If you're anything like me, you’ve probably looked down at your watch during a run and felt frustration when the data doesn’t match what the treadmill is telling you. Maybe the treadmill says you’ve covered more distance than your watch recorded. Or perhaps your pace feels way off from the numbers on your device. It’s easy to get caught up in these discrepancies and let the pressure of perfect data creep into your workout.
But here's the thing: It doesn’t have to be this way. Running by effort, rather than obsessing over precise data, can reduce the stress that comes with those mismatched numbers and help you get back to why you started running in the first place: to enjoy the movement and feel good in your body.
When you rely solely on data, whether it’s pace, distance, or heart rate, it can be easy to get caught up in the perfection of it all. That’s where stress starts to creep in. Maybe you’re pushing harder than you need to because your watch says you’re not on target. Or you’re holding back because you think you should be running at a certain pace. It’s exhausting.
But what if you let go of that stress? Instead of following numbers, you could tune into how your body feels. Is your breath steady? Are your legs feeling strong? Is your form still intact? These are the signals your body is giving you. It’s like checking in with your body’s own internal GPS.
When you start running by effort, you stop worrying about whether the treadmill’s readout matches the data on your watch. It’s about listening to yourself, not the numbers. And when you do that, running becomes much more enjoyable. There's less stress about "hitting the right pace," and more focus on how you feel throughout the run. You start to realize that your body knows what it needs, and sometimes, the numbers just get in the way of that.
I encourage you to think about how you feel during your runs. Is your effort level sustainable? Are you challenging yourself, but not to the point of exhaustion? Learning to run by effort can make your workouts feel more like a natural extension of your body’s rhythm, rather than a battle with the clock or screen.
Of course, that doesn’t mean you should completely ignore your watch or the treadmill. They’re great tools when used in the right context. But if the data starts to overwhelm you, try taking a step back and checking in with your body. I’ve seen firsthand how shifting the focus from numbers to effort can reduce stress, boost motivation, and ultimately improve performance.
If you're ready to take this approach to your training and learn how to unlock a more mindful, enjoyable running experience, I’d love to help you get there. Running should feel empowering, not stressful, and together we can explore how focusing on effort over data can transform the way you train. Let’s work together to make your next run one that’s focused on the joy of movement, rather than the numbers.
Reach out today, and let’s unlock your full potential as a runner—without the stress.