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What To Look For
The most important qualities in a running watch are how it measures pace, distance, location and heart rate. The best running watches measure these accurately and provide the user results for each workout.
Pace and distance: A foot pod--a small transmitter placed in the side of a runner's shoe--sends pace and distance information to the running watch, which displays them on the screen.
Location: Many new models have GPS for trail and outdoor running. GPS watches can create trips and display location if a runner gets lost.
Heart rate: Some running watches can measure heart rate by the use of a transmitter fastened to the chest with a strap. The information is sent to the watch, which keeps track and displays it. More affordable running watches measure heart rate by pressing the index finger and thumb on two sensors located on the front of the watch.
Common Pitfalls
Quality and size are very important when it comes to buying a running watch. Many promise high quality but do not deliver a long-lasting product. Be sure to buy a running watch that has some type of warranty. Additionally, many running watch manufacturers have styles for both men and women--it's important to buy the right one for the proper fit.
Where To Buy
Running watches can be found at almost any sporting goods or department store. Alternatively, many sporting goods and manufacturers' websites are a great place to find a good selection. For instance, Garmin produces many models of watches that can measure all of the features you'd look for. And because Garmin is known for producing automotive GPS devices, their watches have state-of-the-art GPS technology and are usually very accurate. The Polar and Suunto brands also have a wide variety of quality running watches available.
Cost
Running watches vary greatly in price depending on features, including heart rate measurement and GPS capability. On average, running watches cost anywhere from between $70 to $500. The average price for a watch that includes a foot pod and heart rate monitor (but no GPS) runs about $180.
