Why you should try running without a GPS watch

Runners love their GPS watches. The wearable technology can help them ensure that they’re on pace, running their workouts properly and can help them monitor their training load. But there times when running without a GPS watch is a good idea, and ways in which relying on a watch can hinder performance instead of helping it. Here are some reasons why runners should consider occasionally ditching the GPS.

RELATED: Why Trevor Hofbauer races without a watch

On your really easy days

On the days that you’re supposed to be running easy, try leaving the watch at home. When you’re running a pace that’s a lot slower than you would typically, a watch reminding you of how slow you going isn’t going to make your run any better. The purpose of that day is recovery, so don’t worry about your Strava followers seeing your slow miles, and leave the fancy watch at home. Let yourself enjoy the recovery and not worry about the pace. You’ll be better for it by the next workout.

On race day

Wearing a watch on race day is a gamble: on one hand, it’s important for helping runners stay on pace, on the other, it can limit you a little. Trevor Hofbauer won the Canadian Marathon Championships at the 2019 Scotiabank Toronto Waterfront Marathon in 2:09:51–without a watch. His marathon was the second-fastest ever run by a Canadian and qualified him for the upcoming Tokyo Olympics.

Hofbauer said post-race: “I’ve found training with a pace immediately dictates how your workout is going to go. I trained with pace and Strava for years. One day I was running with Eric Gillis [Olympian and one of Canada’s fastest-ever marathoners] in Guelph and he didn’t use pace on his watch so I took it off of mine as well. Removing pace was something that stuck.” When runners become married to a pace, they removed the option of surprising themselves with an out-of-the-box performance like Hofbauer’s nine minute personal best.

However, if you’re a runner who’s prone to overcooking the first few kilometres of their race, keep the watch.

When you need to totally disconnect

If you’ve had an overwhelming day and you just need some time alone with your head, hit the trails and don’t worry about anything but enjoying the run. This can help clear you mind and offer a reset.

When you’re coming back from injury

When you’re coming back from an injury, everything feels difficult. Getting back into shape is no easy task, and a constant reminder of how slowly you’re moving isn’t what you need. Start your first runs back from injury without a watch and give your body time to get there. You’ll end up in your pre-injury shape, it’s just going to take some patience.