Pros And Cons Of Wearing A Running Watch

Last Updated on November 15, 2023 by Amanda Bowden

How Strava and GPS Running Watches Can Motivate or Hinder Your Running Progress

Technology has made it easier than ever to track and monitor our progress. GPS running watches have become increasingly popular among runners of all levels. Features include tracking distance, pace, heart rate, and even sleep and stress levels. When paired with the social media app Strava, GPS watches can provide even more data, feedback, and motivation for runners. However, there are both pros and cons to wearing a GPS running watch and using Strava when running. In this blog post, we’ll explore these pros and cons in more detail.

Pros of using a GPS Running Watch

One of the primary advantages of using a GPS running watch is that it provides accurate data on your running metrics such as distance, speed, and time. This information is essential if you want to track your progress over time and set new goals. GPS running watches can also provide motivation by allowing you to see how far you have run and how much progress you are making towards your goals. This feedback can help to keep you motivated and on track.

GPS watches can help you stay safe while out running by providing tracking and location data. This can be used to locate you in the event of an emergency. Also, many GPS running watches allow you to customize your workout plans and set reminders for training sessions. This can help you stay on track and motivated.

You can connect your GPS watch to Strava

Social Interaction and Motivation

Strava allows you to connect with friends, join running clubs, and participate in challenges. This creates a sense of community and support that can be highly motivating. It provides detailed data on your runs, including pace, distance, elevation, and even heart rate. This information can help you track your progress, set goals, and stay motivated.

Goal-setting, Achievement and Competition!

Strava offers a range of challenges and training plans that can help you set and achieve your goals. It is a platform for friendly competition, with features such as segment leaderboards and personal records (PRs) that can push runners to improve their performance. Strava can also help you track your achievements, providing a sense of satisfaction and accomplishment that can boost your self-esteem and confidence.

Cons of using a GPS Running Watch

Cost and Reliance on Technology

GPS running watches can be quite expensive, with prices ranging from a few hundred dollars to over a thousand dollars. This cost can be a barrier for some runners who may not be able to afford it. GPS running watches rely on technology, which means that they can malfunction or break down, leaving you without access to your data. They require regular charging, which can be inconvenient for some runners who may forget to charge their device before a run.

You may find wearing a GPS watch distracting, especially if you are constantly checking your metrics during a run. And, for some people, privacy concerns are an issue. Strava’s public profile and location data can raise concerns for some runners who may not want to share their routes and personal information with others. If this is the case for you, you can choose to keep your profile private, but you lose the ability to take part in many of the challenges and segment leader-boards.

Obsession with Data and Social Comparison

When using Strava regularly, you may become obsessed with tracking your data and achieving your goals. This can lead to burnout, injury, or mental health issues such as anxiety or depression. And, Strava’s emphasis on competition and personal records can lead to social comparison and pressure to perform, which may be detrimental to some runners’ self-esteem and motivation.

Overtraining

Strava’s training plans and challenges may encourage you to over-train, as taking part in Strava competitions and receiving kudos can become addictive. You may worry about what your followers think of your running pace, so run harder than is sensible. This can lead to injury or burnout.

Strava and Mental Health

Strava can provide you with a sense of social identity and belonging, which can be highly motivating and rewarding. Its goal-setting and feedback can tap into your achievement motivation, providing a sense of purpose and accomplishment.

Feedback and achievement tracking by Strava can boost your self-esteem and self-efficacy, which can have positive effects on your mental health and well-being. But, Strava’s social comparison and pressure to perform can lead to negative effects on your self-esteem, motivation, and mental health.

Making the Most of Your Running Technology: Key Takeaways

In conclusion, GPS running watches and Strava offer many benefits for runners, including accurate data, social interaction, feedback and motivation, goal-setting, competition, and personal achievement. However, they also come with some drawbacks, such as privacy concerns, obsession with data, social comparison, and overtraining. The psychological reasons for using Strava can be both positive and negative, depending on your personality, goals, and mental health. Ultimately, you should weigh the pros and cons and consider your own psychological needs and well-being before deciding whether to use Strava with your GPS running watch.