In the relentless pursuit of endurance and peak performance, ultramarathon runners are a special breed of athlete and are increasingly turning to technology to help push themselves further.
For long-distance running, wearable technology provides athletes with unparalleled insights into their training, health, and performance. From GPS smartwatches that map out vast terrains to heart rate monitors that ensure training is optimised without overexertion, these devices are more than simple gadgets and help ultrarunners push their limits safely and effectively.
If you’re new to the world of ultramarathon training, below you will quickly understand how wearables are enhancing physical performance and giving runners the data and analytics they need to continually improve.
Using Wearable Tech
Wearable technology covers a range of different devices designed to monitor, analyse, and enhance athlete performance. For ultra runners who compete during long and strenuous runs, such as a 50km or 100km distance, they become very important for both training purposes and competing.
GPS trackers provide real-time data on pace, distance, and route navigation, essential for the unpredictable terrains of ultramarathons. Heart rate monitors and advanced multisport watches track physiological metrics like heart rate, calorie expenditure, and even blood oxygen levels, offering insights into a runner’s fitness and recovery needs. Monitoring hydration levels, a critical factor in endurance sports, and even the biomechanics of a runner’s gait are also both useful.
Ultramarathon runners can gain a comprehensive understanding of their physical capabilities and limitations through the use of trackers, sensors and other wearables, enabling them to tailor their training so they can adjust and perform at their best.
Benefits of Wearable Tech in Training
There are of course several substantial benefits of using wearables that help athletes optimise their performance and recovery.
- Precise tracking of physiological and biomechanical data – Runners can monitor vital statistics like heart rate, pace, and even advanced metrics such as VO2 max (a measure of cardiorespiratory fitness). This data helps in customising training to match individual fitness levels to avoid over or under-training.
- Assists with injury prevention and management – Wearables can provide feedback on running form and fatigue levels. Devices equipped with accelerometers and gyroscopes can alert runners to adjustments needed in their stride or posture, potentially reducing the risk of common injuries such as stress fractures or muscle strains. This is particularly crucial in ultramarathon training, where the repetitive stress and long distances can put a lot of strain on the body.
- Ability to simulate and prepare for specific race conditions – Altitude watches, those with a barometric altimeter sensor, can help runners acclimate to elevation changes they will face during mountainous ultramarathons. Similarly, temperature and humidity sensors can be worn to help athletes adjust their hydration and pacing strategies according to environmental conditions they will encounter on race day.
- Explore new training routes safely – the integration of GPS and mapping technology ensures that runners can explore new training routes safely, enhancing their spatial awareness and adding variety to their training, which is vital for mental as well as physical conditioning.
The integration of personal wearable technology with advanced training environments helps runners push themselves further. Companies like Feldspar have developed a sensor-enabled performance running track that represents the next stage of wearable tech. They are engineered to enhance training effectiveness by providing real-time feedback directly to athletes and coaches.
This seamless interaction allows runners to monitor their performance and has the potential to work with different track conditions, mimicking the varied terrains of ultramarathons. Everything from stride length to foot strike pattern and ground contact time can be captured in more detail, offering insights that go beyond traditional wearables.
Choosing the Right Tech for You
Selecting appropriate wearable technology when training for ultramarathons is crucial, although you may have a hard time choosing between different products available to you. It’s best to tailor this to your individual needs and the specific challenges of ultramarathon environments. When choosing a device, consider the following:
Battery Life – Ultramarathons and extended training sessions require devices with long-lasting batteries. Choose wearables that can endure the entire duration of your runs without needing a recharge.
Durability and Comfort – Your device should withstand harsh weather and rough terrains while being comfortable enough to wear for long periods. Look for water-resistant and shock-proof features, along with a comfortable strap or fit.
Data Accuracy and Range of Metrics – Ensure the device offers precise tracking of the metrics that are most critical to your training goals, such as distance, pace, heart rate, and elevation. Advanced metrics like stride analysis and thermal regulation might also be valuable, depending on your training focus and your budget.
Integration Capabilities – Consider how well the device integrates with other technology, such as a mobile app on your smartphone or tablet. Seamless connectivity can enhance data management and provide richer insights.
As we’ve explored, wearable technology can make a huge difference to how successful your ultramarathon training is, providing detailed insights and real-time data crucial for pushing the boundaries safely and effectively. For any ultrarunner serious about their performance, you’ll want to research properly before making any purchases or upgrading your current equipment. At the same time, you don’t want to have too many gadgets you need to rely on, so find the best all-rounder for you, and you’ll be beating your personal best in no time.