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Roadtesting The Garmin Forerunner 305

I took my brand spanking new Garmin Forerunner 305 out for a spin at the Mizuno Run Club and boy did it impress me yet again. I’ve used it a couple of times already, but it was only during this run that I had the opportunity to utilize its lap feature.

For this run, I used the default lap screen of the Garmin and pressed the lap button at every round. There was one lap where I forgot to press the button (darn it!), so it’s good to know there’s an autolap button screaming “Try me! Try me!” for my next run.

I ran 7 laps of what was supposed to be a progressive run around the inner circle of Bonifacio High Street along with other beginner/intermediate runners (such as Renz, Totoy, Tina, Mandy, Gelo, Pablo…hey guys!) while the elite, as always, left us eating their dust even if they ran the larger circle around the same area. There were quite a few friends who were itching to run but couldn’t, so they ran vicariously through us: Ben (injured), Tricia (colds), and Marga (smoked two sticks!)

After the run, I eagerly downloaded the data to my mac. For the first time in my life, I welcomed information overload with open arms! Clearly, I saw the time and pace at which I ran each of the 7 laps (Lap 2 to 7) and the consistent distance for each (Lap 2 is a combination of Lap 2 & 3). I was also thrilled to discover that when you click on a lap, it is automatically highlighted on the map below. So cool! (If you look close enough, you might even see Starbucks there!)

Well, now you all know that I also failed miserably at my attempts at a progressive run.

Garmin Data

Before I go, here’s what I love about my Garmin so far:

  1. Accuracy. I’m pretty confident about the accuracy of the Garmin. Garmin users I know can attest to it. Personally, I’m impressed with the accurate readings of the laps above. I’ve also taken it on two long runs and it registered the EXACT distance when I hit the 9.5 km mark (which the Nike+ recorded as a whopping 12 km! More on this in the next post.)
  2. No interruptions. There’s a lot of talk about satellite interruptions with the Garmin, but I never experienced any stalls/ glitches/ breakdowns so far. Well, I don’t really run in shaded areas anyway.
  3. Readable screen. It is easy to see my data while I’m running (just don’t let the sweat drip down into my eyes!) I particularly enjoy using the backlight during night runs. It just makes me feel cool. Hah!
  4. Lap feature. I am overjoyed that I finally get time and pace readings for my laps. The Nike+ will show pace for a certain distance in each run, but one couldn’t specify at what point you wanted a reading.
  5. So easy to use. I haven’t gone through the entire manual so I’m sure I’m not fully utilizing all the features of my new little toy. Despite this, I’ve been able to use the Garmin with ease during my past runs. It literally takes seconds for me to put the Garmin into its dock which I attach to my mac via USB and it automatically syncs with the Garmin Training Center.

What I don’t like about the Garmin:

  1. Comfort. The first time I used this, I got scared. It slid down my wrist and hit my bone almost every 10 minutes. I thought I made a big mistake buying it. Turns out, it takes some getting used to. It wasn’t comfortable for me at the onset but I’m slowly finding the perfect wrist adjustment for it. I think it must be Extra Tight.
  2. Useless indoors. The downside to a GPS unit is that you can’t use it on the treadmill. I run twice a week on the treadmill so I have to resort to my Nike+ to get a pace reading.
  3. Attracts too much attention. No one saw me that night. They only noticed my Garmin and befriended it. God, I thought they were my real friends! (I’m kidding, Happy Feet!)

Ben and Garmin

- Do you think Ben will trip me, stomp on my wrist, and grab the Garmin in the Milo race next week? –

Next post: Comparing the Garmin and Nike+ data during a long run. Who’s telling the truth?

Posted on 11.10.07 to 04 Gear & Product Reviews. Tags: , , , . Subscribe to follow comments on this post. 15 comments. Add your thoughts or trackback from your own site.

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15 Responses to “Roadtesting The Garmin Forerunner 305”

  1. Cool! It does generate so much information. I do a lot of mental arithmetic when I do my runs and that explains why I look perplexed sometimes when I run. Does it come with a chest strap though? My polar chest strap causes painful chafing.

    Tina said on Nov 10 07 at 7:30 PM Reply

  2. I can’t read anymore! It all sounds so good, you might convince me to buy one.

    rick430 said on Nov 11 07 at 4:14 PM Reply

  3. Tina, yes the 305 has a HRM. I should be testing it this week. Please pray it doesn’t cause any chafing. I have enough bruises from my sports bra :(

    Rick, bad news: I’m going to be raving more about the Garmin pretty soon!

    bullrunner said on Nov 11 07 at 9:32 PM Reply

  4. hahahahaha!!!!!!! does it come in a lime green color too????? hehehehehehehe

    ben chan said on Nov 12 07 at 9:38 PM Reply

  5. oh no my secret is out! alam na ng buong mundo ang aking pagkakasala!!!

    marga said on Nov 13 07 at 4:07 PM Reply

  6. Hi,

    I’ve been using the Forerunner 305 since Feb this year. For running, get the foot pod so you can get data for strides per minute. It shows up as rpm on the 305. Ideally, you want to do 180 strides per minute or 90. It really helps a lot in pacing and finding out what works. It also works on areas with poor gps reception such as Eastwood. I dont get a steady signal there. You use the foot pod instead of the gps. There’s a newer foot pod model for the forerunner 50, best to get that instead as its an improved version over the one I have. For a good deal, just direct from Amazon.

    More info available for you if you upload it to motionbased, its free anyway.

    I originally got the forerunner last feb of this year to keep track of my surf ski paddling. (fast ocean kayak) I’ve been using the other sport mode exclusively until in recent months when I started running. Do update to the latest firmware (2.8) and read the motionbased forums for tips and tricks.

    Mark said on Nov 17 07 at 10:53 PM Reply

  7. Useless indoors. The downside to a GPS unit is that you can’t use it on the treadmill. I run twice a week on the treadmill so I have to resort to my Nike+ to get a pace reading.

    By the way, just use the foot pod to solve the issue above.

    Mark said on Nov 17 07 at 11:03 PM Reply

  8. hi, can i ask where you bought your garmin? thanks

    gen said on Apr 13 08 at 9:44 PM Reply

  9. wer do you buy this locally? thanks

    mimi said on May 07 08 at 11:38 PM Reply

  10. The authorized distributor of Garmin locally is located at No6 Ground Flr. Consolacion Bldg, Gen Santos ST AranetaCtr Cubao. However, their price is quite exorbitant. My garmin 305 I bought last year (Nov 2007) at CA through my sister is only Php15k as compared to Php25 selling price at Geotech. Check the Rei.com from time to time to check for the 50% discount on Garmin 305 (orig price is $299). But I suggest to use the newly issued Garmin 405 with HRM and foot pod it cost for around $450 (w/o foot pod $350). Not only will it give accurate distance it will automatically transfer your workout to your computer using ANT+sport wireless technology when your 405 is in range.

    Teddy said on Jul 24 08 at 10:50 AM Reply

  11. The 305 has similar features as the 205. Maybe its just me but I sort of feel that an HRM chest strap affects my breathing… hence, I went for the 205 sans HRM feature. Cool gadget and wont disappoint. For perspective I compared data from my top-of-the-line Garmin Edge 705 which I use in my bike (it has multisport features) and used previously with my runs and the 205 registered identical data.

    Congratulations on your new gadget!

    dennis d said on Apr 16 09 at 4:06 AM Reply

  12. Hi, TBR and fellow runners! Was just asking regarding the Forerunner 305′s durability after a couple of years?:)

    I’m a newbie runner and is considering to get a Garmin to measure my distance. I’m hoping to get the best value for my money (still a student. Haha!)

    Thanks guys! I would appreciate any tips :)

    Ali said on Nov 04 11 at 11:03 AM Reply

    • Hi Ali! My Garmin 305 lasted 1 1/2 years. It’s the battery that conks out. Despite this, I would say it’s worth the money especially since the 305 is so cheap now.

      By the way, to have the battery of the 305 replaced, it’ll cost you around Php5k to have it shipped to Taiwan. With that price, I would reco you just buy a new 305 which is practically the same price.

      Hope this helps!

      thebullrunner said on Nov 04 11 at 11:25 AM Reply

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