Garmin Forerunner 101

Garmin Forerunner 101

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Garmin Forerunner 101 Product By Garmin (113 customers reviews) Lowest Price : $84.99 Available From 4 Sellers

Technical Details

• GPS Sensor Provides Precise Latitude, Longitude
• & Altitude Data For Exact Location Information
• Mark Specific Locations & Then Look-Up & Navigate
• To These Points Using An Electronic Map
• Retrace Steps To A Starting Point Or Reverse Normal Routes For Routine Variation

Product Description

The Forerunner 101 offers athletes and recreational walkers and runners an entry-level personal training device with GPS. It has the same features as the Forerunner 201 but operates on two AAA batteries. The Forerunner 101 stores lap histories for up to two years to provide an archive of workout performance over time. Users can retrieve lap data for previous workouts by date week month or over a specific time interval. For business travelers who want to train on the road the Forerunner 101 also doubles as a navigator. Users can mark their hotel as a specific location see their current position on the plotter display and follow an electronic breadcrumb trail back to their starting point.Working out with the Forerunner 101 means you're never alone in your personal training because the unit provides a "Virtual Partner". This unique feature allows you to set your training goal by configuring your Virtual Partner's pace and workout distance. You'll get a graphic perspective of your performance by viewing your pace in relation to your Virtual Partner's pace so you can always see at a glance if you're keeping up or falling behind.

Amazon.com Product Description

Amazon.com Product Description The Forerunner 101 offers athletes an easy-to-read display and integrated GPS sensor that provides precise speed, distance, and pace data--all in one compact unit that straps to your wrist. It's a lightweight, accurate training assistant with performance tracking, auto-lap, auto-pause and more.

101 201 301 1. Allows you to set up profiles for running, biking, and another sport. 2. Set up workouts with specific durations and targets (speed or heart rate). Speed Pace Distance Calories burned Heart rate Sports profiles1 Advanced workouts2 PC interface (serial) (USB) Analyze workout data on PC Size (inches, WxDxH) 3.3 x .9 x 1.7 3.3 x .7 x 1.7 3.3 x .7 x 1.7 Weight (ounces, with batteries) 2.6 2.75 2.75 Batteries 2 AAAs, 15 hours Rechargeable, 15 hours Rechargeable, 14 hours

And because it is a high quality Garmin GPS device, you get many of the features GPS users have come to rely on, such as precise latitude, longitude, and altitude data. The Forerunner 101 is easy to use right out of the box and it delivers the benefits of GPS technology.
Although it lacks the rechargeable battery and PC connectivity features of the Forerunner 201, the 101 retains all of the other great features of the 201, at an even more affordable price. The Virtual Partner feature allows you to set your training goal by configuring your Virtual Partner's pace and workout distance. You'll get a graphic perspective of your performance by viewing your pace in relation to your Virtual Partner's pace, so you can always see at a glance if you're keeping up or falling behind.
Almost as important as the training device itself are the accessories to integrate it with your active lifestyle. If you're into cycling, the best way to keep an eye on your GPS while you ride is with a bike mount bracket that straps to the handlebars of your bike, motorcycle, or whatever you're traveling with for easy viewing.
Other Forerunner 101 features:

• Mark specific locations, and then look-up and navigate to these points using an electronic map.
• Amount of calories burned can be tracked and calculated over the course of a workout.
• Lap history--such as lap time, lap distance, and average pace--can be stored for 5000 laps.
• Performance data can be automatically archived and calculated to provide an accurate record.
• Automated stopwatch provides auto-lap and auto-pause features.
• Pace whistle sounds alert when you begin traveling slower or faster than your desired pace.
• Time and distance whistles can be set to sound when you reach a specified duration or distance in your workout.

Auto Menu: Timer pauses when you stop running. Auto lap logs your performance over a predetermined distance.

History: Review training history by day or week.

Map: Navigate back to the start or to a stored location.

Virtual Partner: Set time, pace, and distance goals, and train with a "virtual partner."

What's in the box:
Forerunner 101 unit, wrist strap, manual, and quickstart guide.

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Customer Reviews

 "Eats Batteries like crazy!" 2010-03-24
By Red Raven (portland OR)
I just got the Garmin forerunner 101 about a week ago. Amazon shipping was golden as usual. item was in new and perfect condition. I rated it high stars for 'ease of use' but then I also rated it very low overall BECAUSE it eats batteries WAY too fast. I put a brand new pair of Duracell alkalines(just bought)and the unit grabbed a gps signal out around my house(clear skies few trees)in about 4 minutes. I only used the GPS for about 20 minutes and then turned it off. It was easy to set up and use and I looked forward to measuring my street luge runs at Mt. Tabor. Mt Tabor has a lot of trees...BUT the road we ride on is fairly open and unobscured by trees. There is clear line of sight to sats. I could not get a signal!!! Clear and sunny day and never could get a signal in the four hours we were riding. I did not have it on all that time...but tried about 7 different times and places to get a sat sig to load and no dice.

I was able to get a signal in my car(if window down)last week...but not today. When I got home, where I had no problems before getting a signal, I could not begin to get one there either! As far as I am concerned anything that needs me to be on top of the batteries THIS much is a waste of time and patience. I bought this strictly for luge runs and the first time I needed it; in conditions that it is reviewed to be able to handle...I could not get a signal off of basically brand new batteries! I will try some rechargeable lipos but BE WARNED...if you get this you better carry something like a 'Rambo Battery Belt' if you plan on running it 'long'.

I am VERY dissapointed in it for that reason only. This thing is about as useful as your girlfriend when her Mom is visiting. I wish I would have gotten the sirf tech and something with better battery usage. I think that the battery just gets drained so fast as the unit searches so hard for a signal. I like the design and function layout for my purposes...but I sure did not expect such ridiculous battery life with. Summary: with basically brand new batteries the forerunner was 100% USELESS to me today.

 "Cool little sucker!" 2010-03-15
By M. Stephenson
Wow! I am very impressed with the forerunner. First off it is very easy to use, and even if you do have trouble, the directions are very easy to follow. I usually run the same route every day but i really didn't know how long it was, i had assumed it was around 2 miles so I tracked it with my forerunner and it turned out to be almost 3 miles! This thing tells you your mile pace, your location, and it even saves all your run-times so you can go back and see if you have improved at all. I would recommend this to any runner/walker out there. It is super fun to use and it even makes me push myself harder because i always try to beat the time i got the day before. The price may be a little high for some but i can guarantee you will love it! Heck if not just send it back! Amazon returns are quite easy!

 "Very useful training aid" 2010-01-10
By Runnin' guy (Fort Worth, TX USA)
I had considered getting myself one of these for some time but had decided against it. Then I got one for Christmas from a very thoughtful friend and am delighted with it. It is a great training aid for any serious runner. It has features for interval training I haven't even used yet. It's easy to use once you get the hang of it. One warning: you may discover, like I did, that you're running a lot slower than you thought you were but, of course, that's useful information. I was concerned it would feel bulky on my wrist but I hardly know it's there. It picks up the GPS signal quickly and although it can momentarily be fooled when I run through a heavily wooded area, it quickly adjusts once I am back in the open. Highly recommended.

 "MORE FUN ON THE RUN" 2010-01-09
By PATRICK E (SOUTH FLORIDA)
I have owned a Forerunner for almost a year and have loved it from the first run. I am so enthusiastic about the Forerunner, that I gave both my running adult children (21 y/o daughter, 30 y/o son) one for Christmas this year, and they both love it, as both have used mine during the past year. It is easy to use, and the face is just the right size so that the numbers are easy to read. I love the freedom that it provides, in that,I can run anywhere and have an accurate milage count, while being able to monitor my pace. It's great, after a run, to record my average pace, best pace, and calories burned, in addition to my overall time. Although I have not yet utilized the GPS route track to find my way back to the run starting place, it is good to know that it is available if I ever need it. The other features such as the history, coach,etc. are also great to have. Lastly, the cost of the Forerunner is very reasonable for a GPS, and won't break the budget. I deffinitely give this a "two running shoes up," and recommend it for anyone who runs, or walks.

 "Probably worth the investment if you're not sure about the newer, pricier models..." 2010-01-06
By Robert Schmidt (Honolulu, HI & Logan, UT USA)
Open box. Insert batteries. Take outside. Push power on button. When location is "captured" (there's a progress bar noting satellite acquisition), velcro on wrist. Push button for starting your walk or run. Go for your walk or run. At conclusion, press stop button. Read pace and distance. Press power off button.

That's how easy this was to operate the first time. I've now used it for 6 six mile runs.

Yes, I've been drooling over the Garmin Forerunner 305 GPS Receiver With Heart Rate Monitor, but you can pick this 101 model for under a hundred dollars. Give it a try, and see if a GPS unit works for you. And if you do upgrade to a 305, well, now you have a backup, or can attach it to your bike.

I'm 6 foot tall, and this might seem big on a smaller person's wrist. It's okay for me, and the digital readouts are very easy to read while running.

There are other bells and whistles, including a virtual running buddy to pace yourself, compass directions to your starting point, lap information, and more. But I really wanted an accurate note of my time and distance. So my Manoa Valley run went from 5.5 to 6.0 miles (Gmaps Pedometer versus this Forerunner), and my Diamond Head run went from 6.0 to 6.6 miles. In both cases, I suspect the Forerunner was the more accurate (in Gmaps Pedometer, you have to straighten some curved trails). BUT.. you can lose signal contact in dense vegetation.

I'm going to have fun with this!

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Garmin Forerunner 301 GPS Personal Training Device

Garmin Forerunner 301 GPS Personal Training Device

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Garmin Forerunner 301 GPS Personal Training Device Product By Garmin (254 customers reviews) Lowest Price : $100.65 Available From 30 Sellers

Technical Details

• Continuously Monitors Heart Rate, Speed, Distance,
• Pace & Calories Burned
• Combines Proven
• Heart Rate Monitor & Training System
• Software To Create A Highly-Integrated

Product Description

Get results in a heartbeat with the Forerunner 301. This training partner continuously monitors your heart rate, speed, distance, pace and calories burned so you can train smarter, more effectively. The Forerunner 301 combines the popular features of the Forerunner 201 with a proven heart rate monitor and Garmin Training Center software to create a highly integrated personal training system.

Amazon.com Product Description

Amazon.com Product Description The Garmin Forerunner 301 is the next exciting addition to the Forerunner lineup. Take your workouts to the next level with all the great GPS features found in the Forerunner 201, plus the added capability of a continuous heart rate monitor. Knowing your heart rate while exercising lets you measure your exercise intensity and performance, giving you a powerful training tool. The Forerunner 301 training profiles can be customized for running, cycling, and other sports. For those interested in losing weight, improving fitness, reaching peak athletic performance, or just improving health to reduce heart-related problems, the Forerunner 301 delivers.

The Forerunner 301 offers a wide variety of training features that can help you train at any level you choose.

Included Training Center software allows you to store and analyze data using interactive graphs. View larger.

The easy-to-use, two-piece system consists of the wrist unit and a digital heart rate transmitter that you wear around your chest. The transmitter is coded that so there is no interference from other heart rate monitor users nearby. The 301 unit continuously monitors heart rate, speed, distance, pace, and calories burned. A heart rate zone chart, included with the manual, helps you target specific heart rate zones for optimal training. The unit's built-in alerts help you maintain those heart rate zones. For those who don't want to fuss with the charts, there's an AutoLearn feature that allows the unit to learn your maximum heart rate and set zones accordingly. Pace, time, distance, interval workout, and advanced custom workout alerts are also included. Meanwhile, the AutoPause feature pauses and resumes the training timer based on a specified speed. Finally, the AutoLap feature records lap data when you reach a specified distance. Don't worry about running out of room for your lap data; the unit boasts a 5,000-lap memory.
Like the Forerunner 201, the 301 also doubles as a basic navigator. You can mark your starting point as a specific location, see your current position on the plotter display, and follow an electronic breadcrumb trail back to your starting point. The built-in GPS receiver provides highly accurate data, and there's no calibration required. Just turn it on and go.
The unit's USB data port means that connecting the unit to your computer is easier than ever. The USB connection offers fast and reliable data transmission to any USB-equipped PC. And because analyzing workout data is an important tool in reaching one's fitness goals, the 301 comes with Garmin Training Center software, which allows you to download workout data to your PC for detailed analysis. View data for each workout, including your heart rate, time, distance, speed, path traveled, and altitude. You can also track data for multiple sports and multiple users, and you can overlay workout data onto a map. The unit is compatible with MotionBased and TrainingPeaks, which are popular third-party training software packages.
With up to 14 hours of battery life, the 301's rechargeable lithium-ion battery is designed for extended use. It's also rugged and waterproof for up to 1 meter for 30 minutes. The unit ships with a 1-year warranty.

Get heart rate and other vital data at a glance.

Customize your workouts with programmable intervals.

Set up exercise profiles for different types of sports.

A built in Virtual partner runs alongside you, graphically displaying your goal pace/speed.

What's in the Box
The Forerunner 301 wrist unit, the digital coded heart rate monitor, the Training Center CD-ROM, an expandable wristband, an A/C charger, a PC/USB interface cable, an owner's manual, and a quick start guide.

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Customer Reviews

 "Love my Garmin!!" 2010-04-12
By Lori Smith (Montana)
I have been wanting to purchase a Garmin Forerunner. I looked at all the different units available and compaired different evaluations on all the Forerunners from a different website and saw that overall this unit was rated highly by its users. I LOVE this GPS!!!

So far - ease of use, the features offered are easy to access, and this product included a CD to load the proper program on my computer. The sync process is easy and the graphics on the program show me where I need to improve. I haven't utilized the heartrate monitor yet so I will not be rating this.

Overall I am very please with the Garmin Forerunner 301.

 "Repeat Buyer!" 2010-04-02
By John Ferguson
My wife has purchased two of the watches recently for me and another runner in our family for a gift. Neither one of us would think of going out to run without have our GPS Forerunner on! Easy to use and I like the larger display-Highly Recommended!

 "Simple with many features" 2009-12-29
By Dan Devries
My wife bought me the Garmin Forerunner 301 for Christmas. I had wanted only a heart rate monitor, but this GPS device was a pleasant surprise! It works wonderful. It is simple in design and in ease of use. It appears slightly bulky, but when I wore it on my run, it didn't bother me. In fact the large screen was easy to read. I mainly do 5K runs, so it's not like I'm wearing it for an extended period of time either. But all in all, for what I use it for, it exceeds my expectations!

 "Great product!" 2009-11-16
By Patrick J. Noce (Rochester, NY)
I used to use a Timex GPS that had a separate watch, a GPS unit that strapped to my arm, a heart monitor strap, and a receiver to tie them together on my belt. The Garmin has just a watch and a heart monitor strap. It is much easier to use, and the software is fairly simple to figure out. It is not the prettiest thing, but it beats having 4 thing attached when I run!!

 "Great running tool" 2009-10-28
By Patrick Henry
When i first started running i had a horrible time pacing myself and would burn out way to easily. After purchasing this device i saw i was able to keep a more solid pace on my runs and withing 1 month of using it i saw my 1.5mile run time go from 13mins to about 11mins. This is a must have for any kind of runner due to its versatility.

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Garmin Forerunner 205 GPS Receiver and Sports Watch

Garmin Forerunner 205 GPS Receiver and Sports Watch

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Garmin Forerunner 205 GPS Receiver and Sports Watch Product By Garmin (483 customers reviews) Lowest Price : Visit store to see price Available From 40 Sellers

Technical Details

• High-sensitivity, watch-like GPS receiver that provides exceptional signal reception
• One-piece training assistant that provides athletes with precise speed, distance, and pace data
• Includes training center software, which allows users to download workout data for a detailed analysis
• Used for multiple sports, such as cycling, cross- country skiing, and windsurfing

Product Description

Just when you thought Garmin had cornered the market on powerful, affordable, and effective wrist-mounted GPS devices, here comes the Forerunner 205. The release of this device is a major achievement from a design and technology perspective. This isn't just marketing-speak; the Forerunner 205 is the most accurate, most reliable wrist-mounted performance and GPS tracking tool we've ever tested. Yes, it's that good. While no device this compact can do everything (yet), the 205 pushes the boundaries of what is possible from something strapped around your wrist. While the 205 doesn't offer heart rate monitoring, or connectivity with Garmin's wireless speed and cadence sensor -- for that, you'll need to step up to the Forerunner 305 -- but it's a great way to get basic GPS location and performance data.
View Garmin's Forerunner demonstration video.

Choose from 12 data fields to display on the 305's screen. View larger.

The design cleverly integrates the GPS antenna and aims it towards the sky when you're running or walking. View larger.

The Virtual Partner function makes your workouts more competitive. View larger.

Choose from three workout modes that help you target your training goals. View larger.

The 305 features rudimentary mapping and location marking functions. View larger.

Design
The 205's design is a radical departure from Garmin's previous generation of wrist mounted GPS devices, which reached a pinnacle with the Garmin Forerunner 301. While the 301 delivered accurate heart rate monitoring, good performance tracking, and decent GPS reception, it didn't quite deliver in the design department. The form factor was bulky and wearing it wasn't much different than duct taping a full-sized GPS device to your wrist.
Not so with the 205. Garmin's engineers obviously burned the midnight oil and have come up with a waterproof design that, while certainly not as small as a sports watch, feels just as comfortable. The curved casing allows the unit's antenna to face the sky when you're running, while the widescreen display is perfectly positioned for viewing when you need it. And the display certainly deserves a few kudos. While it's smaller than the display found on previous Forerunners, its resolution is far higher, offering incredible clarity and crispness.
Garmin has smartly given the 205 a simple button layout and the buttons have a nice tactile feel with good pressure response. The right side houses the menu selection and enter buttons, while the left houses a power/backlight button and a mode button. This simple and elegant solution is a big improvement over the sometimes confusing button functionality of previous Forerunners. View button layout.
The underside of the 205 is pretty nondescript, except for a row of contacts that interface with the included charging and data cradle. The cradle is small and unobtrusive and its single mini-USB port connects to either an included AC adapter, or a USB cable that connects to your PC. In addition to data transfer with the USB cable, you can also charge the 205's embedded lithium-ion battery via a powered USB connection from your computer.
GPS Performance
The big news about the Forerunner 205 is that it features an integrated, high-sensitivity SiRFstar III GPS receiver. What does this mean? It means that the 205's ability to both track, and maintain a lock on, your position is better than anything before it. After an intial battery charge, our product tester had the 205 on his wrist and was tracking speed and distance with GPS satellites within 3 minutes. The next time we used the 205, satellite acquisition was nearly instantaneous. A run through dense trees didn't faze the unit either; tracking remained true and steady. Performance on a bike was equally impressive. Whatever witchcraft has been cooked up by the designers of the SiRF technology, we like it!

The simple docking cradle makes charging and data connectivity a snap (Forerunner 305 model shown).

While the Forerunner 205 isn't billed as a GPS navigation device, it does have some rudimentary mapping, waypoint marking, and routing capabilities. In addition to marking locations along your journey, you can zoom in or out of a simple map that displays your current direction and path. There's also a "go to location" feature that routes you back to your starting location, or to any location you have defined. Once you have defined several locations, you can save this information as a route, allowing you to travel the same path in the future. As you'll see below, the 205's new "Courses" feature gives you new levels of control over how you define your favorite runs and rides.
Training Functions
The 205 is first and foremost a training tool, and its ability to organize a ton of data types into a user experience that is intuitive and simple is no small feat. Whiz-bang technology aside, if you can't use it and make it a natural part of your exercise routine, it's worthless. When it comes to these factors -- and here's the take home message on the 205 -- this device is successful where many other devices fail.
The heart and soul of the 205 can be found on the data screens, which give you real-time information about all aspects of your workout. In fact, the 305 can display a dizzying array of data, such as calories burned, distance, elevation, grade, and heading, as well as multiple lap and pace modes.
Thankfully, the device makes it easy to define how much or how little data you want to view during a workout. You can arrange the data that's most important to you and then make that data appear front and center on the device. Indeed, within a few minutes of skimming the manual and fiddling with the device setup, you'll have your most important data displaying just the way you like it.
Garmin's Virtual Partner function was cool feature of previous Forerunners and they've decided to keep a good thing going with the 205. If you're the type that performs best when you've got a competitor egging you on, you'll love this function, as it allows you to set up virtual running or biking companions that compete against you.
If you're looking for an complicated workout with a variety of intervals and intensity levels, or just a quick three-mile jog against your best time last week, the 205 has you covered. Navigating to the Workouts menu on the device yields three options: Quick Workouts, Interval, and Advanced Workout. A quick workout is just that; set the distance and time, distance and pace, or time and pace of your planned workout and off you go. Interval workouts are just the same, but they allow you to add repetitions and rest between them. When you really want to get fancy with your exercise, you can step up to advanced workouts, which include goals for each workout step, as well as varied distances, times, and rest periods. You can use the Garmin Training Center software to set up these workouts and then upload them to the device.
PC Connectivity and Software
Garmin has been outfitting their devices with USB connectivity for some time now -- a welcome move for those who struggled with serial port connections in the days of yore. Thanks to USB, the 205 integrates seamlessly with the Training Center software and we quickly had workout history uploaded and stored on the PC (Sadly, Training Center is not Mac-compatible).
In a first for the Forerunner series, the Training Center software also lets you define courses on your PC that you can upload to the device. When course information is combined with uploaded workout information, the Forerunner becomes a complete guide, telling you where to go, when to make a turn, and what kind of workout to do when you're on the road or path. Back on the PC, the software's ability to overlay workout data on maps of the course makes it easy to see where the course offers up the tough hills and the easy recovery spots. Plus, the ability to track historical performance on a given course is a great way to measure your improvement.
The 205 is also fully compatible with Garmin's MotionBased service, which takes your training to another level by connecting your data with the Internet. While we weren't able to use the service, the promise of sharing courses, maps, workouts, and performance data with other users is intriguing. And if you're a serious endurance athlete, you'll be glad to know that the 205 is also compatible with TrainingPeaks.com, an easy-to-use web based training system designed to help athletes train for any event.
Pros

• Radically new design is better in every way
• Amazing accuracy and fast satellite acquisition time
• So simple to set up and use, you will actually use it

Cons

• Okay, it's bigger than a sport's watch -- but so much more powerful

What's in the Box
Forerunner 205, Garmin Training Center CD-ROM, docking cradle, expander strap, A/C charger, USB cable, owner's manual, quick start guide.

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Customer Reviews

 "LOVE IT!" 2010-04-19
By E. Sauer (Pickerington, Ohio USA)
I upgraded from the forerunner 101. I love this new watch. It keeps track of speed, distance, pace, and calories burned. It motivates me during my runs.

 "Exactly what every runner needs!" 2010-04-17
By basquegirl12 (Reno, NV)
This product is easy to use, durable and very accurate. I would recommend this to any runner as it is light, so you can barely feel it on your wrist. Lots of capabilities for the price.

 "How did I ever run without one?" 2010-04-14
By Alan D. Friedman (SF Bay area)
I can't be accused of rushing into technology. I had been a runner for over 25 years without even bothering with a running watch. I would answer (rather over-optimistically, as it turns out) questions as to my running pace and distance with guesses. Still, I wanted to really know: how far did I run? and can I still run as fast as I did twenty years ago?

Obviously I can't, but now I can give accurate and useful answers. And I find that my running has improved - my pacing is more consistent (I can tell when I am slowing down) and my five-mile runs really are five miles.

I don't expect a GPS watch to be perfect. Many of my runs are from my workplace in an urban setting, but even there, it only takes about two minutes to find the satellites (just enough time to strecth). At home, in suburbia, most less time is needed. The distance and average pace seem very accurate (instantaneous pace isn't accurate, but then again, not helpful either). Most of my runs are reasonably level so any inaccuracy with elevation isn't important. I have, however, used the Garmin for peak hiking and for major elevation shifts it is accurate.

It has gotten to the point that this thing is almost as important for a run as the shoes. I haven't bothered with many of the more advanced features, other than to download my runs to the free Garmin software.

A GPS watch isn't, for me, a replacement for enjoying a run. There are days that I feel like I ran fast, but the watch reveals a more objective reality, but who cares if you felt good anyway? And there are days that are the reverse. I think almost any runner would benefit from and appreciate the 205.

 "didn't last long" 2010-04-02
By Bonnie Viola (ma)
I received this as a Christmas gift, after adding it to my Wish List. It lasted about 3 months. Now it does not turn on, nor charge. Does not work at all. Up until now, I liked it, except it seemed to take a very long time to find satellites if I used it in a race or any place that was not close to my house. In any case, since it only lasted 3 months, for the price, I would not recommend it.

 "Indespensable Training Tool!" 2010-03-31
By William R. Pritchett (Midland, MI)
For serious distance runners the Garmin GPS watch is an indespensable training tool. Once you lock into the satellites, you have the information you need (time, distance, and pace) to make every run count. The Garmin 205 is the most basic of Garmin GPS watch series, but it is still packed with features, which makes it a great value. You can configure the display to show different data fields. Mine is set-up to show my overall time, distance, curent pace, and average pace for each workout. When I go out for a long training run, I'm no longer guessing how far I've gone or what my pace is throughout the run. It's useful in race, because I can control my pace, making sure I don't go out too fast in the early miles.

After a workout, you place the Garmin 205 in a cradle that connects to your computer. That charges the device, but also lets you transfer your statistics from the run into the software that comes with the watch. This allows you to build a log of all your workouts, so you can review your progress as you improve. You can also upload workouts to the Garmin Connect web site, which is the online fitness log. On the web site, each run is displayed on a map, and you can review your distance, pace, etc., for each workout. Send a URL link to your friends to show them your latest workout or a new running route you've discovered!

The Garmin 205 is well designed and easy to use. It's a little large, but because it's light, you forget you're wearing it during workouts. It tracks the satellites well, so it can be used on trail runs, where there are trees overhead. I've also used mine while biking and cross-country skiing.

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