A running watch was quite easy to choose in the 1980s because technology was not as advanced. Watches were simpler, with fewer features, which made choosing one easier because there were fewer comparisons to be made. This is not the case in our modern day and age, with advances in technology, the number of features has skyrocketed making finding the right one for you more time consuming.
Miniaturization of technology, such as GPS, has enabled watch manufactures to incorporate numerous functions into their watches which assist runners in evaluating their performance and training parameters. Some even come with software to install on your computer so the data collected can be downloaded for more through and graphic analysis.
A high – tech running watch can track heart rate, pace, speed, distance and location as well as analyze the data to give you a very accurate idea of how you are fairing. This can be an important aid to help you not to overexert or underachieve when training. Running watches usually have a chronograph as a standard feature; a high end model will also have a lap timer.
The internet can be an invaluable tool when looking for a sport watch that suits your needs. You can do all the leg work online saving you a lot of time and energy. You can find many reviews, specification and prices to assist you in choosing the one best for your needs and situation. There are also many online sites you could purchase it from and have it delivered to your home. Good Brands to consider are Garmin, Timex, Suunto, Polar and Casio.
Casio are usually cheaper and come with less features. This may suit your purpose if you are on a tight budget and would like a watch which is easy to operate. Timex is still economical but better suited to the more serious athlete or iron man. You may be looking for more features than the cheapest watches give you and be prepared to pay a little more for them; then this could be the answer. Garmin is heading up to the high end, the more expensive range. You will pay more for it but you will not be limited by its resources and ability. One draw back of these more gadget packed watches is their power consumption. You will find their battery life is much less than that of a simpler less expensive watch. A top of the range Suunto will not be cheap but you will get you what you paid for, a watch with any feature you could desire, and quality to match. A consideration though would be its weight as it seems to be one of the heavier ones on the market.
Finding the right running watch for your purposes can seem to be a daunting task with so many on the market. You could make a list of the features you would like and prioritize them. You could include the price range you are able to afford, the weight best suited for your situation and the battery life you require, check these against the various specifications of the models available and see which one is closet to your expectations.
