General Discussion Triathlon Talk » Garmin 305 for IM Races Rss Feed  
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2006-08-02 8:42 AM

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The Original
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Subject: Garmin 305 for IM Races

I have a Garmin 305 and the battery only stays charged for a max of 10 hours.  I'll  be donig my first IM in November (IM FL) and most likely it'll take me well over 10 hours to complete.  I'm thinking around 15 hours.  So my question is- what would ya'll do about monitoring your HR if the Garmin only lasts 10 hours?

I was thinking about wearing my timex sports watch for the swim.  As for the Garmin I am going to have to choose whether to wear it for the bike or run.  It would be helpful to have the Garmin on the bike for HR purposes.  I have a bike computer for speed and time so that's not an issue if I go without the Garmin.  But if I wear it for the bike I won't have it for the run.  But woudln't it be more helpful to have HR data on the bike to make sure that I stay in check and don't over due it??  I can wear my watch for the run but won't have HR and pace information.

Anyone have suggestions whether if it's more helpful to have HR info while on the bike or run for an IM?  Also, I was wondering if I should just get a cheap HR monitor to wear for the bike and then wear my Garmin on my run for the pacing.  I don't know- just trying to figure out my options. 



2006-08-02 9:17 AM
in reply to: #500262

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Giver
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Subject: RE: Garmin 305 for IM Races

Here's what I would do: Keep the Garmin in your swim-bike transition bag and turn it on as soon as you get out of the water. That way it should be able to aquire by the time you get on the bike. Even if you take 7 hours on the bike (16mph avg), you'd still have it for the first 3 hours of the run. And frankly, after that you don't really need to worry about HR so much. You're right that you need to be more concerned about HR during the bike.

Alternatively, you could get a cheap Polar HRM...just a basic model that only displays HR...and keep that in your run special needs bag. That way, as your Garmin is dying half way though the run, you could switch out and put on the Polar.



Edited by run4yrlif 2006-08-02 9:20 AM
2006-08-02 9:25 AM
in reply to: #500262

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Palm Beach FL
Subject: RE: Garmin 305 for IM Races
I have a POLAR HR monitor that I use for training. It supposedly lasts for over 1500 hours (the battery is sealed) so you could put it on at the bike leg and forget about it since I presume there will be more important things to focus on. I paid roughly $40 for it at Sports Authority. This is an inexpensive (???) alternative to the Garmin for the race. As far as the swim goes, I'm not sure about whether it's H2O resistant or not, even though it requires that the sensors be moistened to get a signal.

Good luck in IM FL. My goal is 2007 for that one, then 2008 for IM WI.

RF
2006-08-02 9:28 AM
in reply to: #500262

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The Original
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Subject: RE: Garmin 305 for IM Races

Only thing abouts switching the Garmin 1/2 way through the run with a HR monitor  is that I wouldn't want to put it in my special needs bag- no way.  I may not get that bag back!

I'll probably wear it for the bike and part of the run.  I could always pass it off to my jock strap or something after the first run loop.

Ok another question- do I just put the HR monitor strap on in T1 or wear it during the swim?  Not sure if it's THAT water repllent/proof or not. 

2006-08-02 9:55 AM
in reply to: #500313

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Giver
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Subject: RE: Garmin 305 for IM Races
You can wear the strap under your wetsuit without any problems. Not sure how secure your special needs bag would be...good point I guess.
2006-08-02 9:59 AM
in reply to: #500262

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The Original
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Subject: RE: Garmin 305 for IM Races
It's a little annoying (ok really annoying) that the Garmin is so pricy yet it only holds charge for a 10 hr. max.  Kinda weird considering it sas the multi-sport function and is made for this sport.  You would think that they would design it to hold charge the max amt. of time for an IM race.  Oh well...


2006-08-02 10:05 AM
in reply to: #500262

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Subject: RE: Garmin 305 for IM Races

In an IM, HR data is extremely valuable on the bike.  Without it, I'd have a hard time keeping my effort in check.  And, going easy on the bike, particularly the first half to 3/4 of the bike is key to actually being able to run.

HR on the run...much less valuable.  The trick is actually being able to run at all.  It's not about HR management at that point, more about just running and not walking.  You might find you can't even get your HR up on the run.

That's been my experience.

-Steve

2006-08-02 10:07 AM
in reply to: #500361

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Subject: RE: Garmin 305 for IM Races

It's all about size.  More battery life = larger battery = larger "watch".  Tricky balance for a product like this.

-Steve

2006-08-02 5:14 PM
in reply to: #500262

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Subject: RE: Garmin 305 for IM Races
Well, I'm building a USB charger that fits in an Altoids tin. It runs on 2 AA batteries. So I'll have my Garmin mount on my bike in T1, use it with external battery power on the bike, and watch battery on the run. I'll let you know how it works!
2006-08-02 5:41 PM
in reply to: #500262

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Queen BTich
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Subject: RE: Garmin 305 for IM Races

I guarantee you won't give a CRAP about your HR on the run. It'll probably be high, no matter if you're running or walking, and frankly you just won't care, you'll just want to go forward whatever way possible. Fast or slow.

Wear it on the bike to regulate your HR there, that is WAY more important and it will save you for the run. On the run you'll go at a comfortable pace, it may be slower than you like but again, it doesn't matter.



Edited by Comet 2006-08-02 5:42 PM
2006-08-02 6:03 PM
in reply to: #500361

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Giver
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Subject: RE: Garmin 305 for IM Races

runnergirl29 - 2006-08-02 10:59 AM It's a little annoying (ok really annoying) that the Garmin is so pricy yet it only holds charge for a 10 hr. max. Kinda weird considering it sas the multi-sport function and is made for this sport. You would think that they would design it to hold charge the max amt. of time for an IM race. Oh well...

Or maybe it's just designed for folks that can complete the race in <10hrs.

One good thing about the (larger, dorkier) 301 is that it has 13hrs of battery life. 



2006-08-02 6:03 PM
in reply to: #500262

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Subject: RE: Garmin 305 for IM Races

I'm with Comet.  The last half of the marathon will be in "get it done anyway you can" mode.  You'll probably stop looking at it, you might stop taking your mileage splits, etc.  Of course you could be a true geek and wear a cheap polar on one wrist and the Garmin on the other!

 

2006-08-02 6:10 PM
in reply to: #500262

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Subject: RE: Garmin 305 for IM Races
If I had to choose between bike and run for the HR monitor, I would choose bike. But frankly I would want it for both. With the exception of downloading all the data, I really don't see the benefit of having a device that shows pace during a race like an IM. Most people (and I believe you confirmed in one of your posts) have a bike computer on their bike, and there's a mile marker every mile on an IMNA run course. So while you're out on the course it really is just an expensive HR monitor that you can't get wet, and can't use for more then 10 hours.

I say buy a cheap HR monitor that you can wear for all three legs. One less thing to worry about in transitions.

Depending on your training, and how well you pace yourself on the bike leg, you may be surprised at how good you feel starting the marathon. A working HR monitor may help to guide you early in the marathon so you don't go out too fast.

This said by someone who has gone out too fast in an IM marathon despite a HR monitor showing that I was going harder then I "felt".

Also I'm not sure if the term "jockstrap" is referring to your "sherpa", friend, SO, etc. If it is, technically giving someone something during the race is a violation of the "outside assistance" rule. I have heard of a couple of cases where racers have been hit with a penalty for giving their fuel belt, or some other object, to a friend along the course.

scott
2006-08-02 6:16 PM
in reply to: #500844

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Subject: RE: Garmin 305 for IM Races
Comet - 2006-08-02 6:41 PM

I guarantee you won't give a CRAP about your HR on the run. It'll probably be high, no matter if you're running or walking, and frankly you just won't care, you'll just want to go forward whatever way possible. Fast or slow.

Wear it on the bike to regulate your HR there, that is WAY more important and it will save you for the run. On the run you'll go at a comfortable pace, it may be slower than you like but again, it doesn't matter.

 

My thoughts exactly!!! 

2006-08-08 12:35 PM
in reply to: #500262

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Subject: RE: Garmin 305 for IM Races
Runner Girl

http://blog.motionbased.com/gear/index.html

Check out the above blog. It shows how to get an external battery hooked onto your 305. Will last up to 30 hours!.

Here is another alternative that may work and provide you with plenty of juice for your IM using solely the 305.

Turn OFF the GPS recieving feature during the bike portion. All you will lose is the mapping capability. The GSC-10 sensor on the rear wheel will then kick in to the tell the 305 what your speed is. This happens indoors when you lose the signal on a trainer. The 305 then gets the speed feature from the GSC-10.

So for the longest portion of the IM (Bike) the 305 won't be "looking" for satellites. That will save alot of battery life. Then on the run, turn the GPS feature back on so you can get a PACE readout. Or you can still leave it off. You'll still get HR and Time. Just no distance or pace. But if your course is well marked, you can do that in your head.

Turning the GPS feature OFF/ON
1. Settings
2. General
3. System

Another feature here you can turn off to save battery power is the audio. Turn it OFF.

Tonight (8/8/06) I am going to turn off the audio and GPS feature. Then I am going to hit the start button and see what type of endurance I can get out of it.

I'll report back tomorrow.

Tyler
2006-08-08 1:32 PM
in reply to: #500262

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The Original
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Subject: RE: Garmin 305 for IM Races
Thanks Tyler!  I'll try turning those settings off and see how long it lasts!


2006-08-08 3:39 PM
in reply to: #500262

Subject: RE: Garmin 305 for IM Races
Probably should have this as a separate thread, but you people know what you are talking about. Anyway, in regards to racing with the Garmin 305, how do you guys even see the heart rate? It's so tiny on mine, and I can't figuure out how to make it part of the normal display. It's almost as if they put the HRM in as an afterthought. Am I missing something?
2006-08-08 3:40 PM
in reply to: #505805

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The Original
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Subject: RE: Garmin 305 for IM Races

danielle860 - 2006-08-08 4:39 PM Probably should have this as a separate thread, but you people know what you are talking about. Anyway, in regards to racing with the Garmin 305, how do you guys even see the heart rate? It's so tiny on mine, and I can't figuure out how to make it part of the normal display. It's almost as if they put the HRM in as an afterthought. Am I missing something?

You can customize the screen to make the HR function MUCH larger.  I asked this same question when I first got my Garmin.  Let me see if I can find that thread!  Here you go!

http://www.beginnertriathlete.com/discussion/forums/thread-view.asp?tid=46067&posts=12&highlight=Garmin%20305&highlightmode=1#M456718



Edited by runnergirl29 2006-08-08 3:41 PM
2006-08-08 3:45 PM
in reply to: #500262

Subject: RE: Garmin 305 for IM Races
Wow, that was so fast! Thanks, you rock!
2006-08-09 1:55 PM
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Subject: RE: Garmin 305 for IM Races
runnergirl29 - 2006-08-08 2:32 PM

Thanks Tyler!  I'll try turning those settings off and see how long it lasts!


Well the test results are in. WOW!!!

This is what I did.

- Fully charged the 305.
- Turned off the audio
- Turned off the GPS

1. Hit the start button yesterday at 1pm.
2. Sat on my dresser all night.
3. Woke up and went for a 50 mile ride (3hrs long) at 10am.
4. Came home at 2pm.
5. Turned on GPS function at 2pm.
6. Went for 5k Run.
7. It's now 3pm and it just gave me the first BATTERY LOW warning.
8. TOTAL RUNNING TIME SINCE YESTERDAY is 26 HOURS!

In short. A FR305 will and can last you for an IM. You just need to turn OFF the GPS function for the bike portion and back ON for the run portion. Turning it ON for the run portion will give you instant pace info. You could still elect to keep it off if you felt like it. HR function will always be there and you'll also keep speed function on the bike thanks to the GSC-10 sensor.

-Tyler
2006-08-10 9:59 AM
in reply to: #500262

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The Original
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Subject: RE: Garmin 305 for IM Races

Oh my gosh- excellent news! 

I need to do that test with mine as well just to make sure mine operates as efficiently as yours!  And it's no biggie if the GPS function is off during the bike- I do have a bike computer for dist/time and speeed.  For the bike all I need is HR info from teh Garmin.



2006-08-10 10:53 AM
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Champion
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Subject: RE: Garmin 305 for IM Races
Well. Another option if you want the mappings and all that is get the edge for your bike. Now you have 2 garmins and they can easlily handle the load. You have if you want the mapping and therefor the pace also that there are only a certain number of points it can take so really if I was to do a IM I would do both I think. I have an 8 hour race on saturday so I will see how the garmin forerunner 305 does for 8 hours of mapping of the course. The map will not be too exciting seeing its a 3.5 mile looped course.
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