Running gadget of the year so far: the Garmin speed-distance monitor just got better

First "must have" gadget of the year has appeared on the Garmin website. Well, it may be in the shops by now, but I haven't spotted one yet...

the GPS folks have seriously upgraded the trusty Forerunner series; the latest model, the 406, now looks as though it is wrist watch size, rather than the miniature tv screen I wear on my wrist (to be fair, I still use a vintage version)... plus they have effectively knocked out the competition with the inclusion of an optional foot pod.

This is very good news because, while I use my Garmin for everything, I've noticed it can sometimes give odd distances on a track and of course on an indoor track it doesn't give speed-distance info at all, because it is can't access any satellites. Some people have similarly complained that the Garmin has problems in woodland, or even on very overcast days (not my experience, I have to say). Problem solved: Garmin have firstly souped up the design and increased the sensitivity of the GPS receiver, so they say, "so it can get a stronger signal during your run. And its high-sensitivity GPS receiver provides improved tracking under trees and near tall buildings" and secondly, they've designed an an optional foot pod for use indoors or wherever the Forerunner really can't latch on to a satellite.

And finally there is a choice of not-black!

If you have to have this right away you're going to pay the price: $318 for the basic version; $370-odd with heart rate monitor. The foot pod is an extra $120. Why oh why couldn't they have brought this out in time for Christmas -- which is also my birthday season?????