Running free with hi-tech help
Apr 22 2010 by David Coxon, The Journal
Tech Notes with David Coxon
BACK when the Great North Run first started in 1981, the latest running technology consisted of a pair of Nikes and a Sony Walkman.
Today, though, there are plenty of technological marvels available – from hi-tech trainers and watches to GPS – each promising to turn you into the next Brendan Foster or Steve Cram.
When it comes to running shoes, there’s a bit of a revolution going on.
Many traditional theories are being turned on their heads, and the latest thinking is that more cushioning and stability doesn’t necessarily equal fewer injuries.
Based on the anatomy of the human foot, Vibram’s Five Fingers training shoes are steadily gaining popularity.
Nike – having introduced us to the idea of the cushioned running shoe 30 years ago – has released the Free, a trainer more about movement than support.
And North East-based Inov8 has joined the race too, with their technically-advanced, super- lightweight shoes.
Along with an MP3 player (which has long since replaced the Walkman), a decent running watch is another essential gadget.
Garmin, for instance, offers one with GPS satellite tracking that gives you exact mileages and altitude.
And there’s the Polar, with a heart rate monitor that gives your average, standing and maximum heart rates, as well as other information.
Smart phones are becoming more and more popular with runners, too. Not only in case of emergencies, but increasingly for the number of running apps available, like Runkeeper, Mapmyrun or Nike Plus.
Many of these automatically download your workouts to websites such as fetcheveyone.com, so you can record your times, share your routes and discuss races with friends.
Whether any of these technologies can actually make you a better runner is open to question.
But as I’ve recently signed up to run 110km across the Egyptian desert for charity, I have my fingers crossed that they do.
David Coxon is the IT manager at the Baltic Centre for Contemporary Art
