This article presents a list of cheap running watches. These are basic starter watches that are suitable for beginners or casual joggers, but probably won’t have the features needed for advanced training. If you are looking for a more advanced watch, you can learn about the more advanced features in our running watch guide. You can also visit a collection of our favorite running watches if you would like to buy a running watch.

Perhaps the most important piece of running equipment after shoes and shorts is the running watch. With a watch you can record how long your runs take and compare your times against past efforts. Using time as a benchmark, you can use your digital stopwatch to determine if you are getting faster and fitter.

Digital sports watches handy too, when competing in an event such as a fun run, or even multi-sport events involving other activities like running, swimming (if the watch is sufficiently waterproof), skiing, rowing and bike riding.

If you are starting out then you are probably looking for a cheap running watch.

If you are wondering what is the best watch to buy, here are a few tips on choosing the right cheap digital watch:

• Ensure that has a clear, readable screen that is viewable at an arm’s length – the digits should be large and clear enough that they are comfortable to read while running
• The buttons should be easy to press while on the run
• A cheap sports watch for running should cost no more than $35 USD and in most cases you canl expect to pay around $15 USD

Want some suggestions?

We have compiled a list of our 10 favorite discount watches for runners.

To quickly recap, these watches don’t have many advanced features.

If you are looking for a discount running watch that is a little more advanced, visit our top 10 favorite cheap running watches with running features. These will cost a little extra, but all support session/lap recall and interval timers.

But if you just want something “cheap and dirty” to get you going quickly, the featured watches on this page will do the job quite nicely for basic stopwatch timing.

Top 10 Discount Running Watches For Men and Women

Price:$14.88

TIMEX MEN’S 1440 SPORT DIGITAL WATCH T5J561/T5J571/T5J581 This Timex1440 is a cheap men’s watch that integrates technological innovations with contemporary details. Featuring a large digital display that is suitable for both casual wear and sporting activities, the Timex 1440 watches are one of the industry’s best affordable time-pieces. Indiglo Night-Light 24-Hour Chronograph 24-Hour Countdown Timer Dual Time Zone & Daily Alarm Water Resistant – 50 Meters (165 Feet) 2 Year Battery Life One-Year Warranty

TIMEX WOMEN’S 1440 SPORTS MAGNETISM WATCH T5B821/T5B831 Fitness smart women have really taken to the Timex Magnetism 1440 ladies sports watch – a sleek, svelte and nicely shaped watch designed for small wrists. The Magnetism presents a clear digital display that is easily viewed while on-the-move. Both stylish and affordable, the Magnetism can as easily be worn in the gym as it can with casual dress. Indiglo Night-Light 24-Hour Chronograph Dual Time Zone & Daily Alarm Water Resistant – 50 Meters (165 Feet) 2 Year Battery Life One-Year Warranty

Price: $19.95

TIMEX WOMEN’S MARATHON MIDSIZE WATCH

T5D681 T5J451 T5J441 Price: $26.95 Price: $39.95 Price: $39.95

Indiglo Night-Light 24-Hour Chronograph with Runaround Alert Pulse Calculator and Bar Graph Indicator Daily Alarm & Day Display & Dual Time Zones Water Resistant – 50 Meters (165 Feet) One-Year Warranty The Timex Marathon watch may cost a little more than the Magnetism, but it offers a few extra niceities. In addition to the standard Timex 24 hour stopwatch the Marathon features 10-12 preset timers with runaround alert plus a pulse heart rate calculator and graph indicator. In terms of size and looks, the Marathon will suit a feminine wrist and looks the part both on the sports field or in your casual day-to-day life. Buy this watch if you can benefit from more sports features than the 1440 watches.

CASIO MEN’S DIGITAL SPORT WATCH W756B-1AV The Casio W756B-1AV is a cheap mens watch that looks and is robust enough to take a beating as you would expect from a Casio sports watch. In addition to a basic stop watch, the W756B-1AV features down-time recording which is quite useful when stopped at traffic lights or when otherwise interrupted. This watch also features 9 countdown timers which makes it suitable for interval training workouts. While this cheap black watch might be a handful for the beginner, once mastered the extra features are a nice addition at a supurb price, plus it features an ultra-long lasting battery. Stopwatch with 1/100 sec accuracy. Elapsed time, event timer, injury timer Auto LED Light with Afterglow World Time – 29 Time Zones (48 cities) 9 Interval Counliown Timers Daily Alarm & Hourly Chime 10 Year Battery sports timer Water Resistant to 100m (330 feet)

Price: $19.96

Price: $14.96

CASIO WOMEN’S DIGITAL WATCH One for the ages, this model Casio watch has been in production for years and features the original retro design – an affordable, durable, water-resistant timepiece constructed without unnecessary buttons or frills, the LA11WB-1 is a cheap sport watch that is perfect for the woman who wants to get down to running, without fuss or nonsense. Water Resistant Daily Alarm Counliown Timer 24 hour Stopwatch with 1/100 second accuracy Hourly Time Signal Auto Calendar Accuracy: +/-30 seconds per month Battery SR1116W Approx. battery life: 2 years

FREESTYLE MEN’S ROCKWAY WATCH While the button configuration on this watch might take a bit longer to get used to, the watch works and looks great. Of all the discount running watches for men, the Freestyle Rockway 712011 features 30-lap memory per session, an especially useful function for the beginner who might, in future want to try some interval training sessions. At $24.99 on Amazon this discount mens watch is a steal for the runner who wants a few extra feature. 30 Lap Memory Chronograph & Counliown Timer Dual Time & Alarm Night Vision Backlight Display Durable Polyurethane Strap Water resistance to 100 meters (330 feet)

Price: $24.99

Price: $49.00

NIKE TRIAX SPEED 10 REGULAR WATCH The snug fitting Nike Triax WR0124-001 features a unique angle and S-shape that allows for optimal viewing while on the move, making this one of the more ergonomically friendly among the discount running watches. The chronograph keeps a running time and stores up to 10 laps. The five interval timers also allow you to set goal times and compare your actual times against them. This watch is perfect for runners at a beginner or intermediate level. Data mode tallies Total Time, Lap Times, and Best and Average Laps 10-lap Chronograph One Touch Backlighting Five Interval Timers Water resistance to 100 meters (330 feet) 2 Year Warranty

TIMEX IRONMAN TRIATHLON 30-LAP TRADITIONAL WATCH We would be hard pressed NOT to include a Timex Ironman on a list of discount running watches. The Timex Ironman has a 20 year track record originating from the Hawaiian Ironman Triathlon Event when it aquired the “Ironman” brand back in 1986. Today Ironman watches are the best selling sports time-pieces and for good reason. The Ironman watches have an intuitive design that has been proven over the years, suiting both beginners and those who want to move up to an intermediate level. Top pusher gives easy access to lap and split times INDIGLO® Night-Light with Night-Mode Stopwatch, 30-lap recall, 99-lap counter 24-hour counliown timer Alarms, Reminders & Dual Time-Zone Water resistance to 100 meters (330 feet)

Price: $28.00

Price: $18.75

ARMITRON MEN’S CHRONOGRAPH SPORT WATCH If you seek a discount mens watch that is the center of attention, the Armitron Men’s Chronograph Sport watch may be for you with two distinctly loud color schemes in options – red or blue. Buy this watch for it’s looks. At $18.75 US on Amazon, the Armitron 40-6769 watches make a great starter watch, but you will probably want to upgrade when you get into more advanced training. Instalite Night Vision Display Chronograph Mode, 1/100th of a sec accuracy with Lap/Split operation Counliown Timer Day of week, Date and 12 or 24 hour time Dual Time Zones 24 Hour Alarm Hourly Chime Water Resistant to 50m (165 feet)

ARMITRON WOMEN’S DIGITAL SPORT WATCH This cute looking digital sports watch from Armitron is a discount ladies sports watch that is simple, stylish and delivers on the basic functions. Buy this watch for it’s looks, it is a great model to get you started on your running and fitness program. Instalite Night Vision Display Chronograph Mode, 1/100th of a sec accuracy with Lap/Split operation Day of week, Date and 12 or 24 hour time Dual Time Zones 24 Hour Alarm Hourly Chime Water Resistant to 50m (165 feet)

Price: $14.99

For more Discount Watches, the Discount Watch Store carries over 3500 styles of watches from over 50 watch brands. Come choose from our large collection of watches today.

If you’ve spent time among endurance sporting folk, you may have heard the term VO₂ Max.

VO₂ Max is a sporting jargon term. It is a popular measure of an athlete’s performance, but what does it mean and how is it relevant to your own performance and fitness program?

VO₂ Max is defined as the maximum capacity of an individual’s body to transport and utilize oxygen during intense or maximal exercise.

It is commonly used as a benchmark of an athlete’s capacity to perform sustained exercise and is linked to aerobic endurance.

In scientific VO₂ Max is measured as milliliters of oxygen used in one minute per kilogram of body weight. In simple terms it is essentially:

How fast you’re sucking in air when running full speed!

To measure VO₂ Max accurately, an athlete is usually tested on a treadmill wearing a special mouth-piece that measures the volume of air inhaled. The speed of the treadmill is increased gradually and as intensity increases so do does oxygen consumption until a point is reached at which increased intensity does not result in greater oxygen consumption.

The rate of air intake at this point is an athlete’s VO₂ Max.

This measurement is considered the best indicator of an athlete’s cardiovascular fitness and aerobic endurance. The theory goes, the more energy you use when running hard, the more ATP energy you can produce. ATP being Adenosine Triphosphate, a chemical compound that breaks down to release energy responsible for muscle contraction.

Endurance athletes typically have very high VO₂ Max values, so if you participate in any type of endurance sport: running, riding, skiing, chances are, your VO₂ Max will be much higher than the average person’s.

Comparisons

To get an idea of where an individual stands in the grand scheme of things, here are some comparisons:

• Average young untrained male: 45
• Average young untrained female: 38
• Competitive club athlete: 70
• World class male athletes, cyclists and cross-country skiers typically exceed 75
• Five time Tour de France Winner Lance Armstrong: 85
• Three time Tour de France winner Greg LeMond: 92.5 (reportedly at his peak)
• Cross-country skier Bjørn Dæhlie 96
• A Thoroughbred horse: 180
• A Siberian sled dog: 240

All values are measured in ml/kg/min

How to Change Your VO2 Max

VO₂ Max has a genetic component, but can also be increased through training by increasing both training volume and intensity. This will be harder if you’re already quite fit because you may already be close to your genetic potential. You may also not be genetically disposed to increases in VO₂ Max in which case no amount of training will make any difference.

What Other Factors Affect VO2 Max?

Your VO₂ Max will generally decrease past the age of 20, decreasing nearly 30% by age 65. This can be offset by training. Your gender is also a factor, the average male generally have a higher VO₂ Max than the average female.

Your VO₂ Max will also be slightly lower at a higher altitude because there is less oxygen.

VO₂ Max and Athletic Performance

VO₂ Max is not a guarantee of elite performance, but an indicator of an athlete’s potential for aerobic endurance. In terms of performance and especially winning a race, many other factors come into play such as training load, biomechanics, muscle fibre types, lactate threshold, mental strength, tactics, preparation and intelligence.

VO₂ Max Treadmill Test

How to Find Your VO₂ Max

As we have touched upon, measuring your VO₂ Max accurately requires an all-out effort (usually on a treadmill or bicycle) performed under a strict protocol in a sports performance lab. These protocols involve specific increases in speed and intensity of the exercise and collection and measurement of the volume and oxygen concentration of inhaled and exhaled air. This determines how much oxygen the athlete is using.

An athlete’s oxygen consumption rises linearly in relation to exercise intensity to a point where the aerobic threshold is reached. After this occurs, consumption plateaus out, even if the intensity is increased. This plateau marks the VO₂ Max.

There are a variety of alternative methods used to estimate VO₂ Max, but none are as accurate as direct testing.

This is a running related article. If you wish to shop for a running watch, you can Buy Running Watches Here.

I came across an article the other day with a couple of tips that I think can improve the average distance runners performances, yet are shunned by many.

These two activities are hills and speed work.

Yeah, yeah I can hear your groans and complaints already, but in years of running I have seen that these two unpopular activities can go a long way to promoting a runner’s strength, speed and lactate threshold giving a runner an edge over his competitors who ignore these types of sessions.

When you are done reading, be sure to check out our article, the Six Fundamental Exercise Types of The Long Distance Runner for examples of other types of endurance training.

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Two Secrets For Improving Long Distance Running Times by Scott Malin

Building up endurance for long races by turning in countless hours of distance running is only one aspect of reaching your goal. Running is a sport that must be learned just like any other. It requires more than simply jogging around a lot. When you learn to utilize all avenues of running instead of doing only long, slow distance runs, you can improve your cardio capacity, teach your muscles to work more efficiently and cut your distance times down drastically.

Secret #1 – Hills
Hills are an excellent way to vary the terrain and difficulty of a run. Mixed hills can add a much needed dimension to a long distance run, allowing different muscle groups to function at anaerobic levels for a short period of time. In addition, hills (especially trail runs) promote the use and strengthening of the ankle. Ankles are a seldom talked about part of the body until a runner comes up with a sprain, yet they are essential for balance and stabilization, especially as runs become longer. Running hills can help in the following ways:

• Stronger push-off power
• Improves stride frequency
• Develops control and stabilization (downhill running)
• Promotes strength endurance
• Helps to develop maximum speed
• Improves the bodies ability to handle lactic acid
• Improved hip flexibility

Secret #2 – Sprints
Sprints are an extraordinary way to improve your distance running speed. Contrary to what some distance runners may think, sprinting and distance running do not need to be at odds with each other. They work wonderfully well together and offer up a more balanced training regime. Sprinting will increase your lactate threshold and promote better blood flow to the muscles. Simply put, getting more nutrients in and taking more waste taken out makes it easier to go longer distances. Sprinting benefits are:

• Increased running speed – allows for faster distance runs
• Raise the body’s lactate threshold- allows you to run faster before lactic acid forms
• Improves blood flow to the muscles- more oxygen reaches muscles allowing for better function
• Improved aerobic capacity- allowing the body to utilize oxygen more efficiently for prolonged periods of time.

Long distance running can be very rewarding but if you, like many others find yourself stuck in a plateau, why not give one of these options a try. You will be amazed at the results!

If you would like to learn more or find other great articles on health, fitness and nutrition, please visit: http://www.dynamicsofmotion.com

Scott Malin is a widely respected expert on the subject of fitness, strength, and nutrition. To learn more, please visit: http://www.dynamicsofmotion.com