FIT KIT HERO
We trial the running coach that lives in your shoe
There are times when I’m running where I’ve hit the right pace, my body feels like it’s working with me and I almost believe I could keep going forever. Those are the moments that keep me coming back for more. There are also times when I question whether I know how to run at all – whether that’s triggered by a twinge in my left ankle or an ache in my calf that I can’t quite explain. Was I running too often?
Wearing the wrong shoes? Was it the incline? This is where Nurvv Run comes in. Two insoles, fitted with precision sensors, measure your technique and performance directly from your feet. All you need to do is fit them into your shoes (you won’t know they’re there, promise), download the app and sync your devices. You’ll then be able to see your time, distance and pace as you run or – if you don’t trust yourself to check your screen while navigating uneven paving – an otherworldly voice will fill you in. Just another fitness tracker, you say? After four runs, more data on cadence, foot strike, stride length and training load (if this sounds like Greek to you, there are videos on the app to explain it all) is available, and the running health section will unlock. Based on your history, improvements are suggested in the form of recommended exercises to strengthen weaknesses, shoes that could help or changes you can make while running (song choice tempo included). Thankfully, the aim isn’t perfection, so you’ll really only be given recommendations when you’re at risk of injury or your running efficiency is severely affected. A red flag alerted me that
I might be overtraining, so I took it easy for a few days, something I wouldn’t have known to do otherwise. The insoles don’t come cheap and are more for statsloving striders looking to advance their performance than for those just starting out. One such way is by setting a target pace on the app. Your very own real-time running coach will then prompt you to make the cadence and step length adjustments you need to reach your goal. Ultimately, the more you use the app, the more you’ll get out of it, so all that’s left to do is get out there.
Nurvv Run Smart Insoles, £249.99