The more advanced running watches today are packed with so many features, that you may not be able to know which of them to check for when purchasing one. There are illuminated displays, voice activated commands and all the other bells and whistles that make these running watches seem like a great purchase.

The problem with it is that you can become so enthralled with all of these advancements, only to find out that it lacks the features, and attributes that you would really need in order to become a better, faster, and more efficient runner.

To help avoid this, you should be able to know the essential attributes that sports watches should have in order for you to run well. When the running watch that you have purchase has all of these features, then you know that you are all set.

All the other things that the running watch that you have purchased can offer you, could just then be considered as bonuses or things that can make your things easier.

First important feature: A clear, legible and easy to read display. The Garmin Forerunner 205 , pictured below, has a great display.

 When you are running you would much rather focus on the run instead of the watch. That is why it is important to have a good and clear LCD. A clear screen would enable you to simply glance at your watch and immediately know how well you are doing in your runs.

Remember that having to slow down your pace, or even stop just to check on how well you are doing is counter intuitive.

You may even want to find a watch that has an illumination feature if you plan to do night runs.

Second Important Feature: Intuitive Menu system, like the one the Nike Midsize Triax Speed 10 Regular Watch  has.

This feature is related to the first mentioned. Again, you would want to be able to “get up and go” instead of fiddling around the watch’s menu.

Try to find a running watch that offers easy to set menus, and handy buttons for menu navigation. This would make it easier for you to concentrate on running instead of focusing on the buttons of your watch.

Third Important Feature: The ability to keep track of your run history. The Garmin Forerunner 310XT  does a great job of that

Your running watch should not just be a one run thing. You should be able to know just how much you are improving in the course of your running training. That is why it is good to purchase a watch that features a record or log of all the training times that you have done when you used that watch.

Having these feature in your running watch would enable you to determine if you have improved your running pace, speed, and all other factors that you want to be able to make good strides on.

Of course, the degree of importance in all things is determined by the users themselves. If you find watches that may not be able to do these things, or pack these features but you are comfortable with it, and are willing to try and make it work then by all means use it.

After all these are merely suggestions that try to help you improve on your running training.

Related posts:

1. Personalizing Your GPS Running Watch
2. Features to Look For in a Running Watch
3. Running Watch Favorites