RUNNING, A MEASURABLE SCIENCE.

Back in the days when we still sipped corn syrup for energy and trail running wasn’t even a thing, GPS watches were not invented yet. Going for a long run might even have required you to measure the route with your car before heading out, to ensure you got the mileage you needed in training!

Today life is a lot easier for runners. Tech has made running a measurable science. The health statistics, heart rate, performance analysis, and pace measurements that your GPS watch supplies you with these days, allow novice runners to hone in on, understand and perfect their training in a way their parents and grandparents never could.

DO YOU NEED A GPS WATCH TO RUN A MARATHON?

Additionally, being more aware of your performance in training goes a long way to motivating you on race day. In contradiction to this, some running coaches still send their runners out to run without watches, from time to time, and to train on instinct alone. This method has surprisingly good results.

As with anything, technology is great and where we can, we should use it to our advantage. There are however times when running on feeling alone is highly beneficial to performance. To learn more about ditching your running watch read this article: How to train by feel.

So do you need a GPS watch to run a marathon? Not necessarily, marathons were successfully completed long before GPS technology. However, having a good GPS watch is going to assist you a great deal not only on the day but also in training when different running workouts will require you to train at a specific pace or heart rate.

WHAT FEATURES TO LOOK FOR IN A GPS WATCH

The best GPS watch for a beginner ticks the following boxes when it comes to features:

The good news is that GPS watch brands are in a constant head-on-head race to take advantage of ever-evolving technology and therefore which brand you go with is just a matter of personal preference. Most GPS watch brands tick the above-mentioned boxes and have even more scientific features for you to play around with, as your running becomes more serious.

SOME GPS WATCHES AND WHAT WE LIKE ABOUT THEM

GARMIN FORERUNNER 935

Why we like it:

The Garmin Forerunner 935 is incredibly lightweight and has all the features of the Fenix but none of the bulk. According to multiple ultra-marathoner, Duncan Stewart it ticks the battery life box as one only needs to charge it every 5-7 days. This GPS watch is also ideal for beginners as it warns you when you are overtraining and indicates when you are undertraining too. Because it only weighs 49 grams it is a comfortable workout to the office to dinner solution.

SUUNTO 9 BARO

Why we like it:

If you are planning long-distance epic adventures, the robust Suunto 9 Baro is the GPS watch you will need. With more than 80 sports modes you are able to track and log your adventure whether it be surfing, alpine skiing, rock climbing, or open water swimming. This watch is ideal for trail running as its built-in GPS technology is incredibly accurate and connects to satellites immediately. So no matter how far you roam, you can always get home. Suunto has also proven to be the most accurate GPS watch in measuring elevation, which helps a lot when you are training for sky races or mountain marathons.

COROS PACE

Why we like it:

The Coros Pace is a heart rate-centered watch ideal for long-distance running, triathlon, or swimming training. The Coros app also allows you to customize your zone training based on your reserve and your maximum heart rate. Its battery life is quite impressive with 25hrs in GPS mode. What is more, the Coros is simple in layout and design, allowing you to navigate through the features easily even as a beginner.

POLAR GRIT X

Why we like it:

The Polar Grit X has all the features you as a beginner runner will require to train for and complete a marathon and is priced highly competitively in the marketplace. It is a lightweight watch at 64 grams but still has good battery life. The Polar Grit X surprised even its toughest critics when put through weather tests including extreme drops in temperature as well as humidity. This wearable doesn’t only survive the weather, it is really good at predicting it with current weather as well as a 2-day forecast, built-in. This is one nifty tool for a passionate outdoorsman/ woman!

READY TO BUY YOUR GPS WATCH? READ THIS!

There you have it-our take on the GPS watch conundrum. If you are in the market for a GPS watch, the best thing to do is to ask other runners what watches they run with and what they love about their watches. This way, you’ll be able to get a good idea of what is out there and what could work for you as an individual.

Happy shopping!

What’s your favorite watch and what do you like about it?

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