Running Free: Why Sometimes I Leave the Tech Behind

I’ve always loved running.
Marathons, half-marathons you name it. Running has been a part of my identity for as long as I can remember. But after my car accident, the goal shifted. It wasn’t about chasing PBs anymore. It was just about being able to run. And for that, I’m endlessly grateful even when I’m in pain, which happens more than I’d like to admit.

Like many runners, I used to be glued to my Apple Watch. It told me everything my pace, my heart rate, how fast my last kilometre was. I’d have my EarPods in, Taylor Swift cheering me on, or Steven Bartlett dropping entrepreneurial wisdom in my ears. It’s amazing what technology can do for us.

And honestly, I still love it. Most of the time, it’s empowering.

But not always.

This past week, I made a conscious choice. I left the watch at home. I didn’t charge the headphones. No playlist, no podcast. Just me, the sound of my breath, and the steady rhythm of my stride.

I ran one way. Then turned around and ran back. Simple.

I paid attention to how I was breathing, how my body felt, where I needed to slow down, when I could push. And I loved it.

It’s not how I run every time but when I do? It feels good. Really good.
There’s something deeply freeing about disconnecting from the data and reconnecting with the moment.

So no, I’m not giving up tech. But every now and then, I’ll choose to unplug. To be present. To remember that sometimes the best run isn’t the one with the perfect stats it’s the one that makes you feel alive.

Give it a go and let me know how it felt.

Tech Free running...