Today’s Run:  45 min lifting at the “Y”

I am so impressed with Garmin!  They have bent over backwards to help me with my obsolete Forerunner 305.  Here is my story.

I received my Forerunner 305 as a Christmas gift 1 1/2 years ago.  It was the perfect gift for me.  I was just getting to be serious about my running and all I had was a Timex stop watch.  At the time, I thought that that was all I needed UNTIL the Garmin.  It was love at first sight!

Since the time I wore my Garmin, on that very first run on Christmas Day, I have never run without it.  I am so totally hooked on this thing.  But all of a sudden the strap broke.  That was not good.  Fortunately, they come with two straps.  I called Garmin and they sent me a replacement strap kit at no charge. No questions asked. I was impressed at that time but did not give it another thought.

Six months later the strap broke again.  I thought I must be doing something wrong but they assured me that it happens sometimes and sent me another repacement strap kit.  I remembered them this time.

About a month ago, I began having trouble downloading my workouts and then the Forerunner started to not hold a charge.  Hmmmm….this would not do.  So, I called their 800 phone number (800-800-1020) and explained my situation. They have what they call and “exchange” program.  Since my watch was no longer under warranty, they could exchange the watch for a nominal price or give me a $50.00 discount towards an upgrade.

(Seeing as there was $200.00 difference between an exchange and an upgrade, I elected to do the exchange.)

Normally, you have to send in your Garmin and upon receipt, they send you your replacement.  I must have sounded pathetic because they mailed me my replacement on the honor system that I send mine back upon receiving the “new” one.

This phone call happened this past Friday.  My replacement arrived on Tuesday.  That is pretty good service and I am singing their praises.

And yes, I did mail back my old Forerunner 305 same day.