Garmin Forerunner Watch. Sharing my amazing experience.

Here I want to share a few things I’ve discovered through using Garmin devices for my triathlon training—and how they’ve positively impacted my life in more ways than I expected.

Simple and functional, it is a life style.

Simple and functional, it is a lifestyle.

I’ll be honest: blogging still feels a bit intimidating to me. Maybe it’s shyness, maybe insecurity, or perhaps just the usual hesitation we all experience when we’re beginners. But I once heard a quote that stuck with me: “Every expert was once a beginner.” I don’t need to be a Garmin expert to share a genuine, helpful experience.

At the moment, I use two Garmin devices. For my triathlon bike, I use a Garmin Edge 1000 because it syncs easily with my power meter—something not everyone needs. In this post, however, I’ll focus on the Garmin Forerunner, the device I use most often.

Before diving in, it’s important to remember that everyone is different. Not every tool works the same way for every person. I intend to share what has worked for me, so that anyone looking to improve—whether discovering something new or being reminded of something helpful—can take what resonates and apply it to their own journey. This isn’t about me; it’s about the experience and how it can support your life and training.

As both a coach and an athlete, I prefer to train by feel rather than be overly attached to numbers. My philosophy is to focus on your personal progress, not on comparisons with others. With that mindset, a device like Garmin becomes a support system rather than a source of pressure—it simplifies training and helps create a more relaxed, intentional routine.

Some key benefits I’ve found using Garmin:

  • Extremely easy to use right out of the box.

  • Simple, intuitive, and seamlessly synced with Strava.

  • Lightweight, sleek, and versatile—perfect for training, daily wear, or even business settings.

  • Helps me stay focused on my training goals and manage my time efficiently.

  • One device for everything: swimming (indoor and outdoor), biking, running, yoga, and more—I wear it all day.

  • Large, bold numbers make it easy to track pace and time during training and races.

  • Accurate heart rate monitoring—no chest strap needed.

  • Excellent battery life: over a week as a smartwatch and up to 14 hours in GPS mode.

  • Phone connectivity allows me to see incoming calls while riding, so I can decide whether to stop or keep going.

If you’re looking for a local Garmin retailer, I highly recommend our friends at Pedal Bicycle in Kalamazoo and Portage.

More information is also available directly on the Garmin website:

https://buy.garmin.com

And if your budget allows, a Garmin device makes a thoughtful gift—for someone special or even for yourself. It’s an investment you’ll enjoy every single day.