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January 21, 2007

Geekometer

So I got a little nervous about pacing without Andy and Pierre and decided I needed the help of a Garmin. Andy thought it best if I try one out before I commit to something so expensive that I've done fine without for years, so I borrowed a friend's this morning and I loved it. And I loved it for a simple reason. I knew we were running between 21 and 22 miles, and I wasn't in charge of the route, and typically I get frustrated when I'm tired in the middle of a run and I know I've got a long way to go but I don't know how far. With the Garmin I knew exactly how far I'd gone and didn't have to whine and ask other people. It was liberating. And I had a very strong 21-miler (I didn't have the Garmin for the first loop, so I don't know exactly how long the total mileage was, but it was > 21.) I gave the Garmin back to my friend at breakfast, at the time just happy to know how far I'd run and that I'd run the last 15 faster than 8:28 pace (I wasn't stopping it the first few water stops, so it bumped up our average), but MAN ... once I got home I was wondering how fast my last four miles were when we picked it up, what our elevation changes were compared to the marathon ... all kinds of things that I could have spent lots of time analyzing. Now that I think of it, with session here and work ruling my life again, perhaps having lots and lots of running numbers to analyze may not be the best thing for me right now.

Oh well. I NEED it for the marathon. I haven't purchased one yet but it's definitely in my plan.

Speaking of plans ... there are plans for a big birthday in the works. And today she took her first series of steps across the living room. I wouldn't call it "walking" but it was more than just a few steps. It made me tear up!

Posted by jenandmats at January 21, 2007 10:03 PM

Comments

I've pondered getting my dad a garmin. He loves being able to study all of his running stats. If you get one, I'd love the chance to see it in action.

Congrats to Maggie on taking steps. We can't wait to give her b-day smooches on Saturday!

Posted by: hokgardner at January 22, 2007 8:38 AM

I like your title :-) It sounds like you're running strong and I can't believe it's almost been a year!

Posted by: Alison at January 22, 2007 1:22 PM

Hey Geek (This is only appropriate given your entry's title.),

Wow, MG is a year old now! I find this amazing in watching your life from afar. Is it flying by for you and your family as well?

Since I'll be outta town while you're doing the pacing thing, I want to say good luck. So, good luck. You're gonna be one studly 3:45 pacer. Here's hoping for even mile splits all the way.

Posted by: Meghan at January 26, 2007 12:11 AM