Congrats! So you’ve just unboxed a new GPS watch/device? Good deal, here’s how you can get started in understanding how best to take advantage of your newfound toy. Of course, unlike that dessert you’ll eat later on tonight (or, perhaps, all day), don’t try to tackle this in one chunk. Instead, take little pieces here and there and work your way through it. And remember, in most cases, you can just get out and use the device without much knowledge. The below helps you though really take advantage of it and make it work for you.
Like past years, this is a blend of new and classic posts to get you off and running. Think of it like the Charlie Brown Christmas Special that re-runs every year.
Enjoy, and have a Merry Christmas!
1) Burning off all those Christmas Calories…and getting accurate calorie burn numbers
So, you just finished up the statistical 3,000-5,000 calorie Christmas Day grazing – but don’t worry…I’m definitely there with you this year (we got legit American-style bacon for the day!). Assuming you’re planning on trying to work some of that off, you’ll probably be wondering how to get your Garmin to tell you how many calories you’ve burned.
The good news is that the setup for calories is easy…even if the hard work outdoors or in the gym isn’t. The below article is frequently used by Garmin support folks to explain to customers how calorie burn works.
For the most part, most devices from Garmin will utilize a heart rate strap for calorie burn – whether you’re indoors (gym) or outside. Thus, it’s important you setup the user profile settings to get semi-accurate data.
2) Don’t want to read the manual? Read the in-depth review instead.
It probably won’t surprise many of you, but the most frequent thing I hear is that many folks actually use my reviews as their manual. Given I aim to cover every button/feature/option – it only makes sense to start there. Plus, it’s way more fun to read than the generic manual. If somehow the review post doesn’t actually cover a feature (impossible!), then the comments section now have upwards of 1,000+ questions and answers (and even cool ideas!).
In-Depth Product Reviews (easily arranged by company, then device)
3) Getting the lay of the data field land
You’ve got TONS of data at your disposal now – perhaps too much, but which data fields should you show, and which ones just cause confusion?
I put together this detailed post on every data field offered, and which ones I use, as well as why. Others have chimed in with their favorites as well:
Choosing your device data fields: Although written initially for Garmin devices, it applies to virtually every GPS device out there.
For those who are looking for the abridged version, here’s what I do on almost all my devices: I basically have two pages, one focused on ‘lap’ metrics, and one focused on total workout metrics. So on the lap side I use: Lap Time, Lap Distance, Lap Average Pace, and current heart rate (HR). And for the totals I use total time, total distance, workout average pace, and current HR (I always just use current HR). For cycling-focused workouts I’ll add in a power-focused page and use 3-second and 30-second power. I use 3-second as my ‘instant’ power, and I use ‘30-second’ as my pacing power.
4) Training Indoors with your new device
It’s understandable the weather might not be the best outside during the winter months, so here’s how you can utilize your device inside to the best of its capabilities. You can do an amazing amount of stuff inside with it, if you just spend a brief moment to configure it:
P.S. – If you managed to make it outdoors into the snow, but only to ski…well…use this guide instead. 
5) Choosing which training log software to use:
By default your GPS watch likely comes with access to some sort of training log. Garmin devices get free access to Garmin Connect, Timex devices get a mid-range version of TrainingPeaks, Polar devices get PolarPersonalTrainer.com, Magellan devices get Magellan Active, Suunto has Movescount, and finally CycleOps devices get the PowerAgent suite. While all these platforms are good as a starting point, you may want to check out what I often use for analysis (especially if analysis is your thing). Thus, I recommend a few different options instead:
A) Sport Tracks – This is free for up to two plug-ins, or $35 for the paid version. It’s downloadable to PC’s only, but has an incredible range of functionality.
B) Training Peaks – I use this as my day to day training log, as it offers a good balance between usability and functionality. I can drill down pretty deep in data – but also get data from tons of other devices as well.
C) Strava – If you’re looking for a competitive option, Strava is a great way to compete against real life friends and others in your area. While heavily used by cyclists, runners have a place as well there.
D) Golden Cheetah– This free application is primarily targeted at cyclists, and ideal for power meter users. It’ll analyze your power data and more, to degrees you never considered possible. PC or Mac.
E) Got a Mac? I’m still chugging away on the Mac options, but that post I did last year has every possible Mac option known to mankind in it. Read all the comments!
F) Garmin Connect – Ironically, Garmin Connect is a really solid option for most users, even if you don’t have a Garmin device. It’ll upload from most of the popular units out there no problems (and free).
There’s of course a ton more options out there, but these are my favs, mostly because they’re tried and true. As a minor side note, I do recommend that no matter which 3rd party platform you use, you should always set your device to upload a copy of the training data to the default platform. That way, in case something ever happens, you have a copy there – even if you never use it.
Also, have you got a tablet or phone and want that data from your Garmin on that device? Start here:
How to download Garmin workouts to your tablet (Android, iPad, Windows Surface)
That covers all the Garmin devices out there, and all the major tablet platforms.
6) Understanding how those things in outer space actually see where you are
For the geeks around these parts, I’ve got a few posts that talk to both accuracy of GPS fitness devices, as well as how elevation data works with GPS devices.
Understanding Sport Device GPS Elevation Issues
Sport Device GPS Accuracy In Depth – Part I/II (1st Edition)
Sport Device GPS Accuracy In Depth – Part I/II (2nd Edition)
The 3rd Edition should be out in the new year, now that we’ve got a bunch of new devices in the past few months. Also note each review includes accuracy sections a well these days.
7) Creating workouts and race plans, and then downloading them to your Garmin
You know what’s probably one of the cooler features of the Garmin devices that doesn’t often get as much press? The ability to have it continuously yell at you until you follow your workout plan. Yup, it’ll do that. Even in a race.
First up, is how to best pace with a GPS device:
On a Garmin device, you can use Garmin Connect to quickly create pre-formed workouts. I discuss the most recent ways to do this inside my FR220 review – which applies to pretty much any Garmin device made in the last few years.
Looking for routes to ride? Here’s a fun trick to finding sweet routes in your hood:
How to find & create awesome cycling routes in a smarter way
If you received/picked up an Edge 705/800/810 – but didn’t pay extra for the maps, then definitely see this post, as otherwise you’ll be on a ride to nowhere:
In the same vein – if you’ve got a Suunto Ambit (original or Ambit 2), check out some of my thoughts on their new App platform, as you’ll find some great pacing/race apps in there:
Finally, every GPS user out there should read this post on understanding how race courses might differ from GPS devices.
In doing so, you can also improve your times – without expending any extra effort. Really, free speed.
8) Understanding the heart rate strap and how to get the most accurate readings
Heart rate straps can be finicky little things, especially in winter when the air is dryer and cooler. Thus, check out these guides I’ve put together for getting you on the right path to issue-free heart rate readings:
Annual Public Service Announcement: How to fix heart rate strap dropouts and spikes
Troubleshooting your heart rate monitor straps when you see HR spikes
A solution to heart rate dropouts/spikes with Garmin HR Soft Straps
How to fix cold/dry weather erratic heart rate readings
How to fix heart rate chaffing issues
Now, here’s the good news: If you just got a brand new Garmin device, and that Garmin was packaged after July 2013, then you’ve got the new HRM3 or HRM-Run HR strap, both of which have new firmware that dramatically reduces heart rate spikes/dropouts and/or other funkiness. If you’ve got an old device and want the new strap, you can buy it individually as well. But, I’d suggest trying the steps in the ‘Annual Public Service Announcement’ post first (or, just lick the strap…trust me).
9) Accessories: Quick Release Kit, Speed Cadence Sensor, Footpod
Aside from the heart rate strap, these are the most popular accessories – and the speed/cadence sensor and footpod being applicable across the board for all ANT+ devices as well. In these posts I go into a bizarre level of detail on all the questions you can think of.
The ANT+ Bike Speed/Cadence Sensor: Everything you ever wanted to know
The ANT+ Running Footpod: Everything you ever wanted to know
The Garmin ANT+ Footpod Calibration Tool (to help you calibrate that footpod!)
The quick release kit – Solving one of life’s great mysteries (for FR310XT/FR910XT)
The best bike mount option for Garmin units
If you’re looking for Bluetooth Smart accessories, check out the end of my buyers guide from a month ago, which highlights my favorites. As we get into the new year I’ll be doing a full post just on Bluetooth Smart accessories – especially with a bunch of new ones I’ve been testing on the market like the Wahoo RPM crank-attached cadence sensor pod, and the Adidas Bluetooth Smart footpod.
10) The tips that didn’t fit!
These were the ones that didn’t have a full category unto themselves, but are definitely worth checking out!
Tip of the Day: How not to lose your ANT+ stick
A better ANT+ Stick (no really, get this USB ANT+ stick if you have an older Garmin, especially if you have a laptop)
How to use autolap for automated lap creation on repeated loops
Feeling lucky? Waterproof immersion tests on cycling computers – how waterproof is that bike computer?
Tip of the day: Avoid Doing The GPS Dance (how to get GPS signal without standing in the cold!)
Pushing the envelope- Ultra-long time tests on GPS units (how to get 50+ hours for watches designed for 20 hours)
11) Decide that something on your newfound device annoys the crap out of you? Here’s how to tell them.
Last year many of the companies added methods to give them your feedback directly. I really do want to reiterate again how important these methods are. I talk to all these companies at least weekly, and they truly do make decisions on these specific e-mail inboxes/forms. Sometimes the support forums/etc don’t make it to the product development teams, whereas these addresses actually go to the right places.
Again, they often count simple numbers here in decision making processes – and you’d be surprised as to how low a number it takes to move the dial from no to yes.
Looking for even more in depth How To’s and Tips?
Fear not, I’ve got years of rambling about how to use these devices – and I’ve tossed them all in a semi-structured page here, divided up categorically by what ya want to do:
Merry Christmas, and enjoy your new toys!