One of the most famous lines of GPS enabled running watches is the Garmin Forerunner. Many people would purchase them because of the plethora of unique features that it would be able to provide the enthusiasts all the way up to the competitive runners.

However, despite being such a loaded running watch, some people are scared of using it because they are not fully aware of the features that they could use for their running. They become confused about what the capabilities of the Garmin Forerunner watches are, and would rather opt for something that is more familiar or simple.

This is very unfortunate as the range of features that any Garmin Forerunner running watch packs is truly beneficial for any kind of runner. It is just a matter of understanding them and then applying them to your own training routine.

Here are the common features found in the Garmin Forerunners and a short description of what they are able to do for you.

Competition Features:

Virtual Partner - The Virtual Partner feature of the Garmin Forerunners is one of the most famous and more known features of the watch. The virtual partner lets you train against a digital competitor. It shows a virtual display so that you have an idea just how much ahead you are, or how much ground you need to cover to get even with the competition.

Courses - The Garmin Forerunner also lets you compete against your previous workouts through the courses feature in the running watch. It would be your guide if you are finally improving your runs based on how you performed in your earlier ones.

Workout Features -

Simple Workouts – If you are not an aggressive or serious runner, then perhaps the Simple workout feature is for you. It would allow you to input time, distance and calorie goals. This would allow you to know when you have reached them and when you can stop your work outs.

Advanced Workouts – There are also advanced workouts for those who want to fully control the parameters of their training session.

Alert Triggers:

The Garmin Forerunner series of running watches have various audio alert triggers to inform you about the goals that you reach while running. There are pace alerts when you start varying from your preset pace, a time or distance alert when you reach your goals.

While Running:

Auto Pause – When you are running your training routes, there are situations wherein you would need to stop, such as in traffic stops or when others ask for directions. This could wreck your data as it would skew the training that you are doing. Fortunately the auto pause feature would automatically stop the timer and resume the timer based on your speed. If it detects you are not moving, then it would stop.

Auto Lap – The Auto Lap function would automatically start a new lap once you have reached a desired route, or time.

As you can see from the features mentioned above, the Garmin Forerunner is really the only running watch that you need for all your training needs

The Garmin Forerunner 405 running watch is primarily known to be the watch that runners would purchase when they begin to become serious about their training. This is because the Garmin Forerunner 405 is loaded with a plethora of features that would enable the one who is using it to accurately track the data that are necessary for improvement.

However, because of its emphasis on running, many people tend to be wary of the Garmin Forerunner 405 model. They think that this type of running watch may be a one trick pony and that they would not be able to use it other than for some serious running training. Because of this, they would just rather purchase other sports watches that may not be as loaded with features, but are believed to be more versatile.

Actually, when it comes to versatility, the Garmin Forerunner can match up with the best of them. Not only is it a great running watch but it is also quite adaptable for a variety of situations. Due to its versatility, here are some of the ways where you could expand the use of your Garmin forerunner 405:

Purchase Accessories:

The great thing with the Garmin Forerunner 405 running watch is that is capable of being paired with a variety of proprietary and 3rd party accessories. You would be able to easily attach them through the seamless connections that the Garmin Forerunner 405 packs.

Through the various accessories you would be able to do much more than just run with your Garmin Forerunner 405. For example, you would be able to get cadence sensors, so that you would be able to use it for doing some of your cycling training.

The many accessories that you could get for your Garmin Forerunner 405 would mean that you would be able to easily change up your training. This would enable you to combat boredom as well as try out different activities that are not directly related to  running.

Use it as a Regular Sports Watch:

One thing that sets the Garmin Forerunner 405 from other running watches is that it has a very sleek design. This design is in contrast with other running watches (and even some of the older Garmin Forerunner models) in the fact that it is slimmer and is noticeably less bulky than the others.

While by no means would anyone mistake the Garmin Forerunner 405 for a sleek dress watch, it would be able to stand on its own for other less formal purposes. You would be able to wear it for more casual events without having to deal with the funny looks that people would give you if you had brought a different model of running watch.

As you can see, the Garmin Forerunner 405 would still be able to do well in doing other activities. While it is primarily a running watch, you would still be able to use it for a variety of purposes that are not directly related to your running training.

Garmin Forerunner watches are constructed from the most durable materials. They are made to withstand the intense physical activity that you do with your training. That’s why all the models, from the Garmin Forerunner 205, 305 or the 405, are great partners for any kind of training discipline. If they are properly maintained, they will not wear down even if you are running the farthest distances, or encountering the harshest of environmental conditions.

With said, you would be able to see just how important it is to maintain your running watches. While the Garmin Forerunner 405 is constructed to be as durable as possible, there are always situations wherein you would need to do some work to ensure that your Forerunner is in tip top shape.

Read the rest of this entry

In the past, physical coaching used to be quite easy. Trainers would just have to lift weights, do some exercises, run long distances and then repeat it till they achieved the lap times, strength levels or other goals that they need to reach.

Today, coaching has become more complicated than ever. Thanks to systematic strategies and technical breakthroughs, folks have now found new techniques of taking info and researching them to help in improving coaching.

It appears now that to be ready to enhance your lap times, and boost your results, you would also must have the leading edge equipment.

Read the rest of this entry

Analyzing and Tracking your Running Data

The Garmin Forerunner series of watches are loaded with features that enable you to track and analyze your fitness data. With the Garmin Forerunner wristwatch alone you would already be able to instantaneously know the results of your fitness activities.

However, there are some instances when you would want to increase the analysis that you make of the data that you gather from your Garmin Forerunner. While you could simply look at your watch’s records and track manually, this is quite tedious and difficult to do.

That is why Garmin has bundled their Garmin Training Center software with their Garmin Forerunner running watches.

Read the rest of this entry