Running Watches That Measure Speed and Distance

The latest craze to hit the market is the GPS watch and these are great as they offer a high level of precision and accuracy and offer the ability to measure speed, pace, distance and other vital measurements. But GPS watches are not the only type of running watch that is capable of measuring speed and distance, and suffers a few drawbacks meaning that a GPS watch may not neccessarily be the best speed/distance watch for you.

A GPS watch drains batteries extremly rapidly for a start and has a limited battery life, before you must recharge it. GPS systems that utilize disposable batteries like AA's can be costly to run if you are a frequent user, plus GPS watch systems suffer in areas where the satellite signal is obstructed by large objects, like buildings or trees for example.

Alternatively you might consider an accelerometer footpod unit for tracking speed and distance. A foot pod device clips into your running shoe and by measuring your action in real-time can calculate your precise speed and distance travelled using complex algorithms and computing power. Most people find it surprising that a foot pod is about as accurate as a GPS watch, yet as far as accuracy is concerned they are virtually equivalent. A foot pod unit does not suffer from signal obstruction like a GPS does making it ideal to use around large objects, or even indoors. The drawback of a foot pod is that it does not measure altitude, meaning you do not receive elevation data and can not view run course in software.

Another speed and distance measuring system is a pedometer device. Unlike a GPS and foot pod, the pedometer measures speed and distance by counting the number of steps you perform and then using this value to produce an approximate value. Pedometers are ok as a basic guide, but are far less accuate than either a food pod or GPS unit, but are far cheaper.

So when shopping for a speed and distance watch, consider either a GPS or footpod device and you will not go far wrong.

Some popular running watches that are capable of measuring speed and distance include the Timex Bodylink system (GPS), the Garmin Forerunner series (GPS), the Garmin Forerunner 50 and Garmin FR60 (footpod), the Suunto training series watches t3c, t4c, t6c (GPS or foot pod), the Polar watches RS300X, RS800CX and RS400 (GPS or foot pod). Popular pedometer watches include the Tech4O and Sportline watches.

Running watches that measure speed and distance offer some great benefits to serious runners. If you are seeking the greatest accuracy you can either look for a foot pod or GPS watch. If you want the full range of features, a GPS watch will suit you better, however if you want an accurate alternative that doesn't suffer around objects and consumes far less battery power, then a foot pod unit might be a better choice. To save money at the cost of accuracy, a popular pedometer watch can give you a reasonable estimate of your speed and distance when calibrated correctly.