Monitor Your Cycling Sessions With a GPS Running Watch

For serious runners the world over, GPS running watches are almost a must-have item! But more and more cyclists are discovering that a running watch is beneficial to cycling, too.

Some runners are also cycling enthusiasts, while others do both and may be in training to participate in a duathlon.

A duathlon is an event that features one running leg, followed by a cycling leg, and then another running leg in a format that is very similar to a triathlon, minus the swimming.

Many of the running watches on the market today have features that render them suitable to be used in both running and cycling.

There are various attachments and accessories that coordinate well for use on a bicycle.

For example, one accessory of a running watch that adapts well to cycling use is the foot pod, used to measure stride length. This feature is great to use when cycling, to measure pedal cadence.

If you have a digitally recorded, mapped report of cadence during your entire cycle ride, you will have vital information that can be used to improve your performance. This is especially handy for competitive cyclists!

Another feature found in many running watches that adapts very well to cycling enthusiasts is the heart rate monitor.

Many of the top rated running watches either come with a heart rate monitor, or are compatible with a heart rate monitor, usually in belt form.

The belts are designed to be comfortable while running or exercising, and can easily be worn while cycling, as well.

The heart rate monitor will wirelessly transmit your heart rate information back to the wrist or handlebar display on a bicycle, so that you can easily read it while running or cycling.

This provides instant, immediate feedback on how your body—specifically your heart—is responding to the activity.

The information is also recorded in a post-ride report that is analyzed when you plug the display into your home computer. Some GPS running watches also record changes in altitude; you would be able to see how your heart rate responded to inclines, for instance.

Everything is all analyzed together: distance, speed, time, heart rate, cadence or stride length and more. This can be an invaluable training tool for you!

So, although running watches are great for runners, they are equally wonderful and useful for cyclists, too!