As complicated as I get
When I first started triathlon training eons ago I worked with a coach–Troy Jacobson. He’d send me my schedules bi-weekly and all of my prescribed training was by time. A three-hr. ride here, a 90-minute run there. He’d specify effort by zone, but never got too technical about pace. Yes, I did weekly track workouts under his leadership, as well as three master’s swim practices that he coached, and attended weekly Spinervals classes that he directed. But beyond that, you couldn’t describe a lot of how we trained as super dialed in.
Now for all you Garmin- and wattage meter-obsessed people out there, this might seem criminal. But you know what? It worked, and it worked well. I had consistent good results and made really great progress under this approach.
Today, I haven’t changed a heck of a lot in terms of my approach. For my long runs, I run on marked courses around town (courtesy of my run club) so I know my distances. But pace? I don’t really pay attention to it at all on these runs. I go by feel–I want my long runs to be generally slower than marathon pace (by about a minute) and I can check in here or there to make sure that is happening. But otherwise, I can feel if it’s too fast or too slow. I’ll do specific track work with goal paces in mind and use my plain old Timex IM model to help me. For my swims, I may or may not work off the clock, depending on my mood. For my bike rides, I have a general range I want to hit for easy rides and then incorporate speed work as needed.
The thing to understand about this type of training is that you learn quite a bit about how you feel at different paces. Tell me to go out and run an 8-min. pace for three miles and I can dial it in, no problem. Slow it down to 8:30? I know how that feels too. My point is–there’s great value in learning to feel your paces. I think we are over dependent on the technology available to us today. It strips us of the ability to understand our paces and what our bodies need.
It’s not that I think these tools can’t be valuable–they can. But I also think there’s something lost in our dependence on them and that most runners could stand to loosen that dependence. Take one or two easy runs a week and just go. Let your body set your pace, not your watch. I’m willing to bet you’ll gain something from it.
Anyone else every lay down the Garmin? Or train without one completely? (And am I on some kind of opinionated roll here this week or what?)
Great post! I totally agree Amanda. I was thinking about this tonight when I was running and trying not to use my Garmin. I have only been running with a garmin for a little over a year now but I can honestly say that I knew my pace so much better BEFORE the garm. Seriously, I used to be able to run 8 min pace in my sleep…I just knew it…I could feel it. Now, not so much…I rely way too much on that thing! Way too much. Now, the trick is how to go backwards. I’ve gone through so many of the watches you have on in the pic…I finally decided to stop buying them because they ALL fall apart after a year…that is a year or two of constant use….never taking it off. So, we’ll see…maybe I’ll just use the timing part of the garmin and try not to use the pace so much.
I guess I’ll be the first descenter here.:) I’m a pretty new runner, so in the beginning I had no idea how fast I was going or how far. People kept talking about their pace, and I was like, “What the?” How do I know that? Don’t you find out after you run? Anyway, when I finally broke down and forced my husband to buy me a Garmin, it was so much easier to figure out. How would I ever know how fast and 8-min. mile feels if I never really know when I ran that speed? There are definitely times when I just want to chill and not worry about tracking things, and I don’t wear it then. But it has taught me so much about my own paces that I’m really glad to have it. Maybe as I get more experienced I won’t feel like I need it as much. I hope!
Yo Momma Runs recently posted..Peavine Falls Run, July 4, 2102
I never even had a Garmin until two years ago when I ran Boston on my birthday and some friends gave it to me as a birthday gift. So all my previous BQs were done Garmin-less…and some of my current PRs are done watch-less. I feel I get too wrapped up in watching the watch when I wear it. But lately I’ve been wearing in races because my time is soooo far off from what it used to be and I always end up killing myself by going out too fast so it’s back on the wrist to slow my butt down. Doesn’t alway work, but it sounds good in theory
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Jill recently posted..The Leadville Heavy Half Marathon
I really, really like to look over my numbers, so I have trouble not bringing along my Garmin, but I do make myself not look at my pace or my heart rate and just run by effort. I’m getting better at it, but I’m still not perfect.
I do agree with you, though; learning to listen to our bodies and run by effort is really important.
You made a really good point! I start running by feel but still wear my Garmin. I like to know the mileage. I only look after each mile and see how my felt pace actually fits to the actual pace.
Christine recently posted..Three Things Thursday
I think you know where I stand on this. I will still use my GPS at times, but this could be a new dimension of “minimalist running”. A 10-time ironman who has runs countless marathons as a elite and master’s runner says it best: “Go long, go short, go faster, be consistent”. Simple-but effective. I think each runner should find their balance, but learning to read your own body and pace is a very overlooked skill.
Great post!
Adrienne recently posted..Road Racing vs. Triathlon Running: My Observations
I usually have to look, to slow myself down – I’m always running too fast on my long runs.
Kovas – Midwest Multisport Life recently posted..Pearl iZUMi Fly In–R–Cool® Short Sleeve
I’ve never owned a Garmin or other device like that. I’m with you and run with only a start/stop watch that I never look at. Some days I leave it at home. I can feel my pace exactly when road running. I’m still learning the trails a bit as effort is so much different but I’m getting there with trail running as well. I don’t think I will ever need more than a good stop watch.
Johann recently posted..Friday already?
Great post! I’ll admit I like all the information my Garmin gives me, but it makes me obsessive. It makes me get down on myself when my pace isn’t what I want it to be. Now that I’m pregnant (and my Garmin conveniently died soon after I found out I was pregnant), I usually run watchless or with a regular watch. It’s been nice to run watchless especially because I don’t need a watch to tell me how slow I’m going
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I am all about going Garmin-less, especially when I’m not training for anything. Haven’t worn my Garmin in wks and I LOVE it. I feel so free.
Heidi @BananaBuzzbomb recently posted..How Do You Get Energized?
I don’t own a watch. I get so hung up on data and details that I know it would suck the joy out, for me. Probably the best approach is somewhere in between.
Mara @Big Happy Family recently posted..7-11 day!
I’m Garmin free all the time..I dont have one! LOL
Tara Burner recently posted..Writing your life story…what are you writing?
Run without my garmin!? Not when I’m training. I have to say my garmin has helped me figure out when I’m running an 8 min pace- occasionally when the battery is dead I’ll ask my running partner if we are running an 8:25, 8:15 pace or whatever and Im usually off only by a few seconds. I love my garmin. Love having a recorded history of runs too, but it is less pressure when I’m not wearing it for sure. Although I don’t think i would push as hard, I need a gauge.
And you really run 1 min slower on long runs and still generally hit your race goal?! I know everyone says to do that it just seems impossible for me. I guess it’s the mental part I just need to work on. Too bad there’s no device I could buy for that, Grr
Fueled by Spite recently posted..Tennis anyone?
I usually wear my watch, but i have learned not to look at it unless I’m really working on a specific pace. Recently when I dropped off any specific training I ran more without a watch, but i’m too lazy to use mapmyrun later to figure out the distance and i like to have an idea for my logs, so i wear it
Amanda @RunToTheFinish recently posted..Ab Challenge: Incorporating in strength routine
I wish I was so honed into my paces. I never know where I am. Once day, it feels as if I’m running along at a fast pace but when I check, it was slower than the day before. The next, it may seem slow but my over all pace is faster.
I do run by feel but couldn’t tell you what that pace is without my Garmin.
Joanne recently posted..Sunny 18 and FOFF Spinach and Artichoke Stuffed Shells
Tried a garmin for a few runs and shifted the focus of my runs and made them less enjoyable. I rarely wear a watch, either. Like you, I want my pace to be what feels right.
I use the Nike+ GPS Sportswatch on my runs and really except for races, the only reason I use it is for distance and to log the run. I actually don’t pay any attention to pace, and don’t even know what it is until I get home and upload the run to Dailymile and it calculates the per km pace. On the TM I set my pace (obviously), but do fool around with the speeds so don’t know the overall average until it’s done either! I feel I’m pretty good at self regulating my pace, even during races and the watch pretty much just confirms what I’m doing.
Robin recently posted..From Stability to Neutral Shoes!
I am so glad you posted this…Due to injury I have had to take up swimming & biking which naturally led me to doing a sprint tri and the training plans by “minutes” killed me at first. But amazingly, like you said, I’m getting more tuned into my body. I can *usually* kick out a pace in my mind. That said…I wish I had the same predictive abilities in buying airfare…”Wait…go…buy now!”.
Sheila recently posted..Sometimes the Words Fail
Since coming back from my injury I have started leaving my garmin at home on some runs! Mostly because I get pissed my pace is not what it use to be! I definitely feel more relaxed running without it!
I have to admit, I really do like my Garmin and think it helps with my training. However, I try to do at least one run a week where I know my distance and run without it and I really enjoy that – it’s so refreshing! And depending on what my goals are for the particular run, sometimes I don’t use it to pace me during the run, but use it to gather info afterward.
Beth @ RUNNING around my kitchen recently posted..3 years
i absolutely agree. once i decide what my marathon pace is going to be. i try and “memorize” it by feel. there is nothing worse then running 26.2 and being a slave to your garmin. i’ve done that numerous times and it’s awful.
Kristy@RunTheLongRoad recently posted..My Strange Addiction
I think it’s worth a shot, but we should always remember that training affects people differently. Typically, when someone switches things up, even just a little, some gains usually follow. Sustaining them is a different story. While it is always good to change up your training, there is always going to be some methods that work better for some people than for others.
I was reading a similar article lately about the importance of knowing pace by feel, and it made me stop and think. I have a general idea, but probably within 30 seconds, and this writer recommended knowing it down to a ten second margin! It’s something I’m working on.
As for tri training, I’ve been forced to go without on swims and the bike as I don’t have a great option for either. Still haven’t figured out what I’ll do for Sunday’s race… I’m thinking maybe I’ll just throw on my Garmin for the run.
Laura recently posted..Why are runners so stubborn?
Wonderful post!! This is something I have been experimenting with since my injury. I can tell when I am pushing too hard and tell when my pace is just right for me. I find the watch stresses me out sometimes. I prefer now to try going by feel.
Jolene Cannady recently posted..Throw On The Cape and Fake Stache
I agree! My local running group/store that I use for some of my training creates our plans based on time rather than distance. And it works! They believe you should get comfortable with the time and we don’t worry *too much* about pace with the plans. Sure there are some days where the plan calls for some speed work, but we primarily focus on getting a comfortable and healthy run in based on time spent. I also can tell my pacing now when I run. My Garmin is not a model that will tell me mid-run what I’m pacing as, only after the fact. But, I can “feel” it too. I seem to stick to the same speed no matter what, so I’m rarely surprised
I’ve done a lot of thinking over the past year about what I really want to get out of race day and I’ve understood – I’m never going to be an Olympian. I am happy if I have a healthy race and place decent in my division. Those are my goals now 
Christina recently posted..9 wonderful travel days in the city of Nürnberg, Germany
As a still fairly new runner I really like the feedback my Garmin gives me – perhaps over time I’ll become more dialed in on my pace. I try to do one run a week without any devices (garmin, headphones, etc) so I can stay tuned into my breathing, footfalls, etc.
Michelle @ Running with Attitude recently posted..Coaching, Yoga, New Shoes, etc.
Totally agree x 1000000. I wear my Garmin when I’m doing speedwork and on my long runs. My easy/recovery days are garmin free b/c I don’t want to be running a certain pace – I want my body to dictate the pace. I know the pace based on the route that I”m taking (I run with my cell phone) but I’m not a slave to that #. I find that it takes me a few weeks in the spring (after training mostly on the TM in the winter) to get used to how the paces feel again – I lose a lot during the winter months!!
GREAT post! =)
Michele @ NYC Running Mama recently posted..A Child’s Ability To Empathize
It’s also helpful to know your paces and RPE in care your electronics fail during a race. 5 minutes into the bike of my first 70.3 my hr strap crapped out and I was planning on riding under a certain hr. Ended up training to hard.
I do about half of my workouts without my garmin. Sometimes when I wear it I only check it post-run. I find that learning to listen to my body is very important and also running without it enables me to focus more on form and running to feel good. Thanks for sharing this great post! It is never good to get too focused on the numbers because then your brain gets too involved in over thinking. Happy running!
Sandra Laflamme recently posted..Motivation Monday-I conquered a mountain
I want to buy a Garmin and this is the sort of thing my husband points to when trying to convince me I don’t need to spend $400-$500.
But I think the sport of triathlon appeals to data geeks like me.
TriMOEngr (Christina) recently posted..Pewaukee Sprint Tri Race Report
I’ve never had a Garmin.
I’ll occasionally bug Garmin-wearing Hubby with questions of…
“What’s our pace now?”
*5 minutes later*
“What’s our pace NOW?”
It’s amazing he puts up with me! But then again he’s usually only with me for the first mile or two of any run.
Invariably my Garmin-verified pace is within +/-20 seconds of what I think I’m running. Knowing my pace just comes from many years of practice, I suppose…
Beth (i run like a girl) recently posted..Weekly roundup: Friday potluck
You bring up good points. I can usually tell by feel that I’m running too fast on a flat course, but I couldn’t tell you if I’m running 8:30 or 10:30.
I pretty much always wear my Garmin but I look at distance primarily while I”m running. When I get home I like to look at the elevation for new courses.
Tracy recently posted..And another Epic Trail Run
Great post!!! I don’t think I “know” my paces as well as you do but I do try to head out on runs without my Garmin and just run based on how I feel. Thanks for sharing!!
Toni Church recently posted..Week 2 Marathon Training Recap
My sons run this way. I am amazed how they can dial into a pace by feel…guess they’ve had good coaching! They run with a plain old timex. I, on the other hand, am a slave to my garmin or nike+ app….they are MUCH better runners than me