In a world where every runner seems to have the latest GPS watch on their wrist or a smartphone tracking every step, choosing to run without technology might seem like rebellious. But running digital-free isn’t just about making a statement—according to a Finnish study, it can be deeply meaningful, freeing and empowering. Here’s what you need to know to decide if ditching the data is right for you.
The study
Conducted by researchers at the University of Jyväskylä in Finland. They surveyed over 1,000 recreational runners, asking them about their reasons for not using digital sports technology. By analyzing the participants’ responses, the researchers identified recurring themes, including a feeling of freedom and a deeper connection to running, as reported by those who choose to unplug.
More than numbers
Runners often get caught up in the data: pace, heart rate, splits and VO2 max readings. What happens when you let go of the numbers? According to the study, some runners felt that technology took away from the value of the sport. Running without devices allows you to focus on how you feel, the rhythm of your breath, and the sound of your feet hitting the ground, helping runners connect with the experience of running rather than analyzing it.
Freedom to move
One of the study’s key findings was that ditching technology offered them a sense of freedom. You’re probably used to heading out the door and pausing to wait for your watch to find that GPS signal and pick up your heart rate. Without data, running becomes simpler and more spontaneous. You are able to tune into your body, and you can go as far or as fast as you feel.
For many runners, ditching devices gave them a fresh appreciation for the beauty of their surroundings. Instead of staring at a screen mid-run, they noticed the changing colours of the leaves or the crunch of snow under their feet. Running became more about being present than hitting a goal.
Is it for you?
Does thinking about leaving your watch at home still give you the creepy crawlies? Going digital-free doesn’t have to mean throwing your watch in the garbage, and using metrics to accurately assess your runs can be useful when aiming for certain targets or training for a particular event. Many runners in the study switched between using devices for training and leaving them behind on easy runs. Start small—try one technology-free run a week and see how it feels.
