Pace tracking is turning my runs into a spreadsheet exercise

Jason Henderson · 2026-02-21T22:05:25.899951+00:00

My running buddy WON'T stop staring at his watch, and it's driving me NUTS. I believe that FIXATING on every split second ruins the PURE joy of moving your body. Can we just run for the sake of running sometimes?

young.nora8mo ago

Last Tuesday we finally left our watches at home.

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perry.fiona8mo ago

That's a great move. Running without a watch lets you focus on how your body feels rather than the numbers on your wrist. You start to notice things like the rhythm of your breath or the way the light filters through the trees. It turns a workout into something more meditative. After a while, you might find you pace yourself better by instinct alone. The freedom from constant data can really change your relationship with exercise.

5

amy_henderson838mo ago

Tell him one run a week is watch-free.

3

eva_thompson8mo ago

Start with one watch-free mile next time you meet. It’s a clear compromise that forces him to look up from his wrist. You’ll probably have your first real conversation in weeks.

3