3 Essential Tech Tools for Conquering the Paris Marathon

Setting a Personal Best with The Right Tools

As a seasoned runner, you know that each new year brings new challenges. Perhaps you’re planning to outdo yourself by setting a personal best across 26.2 miles. If so, the Paris Marathon on April 13 could be the highlight of your running year. To achieve your goal, you’ll depend on three key tools – two devices and one app.

You might have had the chance to test several of the top running watches and apps, but the tools you use every day could end up making the difference. This is the kit that helped you achieve a personal best at the Manchester Marathon in 2024.

If you’re gearing up for a big race this year and you’re hunting for the right tools to assist with your training, then these highly recommended tools might be just what you need.

Garmin Fenix 7S

The Garmin Fenix 7S might not be the newest or the best Garmin watch, but it’s still your preferred device. An older model, it launched three years ago and has withstood the test of time due to regular software updates and sturdy hardware. Unlike the Fenix 8, the Fenix 7S won’t restart as soon as it touches cold water – and it comes at a significantly lower cost.

While the Fenix 7S isn’t perfect, it strikes a balance between its reasonably compact size, respectable battery life, and impressive fitness tracking capabilities. Its only downside might be its small screen, which can make navigation a bit challenging. But if new routes are part of your training plan, the Garmin Enduro 2 could be a better match with its superior battery life, a built-in flashlight, and a large screen perfect for mapping out your run.

However, if the Enduro 2 feels too big for you, as it does for many, the Fenix 7S is more manageable, providing everything you need – including compatibility with the next two items on your Paris Marathon training kit list.

Garmin HRM-Pro Plus

The Garmin Fenix 7 has an exceptional heart rate monitor, but a chest strap heart rate sensor is a better choice for certain training types. Wrist-based sensors might give inaccurate results when the activity involves gripping something or during short intervals of high-intensity exercises due to the time lag in detecting changes in heart rate.

That’s where chest strap heart rate monitors come into play. They monitor electrical impulses from your heart, resulting in less latency and less susceptibility to ‘noise’ than photoplethysmography monitors.

If your training involves a good number of sprint sessions or some High-Intensity Interval Training (HIIT) on an indoor bike, having a chest strap can be beneficial. The only downside might be its awkward fit with a sports bra, which is why you might want to switch to the Garmin HRM-Fit when the HRM-Pro Plus eventually wears out. The HRM-Fit is specifically designed for women, clipping onto your sports bra’s elastic, eliminating the need for an extra chest strap.

If you’re undecided about whether a chest strap is the right choice for you, or which one to choose, our guide to the best heart rate monitors can be an excellent place to start.

TrainingPeaks

TrainingPeaks, the third vital tool in your Paris Marathon training package, offers training plans for different events and lets you track your progress as you advance through them. It was invaluable during your Manchester Marathon in 2024 and is set to aid you this year too.

TrainingPeaks can be used either by coaches working with athletes or by solo users like yourself. All you need to do to get started is to input the date and type of your event, then search for a training plan specific to your goal. Most plans are from renowned coaches and, while not many are free, your payment often includes email support to assist you throughout your preparation.

But the best thing about TrainingPeaks is its compatibility with your sports watch. Connect it to your device’s account, and workouts will be synced to your wrist automatically, guiding through your daily planned activity.

However, life can sometimes get in the way, and rearranging your schedule to fit around events and holidays requires a premium account. But don’t worry, you get a 14-day free trial when you first sign up, so you can cancel before the first payment if it’s not right for you.

If you’re looking for something different (or free), take a look at our roundup of the best fitness apps for some top-rated alternatives.