My Garmin Forerunner 235 insightful review

Every serious runner knows that success on the road or track depends not just on grit and determination, but also on the right gear. Essential items include a good pair of running shoes, comfortable and moisture-wicking apparel, and a reliable wristwatch to track progress and performance.

Since February 2018, I have relied on the Garmin Forerunner 235 for all my training sessions—using it for well over a year now. As I am not sponsored by any watch brand, you can trust that my review is unbiased and honest, focusing on both the features I appreciate and the improvements I believe could make the Forerunner 235 even better.

Here are the standout features of my Garmin Forerunner 235 that have significantly enhanced my training experience:

Ability to add third-party watch faces and apps

The Garmin Store, accessible through the Garmin Connect App, offers a wide variety of watch faces and applications. This allows runners to personalise the appearance of their watch and enhance its functionality. The Forerunner 235 is compatible with numerous apps, allowing users to tailor their experience to their specific training needs and preferences.

Thinner and lighter

Compared to most other GPS watches I have tried, the Garmin Forerunner 235 feels remarkably light and comfortable on my wrist. This is especially impressive considering the wide array of features packed into the device—many of which are not available in other models I’ve tested. The lightweight design ensures that it never feels cumbersome, even during long training sessions or races.

Gauges fitness level

After just over two months of training with my Garmin Forerunner 235, the watch analysed my fitness data and predicted I was capable of running a marathon in 2:28. Motivated by this prediction, I entered the Eldoret City Marathon and finished in 2:30. In hindsight, I wish I had paced myself more evenly as advised by the watch. I started the first half of the race at a 2:25 pace, which may have contributed to fatigue in the latter stages. This experience showed me just how accurate and useful the watch’s fitness analytics can be for planning and executing a race strategy.

Bluetooth data transfer

There’s no need for cumbersome cables with the Forerunner 235. As soon as I finish my runs, I simply enable Bluetooth on my phone, and all my workout data is automatically uploaded to the Garmin Connect App. This seamless integration makes tracking my progress and sharing results with my coach or friends effortless.

Quick reception of satellite signal

One of the standout features is the watch’s quick acquisition of satellite signals. When I select the running mode, the Forerunner 235 connects to GPS almost instantly—so fast that I rarely notice any delay before the watch signals it is ready to go. This means I can start my workouts promptly, without waiting around for the device to sync.

The cool look

In terms of design, the Garmin Forerunner 235 stands out for its sleek, modern look. I haven’t come across any other GPS running watch that matches its style. Whether I’m training, attending a casual event, or even at an official function, the watch complements my attire perfectly and never looks out of place.

Auto lap and manual lap features

During both my regular and long-distance runs, I utilise the auto lap feature on my Garmin Forerunner 235, which provides pace updates for every kilometre completed. While auto lap is standard on most GPS watches, the Forerunner 235 distinguishes itself with its dedicated lap button. This allows me to manually register multiple laps, making it especially useful for interval training and accurately tracking recovery periods between sets.

To be honest, when it comes to areas for improvement, I find myself struggling to think of any major shortcomings with the Garmin Forerunner 235. It’s a well-rounded device that meets almost all my needs. However, if I had to suggest anything, perhaps enhanced battery life or additional advanced training metrics could make it even more exceptional for demanding athletes.