Garmin Forerunner 405

In my efforts to accurately track the distances I run outdoors, I have tried going by:

• time
• estimated distance
• then finally, gadgets

After the death of my third Nike+ Sport Kit chip, I decided that enough was enough, and after months of waiting, the Garmin Forerunner 405 came out. I brought mine online at REI.com. The price was $299... ouch. I was originally going to opt for the green one (the other choice), but for the sake of matching more of my running outfits (like I try to be fashionable when I run... hah!), I finally chose black.

When the watch came, I had to charge it overnight and do some setup. It charges via a clamp with two "electrodes," connecting to a USB cord, and finally, an AC adapter (see below for my messy peripherals).

My first run with this was a 10-miler in the park near my house. I was surprised that it picked up the signal so quickly, and when I pressed the Training button, my pace and distance appeared instantly. I did not read the instruction manual, as is my usual habit (!), so I did not know how to lock the bezel -- the silver circle that scrolls the menus (but I do now!).  Before, I would periodically accidently touch it and go to the Virtual Partner screen, which basically lets you set an "opponent" that "runs" a certain pace.

I don't nearly use all of the wonderful features on this.  For one thing, I was never able to get the included USB dongle to "talk" to my Garmin so I could use the online Garmin software.  Second, "The Ukrainain" gave me the heart-rate monitor (below, at the top of the picture) from his Garmin 305, and I think it's out of batteries, because it won't sync.  When I DO use it, I will post a separate review on the HRM and HRM training in general, an area I have yet to touch because I'm freaked out by my heart! =P).  Note that the HRM doesn't come with the basic Garmin 405, and alone, it's another $35-$50, depending on where you shop.

The watch itself if not too heavy... and I definitely appreciate the fact that it actually looks like a watch. After a while, you don't notice it too much if you strap it on with the correct tightness on your wrist.  I like mine a little loose so I can turn the screen away from me while running so I am not tempted to stare at it.  Instead, I set the Auto-Lap function to beep each time I complete a mile, and from there, I just chug along.  At some point, when I become more concerned with pace, I will use some of the other lovely features on this thing.

Maybe it's time to read the manual (after more than 3 years with this thing!).

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(NOTE: I have been re-writing some of my reviews for clarity and detail.  The original post for this item is dated 5/7/08.)