end up doing with the Track Logs is to save them to a different file than my points file, then export them as a *.dxf (older MapSource editions have is as an export function, the latest build i have 6.13.7 just allows you to save it in different formats). The dxf can be imported into some other GIS programs (a good freeware one is GlobalMapper that'll allow you to access TerraServer data for a defined area, but has some other limitations). With terraserver data, you can get the 24K quad resolution for any area you want. Hopefully the Garmin 24k stuff will come out soon.

Thanks... I orderded the Central National Parks Package. Most of the the Black Hills is National Forrest. I will report back when I get it.

I have also heard the 405 doesn't provide great coverage (at least not as well as the 60 series) in Canyons and through trees.

I have only had it cut out on me in heavy trees on a snowy, overcast day. moisture seems to decrease the signal pretty bad. The antenna isn't as powerful as in the 60, and I think the processor is a bit less sophisticated, but I really like how small it is and that I can use it as a training aid. Although my wife did clock speeds of over 200 mph on a run in the mountains a month or so ago . . . she's pretty fast, but not that fast!

hope the GPS works out for you! I look foreword to seeing the published trail running map!

Well I got my GPS topographical map and was both disappointed and pleased. The map is touted as the most detailed and accurate available, including trail details. The topographical features are great and very detailed. I could not be more pleased. On the other hand, the trial markings are horrid at best.
My purpose in getting the GPS is to run the trails here in the Black Hills, which are poorly marked, particularly the Centennial Trail. The map does not even show the Centennial Trail. There are a few very short sections where the trail is mapped a labeled but they are short (maybe a mile or two) and few between. The Centennial Trail is over 100 miles long. As a test of the system, I decided to try it out on what is called the Flume Trail.
The Flume Trail follows the path of an old water flume built in 1880 to run water from a lake to a small town for the purpose of mining placer gold. The mining went bust in the 1890’s, but the flume route has been a designated trail for a long long time. Surly it would be on the map, and some short sections were.
I have paper topographical maps that show the flume trail along with a book detailing the trail. Using the maps and book, I was able to plot out where the trail should be, or close to. I then downloaded the route to my GPS and we were off.
It worked awesome. We had a great run and finished the 11.5-mile trail with little interruption. There were at least four places where we would have been totally lost had it not been for the GPS. At one point it looked like the trail followed a double track road (if you could call it that) down into a valley. The GPS told us to veer left instead. We followed the GPS and located a hidden trail diamond tacked to a tree. Looking down the ditch, we discovered a small stream. Following the GPS, we crossed the stream and found the trail on the other side heading off in a completely different direction from the road.
No kidding, the process of routing out the trail on the computer is tedious. The great topographical detail makes it easier, but it still time consuming. I am sure with more experience I will get better and faster at it, time will tell. The best thing a GPS does is tell you exactly where you are and what direction you are facing. I would still recommend carrying a paper map of the area to give you a better overall view of where you are and where you want to go.
Would I recommend one? I would have to say it depends upon how wild the trails are you run. If they are wild seldom-used trails and you like the adventure then I would recommend one. Otherwise, stick to the local bike path and forget the GPS.

I just got the Garmin forerunner 205 and man do I love that thing. It is awsome how you can see your distance and your pace, plus many other things that come with it. I love how you can view your progress and chart your run on the program that comes with it. If anyone was ever interested in GPS I would get that one or the 305 if you run by heartrate.

HAPPY RUNNING!