Garmin Forerunner 745

My husband got this watch for my a Christmas present. I started wearing it for my half marathon training. 10 weeks later I finished my FIRST half marathon with the 3rd place of my age category. It works great!! Downloaded some music to this watch and it helped me to keep my pace so easy during running. Love it !!

I love all the health monitoring features

I use this watch for multi sports and training. Comfortable to wear all day and excellence displays. Customizable and perfect for an active lifestyle.

Husband has the fenix6 and loves it. I went with the forerunner 745 because it's smaller and lighter and I think it was right choice. Had now for 6 months and working great. Heart rate pretty accurate when compared to wahoo chest strap. It always overestimates distance eduring pool swims and treadmill runs but it's easy to edit the activity afterwards. Love this watch.

As a data-obsessed runner always chasing new PRs, I've been eyeing the Garmin Forerunner 745 for months. Finally caved and snagged one, and after putting in some serious miles, here's my honest take:

Pros:

Stat central: This watch is a treasure trove of training data. From VO2 max and lactate threshold to recovery time and training load focus, it tells you everything you could ever want to know about your performance. And the best part? It all feels actionable. The watch suggests workouts based on your data, helping you train smarter, not harder.
Multisport master: Running isn't my only game. The 745 flawlessly tracks everything from cycling and swimming to strength training and even yoga. The multisport mode seamlessly transitions between activities, making it perfect for brick workouts or triathlons.
Music on the move: No more lugging your phone on runs. The 745 lets you store music directly on the watch and pair with headphones for cord-free listening. It's a game-changer for long training sessions.
Battery life beast: This watch just won't quit. I get a solid week in smartwatch mode and up to 6 hours with GPS and music, which is more than enough for most runs. UltraTrac mode stretches that even further for ultramarathons or epic adventures.
Lightweight champion: Forget clunky sports watches. The 745 is surprisingly light and comfortable, even on long runs. I barely notice it's there, which is exactly what you want in a running watch.
Cons:

No touch screen: In this age of smartphones, the lack of a touch screen feels a bit outdated. Buttons work fine, but navigating menus can be a tad clunky at times.
Battery life blues (sometimes): While generally amazing, the battery life takes a hit with certain features like music and GPS. If you're a data fiend who tracks everything, be prepared for more frequent charging.
Pricey plaything: Let's be honest, this watch isn't cheap. But for serious runners who want the best data and features, it's an investment that pays off in performance gains and training insights.
Overall:

The Garmin Forerunner 745 is a top-tier running watch with features galore. It's packed with data, versatile for all sports, and comfortable to wear. The lack of a touch screen and slightly finicky battery life are minor quibbles compared to the overall package. If you're a data-driven runner who wants to take your training to the next level, the 745 is definitely worth the splurge. Just be prepared to become addicted to your stats!

Rating: 4.5 out of 5 stars (would be 5 with better battery life)

I hope this review helps you decide if the Garmin Forerunner 745 is the right running watch for you!