When you first load up your Garmin Forerunner running watch and browse around its features, you would see that there are various workout types that are already preprogrammed into the running watch. All you need to do is to navigate to it, push some buttons to select them and you would be on your way to a great training.

Of course, not everyone who owns a Garmin Forerunner may be able to understand what these different workout types mean. They may not fully realize just how much a certain workout type would be able to help them in their training.

That is why it is best to try and understand the varying workout types that are preprogrammed into the Garmin Forerunner. This would enable runners to select the proper workout which would complement their training goals.

Some of the common workout types included in the Garmin Forerunner running watch includes the following:

Interval Workouts

The interval workout feature of the Garmin Forerunner is just as the name implies. It means alternating between 2 intensities. Usually a runner would run over a specified time or distance for a set period or repetitions but would have a low intensity or rest period in between.

This would allow a runner to experience running full blast and raising their heart rates, but gives enough rest so that they would be able to continue the runs until they reach their desired levels. The interval workout feature of the Garmin forerunner is usually used for people who want to increase their endurance and stamina.

Simple Workouts

Another featured workout of the Garmin Forerunner Running watches is the simple workout. Simple workouts are just training routines that are based on time, distance or calories.  This means that the person would just continue running until they reach their set goals regarding the number of calories burned, a certain distance passed, or a time limit.

This feature is commonly used by people who just want a no frills run, and would just like to be notified when they have reached the day’s training goals.

Heart Rate Workouts

A workout feature that is similar to a simple workout is the heart rate workout. Through this featured routine, the goal of your training is to reach a certain heart rate training zone and stay in it for a certain period of time.

Advanced Workouts

The next feature of the Garmin Forerunner running watch is the advanced workout. Advanced workouts are those that are based on an overall program. To be able to utilize advanced workouts, you would need to set them using the Garmin Training Center software that is included with the watch, or the online Garmin Connect service.

In this feature, a workout for today can be very different from the one that you would do for another session. They are usually used by people who have an overall goal that can take multiple training sessions to reach.

As you can see, these featured workouts of the Garmin Forerunner running watches are varied enough to provide you with one that you can use to aid you in your training.

Many people purchase a Garmin Forerunner because of the advanced and innovative features and capability that it has. Serious runners know that they would be able to count on it to perform and gather data for the most complex running activities that they would participate in. When viewed from this perspective, one may surmise that the Garmin Forerunner is an advanced watch for advanced runners.

However, there are some people who are not as advanced in running training but still have the Garmin Forerunner as a running watch. They could have received them as gifts, purchased on an impulse buy, or was simply fascinated with the looks and features of the watch. Does this mean that these people would not be able to enjoy the benefits of the Garmin Forerunner?

Well, the answer to that is no. This is because despite being an advanced piece of running equipment, the Garmin Forerunner series of running watches are still perfect for novices or beginners in this sport. This is thanks to the easy to use features that are incorporated into the running watch:

Some of these features that make it easier for beginners to use the Garmin Forerunner include:

Intuitive Menu System and interface:

A great thing with the Garmin Forerunner is that it uses a highly intuitive menu system. This means that you can easily navigate and search for functions that you would want to use in your watch.

You are free from the confusing menu systems that other watches have. The simple click of a button, or a motion in the panel is enough for you to be able to move around the menu list that the Garmin Forerunner offers.

Customizable data fields:

The Garmin Forerunner can track a lot of data that is related to running. However, not everyone wants to know about all of these numbers and statistics during their run. This is especially true for beginners who are not into the nitty-gritty of running analysis.

Fortunately, the Garmin Forerunner has customizable data fields. This means you can just select which among the data that the Forerunner running watch can track would be the one that would appear on the data fields on your watch.

Computer Connectivity:

If you are really a novice at running, you would probably want other people to help you or teach you the ways to be able to improve your training. That is why the computer connectivity of the Garmin Forerunner is such a useful tool for beginners.

Through it, they could simply upload their training data to various forums, and ask people for their comments and suggestions that would help them improve their training. They could even use a training analyzing software to know how else they could Improve on their runs.

As you can see, the Garmin Forerunner is truly a watch for a runner of any skill level. Even if you are a beginner, you would definitely still be able to benefit from the features that this running watch offers.

Because running had been rising in popularity, there also seems to be a rise in the number of companies who try to manufacture gear or equipment that would aid someone who runs. One of the most common products that are being manufactured for runners now is the running watch.

As serious runners would understand, having a great running watch would be able to immensely help in one’s training. The running watch would be able to provide runners with the accurate data they need in order to track their results. Needless to say, someone who owns and uses a good running watch would really benefit from it and become a step ahead of the competition.

Perhaps this is one of the main reasons why many people purchase a Garmin Forerunner running watch. The Garmin Forerunner is loaded with dozens of features that truly help in boosting one’s training routine.  As everyone knows, having a good training is a foundation of being able to perform well.

Some features that would help you be a step ahead of your competition, that are packed with the Garmin Forerunner include:

Large capacity for tracking Running History:

The Garmin Forerunner is built to be able to track all the laps that you have ever taken during your training. By being capable of this it would be easy to compare your times, splits, and distance covered for each training activity.

The benefit of being able to track plenty of past training data is that you would be able to know the progress of your training better. You would know if you are doing well or are regressing on your training.

GPS powered accuracy:

Serious runners know that each meter, lap, or split second is critical in their training. Having a running watch that is unable to accurately compute these data while you train would hinder you from progressing. You would not be able to accurately know if you were actually able to shave off precious seconds from your run.

Thanks to the GPS powered receiver of the Garmin Forerunner, you would be able to accurately get your data. It uses a patented positioning system which is able to computer your distance to a level that is barely 1% chance of error.

Sturdy Durability:

A running watch that is poorly constructed would definitely break down when you train. That is why you should only use one that can match your actual training intensity. A watch that is not durable would easily give out, costing you your precious training data.

The great thing with the Garmin Forerunner series is that these watches have a sturdy construction. This means there is a very small chance that it would break down while you are using it for your training.

As you might be able to surmise from these features, the Garmin Forerunner is definitely built for you to be able to improve in the best way possible. With a Forerunner attached to your wrist, you would always be a step ahead of the competition.

When you think of the Garmin Forerunner 405, or any forerunner watch for that matter, you immediately think of running as its main physical activity. This line of thinking is perhaps further supported by the name in which the runner is already mentioned. While you would not be wrong in thinking this way, the Garmin Forerunner is actually a very capable GPS powered watch even in other activities.

One of the activities other running where using the Garmin Forerunner 405 is ideal is cycling. You can connect the Garmin Forerunner 405 and its sensors to your bicycle and you could track your training progress just as if you were running.

Here are some of the things that you can notice or expect from the Garmin Forerunner 405 while you are cycling:

A very intuitive menu:

When it comes to running watches, or in this case, cycling watches, having an easy to use and intuitive menu is critical. After all, you want to be able to focus on your cycling and not be distracted by your running watch.

In this regard, the Garmin Forerunner 405 performs well. It has a very interesting method for selecting menus. There are two hard buttons on the right and four places on the bezel for menu selection. You then perform circular motion on the bezel to be able to select items from the menu. This intuitive method is like the one used for the popular music player called the iPod.

This is quite incredible because I just need a few gestures to be able to see the data that I need or change the functionality of the watch.

Difference with other cycling computers:

A difference that the Garmin Forerunner 405 has with other cycling computers is in the way that they would track your data.

Most cycling computers would usually rely on getting the circumference of your wheel to be able to get the distance travelled between two points. On the other hand, this Forerunner uses GPS technology to be able to compute your distance.

There is no trouble with either method since the difference is usually just around 1-2%. This is not bad at all when it comes to tracking data.

Virtual Partner:

One thing that you can find very nice with the Garmin Forerunner 405 is the virtual partner feature. The virtual partner screen shows an imaginary cycling buddy that can help keep you company or pace you while you do your activity.

The virtual partner can help give cyclists a visual representation of how you are progressing on your target times or distances. This is great when you are doing your solo runs, or do not have a “training buddy” to do your activities with.

As you can see from these features, the Garmin Forerunner 405 can perform quite well when you use them for cycling purposes. This just shows how varied the situations or activities wherein this GPS enabled running watch can help your training.

Once you have purchased a Garmin Forerunner, you would be able to easily use it’s features to improve your training. It is relatively intuitive and very easy to use, so you should have very little problems while using it for your physical fitness needs.

Everything you need is at the touch of a button, and the menu is very contextual. In case you have additional questions, the included instructions manual in the Garmin Forerunner kit would be able to handle them.

With that said, there are actually some additional things that you could do to enhance your training experience while using the Garmin Forerunner. These are some additional tips that you could follow so that your time with the Forerunner would be fun, enjoyable and free from any untoward incidents:

You can customize the data fields:

One of the most overlooked features of the Garmin Forerunner line of running watches is that you can easily adjust the data fields that are showing in the screen. Through a few  clicks and adjustments in the settings, you would be able to customize the data that it shows to match the kind of training that you are doing.

You can easily set it to data fields that reflect important data about running then quickly change it to fields for cycling if you are doing interval training. This allows the Garmin Forerunner to be your all around watch for whatever your training need is.

It needs some cleaning and care too!

Yes, the Garmin Forerunner is one tough running watch. It is built to be durable enough to withstand tough environments. However, it would do well if you still did some care and maintenance for it right it is used.

You should remember to wipe the metal contacts at the back of the watch after your training. This is because the sweat that builds up over time may lead to corrosion which could cause problems in the watch’s hardware.

You can use a clean cloth for removing the traces of moisture. If there are already some gunk build up in the watch, then you could use a rubber eraser to wipe them off.

The Customer Service of Garmin

Just in case you have some questions about your running watch or worse, had a watch that suddenly stopped functioning, you can easily call Garmin and ask them about what they can do for you.

There are some people who had watches that broke down, and had replacement or fixed watches that were sent to them in as little as two to three weeks.