Sports Technology for Runners

Gadgets, kit, gear – are a runner’s close travelling companions. If the science and technology keeps its promises of improving running performance, a runner often commits for life. Disappointment in a gadget or high tech kit when running will surely lead to a divorce that other runners will want to hear about. Here’s an introduction to four sports technology items that Delphi circles of serious runners are discussing:

Sports Drinks

Drinks such as Gatorade, Powerade and Lucozade Sport re-hydrate many runners’ bodies when racing and in training. Consuming a sports drink during an intense training session and on long runs will provide sugars which a runner’s body will use to create energy and for electrolytes refuelling. When training hard or racing, electrolytes should be replenished to maintain potassium and sodium balances in a runner’s body.

Since the 1970s, some running coaches have been recommending to long distance runners a home-made sports drink. Mindful of the science of running and sports nutrition, an old recipe for a sports drink is

1. Freshly pour one litre of water into a bottle
2. Add four tablespoons of sugar and shake
3. Add one-third of a teaspoon of salt and shake
4. Chill the sports drink for at least an hour
5. Shake the bottle before drinking or pouring into a running water bottle

Running Monitors

For runners who do not have an iPod Nano, Nike+ has released the SportBand. A wrist cuff, the SportBand allows a runner to see distance, pace, time and calories burned on their run. A small chip placed in a runner’s trainer – New Balance or Saucony works as well as Nike+ trainers which have a space for the chip – to interface with the SportBand. Added value is offered by the USB detachable face of the cuff which can download speed and distance data to a Mac or PC. This rich fodder can build into a runner’s personal training e-log and via the Nike+ Sportband website allow runners to set up competitions and team events involving pooling data including the forthcoming Nike+ Human Race on August 31 2008.

Sports Fabrics

Runners are aware that their trainers need replacing every 300 to 500 miles depending on type of footfall. Women who run can tell quickly when the elasticity goes in their sports bra. Runners’ feet speak when socks are wearing thin. A running gilet remains strong in its high tech performance shielding torsos, a runner’s strength and conditioning core, from rain and wind. Buy a running gilet (a zip up waistcoat or jacket without arms) to have a versatile small-packing kit item to keep dry and warm, running season after season. Be prepared for any climate change with the stretchy figure hugging Sugoi Radius Vest or Concurve Air, known for its Windstopper fabric.

Running Trainers

Saucony’s patented award-wining Grid technology continued with the release of the trademarked ProGrid in 2007. Saucony ProGrid Triumph 5 – with the Ladies shoe with blue accents and Men’s shoe in charcoal/blue or charchoal/red – won the Runner’s World UK Personal Best Awards for Best Shoe 2008.

Whether you lead your running field, a back-of-the-pack finisher or enjoy running training without the racing, sports gadgets and techie running gear can make fine partners.

Training in Saucony shoes

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