Before you buy any running watch, you should stop to think about yourself as a runner.

Are you a casual runner who just likes to get outside in the fresh air every once in a while and run a few laps around the park?

Or are you a serious, advanced runner who runs every day, rain or shine, possibly even training to run in a marathon?

The type of runner you are should determine the type of running watch you need. A basic running watch will suffice for the casual runner, while a serious runner needs a running watch with more advanced features.

Whichever type of runner you may be, here are the top 3 things to consider when you are buying a running watch:

1. Does the watch have a countdown timer?

Even if you are just a casual, occasional runner now, you might eventually kick it up a notch and start taking your running more seriously. In that event, you will want to know your time. A countdown timer on a running watch will count down from a certain value until it reaches zero. You might want to keep up with your time as a casual runner, as well, to see if you can beat your own time after a set period. For example, you might want to record your times every time you run a particular route for a month, to see if your speed has improved at the end of that period.

2. Does the watch have a clear display?

The last thing you want when you are out running is a watch with an inferior display! You need to be sure and buy a watch with large enough numbers that you can easily see them at arm’s length while running. Also, make sure that the stop watch display is adequate. You want something easy to see and read while you are running, so that you can keep up with your time.

3. Does the watch have lap storage capabilities?

You want to be able to store each record of your sessions, so that you can track your progress as time goes on. So, look for a running watch that will store the data of each session: speed, distance, time.

Before buying a running watch, make sure it comes with those three features!

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1. How to Use a GPS Running Watch for a Healthier Lifestyle
2. Features to Look For in a Running Watch
3. Advanced Runners Need a GPS Running Watch

So what makes the best running watch? These are the top factors to consider for choosing the best one:

1. Accuracy of Data
2. Durable yet Comfortable construction
3. Features and Capabilities
4. Good Value for Money

With these factors, here are what I believe to be the top running watches for 2010:

Timex Men’s Ironman 100-Lap FLIX System Watch

Timex Men's T5E231 Ironman 100-Lap Watch

Overall Rating:

Retail Price: $69.95

Amazon Price: $44.50

Out of the three running watches that are in consideration for the best running watch for 2010, the Timex Men’s Ironman 100-Lap FLIX System Watch is the one with the least features as it does not really have any data connectivity or GPS powered functionality.

It is a no frills running watch that would enable the runner to accurately check the basic things necessary for tracking their runs. It gives you easy access to checking you split and lap times, using a 100 hour chronograph, and storing up to 100 lap memory recall. It also has a training log that stores your workouts by date as well as best lap, or total running times.

Perhaps the best thing about the Timex Men’s Ironman 100-Lap FLIX System Watch is that you would be able to get all of these features without having to spend so much. You can get all of these functionalities, as well as the quality and durability that Timex is known for with just over 45 US$.

Another factor that puts this into consideration is that this is one of the best selling running watches in the market right now. Perhaps this is because of the strong combination of features that can be had at a very low price.

Garmin Forerunner 405

Overall Rating:

Retail Price: Varies based on product options

Amazon Price: View Sale Price

The Garmin Forerunner 405 is one of the newer running watches that is in the running for the best running watch for 2010.

It is a GPS enabled running watch that uses its innovative technology to track training data such as distance, and pace on top of the usual running watch features of chronographs with splits and lap times. It also computes calories burned and heart rate.

The great thing about the Garmin Forerunner 405 is that it can wirelessly and seamlessly connect to your computer for easier analysis of the accurate data that you have tracked.

As an added incentive for the Forerunner 405, Garmin has created it to be much more sleeker than traditional GPS enabled running watches. This means that form and functionality are able to be balanced instead of the bulky or unwieldy GPS running watches that were available before.

Unfortunately, all of these features would literally come at a price, as you could expect to be set back by around 350-400 US$ if you purchase this feature-filled running watch.

Garmin Forerunner 305

Garmin Forerunner 305 GPS Receiver With Heart Rate Monitor

Overall Rating:

Retail Price: $299.99

Amazon Price: $234.99

Despite being older than the other models of running watches in this list, the Garmin Forerunner 305 is still making a strong case as one of the best running watches for 2010.

This is because this gps-enabled rung watch is still loaded with enough features that enable it to stand with the newer models that came out after it. Through its GPS capabilities you would also be able to accurately track training data such as your distance and pace, and your calories burned.  It would also be packed in with the usual chronograph features of other running watches.

While it may not be as advanced as its newer counterpart, the Forerunner 405, it sure beats it when it comes to price, as you would roughly spend just 200 US $ for a complete package of the Garmin Forerunner 305.

My Pick as the BEST Running Watch for 2010:

All of these running watches are great, that’s why all of them are currently selling quite well in the market. However, my overall pick for the best running watch for 2010 would be:

Garmin Forerunner 305

I chose this stroller primarily because of the value for money aspect of it. For 200 US$ you can get a feature filled running watch that is nearly as capable as it’s more expensive and newer counterparts.

Yes, it may not have the built in heart rate monitors, or cadence sensors that the other watches have but you would be able to offset it by purchasing accessories with the total cost still ending up much cheaper than buying a new running watch.

With that said, if ever the sleeker Forerunner 405, would become cheaper and reach a price point that is near the Garmin Forerunner 305, then I may have to change my pick in the future!

Buy / More Info

Related posts:

1. Personalizing Your GPS Running Watch
2. Running Watch Favorites
3. Garmin Forerunner 205/305/405 – Top Running Watch 2009

The trend for GPS running watches today is to load them with many features and a whole host of functionality to cater to everyone’s training needs.

And, with the plethora of options, the need to customize and personalize your GPS running watch is important to match your style, needs and interests.

When personalizing your GPS running watch, here are some settings that you may want to configure:

Interface: Most runners track only specific things when it comes to their training. Some care about their pace, their heart rates, their total times or some other variable. However, running watches are able to track more than these figures, which can make a confusing interface and display.

Fortunately, there are running watches, such as the Garmin Forerunner 205, the Garmin Forerunner 305 or the Garmin Forerunner 405 that allow users to easily customize what appears on their running watch’s screens. This makes for a less convoluted interface, and users would only need a quick glance to see the data that they need.

Wrist straps: This is an often overlooked customizable feature when it comes to running watches. A running watch with an ill fitting strap would be unwieldy and uncomfortable for the runner. This may make training a lot more difficult than it needs to be. If the default wrist strap fits your wrist, then good for you, but if it’s not then you must try to change.

It is highly important to change wrist straps to fit the contours of your wrist. That’s why some models of the Garmin Forerunner come with alternative sizes for their wrist straps and even have the screw drivers included with the package.

Optional Accessories: While Garmin Forerunner running watch models are able to provide many kinds of features, it can’t be helped that there are some features that are needed by other forms of training. This is where the optional accessories can play a big part in improving ones training experience.

For example, The Garmin Forerunner 205, can be used with compatible accessories to give additional functionality. There are heart rate monitors for people who want to know how intense their training is, speed/cadence sensors for bikers, and foot POD for runners who want more detailed training when they are indoors and using their GPS enabled running watches.

Computer software: Another way to customize your equipment is through the computer software that it comes with. Having a good computer software to analyze your training would easily enable you to adjust settings, and find out which data you would really need when doing your intense training.

Being able to customize your running watches would truly help in ensuring that you get the easiest, and most efficient training. You would not have to be cumbered with extraneous features, or ill-fitting equipment, if you are available to easily personalize your watches.

Related posts:

1. Running Watch Favorites
2. Monitor Your Cycling Sessions With a GPS Running Watch
3. Garmin Forerunner 205/305/405 – Top Running Watch 2009

Looking to know your running pace? A GPS enabled running watch may be for you.

Doing a bit of jogging for your health or looking to find your perfect zone? A running watch with a heart rate monitor is a great idea!

Heck, you can even get a watch that can sync to your computer and track your laps, times, and distances!

If you’re in the market for a running watch, be sure you get one that has received great reviews from satisfied buyers.

Checking a product’s reviews is the best way to find out everything you want to know!

Here we’ve compiled a list of this year’s top selling and best rated running watches as chosen by consumers just like you. We’ve also included some info to help you decide which watch is right for you. For more in-depth information and reviews, simply follow the link!

Without further ado, here are the year’s best running watches!

Polar RS300X SD Heart Rate Monitor Watch with S1 Foot Pod (Black)

Overall Rating:

Retail Price: $249.95

Amazon Price: $149.95

The features of the RS 300X allow you to easily adjust your pace and training intensity according to your body’s capabilities.

Want to know how your training stacks up with other runners?

Now you can easily find out through the Polar’s easy to use computer connectivity features.

The RS300X has built in compatibility with FlowLink software.

It’s a breeze to transfer data from your training sessions to your computer!

Timex Men's T5H721 Ironman Triathlon Sleek 150-Lap Resin Strap Watch

Overall Rating:

Retail Price: $89.95

Amazon Price: View Sale Price

This watch permits you to set your target lap time before a race or session, then it figures out how you are doing at each mile. Nice enormous easy to find and push buttons, so handy while running!

It has nine interval timers, 3 alarms, and a training log feature that lets you store your sessions. Priced up at only $65 retail.

There are several more great running watches! It’s always helpful to read shopper reviews when available, so you can see what others have claimed about a product you are considering purchasing.

The Forerunner Series by Garmin

The Garmin Forerunner series of GPS running watches is one of the top choices when it comes to coaching equipment for the ultimate edge!

The blend of style, sturdiness, and functionality places the Garmin Forerunner at the head of the list as a preferred running watch among elite sportsmen around the world!

Choosing a Garmin Forerunner product depends on the sportsman’s budget, kind of coaching, and how advanced one wants their coaching to get. Having said that , let’s take a look at our top three Garmin Forerunner Watches.

Garmin Forerunner 205 GPS Receiver and Sports Watch

Overall Rating:

Retail Price: $267.99

Amazon Price: $189.99

On its own, the marginally more reasonable Garmin FR205 is a GPS powered fitness watch plus workout tool that tracks your total training time, and calories burned.

The FR 205 also allows you to create multi sport exercise routines. Multi Sport exercise routines permits you to easily transition between sports without having to reset the unit.

This is an ideal setting for coaching for triathlons or any other event that combines many disciplines.

If you are feeling rather more sophisticated, and want more coaching info to analyze, the Garmin FR 205 can use its ANT+ seamless wireless feature to connect with other accessories.

It can hook up with devices like the wireless foot pod for you to be ready to track more information such as distance, speed and pace.

Garmin Forerunner 305 GPS Receiver With Heart Rate Monitor

Overall Rating:

Retail Price: $299.99

Amazon Price: $234.99

The Forerunner 305 is also capable of the basic features the Garmin FR 205 has – plus, it packs more functionality such as a digital coded heart rate monitor and heart rate zones.

It has got built in multiple sport profiles for running, biking and other sports.

What separates the Garmin Forerunner 305 from junior level models is that it has already got a built in pulse rate monitor that previous models required further accessories for.

This makes accessing the info much simpler and more intuitive for users.

Garmin Forerunner 405 Wireless GPS-Enabled Sport Watch with USB ANT Stick and Heart Rate Monitor (Black)

Overall Rating:

Retail Price: $282.61

Amazon Price: $166.98

One of the more complicated GPS enabled training watches ; it packs the monitoring of your training time, distance, pace, calories and heartbeat rate but also adds more functionality and style to the device.

The very first thing that you would notice in the Forerunner 405 is its more compact design. This makes it more lightweight and more content to wear when you are coaching.

The subsequent improvement is that it seamlessly connects to the Satellites for tracking your info. GPS uplink is far faster than the starter level or mid range models.

The Garmin 405 connects to satellites in 4-5 seconds as compared with the minute or 2 in other models.

Finally, the Garmin 405 supports Wireless information upload.

When you connect the USB’ant stick’to your PC, the Garmin would mechanically send your workout info from the watch to your computer.

This makes it much easier to maintain and maintain a record of your training records.

Women’s Running Watches

Now more than ever firms are learning to serve female sportsmen with sports gear designed in particular for girls. Running watches are no exception, and this year’s light-weight, smooth, and durable watches are perfect!

Timex Women's T5K026 Ironman Sleek Digital Resin Strap Watch

Overall Rating:

Retail Price: $64.95

Amazon Price: $37.87

It’s got a 50-lap recall, a 100-hour timepiece with lap or split option, and an interval repetition counter.

It also has a countdown timer that incorporates a countdown stop and countdown repeat option, and 3 programmable and audible alarms with five minute back-up and on/off hourly charm to make sure that you are on time, each time.

The Timex Ironman has a rough resin case that surrounds the digital dial, Indiglo nightlight for simple illumination in low-light conditions, and the adjustable resin strap with tang clasp feels secure and cosy on your wrist.

It is even water resistant up to 330 feet.

Timex Women's T5E151 Ironman Triathlon 30-Lap Traditional Watch

Overall Rating:

Retail Price: $44.95

Amazon Price: $60.00

This elegant timepiece utilizes digital-quarts movement to accurately tell time. It uses this technology to power features like its 24 hour timepiece, daily alarm, and calendars. The Timex Womens 1440 then shows them to the user through its easy to read digital grey dial face that uses the Indiglo Night to illuminate your perspective during dark scenarios.

Except for the beautiful design, the Timex Womens 1440 Sports digital resin strap watch is as sturdy as they come. It is made from an acrylic dial window, still resin bezel, and 35-millimeter resin case. The Timex 1140 is even water resistant up to 165 feet.

So There You Have Some of the Year’s Top Running Watches!

Again, before purchasing a GPS running watch, it might be crucial for you to grasp what sort of training you want to have. Are you aiming at a simple mooch in the park, a morning leisure run or perhaps an intense coaching regiment fit for triathletes?

No matter what you choose,there’s a running watch that is fit for you.

Related posts:

1. Personalizing Your GPS Running Watch
2. Polar RS300X Heart Rate Monitor Watch Orange
3. Polar RS300X SD Heart Rate Monitor Watch with S1 Foot Pod Black