I'm interested in looking at how we've become so hooked on digital technology that for many people the idea of going running without their iPhone, Garmin, heart monitor, pedometer, watch, iPod etc would be as likely as going without their shoes.
I recently dared to leave my iPhone/Runkeeper/iTunes/headphones at home and go retro - just me, my shoes, shorts and shirt - and found it a liberating experience. No charging batteries, hunting for kit, setting up a playlist, waiting for a GPS lock or being nagged that I'm running "below your target pace".
Shoes on and go. It felt great
I've created a closed Facebook group for anyone else who either never embraced running tech or wants to ween themselves off it. Look up Run Retro or follow this link and request to join the group :
Comments
I think there's been a thread about this before. I think the upshot is it's just as valid to run without as with. Who really cares? Neither position makes anyone more of a 'proper' runner.
I've dumped all the new fangled nonsense... I don't even take loo paper with me...
You should drop that there clothing as well - it just gets in the way. Not only barefoot, but bare body running...
Yeah man lets set up a facebook page about ditching technolgy
Yea, I'm not saying it's right or wrong, just that I found myself increasingly reliant on it that I was stressed if my iPhone wan't charged and couldn't record the run on Runkeeper. Taking a step back it was clearly crazy. I thought it'd be nice to have a group on Facebook where you could chat about running and what you saw and experienced instead of the usual smartphone app sharing of a map and stats.
And Peter, I like your idea but it helps to avoid being arrested. Saying that, maybe the FB group could have that as an annual event and really get back to basics
I'm looking for a piece of Tech that will go and do the run for me, leaving me to sit at home and watch telly
Wearable tech is a major treNd. Running tech is just one manifestation of it.
Why a fb group though (already up to 3 members) and not just a thread on RW?
People like to have information available to them more and more. That's why a phone isn't just a phone anymore and a watch isn't just a watch.
Still run wearing an Timex Ironman watch, as I've done since the mid 1980s.
Dave: Much easier to adjust when the clocks to forward/backwards
I still have to use my old Timex instructions after all these years
I love my Garmin Forerunner 210. Its great for helping with my marathon training, especially on LSRs when the pace can easily creep up.
Best not run through Tolpuddle then.
Creating a Face Book page ranting over technology is so evil would be so ironic considering you are protesting on a social media site designed by technology.
Wearable tech is a current fad and just like most fads they come and go.
I do take my mobile phone too when running after 8am.This is simply as I need to be in contact for work.
Dead right Road Warrior. It could almost be a joke in a Modern Toss cartoon.
Me too, please let me know if you find it. Or non-calorific Pringles.
I also use my timex, the same type I've used for years.
I was roundly condemned last year on a trail run as I had a tatty o/s map and not a gpx (?) loaded on my watch with a line to follow. I did however know where the stream crossings were as the uploaded route was under water.
AE2 -- I assume you also leave the modern-day running shoes at home too right
And the tech t-shirt. Or even the cotton one. In fact you should run in the fur of a dead badger.
Phil: Or run in full body armour. Not not the sports brand
Right need to order my next pair of Alf Shrubb shoes
Hello again. I seem to have inadvertently irritated a few of you so I thought I'd better clarify my position.
Yea I get the irony though it's misplaced. Perhaps if I was arguing for the abandonment of Facebook on Facebook you might have a point. I'm not ranting against technology. I've worked in IT for about 15 years. I love tech...
It's not clothing technology, shoe technology, energy gel/drink technology I'm experimenting with avoiding, it's specifically digital technology used during the course of a run. In a nutshell I realised I wasn't gaining anything from using it so I thought I'd try without and found it made me happier.
I just thought I'd see if anyone else found themselves happier without using digital equipment during the course of a run. Perhaps I'm the only one. If I'm not then it's interesting to hear their points of view. If I'm alone then that's also interesting.
PS. Ms Cunk... I like your badger idea, I have a thing for badgers.
If you switch it off and back on again, it might start working. Happy to help.
Funnily enough I've said that those exact words twice today and the problem was "fixed" on both occasions Likewise, always happy to help.
"Ms" Cunk - fnar fnar
Not long after I got my Garmin I went for a run which didn't go well. I came home and hubby took one look at my face and said,"Hmmph - you don't need a £250 watch to tell you that was shite, do you?"