This is great running training aid.
I’d never been sold on the benefits of GPS as a runner until I received one of these as a present.
But this is so versatile it can be many different training tools to many different runners.
GPS Basics
GPS = Global Positioning System. By using a number (at least 4) US government satellites, GPS units locate themselves (and hence the user) very accurately anywhere on the planet. Given the accuracy, the GPS unit can not only locate, but also track and measure movement. Combine this with a stopwatch (which the Forerunner has), and you get great navigational and measurement information.
Forerunner 205
It might not be Garmin’s latest or most advanced GPS unit, but for many people it is the best. It is very reliable, easy to use and easy to configure to show the information a runner wants
Here’s an example to show what this device can do: I was planning a 12 mile run on a route I knew. I wanted to run at a consistent and specific pace for the distance.
Before I went, I tracked the route on an online mapping service (mapmyrun.com), downloaded the route on to my 205. I then set the pace I wanted to run, configured the 205’s screen to show the info I wanted (such as distance travelled, speed, time, etc), and off I went. I also selected to see what Garmin call my ‘Virtual Partner’.
This is great little option which shows a graphical representation of the user’s progress against the planned pace. It is easy to see if you are ahead or behind of your virtual partner, just like you are racing them. It will even show you how far ahead or behind you are (down to just a few feet or metres).
Of course, what most people want the Forerunner 205 for is to measure and record their runs (or cycle rides or walks), and this they can do easily, accurately and reliably. The unit can record 1000 laps, 100 waypoints, and 50 routes. as each limit is exceeded, instead of just giving a memory full indicator and many recorders do, the Forerunner just overwrites the older data with new. This is great because you don’t need to worry about regularly clearing the memory, just download the data, and the high capacity limits ensure that your recent sessions are always recorded.
Here’s another great way to use the Forerunner 205 to navigate and run an unfamilar route — without getting lost — even off-road, in the snow.
Another very useful feature is the ‘take me home’. You can just run off aimlessly for a while, get hopelessly lost and when you want to get back just tell the Forerunner. It will take you back the way you came, even showing you a compass and map!
Battery Power
Nobody wants to get left high and dry with no power and this is especially important for a navigational device. The Forerunner uses a rechargeable battery that’s good for 10 hours of typical use and it charges quickly from either a computer (via USB) or mains power. What is more, if you use it on a long hike for navigation, you can just turn it off when you don’t need it to preserve the battery, and switch it back on when required; you’ll not record anything while it is off, but you can relocate yourself easily. As with any GPS device, do not use it as a sole means of navigation in potentially dangerous circumstances.
Connectivity
The Forerunner easily connects to PC and Mac computers so you can download and analyze your data with either the supplied software or some of the many third-party applications; Ascent is great for the Mac.
All in all the Forerunner 205 is a great running training and navigation tool and we heartily recommend it, get one now before they stop making them.
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