Too Much Tech

In today's modern and technology-crazed world, it's easy to get caught up in the latest and greatest gadgets. Millions of digital watches, GPS trackers, electronic mile-pacers, heart rate monitors, I-pods, Walkmans, etc. are sold every year; each uniquely marketed to help you train better, run faster and/or make your workout time pass quicker.

Although these gadgets do offer training benefits, it is VERY easy to become addicted and completely reliant upon them. Sure, there are certainly worse addictions: ice cream-chocolate-crack. But, utilizing technology during every exercise session can actually hinder performance.

If you always use a watch to keep pace you'll lose the ability to "feel" your speed. By doing at least one run workout a week without a watch, I know what 7, 8 and 9 minute paces feel like. Sweating without a heart rate monitor at least once a week helps me recognize my effort levels, regardless of speed. And, exercising without music blasting in my ears actually makes me more aware and appreciative of my surroundings when outdoors; the scent of fresh cut grass, children playing in the park, fellow joggers/cyclists, etc.

I'm certainly not advocating trashing the gadgets. But, "going retro" every so often will enhance the benefits of exercise and your healthy lifestyle.