Garmin has launched the Forerunner 745 and the HRM Pro – a new running & triathlon watch and a new multi-sport heart rate strap.
Forerunner 745
Forerunner 745 is an advanced GPS smartwatch built for runners and triathletes looking for detailed training data, on-device workouts, smartwatch features and more.
As the newest entry to the Forerunner range, the Forerunner 745 now comes with detailed performance metrics, suggested workouts and smart recovery – giving athletes ‘a holistic view of their training status.’
“For years, athletes have relied on the Forerunner 735XT as they toe the line; and we’re excited to bring new features and updates to the Forerunner 745,” said Dan Bartel, Garmin Vice President of Worldwide Sales.
“Tracking every sweaty run, bumpy bike ride and long swim, the Forerunner 745 combines the performance monitoring tools our athletes have come to depend on, with new daily suggested workouts, as well as an improved recovery time advisor and wellness tracking features, to help runners and triathletes beat their personal best.”
The Forerunner 745 includes key performance monitoring tools from Firstbeat Analytics such as VO2 max, training load, training status and aerobic and anaerobic training effects. Athletes can receive on-device running and cycling daily workout suggestions based on their current training load and VO2 max.
With the addition of a Running Dynamics Pod or compatible heart rate strap like the new HRM-Pro, runners can see six running metrics – including cadence, stride length and more – right on the watch.
The Forerunner 745 also features advanced dynamics to help with cycling and swim training. While on a bike, it will track data such as left/right balance, time seated and standing, platform centre offset and power phase.In the water, the Forerunner 745 will track distance, stroke, pace, personal records and more.
Based on the difficulty of a workout, the improved recovery time feature will let athletes know how long to rest before a hard training session. It also accounts for other factors that impact recovery including all-day stress, sleep and daily activities, and will adjust the recovery time on the watch, making it easier for athletes to get the most out of their workouts.
The watch lets users sync indoor and outdoor workouts automatically from Garmin Connect or other training apps, including TrainingPeaks and TrainerRoad, right to the watch. The Forerunner 745 is also compatible with Garmin Coach, free training plans that adapt based on a runner’s goals and performance.
Garmin users can train for a 5K, 10K or half-marathon with the help of three running coaches – Jeff Galloway, Greg McMillan and Amy Parkerson-Mitchell – to guide and motivate them.
Before heading out for a run or ride, athletes can plan and download routes using the course creator in Garmin Connect, which uses Trendline popularity routing to provide the best road, trail or mountain routes that are aggregated from those most travelled by fellow runners and cyclists. Athletes using platforms like Strava and Komoot can create courses that will sync to the Forerunner 745.
Designed to be worn all day, every day, the Forerunner 745 features tools to track an athlete’s well-being. A wrist-based Pulse Ox sensor helps to provide a clearer picture of how athletes are sleeping and adjusting to altitude acclimation while the Body Battery energy monitor lets athletes track their energy levels to find the best times for activity and rest.
Additionally, a menstrual cycle tracking feature helps women adjust their training to maximize improvement potential and plan for upcoming races based on where they are in their cycle.
The Forerunner 745 features up to 1 week of battery life in smartwatch mode; up to 16 hours in GPS mode; and up to 6 hours in GPS mode with music. It is available in black, neo tropic, magma red or whitestone colour options, and has a suggested retail price of £449.99.
HRM Pro
The HRM-Pro transmits real-time heart rate data over ANT+ connectivity and BLUETOOTH technology ‘making it easy for athletes to receive accurate heart rate data on their Garmin device, in online training apps and on compatible fitness equipment at the gym.’
The HRM strap also captures running dynamics, including ground contact time, cadence, stride length and more to help runners improve their form.
For swimmers, the HRM-Pro boasts 5 ATM water resistance and will automatically download heart rate data to a compatible smartwatch for analysis alongside other swimming metrics. Additionally, when an athlete takes a watch off to participate in activities like team sports or martial arts, the HRM-Pro will also store steps, calories and intensity minutes, then sync that data with the watch via Garmin Connect.
Featuring a lightweight heart rate monitoring module and a comfortable strap, the HRM-Pro includes a user-replaceable battery that lasts for up to one year. Available now, the HRM-Pro has a suggested retail price of £119.99.
