What's Your App?

I have been running for about two years, and never really consistently tapped into running with an application until recently(as in the last 8 months or so). I wanted to be one of those runners who "freestyle"; you know, run without gadgets and whoseits and whatchamacallits. I always felt that I would appreciate the sport more if I ran without being weighed down with the thought of knowing my pace or my distance. When I first started tracking my runs, I would only track my long distance runs, especially when I was training for my half marathons. I felt like the shorter runs, those filled with extreme effort, were insignificant(though, now I know this to not be true. Every run, even the short ones are important). Another reason I avoided tracking my runs was because I am not very technologically savvy. I get easily irritated when my phone or computer start going haywire. This is exactly why I haven't invested in one of those high-priced watches (i.e The Garmin)because I get so frustrated with technology and I don't want to be frustrated with reading directions on how to work it.

Frankly, I just don't have time for even the most minute glitch involving any electronic device or program. This is why I ended up switching running applications from RunKeeper to Nike. Several times when I was training for my first half, the RunKeeper app would freeze on me at the most inopportune times. I'd be running in the cold for several miles, delirious as I am approaching the 8th mile and then I realize that it has been several minutes since my app last updated me on my status. You can probably imagine how ticked off I was, having to estimate how far and how fast I had gone since the last update. Luckily I had run the same route several times and could predict how long it would take me to finish, but I could not tell if my time was improving from run to run. After my second half, I started to use the Nike Running App. I love this application for several reasons. It was relatively easy to install on my iphone. It has only frozen on me maybe about twice since I started using it. I love being cheered on by Tim Tebow, Sanya Richards-Ross, and Shalane Flanagan when I'm approaching my goal. As corny as it sounds, it is very motivating being encouraged by sports and Olympic heroes! Even when I have an off day, Tim always says something like, "Way to keep going". I suppose this is much better than, "That time really sucked!", lol. In June I probably tracked the most runs ever, logging fifty plus miles. It's also cool to keep track with my buddies, with a little competition to see whose in first place with the highest number of miles logged week to week.

I have yet to use a running application during a race. I really don't feel the need for it, as my race bib is keeping time during the race. I like the suspense of waiting around to know my official race time. I know my body and I pretty much know when I'm having a good or bad running day. Most of the time because of the anticipation and excitement of the race, I run faster than I do on routine runs. This year at the Black Girls Run! Sweat With Your Sole 10K, I plan on keeping with my tradition of running app free during the race. Usually the morning of a race, my mind is running rampant with every thought imaginable until I cross the starting line, and then it becomes a blank slate. As silly as that sounds, I like that feeling. Though there may be thousands of people around me, I tune out the commotion. I focus on my breathing and the way my foot is hitting the ground, and I look straight ahead. I feel that introducing a running application to my races would break my "running serenity" because I would keep looking down or listen in to hear my progress. Sometimes, it's just good to revert back to the basics. After all, I can't recall the late Flo Jo or Jackie Joyner-Kersee running a race with a running app(not that I am anywhere close to being in their leagues). I think running applications are a great way to track progress and keep runners motivated, but I don't want the pressure of meeting a goal to take away from the moment of being apart of a phenomenal movement supporting Black women who aspire live healthier lifestyles. I've learned that a running application doesn't determine my quality as a runner. My dedication to get out there does, and that is something a running application doesn't measure.

***The Black Girls Run! Sweat With Your Sole Race and Conference Weekend will be held September 6-8, 2013 in Charlotte, NC. Come join the fun, the comraderie, the cause! The conference is open to women only, but the races are co-ed!***