// RUNNER TECH
BY ANDRE LESSARD
Did you go for a run today? How far did you go? I’m certain you know down
to the second decimal point how far you have traversed all thanks to a small
device on your wrist; your GPS watch.
GPS watches are still relatively new, but they are a great way to track your
fitness. Garmin introduced the first GPS in 2003 with the Forerunner 101. It
was big, specifically 3.26" x 1.71" x 0.91". Its main feature was, you guessed
it, GPS! It also boasted customizable data pages, auto pause, auto lap and
virtual partner. It allowed runners to accurately measure their speed and
distance - sort of. The technology back then was not as reliable, nor as sleek
as the watches available today.Throughout the years, incremental improvements have turned the beasts of
the past into the sleek, and sometimes stylish, performance pieces they are
today. And there are a lot to choose from!Beginner For Keeping it Simple
Intermediate For Looking to go Faster
Advanced For The Data Junky
GARMIN FORERUNNER 35 - $269.99This watch has 24/7 activity tracking along
with sport profiles which allow you to see the
data relevant to the activity. When it comes
to running, it’s about keeping it simple; time,
pace and distance. Heart rate is tracked using
Garmin Elevate wrist heart rate technology.GARMIN FORERUNNER 235 - $450.99The 235 is the watch to get you to the next lev-
el. V02 Max estimate, training effect, recovery
time, and downloadable training plans to help
you reach your new PR. This watch can also
predict your finish time with Race Predictor.GARMIN 735XT - $649.99Do you like data? Look no further. On top of
all the premium features this watch boasts
running metrics to help you become a more ef-
ficient running machine. It measures cadence,
vertical oscillation and ground contact time
with left and right foot balance. Analyze your
data and you will see exactly what you need to
work on to reach the podium on your next race.POLAR M200 - $189.99Best bang for your buck; the M200 shows pace,
distance and heart rate. It has many activity
profiles for all your adventure and 24/7 activity
tracking! After each workout, the watch lets
you know the training benefit so you know how
you improved.POLAR M430 - $329.99Polar has stepped up their game with this one.
24/7 activity tracker. Running index is a great
way to track your fitness progress and running
programs to help you get to where you want to
be. Recovery advisory and fitness test will further
track your progress to ensure you train smart.POLAR V800 - $619.99It takes heart to get to the next level and the
Polar V800 will help you get there. It is heart
focus and will measure the pulse of your fitness.
Based off your heart rate it will tell you your
recovery status. You can also take the fitness test
to better determine if you’re on the right track.
Want to know if you’re gaining power in the
legs? You can always take its jump test!FITBIT CHARGE 2 - $199.99This is for the socialites. It’s fun to compete
with your friends in step challenges! It tracks
speed and distance during runs along with
heart rate. However, the GPS on this one is as
good as your phone since it connects via blue-
tooth to it and uses its location services.