Running Watch Review

U.S: Marine Corps

What To Look For

The two most basic functions for a running watch are the pace/distance feature and the heart-rate monitor feature. The former requires that the watch support a foot pod, or a small data-gathering transceiver that is attached to your shoe. If you are a trail runner, you need to add a GPS receiver to the list of necessary features. Finally, if your interest in running is strictly to stay fit and burn fat, you'll want a calorie counter as well.

Common Pitfalls

Remember that as a piece of equipment that is going to be worn during work-outs, and sometimes in some pretty awful weather, your running watch needs to be durable. Never focus on features to the extent that you forget durability, or otherwise your rather expensive investment in a good running watch will go to waste. Also, running watches should be discreet. The only thing a runner should wear that is big and clunky are wrist or ankle weights. If your running watch is over-sized, it will quickly become a nuisance.

Where To Buy

While running watches can be found at virtually any sporting goods store, you should shop for them online. First, the only way to guarantee that the store in question will carry the specific make and model you want is to call ahead. Second, it isn't likely that you will be allowed to try them on in the store, eliminating a major reason why you would go there in the first place. Third, your selection and bargain-hunting power is much greater on the Internet than it is in the brick-and-mortar storefront world.

Cost

The features on a running watch can cause its price tag to balloon, and in 2009 prices ranged from $75 to $600. A typical, reliable model that included a heart-rate monitor with pace and location features (excluding the foot pod, which often comes separately) was $150.