Is It Worth Having a Running Watch? My Experience with the COROS PACE 3

After years of trying different watches, I can tell you one thing: finding the right watch is like finding the perfect pair of running shoes.

When it works, it really works.

And the COROS PACE 3 came along and completely changed the way I track and analyze my results.

Why Did I Switch to the COROS PACE 3?
I remember those times perfectly, when I would finish a run with more questions than answers.

“Did I keep a steady pace?” “Where did I lose time?” “How did my body respond to the different sections?” “How can I improve my pace?” “How steep was that climb I just did?”

The COROS PACE 3 solved exactly those problems.

Besides having an incredible battery life, dual-frequency GPS, and accurate heart rate monitoring, which is a huge help, this watch is not just a stopwatch on my wrist — it is my personal fitness progress analyst.

What makes it special?
First of all, it is a very light watch and it does not bother me while I run. At just 30 g with the nylon band and an ultra-slim 11.7 mm profile, it feels like I am wearing nothing on my wrist.

After years of using heavier watches, this lightness makes all the difference on long runs.

Battery life:
It offers around 17 days of battery life on average, which means I can get through a full week of training, including long Sunday runs, without worrying about charging it.

I no longer have that stress of reaching the end of a half marathon and seeing the battery dying. In fact, I ran the Paris Marathon with 10% battery and finished with 4%, and it still made it home with me.

GPS accuracy:
With dual-frequency GPS and high-precision sensors, I finally have data I can trust. No more strange measurements that made me wonder whether I had actually run the correct distance.

How can the watch help me?
During a run, I can instantly see whether I am running too fast or too slow. This is especially important in half marathons, where pace management is key.

The watch alerts me when I move خارج of my planned pace zone. If you do not know what training zones are, sign up for my newsletter — I explain all those important concepts there so you can improve physically.

Heart rate monitoring:
The heart rate monitor allows me to train in the right zones. On easy sessions, I make sure I am truly recovering. On hard sessions, I know I am pushing at the right intensity.

Detailed post-run data:
After every workout, I have access to a full analysis: splits per kilometer, heart rate variation, elevation, and much more. It is like having a complete breakdown of every single run.

Training planning and follow-up:
All COROS watches can sync with the TrainingPeaks platform, where I prescribe training sessions. That means I can follow specific structures designed around my goals.

There are no more random sessions — every workout has a clear purpose.

Resistance and durability
Designed for 24/7 use, this watch handles everything — rain, sun, sweat, and even those beach workouts where sand gets everywhere.

Sport versatility
It supports running, cycling, swimming, strength training, and snow sports, which is perfect for someone like me who likes to vary training.

Indoor cycling in winter, swimming for recovery — everything gets recorded.

The difference it makes in training
Now I plan each month of training based on the data from the watch. If I see that my heart rate has been elevated for several days, I know I need an easier session. So, together with the data it gives me, I keep adjusting my training.

Fatigue management:
With sleep tracking, I can connect the quality of my rest with performance.

Bad night of sleep = easier training the next day.

Realistic goals:
With accurate data from all my runs, I can set realistic goals for upcoming races.

There is no more guessing — the numbers do not lie.

Who I recommend it to
It is an excellent choice for new and casual runners who want a simple running watch with extra features, but also for experienced runners looking for accuracy and reliability. It is a great value-for-money option.

There are other models on the market, but for me, the PACE 3 is definitely the best in terms of value for money.

Do you want to try the COROS PACE 3 or another model from the brand?

Take a look at the watches available in our store and start training with data that truly helps you improve.

A hug from Coach!