There will come a time somewhere along your running journey when you’ll ask yourself if running is an inexpensive sport.
It’s not. Running is affordable, but it is in no way close to cheap.
Sure, you can get away with starting your running era with your trusted athletic sneakers, DriFit shirt and shorts, and a good cap for some extra fashion statement. But when things get serious to the point that you constantly want to improve and monitor your performance, apps, and gadgets will be your next investment.
Fortunately for us, several apps can be downloaded for free, as well as popular, bang-for-the-buck smart wearables to track your running sessions. These will make your training more effective and enjoyable as you complete more races in the future.
Running Apps and Virtual Coaches
One of the easiest ways to monitor your run progress is by downloading a running app on your smartphone. These apps are designed to track your pace, distance, heart rate, and steps per minute. While free versions are limited, paying a premium will unlock more features.
Most of these apps also come with a virtual coach for added motivation. They offer free training plans, audio cues, and even reminders if you have a scheduled run for the day. From newbie runners to experienced marathoners, these free apps will help them achieve their goals in no time.
Aside from training, running apps come with a dedicated social media feature, allowing runners to share their progress with friends and fellow runners with just a tap of a button. They can also join running groups and take on virtual challenges to take their training up a notch.
Fitness Trackers
Investing in a fitness tracker is your next option if you want to maximize your running progress. These wearables are not only popular among runners, but they also appeal to fitness enthusiasts and people who just want to monitor their health.
Smart wearables track more than just your pace and distance. They also monitor your heart rate, sleep pattern, steps, oxygen level, and pretty much everything that makes you tick.
But for someone who runs, fitness wearables are a must-have. The real-time feedback will greatly boost their training, making them adjust their performance on the fly and notify them through audio or haptic feedback if they are running slower or faster than usual.
Smart Accessories
Just when you thought things couldn’t be smarter, a bevy of accessories comes that go beyond normal monitoring.
While these may lure the more serious (think professional) runner, these accessories provide data like cadence, foot strike, stride length, and much more. These may not be that important for beginner runners, but as they go along, they’ll know that these metrics will not only help them run faster but also prevent injuries and improve their overall performance and efficiency.
