People like to run.
It’s a common sight nowadays to see somebody out jogging in the cool early morning hours or working up a sweat on a treadmill in the gym. Running can keep people in shape, but it’s far from easy. An all too familiar story is of somebody making a New Year’s resolution to start running, only to stop a few weeks or months into the new year.
Despite its difficulty, running is still growing in popularity, particularly when it comes to marathons. Back in 1976, only around 25,000 people were able to complete a marathon in the U.S. That number has soared in recent years, with the most recent data showing more than 19 million marathon finishers in 2013.
To say that’s an explosion would be an understatement.
So what’s behind the impressive popularity gain?
Obviously, a more health-conscious society is one major reason, but another key factor may be going unnoticed: big data.
In fact, whether runners realize it or not, big data could be the ingredient they need to tackle the marathon challenge more efficiently.
It’s no coincidence that the larger number of people running marathons has occurred alongside a sizeable increase in the number of running and fitness apps available for download. These apps can be used for a variety of purposes, but many function by taking in information submitted by the user–such as specific goals they want to accomplish–and coming up with a game-plan to help the user achieve those goals. Completing a marathon is one of the loftiest goals any runner can set, so having a helpful app can prove instrumental in reaching that goal. Running apps can take data from the runner and analyze it in comparison with data from other runners from around the world, to come up with a specific plan that can be followed in steps in order to reach the overall goal.
This level of data analysis can be made even more accurate through the use of wearable technology. These devices can record and process vast amounts of big data to provide users with a custom analysis of their running routine. Wearable devices, like fitness apps, have grown considerably in number in recent years (think of the FitBit), making for a versatile array of options for runners to choose from to improve their exercise routine. Today’s wearable devices offer up a variety of functions conducive to running–such as monitoring heart rate, blood pressure, running pace, and running distance–and they all are connected to big data. Measuring distance, for example, requires crunching the data from GPS technology. All of these advantages have been big hits with runners.
In a recent survey, 74 percent of marathon runners say they use a wearable device for training purposes, and 88 percent say wearables provide added motivation, while also giving them an edge over the competition.
For now, we are only scratching the surface of what wearables can offer, and with the growth of the Internet of Things (IoT), having more items embedded with sensors will become more commonplace. Picture special sensors in a pair of running shoes to more accurately measure steps taken, pace, and impact of the exercise on the runner’s legs and feet. Smart clothing may be used to determine how much a runner is sweating and can alert him or her when they may be in danger of dehydration. Other items connected to the IoT can use big data to more efficiently outline to runners how best to meet certain specified goals, such as weight loss or a better marathon time.
Wearable devices and other IoT objects can also serve as early indicators of health problems for runners. By analyzing the big data collected, wearable technology can determine if the runner is at risk of a possible emergency based upon statistics, such as heart rate or breathing rate while running. These devices can take that data and even alert the runner when they are in danger, decreasing the possibility of injury or worse.
Data-driven marathon running is certainly a new concept, but one with a lot of potential. As people get used to the idea of wearing devices wherever they go through BYOD policies in the office or smart clothing in everyday life, having a life driven by the data we generate can help us in all our pursuits, especially when it comes to exercise. Runners are already realizing the potential of big data, as more people than ever compete in marathons.
For now, it would be no surprise to see that number keep climbing upwards.