May 18, 2011. Paul Hixon
credit: HerkieIf you are looking to start a serious running regimen, perhaps buying GPS for runners is a sound investment that you can consider. Of course, you always have the option to go lower and buy pedometer watches instead but the accuracy and precision of GPS wrist watches already pays for itself in more ways than one.
As long as you strive to do your runs on a regular basis as well as take care of your GPS watch, there is no reason to say you did not get the best value despite the higher price.
GPS for runners work like your standard car GPS system: it gets information from at least three satellites overhead in order to calculate your exact position on the earth’s surface. Most technologies work the same way, i.e. your mobile phone is located in the grid by using at least three communication towers. This method is known as triangulation and uses relatively easy mathematics to achieve. Because of this method, GPS satellites do a fantastic job of giving accurate distance and speed measurements at any point in your run. Simply ensure an excellent satellite reception and you are more than guaranteed to get your data on your wrist.
From here, the benefits of GPS for runners exponentially grow. You have the option to get a heart rate sensor that works with your watch to look at running intensity or effort. This means that you know exactly how hard your cardiovascular system is working. If your heart is beating too fast, you’re doing some heavy lifting; if you are only slightly above your average, then you are not doing enough work.
Endurance athletes look at this value to “pace” themselves in competition. That means they are able to determine whether they are in the right zone and can always push or dial back as needed. Endurance racing would be almost impossible without the heart rate monitor as you wouldn’t be able to properly estimate whether you have enough left in the tank for the closing stages.
You also get route waypoint storage, hydration reminders, multi-timezone timing, multi-sport compatibility and many others making it your reliable training partner wherever you go. Consider getting your very own GPS for runners to push your runs farther.
Updated May 18, 2011. Published May 10, 2011. Paul Hixon
