8 GPS Watches Perfect For Your Next Road Run
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There's nothing like a new, state-of-the-art GPS running watch to spur on your running habit. You'll love any of these options, which track running stats like calories, distance, pace, and then some. Here are eight GPS running watches we love.
Clockwise from top left:
- New Balance GPS Runner ($100): Perfect for the runner who needs a solid, simple GPS watch, the New Balance GPS runner features lap and interval functionality and tracks your calories burned, distance, pace, average pace, speed, and average speed.
- Adidas Smart Run ($400): The Smart Run watch tracks your distance, steps, and calories, as well as your heart rate (from your wrist) and features a touchscreen that is customizable so you can see the stats you want. The Smart Run also streams music and audible coaching tips to Bluetooth-enabled headphones. The watch features strength-training animations that play right on your wrist so you can follow along anywhere. Stats sync wirelessly so you can view them on your computer. Available Nov. 1.
- Suunto Ambit 2 S ($350): The Suunto Ambit 2 S is for the all-around athlete in your life. The big, clear screen is a cinch to see in many different conditions, and the watch includes detailed tracking for running, swimming, and cycling. If your friend is a hiker, she'll love the navigation features, where she can plan routes, find coordinates, and track her way back to her starting point. You can download more apps to customize what sports data the Suunto collects.
- Nike+ Sportswatch GPS ($140): For the runner who wants a simple watch with a little style, the Nike+ Sportswatch uses TomTom technology for accurate GPS tracking; it also tracks your speed, distance, pace, and calories, all of which you can see on your Nike+ online account once you connect your watch (it slips right into your computer's USB port without the need for cables). A Nike+ sensor that fits in certain Nike+ shoes (or your pocket) helps ensure accuracy even if you are running indoors. The watch also stores your last 50 runs and lets you know whenever you hit a personal best.
- Timex Ironman Run Trainer 2.0 GPS ($225): For the triathlete in your life, the Timex Ironman Run Trainer 2.0 features a large screen with easy-to-read data. It tracks your distance, pace, and speed; connect it to your computer to view graphs, maps, and charts of your workouts. Vibrations tell you when you've hit a certain pace or remind you to drink water. The Timex Ironman Run Trainer 2.0 syncs with training plans like MapMyRun for easy data collection.
- Garmin Forerunner 620 ($400): A clean, simple touchscreen interface means your runner friend will love the new Garmin Forerunner 620. Other features, like measuring your heart rate and VO2 max, as well as calculating how long your recovery should be in between workouts and analyzing your running form and offering suggestions, makes this more than just a GPS-tracking watch. Available Nov. 1.
- Polar RC3 GPS ($350): The Polar RC3 GPS includes a heart rate sensor for accurate calorie and heart rate measurements. The GPS sensor tracks both distance and altitude so you or your friend can see just how strenuous that run really was. Connect to a USB port on your computer in order to see and share all your stats.
- TomTom GPS Sport Watch ($170): The perfect entry watch, the TomTom Runner GPS Watch tracks everything you expect and features a large interface and one-button control. Vibrations alert you when you've hit a milestone. Track your stats after uploading data to an online account, and it syncs with apps like MapMyFitness. You can also easily swap out the strap with another color or style.