Runners really, really like their GPS wristwatches, devices that calculate distance traveled as well as what time it is. It’s safe to assume that they might still like them in the year 3013, too, if anyone happens to be gift shopping. Allison has one, and explained to us how wonderful Garmin was recently when something went wrong with a mere accessory to her GPS.

Allison writes:

My awesome husband bought me a Garmin 310XT Forerunner GPS watch last summer, supporting me in my training to run my 1st half marathon last October (under 3 hours – yay!). I’ve become so reliant on my “Garmy”, I’ve been known to stand around for 5 minutes before a run with my arm extended skyward, waiting for a satellite to lock on. How did I ever run before GPS?!? The watch came with a heart rate monitor (HRM) strap which has been invaluable in my training this year as I prepare for my 1st FULL marathon in October.

In June of this year, my HRM started giving wonky readings. My resting heart rate is under 70 bpm, but when I was cranking full steam up a hill, the HRM said my heart rate was 75. I figured the battery was dying and replaced it…and then my HRM stopped talking to my Garmin. I performed 2 types of resets on the watch to no avail; it still wouldn’t register my HRM. I resigned myself to buying a new HRM, which would stink because they’re $60+.

On a whim, I e-mailed Garmin asking if there were any other trouble-shooting methods I could try, noting that I’d only owned the watch for 13 months. Within a couple of days, Garmin Customer Service responded, asking for my address so they could send me a replacement HRM under warranty, even though I was just out of warranty! I immediately replied with my address and my thanks and, less than 2 weeks later, I had a brand spanking new (and brand new model) replacement HRM!

Wow, Garmin!

Nicely done, Garmin!

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