“In the rainy season, sometimes to get to the first lesson we had to run really quick, because we had to cross the river to school and we'd have to go up and down the bank to find a place to cross because there is no bridge.”
by Haile Gebrselassie
The Garmin Forerunner 710 running watch is not yet released from Garmin. As soon as I get hold of the Forerunner710 I will of course provide you with an extensive review of this new sports watch.
|
Garmin Forerunner 305 specs |
Garmin Forerunner 405 specs |
|
| Basemap: | no | no |
| Ability to add maps: | no | no |
| Accepts data cards: | no | no |
| Lap history: | 1000 laps | 1000 laps |
| Waypoints/favorites/locations: |
100 |
100 |
| Routes: |
50 |
0 |
| Heart rate monitor: | yes | yes (some versions) |
| Bike speed/cadence sensor: | yes (some versions) | yes (optional) |
| Foot pod: | yes (optional) | yes (optional) |
| Courses (compete against previous activities): | yes | yes |
| Auto Pause® (pauses and resumes timer based on speed): | yes | yes |
| Auto Lap® (automatically starts a new lap): | yes | yes |
| Auto Scroll (cycles through data pages during workout): | yes | yes |
| Multi-sport (changes sport mode with a press of a button): | yes | no |
| Advanced workouts (create custom, goal-oriented workouts): | yes | yes |
| Simple workouts (input time, distance and calorie goals): | yes | yes |
| Pace alert (triggers alarm if you vary from preset pace): | yes | yes (for advanced workouts only) |
| Time/distance alert (triggers alarm when you reach goal): | yes | yes (for advanced workouts only) |
| Vibration alert: (choose between alert tones and/or vibration alert): | no | no |
| Interval training (set up exercise and rest intervals): | yes | yes |
| Heart rate-based calorie computation: | no | no |
| Customizable screen(s): | yes | yes |
| Barometric altimeter: | no | no |
| Unit-to-unit transfer (shares data wirelessly with similar units): | no | yes |
| Power meter compatible (displays power data from compatible 3rd party ANT+™-enabled power meters): | no | no |
| Temperature (displays and records temperature while you ride): | no | no |
| Sport watch: | no | yes |
| Training effect (measures impact of an activity on your aerobic fitness): | no | no |
| Virtual racer™ (compete against other activities): | no | no |
| Virtual Partner® (train against a digital person): | yes | yes |
| Automatic sync (automatically transfers data to your computer): | no | yes |
| Garmin Connect™ compatible (online community where you analyze, categorize and share data): | yes | yes |
| Garmin Training Center® software compatible: | yes | yes |
| Unit dimensions, WxHxD: | 2.1″ x 2.7″ x 0.7″ (5.33 x 6.86 x 1.78 cm) | 1.88″ x 2.78″ x 0.646″ (4.8 x 7.1 x 1.6 cm) |
| Display size, WxH: | 1.3″ x 0.8″ (3.3 x 2.0 cm) | 1.06″ (2.7 cm) diameter |
| Display resolution, WxH: | 160 x 100 pixels | 124 x 95 pixels |
| Touchscreen: | no | no |
| Weight: | 2.72 oz (77 g) | 2.11 oz (60 g) |
| Battery: | rechargeable lithium-ion | rechargeable lithium-ion |
| Batterylife: | 10 hours, typical | 2 weeks in power save mode; 8 hours in training mode |
| GPS-enabled: | yes | yes |
| Water resistant: | yes (IPX7) | yes (IPX7) |
| High-sensitivity receiver: | yes | yes |
| Additional: | NA | Garmin Connect andGarminTrainingCenterare compatible with Windows® XP or newer and Intel-based Mac running OS 10.4.11 or later with Safari. Watch functions include dual time, date and alarm. |
In many ways it is the software and what you can do with it and not the device itself that makes the Garmin 305 special.
Most GPS based devices dump the data to GPX files and with the data you can do more or less the same things. With the graphical coordinates gathered by the GPS device you you can track where you went and the exact point in time you when went there. This allows you to do different analytical things with the simple raw data. How you use the software will determine whether the device will be a useful tool in your training.
By using software I am able to more accurately control my training especially pacing heart rate or speed. I have found that the pace meter is very useful for long runs because it helps me not to go too fast in the beginning. Likewise the cadence meter is very helpful in my cycling. In short, I can’t recommend using software in combination with the Garmin Foreunner enough.
Review of the Garmin Training Center software
The included Garmin Training Center software that comes with the watch is good but not ideal, it can do the basic things but you can’t customize anything – in particular, the names of your runs. The only thing you can do is create new folders. It does map but they are of really poor quality with no satellite imagery or interesting details.
The Garmin Training Center software does not let you change the data, so when there is a random mistake in data gathered (for instance sometimes it records a very high speed for a second) you can’t correct it. In general I would not recommend that you use this software to analyze your training and I think that Garmin has noted that the software has realized that the software is a bit outdated and therefore replaced it with Garmin Connect (see my review of Garmin connect here).
Here is a screenshot of the Garmin Training software:
Alternatives to the Garmin Training Center software
What is great is that third parties have created plenty of software for GPS based devices (based on the Google standards (KML/KMS) and/or the GPX standard).
Review of Sport Tracks
I mainly use this software, because it is excellent and has a free trial version. The software has the ability to name runs and group activities and first and foremost it is easy to export to .gpx and .kml files unlike in theGarminTrainingCenter. On the maps you can see your route, stops & pauses, lap markers and the direction you were going. From the route map you can pick different parts of your workout for detailed analysis, or edit the track to fix satellite data problems. From the main screen you can see the activities for the selected week as well as your weekly and monthly totals. You can customize the main list in the activity view to show any of over 65 data columns in your workout log.
Using the reports view you can spot trends in your training or monitor progress towards your goals. The athlete view allows you to see charts of your progress over time and to enter all the physical info you wish such as standard data on weight, body fat percent, andBMI.
http://www.zonefivesoftware.com/SportTracks/
Review of Training Peaks (free and subscription based)
TrainingPeaksis a web based, but you will still need to install the free Device Agent desktop based software which Allows you to upload your data to your online online TrainingPeaks account. The web based software is very similar to Garmin Connect, but it provides a broader overview of your training plan. The web based software is offered in a free version and a subscription version. If you have a coach or a are coach yourself TrainingPeaks makes it easy to communicate training data with others. The unique thing aboutTrainingPeaksis that Coaches can track several athletes from their account.
One you have uploaded your data to TrainingPeaksyou can analyse the data and change the workout descriptions. Overall, TrainingPeakswould be useful for you if you need to share workouts with a coach. If you train with a personal coach, want to follow a professionally designed training plan, or want a Virtual Coach TrainingPeaks could be a software that would help you to improve. TrainingPeaks is also good for analyzing your workouts.
Review of MotionBased
MotionBased has been replaced with Garmin Connect
Garmin Connect
See my review of Garmin connect
Garmin Connect is an online and far more advanced version of theGarminTrainingCentersoftware which is bundled with your Garmin Forerunner. If you install a small application called web agent on your computer it will grab your training data from your Garmin and transfer it to the website. To use it you simply connect your Garmin Forerunner 305 to your PC/Mac and navigate to the website and click Upload. The website will then connect to your device and grab your workouts. It only takes a few seconds to set up and it automatically uploads your activities which have not already been uploaded. It is all very simple and uncomplicated.
It is of course also possible to manually upload the data, but the web agent is more painless and easy. A nice feature of the Garmin Connect web based software is that you can share your data on a ‘public’ section of the site. You can use this option if you go for a run or a ride with friends and want to want to show them the route you took afterwards. You can also just use it share routes in general so that others can find good places to run. If you are in area you are not familiar with the site is very useful to find routes for runs and rides. Through the Explore tab you can search for runs/rides/activities by city or area which is perfect if you have just moved to a new place or if you are travelling and want to find a good running route.
The website can also do a lot of smart reporting and it allows you to export your workouts. Garmin Connect is an excellent tool if you want to share your routes and workouts with your friends. I also think that Garmin Connect is a good way to store all of your works workouts online so you do not have to worry about losing the data if your computer’s harddisk dies. But if you want in depth analysis maybe Sports Tracks orTrainingPeakswould be better tools.
Google Earth
The downloadable version of Google Earth remains one of the most incredible programs you can download for free. Google Earth allows you to view global imagery and other geographic information. While not as useful for analyzing and viewing training data such as your speed or heart rate it’s perfect for looking at your routes. You can easily export your routes directly from Garmin Training Center or Sport Tracks to Google Earth. With Google Earth you can also do flyovers of your route if you click the play button. You can pan and zoom the detailed satellite images, mark locations, and activate layers that show points of interests Google Earth also includes a tilt feature that allows you to show the map in a 3D perspective that shows elevations levels. Additional features include emailing and printing of map views, on-screen measuring, and personal places.
People have uploaded KML files for just about everything, so you may be able to find useful routes or points of interest in your neighborhood.
If you have read my reviews of the Garmin Foreunner running watch and about the software options above I think you have a good idea of how the Gamin running watch can be used. I am sure you will be amazed with it, after all the watch is not expensive at all. If you combine it with the free software you will really benefit from this running watch and I am very sure it will motivate you to train more and reach your training targets, for me it has really given a boost to my fitness level.
Do you wonder what the difference is between the Garmin Forerunner 305 and Garmin Forerunner 405? You can see the specs below. Besides the difference in design and size the main differences are that 405 has wireless data transfer and a touch bezel. The touch-sensitive bezel controls the most of the functions so it has no buttons on the front – it makes the 405 look more like an ordinary watch. The wireless built-in data transfer will transfer any new data automatically when you are within range of your PC’s USB ANT stick.
Garmin Foreunner 405 has improved satellite reception
Garmin claims that the Forerunner 405 design that gives the GPS antenna a better view of the sky so it gets a stronger signal and improved tracking near tall buildings and under trees. I have tested it out in practice comparing my 305 with my friend’s 405 and we found that the 405 was slightly faster in picking up the satellite signal. One of the Garmin 305’s main annoyances to me is its delay in receiving a satellite signal. With the 405’s high-sensitivity GPS receiver finding a signal is improved especially in built-up cities such as New York, Hong Kong or London, but you can still expect that it takes a couple of minutes to locate and hold reception.
Forerunner 405 shape and design
The remarkable difference between the Garmin Forerunner 305 and the 405 is the shape and design. The 305’s big squared display unit and navigation buttons have been replaced with a new circular touch bezel control and a host of new features. The 405 looks much better and sleeker than the 305. Besides it is lighter so it is more practical to wear as a watch compared to the 305. The look and feel is not the only thing that has improved in the 405, the 405 is also more user-friendly than the 305. The bezel replaces the buttons on the 305. Scrolling through the bezel moves through functions while tapping the bezel enters a particular screen. It is hard to determine e if the bezel is really an improvement. The new user-friendly bezel appears as an improvement if you are not exercising at the same time as you are scrolling through the menus, but I must say that while running at the same time I find the 305 slightly easier to use, but even with the 305’s big buttons I find it difficult to navigate the menus and at the same time keeping up my speed. If I run I run, and luckily with the both the 305 and 405 in most cases you will just need to set it up before you start, and then do not worry about the watch at all until you have finished and you can analyze your data.
Forerunner 405 features
The Forerunner 405 has most of all the features that made the 305 great. The running watch monitors your distance, time spent running, pace, calories, and heart rate. Your workouts are stored in the memory for later review and analysis. Because of the smaller screen the 405 will only allow you to display three fields as compared to four on the 305 and that there is no map page on the 405. However, I personally find it confusing to have more than 3 fields on a screen on my 305 because when I am running it seems I cannot concentrate about too many fields. I started up showing 4 fields on each screen on my Forerunner 305 because I was impressed with all the options and wanted to try them all but I quickly realized that fewer fields was better for me while running – for the other details, I can always check them out on my PC later.
It is pity that the map page is missing on the 405, but it is actually not a feature I use much on the 305, because it is better to see the maps in the software when I get home. After all the maps in the 305 are so simple that you cannot use them for much, but they could be useful if you run in a place where you have never been before and want to get an indication of how to get back to start.
If you do a lot of cardio training you will maybe like the 405’s heart-rate-specific training display which was not on the 305. For further details about the 405 see my review of the Garmin Foreunner 405.
Overall, I would say that if you already have the 305 there is no reason to upgrade to the 405. If you do not have any of them I would definitely recommend that you get one of them, as mentioned in my review of the Garmin 305 and my review of the Garmin 405 the running watch is a great motivator that I could not imagine being without. The 305 is slightly cheaper than the 405 (see prices here), but if design matters to you should probably go for the 405. Also if you consider wearing the running watch as a normal watch (I would never do that) the 405 is definitely a better choice than the 305. Maybe women would prefer the 405 over the 305 because it fits better on a smaller wrist and not least looks a lot better than the 305’s squared design. You can read more about the two Garmin sports watches in my comparison between Garmin Forerunner 305 and Garmin Forerunner 405.
Garmin Forunner 305 specs vs Garmin Forerunner 405 specs
|
Garmin Forerunner 305 specs |
Garmin Forerunner 405 specs |
|
| Unit dimensions, WxHxD: | 2.1″ x 2.7″ x 0.7″ (5.33 x 6.86 x 1.78 cm) | 1.88″ x 2.78″ x 0.646″ (4.8 x 7.1 x 1.6 cm) |
| Display size, WxH: | 1.3″ x 0.8″ (3.3 x 2.0 cm) | 1.06″ (2.7 cm) diameter |
| Display resolution, WxH: | 160 x 100 pixels | 124 x 95 pixels |
| Touchscreen: | no | no |
| Weight: | 2.72 oz (77 g) | 2.11 oz (60 g) |
| Battery: | rechargeable lithium-ion | rechargeable lithium-ion |
| Batterylife: | 10 hours, typical | 2 weeks in power save mode; 8 hours in training mode |
| GPS-enabled: | yes | yes |
| Water resistant: | yes (IPX7) | yes (IPX7) |
| High-sensitivity receiver: | yes | yes |
| Basemap: | no | no |
| Ability to add maps: | no | no |
| Accepts data cards: | no | no |
| Lap history: | 1000 laps | 1000 laps |
| Waypoints/favorites/locations: |
100 |
100 |
| Routes: |
50 |
0 |
| Heart rate monitor: | yes | yes (some versions) |
| Bike speed/cadence sensor: | yes (some versions) | yes (optional) |
| Foot pod: | yes (optional) | yes (optional) |
| Courses (compete against previous activities): | yes | yes |
| Auto Pause® (pauses and resumes timer based on speed): | yes | yes |
| Auto Lap® (automatically starts a new lap): | yes | yes |
| Auto Scroll (cycles through data pages during workout): | yes | yes |
| Multi-sport (changes sport mode with a press of a button): | yes | no |
| Advanced workouts (create custom, goal-oriented workouts): | yes | yes |
| Simple workouts (input time, distance and calorie goals): | yes | yes |
| Pace alert (triggers alarm if you vary from preset pace): | yes | yes (for advanced workouts only) |
| Time/distance alert (triggers alarm when you reach goal): | yes | yes (for advanced workouts only) |
| Vibration alert: (choose between alert tones and/or vibration alert): | no | no |
| Interval training (set up exercise and rest intervals): | yes | yes |
| Heart rate-based calorie computation: | no | no |
| Customizable screen(s): | yes | yes |
| Barometric altimeter: | no | no |
| Unit-to-unit transfer (shares data wirelessly with similar units): | no | yes |
| Power meter compatible (displays power data from compatible 3rd party ANT+™-enabled power meters): | no | no |
| Temperature (displays and records temperature while you ride): | no | no |
| Sport watch: | no | yes |
| Training effect (measures impact of an activity on your aerobic fitness): | no | no |
| Virtual racer™ (compete against other activities): | no | no |
| Virtual Partner® (train against a digital person): | yes | yes |
| Automatic sync (automatically transfers data to your computer): | no | yes |
| Garmin Connect™ compatible (online community where you analyze, categorize and share data): | yes | yes |
| Garmin Training Center® software compatible: | yes | yes |
| Additional: | NA | Garmin Connect and Garmin Training Center are compatible with Windows® XP or newer and Intel-based Mac running OS 10.4.11 or later with Safari. Watch functions include dual time, date and alarm. |
If you are considering buying a Garmin running watch but in doubt whether to buy the Garmin Forerunner 305 or the Garmin Forerunner 405 then read along. In the following I have gathered my experience with the two running watches in an overview. I already have the 305 but I have tried the 405 for more than 10 times. My running partner has been so kind to lend his 405 to me, and the following is based on my experience with the 305 and his and my experience with the 405. See also my Comparison between Garmin Forerunner 305 and Garmin Forerunner 405 or the Garmin Forerunner 305/405 specs comparison.
Comparison between the Garmin forerunner 305 and 405
Design
The 405′s bezel looks better than the 305′s buttons, but the buttons on the 305 are more effective while you are running. If you consider using the watch for other purposes than doing sports then you should go for the 405.
Screen
The 305 screen is bigger than the round display on the 405. On both the 305 and the 405 you can customize which fields (heart rate, speed, average speed, distance etc) you want to appear on the display. The 305 has four fields but the 405 only allows for a maximum of three data fields. Besides the 305 also shows your heart rate in the top right of all the general screens. This extra field with the heart rate is however so small that you cannot read it while running, but it is useful to if you want to check that the device is receiving the heart rate signal before you start running.
If you chose to show the 3 field on the 405, it is pretty small but still readable. The 405 rounds off data with one less decimal of precision than the 305 does, but that is not really a problem as the data is not so accurate anyway.
I think that display size issue is mostly an issue if you intend to use the device on a bicycle handlebar mount. It’s much easier to read the 305 screen than the 405 screen while cycling but when running you can just move your wrist a bit closer to your eyes so there is no problem reading the fields on the 405 while running. That being said when I run fast I really run, and when I run really fast I cannot concentrate about reading anything, I just let the device collect the data and analyze the data after my run.
How the watch fits on the wrist
If you only use the watch for training, I would rate the 305 and 405 equal, but if you are not always training when you wear it, the 405 is definitely more wearable. The designers of the Gamin Forerunner 405 deserve great credit for how they have packed everything into one unit. Overall it is more or less the same size as a normal watch just a bit thicker in depth. Persons with very thin wrists or children would probably find both watches a bit bulky.
Can it be used as a watch?
The 305 is not meant to e used as an ordinary watch, it can show you the time and todays date but it is not an effective everyday watch, it’s just a training tool. The 405 is designed so it can be used as an everyday watch, although it is a bit bulky in comparison to most normal watches. The 405 is no more bulky than a Polar HRM/watch. The advantage of 405 is that if you wear the 405 as an everyday watch you won’t forget it and leave it at home if you are doing sports after work or school. If you don’t intend to wear the 405 as a watch maybe you should maybe just consider the 305 instead.
Battery Life
According to Garmin the battery life of the 305 is 10hrs, this hold true, I would say maybe the battery can even last a bit longer, but I guess it also depends on in which outdoor temperature the watch is used. Cold weather in general shortens the battery life. Garmin says that the 405 has a battery life of 8 hours when fully charged. However, the 405 does not really turn off when after use, it just switches to power save mode. It means that the 405 is always draining power when in use as a watch, so you’ll only get the 8hrs ofGPSuse if you have just fully charged it. In watch mode you can expect to loose some power every day. Given that you loose an hour of battery life a day in practice that means that you need to charge your 405 every 3 or 4 days to make sure that you will not run out of battery for the next ride or run. I run 4 times a week with my 305, and usually I charge it once a week, usually on weekends when I also have time to transfer the data to my PC. Obviously, if you run more than 8 hours per week you would need to charge your device more than one a week.
You can charge both the 305 and the 405 using a cable and your computer’sUSBport. It is easy to charge both, but personally I use the option of charging my watch through a normal power outlet using theUSBpower adapter included with the watch.
It is however somewhat ironic that the 405 gets charged off a USBcable but interfaces with the computer via a USBwireless adapter. The Famin Foreunner 305 charges ANDinterfaces by the cable/cradle which means that when you transfer your data to your computer the battery is automatically charged at the same time (if you remember to leave the watch in the cradle and the computer to turned on).
Accuracy of the GPS
Both the Garmin forerunner 305 and 405 are effectively the same, but the 405 picks up the satellite signals slightly faster than the 305. When we run together we often compare the results (mainly average speed and distance run), and the two watches’ tracking accuracy is basically the same.
Advanced Workouts
The advanced workouts are planned and programmed in the Garmin Training Centre software and transferred to the watch. Both devices have similar advanced workout functionalities. The 305′s advanced workout display fields are in my opinion a bit superior to what the 405 displays. A nice feature is that the 305 has an advanced workout page that gives you a summary of the lap you have just done and what the next lap will be. The 405 lacks this functionality. That being said, I am sure you would like all the functionalities of the 405.
Multi Sport functions
The 405 only supports running and cycling whereas the 305 supports running, cycling and other activities. The 305 allows you to switch between sports in the one session, but the 405 requires a session to be stopped and manually switched. The 305 also allows each sport mode’s display screens to be customized specifically, so that you can set running mode to use pace and cycling mode to use speed. If you plan on using the device for triathlon, the 305 also has a special mount kit to quickly clip between a bike mount and wrist.
Water Resistance
I do not recommend that you swim or shower with either the 305 or 405. It is no problem that you use them when it rains but avoid immersion. If you consider using the device for swimming, see my advice here.
Navigation
The 405 lacks the map functionality that the 305 has. The map may be useful in unfamiliar areas but to me I hardly ever use the built in map function. After all you cannot really see much on such a small little drawing of your route. But if you are lost somewhere in an unfamiliar area it may help you to find out which direction to take to get back to start.
PC Connection
The 305 connects to your computer via a cable and cradle whereas the 405 does it with a wirelessUSBstick. If you come close to your computer with the 405 it will automatically transfer your data to your computer so it is ready for analysis.
Accessories
Both the 305 and 405 offer the same accessories, a bike speed/cadence sensor and a foot pod. Because both devices haveGPSyou really only need the foot pod if you do treadmill running.
If you are planning on using the device for cycling you may buy the speed/cadence sensor already when you buy your device. To find out more about cycling with the Garmin Forerunner see my post on how to use the Garmin Forerunner 305 for cycling. I have also made a list of accessories for the Garmin Forerunner 305.
Conclusion
If you do not have any of the two devices, I would definitely recommend that you buy one of them. TheGPSwatches will really motivate you to train harder and more often. If you already have the 305 there should be no need to upgrade to the 405. If you think that you would like to wear it as a watch and have the money, you should get the 405. If you want the best value for money and already have a watch that you like to wear the best value for money is the 305. The 405 is great, and it does more or less the same as the 305 except for the navigation map, so if you like the design of the 405 and wireless transfer of data you would definitely be happy with a 405. In my opinion both the 305 and 405 significantly exceeds the functionality and value for money of any otherGPStraining tool currently on the market, and with theGPStracking it offers much more than the simple footpod based devices. Both the Garmin Forerunner 305 and 405 are very good choices!
The Garmin Forerunner 305 is probably of the most interesting tools you could ever wear on your wrist. If you are curious to know what this GPS watch could do for you then read my review of the Garmin Foreunner 305 or read about the cons and pros below. I have summarized the pros and cons based on my own experience with the watch and based on what other users have said about this sports watch in consumer reviews.
Garmin Forerunner Pros
- Although the 305 looks big and bulky, it is very light and will fit your wrist well.
- The watch has very precise data and route.
- It will not get damaged in the rain or if you sweat a lot because it is water resistant.
- The battery stays charged for a long time when in use. Maybe 10 hours?
- The price is very reasonable, I found a good deal on Amazon.
Garmin Forerunner Cons
- Rumors say that the built in battery will only last for around 2 years before the battery will die. But it seems the battery can easily be changed, so it should not be a problem.
- The 305 looks big and bulky.
- The design is not so nice.
- The altitude recording is not always correct.
- The customer service may be slow. My Garmin 305 worked perfectly when I got it and there has not been any problems with at all, so I have never needed the customer service. Some friends, however, have told me that the customer service is really slow. You may consider getting a Suunto, a Polar or another brand.
See what other users say in their Garmin Forerunner 305 reviews.
What do you think are the Pros and Cons of the Garmin Forerunner 305?
Replacing the wristband of your Garmin Forerunner GPS watch
A friend of mine discovered that you can replace the wristband of your Garmin Forerunner 305/405 GPS watch. He would not have discovered this product if it had not been for his dog having turned his GPS watch strap into a chew toy. He told me he was actually really happy his dog did it because otherwise he wouldn’t have discovered that it was possible to replace the the existing original wrist straps on his Forerunner.
The Garmin Forerunner velcro wrist strap is a dream in comparison
He advised me to change my wrist strap beacuse the original hard straps had resulted in blisters on his wrist from rubbing during long runs. Although I had never got any blisters and was perfectly happy with the original wristband, I took his advice and I must say that the velcro strap is a dream in comparison. It is easy to put on, comfortable and I really like the velcro and the feel of the strap. I would highly recommend this purchase. You may make sure to get the actual Garmin brand, but you could also experiment with other and maybe cheaper or more expensive quality luxury wristbands. Just make sure that what you choose will fit your wrist and your Garmin sports watch.
Which wristband do you recommend?
I have used the Garmin forerunner 305 for six months and have some tips that I would like to share with you.
1. Consider buying another wristband for the watch, for example a Velcro wristband which is much nicer and more comfortable than the rubber wristband that comes with the watch. It will only cost you around USD 21. You could choose a wristband of any fabric you like.
2. Because the watch sometimes takes several minutes to connect to the GPS satellites, place the watch in the window frame while you change your clothes for running. By the time you are ready to go out the watch has already found the satellites.
3. Consider buying some accessories for your Garmin Forerunner 305. Did you know that you can use the watch as a bike computer? Here is an overview of Garmin Forerunner 305 Accessories.
4. Instead of using the Garmin Training Center software, I recommend to use the free software Sports Tracks 2.0
5. I do not recommend doing splits or autosplits with the watch, instead make your splits later in the Sports Tracks 2.0 software.
6. To avoid corrosion carefully wipe the metal contacts on the back of the watch after each run.
7. Tape up the speaker holes to avoid sweat corrosion.
8. To clean the contacts on the back of the watch, use a rubber eraser. Use any old eraser (the small ones on the top of a pencil are really good) and rub the contacts until they are clean. Afterwards the connection beep time should be reduced.
9. The Interval Training feature on time/rest/time setting can be used to time your stretching/exercise routines before or after a run. For example you can set it to 40 seconds, then 5 seconds and repeat 12 times. The watch will bleep when you need to change your stretching/exercise routine, and in the end you will get a little fanfare jingle when the full set is done!
10. You can change the data fields displayed on the watch to fit your needs. In have set mine to show, average speed, current speed, total distance, heart rate, and average heart rate. You can even save multiple views per sport.
Do you have any tips you want to share?
The Tarahumara or Rarámuri are a Native American people of northwestern Mexico who are known for their long-distance running ability.
The Tarahumara Indians are known for their track races across mountains and canyons
The men refer to themselves as Rarámuri which means “runners on foot” or “those who run fast”. The long-distance running tradition also has ceremonial and competitive aspects. Often, male runners kick wooden balls as they run rarajipari competitions. These races can last anywhere from a few hours to a couple of days without a break.
With widely dispersed settlements, the Tarahumara developed a tradition of long-distance running
Because of the isolated Tarahumara way of life the Tarahumara could preserve their traditions. Most still practice a traditional lifestyle, inhabiting natural shelters such as cliff overhangs or caves, as well as small cabins of stone or wood. Staple crops are beans and corn; however, many of the Rarámuri still practice transhumance, raising cattle, goats, and sheep.
Almost all Rarámuri migrate in some form or another in the course of the year, and with widely dispersed settlements, these people developed a tradition of long-distance running up to 120 miles (190 km) in one session or over a period of two days for hunting, inter-village communication and transportation.
The events they excel at are ultramarathons of 80km or more which are often held over rugged mountainous terrain. Some of them just run barefoot but their favorite foot wear is a sort of lace up sandal called huaraches.
The cushion in modern running shoes may encourage people to run with poor style
The Tarahumara use the toe strike method of running, which is natural for barefoot running. The running skills of the Tarahumara are causing quite a stir in the running and footwear industry. It seems that all of the technical advances in running shoes over recent years may not actually help people to run well. The cushion in modern running shoes may encourage people to run with poor style because of the support and extra padding.
Tarahumara shoes (huaraches), barefoot running shoes, or freedom footwear may help you
Some runners find that changing to huaraches, barefoot running shoes or freedom footwear that allow more freedom of movement can help prevent injuries by promoting a better running technique. An option in the freedom footwear range is the Vibram Five Finger and Nike also produces a shoe like this called the Nike Free. Should you decide to try out these shoes it is recommended to build up your volume very slowly because your feet are probably used to having a lot of support and cushioning and it will take a while to develop your technique and muscles to cope.
Christopher McDougall has written a book about the Tarahumara running technique. In the book called Why does my foot hurt? he teaches us that everything we thought we knew about running is wrong.
Running sandals – How to wear barefoot Tarahumara huaraches
There are two different ways to tie your Tarahumara huaraches running sandals – one is the more traditional “toga style” and the other the “slip-on slip-off” style.
They run in seemingly simple sandals
The Tarahumara call themselves Rarámuri, loosely translated as ”swift of foot”, ”foot-runner”, ”running people”, or ”he who walks well”. Persistence hunting is a hunting technique in which hunters use a combination of running and tracking to pursue prey to the point of exhaustion.
Caballo Blanco is fighting to help the Tarahumara preserve their culture and tradition of long distance running. The Copper Canyon Ultra Marathon is the result.
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