Nearly half of joggers believe their run 'doesn't count' unless they have tracked it on a fitness device, according to new research. A poll of 1,000 runners found that 44 percent would not take their cardio seriously without a recorded record.
More than nine in ten (93 percent) claim monitoring their fitness helps them feel more confident in their overall journey, while 32 percent often adjust their routine based on insights from tracking data. It also emerged that 21 percent consider what their tracking data recommends over how they are feeling, and 28 percent reckon their running would worsen without the technology.
Technology and Running Habits
Jacob Kiplimo, world record holder and TeamGalaxy athlete who trains with the Samsung Galaxy Watch8, which commissioned the study, said: 'Consistency is key, but what many people don't realise is that recovery is equally as important as physical training. To compete at your best, you need to maximise your energy, and the only way to do that is through consistent rest. Seeing progress mapped out in real time can make a run feel more tangible and rewarding – helping people stay engaged with their goals and take pride in how far they’ve come. But at the same time it also highlights how deeply technology is now woven into our exercise habits.'
The study also found that 75 percent of runners who track their fitness said their running progress is directly informed by their tracking device. Distance (64 percent), heart rate (62 percent), and duration (61 percent) are among the most popular metrics to track, with only 14 percent keeping an eye on recovery and 15 percent on stress.
Ignoring Recovery Advice
However, 49 percent of fitness-tracking runners have previously gone for a run despite their smart device telling them to focus on rest and recovery. Of those, 39 percent did not run to their full potential, 35 percent had to stop several times, and 28 percent even regretted their exercise as it didn’t feel productive. During the recovery period, a hot bath or shower is the most popular method (50 percent), 42 percent prefer to stay hydrated, and 36 percent opt for high protein intake.
Running Habits and Inspiration
Once recovery is over, 56 percent of those polled, via OnePoll.com, typically run a cool 5K, while an impressive 36 percent complete half marathons. When quizzed on marathons in general, 82 percent feel inspired by runners who complete the full 26 miles, with 45 percent keen to sign up for one next year.
Annika Bizon at Samsung UK & Ireland said: 'Running has become more data-driven than ever before, and that’s not a bad thing. Tracking can be incredibly motivating and can help people see just how far they’ve come, but what’s equally important is listening to your body. We’re helping runners see the full picture of their health, from sleep and recovery to performance, so they can train in a way that’s more balanced, more informed and more sustainable.'
