What devices could improve your running experience?

Nothing can help clear the head and get the blood pumping, like going for a run. It’s a cost-effective and time-efficient way to exercise and helps us get fresh air rushing through our lungs.

Although some runners enjoy the idea of testing their personal best, a number of devices and tools have entered the conversation over the last few years, and runners are waxing lyrical about them.

We appreciate that the idea of having all sorts of wires and devices strapped to you as you run might not encapsulate the true spirit of running. Still, some of the devices we will explore today have proven to positively impact runners who like to accurately measure their vitals and run metrics and try to beat their previous best.

Smartwatch

Is this too obvious of a place to start? I remember a few years ago when Apple, Samsung, and all the other tech giants brought out their own versions of smartwatches. I didn’t buy one back then, but I remember why: I checked the price. Thankfully, the prices have since come down, and smartwatches have expanded their capabilities. For instance, when they first came onto the scene, they were a nifty little tool to check your pulse and make you sure you were getting your 10,000 steps in, and that was about it.

Nowadays, smartwatches can do absolutely everything. You can call people on them, send text messages, and even play a range of games if you wish. We appreciate that gaming isn’t probably high on the agenda. Still, smartwatches’ ability to effectively stream live casino games like blackjack is a monumental advance compared to just a few years ago. Of course, blackjack on LeoVegas can also be played on a smartphone or other portable device, but smartwatches have really found their place in the fitness community as that piece of kit you don’t take off and really don’t need to, what with sleep quality trackers being quite a hot feature.

High-Spec Earphones

I’m not saying to go out there and blow $1,000 on earphones, but this impacted me. I used to run and work out with AirPods that did not fit my ears. Maybe my ears are too big or too small.

Either way, I had to adjust them constantly. Once, while I was working out, they fell out of my ear and onto the grassy verge three floors down from my apartment. They were okay, but it became a real problem. I went out and got myself headphones that stayed on my head.

This can look different for different people. I’m not here to give you a referral link or code for the latest headphones. However, if you’re having difficulty keeping them in your ear or having other issues with sound quality, a good, solid, high-spec pair of earphones could enhance your running experience.

Syncing Your Smartphone

It doesn’t matter if you are training for a 5k or looking to push yourself that little bit further; syncing your smartphone or mobile app to streamline your running is one of the easiest ways to boost your running experience.

I’ve sampled several different innovations through my phone, whether it is inspirational apps that give you quotes and help you on your run, AI DJs on Spotify or Apple Music that play inspirational music to provide you with that extra push, or podcasts that help you zone out—there are a million uses.

Just as a footnote, I wouldn’t recommend the inspirational apps. They’re pretty full-on. Running is hard enough with someone shouting inspirational quotes in your ear, but if this will help you squeeze out that extra 1%, then go for it.

Final Thoughts

Only a handful of items or ideas can complement your running experience. By its very nature, running is not a task that is an actual multi-use activity, and it’s not good to get too distracted while running, either. Still, plenty of runners have noted that there are apps, headphones, and smartwatches, all of which have improved their running experience.

We appreciate that it’s not for everyone and is not a one-size-fits-all policy, but many industries spend millions of dollars on enhancing user experience. The running industry is one of their main focuses, and you might be surprised at how much it elevates your experience.