So many people are addicted to running; there must be a reason for it. Most people run to keep in shape and to maintain a certain body weight. To others, running helps to lower their blood pressure. As a person runs, the arteries expand and contract more than usual. This keeps the arteries elastic and the blood pressure low. Still others just like the euphoric feeling that follows a running session.

Runners need something to measure their progress in running. This is provided by running watches. The most basic type running watch is one that contains a chronograph and the ability to take and record split times. It will enable the runner to track the time that he has been running and record information for different portions of the workout separately. There are running watches that incorporate other features such as a heart rate monitor that will display and record information about the heart rate throughout the course of the workout. More sophisticated models will determine other aspects including altitude, temperature and even allow the user to download this information from the watch to the computer.