Using a GPS Running Watch to Boost Performance
GPS watches are becoming increasingly popular among runners and many are swapping apps on their phones for smart watches. Not only do running watches provide accurate tracking of distance, speed and route, but they also offer a plethora of additional features. These can include heart rate monitoring and advanced run-tracking metrics, and GPS watches are built with revolutionary technologies that can transform the way you run.
With the right watch, you can maximise your running performance and get the most out of every run, which is particularly useful if you’re training for a race. Whether you're a novice or an experienced runner, a GPS watch can be a great way to stay on top of your fitness goals and there are several watch brands available now, from Garmin to Coros. Below we have explored how using a running watch can help to boost your performance.
Get Feedback About Each Run
A GPS running watch can help to boost performance by giving you real-time feedback about things like your running pace and distance. You can find out whether your training is underproductive, optimal or overexertive and there is a range of useful monitoring features you can use to analyse your training before, during and after your run.
Using the information a GPS running watch provides, you can adjust your training to ensure you’re running in the most effective way to reach your goals. Your watch will give you the data you need to achieve the best possible results from your training and ensure you’re in the best position to achieve your running PB goals.
Monitor Your Progress
Lots of running watches provide you with metrics to help you track your progress, such as average pace, maximum speed and total distance travelled. You can also directly compare the results of previous runs to analyse how beneficial any changes you’ve made have been, ensuring you’re focusing your efforts in the right places.
GPS watches can provide you with data on your heart rate too, which can be used to help you understand your overall level of exertion and assess how well you are recovering in between runs. By gaining useful insights into your body's physical condition and your long-term training habits, you can improve your future performance.
Explore New Running Routes
It’s becoming more common for GPS running watches to provide route mapping and navigation assistance, so you won’t have to continuously run the same routes. With the help of a smart watch, you can strategically plan new running routes that will help to improve your stamina and you can explore new places in confidence.
No matter where you’re running, the advanced navigation features can show you exactly where you are and direct you back to your starting destination if you’re unsure where to go. The built-in maps will enable you to run any route without worrying about getting lost.
Track Your Recovery
Recovery is key if you want to improve your running performance and it can be just as useful to track your recovery as it can be to track your runs. Running watches can monitor things like relaxation and sleep quality, which can help you to improve your sleeping patterns. It can also track things like stress levels.
Often running watches will prompt you to move and rest, and they’re getting smarter all the time. Listening to the suggested recovery time on your watch, especially after a long run, will help you to ensure your body is properly recovering so you can train harder next time.
Purchasing a GPS Running Watch in Ireland
If you don’t currently own a GPS running watch and you’re using a simple app on your phone to track your runs, it’s undeniably beneficial to invest in a smart watch. When purchasing a GPS running watch in Ireland, be sure to check out the range of watches we supply at The Run Hub. We have a variety of running watches to choose from, all of which offer a range of features, and there is a budget-friendly option for everyone.
Should you need some help choosing the right watch for your training needs, our expert team is happy to help. Our impressive technical product knowledge can help you to narrow down the available options and ensure the watch you buy can help to optimise your running performance. We invite you to visit one of our stores and speak to a member of our team in person. We’re always happy to discuss anything running-related.
