Should you use the Run Tracker app or watch to run?

December 1, 2019 by

What's the best way to measure or track your runs – GPS Running Watch, Running App, Fitness Watch, driving your route and using your car’s odometer?

These are all real options, and the best way to track your runs is up to you, your goals, and resources.

The mileage tracking app can track your runs and measure your total running time, distance and pace. It’s easy to get started and set up, so there’s no reason to start right away. Check out the pros and cons of both …

Running the tracker pros and cons

Pros:

You do not need to have an additional piece of equipment with you (and do not forget to charge / take care of it).
Cheap or free – many fitness apps are free.
Easy to install and use.

Minuses:

Not as accurate as a GPS watch.
Hard to use for speed / pace of running.

Fitness watches can track your runs. GPS Running Watch – Will use GPS technology to measure mileage in miles or kilometers. It can also measure time / pace / cadence / boost / heart rate / calories burned and much more!

There is a huge variety of types, functions and price offers to choose from.

Watch for running (GPS) Pros and Cons

Pros:

More precisely than the application
Some models measure heart rate / heart rate
Easier to check while working.

Minuses:

Dear
Additional wear / care equipment

3 steps to choose the best running tracker for you

Step 1: What is your goal?

Ask yourself these questions to determine why you need (or want) a running tracker or watch. How much time you spend running, your goals and future plans influence this.

Why / do you need a running tracker?

What is your running goal?

Why are you tracking your runs?

-> If you are engaged in fitness, health or weight loss as the main priority, a running tracker application or a watch with a step count or a strap may be suitable for you. They will tell you how long your running training is and how long you have run.

They may not be as accurate as the GPS watch, but if you are not trying to achieve certain goals at a distance, that's fine.

-> If you are going to train for your first 5K, 10K or half marathon, the run tracking application will tell you the distance and pace. You can follow your workout plan and use the app to evaluate your workouts.

This is also a great way to see your progress, as many applications have a calendar or a summary of all your activities!

-> If you train to become faster, a running watch that measures your pace will help you.

Step 2: How much do you want to spend?

Most tracker launch applications are free. Some have a small fee for more advanced features. But they are much cheaper than a running watch.

If you plan to run for some time and / or prepare for a long distance race, a running watch can be a good investment. This is the best way to measure long distance runs and be able to check your pace / distance while running.

Step 3: You Are Like A Runner

Are there any wrongdoers who make the choice for you?

You don’t have a smartphone, so there is no question about the application?

Can't wear a watch because you don’t have wrists?

Do you want to carry your phone with you on jogging?

Yes, I will still be with me. -> Try the app.

No, I want to take a break from the phone while I work. -> Consider the clock.

Do you want an extra piece of equipment that needs to be charged and convenient for every launch?

Yes, I do not mind! -> Go with … hours

No, I want to run for free! -> Go with … application

Do you like to share your runs / workouts on social networks?

Yes! -> The app can make it faster and easier to share.

Not. -> Either will work, just don’t share after you have done.

I hope you already know if you are in Team App or Team Watch! Here are some of the best watch tracking and launching apps to check when you're ready to go …

Fitness apps that track your runs:

Strava
Run keeper
Runtastic
Run with My Run Card
Nike run club
Charity Miles

Fitness watches that track your runs:

Polar Vantage M – GPS watch with a wrist heart rate monitor. I just got this one and couldn’t work with him because I got injured – but I played with him and it is very easy to use. It is a multi-sport, syncs online automatically, can track sleep, and more. Full review coming soon.

TomTom Spark Running Watch Review – I tried this watch a few years ago. Despite the fact that TomTom is a well-known GPS driving company, they are not so famous for their running GPS watches.

Garmin Forerunner 235 – When I just started running, I got the Garmin Forerunner from Costco. It was HUGE. I crashed into the ground and upgraded to 235 a few years ago.

Samsung Galaxy Watch or Apple Watch w gps – you can also consider smart watches that are compatible with your phone. It is not considered athletic, like some of the above, but if you already have one, in any case, study it to track your runs.