Garmin has brought high performance to the athletic training systems. The Garmin Forerunner 305 is a compact training machine. It will bring your training to a whole new level with in depth analysis.

Features

The Garmin Forerunner 305 takes your training to a new level. It has a robust GPS antenna that holds the satellite signal in most any environment. It includes a heart rate monitor and good battery life. The power is in the workouts. Some of the features include comparing your pace and heart rate to previous runs. Using the optional FootPod to transmit distance and pace. It has three main data screens. Each workout is stored for further review.The Garmin Training Center software is a great resource to analyze and optimize your performance. They also include workout functionality with MotionBased.com and TrainingPeaks.com.

Screenshots

Specs

• Heart rate monitor: yes
• Bike speed/cadence sensor: yes (some versions)
• Foot pod: yes (optional)
• Automatic sync (automatically transfers data to your computer): no
• Garmin Connect™ compatible (online community where you analyze, categorize and share data): yes (coming soon)
• Garmin Training Center® software compatible: yes
• Virtual Partner® (train against a digital person): yes
• Courses (compete against previous workouts): yes
• Auto Pause® (pauses and resumes timer based on speed): yes
• Auto Lap® (automatically starts a new lap): yes
• Auto Scroll (cycles through data pages during workout): yes
• Multi-sport (changes sport mode with a press of a button): yes
• Advanced workouts (create custom, goal-oriented workouts): yes
• Simple workouts (input time, distance and calorie goals):
  yes
• Pace alert (triggers alarm if you vary from preset pace): yes
• Time/distance alert (triggers alarm when you reach goal): yes
• Interval training (set up exercise and rest intervals): yes
• Customizable screen(s): yes
• Barometric altimeter: no
• Unit-to-unit transfer (shares data wirelessly with similar units): no
• Power meter compatible (displays power data from compatible 3rd party ANT+Sport™-enabled power meters): no
• Sport watch: no

Garmin Forerunner 305 Personal Athletic Training System Need an ultracompact GPS personal training aid, down to the size of a wristwatch? Tired of the clunky old systems without decent software? Sick of losing GPS reception in the city? Do you just wish you had a softer heart rate monitor strap? Check out the new Garmin Forerunner 305. With an ult

Garmin Foot Pod Indoor System for Forerunner 305 CLOSEOUT SPECIAL Take it inside!Now you can train indoors with your Forerunner 305 and still track your distance, pace and calories burned. The wireless Foot Pod attaches to your running shoe (threads through the laces for a secure fit) and transmits your distance and pace to the Forerunner. Use the Foot Pod on an i

Garmin has a new watch/trainer/GPS device. The Garmin Forerunner 405 is the top of the line in the training GPS arena. It is a GPS watch and much more

Features

The Forerunner 405 monitors your time, distance, pace calories, and route continuously. Every workout is stored for analysis. The Garmin Training Center software will help analyze your workout. The watch is wireless and will download the data to your PC. It allows sharing wirelessly as well. It is available with or without a heart rate monitor. The serious trainer will demand the heart rate monitor feature. The signal strength is strong for any off road training. If you attach a foot pod or bike sensor it will track speed and distance cadence.

Garmin Watch Specs

• Weight 2.11 oz
• Battery rechargeable lithium-on
• Battery Life 2 weeks in power save and 8 hours in training

Maps

• Basemap No
• Waypoints 100

Other Features of Garmin Forerunner Watch

• Heart rate monitor: yes (some versions)
• Bike speed/cadence sensor: yes (optional)
• Foot pod: yes (optional)
• Automatic sync (automatically transfers data to your computer): yes
• Garmin Connect™ compatible: yes
• Garmin Training Center® software compatible: yes
• Virtual Partner® (train against a digital person): yes
• Courses (compete against previous workouts): yes
• Auto Pause® (pauses and resumes timer based on speed): yes
• Auto Lap® (automatically starts a new lap): yes
• Auto Scroll (cycles through data pages during workout): yes
• Multi-sport (changes sport mode with a press of a button): no
• Advanced workouts (create custom, goal-oriented workouts): yes
• Simple workouts (input time, distance and calorie goals): yes
• Pace alert (triggers alarm if you vary from preset pace): yes (for advanced workouts only)
• Time/distance alert (triggers alarm when you reach goal): yes (for advanced workouts only)
• Interval training (set up exercise and rest intervals): yes
• Customizable screen(s): yes
• Barometric altimeter: no
• Unit-to-unit transfer (shares data wirelessly with similar units): yes
• Sport watch: yes

Screenshot of the Garmin Training Center Software

Geocaching Basics

Geocaching is a great adventure. There are some ground rules to remember as you journey out with your new handheld GPS device. Pick different cache types to keep the game fresh.

Caches Vary in Categories

1. The Cache can be a basic waypoint with a small container
2. Multi-caches involve multiple waypoints and add to the fun
3. Puzzle caches require some thinking to find the destination
4. Virtual caches have no container but usually take you to a destination that requires you to obtain some information

Geocaching is a popular and fun pastime for handheld GPS enthusiasts. The whole family can participate in this exciting treasure hunt game. The search for the hidden treasure will take some skill, thinking and a little effort.

How to get started

1. Purchase a handheld GPS device. Check out our recommendations to fit your budget. A family gift of the Garmin eTrex Legend Series is a good start.
2. Create an account with one of the Geocaching sites online. It is free to begin
3. Search by your zipcode for the nearest cache
4. Create a waypoint with the cache coordinates
5. Bring an item to exchange. It has to be small and worth exchanging. Later on you can buy geocaching coins.
6. Navigate with your GPS to the cache
7. Look for the cache at the destination
8. Find the logbook and record your name,date, and what you traded.
9. Close the cache. Place exactly as you found it
10. Record the find on your Geocaching account on your computer
11. Enjoy the great outdoors on your new family outing

Handheld GPS devices can vary in price and features. We will look at our favorites ranked by price and quality. All the units have good sensitivity for reception. We will highlight a few important features with each.

Starter Handheld GPS

Garmin eTrex H

It is a simple screen and a very low cost. It is less than $100

Features

1. Monochrome screen
2. Compass and basic maps with waypoints

Intermediate Handheld GPS

Garmin eTrex Legend HCx

A step up and well worth the extra money of around $200

Features

1. Color screen. It really is worth it. Trust me
2. Expandable memory
3. Good satellite coverage
4. Simple navigation

High End Handheld GPS

Garmin GPSMAP 60CSx

For the serious hiker or geocaching fan

Features

1. Large color screen
2. Altimeter and electronic compass
3. Great memory
4. Can be used as an Auto GPS

Check out our Store for Great Deals and search for any brand. We deal directly with the best GPS online stores for your security and great values.