Data Driven | Podcast ep 6

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AtoZrunning Podcast- Running Podcast

Are you data-driven? Or no? Zach and Andi come from totally different camps when it comes to the love and usage of data. In this episode, we discuss the positives and negatives of data saturation and how we can healthily utilize the feedback we are getting.

The World of Running

As always, before discussing our main topic, we shared some of the most recent tidbits dominating the running conversation this week:

Main Topic: Data Driven

In this day and age, data abounds. There is so much power in the feedback we receive from all the numbers. Let’s dive into how data negatively and positively informs us.

THE DATA THAT DRIVES US

What kind of data do we read?

  • Pace
  • Heart Rate
  • Power
  • Time
  • Distance
  • Cadence
  • Relative effort
  • Training logs

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Gear Bag

What are some of the tools to acquire data?

What data do we often ignore:

  • Sleep
  • Weather- Temperature & humidity
  • Variables (sickness, pregnancy, trauma, anxiety, depression, etc.)

THE POSITIVES OF DATA SATURATION

The positive power of being data driven:

  • Informative trends for future planning
  • Training our ability to identify actual effort vs. perceived effort
  • Injury and burnout prevention

THE NEGATIVES OF DATA SATURATION

The negative effects of being data driven:

  • Misalignment of perception and feedback
  • Reliance of quantification of nuanced factors
  • Obsession with figures

So what?

  • Use the data
  • Understand what it means
  • Strive to be independent of the data

As with most things in life, a balance is required.

Speaking of feedback, we would love to hear yours! We welcome comments below or messages to atozrunning@gmail.com.

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2 replies
  1. admin
    admin says:

    That’s a well-researched concept, gratification with objective proof of effort, etc. I love it! Proof of concept, if you ask me!

    Reply
  2. Sage Davis
    Sage Davis says:

    I’ve had an online workout log since 2006. Thanks to Coach Ben Watson. Usually just miles (or time) and effort level. Maybe I’ll graduate to collecting more data. I’ve found it helpful to look at a previous season’s build, a similar time of life (ex: holidays, pregnancy, postpartum), and what I’m actually doing. I also like the feeling of getting “credit” for my efforts. ?

    Reply

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