While the different manufacturers and models of running watches would mean that each one of them would have unique features, there are some things that are consistent in a running watch. These are the features that should always be great in any model so that it would become a good running watch for you.

Here is a list of those features that you should look for in a running watch to determine if it would help you:

Connection to GPS

A GPS powered running watch would definitely help you in your training. This is because the GPS system would help you accurately track data such as your location, pace, and total distance covered.

The power of a GPS powered running watch is truly capable of providing you with the highly accurate data that you would need if you are serious in your running training.

Large and Legible Display:

It could be hard to focus on your training if you would not be able to read the data on your running watch. Having jumbled data, or very confusing data fields would be frustrating for you to see while running.

Related to this, you should also check whether the running watch display can still show you good data at night or at bright light. You may want to invest in a watch that has a backlit display such as those termed as Indiglo.

Computer Connectivity:

Having a running watch that has good computer connectivity would definitely help you in your training. A whole host of options becomes available for you if you are given the capability to download or upload your training data.

You can get professional advice from various runners, or run training analyzing software for you to know which aspects of your training would still require improvement.

Toughness:

Running training could lead you to situations where nature can be difficult to work with. Rain, sleet, snow, or even extreme heat can be your enemies. That’s why you should check if the running watch is able to withstand harsh environments.

Things to check for could be water resistance, as well as how tough the construction of the watch and its straps are. You don’t want your watch to break down right in the middle of your training!

The ones listed are just some of the basic factors and features that you should take into consideration when purchasing a running watch. Being able to find a watch that can satisfy all of them would truly help in ensuring that you would have a good partner as you work out.

Related posts:

1. Personalizing Your GPS Running Watch
2. Running Watch Favorites
3. Features to consider in a Running Watch

Garmin Forerunner 405 Wireless GPS-Enabled Sport Watch with USB ANT Stick and Heart Rate Monitor (Black)

Overall Rating:

Retail Price: $282.61

Amazon Price: $166.98

The Garmin Forerunner 405, while admittedly a high end product, is a feature rich and sleek looking training gadget that can surely catch anyone’s fancy.

But questions arise as to how does the design help your training and if you can actually use these features.

Out of the box, the most noticeable Garmin Forerunner 405 features are the:

• Sport watch
• Auto Lap®
• Time/distance alerts

At its core, the Garmin Forerunner 405 is a sports watch. It can give you the features that you need when running from block to block or at your local park. The Garmin Forerunner 405 would provide you with the necessary tools to track the usual data.

The auto lap feature automatically starts a new lap as your run, and the time/distance alert provides you with an alarm whenever you reach your goals. Used in conjunction with each other, these features of the Garmin Forerunner 405 gives you your time, lap splits, lap times, distance and overall pace that would help in determining whether you had a good training or not.

Of course if you are happy with those features then you can simply select lower end models. The Garmin Forerunner 405 shines when you delve into its more advanced functions.

More advanced features of the Garmin Forerunner 405 include:

• Faster satellite uplink time
• Intuitive Controls
• A host of compatible accessories
• Easy connectivity between devices and computers

The quick satellite uplink of the Garmin Forerunner 405 truly stands out. Now you don’t have to wait long hours when using satellite guidance for its data. With it faster tracking of waypoints, routes, or even measuring just how you are doing at a specific area or place in your usual training route becomes much easier. The improved GPS system can truly help you analyze your data more precisely.

Another thing that’s good with the Garmin Forerunner 405 is its host of wide ranging compatible accessories. There is the Foot Pod for tracking speed distance and cadence when indoors, or even bike speed or cadence sensors if you fancy yourself as an indoor cyclist.

The Garmin Forerunner 405 is also proud of having:

• Intuitive interface to set watch while training
• Compact and lightweight construction
• Easy connectivity with computers

What makes the Forerunner 405 more amazing is that it is quite easy to use. Aside from its lightweight and compact design, Garmin has also made the Forerunner 405 much more intuitive.

They have included 2 buttons on the side of the Forerunner 405 that users can easily press to adjust the necessary settings. Users would not have to fiddle around much when trying to customize their training.

After all the training that you do, the Garmin Forerunner 405 also shines in synchronizing data to your computer. As long as it recognizes a connected “USB ANT stick “  to a PC it would automatically transmit your workout data to the PC.

This makes it much easier to store, share, and analyze your training data to find out your areas of improvement.

Conclusion:

Given all the functionality of the Garmin Forerunner 405, you would be able to see how it is a great fit for runners who truly take their training seriously and are not too shy about spending for the additional benefits.

While a bit higher in price compared to the other Garmin models, the added features, improved capability, and more lightweight and compact build that can truly advance your training makes spending that additional money worth it.

Buy/More Info

Related posts:

1. Garmin Forerunner 405 Black GPS Enabled Sports Watch HRM Factory Refurbished
2. Garmin Forerunner 205/305/405 – Top Running Watch 2009
3. Garmin Forerunner 205 Review