pickupthepacepaul

I have to admit, over the years I have become accustomed to the very best Garmin on offer, and currently use the Garmin Forerunner 945. So I was very interested to have the opportunity to review the new Forerunner 55, to see the technology on offer from a more basic model. This won’t be the most sophisticated, technical review out there, but just my thoughts after using the Forerunner 55 for just over a week, including during a marathon.

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I understand that the Forerunner 55 is aimed more at beginner runners. If you are new to running, and perhaps never owned a running watch before, this certainly is a great option. It has training and recovery guidance features for all stages of your running: pre-run it has Garmin Coach and suggested workouts for guidance in which types of runs to do, during your run it has Pace Pro Lite to keep you at the right speed, and post-run it has Recovery Advisor to let you know how long to rest for – essentially offering new runners a couch to 5k on their wrist taking away the thinking, and allowing them to just run. It has heart rate sensors on the wrist, and can be used for run, bike and cardio.

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I have to admit, if I was just running, I don’t really think I would notice much difference between the Forerunner 55 and more expensive models I have owned including 220, 225, 235, Fenix 5s and the 945. There are obviously lots more features on the more expensive models, but if you want to just run, then the Forerunner 55 does everything you need it to. The watch strap is a similar size as my 945, but the watch face is much smaller, like the “s” series, and would be suited to a smaller wrist.

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I was interested by the displays, and it really looks quite stylish. I used both my 945 and 55 during a marathon, both watches were set up with the 4 data screens (per my preference) and delivered the same information during the run. The battery life won’t be as long, but to be fair it is showing as 76% 3 days after a full charge, including running a Marathon and 5k. Although it doesn’t have the triathlon or navigation features, for running and cycling, it ticks all the boxes.

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If you want more technical specs check out on Garmin website HERE

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Giveaway – I am running a competition to win a Forerunner 55 between 2nd and 9th June over on Instagram. All you have to do is like the post and tag a friend, follow the link below to take part.