Finding My Way Back to Garmin: The Forerunner 220

At the cusp of the running mania circa 2009, back when Garmin GPS watches were not yet sufficiently locally distributed, I admit to having used the back-route (personal sellers) in getting for myself the latest model. With much pride, I stomped about wearing the Forerunner 610 with its amazing touch features almost on a daily basis, gobbled up every stat in Garmin Connect and self-coached myself to many exhilarating marathons for years…until I started experimenting with other brands.

Sometimes you have to experience difficulties and inconveniences, before you learn the TRUTH. Same is true with your choice of GPS running watches. While your choice must define your needs, it won’t hurt to eliminate guesswork by putting your faith and confidence on a training buddy that truly understands why you run.

Clear watch display. There is no excuse or substitute for good resolution when you are on the run and monitoring your progress. Some have BIG numbers or colored text or changing backgrounds — all trying to skirt around the issue of readability which simply boils down to resolution and sufficient internal lighting. The Forerunner 220 made me remember how I used to struggle with the other brands, especially during critical races. 

Simple functional operability. I will admit that here’s a point I had a cheat. I was one of the first migrants to Garmin and have used at least 4 previous Garmin models. This experience made maneuvering around Forerunner 220 almost second-nature as soon as I strapped it on. And even if all the important statistics were already available in the watch, I was not able to resist logging onto my old Garmin Connect account, just to be able to download the workouts and get more detailed. I think this is why Garmin claims that having a Forerunner 220 is like having a personal coach,  making all the analytics lead to better training days.

 

 

Lightweight and snug wristband. I used to joke a lot about wearing the old Garmin models that look and felt like a computer in my wrist! But Garmin’s timely evolution to hinged wristbands has made girl-runners like me debunk the myth about Garmin being biased to male runners. The snug feel in small wrists (again, like mine) is nicely complemented by a silky-smooth-soft band. The choice of using silicone minimizes allergic response to those sensitive to rubber, plastic or even velcro straps.

 

Fast GPS lock-in. This is where one appreciates the Forerunner 220, as high-sensitivity GPS locks in superiorly faster than its more affordable, entry-to-training level competitors. As long as an initial fix-time has already been established, Forerunner 220 defies atmospheric and man-made interferences by staying true to its quick lock in time. Having tested this baby on 3 different locations for the past 3 weeks, I got a lock-in time of 5 seconds, on the average! It certainly would, however, be an exciting experiment to compare GPS alone versus GPS+GLONASS, a feature that is making waves in more recent Garmin GPS models, filling the gaps for not just fast lock-ins, but also fast fix-ins — anytime, anywhere.

GLONASS or “Global Navigation Satellite System”, is a Russian technology designed to further improve the accuracy of GPS.

Fast-forward to NOW, across thousands of kilometers over many races and having tried quite a number of commercially-available GPS watches, it is only fitting that I reunite with Garmin, whose expertise in  the game has evolved with the times.

This baby Forerunner 220 has not only proven to be a training buddy and an objective coach. On the run, I look forward to MILESTONE MOTIVATORS that make each workout so personal, simply because there’s a Garmin on my wrist.

Forerunner 220 – Product Features & Specifications 

Physical & Performance
Unit dimensions, WxHxD	1.8″ x 1.8″ x 0.5″ (4.5 x 4.5 x 1.2 cm)
Display size, WxH	1.0″ (2.54 cm) diameter
Display resolution, WxH	180 x 180 pixels
Touchscreen
Weight	1.4 oz (40.7 g)
Battery	rechargeable lithium-ion
Battery life	up to 6 weeks in watch mode; up to 10 hours in training mode
Water resistant	(50m)
GPS-enabled
High-sensitivity receiver

For more information:

Please visit the Ph website : http://ph.garmin.com/

Or visit the Garmin Stores:

Garmin SM Megamall, 2nd Floor Atrium, Mandaluyong City (in front of La Lola)

Garmin Glorietta, 3rd Floor Glorietta 5, Makati City

Now, if you’re ready to take it to the NEXT level, watch this in awe!