Keeping track of your progress is one of the most important parts of running. It helps you see what you have achieved and motivates you to keep pushing yourself it also gives you a clear idea of where you are in your training and how far you have come so that you can make changes if necessary.
There are many different ways to measure your distance but its important that you find a way that works for you and helps you stay on track. Using a GPS device is the easiest and most convenient way to measure your distance. However, sometimes the weather or tall buildings can interfere with the accuracy of your measurements.
Another easy way to measure your distance is to use a measuring wheel that has a display these are usually used by coaches and race directors to measure the distances of a run and they are simple to use and yield accurate numbers down to the foot.
You can also keep a running log and write down the details of each run in a notebook or journal this is a great option for those who do not want to have to worry about connecting to the internet or any devices while logging their runs.
Using a specialized fitness app is another popular way to track your running distance and other fitness elements. There are a wide range of fitness apps that are available for both Android and iOS users and they can be used to track running distance as well as calories, heart rate and other metrics.
The most popular fitness tracking app is Strava which has a free version and is available for both iOS and Android. The app can help you plan your routes and track your workouts.
It can also be used to track your pace and determine if you are working out at an appropriate speed for your level of fitness. You can also set goals for yourself such as the number of miles you want to run in a given amount of time or the distance you want to complete a specific race.
A GPS watch is another convenient and effective way to track your distance it can be worn around your wrist or attached to a fitness tracker and it can provide accurate measurements down to the minute.
You can also use a pedometer to determine your distance this is a popular method for runners who are new to distance measurement because it is simple and requires no special equipment.
Once you are comfortable with this method it is a good idea to use it to map out your routes as well. Depending on your location, this can be a great way to find new trails and running paths.
If you live in a city, consider using a mapping site such as Google Maps to map out your runs and calculate your distance this will help you plan your runs in an efficient way and also give you an idea of which transport options are available in your area especially if you’re living in a densely populated area.
