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From Fellrnr.com, Running tips
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This article is a concise guide to the best running watches available today at differing prices and functionality. As well as recommendations for the best watch, I also have a few that are worth considering in spite of their flaws, and some to avoid. For most runners my top choice is the {{Garmin 310XT}}, which is great value for money and has all the features you're likely to need. If that's too big and you want something more watch like, then the {{Garmin 610}} is great, and it's often available refurbished at a great price.
There are several features to consider when looking for a runners watch. <div style="float:right;">__TOC__</div>
* '''GPS.''' GPS provides an easy measure of how far you've run, which is critical for your training. While it is possible to map out a run afterwards, this tends to be tedious and is typically less accurate than GPS. However, '''<span style='color:#FF0000'>GPS is not accurate enough to display your current pace'''</span>. The Garmin 910XT, 310XT and 610 can display current pace from the Foodpod while using GPS for distance.
* '''GPS Pre-cache'''. Some newer watches will download the predicted positions of the GPS satellites for faster initial acquisition. This pre-cache works remarkably well, and the data is usually downloaded automatically when the watch is connected to the internet. However, the data is only valid for a few days, so after that time the device will fall back to the usual approach of scanning for satellites.
=Recommended=
This section covers the watches I'd recommend as 'the best'. Which one is the best for you depends on your budget and requirements.
* '''Limited battery life. '''If you run for less than 3 hours, you're fine with the Motoactv. If you run for between 3 and 6 hours then think carefully. If you run for more than 6 hours, look elsewhere.
* '''No usable 'current pace' display.''' Don't try to use the Motoactv to keep you on pace. (This is true of all GPS watches unless you can display the pace from a Footpod.)
* ''''''Difficulty uploading workouts to a training log''''''. If you want to keep an automated training log (and you should), the Motoactv will be hard work.
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=Not Recommended=
These watches have flaws or a price point that makes them unattractive.
==Polar V800==
The Polar V800 has been released, but critical functionality has not yet been implemented so I would recommend avoiding it at this point. Currently the V800 only supports loading data to a Polar web site, which is a fatal flaw in my opinion. Polar is planning on releasing this functionality in September 2014, and I am planning on reviewing the V800 and testing its GPS accuracy at that point. However, the functionality offered does not seem to justify the high price tag, and I've heard some anecdotal reports of GPS accuracy issues.
==Garmin 405/405CX/410==
The Garmin 4xx series watches use a touch sensitive bezel which does not work well with gloves or when wet. The [http://www.amazon.com/Garmin-Forerunner-GPS-Enabled-Sports-Watch/dp/B0046BWRUK Garmin 410] has an 'improved bezel', but there are [http://www.dcrainmaker.com/2011/01/look-at-new-garmin-fr410-touch-bezel.html still problems]. I also see more people struggling at the start of marathons with the 4xx watches than all the other devices combined.
There is a lot to like about the Nike+ Sportwatch, but it has one weakness that I believe is unacceptable. The software for the Nike+ does not allow you to use the data from your runs in anything other than the Nike web site. A [[The importance of a training log|training log is important]], and while beginners may not need one, buying a watch that prevents you from accessing your data in the future is too limiting. The Motoactv is a far more capable watch than the Nike+, though it too has some flaws.
==Garmin 305/205==
The 305/205 are the earlier generations of Garmin GPS watches, and are getting hard to find. With the price drops of other devices these Garmin watches no longer offer reasonable value for money, though they offer great GPS accuracy if you can find one.
=Using a Smartphone=
Most smartphones have a GPS built in and support various applications that allow them to function as sports watches.
==Smartphone Pros==
* If you already have a smartphone, this is the cheapest option.
* The GPS accuracy of Smartphones is generally as good or better than a dedicated running watch.
* Carrying a phone allows you to [[Running Safety| call for help]].
* You may be able to use the smartphone as an MP3 player.
* It is possible to use a [[Heart Rate Monitor]] or even and a [[Footpod]] with a smartphone. ** The [http://www.amazon.com/Polar-Bluetooth-Smart-Heart-Sensor/dp/B007S088F4 Polar H7 heart rate monitor] works is [http://www.polar.com/us-en/support/compatibility_of_polar_h6_h7_heart_rate_sensor compatible] with iPhone 4S/5 for $63and many Android phones. It supports many apps, including [[https://itunes.apple. This will work with com/us/app/ismoothrun-pro-gps-pedometer/id410965399?mt=8| iSmoothRun]], [[Runkeeper]], [[Mapmyrun]](+), EndoMondo (Pro), Runmeter, and others. (Android phones not supportedIt also works nicely with [[Heart Rate Variability]] apps.)
** The [http://www.amazon.com/Wahoo-Fitness-WFFisica01-Key-iPhone/dp/B0042WGO3Y Wahoo Key] is a $55 dongle that adds Ant+ support to an iPhone 4S/4/3GS. This allows you to use the {{Garmin HRM}}, {{Garmin Footpod}} and other Ant+ accessories. It works with most apps including RunKeeper, MapMyRun(+), EndoMondo (Pro), Runmeter. Note that the dongle may cause problems finding a waterproof case.
** The [http://www.amazon.com/Garmin-Adapter-iPhone-Monitor-Cadence/dp/B005ZSYEOK Garmin Ant+ Adapter] is similar to the [http://www.amazon.com/Wahoo-Fitness-WFFisica01-Key-iPhone/dp/B0042WGO3Y Wahoo Key] but it has limited app support.
** Some [[https://support.garmin.com/support/searchSupport/case.faces?caseId=%7bf3027e90-f8de-11e0-73d0-000000000000%7d| Sony Ericsson android phones]] have Ant+ support built in.
==Smartphone Cons==
* A smartphone is usually heavy, bulky and has to be mounted on your upper arm, making it hard to see the display(a smart watch helps solve this).
* A smartphone mounted on your arm makes you a potential target for theft, reducing your [[Running Safety| safety]].
* Most touchscreens do not work well with gloves, in the rain, or with sweaty hands.
* Few smartphones are waterproof, so a specialist case will be required to protect it.
==Smart Watches==
Some of the problems of using a Smartphone can be alleviated with a smart watch. With the phone mounted on your upper arm, it's hard to see the display or control the app, but the smart watch can act as a remote display and remote control. My favorite iPhone app, [[https://itunes.apple.com/us/app/ismoothrun-pro-gps-pedometer/id410965399?mt=8| iSmoothRun]], supports several smart watches including the Pebble and the Magellan echo.
==Recommended Running Apps==
My favorite iPhone app is the [[https://itunes.apple.com/us/app/ismoothrun-pro-gps-pedometer/id410965399?mt=8| iSmoothRun]], which offers great functionality and ease of use. It exports to many social networks, plus Dropbox, supports smart watches, and has great configurability. I've tried a number of Android running apps, but I never found anything I liked as much as iSmoothRun on the iPhone. To use an Android phone with the Pebble smart watch I used Pebble Runner, which was rather basic, but worked.
