How to Use GPS Running Watches
A growing concern among many people in the world is the
quality of health and physical training. As it gets easier to
eat more and exercise less, it has become vital that
individuals have access to a variety of tools to make training
as systematic and easy as possible. Due to this, investing in a
GPS running watch can make a large difference to runners and
joggers, as well as to those who need a physical training
program to recover from surgery or disease.
Before you purchase your own GPS watch for fitness running,
you need to make certain that you understand how they work and
how they can help you. In order to do this, you should know
about the functions of the basic GPS wrist watch. In the most
basic form, a runners GPS watch is nothing more than a stop
watch and a hand held unit mixed into one. More advance systems
possess functions such as heart rate monitor, performance
indicators, distance meters and much more. This variance
between the base models and the more advanced units allows you
to purchase the exact type of unit that you need in order to
improve the quality of your health and lifestyle.
Select the Right Watch for You
If you are a beginning runner, or someone just beginning
physical training, you will want to investigate units such as
the Garmin Forerunner 101. This unit is one of the more basic
ones available, not only having an affordable price tag, but
enough features where a beginning runner can adapt to the tool
while receiving many of the benefits. The Timex Navman II is
also a beginners watch, sporting similar functions to the
Forerunner 101.
For intermediate to advance users, the Garmin Forerunner 201
has many features that the 101 lacks. Most notably, the 201
allows routes to be determined into the device, allowing long
distance runners to expand their running areas safely. By
providing all of the heart rate sensors, virtual running
partner as well as distance and speed calculators, the device
has everything the professional runner, jogger or triathlete
needs in order to get into the best shape possible. With the
ability to review daily or weekly histories for a period of two
years, the progress of the owner of the watch can be accurately
followed. This is highly important, especially for those who
need to keep a constant eye on health matters.
For those who need a GPS running watch to improve health due
to disease, illness or surgery, the features of the advanced
systems could never be more important. As recovering from any
health issue can be difficult, having the ability to chart
progress and set reachable goals is important for being
successful in building physical fitness.
Training Techniques
When you purchase a GPS running watch, there are several
different methods that you can use to raise your level of
endurance and speed and time. As there are many watches
available, you will want to select the one that has all of the
features required to make use of the method safely.
The first method method involves setting a daily goal based
on distance. If you desire to be a long distance runner, this
method would be good for you. Each day, you will want to set a
minimum distance to run. If you eventually desire to run 20
miles in one day, you would start running one mile a day for a
set period of time. Many use a week or two, so they can adjust
to running. Then, after that initial period of time, another
mile would be added. As you grow more capable of running the
mile, the number of miles you add after each time frame may
vary. Once you have reached the distance you want, you would
begin training yourself using the second method so that you can
pace while being able to reach the distance that you
desire.
The first method requires that the GPS running watch has
full distance based features, as well as position tracking
capabilities. As long distance running usually involves leaving
your neighborhood or running through parks and other natural
areas, you will want to be able to find your way back to
civilization if you make an incorrect turn.
The second method runners use to improve their physical
fitness is to try to beat a pace. Instead of a specific
distance in a day, the runner will try to run a certain speed
every day, gradually lengthening the distance and lowering the
time it takes to get there. This method is suitable for short
distance runners, as well as cross country runners who need to
work on their speed rather than their distance.
The second method requires a good speed/timing watch as well
as pacing features. Garmin's virtual runner companion is
perfect for this style of training, as the virtual runner will
help make certain that you stay on pace.
The third method is for those who need a slower start.
Instead of running distance or beating a pace, joggers using
this method will jog for a certain period of time per day while
keeping careful track of their heart rate. This method is the
slowest of the most popular methods, but is by far the safest
for those with known health issues. An important part of
physical training is to exert yourself without injury. By
tracking heart rates and limiting the amount of time that you
are jogging, you can slowly build up muscle tone and endurance
without stressing your body. Jogging five to ten minutes a day
while maintaining specific heart rates is suggested, while
slowly adding more minutes as your body adapts to being able to
handle the stresses of running.
The third method requires that the GPS unit has a heart rate
monitor, pacing functions and distance calculators. This
combination is important for following the progress of this
type of runner. The mother health oriented features available
in a watch, the more effective it will be when this method of
training is used.
When you purchase your GPS running watch, you will want to
purchase from one of the primary GPS and watch making
manufacturers. Garmin, Timex, Magellan and Casio all have
watches that are suitable for use with one of the three above
methods.
If you are serious about starting an intensive training
program, you will want to contact a professional trainer. The
methods suggested in this article should be used carefully, and
only within the limits of your ability. The information
provided by the GPS runner watch should never take the place of
medical exams and check ups given by professional doctors.
About the Author: Rebecca Blain is a professional and
hobbyist writer who enjoys taking care of her fish and
educating people about GPS watches for
joggers and quality GPS
receivers at http://www.everything-gps.com
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