I was recently annoyed by a rather obvious bug on the Android Connect with the only workaround forcing me to frequently manually clear cache so I can see predicted race times... But then I stopped to realize just how cool this whole running watch eco-system has become.
I still run w/ a 245 and it gives me tons of useful data like HR, cadence, pace, of course time and distance and GPS tracking. And now I'm trying out their provided HR based marathon training plan.
So I stopped and realized that I only started using a Garmin in 2020. Seems like forever but really only 4 short years - yet so much impact on my running.
When I first got into running about 9 years ago I just used my trusty old Timex sports watch built in timer. Timed runs published official results of course. And I had a rather clunky way to check HR (see below). That and some old shoes and that was it.
About 5 years ago I tried a Fitbit (Charge 2 I think). Wow! For a little while I thought that was pretty cool. But within a year I realized it was a bit of a joke - highly inaccurate - definitely not a serious device for running. It was OK if you want to wear it around the office on a daily basis and brag about your (unrealistically inflated) step count. Basically casual, very casual, step counting and some activity tracking I guess. But it did reveal to me the potential for such devices.
So 4 years ago I tried my 1st Forerunner 245. Now I it hasn't been exactly bullet proof having been replaced a couple times. But darned if it hasn't become absolutely integral to running for me. It's amazing how insidiously useful this device and it's ecosystem has become for my running. I've probably, no definitely, begun to take it for granted - but when I stop to think about where I was and where I am - the (Garmin) data is really profound.
Anybody else still remember using a Casio or Timex or something similar for timing? Or remember the trick of using your finger to check your pulse while viewing your watch for 6-seconds to pass and multiplying pulse times 10? It's all a fast fading memory for me. 
