If you have boosted your running frequency, during 2020 you are not alone. I have been running 7 km every day in the western suburbs of Sydney, trying to stay sane with some semblance of a routine. When running, I always sign into my Strava app to record my running statistics. I love to see my pace and my time and to compare with previous running routes.
Unfortunately, I don’t run with a running watch! That’s right, I instead carry my chunky Samsung Galaxy 10 mobile phone. I run with it, carrying it in my hand, or sometimes I tuck it into my pockets of my shorts. Both ways present an uncomfortable running experience, which is why I am now purchasing a running watch.
What is a running watch?
A running watch has changed from being the humble simple time keeper, to know being your personal trainer (and for some their e-wallet, music, and phone). Advancement of technology has brought big data to the most casual of runners all the way to the serious hard core sprinters and marathoners.
The creation of a in-built GPS (and for some with also mobile data), connectivity has enabled runners to track their route and record their pace. Others also have the ability to monitor the heart rate, thought not many are currently that accurate.
Blue tooth technology allows for easy storing of data, with data transfer to a PC, mobile phone, then onwards to the cloud being a breeze.
A running watch, looks and feels like any other watch, but has the features needed to encourage and boost any runners performance. Running watches therefore can be a fashion statement, but for many the features, come first and foremost.
Benefits of Using a Running Watch
The most obvious of benefits is the convenience. Can you imagine running with a bulky mobile phone on over 45 minutes runs? Whether it be in a pocket or hand carrying the phone, it is a nuisance. Even with an armband, running with a mobile phone is inconvenient. Running with a light weight watch, however, is so much more liberating!
Garmin Forerunner 45 GPS
The Garmin Forerunner 45 is a great beginner running watch that won’t blow your budget. The watch tracks your route and pace with its in-built GPS which connects to circling sattelites.
The watch also comes with a 24/7 heart monitoring feature which can display the intensity of a cardiovascular workout.
The Garmin Forerunner 45 is not only popular among runners, but also with avid gym junkies, and casual walkers. Sports enthusiasts love how the watch tracks fitness and pushes you to reach your goals.
A very solid all round watch which is highly regarded for comfort, quality and performance. Users also find it easy to use and full of great features.
Garmin Vivoactive 3 Watch
If you are a runner or even just starting your running journey, the Garmin Vivoactive 3 Watch is the watch for you.
The most impressive feature of this watch, is that it can last up to 7 days in Smart Watch mode without recharging. In normal Active mode, it will be able to easily last for up to 8 to 10 hours, which is more than sufficient for even the most active of users. The battery truly has one of the longest usages of all running watches.
The in-built GPS is quite accurate, enabling work out data to be sync’ed via the Garmin app. With big data the in thing at the moment, you can study your running statistics and other work out data to the n’th degree. The motivation to beat your previous runs is a feature that many runners like to use to achieve their goals.
Not as sporty looking as other running watches, users love how it can blend in with normal everyday use. Stylish and trendy, not only great for workouts, but just for everyday wear. The Garmin Pay contactless feature supports going out and purchasing items without the need to carry a wallet.
Garmin Forerunner 735XT GPS MultiSport Watch
If you are looking for a high performance watch the this is it. It has all the features you need for running, cycling, swimming and triathlons events.
Containing one of the most accurate in-built GPS, tracking is simply superb. Heart rate monitoring without the need for a chest strap sets this watch apart from the others. Most watches that do not need a chest strap are not accurate as heart rate monitors, however the Garmin Forerunner 735XT truly does work well and accurately.
Extremely easy to use, syncs with Strava and the Garmin App seamlessly. Hasslefree but full of fantastic features to help take your fitness and training to the next level.
Likes
- Hear rate monitor contained within the band
- Great battery life
- Quick GPS signal pick up
- Great all rounder
- Easy and simple to use
- Quick charge of under half an hour
- i watch function to allow viewing of messages, and notification alerts
- Performance tracking
- Light weight and versatile
Suunto Spartan Sport Wrist HR
Sturdy durable watch, which is adaptable to any workout. But in particular is great for runners, with specific running features such as mapping, pace, heart zone, maximum workout features. Perfect for the hard core serious athlete, but is also really great for the beginner. Will definitely help motivate you to achieve your fitness goals, and take your performance to another level.
The interface is simple to use, allowing easy syncing, resulting with innumerable statistical reports highlighting achievements and areas to work on.
Battery life is huge! Will last the distance, as will you. The design is simple and elegant, yet robust and practical. Quick and easy to read stats while working out or in competition is what many users love about this watch.
The customer support from Sunnto is brilliant. They go above and beyond to answer any customer queries.