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

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.

This is because the Garmin Forerunner 405 is one of the most highly regarded running watches that are currently available. Both the professional athletes, serious running trainers, and even the weekend running enthusiasts would give glowing reviews in their testimonials about the running watch’s capabilities.

If these reviews and testimonials are not enough for you, here are more reasons for you to get a Garmin Forerunner 405

Accuracy:

The main reason for getting a running watch would be to track your running data accurately so you would be able to judge your performance. When it comes to accuracy, there are few running watches in its price range that can match the Garmin Forerunner 405.

Utilizing its GPS receiver, it is able to accurately track data so that you would not have any false information when trying to analyze your runs. Its advanced system would even take into account the course difficulty, stoppages (asking for directions, pedestrian cross walks, etc.) that could mess up the readings.

Versatility:

Another advantage when you get a Garmin Forerunner 405 running watch as your training companion is its versatility. The Forerunner 405 is equipped with multiple features and the capability to accept various accessories so that you would be able to customize it for various kinds of training.

One of the more common complaints with other GPS watches is that they can be difficult to operate indoors due to the required signal connection between the GPS system in the watch and the satellites. This is not an issue with the 405 as it has better receiver and satellite setup which would enable you to train both indoors and outdoors.

The plethora of accessories to make it more versatile is also quite astounding for the Garmin Forerunner 405. For example, the cycling enthusiast could use a cadence sensor accessory connected to the Forerunner so that he or she would still be able to track the data even if they are on a bike.

Bundled Software:

Lastly, the bundled software of the Garmin Forerunner 405 is also something that would really help you improve on your training. The software is able to track your data and analyze your current performance so that you would know which aspects of your training you would need improvement on.

Connecting to the computer is also not a problem, as you can actually configure your Garmin Forerunner 405 to connect to the computer wirelessly and automatically.

After seeing these reasons, we hope that you would strongly consider getting a Garmin Forerunner 405 as your choice for your running watch.

So you now have your hands on a brand new Garmin Forerunner running watch. You may have purchased it upon hearing the excellent reviews about its top shelf capabilities or maybe even received it as a gift from a running enthusiast. While it would be all well and good, a problem could be found if you are a total beginner to the world of running and running watches.

This is because the Garmin Forerunner can be quite confusing for someone who is just used to using simple running watches. They can become easily confused by the plethora of features and accessories that the Garmin Forerunner has.

Because of this, some beginners may under utilize their running watch since they do not know how to operate it properly. Worse, some may even turn away from using the Garmin Forerunner entirely because they are scared that they may mess up and do some harm on their high end gadgets.

To be able to avoid these from happening and allow them to fully maximize their Garmin Forerunners, here are some guides that a total beginner can use.

Reading the Manual:

The manual that is included with the Garmin Forerunner would usually include everything you need in order to learn more about the wonderful piece of equipment that you have with you now.

You would be able to learn about the different features and capabilities that the Garmin Forerunner has. It would also explain how you may be able to use these features when you are actually training. This would allow you to figure out the best way wherein you would be able to apply the benefits that  a Garmin Forerunner provides you.

The manual would also contain guides as to how to operate the Garmin Forerunner properly. While Garmin running watches are already known for their intuitiveness, it would become much easier to do so once you have read the manual. What’s better is that you would also be able to find out which situations or things you must avoid doing so that you would not risk damage to your new running equipment.

Go online and join running forums:

Some people would want a more interactive approach to learning how to use their Garmin Forerunners. The problem with a manual is that it may be quite difficult to understand and that it does not respond to specific questions that you may have. For these situations, the best solution would be to go online and join running watch forums.

For example, if you have questions regarding the Garmin Forerunner, you could actually go to the official Garmin Forums. These forums have very accommodating members who would be able to guide you about the proper usage of your running watch.

They may even give you additional tips that would be applicable not only to how you use the Garmin Forerunner, but also in your running training in general.

As you can see, you would have plenty of help when you are trying to set p the Garmin Forerunner, even if you are a total beginner at it.