Running Watch

When you decide to buy a running watch you will find that what could be an easy task can turn into a headache. This happens not because the lack of supply but on the contrary due to the vast selection of prices, models and types of watches that you bump into. From the most basic ones containing just a chronograph and the ability to take and record split times, to the state of the art and expensive gadgets that are truly micro computers attached to your wrist. In between you can find the middle range options that include a heart rate monitor that basically treats the signals sent through a chest strap that monitors and transmits the heart rate. More advanced options include monitoring hear rate at different sets of your running, lap counting and average heart rate per lap.

Given all this, where should you choose from?

Beginner

When you start with your baby steps at this healthy habit , which includes estabilishing a solid trainning routine and gradually adjust your body and mind to the sport, finding a running watch that fits your needs is far from rocket science. Basically you need a reliable watch that has a chronograph (mandatory) and some lap counting mechanism ( option). The aiming here is just to correctly measure the time of your basic training without worying too much about lap records or computed averages. I can give you my personal experience: for a half year I run with my old nokia cell phone in one hand…I know it sounds clumsy but all I needed was a reliable chronograph , and believe me it did the job well never letting me down.

From the watches I have tested and used the one I recommend for an entry level is the Timex Ironman Triathlon Sleek 50 Lap. This is a pretty reliable equipment that comes with an affordable price ( somewhere between USD 40 to USD 50) , besides after wearing it for a while even not running ( don`t forget to wash it after your training!) you won`t even notice there`s something attached to your wrist. It comes with an interesting set of specs that makes it a very good value per dollar:

-50 Lap Sleek Function

-INDIGLO® night-light

-100 m water resistant

-24-hour countdown timer

-Customizable alarm

At this slevel I would also recommend Nike Triax Fury 50 ( about USD 50)

Here you find he vast majority of the offer. The competition is fierce so you end up having a vast selection with very interesting models from almost every brand. Here we can find the Heart Rate Monitor (HRM) feature which can be very useful not just to track and keep heart effort at safe levels but also to improve them and learn how to master the rhythm that best suits you througouht the training or race.

I would suggest a Timex Ironman Fitness Tracker. It comes with many features including a lightweight transmitter that clips to waist sending live information to the watch , a good alternative to the popular chest strap. Despite the looks not being great, it is pretty reliable and comes with a good set of features considering the USD 75 price tag..

-Tracks calories burned, pace, distance and steps

-100-hour chronograph with 50-lap memory

-5 interval timers settable for up to 24-hours, with labels

-3 customizable alarms

-INDIGLO® night-light

For a Professional runner or an athlete of any sport that follows an advanced running program as part of its workout, it is quite essential to make a accurate database of his trainning . This data will later be analyzed by his coach and himself in order to guide both in the right direction to obtain maximum results. At this level there are really expensive and sophisticated watches , many of them equipped with the latest gps technologies to transmit live information form the exercise.

I must highlight Polar RS800 cx ( USD 550) , an impressive running watch that truly can be considered a mini tech station for the professional runner, which features , amongst others,:

-Distance summaries

-Running Cadence and Average Stride Length

-Altitude, ascent and descent

-Cumulative Ascent and Descent

-Altitude with graphical trend

-Automatic lap recording

-Average heart rate of each lap

-G3 GPS Sensor

-Interval trainer (HR, pace, distance) guided workouts

-Polar OwnCal with Altimeter correction

-Calorie expenditure (Exercise/Weekly/Total/Fat%) - exe.total