The middle range offering in the Forerunner product line, The Garmin Forerunner 305 is a level above the 205 with regard for its available functions. The 305 includes the 205's internal GPS receiver, and also contains a wrist-mounted antenna for additional reception and signal strength. This feature strengthens the satellite signal and decreases the probability that you will lose the signal if you should pass under dense foliage while cycling or running. In contrast to competing systems that involve an external GPS to be worn separately, the integrated GPS of the Garmin 305 Forerunner offers an extraordinary convenience to the user. The Forerunner 305 offers a plus over the lower priced 205, as it comes with a good heart rate monitor, that augments the distance, pace, and elevation data that you receive during your workout. Discover how you're doing once you're done by uploading your progress to software on your home computer.

There are quite a few advantages to be gained from using the 305 Forerunner during your workout regime. You can use the Garmin Training Center software included with your 305 to map out your exercise circuits and contrast your speed and heart rate progress from past runs to your current one. You can also make it enjoyable by competing against yourself via the Virtual Opponent - a virtual "you" constructed from the recorded data of a past course on the same route. The display on the wrist unit of the Forerunner 305 will graphically compare your results with the earlier workout so that you are always inspired to improve your performance.

There are a few different accessories that can be implemented with the 305 as well, including an separate foot pad for those who wish to exercise where GPS reception may not be acquirable, and a cadence sensor for bicyclists. The foot pads can let you know, regardless of GPS signal strength, how many calories you're burning and how fast you're going, so there's no worrying. Similarly, the cadence sensor will also enable you to track your progress even when GPS reception is weak or completely unavailable, and will also help ensure that you are keeping stable with values you have set for yourself while pedaling.

The heart rate monitor, that is included with the Forerunner 305 and not with the 205, can be set to alert you when you are outside your target range. This will supply you the ability to reach a certain heart rate that you are working for, especially with the ebb and flow of your routine. When you are outside these ranges (over or under), the Forerunner 305 will notify you.

When you have completed your workout you can easily charge your Garmin Forerunner 305 in the included docking cradle, as well as upload the data gathered from your most current session onto your computer to analyze your progress.

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