5 Best Sport Watches For Runners

By: maggie eliot

Break Studios Contributing Writer

Choosing a running watch is important as choosing a running partner; you have to know you can trust it and that it isn't going to die during a long run when you need it most; learn about the 5 best sports watches for runners. Whether you are looking for something simple and reserved or large and ostentatious, we have done the shopping for you:

Nike Triax Fury 100 Regular Running Watch. This is your basic, no frills, just the important functions, running sport watch. Specs include the 100 lap chronograph, two alarms, a data function (for saving your runs) and a cool S-shaped, ventilated strap. The Fury is just the right size to see your time without being weighed down by extra bulk. The Fury is 85 dollars at the Nike Store; possibly cheaper at Running Warehouse.
Nike+ iPod Watch Remote. The Watch Remote is perfect for the runner who wants a sports watch, but doesn't want to look at it. This watch will also tell you your pace, distance, and calories burned. Note: You have to wear Nike shoes and an iPod for the watch to audibly relay this information. The Watch Remote can be purchased at the Nike Store for 69 dollars.
Polar RS800. If you are just running for fun with a few road races here and there, this is not the sports watch for you. The Polar RS800 is a serious commitment for a serious athlete. You can download your heart rate variations to your desktop after your run. If you want to spend some time reading the manual, you can also enable the altitude and stride rate features. It is also supposed to be have the most accurate GPS system. This watch is like taking a coach and a sports lab with you. The downside: At 389 dollars, it costs as much as a coach. The Polar RS800 can be found at Polar USA.
Timex Ironman. At 50 dollars, this basic watch is a great value. If you are a recreational runner and you just want the time, a stopwatch function and a lap chronograph, the Ironman is your the best sports watch for you. If you aren't going to use a 100 lap feature, map your runs or make little progress graphs, don't buy an expensive watch. You can find the Ironman at any major sporting goods store or at Running Warehouse.
Sunto T4. The T4 has revolutionized training. Enough trying to figure out what your heart rate means, the T4 makes it simple:1 means "too slow;" 5 means you are at lactate threshold. If you focus your training on heart rate, the T4 is the best running watch for you. NOTE: If you do a lot of altitude training, this is not the best sports watch for your running, since it doesn't account for elevation changes. Buy the T4 at R.E.I or Zappos for 219 dollars.