How to Use Technology to Improve Your Running Lifestyle
When I first ventured into the world of running for health and fitness, I didn’t really have a plan or any idea of how to be effective. I’d run around my neighborhood aimlessly, and usually I found myself fatiguing far earlier than I wanted to. I even ran into a few injuries here and there, pun intended.
But once I introduced running technology and apps to my workouts, my running lifestyle transformed dramatically. I found direction and goals through data and feedback, which helped me develop a much more effective, result-driven routine. Today I want to share the two categories of running technology and apps that turned my running lifestyle around for the better.
Running Technology and Apps: The Best Running Apps
Since everyone and their grandma has a smartphone these days, apps are an easily accessible piece of running technology. Most running apps provide route tracking and in-depth metrics that record your heart rate, calorie burn, gradient changes, and pace. This kind of data helps runners compete with previous performances, giving them concrete goals to strive for and proof of their improvement.
“Strava” is a fun app for tracking your routes. It runs through a GPS system, and results can be shared with friends via social media — its own source of motivation. I do recommend running your activity through a secure network when using these apps so you can keep your information and location private.
Another running app that has caught the attention of the community is “RunGo.” RunGo gives voice commands so you don’t find yourself looking down at your smartphone screen when you need directions, which can be unsafe and distracting. This is especially useful if you’ve just moved to a new area or if you wish to learn new routes to mix up your running sessions.
Running Technology and Apps: Smart Devices for Runners
Smart devices go hand in hand with running apps when you link the two together. Most devices come with an app attached and are light and easy to use. Clipping a small device to your clothing or wearing a band around your wrist is barely noticeable, and it can provide in-depth, accurate feedback about your performance.
I find it far less patronizing to hear feedback through recorded metrics than through a fitness trainer or instructor — but perhaps that’s just my stubbornness and pride. Regardless, this approach works. It accurately tracks the data and points to where you can improve. That, plus some commentary from a coach if you have one, is a great recipe for improving fitness through running technology and apps.
My favorite smart device is the Fitbit, as it’s versatile and can be used for other fitness activities. It accurately records your heart rate, calorie burn, and duration, and tells you when you’re in the “fat-burning zone,” which is when your body enters a state that helps it shed fat and calories faster.
How Running Technology and Apps Pair With Recovery Tools
Running technology and apps can also help you spot when it’s time to recover, not push harder. Pair your wearables with daily self-massage using a Tiger Tail muscle roller to ease muscle tightness, prevent injury, and keep showing up consistently for your training plan.
Overall, running technology and apps are a great way to improve as a runner. These tools give you all the information you need to activate the competitive and analytical side of you that will push you toward better results, helping you feel more accomplished and more motivated.
Author Bio: Caroline is a health and tech blogger with a passion for running. She enjoys combining technology and feedback to improve her running abilities and to track her progress. Follow Caroline on @ehealth_inform.
