When you start running, one of the main questions you ask yourself is, “Am I running the right way?” And it’s not just limited to when starting out but, even the most experienced runners, frequently feel the need for confirmation on their technique and athletic gesture.
Ideally, you should have a coach following you and watching every step but-unless you are a professional athlete-it is an impractical option.
The goal-as I always say-is to have as efficient and economical a running style as possible. In fact, consuming less energy allows us to run faster and longer.
To be effective runners, we need to take great care of our technique. More in detail, it is important to focus on cadence (the number of steps per minute) and stride length: very important elements to understand if the foot’s point of support is within our center of gravity, so our running will definitely be at its best.
Ground contact time is another key data point because the longer the foot stays on the ground, the more we slow down our running. While the foot stance angle tells us whether the forces of the impact with the ground are being absorbed correctly by our body, as well as whether the rolling of the foot (the transition between stance and detachment from the ground) occurs correctly.
Ultimately, the combination and analysis of this data tells us whether we are reaching our full potential.
Fortunately, technology comes to our aid and, in particular, the Under Armour system with its connected shoes and the MapMyRun app, which, in addition to providing you with personalized workouts to reach your goals, with its Form Coaching feature constantly informs you how you are running.
How does it work?
The system consists of two elements: shoes with a built-in Bluetooth sensor and the MapMyRun app on your smartphone.
The sensor transmits physical data, and the app processes it and gives you immediate feedback in the phone. In addition, you can connect the app to your smartwatch and headphones for an even more immersive running experience.
At the same time, the MapMyRun app acts as a GPS tracker and provides you with all typical data on route.
In short, a complete system that starts with Under Armour shoes-the brand new Flow Velociti Wind and all models in the HOVR series-and integrates, unlocking their advanced features, with a dedicated running and coaching app.
Start Running with Under Armour MapMyRun
As you can imagine, the best way is to use the app in conjunction with a pair of Under Armour connected shoes. In fact, in addition to being able to use the sensor with advanced running dynamics, you will also unlock the premium membership that gives you one-year access to elite training programs, advanced routes, and goal tracking.
From here you can start by choosing your program: run 5K, do 10K or, even, prepare for a half-marathon or marathon.
It is very interesting that whatever program you choose, he will adapt based on your progress and how your workouts go. Just as a live coach would do.
Always respecting the gradualness of workload and difficulty. To allow your body to adjust a little at a time to distance and speed.
Proven benefits
We have been saying it for a long time: efficient running technique allows you to go faster and farther.
And this was demonstrated by a study done by MapMyRun in 2020. In fact, they saw that those using Form Coaching-the instant virtual assistant linked to the use of connected shoes-run 7 percent faster and were able to run distances 3 percent longer. It seems little in the perspective of a single run, but seen in the perspective of a yearly preparation, it means that-for the same amount of effort-you can do much more.
The beauty of technology
We have learned on a daily basis that technology can become a tool to achieve our goals, whether on a human, business or sports level.
It is precisely from this point of view that the Under Armour system that connects the shoes with the MapMyRun app should be looked at: it takes care of everything. It keeps track of the miles you run in your shoes, and at the end of each workout you will find suggestions and analysis on how to improve.
But not only that! You don’t need to know all the theories and analysis of training: the Form Coaching will tell you (literally, on headphones) how you are doing and how to improve when you run.
Just as a real coach does while following you during training.
