There is plenty of choice available when it came to typical GPS running watches, but there are just a few features that make the best GPS running watch the right choice for avid fitness and triathlete training and which narrows down the choices considerably. So what exactly should you look for in the most efficient GPS running watch? And how can you tell the best one from all the others out there? Here are some tips to get you started.
The first thing to look for is the brand. The best running watch brands tend to be those with a long history in the industry and with a proven track record which is why they are so often regarded as the most reliable option. Garmin for example has been in the industry for several years with its eponymous Garmin Forerunner series and it is trusted by serious athletes, even though it has not been able to break into the market with its affordable entry-level models. But beyond this, you need to closely look at the various features and technologies Garmin Forerunners offer and determine which of them will best serve your needs. The ideal set will incorporate all the necessary features and benefits for your outdoor workouts such as heart rate monitoring, speed detection, calorie counting, foot pedals recording, distance record etc.
The next thing you should look for is the durability and robustness. You want an ergonomic monitor that won’t easily get destroyed or become uncomfortable while you are running. You also need a high quality battery life which is long enough to give you that ‘on the go’ durability you expect from a top quality GPS watch. The best Garmin Forerunners provides around 5 hours of total battery life, although this could increase or decrease based upon your overall workout duration and intensity.
There is also another factor you should consider in choosing the best GPS runner watch, and that is to see whether it provides support for the watch different types such as GPS track mode, speed countdown timer and lap modes. For those who run on foot, such support can be especially important as it gives you more time to do your training on smooth surfaces rather than rough ones. In addition, you should make sure you have enough display screen space to fully appreciate your real time fitness tracking. Most of the GPS units allow you to simply glance at your speed, average pace, distance covered and the time you are nearing your planned destination.
It is also important to consider whether the Garmin Forerunners offer any optical HRM sensors. As it turns out, some runners find the use of such watches important because they can measure their heart rate during workouts. Some may also find this aspect especially useful because some individuals may suffer from physiological conditions which affect the normal operation of the heart and lungs. Optical HRM sensors are designed to be able to track the health of the heart during strenuous physical activities and should therefore not pose any problems with the accuracy of the information gathered.
The watch in the name of the Garmin Forerunner 745 is among the favorites of most runners and sportsmen because of its uncomplicated interface and excellent features. A lot of runners consider it to be one of the best GPS runner’s watches available. It can determine the distance traveled, average speed, time and other statistics in just a few seconds. Some of its other great features include its support for the Basemark My Sports Monitor benchmark, distance covered, heart rate monitor and calorie counter. What makes the Garmin Forerunner 745 an excellent runner’s watch is the fact that it also offers support for the Garmin pulse oximeter.
There are many runner’s watches available on the market today, and Garmin Forerunner is among the best. You can download some impressive applications like My Streak SmartMP3 Driver, Battery Boost, Speed Zone Plus, and many others. Other apps like Strava and cadadette have been downloaded by thousands of users, and these apps help track and organize run details. The Garmin Forerunner even comes with some popular workout programs such as Workout Map Pro and the Easytone Running system, which allow the runner to keep track of the speed, heart rate, and pace they are currently working on.
It has been stated before that no gadget can ever live up to its hype, and the Garmin Forerunner definitely falls under this line. These are two powerful devices; the watch for tracking workouts and the apps for keeping track of them. Both are extremely useful when it comes to showcasing what you need in a fitness wearable. When the two work together, they can provide powerful features that you have always wanted in a GPS runner’s watch.
