Timex Global Trainer Heart Rate and GPS Watch

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Retail Price: $360.00

Amazon Price: $128.00

The Timex Ironman Global Trainer GPS Watch is powered by SiRFstarIII GPS technology. This technology allows it to provide runners with accurate pace, speed, distance, and other running information in real time. It can also measure your location with altitude ascent and descent distances and rates. This SiRFstarIII GPS technology is set apart from other GPS technologies as it requires no calibration and can provides you with precise running data right out of the box.

Aside from the built in GPS functionality, the Ironman Global Trainer GPS watch showcases its versatility by allowing you to track your data from other kinds of sources thanks to its compatibility with the ANT+ technology. First off, the ANT+ technology is used to connect with the included Heart Rate monitor. This allows you to track your Beats per minute accurately as you train. For those who are looking for other kinds of data, you can also use the ANT+ technology built into the running watch to connect with third party bike power meters and sensors. This would allow you to measure data such as cadence, speed and distance.

With all the data that you can get using the Timex Ironman Global Trainer GPS watch you may think that it would be difficult to keep track of all of it. However, this Ironman running watch is actually able to offer you the data that you want to see thanks to the Highly Customizable screen display. The screen setup would enable runners to be able to modify and personalize the data that you want to be seen.  You can set one field to display your pace, the other your heart rate and the other fields other information that you would want to see while you are training.

One final thing thing that is quite helpful for all the runners is that it has a hands free feature. This Hands-free option automatically starts and stops data capture functions which would enable you to focus on your strides during your runs and not have to expend much energy in fiddling around with the screen.

Other noteworthy features of the TIMEX Ironman Global Trainer GPS Watch with Digital 2.4 Heart Rate Monitor are that would truly help runners include:

• Performance Mode that records multiple variables during your workout, including speed, distance, elapsed time, pace and calories burned.
• Multisport Event Mode that records activities and transitions in one sequence
• 20-workout memory with dated summary records up to 1000 laps of information
• Chronograph with interval and countdown timers measures performance
• Records elapsed time, calories burned and performance data for each lap
• INDIGLO night-light with Night-Mode

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Garmin Forerunner 205 GPS Receiver and Sports Watch

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Retail Price: $267.99

Amazon Price: $189.99

That is why having a good GPS enabled running watch is critical for training.

One of the more famous GPS running watches is the Garmin Forerunner 205. The Garmin Forerunner 205 is considered one of the entry level GPS running watches that come from the Garmin Forerunner line.

The watch is capable of measuring and timing your exercise routines such as walking, jogging, running or even biking if you have the accessories for it. The Garmin Forerunner 205 would give you time/distance alerts when you have hit a specified distance or time during your workout. It also has Speed Alerts for warning you if you are going above or below a certain speed.

Something that is quite admirable in the Garmin Forerunner 205 is that it has built in automatic features to ensure that you can keep your focus on your running instead of your watch. There is an auto pause function that stops your timer when you are stuck on a stoplight or in traffic. The Forerunner 205 even packs an auto lap function when you reach a certain distance or point in your route.

As seen in the features mentioned above, it seems that the Garmin Forerunner 205 really caters to making the training as easy as possible for beginners. In fact, even the display of the Forerunner is customizable to show only the data that you would need. If you are not into knowing your total distance, but want to know how fast you are going and the time, then you can set the screen to show only these data.

Of course, given that the Garmin Forerunner 205 is an entry level model. There are bound to be some areas where the higher ends Forerunners blow it away. One thing that is highly noticeable is that it can take an extra minute or so, for it to connect to a satellite. This is especially true if you train in high traffic areas. Another is that it is quite bulky, and the wrist strap does not allow too many adjustments for fitting your wrists.

However, since it is understood that the Garmin Forerunner 205 comes at a lower price than high end models, I think that people would be willing for these kinds of tradeoffs.

Again, here is a quick summary of what I think about the Garmin Forerunner 205:

Strengths:

• Accurate Data Reading
• Customizable data entry fields
• Downloadable Training plans
• Affordable price range

Weakness:

• Satellite uplink, while brief, is not as fast as higher end Garmin models
• Can be a bit bulky for people with smaller wrists

Given these strengths and weaknesses, The Garmin Forerunner 205 is a great fit for people who are just beginners or are entry level runners.

The combination of great features that are a step up from regular stop watches, an inexpensive price, and easy to use controls make the Forerunner 205 a great first step, for anyone who is just entering the world of running watches.

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Polar FS2C Heart Rate Monitor

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Retail Price: $69.95

Amazon Price: View Sale Price

The Polar FS2C Heart Rate Monitors are made for entry level runners that are looking for fully functional training tools that are very easy to use.

The Polar FS2C Wrist-Worn Heart Rate Monitor has a wide range of heart rate functions as well as usual chronograph features to ensure that you are getting the proper training. Aside from tracking your heart rate data, the Polar Fs2C is capable of providing you with stopwatch, and time of day functionalities.

All of these features of the Polar FS2C Wrist-Worn Heart Rate Monitor can be easily navigated thanks to the highly intuitive one button control interface. A simple touch of the button can take you to the functions that you would need for your training.

With ease of use, and high functionality, the Polar FS2C Wrist-Worn Heart Rate Monitor is a great addition to anyone who would want to start their training programs.

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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!

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There are many GPS running watches available by such well known brands as Magellan, Casio, Timex and Garmin. However, many other manufacturers produce some perfectly adequate running watches as well.

GPS running watches come in a wide range of prices, so you are bound to find one to fit your budget quite nicely.

If the gift recipient is a female, you might wonder if you can find a great looking running watch.

You might have a vague impression in your mind of a running watch as a big, clunky thing in basic black since a running watch is, after all,  a sports watch. If so, you will be happily surprised to see the great selection of women’s running watches and the sleek styling and beautiful “Girly” colors available!

Male or female, the running enthusiast on your list will be thrilled to find a new running watch from Santa under the Christmas tree this year!

GPS running watches are basically the crème de la crème of running watches in general. The GPS feature enables the wearer to map out routes, and to know within a few feet exactly where they are at any given point. This can come in handy for those who go on long runs through rugged terrain where it would be relatively easy to get lost.

You can find running watches that are PC compatible and will integrate with the user’s computer. This allows runners to upload and download maps, routes, as well as pertinent data from each session.

If you are buying a running watch for someone who has taken up running for health reasons, there are running watches available with built-in heart rate monitors. Some versions will even tell the wearer how many calories have been burned!

For the hard core runner on your Christmas list, a GPS running watch will provide the recipient with a set of valuable tools to assist in all phases of training and lap sessions.

GPS running watches can measure distance, speed, times, and more. Some models have a feature known as “speed and pace smoothing” that averages out the GPS readings and data over longer periods of time.

If you are going to be buying a Christmas present for a runner—do think about presenting them with a brand new running watch, and then sit back and watch their eyes light up when they open your gift!

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What is a GPS running watch?

GPS stands for Global Positioning Satellite. A GPS running watch uses satellite triangulation to determine your exact position—or the exact position of the watch, that is.

Usually, a GPS running watch will ascertain your position to within a few feet, so they are quite exact in determining position.

If you are a serious runner, you might have higher standards for yourself and your excursions than someone who only gets out for a casual run every now and them to sort of get the cobwebs out of their running shoes.

It seems that the more advanced a runner someone is, the more information that person wants to know about their running sessions each time.

For instance, serious runners will keep track of speed, times, distance, and other variables.

A Google map and a stopwatch might provide some of the information craved by advanced runners, but for hard-core information—an advanced runner needs an advanced GPS running watch!

If you are looking to buy a GPS running watch, you will find that they are manufactured by several different brands. Garmin, Timex, Casio and Magellan are just a few makers of running watches, and are considered to be among the top in the industry.

However, there are other top notch running watches made by other manufacturers.

If you are a runner who is just getting started, but plan to become an advanced runner, it would behoove you to go ahead and buy an advanced GPS running watch.

You might not require all of the many functions right away, in the beginning, but after a while you will be able to put all of the features to practical use.

One such advanced feature is the foot pod. A foot pod is mounted on your running shoe and sends information back to your running watch about the length of your stride, your speed, distance traveled and more.

A great feature of a GPS running watch is that it doesn’t only track latitude and longitude; it tracks elevation and altitude as well. This means that your GPS running watch can track inches and inclines along your route, and compute that into your overall report at the end of the run.

If you use this feature of a GPS running watch in conjunction with a heart rate monitor, you can get very valuable information about how your heart responds to variances such as hills along your route.

A GPS running watch is the best watch for an advanced runner!

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In this modern society, it is all too easy to eat a lot more and exercise a lot less. This is an extremely undesirable state of affairs and people today are paying the price for it with poor health, obesity and unfit bodies.

If you are interested in developing a healthier lifestyle by establishing a physical exercise regimen, then a GPS running watch can prove a valuable ally in your battle against poor health!

Before you go out and buy a GPS running watch, though, be sure to do a little research so that you have a clear understanding of how this type of watch works, and which model might be the best for your particular needs.

The bare-bones, stripped down, most basic version of a GPS running watch is not much more than a stop watch.

However, you can find technologically advanced models that monitor your heart rate, performance, distance meters and all the bells and whistles.

The one that will be right for you will probably fall somewhere between those two types. You will need to assess your own individual exercise routine, plan what you want to accomplish and go from there.

For example, if you simply want to live a healthier life by getting some great physical exercise every day, then you really won’t require a GPS running watch that does everything but tie your running shoes for you.

But, on the other hand, if you are a serious runner who plans to enter a strenuous long distance marathon, then you might be well served by a more advanced model with all kinds of features.

Just as there are various watches, there are different methods of improving your speed, endurance and time when it comes to running. You want your running watch to have the features that will correlate with your training/exercising method.

One method you can use for running is distance. Set a goal as to the distance you want to run each day. This particular method will mean that you need a GPS running watch that can be set to a specific distance; be it one mile or ten.

Another method involves the speed of your pace. You might set a goal to cover a mile in X amount of minutes. This method would require a watch with a good speed/timer.

Regardless of which method you use to get your exercise by running, there will be a GPS running watch that can facilitate the process for you!

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Many people today lead sedentary lives. In days gone by, when a lot of folks lived on farms with everyday chores such as milking cows, hauling hay and growing crops; everyone was very active and strenuous physical activity was the norm.

Nowadays, though, a lot of people make their livings at a computer or some office job where the most exercise they get comes from walking to the coffee machine.

This inactive lifestyle has taken its toll on modern men and women in the form of health conditions brought about from lack of regular physical exercise.

If this applies to you, then a GPS running watch could help you establish a routine of well rounded physical exercise to stay fit and healthy!

A GPS running watch is more than just a simple timepiece or stop watch.

It uses satellite triangulation to ascertain the position of the person wearing or carrying it, usually to within a few feet.

When you are using a GPS running watch, you are able to calculate the distance you have run as well as your rate of speed. When applicable, the watch will even calculate rate of ascent.

You can use the GPS running watch to mark your waypoints or to set certain waypoints along your route.

This will keep you on the correct route, even when there are no certain landmarks or when there are paths that intersect yours and make it difficult to stay on course.

Some GPS running watches have computer integration that makes it possible for you to download or upload maps, which is a very handy feature!

Another nice thing about a computer integrated GPS running watch is that you can use it as a fantastic training tool by uploading logs from the watch onto your computer.

The software will then analyze and compare your performance data, and allow you to plan and map out your next excursion to maximize improvement in your outing.

Casio developed the first GPS running watch, but since its inception many more companies have brought their own versions to the marketplace.

A GPS running watch will benefit a serious enthusiast training for a marathon, or a beginner who wants to develop a good physical activity regime.

Whichever category you fall into—advanced runner or novice, a GPS running watch will benefit your performance!

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