When you want accurate heart rate measurements, we recommend a heart rate monitor. It's relevant for runners who train based on their heart rate, or for those who want to keep an eye on their heart rate.
When it comes to daily data, most sports watches are quite similar: they track your steps, heart rate, sleep, calories burned, and other basic metrics. The difference lies in how they track and analyze your training sessions. If you're just starting out with running, you might be looking for a simple model. If you're an experienced runner, you'll probably want more advanced technological features, such as HRV status, VO2-max, lactate threshold, endurance score, or hill score...
WIth bone conduction, the pods don't sit in, but on your ears. You can still hear the surroundings, which is more safely when working out on the road. Your brain registers the sound through vibrations.
Electronics for runners
To give your running experience an extra boost, or when you want to avoid injuries and increase your safety while running, some electronics might help.
Sports watches
Almost every runner nowadays wears a sports watch. Sports watches come in all sizes, shapes and prices. It tracks your daily steps, heart rate, sleep, calories burned, and other basic data. But, there are noticeable differences when it comes to tracking your training sessions. If you're just starting out with running, you might be looking for a simple model. If you're an experienced sporter, you'll probably want more technological features. Not sure which one suits you? We list several sports watches with their specific features.
Heart rate monitors
You can complement a sports watch with a heart rate strap, although most watches nowadays already include an accurate wrist-based heart rate monitor.
When you want optimal accuracy, you can opt for a heart rate monitor. There are monitors around the chest, but some athletes find them uncomfortable. That case, an upper-arm monitor is a good alternative.
Headphones
Music makes your workout 10x funnier, right? But safety first, and that's where bone conduction comes in. Being able to hear your surroundings is essential. The Shokz or Suunto earphones are perfect for listening to music safely while running. These don't sit in, but on your ears. this technology is called bone conduction: your brain registers the sound through vibrations.
Running lights
Running before sunrise or in the evening requires a good running light. This way, you're visible to other road users and you can see clearly in the dark.