Practical aids for joggers
15.9.2016
Translation: machine translated
As well as trainers and running clothes, there are many other accessories to complement your equipment, give you a better running experience and make your training easier. Here are the main accessories.
1. Setting goals and measuring progress: sports watches
If you're going to be running regularly and want to make progress, a sports watch is almost essential. The watch helps you track essential data such as heart rate, distance covered and lots of other vital information. So you can always keep track of your performance and measure your progress - an extra source of motivation. Some watches measure heart rate directly on the wrist, while others use a chest strap. According to Larissa Haltiner of Garmin Switzerland, there's a difference between the two methods: "When the pulse is only measured on the wrist, only the pulse is recorded, which is more than enough when you're just starting out. Data relating to running parameters (vertical movement, pace, etc.) can only be measured using the belt. In the Garmin Forerunner 630, for example, you can still obtain other information thanks to the belt, such as the balance of ground contact time, step length and vertical ratio, as well as physiological values (lactate threshold, load value and performance value)."
The fitbit Surge measures heart rate directly on the wrist and delivers interesting statistics on running time, course, speed and elevation gain.
The TomTom Spark Cardio + Music measures heart rate directly on the wrist. The sports watch also has a built-in music player with 3GB of memory for up to 500 tracks.
Other sports watches on the other hand, such as the Garmin Forerunner 630, come with a special belt to measure heart rate:
2. From the practical to the essential
In a special pouch or running backpack, you can put bars or gel, for example.
Some people like to run while listening to music. You can either use your mobile phone and secure it with a special holder or take a good old MP3 player. It's advisable to use Bluetooth sports headphones so you're not bothered by the cable when you run.
If you like to run after dark, you should opt for reflective running clothes as well as a headlamp, to see and be seen.
See all MP3 players // See all sports headphones // See all headlamps
Theresa Schieder
Leader Portfolio Development Do-It, Garden & Household
Theresa.Schieder@digitecgalaxus.ch