A running watch can have basic features like time and date, or advanced features like GPS, heart rate monitoring, and calorie burn tracking. Choosing the right watch depends on the runner’s needs, such as whether they run the same route or need to track mileage. GPS features can help runners navigate and track their route, and syncing with a computer allows for detailed analysis of data.
A running watch is an important accessory for many runners. Depending on the make and model, a running watch can have a wide range of features. For example, it will usually indicate the time and date, and most have an interval time feature that is often used for training. More advanced watches will have a Global Positioning System (GPS) feature that will allow runners to see how far they have run, their pace, their route, and even changes in elevation. Some brands of running watches also have a feature that shows the runner’s heart rate and calorie burn.
Choosing a running watch can be a daunting task for many runners, joggers, or walkers. To buy the right one, it may help to consider what it’s for. For example, some people walk or run the same route every time. In those cases, a running watch that has basic features may suffice. Once mileage is calculated, most runners can calculate their pace and calorie burn without the aid of a watch. Alternatively, if a runner often changes their route or runs in areas where mileage is hard to calculate, having features like distance, pace, and calorie burn may be helpful.
An advanced running watch can monitor a runner’s heart rate. It usually comes with a strap that the runner wraps around her chest. The running watch can then take the heart rate through the chest strap. Many runners like to know what their heart rate is so they can run within various heart rate zones, such as the recovery zone, aerobic zone, anaerobic zone, and red line zone. For example, if the heart rate stays within a certain zone, the runner can focus on endurance, and if it rises to another zone, the runner can work on speed.
One of the coolest features of some brands of running watches is the GPS element. Through the GPS unit in the watch, runners can see where they’ve run and can use it to turn back, should they get lost. Once you return home, many watches allow you to sync the watch with your home computer and view a more detailed map of your route. Through their home computers, they can see the changes in elevation and their pace during elevation changes. All the information is downloaded to the computer so that a comparison of data can be made on a day-by-day, week-by-week, or month-by-month basis.
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