From a £12 Watch to Marathon Training: How Garmin Changed the Way I Move

It’s been a fair few years since I realised I needed a GPS watch. I’d been running for almost a year and was keen to move away from the gym and head outdoors. The only problem? I had absolutely no idea how far I was running.

This was back in 2009. I didn’t have a smartphone, so running apps weren’t an option. Instead, I was using a £12 kids’ digital watch (the kind with a simple stopwatch and not much else) to time my runs. I knew how long I’d been running, but not how far or how fast.

GPS watches were expensive back then. Some of them still are, but in those days, even the entry-level ones were a serious investment. So I made a deal with myself: if I cancelled my gym membership, in three months I’d have saved enough money to buy the Garmin I wanted. But only if I kept running regularly. It was a promise to myself: keep going, and earn the reward.

That first Garmin changed everything. Suddenly, I wasn’t just running aimlessly, I could track distance, pace and progress. I could set goals. And, crucially, I could see how far I’d come.

Fast-forward to today and I’m still wearing Garmin; through marathon training blocks, recovery jogs, strength sessions, dog walks and everything in between. I’ve had a couple of upgrades over the years and I’m currently running with a Garmin Forerunner 165. What started out as a way to track distance has evolved into a tool that supports every aspect of my active life.

My favourite Garmin features now?

Race predictor: I sometimes get a little too obsessed watching my prediction change each week as I work towards a goal. But it’s a great motivator.
Heart Rate Monitoring: Essential during training blocks, it helps me stay in the right zone and avoid overtraining.
Stress Tracking: A great reminder that fitness isn’t just physical. It gives insight into how daily life affects recovery.
Body Battery: This one’s a game-changer. It tells me how ‘charged up’ I am, helping me plan when to train and when to rest.
Pace Guidance: Especially useful on long runs and race day, helping me keep a steady pace and avoid early burn-out.

These features have helped me train smarter, understand my body better and stay motivated, even on the days when energy or enthusiasm is low. Garmin has supported me through big races, but just as importantly, it’s helped keep me moving day-to-day.

Whether I’m out for a walk, fitting in a lunchtime run, or pushing the pace during marathon prep, my Garmin helps me stay consistent and accountable. It’s like having a coach on my wrist.

You can explore the full range and find your Garmin watch at Very.co.uk — whether you’re just starting out or training for your next big challenge, there’s a Garmin for every stage of your fitness journey.