However, not everyone is really on board spending much money in the equipment for improving their training. This is especially true, for running and running watches. Many runners, especially those just in it for leisure and not for competitive purposes, would think that running watches are nothing more but added expenses. They would think that running watches cannot really help them improve their training.

This is wrong of course. A running watch, when properly used can definitely help you in improving your training and other workout sessions. Here are some of the ways where having a running watch handy would help you better your exercise.

Accurate Distance Travelled through GPS features:

One of the ways that people train is through running a set distance. For example, a person would want to set a goal of being able to run or jog for 3 kilometers a day. However, they may not have a way to accurately measure just how much they were able to train.

Through the GPS feature of a running watch, you have a way to accurately know just how much distance you have covered while you run. There are even some running watches that beep or inform you if you are about to cover your set training goal.

Tracking your Heart Rate:

A running watch when equipped with a heart rate monitor can help you track your target hear rate zone. This is important for you to be able to determine whether you were able to get an effective workout. A good workout would mean that you were able to reach your specific target heart rate.

With a running watch, you have a handy way of knowing if you were overtraining or under training. Under training means that you could have probably wasted time as your workout is insufficient. Overtraining, on the other hand, may be dangerous because you are pushing your body to levels that it may not be able to handle. This may cause injury or unnecessary stress to your body.

See improvement over previous performance:

People respond well to motivation. One of the best motivational tools is to see improvement or progress with what you are doing. Through the use of a running watch’s log of all your exercise data, you would be able to see your improvement in pace, speed, distance covered, and other factors.

Conversely, you would also be able to see if your performance is dipping in some aspects. This would allow you to force yourself to do better in it.

Through these features you would be able to see just how a running watch would be able to help your training. Maybe it’s not time for you to consider using one on your own workouts.

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1. Features to look for in a Running Watch:
2. Running Watch Favorites
3. How to Train with a GPS Running Watch:

While all of those features mentioned above do help in making the running watch more accurate and comfortable to use, the fact is that some of them can be considered as bonuses. When it comes to running watches there are some necessary characteristics that should be there in order for you to be able to train well.

We can divide these characteristics into two groups, the physical characteristics and the software features.

Physical:

-          Durable but comfortable Wriststrap or band

As many runners know by now, running can be an extremely physical activity. The vigorous movements by your arms as you run can damage or dislodge the wrist strap of the running watch. This risk is even amplified if you start running in not so desirable weather conditions.

That is why you would want your watch to have a durable but comfortable strap. You would want it to be able to remain firmly attached to your wrist without hindering your movements or making you uncomfortable.

-          Easy to use start and stop buttons

You would usually use a running watch to take your lap splits and other time related data. Having a watch that has difficult to reach or use start and stop buttons can make you take inaccurate data.

In a sport where the tenths of a second is highly regarded, you should be able to start and stop your timer as soon as possible. Having buttons that are hard to press may add or subtract a few seconds of your actual time.

Software Feature:

-          Memory function

A running watch should be able to keep track of your laps or miles during a span of training activities. This would help you recognize if your constant and continuous training is effectively improving your pace.

There are actually some watches that can track up to 500 training sessions but leisure runners may opt to go for those that can track a lesser number of sessions since those are usually cheaper.

-          Computer connectivity

Computer connectivity is a relatively new trend and feature in running watches that is slowly becoming more and more important. A watch that has computer connectivity is great for two things.

The first is that you would be able to record your data and use training analyzing software for them. This would help you learn more about which training you should be doing.

The second is that computer connectivity means you would be able to upload your training and send it to people all over the world. Again, this would help in analyzing and comparing your data with real life performance from other running enthusiasts.

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3. Running Watch Training Tips

While the different manufacturers and models of running watches would mean that each one of them would have unique features, there are some things that are consistent in a running watch. These are the features that should always be great in any model so that it would become a good running watch for you.

Here is a list of those features that you should look for in a running watch to determine if it would help you:

Connection to GPS

A GPS powered running watch would definitely help you in your training. This is because the GPS system would help you accurately track data such as your location, pace, and total distance covered.

The power of a GPS powered running watch is truly capable of providing you with the highly accurate data that you would need if you are serious in your running training.

Large and Legible Display:

It could be hard to focus on your training if you would not be able to read the data on your running watch. Having jumbled data, or very confusing data fields would be frustrating for you to see while running.

Related to this, you should also check whether the running watch display can still show you good data at night or at bright light. You may want to invest in a watch that has a backlit display such as those termed as Indiglo.

Computer Connectivity:

Having a running watch that has good computer connectivity would definitely help you in your training. A whole host of options becomes available for you if you are given the capability to download or upload your training data.

You can get professional advice from various runners, or run training analyzing software for you to know which aspects of your training would still require improvement.

Toughness:

Running training could lead you to situations where nature can be difficult to work with. Rain, sleet, snow, or even extreme heat can be your enemies. That’s why you should check if the running watch is able to withstand harsh environments.

Things to check for could be water resistance, as well as how tough the construction of the watch and its straps are. You don’t want your watch to break down right in the middle of your training!

The ones listed are just some of the basic factors and features that you should take into consideration when purchasing a running watch. Being able to find a watch that can satisfy all of them would truly help in ensuring that you would have a good partner as you work out.

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1. Personalizing Your GPS Running Watch
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However, training has become more advanced than ever.  Thanks to scientific methods and technological innovations, people have now found new ways of acquiring data and analyzing them to help in improving training.

It seems now that in order to be able to improve your lap times, and  increase your training intensity, you would also need to have the cutting edge equipment. These highly advanced equipment would help in making your exercise more efficient, streamlined and give you better results.

When it comes to training equipment, the first one that comes to mind are running watches. Most runners would take them while they are plying their routes. Before, running watches only gave you your time, and how fast you were able to go from point A to point B. These days seem to be over though, as running watches now have become more advanced and more hi-tech.

Running watches nowadays, aside from providing you with basic time keeping functions are now packed with more features. The Garmin Forerunner 405 for example, not only allows for measuring your time but gives you the capability to study your training pace, your speed and cadence, or even your heart rate when you use it.

These features make calculating your training data that much easier.  It allows runners with a Garmin Forerunner 405 to acquire data that were previously highly difficult to attain. They get all these numbers with just a device that is strapped to their wrists.

A good running watch like the Garmin Forerunner 305, would also help people who like to cross train. Watches like the Forerunner 305 have built in sport profiles to make sure that you could train accordingly even if you are just strolling, running, or even biking. This is further supported by the wide range of available accessories that the Garmin 305 is compatible with.

Another way that training has truly advanced is through the help of computer software that automatically calculates the resulting data from your training. Before, after acquiring the data, the coaches and trainers would have to manually track and chart these in order to form a good analysis from it. The advent of computer software, and high compatibility.

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However, this may not be as efficient as one thinks. In fact the practice of over exerting one’s self is potentially harmful. It could lead to complications because of overtraining.

When it comes to training, there should always be a proper way to do things. The proper way would be to train within your limits, and to slightly improve on them. To be able to do this, you would need to have good equipment, proper discipline, and good coaching.

Garmin Forerunner 405 Wireless GPS-Enabled Sports Watch with Heart Rate Monitor

Overall Rating:

Retail Price: $373.32

Amazon Price: $272.80

For starters, training properly would mean listening to your body and adapting to its needs. For runners, this might mean that you should only work out for a set amount of time. That’s why a good running watch is ideal for this purpose.

The Garmin Forerunner 405 can display your time, splits, and laps taken in order to know whether you have already done the requisite number of laps, or logged enough minutes in your workout. This would help you in determining whether you are over training or under training.

Aside from distance or time, another thing to consider while training is the level of intensity of the activity that you are doing. Some bodies are not able to keep up with highly intense physical training while some would need more strenuous activities before training takes effect. For this purpose, having a heart rate monitor would be ideal.

Garmin Forerunner 305 GPS Receiver With Heart Rate Monitor

Overall Rating:

Retail Price: $299.99

Amazon Price: $143.54

The Garmin Forerunner 305, with its built in heart rate monitor functionalities, is exceptional in serving this purpose. You would be able to check whether the activity is enough to get your heart pumping or if it’s too much that it is already becoming a strain to your overall health.

The Forerunner 305 even has a heart rate zone feature that ensures that you are always in tune with your heart rate. It gives audible signals when you are not performing in the range that you specify. This would help in making sure that you are always doing what your body needs.

They also say that training involves a lot of tweaking. One should always analyze training data properly to ensure which elements of the activities that they are doing should be reinforced or eliminated from the training program. That’s why it is a good idea to check with training analyzers or comparing with others.

Fortunately, the Garmin Forerunner models are very easy to share and transfer to computers. Once connected to computers, the one who is training could easily run a battery of software to check whether his training is up to par with what his body needs. Alternatively, you can also upload your training and running data to websites and share it with other users.

Garmin Forerunner 205 GPS Receiver and Sports Watch

Overall Rating:

Retail Price: $267.99

Amazon Price: $134.86

Of course, even if you have the entry level Forerunner 205 or the advanced Garmin Forerunner 405, they would all be useless if you do not have the discipline to stick to your training.

That said, with equipment like these that provide you with nearly everything you need, just a little ounce of discipline and you are well on your way on being able to train in the most proper way possible!

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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.

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Garmin Forerunner 305 GPS Receiver With Heart Rate Monitor

Overall Rating:

Retail Price: $299.99

Amazon Price: $143.54

The Garmin Forerunner 305 is a big step up from getting data through basic stop watches – such as GPS training capabilities to monitor your distance, pace and elevation!

Here’s what you would get out of the box:

• Forerunner 305
• Heart rate monitor
• Garmin Training Center® software
• Docking cradle
• Expander strap
• AC charger
• USB cable
• Owner’s manual
• Quick start guide

Like the previous Forerunner models, the Garmin Forerunner 305 would show your pace, speed, and distance travelled as you go along your track. The biggest addition to it is that it that the Forerunner 305 comes built in with its own heart rate monitor functionality.

Unlike lower or entry level models that needed optional accessories for heart rate functions, the Forerunner 305 comes with this functionality built into the device. Training enthusiasts know that knowing and understanding your heart rate as you train is important. Through the heart rate data, a runner would be able to know how intense he is going at his training. That’s why it is great that the Forerunner 305 has highly accurate sensors to provide you with ECG-level heart rate data.

Other notable features of the Garmin Forerunner 305 include the Virtual Partner. In the Virtual partner, a runner’s spirit of competition is ignited as he is provided with a virtual competitor on screen. In virtual partner mode, the Forerunner 305 displays how far ahead or behind you are compared to a competitor.

The Forerunner 305 also has easily customizable display screens that the Garmin Forerunner 305 has. This features means that the Forerunner 305’s  four quadrants that display training information can be customized to suit your needs. Beginning runners can just look at time, laps, or total training time, while those who want more data can opt for pace, heart rate (HR), distance and lap time or other data.

Runners don’t have to stress though if they are not able to immediately see the data they want. All the data tracked by the Garmin Forerunner 305 are stored in its internal memory. This would allow runners to easily review and look back at their past performances and see their improvements.

Another way to look at past data would be to download it to your computer. The great thing about the Garmin Forerunner 305 is that its bundled computer software is a joy to use. The included Garmin Training Center software is very easy to configure and would truly help runners calculate just how effective their training is.

Packing intermediate to advance running features, and a highly affordable price, the Garmin Forerunner 305 is custom made for moderate to advanced runners who are searching for great GPS functionality and easy computer integration from their running watches.

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Garmin Forerunner 205 GPS Receiver and Sports Watch

Overall Rating:

Retail Price: $267.99

Amazon Price: $134.86

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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Nike

Overall Rating:

Retail Price: $69.00

Amazon Price: $49.00

The no hassle Nike Triax fury features the necessary functions that you would expect from a sports watch. It displays time and date, and other basic timekeeping features.

More training oriented features of the Nike Triax Fury 50 allows you to see your pace, total time, lap time, with the simple press of a button. The Triax has a 50-lap chronograph and It also allows you to create target times for you to be able to set goal splits and you will get notified whether you are keeping pace with your goals.

The no frills Triax Fury 50 comes in a convertible display with ventilated strap and is water resistant up to 100m

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Garmin Forerunner 101

Overall Rating:

Retail Price: $114.27

Amazon Price: $130.00

The compactly designed Garmin Forerunner 101 is capable of providing precise and accurate speed, distance, and pace data to all the runners. It can track calories burned, lap history, and all other performance data necessary for improving training.

The Forerunner 101 even takes this data a step further and can create a Virtual Partner that helps runners reach their goals better. The Virtual Partner can be configured so that the runner can check if they are able to keep to the pace that they want their running training to have.

What separates the Forerunner 101 from other devices is the fact that it is a high quality Garmin GPS device. This means that precise latitude, longitude, and altitude data can be expected from it. This allows runners to mark specific areas, and navigate to them through an electronic map

It is also notable that the Garmin Forerunner 101 is easily adaptable to any situation. There are many accessories available to suit your need. There are available accessories to make it better equipped for cycling, distance running or other physical activities.

What’s in the box:
Forerunner 101 unit, wrist strap, manual, and quickstart guide.

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User Ratings and Reviews

3 Stars Garmin 101
Disappointed with the unit. It has great capabilities and the price was right, but the pace function does not work dependably, and the battery life does not appear to be the 14 hours advertised. I needed a battery operated unit so that I could use the Garmin while hiking peaks from a backpack/backcountry situation, therefore being able to replace batts and use it every day, and during the pack, to track elevation and distance, etc. I have the 201 for day hikes, which charges electrically. It could be operator error, but battery life should not be…

1 Star Worked, For About 2 Weeks
My loving wife gave this to me after I commented how much my brother liked his. And for about 2 weeks it was pretty cool to watch my speed and distance while and ran or rode my bike, and to get data from the runs. Then it started acting up, and I switched batteries a couple times and re-read the manual but by the end of 3 weeks of semi-daily usage it quit altogether. I didn’t use this product in the rain or combat or anything, just for running and bike riding, honest. I am about to send it back and I hope to heck I just get our money back. The product I got was truly garbage and I advise anyone against buying it. Who needs to spend good money on something that only works 2 weeks? This reinforces my philosophy that sports and fitness should be kept simple, that going high tech is a waste of time and money.

4 Stars Nice little GPS
GPS system works great. I was originally skeptical of it being comfortable due to its size, but it hasn’t been a problem. The only complaint I have is that it goes through batteries very quickly. I probably put a new set in every week. Need to get some rechargeables.

Otherwise, I’m very happy with my Garmin.

3 Stars Good for distance, Poor for pacing.
If your looking for a GPS watch under $100 to just measure distance walked, run, or biked, then this watch will fit the bill. But if your a runner or biker looking for more advanced features like pacing you will probably be better served getting the Forerunner 205 for $50 more.

Here is my experience with the Forerunner 101:

I run a 5 mile loop along a pedestrian only parkway next to a lake. The distance markers have been measured and verified by a local track club so I know they are accurate. The Forerunner 101 usually hits the markers right on or is within +/- .05 of the marker, and the total distance is also within this variance. The pacing is a different matter. I usually run this 5 mile loop in around 40 mins. for a mile pace of about 8 mins./mile. The watch pacing swings wildly up or down per mile so one minute it says I’m running 10 mins./mile and then a few seconds later 7 mins./mile. During the course of the run it will level off for awhile to what seems a fairly accurate pace reading of about 8 mins./mile, but at some point will fluctuate wildly again. I have also used this watch in a 5K race with the same pacing fluctuations.

The GPS acquisition when you first turn on the watch does take awhile, normally 2 – 5 minutes. So you definitely don’t want to turn the watch on a few seconds before they fire the gun to start a race. I like the history log that records and stores the times for each run by weeks, this makes it easy to track each run without having to enter the information in a database.

The bottom line here is to keep in mind this watch has been around since 2002, so the technology is dated. If your on a tight budget and just want to know your distance traveled this watch should work for you, otherwise put the money towards a newer model.

4 Stars satisfied
This is the first & only gps watch I have owned. I live in a rural area with no tall buildings. I have been very satisfied with the Forerunner 101 as compared to the cost. I typically turn it on and set it on my front porch a few minutes before I run. 98% of the time I have no problems, when I have a problem it’s with signal strength. I love having time/pace/total distance all displayed at once. The distance seems to be very accurate & consistant. I was afraid the bulk of the watch would bother me but it hasn’t. Two AAA batteries are lasting me over 50 miles which is not bad if you only run 10-15 miles a week like me. I recently ran my first half-marathon and enjoyed being able to go back on the watch and see my pace for each mile of the race.

Buy/More Info

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