Let technology take control and make yourself run faster. Can you make that bike computer or GPS watch work for you to make you run faster? It seems so! 😎
First off, I think there’s a balance to be had between using technology too much but it does have its place. Yes, technology does give you more structure and precision – after all, knowledge is power.
Run Faster Overnight
According to research, simply using a gadget makes you race faster. It suggests that feedback from running watches and cycle computers can give a 3% better time as a result of 10% better power, over so-called ‘blind training’!
These improvements are massive, and not something anybody would refuse! Along with giving you a motivational effect can help structure your training and provide valuable insights as to recovery to prevent overtraining.
Along with the obvious, the research also shows the possibility that increased oxygen extraction (HHb) and stimulation of the prefrontal cortex (PFC) arose from ‘gadget usage’.
We can probably all find a little extra oomph as we near the end of a race but the chart also suggests that the ‘oomph’ is exacerbated with the provision of more information. Put simply: information could be motivational.
Technology over caffine
If your pre-session ritual is coffee, consider thanking your Garmin – maybe it was that giving you the boost all along! Take caution though, the study was with seasoned athletes, rather than recreational runners.
To make the best use of your technology, see my previous posts on how to use the Garmin interval training and custom workout features. These will help structure your sessions and remove the need to think as your watch will tell you what to do. You’ll still need to put in the work though! 😀
