Run Faster: A Geek’s Guide to Speed
▼ Summary
– The Vergecast explores balancing technology use with mental well-being, particularly regarding fitness trackers and the quantified self movement.
– Nicholas Thompson discusses his intensive approach to running technology, including using a Garmin watch and custom GPT for coaching.
– Thompson experiments with workout data to determine which metrics actually improve performance versus irrelevant information.
– The episode includes holiday tech advice about disabling motion smoothing on TVs and selecting Frame-style television models.
– The show concludes with listener recommendations for affordable earbuds in response to previous audience inquiries.
For anyone aiming to improve their running speed, the right technology can make a significant difference. It’s not just about tracking steps anymore; it’s about leveraging data to optimize every aspect of your training, from nutrition to recovery. This approach transforms running from a simple hobby into a finely tuned athletic pursuit, providing insights that help you push past plateaus and achieve new personal bests.
Nicholas Thompson, CEO of The Atlantic and author of The Running Ground: A Father, a Son, and the Simplest of Sports, has fully embraced this data-driven philosophy. An accomplished runner who regularly competes at a high level, Thompson shared his methodology on a recent podcast. He detailed his reliance on a Garmin watch for real-time metrics, a custom-built GPT for personalized nutrition and workout plans, and a rigorous process of experimentation to determine which data points truly influence performance. His strategy demonstrates how blending cutting-edge tools with disciplined training can elevate running from casual exercise to competitive sport.
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Later in the episode, technology expert John Higgins offered timely advice for the holiday season. With many people traveling for Thanksgiving, he addressed a common home entertainment issue: motion smoothing on televisions. Higgins explained what motion smoothing is, why it’s often enabled by default, and how to disable it for a better viewing experience. He also provided recommendations on selecting the best Frame-style TV and shared essential tips for customizing a new television immediately after unboxing.
The episode wrapped up with a segment answering listener questions submitted to the show’s hotline. One recurring topic involved affordable earbud recommendations. After receiving numerous suggestions from the audience, the host compiled and shared the most popular and reliable options, providing a helpful resource for anyone shopping for quality audio on a budget.
For further details on any topics covered in this episode, a list of relevant links is available to help listeners dive deeper into the subjects discussed.
(Source: The Verge)
