Technology assisted training has become increasingly popular in recent years, with many high school runners turning to GPS watches, heart rate monitors, and other devices to track and improve their performance. While these tools can certainly be helpful, there are also some potential drawbacks to consider.

Pros:

  1. Tracking progress: One of the biggest advantages of technology assisted training is the ability to track progress and set goals. By using devices like GPS watches and heart rate monitors, runners can see exactly how far and fast they are running, as well as how many calories they are burning. This can be especially helpful for high school runners who are trying to improve their times or reach specific fitness goals.

  2. Improving performance: Technology can also help runners improve their performance by providing real-time feedback and analysis. For example, a GPS watch can show a runner their pace and distance in real-time, allowing them to adjust their effort accordingly. Heart rate monitors can help runners understand how hard they are working and whether they need to push harder or take it easy.

  3. Motivation: Using technology to track progress and see improvements can also be a great motivator for high school runners. Seeing the numbers go up and reaching new personal bests can be a great way to stay motivated and keep pushing yourself.

Cons:

  1. Cost: One potential drawback of technology assisted training is the cost. GPS watches, heart rate monitors, and other devices can be expensive, especially for high school runners who may not have a lot of disposable income.

  2. Dependence: Another potential concern is that runners may become overly reliant on technology and lose the ability to judge their own effort and progress. For example, if a runner is used to relying on a GPS watch to tell them their pace, they may have difficulty running without one if it malfunctions or runs out of battery.

  3. Distraction: Finally, there is the risk of distraction. While technology can certainly be helpful in training, it is important to remember that it is just a tool and not a replacement for hard work and dedication. If runners become too focused on tracking their progress or comparing themselves to others, they may lose sight of the bigger picture and the joy of running.

In conclusion, technology assisted training can be a great tool for high school runners looking to track their progress, improve their performance, and stay motivated. However, it is important to use it wisely and not become overly reliant on it. As with any training tool, it is important to find the balance that works best for you and to always remember that the most important thing is to have fun and enjoy the sport.

 

One new and potentially surprising technology that is being used to train runners is virtual reality (VR). While VR has traditionally been used for gaming and entertainment, it is now being used by some runners as a training tool.

Here's how it works: runners wear a VR headset and enter a virtual reality environment, which can simulate different terrains and conditions. For example, a runner could use VR to train for a marathon by "running" through a virtual cityscape, complete with hills, turns, and other real-world challenges.

There are a few benefits to using VR for training:

  1. Variety: VR can provide a change of scenery and new challenges for runners who are tired of running the same routes or are training in a location with limited terrain options.

  2. Safety: VR allows runners to train in a controlled environment without the risks of running on busy roads or in inclement weather.

  3. Motivation: Some runners find VR to be a more engaging and immersive way to train, which can help to keep them motivated and focused.

While VR is still a relatively new technology in the world of running, it shows promise as a training tool and may become more widely adopted in the future. However, it is important to note that VR is not a replacement for real-world training and should be used in conjunction with traditional training methods.

There are several VR products on the market that are specifically designed for running training. Here are a few examples:

  1. Zwift: Zwift is a popular virtual reality platform for runners and cyclists. Users can choose from a variety of virtual routes and compete with other users in real-time. Zwift is compatible with treadmills and indoor trainers, allowing runners to train in a controlled environment.

  2. Virtuix Omni: The Virtuix Omni is a VR treadmill that allows users to walk, run, or jog in a virtual reality environment. The treadmill has a low-friction surface and support harness, allowing users to move naturally and safely.

  3. Treadmill VR: Treadmill VR is a virtual reality app that turns any treadmill into a VR training machine. The app provides a variety of virtual environments and challenges, including races and interval training.

  4. VirZoom: VirZoom is a VR platform that allows users to exercise while playing virtual reality games. The platform includes a stationary bike, which users can use to "ride" through a variety of virtual environments.

While these are just a few examples, there are many other VR products on the market that are designed specifically for running and other forms of exercise. It is worth noting that while VR can be a useful training tool, it should be used in conjunction with traditional training methods and not as a replacement for real-world training.