Reduce reliance on a sports watch by learning to regulate running pace through bodily sensations (breath, muscle tension, stride), using the watch only to validate these perceptions.

noli's read

The idea of regulating pace through bodily sensations is based on solid scientific foundations. A systematic review by Brick et al. (2014) shows that so-called 'associative' attention (focusing on one's breathing and muscle tension) promotes better running economy and more precise pace management than external distractions. Furthermore, the use of perceived exertion, conceptualized by researcher Gunnar Borg via his scale—which has been validated by numerous observational studies—proves to be a highly reliable tool for calibrating training intensity. Nevertheless, some research in motor learning nuances this by showing that beginner runners first need frequent visual feedback (such as a watch) to properly calibrate their developing sensations. The hybrid approach suggested by the creator—feeling first, then validating with the watch—is therefore particularly relevant for developing autonomy without forgoing the precision of technology.

the sources

No named source held this one up — that absence is part of the verdict.