Comments on: Do runners rely on gear too much?

By: Kate

Kate — Tue, 21 Dec 2010 15:09:49 +0000

I use my iPod for training and I’m not ashamed. Music pushes me through tough runs and can be inspirational when I am tired. It’s the same effect as a crowd cheering during a race. I enjoy running and being alone with my thoughts, but having music playing doesn’t inhibit that; I still clear my mind and zone out. But that extra push is nice when needed. And I admit that I need to wear a stop watch when I run. My times are important to my training and my race results. If my watch breaks, I will still go for a run, but I guarantee after that run I will go buy another watch. Not all runners are, or ever will be, zen runners. Some people run for competition.

By: Richard Basile

Richard Basile — Sun, 28 Mar 2010 13:41:34 +0000

I told a friend about the Couch to 5K podcast, explaining that it has 30 minutes of music and cues telling you when to walk and when to run. She laughed, “Only in America do we have a podcast that tells us when to run!”

By: Evie Clercx

Evie Clercx — Mon, 22 Mar 2010 21:43:03 +0000

I had practical experience with this just this past weekend. I ran 15 miles, my longest run to date, and my Nike+ ipod froze around mile 11. I was supremely irritated that I couldn’t see what my pace was at different points of the run, but I got over it when I realized that I just ran 15 freaking miles and felt great! I will still use my nike+, but I won’t depend on it as much.

By: Linzi @ Destination 26.2

Linzi @ Destination 26.2 — Mon, 22 Mar 2010 18:05:11 +0000

I run with my garmin and Spi-belt and feel utterly naked without the two. But I have not called off a run due to a malfunction or lack of either. I am a bit sulky but seriously, a run is a run is a run. I admit that I use my garmin to motivate me to run faster and farther, but it is nice sometimes to just run. I have weened myself off running with an ipod (since I lost mine) and have found running without more peaceful. What an interesting topic!

By: Andrea

Andrea — Sun, 21 Mar 2010 15:48:37 +0000

FF, Sometimes people will complain about their garmin not getting a signal so they don’t run because of that. I don’t understand that.
TG, I am all about motivators! Whatever gets you moving, use it and work with it! My issue stems from relying on the motivators too much. If you can’t run without your iPod, or workout without a garmin, then I personally think that’s a problem. Using something to make working out more fun is aces. Relying on it and refusing to workout if you don’t have it is bad news.
Kilax, me too! My shoes are my biggest investment although I have dropped some serious cash on clothes too!
Andy, Thanks for commenting! Congrats on running consistently for 6 months! That is awesome. My reply to TG also applies here. Motivators yes! Crutches no, boo.
Amanda, I’m the same! I love taking that time with my thoughts during my run and working through things that need some extra attention. :)

By: Amanda (Two Boos Who Eat)

Amanda (Two Boos Who Eat) — Sun, 21 Mar 2010 00:01:36 +0000

I run with my shoe pouch (thank you so much for suggesting I get it!), my HRM and my ipod & nike +. The Nike + and the ipod work together like a garmin to tell me how fast I’m running and distance which is nice. It motivates me to challenge myself to longer distances but I’d definitely still go on a run without it. In fact, I prefer to run without music. I like to be alone with my thoughts.

By: andy

andy — Sat, 20 Mar 2010 23:18:57 +0000

I’m in 100% agreement with TorontoGilroutWest. Using gear as a motivator isn’t a bad thing if that’s what it takes. I think it’s awesome that some people enjoy the “purity of the run,” or whatever, but it’s not like that for everyone. Personally, I’ve only been running for a little more than six months; Saying that I find it *enjoyable* definitely isn’t the right word, but I do find it *rewarding*. And in order to get through the run to that rewarding feeling, for me, requires this week’s episode of This American Life and the RunKeeper app running on my iPhone.

I do hope that one day I’m in good enough shape to just enjoy a quiet run listening to what’s going on around us, but some runners need a little distraction and motivation to get there.

By: kilax

kilax — Sat, 20 Mar 2010 16:22:06 +0000

I definitely think there is a ton of gear people think they have to have but don’t really need. I just need a good pair of shoes if I am going to be outside!

Inside though? I need my tunes. And I do like to use the Garmin to keep track of how far I have gone and for how long (outside). But I ran for many years without it! It got all messed up this week, and I was frustrated I couldn’t figure out how to use it, but in the long run, I still got the run in, so what does it matter?

By: TorontoGilroutWest

TorontoGilroutWest — Sat, 20 Mar 2010 14:08:39 +0000

I say runners totally rely on too much gear!!! But then again I don’t really blame them . . .

You see when I was severely overweight (let’s face it – obese) I had a hard time working out. Everything hurt like I was going to die. And then I discovered that buying cute workout clothing was a motivator. Score!! So now everything matches.

Then my trainer started scheduling runs into my workouts. I found them b-o-r-i-n-g (especially since they were mostly on the treadmill). That’s when I discovered the Nike+ system – and lo and behold I was enjoying my runs!

It’s funny you brought this up since the Fiance and I were having this same exact talk last night. My conclusion – whatever keeps you running! :)

By: Fattie Fatterton

Fattie Fatterton — Sat, 20 Mar 2010 14:06:44 +0000

Hear hear – and how can these things not be charged to be ready? As soon as I take my Garmin off, it goes on the charger. Same thing with the iPod.