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.:A Desert Lifestyle Article:.
Garmin Forerunner 205
By: Jamal Brown
A co-worker recently introduced me to a device that has made my exercise sessions much easier. After all, one of the best things about technology is its remarkable ability to help simplify our daily routine, saving us trouble and time. No matter what you’re into, chances are there is a gadget that can help aid you along the way. Well, if you into running, cycling, walking or are considering taking up one of these sports, then consider the Garmin Forerunner 205. The Forerunner 205 is a high-sensitivity GPS training watch that calculates and displays accurate time, distance and pace information.
Some might assume a bit of a learning curve would be associated with such a sophisticated watch, but not so. Engineers of the 205 did a great job keeping it simple, from the button layout to the features, and even the display. If you can operate a basic cell phone, you can operate this watch. Before we get into technology, let’s talk design. On the wrist, the Forerunner 205 is rather large, definitely larger than your average sports watch. However, it feels comfortable enough to wear all day. The watchstrap is made of heavy-duty rubber that is surprisingly soft to the skin. The 205 has a solid yet durable feel to it, as if it could be driven over by a Humvee and only suffer a few scratches, (though I wouldn’t recommend trying this). The curved design of the watch allows the built in antenna to face up while you’re running, providing a continuous line of sight to the sky. Viewing the display is easy thanks to the generous size of the screen and its quality resolution. You can even customize the display to show only data fields that matter to you the most. Button layout on the 205 is both simple and smart.
Okay, we agree that the Forerunner 205 is big and sexy, but does it have what it takes to hang with your workout sessions? Unless you plan on running or cycling longer than 10 hours, the answer is yes. Whether you are planning a complex workout with a variety of exercises or simply going on a three-mile run just for fun, the 205 has you covered. I use my 205 for running, though it’s nice to know that I can use it for cycling or another activity if I desire. For running, it’s great. Simply power the device on, place it on a still surface and wait for it to acquire a satellite signal. Satellite acquisition is quick, even indoors. Once the 205 has locked in, strap the watch on, press the start button and begin your run. It’s that simple. I enjoy the fact that during a run, I can monitor results, such as distance, pace and calories burned, in real time. With the Forerunner 205, you will never have to get in your vehicle and drive your desired route to calculate the distance again.
You can also set up organized workout sessions. The menu provides options for quick, interval and advance workouts. A quick workout is just that; set the distance and time, distance and pace, or time and pace of your planned workout. Interval workouts are similar. However, they allow the user to add repetitions and rest in between. If you are a hard charger, you can opt for the advanced workouts, which include goals for each workout 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. The 205 even has a cool feature called the Virtual Partner. This allows you to set up a virtual running or biking companion to compete against, (just don’t try talking trash to your virtual companion during workouts, someone might see you…not cool).
Another quality feature of the Forerunner 205 is its ability to store up to 1,000 laps for your record keeping purposes. Never again will you have to keep a stationary tally of how many miles you ran during a week. When you purchase the Forerunner 205, you also receive a Garmin Training Center CD-ROM, docking cradle, expander strap, charger, USB cable, owner's manual and quick start guide. If you are interested in tracking your heart rate, Garmin makes a Forerunner 305 that includes a heart rate monitor to strap across your chest. Overall, I would highly recommend the Garmin Forerunner 205. If you have a military identification card, the Main Exchange has a Forerunner 205 with your name on it for only $169.99. Tell them Jamal sent you and you won’t even have to pay tax!
