Take a minute to think about what your great-grandparents would think if they saw you today. They’d probably laugh at your fancy smartwatch and tell you how they ran marathons uphill, both ways, in the snow.
There’s no denying that the way people train for marathons in the 21st century has changed radically, and it’s largely thanks to the technological tools at their disposal. Gone are the days when your most advanced training tool was a stopwatch and a pair of worn-out sneakers.
Discover how today’s marathon training has changed thanks to technology that can help you cross the finish line just a little faster, a little stronger, and a lot smarter.
Wearable Technology for Real-Time Metrics
These days, everyone with a wearable fitness tracker has the luxury of what equates to a personal coach in a device that fits snugly on the wrist. This epitomizes the era of wearables. Specifically, devices like theGarmin Forerunner 945andPolar Vantage Vlet you monitor your heart rate, pace, and cadence, among other metrics.
Garmin devices even feature something called Running Dynamics, which provides you with real-time feedback about your running form by measuring things like your cadence, vertical oscillation, ground contact time, ground contact time balance, stride length, and vertical ratio.
Smart Clothing for Running
Did you know your socks can talk (without you putting one on your hand and talking in a funny voice)? TheSensoria Fitness Socksare packed with sensors that monitor your footwork, ensuring you’re running in perfect form to avoid any unwanted injuries.
And then there’s gear like theActiveLook glasses. These bad boys project your running stats straight into your line of sight. Distance, heart rate, and more are all there.
With smart clothing, your marathon training could be smarter and even more injury-free than ever. So, gear up and let your clothing speak to you.
If that’s not enough, there are otherpieces of tech that can improve your running form.
Training Apps and Online Coaching
Gone are the days of scribbled training schedules and guesswork. Today, your best marathon prep tool is likely a digital device or service. Services like Strava don’t just track your run; they can also provide you withmarathon training plansto match your skill level and goals—be it 5K, 10K, half-marathon, or full marathon race distances.
TrainingPeaksis another option that includes training plans based on your experience level, the number of weeks you have to train, and the number of workouts you can do per week.
Bottom line: With today’s tech, it’s about training smarter and reaching your goals as quickly as possible. And while you’re out there, be sure you bring a fewapps to make running more enjoyable.
Virtual Reality Training
Who said VR is only for epic gaming battles? Now, it’s also for epic marathon prep. For example,Zwift’s virtual running pathstransform your treadmill into a race across the globe. Today’s run could be New York, while tomorrow’s could be the scenic routes of Paris—all without booking a flight.
The big win is that VR lets you mimic any marathon’s mood right from your living room. Sweltering sun or a snowy stretch, mentally prepare for it all without the travel. Of course, VR is only one ofmany gadgets that you can use to improve your running workout.
Smart Recovery Tech
There are manycold therapy devices that can help you speed up workout recovery. Consider devices like theHyperice X, which is designed to provide hot and cold contrast therapy to your knee to decrease inflammation and reduce pain.
If you are looking fornext-level tech to upgrade your wellness routineand recovery faster, there are infrared saunas, cryotherapy chambers, float tanks, and light therapy devices that you might want to check out.
And what would recovery be without a good night’s sleep? Withsmart bedroom gadgets, even your sleep can be optimized for maximum muscle repair before your next marathon training or race.
Nutritional Tech for Marathon Runners
In marathon training, your legs do the running, but it’s what you eat that fuels the journey. And just as tech has transformed training and recovery, it’s giving nutrition an upgrade, too.
For example, rather than juggling diet charts and using post-its to track meals, you’re able to use apps likeMyFitnessPal. Or if you’re looking for something that can help you track your macros and uses AI to adjust to your body, check outStronger by Science’s MacroFactor app.
Anyone who has trained for a marathon knows that sleep and diet are key ingredients to winning a race. And with nutritional tech, there’s no need for guesswork. From what you munch to the water you gulp, every bite and sip is part of the plan.
These apps are constantly getting better, too. For instance, using the MacroFactor app, you only need to speak what you ate into your phone and the app’s AI will dig into its database to calculate how many carbs, fats, and proteins you consumed during that meal. It’s a huge time saver!
Biomechanics Analysis Tools for Marathon Training
Running isn’t just about speed; it’s also about form. Every footfall and every stride counts. And there’s tech dedicated to tracking that, too.
RunScribeandARIONare tools that dive deep into your running mechanics. These gizmos break down your stride, assessing factors you might never even have considered—like foot strike patterns or symmetry.
Why should you care about these metrics? Because understanding your biomechanics is key to unlocking better performance. Plus, pinpointing inefficiencies can reduce injury risks, ensuring you can finish the race without hurting your body.
Gaining a Competitive Advantage by Using Tech
After considering the wide range of devices you may use to train for a marathon, one thing’s crystal clear: the future of training is a blend of grit, sweat, and digital wizardry. From the meticulous meal trackers to stride-perfecting tools, the road to success is paved with innovation.
So before you hit the pavement or treadmill, consider building up a virtual team of tech tools, ensuring every drop of sweat counts. After all, your marathon personal best might just be a gadget away.
