Combining Auto Multi-sport with Auto Lap setting: A good way to record Triathlon and other multi-discipline sports with Garmin Forerunner 305

Before I began to play triathlon, I only use Garmin Forerunner 305 recording single workout like running and cycling. Garmin did provide the function for multi-discipline sports recording, with its Multi-sport feature (p28 user manual). As the manual tells, there are two way to record multi-sport workout. One is manual and another is auto ( p29 user manual ). In both features you can set as many sports legs as possible. Transition time will be recorded if you select "INCLUDE TRANSITION" in Auto Multi-sport feature. It will not be displayed in "HISTORY" part of the watch, but in Garmin Training Center. Like illustrated below(fig1 is manual Multi-sport, fig2 is Auto Multi-sport), manual transition will not be displayed. Please note that the only place you could view transition time is in GARMIN TRAINING CENTER, only when you record in AUTO MULTI-SPORT feature with " INCLUDE TRANSITION " option.

fig1. Manual record

fig2. Auto record

Unfortunately, GARMIN CONNECT does not support multi-sport workout display, so you might find the Duathlon I participate yesterday was divided into 3 workouts: 10k run, 36.6k bike and 5k run. Nor did other sites like RUNNING AHEAD, DAILY MILE, ENDOMONDO, and RUN KEEPER.

From any aspects, Auto Multi-sports is the first choice for tri-s over manual. And further more, lt could be integrated with Auto Lap feature of Forerunner 305, so not only each leg, but also each lap or split will be displayed. Here goes the settings:

1. Set Auto Lap in each sport:

1.1 Running

Main manual-->Settings-->Running-->Use This Sport

Main manual-->Training-->Training Options-->Auto Lap-->(Then do as you want, lap by distance, position)

1.2 Biking

Main manual-->Settings-->Biking-->Use This Sport

Main manual-->Training-->Training Options-->Auto Lap-->(Then do as you want, lap by distance, position)

1.3 Other

Main manual-->Settings-->Other-->Use This Sport

Main manual-->Training-->Training Options-->Auto Lap-->(Then do as you want, lap by distance, position)

2. Enable Auto Multi-sport:

Main manual--> Training--> Auto Multisport-->Set legs, include transition
3. Start Auto Multi-sport:

Main manual--> Training--> Auto Multisport-->Start Auto Multisport

4.End Auto Multi-sport:

Main manual--> Training--> Stop Auto Multisport

You might also press LAP button for 3sec to end the workout.

I verified the setting in yesterday's race, very convenient and effective. Please note that swimming could not be accurately recorded by Garmin GPS watches if wore in wrist, and Garmin Forerunner 305 is not water resistant. Please refer to DC Rainmaker's in depth review: Garmin Forerunner 305 in depth review by DC Rainmaker.