Garmin Question

[MickeyMomTo2]

I am in week 8 of a C25K, and my ultimate goal is the Disney Princess Half in 2011. As a birthday present for myself and a prize for finishing my C25K, I am looking at the Garmin 205 and 305. They appear to be the same, except the 305 has a heart rate monitor. Even though I am new to running, I have exercised for years, and I have never used a heart rate monitor. Is it worth the extra $$ (it's a $20 difference on amazon). Will I want to use it in my training?

Any opinions on these products? The reviews seem to be good, but I would love to hear from any of you who have one.

Thanks so much!

 

[SetzKitten]

I am also new to running. I'm on the seventh week of C25K and just bought myself the 305 as a reward/motivation for sticking with an exercise program longer than I ever have. That said, I've had my 305 for 1 day. I used it yesterday for the first time. I liked the heart rate monitor because I can connect the 305 to my laptop and download my results and will be able to see progress (hopefully lots of it). I don't know if the 205 has it or not, but the 305 has virtual partner that competes with you. Pretty cool.

 

[solar]

I think one of the other small differences is in the accessories...ex: foot pod...not sure if it works with the 205 - just got my 305 also, so really still learning it myself

I'd say if it won't break the budget, the upgrade is only $20 and you may appreciate it...if it were A LOT more, I'd research it more

 

[VernRDH]

I have the 305 and it. I wasn't sure about the HR monitor at first, but it is really worth it. I believe it is how it calculates your calorie burn. I love being able to upload everything to my laptop and compare runs.

If it is only $20 more, I would go for it. Good luck, congrats on the C25k so far, and I am sure this new toy will help you get to the Princess in 2011.

 

[MickeyMomTo2]

Thanks to everyone for your input. I have decided that for only $20, it's definitely worth it to get the heart rate monitor. I have four more runs to go in my C25K, and then I am going to order it as my prize!

 

[MAKHayes-DisneyDiva]

Good choice!
I love my 305!

 

[ohMom]

you will it!

 

[KarenAylwood]

I just saw this thread and looked up the Garmin 305. Wow I didn't even know such a thing existed!! I am now getting into running and (like the OP) my goal is to do the Princess half Marathon next year.

Is the normal price $160??? That's what it says on amazon right now, but it says $300 is the "retail" price. Is this a good price right now if I wanted one? Or does it typically stay around $160? It seems really reasonable for something that does all it says it does.

 

[VernRDH]

$160 is about right. They were $300 when they came out, I got mine last year from Best Buy for $159. Best money I have spent, I don't know what I would do without it.

 

[Tiger Lily 03]

Another one here who love, love, loves my Garmin. I've got the 205, but started training with a Polar HR monitor and still have that. I just know you will love the freedom the Garmin gives you as you put in those steps out there.