Leaving your GPS watch at home can be scary. Luckily learning to let go of stats and numbers can be beneficial for lots of reasons. Want proof? Here’s why professional runner Molly Seidel started hiding her stats. Easier than hiding your run data is not taking them it all. Also known as running naked, here are three reasons to take a deep breath and start running with a bare wrist.
Relaxing. Leaving the watch at home can be absolutely freeing. No beeps, no splits, no pressure. Lots of runners are very connected to their tech and discovering that you can rack up miles without it might come as shock. It is possible, however, and people did this for hundreds of years. Running sans GPS watch is perfect for recovery runs after a tough workout or race. It’s also useful for runners in a rut or coming off a big training cycle. Put the joy in and take the splits out to get back to the core of running: FUN!
See the scenes. Run the same routes frequently? Odds are you’re looking at your wrist every time that pesky watch beeps to check on your split. Since those splits occur at roughly the same spot every time you travel the same route you’re probably too busy looking to notice what’s going on around you. Abandon the GPS watch at home and open your eyes to scenery you might have been missing.
Run by feel. Listening to your body is incredibly important. Easy runs are important and should actually be easy while hard ones should be difficult. Running naked is a good way to learn how each type feels. It can open your eyes to potential a prescribed pace was preventing you from seeing. If you think a 7:00 mile is supposed to be hard and see it on your watch, you might think you’re working harder than you actually are. Logging some faster miles without the pressure of a watch can lead to big gains and faster races.
Still need data? Try putting tape over the face of your watch or sticking it in a pocket. While you won’t see it, stats will still record for your viewing pleasure post run.
Coach Meredith