What To Know
- Connect the charging cable to the watch and then plug the other end into a USB port on your computer or a wall adapter.
- It’s important to use your watch in an open area with a clear view of the sky to ensure accurate GPS reception.
- You can view your activity data on the watch itself or in the Garmin Connect app.
Congratulations on your new Garmin Forerunner 35! This sleek and powerful watch is ready to become your ultimate running companion, tracking your progress and motivating you to achieve your fitness goals. But before you hit the pavement, you’ll need to set it up. This guide will walk you through the process, step by step, so you can get started with your Forerunner 35 in no time.
Getting Started: Unboxing and Charging
1. Unboxing: Carefully remove your Forerunner 35 from its packaging. You’ll find the watch itself, a charging cable, and a quick start guide.
2. Charging: Before you start setting up the watch, it’s essential to charge it. Connect the charging cable to the watch and then plug the other end into a USB port on your computer or a wall adapter. The watch will take approximately 1.5 hours to fully charge.
Downloading the Garmin Connect App
1. Download the App: The Garmin Connect app is your gateway to managing your Forerunner 35 and accessing all its features. Download the app from the App Store (for iOS devices) or Google Play Store (for Android devices).
2. Create an Account: If you don’t already have a Garmin Connect account, create one by following the prompts in the app.
Pairing Your Watch with Your Smartphone
1. Turn on Your Watch: Press and hold the power button on the top right of your watch to turn it on.
2. Enable Bluetooth: Make sure Bluetooth is enabled on your smartphone.
3. Pairing: Open the Garmin Connect app and follow the on-screen instructions to pair your watch with your smartphone. The app will guide you through the pairing process, which involves searching for your watch and confirming the connection.
Setting Up Your Forerunner 35
1. Personal Information: Enter your personal information, including your name, age, height, weight, and gender. This data is crucial for accurate tracking of your fitness metrics.
2. Time and Date: Set the time and date on your watch. The watch will automatically sync with your smartphone’s time and date.
3. Units: Choose your preferred units of measurement (metric or imperial).
4. Language: Select your preferred language for the watch interface.
5. Activity Profiles: The Forerunner 35 offers various activity profiles, including running, walking, cycling, and more. Select the activity profiles you’ll use most often.
6. Heart Rate Monitoring: If you plan to use the built-in heart rate sensor, ensure it’s enabled and properly positioned on your wrist.
Exploring Key Features
Now that your Forerunner 35 is set up, let’s explore some of its key features:
1. GPS Tracking: Your Forerunner 35 uses GPS to track your distance, pace, and route during your runs. It’s important to use your watch in an open area with a clear view of the sky to ensure accurate GPS reception.
2. Heart Rate Monitoring: The built-in heart rate sensor provides real-time data on your heart rate during your workouts. This information can be used to track your progress, optimize your training, and monitor your overall fitness level.
3. Activity Tracking: Your Forerunner 35 can track various activities, including running, walking, cycling, and even sleep. You can view your activity data on the watch itself or in the Garmin Connect app.
4. Smart Notifications: The Forerunner 35 can receive smart notifications from your smartphone, such as calls, text messages, and social media updates. This allows you to stay connected while you’re on the go.
5. Music Control: You can control music playback on your smartphone directly from your watch. This feature is ideal for listening to your favorite tunes during your workouts.
Customizing Your Watch
1. Watch Faces: You can personalize your Forerunner 35 by choosing from a variety of watch faces. You can find additional watch faces in the Garmin Connect IQ store.
2. Data Fields: Customize the data fields displayed on your watch screen to show the information you find most relevant during your workouts.
3. Alerts: Set up alerts for specific metrics, such as pace, distance, heart rate, and time.
Using Your Forerunner 35 for Training
1. Starting an Activity: To start an activity, press the start button on your watch and select the desired activity profile.
2. Pausing and Stopping: You can pause an activity by pressing the start button again. To stop an activity, press and hold the start button.
3. Viewing Data: During your activity, you can view your real-time data on the watch screen.
4. Saving Your Data: After you complete an activity, your data will be automatically saved to your Garmin Connect account.
Syncing Your Data with Garmin Connect
1. Automatic Syncing: Your Forerunner 35 will automatically sync with your Garmin Connect account when it’s within range of your smartphone.
2. Manual Syncing: If your watch isn‘t syncing automatically, you can manually sync it by opening the Garmin Connect app and selecting your watch.
Beyond the Basics: Tips and Tricks
1. Battery Life: The Forerunner 35 offers up to 7 days of battery life in smartwatch mode and up to 9 hours in GPS mode. To maximize battery life, turn off features you don’t need, such as Bluetooth and smart notifications.
2. Cleaning Your Watch: To clean your watch, use a soft cloth dampened with water. Avoid using harsh chemicals or abrasive materials.
3. Firmware Updates: Garmin periodically releases firmware updates to improve the performance and add new features to your watch. You can check for updates in the Garmin Connect app.
Reaching Your Fitness Goals: The Power of Data
With your Forerunner 35, you have access to a wealth of data that can help you track your progress and achieve your fitness goals. Use the information provided by your watch and the Garmin Connect app to:
1. Monitor Your Progress: Track your runs, workouts, and overall activity levels to see how you’re improving over time.
2. Set Goals: Set specific and achievable goals for your running, such as distance, pace, or time.
3. Analyze Your Performance: Use your data to identify areas where you can improve, such as your pace, heart rate, or running form.
4. Stay Motivated: Seeing your progress and achieving your goals can be a powerful motivator to keep you going.
Your Journey Begins: Enjoying the Benefits
Now that you’ve mastered the basics of setting up and using your Garmin Forerunner 35, it’s time to embark on your fitness journey. This watch is a powerful tool to help you reach your goals, whether you’re a seasoned runner or just starting out. So lace up your shoes, strap on your Forerunner 35, and get ready to experience the joy and satisfaction of running with a trusted companion by your side.
Information You Need to Know
Q: Can I use my Forerunner 35 for swimming?
A: The Forerunner 35 is not waterproof and should not be used for swimming.
Q: How often should I charge my watch?
A: You should charge your Forerunner 35 every few days, depending on your usage. If you use the GPS feature frequently, you may need to charge it more often.
Q: Can I use my Forerunner 35 for other activities besides running?
A: Yes, the Forerunner 35 can be used for various activities, including walking, cycling, and even sleep tracking.
Q: How do I connect my Forerunner 35 to my computer?
A: You can connect your Forerunner 35 to your computer using the charging cable. Once connected, your watch will appear as a removable drive on your computer, allowing you to transfer data or update the firmware.
Q: Can I customize the watch bands?
A: Yes, you can purchase and replace the watch bands with different colors and styles to personalize your Forerunner 35.
