Three Distinguishing Feature Of GPS Running Watch

fashion978

Are you run for health or run for fun, exercise or competition? If you are one of these runners,[link widoczny dla zalogowanych], you are most likely to hear of a GPS running watch if you do not keep your seclusion from the world. GPS running watch is an innovative program that focuses on cardiovascular conditioning, which is important for people who runs for relaxation or competition. In fact, for serious runners, GPS running watches have become an integral and useful part of the daily workout.
If you haven't yet gotten a GPS watch or are shopping for a new one, you should know what features are essential, which are nice to have, and which features you really won't be using. I've researched 3 absolutely essential features that you absolutely need to have included in any GPS watch that you're thinking of buying.
Speed and Distance Tracking
Speed and distance tracking are essential features for any GPS sport watch. In fact,[link widoczny dla zalogowanych], these two features are what GPS technology is all about in the first place. When you're out running a course, chances are you'll have a goal as to how fast you want to complete that course. The distance won't change - the time to complete will. A faster time through a course indicates improvement, and improvement means that you're getting in better shape. And as your times through a course improve, you'll be able to set your next goal a little bit higher.
Lap Time And Other Data Storage
Most, if not all GPS sport watches now have some kind of on-board data storage capability. Lap times through a pre-determined course indicate your level of fitness. Some of the better GPS watches have a kind of "electronic running buddy" where you can have a virtual running partner that can help you to stretch a bit to meet a new timed goal.
To keep runners from getting bored, the watch should be able to store several different courses, and that data associated with each course.
Some GPS sport watches have a wireless data transfer feature that lets the user send data to a computer through WIFI technology. No cables or USB devices are needed. Naturally, these watches are more expensive, and they go through battery power faster than the non-wireless units.
Interval And Countdown Timer
Interval timing is a series of countdown timers, varying in length and running in sequence. This type of timing is useful for triathalon and biathalon events, where the exercise is not continuous. Interval training is sometimes known as step timing, where the exercise is broken into "steps." For example, a sprint, followed by a fast walk followed by a rest period is an example of step timing.
Countdown timers are very simple - very similar to the feature on a cheap digital watch, this kind of timer is usually included by default on most GPS watches.
A Nice Optional Feature
One more feature that falls into the "nice to have" category is an interactive heart rate monitor. As you run a course, the watch's computer monitors your heart rate (pre-set for optimal cardiovascular health) and slows or increases the suggested speed to keep your heart rate in this optimal zone.
If you run mostly for conditioning, then this type of heart rate monitor can be ideal for you. It isn't a real expensive extra feature, although you probably won't find it on the cheaper GPS watches. I think this one is well worth the extra money.
A Feature You Probably Won't Need
Some of the more expensive GPS sport watches now offer a color screen and fancy graphics. While nice to look at and sometimes very entertaining, I don't feel that color screens are worth the cost.
Color screens may be more difficult to read in sunlight. If you run outdoors, then this applies to you. Color screens use more battery power. This may be bad if you're on an extended marathon or trip where you don't have access to an outlet to charge the batteries. And, a color screen with really cool graphics may be larger, bulkier and heavier that plain old black and white screens. For my money,[link widoczny dla zalogowanych], I'd avoid color screens.
GPS running watches are a useful piece of equipment for runners. Please do not hesitate to get a new GPS running watch before you start an exercise program. Whatever your sport,[link widoczny dla zalogowanych], whatever your reason for a GPS running watch, if you're serious about fitness you should be serious about obtaining a respectable GPS running watch.