The Forerunner 405 not only monitors and records your pace, time, distance, calories used, and heart rate so you can analyze them to see if you are improving as a runner. Using its Virtual Partner feature, it also allows you to download previously recorded workouts and compete against them. These could be your own records, or records received from other sources. Its data screen can even be customized to display the data you want. Moving from one feature to another is easily accomplished with a tap on a touch bezel. This Forerunner comes in a package that looks more like an ordinary than a high performance GPS-enabled watch. You can wear it in your workplace without fear of attracting too much attention. At the moment, there are two colors available —black and green.

Once the data are in the watch, all you need to do to upload them to your personal computer is to take your Forerunner within range. ANT+, a wireless personal network protocol, automatically takes care of the transfer. You can analyze your data on your computer, or share them with your running buddies online.

You can even share your data with other runners using Forerunner 405 while still in the field. You can transmit your location so they know where you are. You can also send out your workout courses for them to try out, or compete against. Of course, you can receive their records and compete with them too.

A heart rate monitor may be incorporated with a Forerunner 405 for an additional cost. This monitor continually records heart beats per minute, allowing a runner to see if he is exercising within the safe percentage of his maximum heart rate, or if he is running too slowly to give him any real exercise. The records stored will also allow you to compare your current heart rates with previous data. With this, you can see if your heart muscles are getting stronger.
A slower heart beat at the same pace indicates a stronger heart.

A Garmin Forerunner 405 currently sells at US$299.99 at Amazon.com. For all the benefits a serious runner can get from it, it may well be worth the price.

GPS Watch

GPS stands for Global Positioning Satellite. It is a technology that provides detailed and convenient mapping of areas chosen by the user. GPS units have been popular since their introduction to the market, most especially with parents who want to be assured that their children are always safe. GPS is also installed in some electronic devices like cellular phones and vehicles.

The most popular GPS devices are the GPS watches. Not only are they easier to carry because you only have to wear one on your wrist, they can also serve as wrist watches. Most popular brands of GPS watches also have other functions, like chronograph, compass, barometer, altimeter, and thermometer. These watches are perfect for people who love hiking or biking. In fact, these high-class GPS watches were designed especially for professional climbers, bicyclists, boaters, and hikers.

How does a GPS watch work? GPS, as its name suggests, uses satellite technology to pinpoint the position of the bearer, in this case, the wearer, of the GPS watch. By constantly checking your position, GPS can also calculate your speed and distance travelled, including ascents and descents you made. Since it uses a high-powered satellite, GPS can also point mark landmarks. If you are training for speed, you can calculate your progress by comparing it to your previous speed when you travelled from one waypoint to another.

Most GPS watches have a PC-integration feature. This allows you to download your charts — your daily speed progress, mountain height, or distance goals you’ve reached — and store it in your computer. You can also download available maps from the internet and then transfer them to your GPS watch so that you’ll know the landmarks and waypoints of a certain place even if it’s the first time you’ve been there. Some brands, like the Suunto GPS watch, have a tie-up with the National Geographic and their online Topo mapping service. In Topo, users from all over the world can share their maps with other bikers, boaters, or hikers.

There are also GPS watches designed specifically for fitness and health buffs. One example, the Garmin GPS Forerunner 201, has a virtual trainer feature. With this, you can program your GPS according to your personal speed and pace. The virtual trainer will track your progress and make it into a chart that calculates your overall performance. It is called a virtual trainer because, as many studies show, people who have a GPS watch with this feature are able to stick to their workout menu and achieve their goals faster than when they are working out alone.