Running is a great way to get active, stay fit, and have fun! Whether you’re a beginner or an experienced runner, there are plenty of styles to choose from. Here, we look at five of the most popular types of running and the best watches for each.
Interval Training is a great way to improve your overall running speed. This style of running involves alternating between short bursts of high intensity running and slower, easy jogs. Beginners should start with a two-minute jog followed by one minute of sprinting. As you get better, you can increase the ratio to four minutes of jogging and two minutes of sprinting. The Garmin Forerunner 645 Music is a great watch to track your interval runs, with its built-in interval timer and heart rate monitor.
Tempo Runs are considered an intermediate-level training run and are meant to build your cardiovascular fitness. This style of running involves running at a steady, sustained pace. Beginners should aim for a pace that is slightly faster than their normal jogging pace. The Suunto 9 Baro is the perfect watch for tempo runs as it offers up to 120 hours of battery life, so you can track your runs without worrying about running out of battery. Additionally, it has a pulse Ox sensor that measures your oxygen levels, so you can stay in your optimal zone.
Fartlek is a Swedish term meaning “speed play” and is a great way to add some fun to your runs. This type of running consists of alternating between periods of fast and slow running, with no set distances or lengths of time. Beginners should start with 30 seconds of sprinting followed by a one-minute jog. The Polar Vantage V is the perfect watch for Fartlek runs as it features a built-in accelerometer and GPS, so you can track your speed and distance accurately.
Hill Running is great for building strength and endurance and is perfect for experienced runners. This style of running consists of running up and down hills of various sizes and is an intense workout. To get the most out of your hill runs, the Garmin Fenix 6 Pro is the perfect watch. It features a built-in altimeter, barometer, and compass, so you can track your elevation and get the most out of each run.
Long Runs are the perfect way to build your endurance and prepare for a race. This style of running consists of a slow, steady run, usually lasting for at least an hour. The Garmin Forerunner 945 is the ideal watch for long runs, with its built-in GPS and heart rate monitor. Additionally, it offers up to two weeks of battery life, so you won’t have to worry about running out of battery mid-run.
When choosing a running watch, it’s important to take into account your running style, budget, and the features that are important to you. Whether you’re looking for a basic running watch or something more advanced, there are plenty of great watches on the market that can meet your needs. With the right running watch, you can reach your goals and have an enjoyable running experience.
Additionally, we have compiled a list of other popular running watches that you may want to consider In Choosing the Perfect Running Watch: A Runner's Ultimate Buying Guide.
1. Garmin Forerunner 235: This is a great watch for runners who want a reliable device that tracks their activities and provides accurate data. It’s lightweight and comfortable to wear, and it has a long battery life. The Garmin Forerunner 235 measures speed, distance, and heart rate, and it also has built-in GPS for tracking your run.
2. Apple Watch Series 6: This is a great choice for runners who want a more sophisticated watch. The Apple Watch Series 6 has a bright and colorful display, and it includes a built-in heart rate monitor and GPS. It also has a built-in music player, so you can listen to your favorite songs while running.
3. Polar Vantage V: This is a great watch for runners who want a device that can provide advanced data analysis. The Polar Vantage V measures heart rate, speed, and distance, and it also tracks training load, recovery time, and sleep. It’s a great watch for serious runners who want a device that can provide detailed analysis.
4. Suunto 9 Baro: This is a great watch for runners who want a device that has a long battery life. The Suunto 9 Baro has a battery life of up to 120 hours and it measures speed, distance, and heart rate. It’s also waterproof, so you can use it in the rain or for swimming.
5. Garmin Fenix 5X Plus: This is a great watch for runners who want a device that can track their activities and provide accurate data. The Garmin Fenix 5X Plus has a bright and colorful display, and it includes a built-in heart rate monitor and GPS. It also has a built-in music player, so you can listen to your favorite songs while running.
6. Coros Pace 2: This is a great watch for runners who want a device that has a long battery life. The Coros Pace 2 has a battery life of up to 30 days and it measures speed, distance, and heart rate. It’s also waterproof, so you can use it in the rain or for swimming.
7. Fitbit Versa 2: This is a great watch for runners who want a device that can provide detailed data analysis. The Fitbit Versa 2 measures heart rate, speed, and distance, and it also tracks training load, recovery time, and sleep. It’s a great watch for serious runners who want a device that can provide detailed analysis.
8. Garmin Forerunner 945: This is a great watch for runners who want a device that has a long battery life. The Garmin Forerunner 945 has a battery life of up to two weeks and it measures speed, distance, and heart rate. It’s also waterproof, so you can use it in the rain or for swimming.
9. TomTom Spark 3: This is a great watch for runners who want a device that can provide advanced data analysis. The TomTom Spark 3 measures heart rate, speed, and distance, and it also tracks training load, recovery time, and sleep. It’s a great watch for serious runners who want a device that can provide detailed analysis.
10. Fitbit Ionic: This is a great watch for runners who want a device that can track their activities and provide accurate data. The Fitbit Ionic has a bright and colorful display, and it includes a built-in heart rate monitor and GPS. It also has a built-in music player, so you can listen to your favorite songs while running.
Whether you’re just starting out or a seasoned runner, there’s a style of running for everyone. With the right watch, you can track your progress and improve your overall fitness. So, get out there and start running!