Have you ever seen a runner wearing two watches and asked yourself what’s the reason for that? In this article, I will answer that!
Two watches at the same time? There can be a lot of reasons for wearing two watches. It can be fashion, it can be actually useful, as well. Depends on the intentions for wearing two watches, it can be anything. Our focus, though, is going to be on runners that wear two watches, and on the reasons behind doing so.
Smartwatches have surely made things a lot easier for people all around the world. For fitness freaks, HIIT, and pros, especially, smartwatches have made life so much easier and better! They do not need to worry about accuracy in metrics, anymore.
Instead of focusing on the equipment and workings, it’s brought their focus down only to their workouts. This has not only made their workouts more effective, but it has saved them a lot of effort, too.
Related: What Is Rolling Pace On Apple Watch?
It is amazing how important technology is and how efficient it is to make everything. Although, despite all these latest innovations, a lot of athletes prefer using older methods of metrics, despite the reliability and the availability of the latest technology.
This is probably because of their trust in the older methods. A lot of athletes believe that the newer generation is definitely focusing more on the newer technology.
Despite this switch, some athletes still wear two-watches during their runs. What could be the reason behind it? We explore the possible reasons behind wearing two watches, especially, if you are a runner.
Table of Contents
4 Reasons For Wearing Two Watches:
In a normal day-to-day routine, it could make sense to wear two smartwatches.
It could be down to style and the latest trends. For example, watch lovers tend to wear two watches.
Similarly, some people choose to go with an analog watch and a smartwatch at the same time. It might, on the outlook, seem stupid, considering both watches can display time, and there could be no reason to wear the analog watch, but apparently, the traditional-modern look is pretty common and works!
Another reason for wearing two watches could be because of some sentimental or personal reasons, or maybe because you are just extra careful. Here are 4 main reasons for wearing two watches:
1. Function:
However, the major reason for wearing two watches is down to function. The two watches could serve different purposes.
On a basic level, it could be that one watch is displaying a time zone very different from yours, while the other one is displaying the time in the time zone where you are at that specific time.
A more recent example of function could be in the sense that you are wearing two smartwatches.
One which helps you keep in check with your heart rate or other fitness metrics like the number of steps walked, etc. While the other watch could be used for sending or receiving text messages, even receiving calls.
This not only improves productivity and efficiency, but it also allows for better maneuvering between your activities.
Wearing two watches could be down to the fact that the two smartwatches excel in two different functions.
One of them might be better and more accurate in its readings, while the other might have a bigger dial for better convenience.
David Ribich, the world record holder in the four-by-one-mile relay, is reliant on two pieces of technology during a run.
He wears a Garmin HRM-Run Heart Rate Monitor chest strap with a Garmin Forerunner 945. This shows that he does not trust the smartwatch to be as accurate as of the heart rate monitor chest strap, which is designed only to check the heart rate.
It is known that the wrist-based HR sensors in the watches aren’t so accurate when it comes to HIIT training so if you want a reliable HR reading while you sprint than an HR chest strap is recommended. Similarly, it is pretty self-explanatory for athletes to use two watches to track their runs.
2. The Number Of Metrics:
This reason could explain why runners also choose to wear two watches. A runner normally has to keep a check on a number of things, during his/her workout.
The cadence splits from the run, elevation, and vertical ratio, if you’re swaying while running, all of these are important things to measure.
Along with the basic necessities of time-keeping and speed variations during the run.
You can easily buy smartwatches that cover all of these metrics and pack them in a single model.
One that would not only be light to wear but also extremely convenient to use during a run.
Of course, a number of functions at your disposal are obviously great, but you probably do not even need all of those during running.
It might actually complicate your workout and make you focus more on the data instead of the workout and that is certainly not advised.
For these matters, runners may prefer to use two different smartwatches to track their runs. Of course, switching between different data is also not exactly something you want to do during your run.
As an amateur, maybe, it’s okay, as it is not a priority. But for the pros, every second count, and for that matter, it does not make a lot of sense to get into intricate details about your run, while running.
Maybe, this is the prime reason behind the older athletes not wanting to switch to a smartwatch. They are quite happy timing their runs with the good old stopwatch.
3. Preference:
It also depends largely on the runner’s preference. Not all runners want real-time updates, some want their concentration to be largely on the workout, and then they can check the results after the run.
Most famously, Aisha Praught-Leer, who represented Jamaica in 2016 Olympics said that she only needs the basic metrics, which include, distance covered, duration and lap splits, but even those are checked at the end of the run.
Also, some runners might prefer some features on each watch, for example, you might prefer the HR reading on your Garmin and the GPS tracking on your Apple watch.
This clearly shows the amount of concentration that is required on the part of an athlete.
4. Style:
Plus, the style could also be a proper justification for runners. Just because they are running, it does not mean they can’t look good while doing it.
Plus, in an era of pictures and videos, one should look good and ready at all times. The stakes tend to be a little higher if you are under the limelight for being famous, and runners tend to be pretty famous!
Also, make sure to check out my post: What Smart Watch Do Marathon Runners Use?
As a professional trainer and a gadget lover, I’ve spent a lot of money and time buying wearable activity trackers, smartwatches, and gadgets, and checking them out. My site is focused on helping you with your activity tracking and smart technology journey. I try to provide the most helpful updated content on this subject. Hopefully, you will love my blogs and be a regular around here.
