Running sensors at a glance

Endurance athletes love to measure, analyze and evaluate new metrics. Especially as a coach, it can be helpful to use a variety of tools to record physiological parameters. Running sensors help you or your coach take your training to the next level. It doesn't matter whether you are a 5-kilometer beginner or are training for the marathon. In this article, you'll learn:

1. Which sensors really get you ahead
2. How they work and what data they provide
3. How to use the technology for your running analysis
4. How to cleverly use sensors in everyday training

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1. Which sensors can make sense when running?

There is a whole range of measuring devices:

Heart rate sensors: (chest strap or bracelet) Ideal for keeping a permanent eye on your heart and thus staying in the right training zones. Wrist measurement tends to be more prone to errors, but has become more and more accurate in recent years. Unless it is particularly cold or heavy hair interferes with the measurement, the measurement on the wrist is valid.

Power meter: It measures your mileage in watts. Similar to on a bike, your power output is independent of wind, incline or GPS fluctuations. This can enable better training control, provided that the calculated performance is correct.

Footpods for gait and technique analysis: They sit right on the shoe, measure step rate, ground contact time and even how much you're moving upwards. This information allows conclusions to be drawn about your running economy and helps you to optimize it in a targeted manner. In addition

Smartwatches with running dynamics: Many current models already provide impressive running indicators, without any additional accessories.

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2. How do wearables work and what do they measure?

• IMU (inertial measurement unit): This is a sensor package that detects the movement of an object in space. It typically consists of:
  • Accelerometer: measures accelerations in three spatial directions (X, Y, Z).
  • Gyroscope: measures rotational movements (rotations) around the three axes of space.
  • (Optional) Magnetometer: measures the Earth's magnetic field for orientation (similar to a compass).
  • These sensors make it possible to precisely record movements such as changes in position, speed, acceleration or rotation and function independently of GPS. In running power meters, for example, the IMU is used in a footpod or chest strap to analyse body movement in detail and calculate performance data from this.
• ‍Performance measurement while running: Running power meters calculate the power expended in watts when running based on movement and environmental data such as speed, acceleration, cadence, incline, and body weight. In contrast to cycling, where performance is measured directly, mileage is based on physical models that use this data to estimate how much energy the body uses per second. Devices such as Stryd or Garmin Running Power use sensors in footpods, chest straps or watches to provide an objective measure of the load — regardless of pace or heart rate — and thus enable more precise training and pacing, especially when terrain or weather changes.‍
• Pulse measurement: Chest straps capture electrical heart impulses, bracelets work with light that shines through your skin.

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3. How do you use these values sensibly in practice?

We like to divide measurements into two categories, basics and nice-to-have. The basics make structured training in running possible in the first place. This includes perceived effort, speed, and your heart rate. These metrics should be recorded in every training session and saved in a kind of journal or dashboard. This allows you to track progress over time and adapt your training.

Nice-to-have, on the other hand, are values such as performance or statements about your running style. These values are more error-prone than the basics and less necessary, but can certainly be helpful if interpreted correctly. Areas of application here include injury prevention, training management and an improvement in running economics.

conclusion

Running sensors are not a gimmick, but helpful companions that make your training more transparent, efficient and safer. Regardless of whether you have yours running economy improve, with Training zones work or imbalances Would you like to uncover. There is a suitable solution for every requirement and budget. Try it out, use your data wisely and master the balance of body awareness and technology.