If you are a runner or want to start running, there are a couple of things that you need to get in order to improve your running time and so forth. 

Owning or acquiring a GPS running watch is one of the main gadgets that is going to help you develop as an athlete.

Gps running watches have gone through some dramatic changes over the years - good changes that can only benefit you as a competitor. 

The running watches that you can get your hands on today are not bulky and heavy, instead they are designed in such a way that they seem to almost become a part of your wrist.

All new GPS running watches are super accurate, they are sleek and are loaded with special features that will all contribute to enhancing your training regime. 

Not having a GPS running watch will be the worst mistake that you could ever make, at least where running is concerned.

Garmin has been one of the most popular brands for years now, but there are so many other brands of GPS running watches to choose from. Tom Tom, Timex, Magellan and Polar are just a few of the well-known companies that have introduced there unique range of GPS running watches into the market in recent years.

With so many choices available, it is important that you figure out what it is that you need from your GPS running watch before you run off and purchase one for the sake of having one. 

When you are out shopping for a GPS watch, you need to match the features of the watch to the purposes you need it for.

What to consider before buying a best GPS Running Watch 

What features are important? Well, it all depends on what level you are on with regards to running, the specific features that you need and what will be most comfortable for you. Below is a guide for beginner runners to mull over before choosing a GPS running watch.

THE HARDWARE

When you are new to the sport, you might not fully understand the importance of the hardware that your GPS running watch has to offer you. The battery life is one of the most important features regarding hardware, especially if you plan on running for long periods of time. Other sensors besides the GPS will also play a vital role in how you progress as a runner.

Over time and as you get more experienced in the sport of running, you will start requiring other hardware features such as accelerometers, compasses, thermometers and barometric altimeters in order to "up" your game.

DATA FIELDS / DATA COLLECTION

In a nutshell, this is all the information that your GPS-running watch is able to record and track. Why is this an important feature? As a runner, you will need to be able to keep track of a number of thing if you want to be able to see how you are progressing.

Some of the information that GPS running watches can record are your heart rate, elevation, cadence, the amount of calories that you are burning. Many watches are able to track the route that you have taken and most will record the distance that you have run on every individual run you embark on.

MEMORY AND MAPS

Most GPS running watches have the ability to show you where you have been on your run. There are a few that maps included in them and some will only store waypoints. Waypoints are simple coordinates that mark important locations specifically for you such as; the nearest public restroom or the location of your house - especially useful if you are running in an area that you are not that familiar with.

How much memory you have available depends on the type of GPS running watch that you decided to purchase. Some have the ability to store many hours of data and some only have the capacity to store a few simple activities. Knowing where you are going and where you have come from is vital when you are a runner, especially for people who are just starting out.

TRAINING ALERTS, AIDS AND SYNCING

Training alerts and aids are features such as auto pause and auto lap. You will be notified of these alerts by means of beeping, vibrating or flashing on the screen of your GPS watch. The purpose of these aids and alerts are to let you know when you have completed a lap or when you have achieved any other goal that you are working towards.

Some of the GPS watches on the market today can also offer you tools that will help you to train more effectively. Pacing aids and interval workouts are two of the features that could be programmed into your watch.

Syncing is another important feature that most runners will enjoy having. Most of the GPS running watches that are available nowadays are able to sync to any home PC, laptop or even some smart phones. Many times it is possible that your GPS running watch will be able to be integrated with Facebook and Twitter. This is a great way to share your progress on the social networks.

THE ACCESSORIES

Who in the world does not enjoy having gadgets? No worries! Most GPS running watches are available with some pretty nifty accessories to help you monitor your progress on a totally different level. There are a number of different accessories that you can pair with your GPS running watch. Heart rate monitors and foot pods are just two of them.

As with everything, the price of a product will rise with the amount of features it possesses. The more you can do with a GPS running watch, the higher the price tag is going to be. 

if you are the type of person who gets intimidated by technology, then you should most likely rather opt for a GPS running watch that is not packed full of features. On the other hand, if gadgets are your thing, go all out and get the top of the range watch. 

Not only will you be stimulated by its many amazing features and functions, you will also be able to actually use all of them to improve your running.

SUMMARY

It does not matter whether you are completely 100% new to the sport of running or if you have been in the game for a number of years already, you should get a GPS running watch that will suit your specific needs. 

Do you want to make a statement when you are out on a run or are you more inclined to pay more attention to your individual progress? How much cash have you got to spend on a running watch? Do you need certain features for tracking specific things? All these questions need to be answered in order to make an informed decision regarding which GPS running watch to purchase.

Ladies in particular might be more interested in the number of calories that they are burning while running, but that does not mean that men are not equally interested in tracking the calories lost while on a run.

Knowing what your goals are when it comes to running is very important. If you do not set individual goals for yourself, you will not have much reason to track your progress at the end of the day. 

Your GPS running watch can assist you in keeping a clear record of how far you have run, where you have run, how long it took you to run that particular distance and much, much more.

A GPS running watch has the ability to give you feedback immediately. There is no waiting to see results and having a watch on your wrist will not hamper with your running form either. Knowing what your heart rate is while your are running is very important. 

Without knowing this, there is a possibility that you could overdo things without even knowing that you are doing so. If you have any worries about your heart or any other health issues, it is advisable that you visit you local Doctor to be checked out and get the go ahead to continue with your chosen sport of running. 

After you have got the green light from the people in the know, all you need to do is decide on which GPS running watch is going to work the best for you and your goals.