GPS running watches are no longer just for running geeks (you know who you are). Great strides in technology have been made to make GPS watches more user friendly, and prices have dropped to make them more appealing to all budgets.
Here are a few reasons why you should ask the man in red for a GPS watch this year:
Training Flexibility
No longer are you stuck to your familiar routes that you measured with your vehicle’s odometer a few years ago. With a GPS watch you can venture off into new areas to change up the scenery and discover different parts of your town, all while tracking your mileage and other essential stats without retracing your run later in the car.
Safety in Training
Many people know they should increase running mileage slowly to keep from getting injured. A GPS watch will keep track of all your mileage and you will be able to rely on the stats to make smart decisions about your training.
Less Hassle
GPS watches make it easy and convenient to track your workouts. The alternative is carrying around your iPhone with the GPS app, praying you don’t drop it or it doesn’t get wet in the elements. Some people still run or walk with a running watch or timer and a pedometer, but why not make it easy on yourself with a GPS watch so you can concentrate on your workout, and not the technology (or lack of).
Know the Mileage of your Shoes
Depending on a variety of factors, a pair of shoes may need to be replaced around 300 to 400 miles. When we ask people how many miles are on their shoes most of the time they aren’t sure, but with a GPS watch you would easily know this number at any given time.
Track Progress
A GPS running watch will not lie to you. It will honestly show your improvement or decline as a log of your historical progress is being recorded with each run or walk.
Pacing
Not only will a GPS watch help in your training, but also on race day. Use it to stay on pace of your desired end time, and even tell you when it is time to walk and then run again if you are using the run-walk method.
What GPS Running Watch Should I Get?
When considering a GPS running watch, first ask yourself what you want to get out of it. Some people want all the bells and whistles, while others are just fine using the basic functions. The requirements of a triathlete’s GPS watch will be different from someone in the Crim Training Program. Just like we measure your feet and analyze your gait to find the perfect pair of shoes for your feet, we will help you find the right GPS watch for how you want to use it, as well as show you how to use your watch if needed.
If you have any specific questions or would like to review the options available, we will be having a GPS Tutorial at the store Wednesday, December 5 from 6:00pm – 7:00pm. Please feel free to stop by.
