Data Driven | Podcast ep 6
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:
- Mary Cain speaks out.
- World Athlete Finalists
- Rockford High School Alum rises to new heights at University of Michigan
- Monumental Marathon recap
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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What are some of the tools to acquire data?
- Stryd
- Garmin watch
- Polar watch
- Polar heart rate monitor
- Apps like Strava
- Amazon’s smart watch deals.
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.
That’s a well-researched concept, gratification with objective proof of effort, etc. I love it! Proof of concept, if you ask me!
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. ?