Running watches have long been more than just "stopwatches on your wrist." Today, they function as your personal coach, motivator, and activity log all in one. Which aspects should you focus on when choosing the right ones? That is exactly what we will look at in today’s article.
We’ve put together a comprehensive guide divided into 4 main topics:
- Metrics: What do running watches actually measure?
- Why get a running watch in the first place?
- Sport testers, smartwatches, and fitness trackers: Differences and comparison
- Don't let the numbers take away the joy of running
1) Metrics: What do running watches measure?
Modern running watches and sport testers are sophisticated tools. Take a look at the overview of metrics that will interest you most as a runner:
- The Essential Trio:Time, distance (via GPS), and pace. This is the foundation available in all models and is likely the main reason you are considering buying a running watch.
- Heart Rate: Your watch tracks your heart rate both at rest and during activity. It helps you monitor whether you’re running too fast (in the lactate zone) or too slow. Training based on heart rate zones is becoming increasingly popular – think easy "Zone 2" jogs versus hellish intervals where your heart rate spikes.
- Cadence: The number of steps per minute. An ideal cadence is generally considered to be 170 and above. Such a rhythm saves your legs and increases running efficiency.
- Elevation: Thanks to a barometer, watches can measure elevation – specifically the meters you’ve climbed and descended.
- Training Load and Recovery: The watch analyzes your running data and recommends the optimal recovery time after a performance.
- HRV (Heart Rate Variability): A very modern metric these days that measures stress and your body's readiness for the next performance.
- Other Metrics: Standard features also include step count, calories burned, a compass, VO2Max, or current altitude.
Remember, you don't need to track everything. Focus on what suits you and matches your running level. When starting out, the "Essential Trio" – time, distance, and pace is more than enough. Over time, you can dive deeper into the details.
Check out the range of running watches
2) Why get a running watch in the first place?
You might be thinking that a phone app is enough. A phone is great for many things, but when it comes to running, it’s not exactly the "real deal." Here are 5 main reasons why a watch will take your running experience to the next level:
- Comfort and Safety: A phone bounces in your pocket, gets in the way in your hand, and is difficult to control in an arm sleeve. Operating a watch is much easier and more comfortable – even when it's raining outside or you're wearing running gloves.
- Accuracy You Can Trust: The GPS in a watch is specifically tuned for movement. Unlike a phone, which often "glitches" your route off-track, a watch measures every meter and every change in pace instantly.
- Your Partner Beyond the Trail: Simply put, a watch never sleeps. In addition to activities, it tracks your resting heart rate, sleep quality, or stress levels. This helps you figure out when you can really push it in training and when it’s better to just go for a walk or take a full rest day.
- Battery Life That Supports You: While a phone with GPS turned on will die in a few hours, a watch can record for dozens of hours straight. In short, it will survive your longest training session, race, or trek. This includes watches from brands like Coros or Suunto.
- A Dose of Motivation on Your Wrist: Whether your goal is to run your first continuous kilometer or set a marathon PR, a running watch will support you and fire you up when you don’t feel like putting on your running shoes. We know that discipline beats motivation, but an "extra push" never hurts!
Top4Running TIP:Coros watches are a favorite among runners who want a minimalist interface, a sophisticated app, and extreme battery life. Their ecosystem is very intuitive, allowing you to find your way around in no time.
3) Sporttesters, smartwatches, and fitness trackers: Differences and comparison
When choosing a sports "tracker," you will come across three main terms – sporttesters, smartwatches, and fitness trackers. Although they are similar in some aspects, their DNA is quite different. Here is an overview of what is currently on the market.
1. Sporttesters and GPS watches
A category purely for runners and athletes. Their main task is to measure your performance and help you with your training. GPS is an absolute standard in these models.
Key features of GPS watches:
- Robust construction that can withstand falls and extreme temperatures.
- High-quality, durable displays with clear and vivid imaging.
- In-depth and accurate data analysis: You’ll learn everything about your performance, current training load, recommended recovery time, and how your fitness changes over time.
- Control via buttons combined with a touchscreen: This is because touchscreens often fail to function properly in the rain or with sweaty fingers.
- Superior battery life: Offering dozens of hours in GPS mode and lasting weeks without GPS turned on.
- Lifestyle features: Most modern models now include some "lifestyle" functions, such as handling phone calls or receiving SMS notifications.
Advantages: Long battery life, detailed data analysis, a purely sports-oriented ecosystem, intuitive controls, highly accurate GPS, virtual running challenges and trophy collecting, built-in training plans, and sleep monitoring.
Disadvantages: Some models lack lifestyle functions – you might not be able to use them for contactless payments, install third-party apps like a calculator, or make calls. It is important to check the specific description of each model. The initial purchase price also tends to be higher.
Top4Running TIP: Watches from Coros and Suunto, available here at Top4Running, are quintessential representatives of this category – they will support you even on your longest adventures.
2. Smartwatches
The "extended hand" of your phone. In this case, the device is primarily a lifestyle accessory and a multimedia tool for daily life that "also happens to be able to measure sports."
Key features of smartwatches:
- They monitor a wide range of activities – from running and cycling to swimming, dancing, or yoga.
- An operating system that allows for the installation of hundreds of additional and useful apps.
- They are built for interaction – notifying you of emails, messages, or calendar events.
- Their minimalist and elegant design is suitable not only for sports but also for everyday wear.
Advantages: You can use them for contactless payments, reply to messages, or make phone calls; universal design; motivational goal tracking; monthly movement challenges or competing with friends; sleep monitoring.
Disadvantages: Higher purchase price, shorter battery life, and a more fragile construction.
3. Fitness trackers
Simple and affordable devices in the form of a band. While they don't feature such sophisticated design or advanced capabilities, they are sufficient for basic tracking of running or walking.
Základní vlastnosti fitness náramků:
- They provide a basic overview of your daily movement.
- Slim, lightweight bands that you’ll barely notice on your wrist.
- Available at a fraction of the price of sport testers or smartwatches.
- An entry-level gateway to the world of tracking – perfect if you are just starting out and don't want to invest a lot of money right away.
Advantages: They track your kilometers, steps, sleep, and provide an approximate heart rate; battery life lasts for weeks; lower purchase price.
Disadvantages: Most trackers lack built-in GPS. This means if you want a map of your route or accurate pace, you must run with your phone in your pocket, from which the tracker "borrows" the location data. Overall, the measurement is not as precise or sophisticated as with GPS models or smartwatches.
Top4Running TIP: The Suunto brand relies on Finnish tradition, design, and robustness. Their mapping tools are among the absolute best in the industry, so it's no wonder they are a favorite for a wide range of runners and hikers alike.
4. Don't let the numbers take away the joy of running
It’s great – and quite addictive – to watch your fitness improve, your resting heart rate drop, and your pace get faster. But don’t forget one thing: A watch is a tool, not your master. It’s very easy to get caught in a spiral of numbers, data, and closing activity rings. If you focus only on that, it often leads to frustration over unmet goals and exhaustion – both physical and mental. This usually goes hand in hand with putting on your running shoes with reluctance, and the joy of running is gone.
Sometimes the best training is when you leave your watch at home and just run. Just you, your favorite route, and endorphins that no number can replace. It’s nice to have an overview, but it’s even nicer to enjoy running to the fullest – because being able to move is a great privilege.
Running watches are a relatively large investment, but if you're serious about your running, they are well worth it. Check out the range of running watches at Top4Running and choose your new running partner.
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