Before the era of smartwatches and smartphones, how did runners accurately measure their training runs? Let’s dive into the methods used by dedicated athletes.
Summary
- Runners relied on car odometers, handheld stopwatches, and manual mapping techniques.
- Some used innovative tools like measuring wheels and USGS topographic maps to determine distances.
- Training based on perceived effort and running by feel were common practices.
- Despite technological advancements, traditional methods still hold value for many runners.
Old-School Measures: Car Odometers and Manual Mapping
Many runners in the past utilized their car odometers to gauge distances, matching landmarks like light poles to markers. Others resorted to manual mapping techniques, tracing routes on physical maps and calculating distances beforehand.
Innovative Tools: Measuring Wheels and Topographic Maps
Some runners adopted unique tools like measuring wheels, clicking off quarter and half miles to track their progress. USGS topographic maps were also popular for mapping out trails and impassable routes.
Perceived Effort and Running by Feel
Runners often based their training on perceived effort, focusing on high-intensity runs only a few times a week. The emphasis was on listening to their bodies and running by feel rather than relying solely on data.
Despite the advancements in technology, many veteran runners still prefer traditional methods, showcasing the timeless essence of running based on intuition and experience.