I’m a runner and I have an addiction. My addition is the latest gear and gadgets. I’m not a professional runner. I’m just a normal dad that likes to get my miles in. I will share a few ideas to make you feel better about making that big purchase of the latest running gear or gadgets.
The Latest Gear and Gadgets Get me Every time
When a new watch or carbon plated running shoe comes out, it’s hard not to want to buy it. It’s the fear of missing out on the latest. I fall for any new tech that comes out. I have watches, shoes, and heart rate devices that I probably didn’t need.
Here are a few ways I’ve justified a tech expense to fuel my running hobby:
- My Family Worries about Me – on those days I have long runs, I don’t take my phone with me. I’ve justified purchasing a cellular running watch to give my family comfort that I’m not passed out in a ditch. A new watch with better location tracking? I need that for my family to know I’m safe.
- Health Tracking – heart rate, oxygen, calorie, steps, and sleep tracking all provide great insight to a healthy lifestyle. The comfort of being able to track some health metrics is really appealing. Tracking my health is important.
- More Metrics – a big screen with lots of data brings out the nerd in me. Metrics that track my pace, heart rate, stride, or splits are all super valuable for a better running experience. Overall, I want more data to improve my running.
- Coolness Factor – showing off a little is really the last big thing I think about. It is a great conversation started with other runners. It is also exciting to wear something new out on a run. Wearing new tech that looks cool, but is also functional is almost a good enough reason itself.
Sometimes Just Buying it is Worth It
I’m not one to impulse buy, but any significant purchase I do pine over for far too long. I’ve learned to figure out what are the most important factors and make the purchase. Checking the boxes can really give a great pre, during, and post running experience. If it meets all of your criteria and you have the money, it will give you a much better running experience. Go get it!