Should You Invest in a GPS Watch for Running

Apart from all the colorful apparels and shoes available for runners, there are also GPS watches that can be worn to collect all the vital health stats.

While I agree running is not for everyone, it is one of the best exercises for those looking to lose weight and stay in shape.

It is reasonable to assume that if you can move your whole body in a race, most of your excess calories will be used up in the process if you do it on a daily basis.

The modern watch one can wear while running has evolved over the last decade. The initial sports watches were able to keep track of the distance traveled and how fast you accomplished it.

The best GPS watch for running bought by my friend is so powerful at collecting key data that I sometimes wonder what it cannot do.

Not only can it collect information about your heart rate, it is also able to give you key facts about your running style.

Even a cheap GPS watch will deliver vital health stats to the runner that it might be hard to do without one.

If you’re seeking a fitness partner that will not judge or lie to you about how you’re doing, get yourself a top GPS watch for runners.

It will help you keep track of your body’s reaction to your workout regimens. A good brand will let you know if your workouts are working or if you’re over doing it.

Buying Guide for a Good GPS Running Watch

When it comes to GPS watches geared towards the needs of runners or fitness enthusiast, there are no clearly established rules for determining a good brand.

Most manufacturers make bold claims that cannot be backed up with the product’s performance. There are features you’ll want to be present in the GPS watch you ultimately buy online if you like to collect your health data as you run.

The key is Accuracy

The accuracy feature of any runners GPS watch is the key factor to be on the lookout for. Other GPS watch reviews found online puts emphasis on this point.

While the accuracy of the watch cannot be predicted ahead of time, you can read some of the feedbacks from current customers to see if it delivers all the bold claims made by the manufacturer.

How to Download the Created Data

Since most GPS watches for runners have tiny digital screens you probably need to download the created data for proper analysis.

A running watch with GPS should, at least, come with compatibility with some of your digital devices like a smartphone.

Brands like Garmin have free Apps created to make downloading the created data as easy as can be. The best GPS running watch you select should make it possible to download the data to your home computer or other digital devices.

The Memory of the GPS Runners Watch

The memory of the watch will determine the amount of data that can be stored on the device before it starts overriding older data.

It would be nice to have one that can allow you to collect data over several weeks or several months so that it is far easier to compare your workout progress.

Waterproofing for Water Sports

It would be nice to buy one that’s waterproofed to a certain degree especially if you enjoy swimming.

One with waterproofing features will allow you to keep running, even if it starts raining during your workout sessions.

Heart Rate Monitor

You can buy one with a heart rate monitor or one without. While the ones with a heart rate monitor will cost you more, you cannot underestimate the value of the heart information collected.

I think it would be nice to know your workout routines to ensure it is not raising your heart rate levels to dangerous proportions.

If you find out quick enough, you’ll be able to make needed adjustments in your running schedule to correct the problem.

It is better to know about your heart rate stats than not to know, for it can be the difference between staying alive or suddenly dropping dead.

Other Suitable Features

It will be better to get one with the latest in digital display technology with backlit features.

Not only should the GPS watch for running have route tracking, plus a robust map display setting will come in handy.

How would you like your watch to remind you about your body’s nutrition or hydration during your workouts? There are watches for runners that could do that.

If you enjoy indoor swimming, one with an accelerometer should be selected.

One with a touchscreen and longer life rechargeable battery technology will allow you to prolong your running sessions.

Customer Feedbacks

The reviews for even some of the most trusted brands when it comes to GPS watches for running is all over the place.

It is vital you take the time to read the feedbacks from current users of the product.

While no device is immune from few disgruntled customers, the majority of the current owners should, at least, be happy with its performance.

GPS Running Watch Reviews

GPS running watches are not cheap by any stretch of the imagination. Rather than focus on cost, you should pay careful attention to the features embedded inside the device.

You’ll have to decide if you want one with a heart rate monitor or not.

If you want to explore other brands of GPS running watches, just click any of the images provided in this article for instant access to the product’s page with dozens of brands at your fingertips.

Best GPS Watches

1 – Garmin Forerunner 230 Reviews

This is one of the top GPS watches for runners from a company that needs no introduction. Garmin has been around for many decades and they currently manufacture dozens of different models of GPS watches.

Some have called the Forerunner 230 the best Garmin GPS watch due to its impressive features and accolades were given to the product on many online running watches review.

It is designed as a one size fits all kind of watch and you can purchase one in three different colors.

The Garmin Forerunner 230 is designed to replace model 220 with improvement to the battery life, screen size, and addition of other features like audio alerts and smart notifications.

If you buy the one with a heart rate monitor it will come with a chest strap to ensure the delivered heart health data is as accurate as possible.

Not only can this watch track your workout data, it can also be used to keep track of your daily biometrics, which can be easily downloaded onto your computer for easy analysis.

The device can track the distance you have traveled including your track steps.

It is also capable of monitoring your calories and sleeping metrics so that it can accurately and fully assess your non-workout time.

Set Up Video for Your Forerunner 230 Watch

This best GPS watch can do so much more, and you can read all about it on .

2 – Avid Fit Runner 201 Bluetooth GPS Running Watch

Another great watch for collecting health metrics while walking or running is from a company called Avid. It is one of the best watches for running based on our analysis.

The lightweight design is coupled with a durable high-resolution display technology. You have the option of choosing interval or Chrono training at the beginning of your run.

The Avid Fit Runner 201 will give you the distance, heart rate, pace, speed, and other key stats about your workout routines.

The inclusion of Bluetooth 4.0 technology ensures you can instantly transfer your data to other digital devices including your home computer or laptop.

All this is made possible with the free Avid Fit App, which is also compatible with iOS and Android digital devices.

This running watch from Avid is waterproofed up to 100 feet and comes with a longer battery life with different mode settings.