Do you need a GPS/Running Watch to train for a marathon?
“Hey Coach, I’m training for my first marathon. Do I really need to buy a running watch to train for my first marathon?”
Coach D - Nope! While having a running watch is helpful it is not a requirement. Many apps such as Strava, Nike Run Club and MapMyRun can provide pace guidance and track your miles while you train. If you are looking for something a little more, here are some considerations to make if you should be upgrading to a GPS watch.
You are planning to incorporate more than just easy miles and desire feedback for these workouts. I have some athletes that do not have a GPS watch doing threshold workouts, intervals etc and they want to be able to see their “splits” (the period of time in a certain pace effort) if this is you then I have two recommendations: Using an app like “Intervals Pro” (iOS) where you can program the workout and it will give you audio feedback during your workout.
You want recovery data and additional running metrics. GPS watches provide more than just pace and distance. You may want to track your cadence (steps per minute), Vertical oscillation (vertical movement during the run), stride length, VO2 Max, Heart Rate, etc. As a coach - if I had to choose one metric to add to your training it would be heart rate. Do you need a watch to do this? Nope. A simple heart rate strap and it’s app can record your data. You will need to look at your data in two places (say Strava and the heart rate app) but it is a fraction of the price compared to a running watch. It’s easy to get caught up in all of the metrics/data of a GPS watch, so before you take the plunge think do I really need this or do I want it?
You are invested in the workouts. Sounds ironic right? You are training for a marathon, of course you are invested! But just like the fancy shoes won’t shave hours off your finishing time, a GPS watch does not mean you will be faster or stronger. Adding more tech without the muscle behind it isn’t how we get to the finish line strong.
You plan to keep using the watch well after the marathon is run. Running watches are pricey! Using it for only 4 months of training and then it becoming a paperweight might not be the wisest use of funds (of course if you have the money and that doesn’t bother you then by all means get a Garmin Phoenix!) But in all seriousness, consider how often you are going to use the watch post training.
“Hey Coach, what about Apple Watch? Can I use that to train?”
Absolutely! The Apple Watch has advanced so much since I last wrote about it! It now offers lap feature and provides better feedback than in the past. The battery life is also greatly improved to support marathon training. One thing I remind athletes, Apple Watch is a smart watch. Garmin/Coros is a running/multisport watch. One is designed for lifestyle that includes running. The other is designed for sport that you can use everyday. I have known some athletes to use an Apple Watch for their day to day and then swap it out for a Garmin when they do their workouts. For many of us this may not be feasible, so take a step back and assess how often would you use it and what is the primary purpose you want the device for.
“Hey Coach, would you recommend a Garmin or a Coros?”
Currently I’m use the Coros Pace 3 , before that I had a Garmin 735XT (discontinued). I had my Garmin for almost 6 years and honestly just wanted something different. One feature I love about the Coros is the battery life and the app is better (in my opinion) compared to Garmin. While the Coros is touchscreen, I really don’t use it that much. Both watches were pretty intuitive to figure out and GPS/tracking seems accurate on both. Coros also had significantly less models to chose from which saved me from decision fatigue. Some factors I looked into to decide which model to go with included:
Watch face size. I have a small wrist so I didn’t want something big.
Battery life. My events do not take longer than 6 hours, so solar powered was not as important. One model of Coros can last up to 24 hours (or more) on GPS! I do not camp or find myself without access to power often, so again solar power wasn’t important.
Multisport option (I do triathlons too, so needed that feature)
I did not want a watch that I could download music onto - I rarely use music on short runs and always take my phone with me on long runs so that was not needed although my Coros does support it. (I haven’t used it yet)
Budget. I knew what I wanted to spend - I knew I didn’t need the $700+ watch because it had more features that I’d ever use on it. I’m definitely a do more with less kinda athlete.
Still unsure? Garmin has a fun feature on their website to help you find the right watch.
When working with athletes, if they want to upgrade to a GPS watch the most important question is “What do you want this watch to do for you?” There are so many choices out there but just like marathon training, we need to make the decision that works for us. A GPS watch to use in training is to provide more detailed feedback but the most important feedback is what you feel. A GPS watch does not replace self awareness and self assessment. Race day comes together when we listen to our bodies during training.
Interested in a Coros? Use my link here and we both get a free additional band!
Coach D
