The Benefits of GPS-Free Training for Elite Runners
Some elite distance runners are choosing to train without GPS watches, opting for vintage watches or no watches at all. These runners find that the abundance of data provided by GPS watches can be more of a hindrance than a help, as it takes away from the enjoyment of their runs and distracts them from focusing on their bodies and the overall feel of their training. By ditching the data, these runners are able to listen to their bodies more effectively and prioritize effort over pace. They rely on their own estimations and simple timekeeping methods to track their runs, finding joy and liberation in the simplicity of their training approach.