Should I buy a ‘running watch’?

[Frissels]

I graduated four weeks ago. I use the Runkeeper app on my iPhone to replace Michael’s voice giving me times. I’m wondering if it would be helpful to link this to a sports-type watch, but I have absolutely no idea about them or which type would be best. I’m hoping some of you more experienced runners can offer some advice.

It’s my 65th birthday next month, can you see where this is leading ...??!

[Hareshaw-Granny Graduate]

Sorry I can’t help as I too am looking for help on this matter. Will watch your replies with interest👍👍.

[Tasha99 Graduate]

Yes definitely. Get a garmin. I wear mine constantly. Look at the 45s and the vivoactive 4.

[MontyMooDog Graduate]

I've got a Honor Magic Watch 2. Got recommended it on here and can't recommend it enough. Having said that it's made by Huawei and therefore links directly into my Huawei Health app on my phone. So maybe check what would link into your phone/tablet. I do think you can download the Huawei Health app onto another platform though 🤔😁

[Sussex13 Graduate]

I was loaned a garmin by a friend who bought the next model up so had this spare. I LOVE IT! Honestly, it’s given me all the inspiration I needed to do this C25k. I’m on W3/r3 and love looking at my data and how it interacts with My Fitness Pal and Strava (fitness app). It’s quite the motivational tool - and some can show your messages and emails too! I’d say definitely go for it, you won’t regret it.

[Bravenewworld Graduate]

I’ve got the Apple Watch 5, I love it, does everything I want, links to strava once I’ve finished my workout, easy to read watch faces too 😊

[Lynne1916 Graduate]

Think Apple are doing a special offer on the series 3. I love my Apple Watch , gives you loads of stats to play with, links to your iPhone and tells the time to boot!

[Tasha99 Graduate]

I personally would say forget apple. Very inaccurate. I got rid of mine as I was sick of the timing being so out. Sometimes 20 seconds out at parkrun. Also touchscreen in the rain is a nightmare. Garmin is better, more accurate, cheaper and has a lot more running stats and support.

[HelenofTroy123 Graduate]

Garmin lover over here!! Although the vo2 bit which I have been tracking since I got fit says I’m 63 and my fitness hasn’t improved since April when I run 6 miles a week now! 🤔

But the rest of it is great!!

[MontyMooDog Graduate]

Think a lot depends on your budget but my watch was £140 which I believe is about a third of the price of some competitors with similar features.

[Couchphoenix Graduate]

Well I’ve got a Fitbit Charge 3 it cost £79.99 from eBay (seller Curry’s PC World) and it does everything I need it to, it was easy to set up and use, it’s also quite a sleek looking watch and I wear it every day now 👍

[HeavyFoot Graduate]

If you just want a simple watch/stopwatch the SKMEI on Amazon costs buttons, is very reliable and has big digital numerals. I wear mine all the time. Of course it does not link with anything or tell you you’re low on oxygen or track you on GPS or order Lucozade from Ocado, it just tells you the time to 1/100th second if needs be. Not much of a 65th present though at that price!

[Reggit Graduate]

I treat myself to a Fitbit charge 4 when I was on around week 4 of the program, upgraded from a charge 2. It’s got built in gps and heart rate monitor and syncs to strava. Doesn’t have all the features of a Garmin, but does want I wanted and is less bulky.

[Lizcanrun Graduate]

I've just bought myself a Garmin vivoactice 3 music and I love it! Particularly as it means I don't have to take any other device out with me. You just get the app, download your music and sync your headphones. GPS is much better than my ipod and hasn't lost coverage yet. Does all the bells & whistles. Costs about £140 usually, but I got mine in the clearance section of John Lewis for £99!