Garmin Forerunner 305 Reflections
December 14, 2009 by Jacquie
Filed under Reviews, Running Accessories
All I want for Christmas is a Garmin Forerunner 305. So that’s what my husband bought for me. Actually we bought them for each other, and we couldn’t wait for Christmas to use them.
When we decided on the Garmin 305, we were busy researching heart rate monitors. We found that the Garmin 305 ended up to be the same price that a heart rate monitor was going to cost us. We chose the Garmin as there were so many more features in addition to the heart rate monitor. Read the comparison between the Garmin Forerunner 305 vs. the Garmin Forerunner 405.
We ordered our Garmin’s through Amazon as they had the best deal for the Garmin 305 that we could find. Our first workout with the Garmin was November 22nd and I wanted to provide an update on life with my Garmin.
Garmin Forerunner 305 Observations
When choosing the 305, we were concerned with it’s size (big and bulky). After using it, does the size bother me? Honestly, no. I find it so lightweight on my wrist that, other than constantly looking at it to see the information it provides, I don’t even know that I am wearing it. The size also provides a bigger screen to read. I think that if it was any smaller, I would have a hard time reading the information on it’s face (my eyes are going).
In the running mode, the Garmin provides three customizable screens. You can view one to four pieces of data on each screen so if you fully utilize each screen, you could monitor 16 customizable pieces of data while running. You can program each of the 3 screens with any of the following data:
- Heart rate (average, lap, zone)
- Time (sunrise, sunset, average lap, last lap)
- Pace (average, best, lap, last lap, zone)
- Distance (lap, last lap, paused)
- Elevation
- Grade
- Direction
- Laps
- Calories
- Date
 |
View of the Garmin screen showing three pieces of data – time, pace and distance |
If you have problems reading the smaller numbers on the screen, like I do, note that the fewer the items that you have on the screen, the bigger the numbers are. For example, if you program one screen with just your heart rate, it displays in big numbers and is quite easy to read.
Downloading information to the computer is very easy. The Garmin comes with free software called the Garmin Training Center. I find the software quite limited in what it provides. It basically just receives the information from your Garmin and allows you to analyze it online. The software shows a "tracking map" of where you have been, but doesn’t provide a detailed map of streets etc. Nor does it allow you to map and download future runs.
My experience was that Garmin doesn’t provide much information on the mapping functionality, so I finally contacted Garmin support to get my questions answered. The fellow I spoke with was very friendly and was able to provide me with lots of useful information. He was also a Garmin user, so was able to help me with examples of his own personal use.
After suggestions from Garmin support, I have ventured into using Garmin Connect and MapMyRun.com. However, I have not gained enough experience in these areas to provide a review for the time being.
The Garmin 305 has been somewhat of a challenge to learn. I can’t blame that on the Garmin though. It’s just getting used to new technology and the use of it. I am slowly learning it’s features, although I still have a lot to learn. I hope to integrate the information that the Garmin provides me into a proper marathon training program so that I can challenge myself and see positive results.
I welcome all comments on tips and experiences on use of the Garmin Forerunner 305.
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Jeffgoblue on Thu, 17th Dec 2009 8:48 am
Key tips for the Garmin.
1) Turn on Auto-Lap (Training–>Training Options–>Auto-Lap–>By Distance). The watch will automatically give you a split every mile, or whatever other distance you want. General–>Data Fields, you can pick what items are displayed on each of the 3 screens (Main 1, Main 2, and Running). You can display anywhere from one to four items on each screen. Anyhow, instead Pace, use Pace - Lap). “Pace” attempts to give you your current speed, but since it’s based on a limited number of GPS sample points, it’s very jumpy and not very accurate. But Lap Pace give you the pace of your current split (best to have Auto-Lap set — see above). It’s a much more stable indicator of your current pace.
3) When I’m about to go run, I set down my Garmin outside, and then get ready. While I’m busy getting dressed, it finds the satellites and is ready to go when I am.
4) http://www.RunningAhead.com is a great online running that supports direct uploads from the Garmin. Automatically logs your run and generates a GoogleMap of the course! The forums and groups on this site are also excellent.