When it comes to choosing a running watch, there can be a lot of confusion. The market has been flooded with watches which have a wide range of features. From GPS navigation to lap trackers, it can be hard to determine which ones are worth the extra money, and which ones are just fluff. The answer isn’t always easy, and it’s not one-size-fits-all. What you need in a running watch will vary depending on what you are trying to accomplish, and how serioius you about running.
Consider the following when making a decision.
* Don’t buy more than you need. Sure, a GPS navigator is a cool gadget to have, but if you’re just running around the block a few times to get a little exercise, it’s probably not entirely necessary. You will probably do better with one of the simpler watches on the market with a heartrate tracker and pedometer. 
* If you a more serious runner looking to participate in marathons or the like, you should choose a watch that has the above mentioned features, as well as a lap tracker and other training devices. This will help you keep up with how far you’ve gone, your average times, and other important information when you’re trying to beat your own records.
* Yes, there is a time when you might need a GPS navigator built right in to your watch. If you’re finding new routes, or if you are running off road without staying on a specific trail, GPS navigation is useful for finding your way back to the main path. One good example is the Garmin Forerunner line of running watches.
Want to go even fancier? Some Garmin, NewGen, and other watches also feature touchscreens and easy to use color displays. Prices vary, but they generally range from under $100 to $300, depending on the features you choose.
