Google gives 13 tips to start running

Running or jogging is a thankless sport, quick and easy to do, but when you take a break, you’re back to the level of a chain smoker. Google now gives 13 tips to make running easier for you.

Running – Tips for success with Maps and Fitbit
Running is an easy sport to implement. A shirt and jogging pants are enough to get you started, but good shoes are necessary. Running indoors on a treadmill or outdoors on forest/field paths and roads. Google wants to make running successful with its products:

Plan routes with Google Maps
With Google Maps, you can find the perfect route for you. Forest and field trails are marked, as well as normal roads.

View running routes: With the satellite or terrain view of Google Maps, you can look at your surroundings. Here, hiking trails, which are of course, also well suited for running, are marked with the trail/hiking symbol. You can also search for “running trails near me.” If you like one of the trails/running routes, you can view the photos or save the route using the flag symbol.

Determine the route with Street View: If you prefer to run on the road, you can virtually walk the route beforehand with Google Maps Street View. This way, you’ll know right away whether the course is flat or hilly or whether the path is paved.

Add stops and view total distances: If you like, you can plan a stop on a long run (although I doubt if you can start running again after a stop). The stop can be in a café, for example. Furthermore, by scheduling stops, you can get a detailed route description. You just enter your first destination and then tap on Directions for pedestrians. Use the three dots on the right side to add more stops and show the route’s total distance.

Download offline maps: Especially in the forest, you sometimes can’t see the way to the trees. Helpful is then an offline map, which you have downloaded before. Search for the area you want to run in and then select Download to get an offline map.

Turn-by-turn navigation on your wrist: You can now get turn-by-turn navigation on your LTE Pixel watch (or other Wear OS smartwatches with LTE) without your smartphone nearby. Navigate to a new location or back to your starting point while running.

Create and manage schedules with Google Workspace
If you’re serious about running and want to participate in races, Google says you’ll also need a few Workspace tools:

Block time in Google Calendar: in the monthly view, you can see your complete schedule for a month at a glance. So you know precisely when the free time for running is available, which you can then block. Furthermore, the Google Maps integration in the Google Calendar provides directions to the running route with just one click.

Plan workouts and track progress with Google Sheets: Google Sheets lets you record the miles you’ve run and the time, which you’ll also find in the Fitbit app. You can create a template or search for a suitable add-on in the Google Workspace Marketplace.

Track progress with Pixel Watch or Fitbit

Are you ready to run or need a rest: Fitbit devices, as well as the Pixel Watch, use Fitbit’s Daily Readiness Score to tell you if you’re ready for a big workout or if a lap around the block will suffice.

Track pace and distance in real-time with built-in GPS: The Fitbit Charge 5, Versa 4, Sense 2 or Pixel Watch shows how fast you’re running and how far you’ve gone. Progress is quickly visible.

Stats: The Fitbit app can tell you much about your workout level. Personalized heart rate zones give an idea of the intensity of a workout. This is helpful if you’re trying to increase or even get a steady pace for your endurance.

Music to pass the time
Some prefer silence while running; others need a pushing beat to get the miles in.

Audiobooks and podcasts from Google Play
Music via YouTube Music: create your playlist or use the “Running Tracks” playlist.

Download Google Maps
Download Google Street View
Download Google Calender
Download Google Sheets
Download Fitbit

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