The GPS running watch is becoming the must-have accessory amongst runners and exercise enthusiasts. These devices allow runners to keep an accurate record of their distances, times and fitness levels. These statistics give runners the information they need to ensure that they rest, recover, and continue to train in line with their own personal abilities. Modern technological advances mean that these watches are becoming an essential accessory in the sport. GPS running watches offer many benefits and uses. They can be worn for multiple sports and will come in handy throughout daily life. If you are in the market for a new running accessory, here are 5 reasons to buy a GPS running watch.
Our Top 5 Reasons to Buy a GPS Running Watch
1. GPS running watches are incredibly accurate.
One of the biggest appeals of GPS running watches is the very high levels of accuracy that they are capable of. The GPS capability of these high-tech timepieces allows them to track times and distances with a much higher level of accuracy than other standard fitness watches. Having an accurate record of previous runs will allow runners to plan future runs better. This will aid them in bettering their fitness levels. This accuracy allows for real time tracking. A runner will be able to view key statistics, such as pace, time and calories burned. Distance tracking means that the runner can be notified at every kilometre or mile marker they reach. This will allow them to adjust their pace to reach their personal time and distance goals. Accuracy is incredibly important to runners, which is why we have chosen to include it in our top 5 reasons to buy a GPS running watch.
Garmin Fenix 6 Pro Solar | Titanium Mineral Blue White Rubber Strap 010-02410-19
Garmin are a very popular brand amongst the running community. The brand’s watches have advanced and improved dramatically over the years. Garmin always ensures that its watches use the best available technology and materials to be the most robust and reliable watches on the market. This model comes in an eye-catching blue and white colour scheme with a comfortable white silicone strap. The watch is partially solar powered, so the battery will last longer than other GPS running watches without being charged. The watch measures distance using GPS. It can also measure time, pace, cadence and real time performance compared to average. Garmin’s PacePro technology will aid the wearer with pacing strategies and the pre-programmed running workouts will help with training. This watch can also be used for cycling and swimming, making it a great companion for triathletes.
2. These watches are an excellent source of motivation.
As GPS running watches are a great way to keep a record of previous runs, goals and personal bests, they are a great tool for those who require some extra motivation. For many runners, a personal best time or distance is simply a new target to beat. Being able to accurately track pace and distance will aid the wearer in beating their goals. Some GPS running watches have the capability to aid the wearer in planning workouts and running routes. This will eliminate some of the boring elements of training. The runner will be able to place more focus on the physical training side of things. Some GPS running watches act as a navigation device. They can provide the wearer with turn by turn directions for the duration of their running route. A device that makes things easier and more simple for runners will encourage and motivate them to progress.
TicWatch Pro 2020 Liquid Metal Silver Smartwatch 139864-WF12106
TicWatch focuses on designing its watches with a modern appearance that will pair well with contemporary fashions and trends. This ensures that the watches make great companions throughout daily life as well as whilst training. This watch uses a range of sensors to gather a full picture of the wearer’s activity. This means that it can track calories burned, speed and cadence to give a detailed picture of fitness and movement. This is intended to encourage the wearer to try and improve their personal fitness levels and achieve their goals. The watch also features TicBreathe and TicSleep technology which aid with rest and recovery. These are often overlooked elements of the training process, despite being very important. A 1.39″ AMOLED display is framed in a silver coloured case and protected by Corning Gorilla glass. The watch is secured on the wrist using a high-quality black silicone strap.
3. Many GPS running watches are compatible with social sharing platforms.
Some GPS running watch manufacturers, such as Garmin, build their watches to be compatible with social sharing platforms. This allows runners to share their progress and personal bests with fellow runners and friends in order to engage in healthy competition and encourage each other in their progress. A sense of community will motivate runners. They will feel as though others are also invested in their fitness journey. These social platforms are also a great way to learn about events that are happening in order to stay in touch with a local running community.
Alpina | AlpinerX Alive | Blue Rubber Strap AL-284LBBW5AQ6
Alpina is a well-known brand amongst watch enthusiasts. The brand is best known for its sturdy and robust watches that are suitable for outdoor activity. This model has the appearance of a traditional watch, but the capabilities and technology of a smartwatch. It is a great choice for people who prefer the look of a standard watch. This watch is made of hard wearing materials to ensure that it will be long lasting. The AMOLED touch screen is protected by scratch-resistant sapphire crystal and framed by a case made from black glass fibre and stainless steel.
This model can track heart rate, activity, sleep, breathing, workouts, hydration and VO2 max to give the wearer a full picture of their health and wellbeing. The watch is finished with a blue rubber strap that will remain comfortable even when wet. This watch can be worn for swimming as it is water resistant up to 100 metres (10 bar).
4. GPS running watches are not just for running.
These high-tech timepieces are often built to be multipurpose. GPS running watches tend to have settings for swimming and cycling as these sports demand similar tracking sensors to running. This makes these watches excellent companions for triathletes and multi talented sports people. GPS running watches make great training partners as they have so many capabilities. Many watches feature inbuilt training programmes. These programmes can guide the wearer through a range of exercises in order to help them improve their overall fitness levels. GPS running watches are also excellent tools for recovery. As the watch can track activity so accurately, it can use this information to advise the wearer on recovery times and techniques.
Polar Vantage M2 | Black/Grey Silicone Strap 90085160
Polar Vantage watches are marketed as being multisport GPS watches, so they are well-suited to a range of activities and not just running. The brand has developed a range of technologies that give its watches the ability to accurately track a multitude of things. Precision Prime sensor fusion technology tracks heart rate, Nightly Recharge aids with recovery, Training Load Pro provides information on how a workout has affected the body and the FitSpark daily training guide provides ready-made daily workouts.
The Running Index is what makes this watch so suited to running. It features personal and adaptive training plans and the wearer can get an estimate of their running VO2 max to see how their running performance is developing. This model exhibits an elegant and modern black and grey colour scheme. The watch has a battery life of up to 30 hours in training mode or up to 5 days with continuous heart rate tracking.
5. These watches have numerous additional features.
Modern GPS smartwatches are not just sporting accessories. These timepieces are designed to be worn every day to track movement and activity. However, many modern running watches have capabilities outside of running and GPS navigation. Some watches can be connected to the wearer’s smartphone and will be able to display call and message notifications to keep the wearer connected. Other watches are able to make payments using NFC technology. Most GPS smartwatches are equipped with a range of basic apps, providing them with additional utility, making them a vital tool for daily living as well as running. It is important that a smartwatch is capable of functions outside of running, so this factor has been included in our 5 reasons to buy a GPS running watch.
Garmin MARQ Athlete Performance Edition | Black DLC Titanium | HRM-Pro 010-02567-21
The MARQ Athlete models are designed to be the perfect companion for even the most accomplished athletes. This watch has all of the characteristics one would expect in a GPS running watch, such as performance metrics, turn by turn navigation, PacePro technology, running dynamics and a pulse ox sensor. However, it also has a number of additional features to aid the wearer throughout daily life to prepare for training and also take time away from it. Hydration tracking will help to ensure that the wearer is maintaining a healthy lifestyle and smart notifications will help them to stay connected. The watch can store up to 2000 songs, so the wearer can always listen to music on the go, even when they are not carrying their phone.
This watch is equipped with multiple global navigation satellite systems, such as GPS, GLONASS and Galileo which make it possible to navigate in more challenging environments. The exterior of this watch is made from an incredibly strong material called diamond-like carbon coated titanium. This ensures that the watch is robust and will be able to withstand harsh environments.
Would you buy a watch with GPS capability? What are your 5 reasons to buy a GPS running watch? Let us know in the comments below!
