Ever since I started training for the Nike Women's 15K last year, I started tracking my runs to see progress. I usually use my phone on an armband, which I found cumbersome. For Christmas, I got an Apple Watch and was excited to be able to work out phone-free, only to realize to track any GPS, you need your phone there too! I was super excited to have the chance to test drive the new TomTom Spark GPS Fitness watch and share an in-depth review of my experience using it. Shop the post:[show_shopthepost_widget id="1700883"]

TomTom Spark design & battery life

As for the fashion of the watch, I like that it’s simple and black. I would have preferred a silicone band to make it more comfortable to wear, but I suspect that as the unit pops out, you could swap bands as well. My main complaint is that the plastic on the back of the unit makes for a hot and sweaty device. I tried loosening the watch a bit but if it’s too lose, I worry it won’t be accurate in its heart rate measurements. I think this has more to do with the shape and design of the watch, and perhaps a method for ventilation would improve the wearability for me on a sweaty run! I find the all black to be really sleek, and in comparison to other GPS run watches out there, the design is incredibly aesthetically pleasing, and I have worn it a few times throughout the day to track my steps. During the day, I like that the time display is always visible, as well as the date. I also like that in a couple buttons, I can access my steps data and heart rate information. I find the navigation and accessibility of the data much simpler than on my Apple Watch. As for the battery life, I found I could wear this watch for a few days in a row to track steps and a couple little workouts and a run or two without losing power. This is MILES ahead of my Apple Watch, which I need to recharge once a day (especially if I track a workout). I would definitely feel more confident going into a race with the TomTom Spark, because I know my tunes would keep playing, while the device would continue to track my run.