Best Training Watch Money Can Buy

By Coast Ranked #91 - Trail Running Accessories February 20, 2009

This watch does everything you need for hardcore disatance training. I've trained with a heart rate monitor for years, but stayed away from GPS watches because they were obnoxiously big(like the 305). This watch is about the same size as a CASIO G-Shock, not bad at all.
The Virtual Trainer is the best part. I can monitor my average pace, how far ahead/behind pace I am(with a moving picture of 2 dudes running) and total distance at the same time. Then I can tap over to check my heart rate and time. Also, many of the displays can be customized by the user.
The touch bezel is money and you can change its sensitivity level if you have meat-sticks for hands, like me. Finally someone took what we learned from the iPod and applied it to a watch to make it easier, faster and save on buttons.
The Heart Rate monitor is excellent and starts immediately (my old HRM took a few minutes of sweating before it got a signal). The watch senses the HRM before I even have it on.
After a workout, I just have to walk within a few meters of my computer and the info gets downloaded. How cool is that?
The battery lasts 1-2 weeks with normal use. With the GPS on, the battery only last for an 8-hr training session. Fortunately my daily training sessions only last 6-7 hrs, except when I'm runniing with Chuck Norris. The smaller battery allows for a much slimmer/sleeker design.
It doesn't calculate/show elevation, but it doesn't claim to either. This is not a mountain climbing/hiking watch.
It does everything it says it will perfectly. I recommend it. Good luck on your next race.

View Details: Garmin Forerunner 405 GPS Watch

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