The GPS Training Effect

Do you fret about how your performance comes across on fitness data and training apps? Follow this five-step guide to switch off and sweat on…

It’s Wednesday afternoon and I’m out for an ‘easy’ run, but my pace is embarrassingly slow and my GPS watch is connected, so I speed up. By the time I return home, my easy run has turned into a threshold speed session and I’ve undone all of the beneficial effects of a recovery workout. But hey, at least the pace will look impressive on my social running app.

This is a situation faced not only by runners, but also cyclists, swimmers, gym-goers and even hikers across the planet. I’m calling it the ‘GPS Training Effect’. Seasoned athletes are so overloaded by digital data that some are starting to lose sight of their training goals. But it doesn’t have to be this way. Tracking apps are fantastic at monitoring training intensity and progression – the trick is to use them wisely. ‘Digital data is one athlete’s answer and another’s downfall – some athletes worry about data shared and social pressure, while others gain confidence from the [on-app] applause,’ says Nick Anderson, Saucony running coach (@nickandersonrun). ‘Wearable data is great for coaches [and individuals] who want to look at pace and heart rate, or course elevation, but it must be used to a positive end.’ Here’s how to get connected without getting stressed…

1. DECODE YOUR ATHLETIC PERSONALITY