Training by feel: wearable fitness-trackers, endurance athletes, and the sensing of data

ABSTRACT

A wide range of wearable fitness-trackers are currently available that allow users to measure, monitor, visualize, and record numerous training metrics including moving pace, distance traveled, average heart rate, and calories burned. Using qualitative data collected through semi-structured interviews with amateur endurance athletes, this paper examines what individuals do with their wearable fitness-trackers and the data they produce. Drawing on the work of Deborah Lupton and Sarah Maslen, we take up the concepts of “data sensing” and the “more-than-human sensorium” to highlight the embodied and sensory dimensions of digital self-tracking. We argue that while much of the appeal of fitness-tracking technologies lies in their ability to generate objective readings of one’s performance, these devices do not supplant less quantifiable and more subjective ways of understanding one’s self. On the contrary, the participants in our study use the quantitative data generated by a fitness-tracker in conjunction with their own self-assessments to gain a more holistic sense of what they are experiencing during training or on race day. For many of our research participants, the fitness-tracker became a central part of their identity and daily routine. Most participants were reluctant to train without their fitness-trackers, even when not preparing for an event.

KEYWORDS:

• Self-tracking technology
• emotion
• affect
• feel
• data sense

Acknowledgments

The authors would like to thank the two anonymous reviewers for their careful reading of our manuscript and their insightful comments and constructive suggestions. Their feedback has helped to greatly improved this piece. The authors would also like to acknowledge and thank Sheryl Hamilton for all of her work in putting together this special collection. Finally, the authors would like to thank David Howes for his editorial assistance and support in publishing this article.

Disclosure statement

No potential conflict of interest was reported by the authors.

Notes

1. Pseudonyms were used for all of our research participants to protect their anonymity.

2. A cycling power meter objectively measures the power output of the rider measured in watts. Power meters generally transmit data wirelessly and can be paired to a standard bike computer or wearable fitness-tracker. Like heart rate monitors, power meters can be a useful tool for training and racing as they provide instantaneous feedback to the rider about their performance.

3. A quick Google search of which will result in multiple options for mugs, t-shirts, laptop cases, and tote bags emblazoned with the phrase.

Additional information

Notes on contributors

Michael S. Mopas

Michael S. Mopas is Associate Professor in the Department of Sociology and Anthropology at Carleton University. Michael holds a PhD from the Center of Criminology and Sociolegal Studies, University of Toronto. He specializes in the area of science, technology, and law. His most recent project examined the role of sound experts and audio forensic evidence in criminal and civil cases. He is now working on a SSHRC-funded research project on the regulation of wind turbine noise in rural spaces.

Ekaterina Huybregts

Ekaterina Huybregts is a masters student in the Department of Sociology and Anthropology at Carleton University. Her research specialties are in fat studies, sociology of health, and feminist science and technology studies. Ekaterina is currently working on a SSHRC-funded project that examines the role bio-medical weight stigma interventions play in perpetuating the medicalization of fat bodies.