Information Overload
I’m very happy with my Garmin Forerunner 305 but, as with any new technology I adopt, I spend most of my time discovering what the device can do, then finding ways to ignore or delete most of it.
I rarely use more than one-quarter of my computer’s memory, I have a ridiculously small number of software applications, and all I really want from my Garmin is super-accurate time and distance. I don’t need to know its estimate of calories burned, or elevation to the tenth of a foot, or where its satellites are.
In sharp contrast to the device itself is the weak-assed Garmin Training Center, which allows you to download your workout history into your computer, add notes, etc. Its file system is terrible, and it won’t even let you designate Monday as the first day of the week.
My mad research skillz failed me until today, when I discovered DC Rainmaker’s two-year-old (but updated) review and how-to guide for the Forerunner 305. It has absolutely everything you need to know about the GPS and Garmin’s associated software and services. And if you can’t find it there, you can find useful tips elsewhere on his blog, like using a pencil eraser to clean the exposed contacts. But his best advice resides in “Ten Random Tips for your Garmin Forerunner 305,” the first of which reads, “Never ever use/open up GTC (Garmin Training Center) again. It’s crap. Instead, go download (for free) Sport Tracks (either 1.3 or 2.0 Beta): http://www.zonefivesoftware.com/SportTracks.” (The latest version is 2.1.3478).
I took his advice and I have to tell you SportTracks is far superior to GTC. Sure, it also has way more information than I can ever possibly use, but it lets me organize my log my way. This is essential for someone making the big move from dead-tree logs (ha!) to digital logs. It’s easy to use and easy to personalize.
Who knows? If this keeps up, someday I might even have my own iPhone and Twitter account.
Sports Tracks is a great app…but I’d rather use RunningAhead.com and be able to record my workouts from whatever computer I’m on. Handy for when I run at lunch time. I was using Running Ahead well before it had Garmin integration, but now that it does it’s pretty much all I use.
I only use GTC to help transfer the data into WKO/TrainingPeaks. I upgraded my 305 to the 310xt and use WKO to analyze the bike power data. WKO isn’t free but I think it is worth it (although they just came out with a new version and I’m annoyed that they are charging an upgrade fee).
The only thing I use GTC for is when I want to upload a specific workout to my 205. It is helpful to have preset beeps for any type of interval workout.
Are there any tips on how to reduce the wind resistance of Garmins? If we run any challenges next year, I’ll be happy if you’re wearing that contraption on your wrist. Merry xmas. Cheers!