Need to Re-Think How to Clock Mileage

Once again my Garmin failed to locate satellites when I started my run. I do wait a bit on the street corner for it to try and locate, but after awhile I just feel funny standing on the street corner, watching this bar on my watch almost become full and then just drop down to half way again. So I will start running figuring the Garmin will catch up with me...eventually

But it means I don't get an accurate gauge of my pace and time.

For example, today Garmin didn't find me until after I'd hit the park and crossed it. And it didn't take me 17 mins to run a mile.

I used mapmyrun.com when I got home to gauge the distance (just shy of 3 miles) and then went to daily mile to log that and the time that Garmin gave me to get pace. Now I run in Central Park enough to get a general idea of how far I go, but really I want to know exactly, otherwise how will I know if I'm getting faster or slower.

All this has me thinking about whether it's time to retire my Garmin, shell out $$$ on a new one or try and figure out who to run with my iPhone.

Honestly, this is primarily a summer problem. In the the other seasons I run with jackets or a vest that has a pocket that I can stick my iPhone into and use any of my apps to clock the run and get distance. It's the summer, where running shorts or skorts don't have pockets really that I really tend to depend on the Garmin. I could use one of those arm band things, but in the past I've found them annoying and they chafe. I try not to run withe race belt because I always just feel weird with it. And honestly, I like the freedom that running without my iPhone or only just my shuffle affords me.

Suggestions anyone?