At any given time there's on ongoing thread on RunningAhead regarding the pros & cons of various Garmin-type watches. These are really cool devices that can record your workouts, monitor your heartrate,etc...The application I like the best is you could go for a trail run in the woods & the Garmin could map & record the route, including the distance. When I read these threads I get excited & want to rush right out & buy one but, two thoughts restrain me: Alka would kill me if I dropped $200 on a watch & more importantly, do I really need a Garmin? Which leads to the thought running at heart is a simple low-tech sport but, over time has seemed to accumulate needed accessories.
What do you really need to run?
I love my I-pod shuffle. It really makes my training runs enjoyable. I get to listen to music I wouldn't ordinarily have time for but, when the Shuffle was broken for awhile I still ran. Twenty years ago I never ran to music. I don't need it.
I own sweat wicking shirts. I own tech shorts with a sling for the fellas. I've bought special "running" socks. In the past I've owned none of those. There's definitely a higher comfort level but, a tee shirt,boxer briefs with gym shorts,& regular socks work fine too.
I run at night. I think I do need the reflective running vest for safety reasons. The reflective cap is cool but, optional. A hat with a brim is helpful, the bill blocks the glare from oncoming headlights.
I own a watch that has a stopwatch. That's handy but, I used to just look at the clock when I went out the door & when I came back in.
I use RunningAhead to plot my running routes & to keep a running log. I don't really need it. I used to write my runs in a journal & drive the route in my car to plot the mileage. I can't really use RunningAhead or my car to plot out trail routes. This would be my only real use for a Garmin.
I keep this running blog. It's self indulgent. Not necessary, really, but, it is helpful. A way to organize my thoughts. View & review my running past, present, & future.
Let's Talk Running on the Weight Watchers website & the community on RunningAhead are not necessary either but, I don't have a running partner & I don't really socialize with any other runners. It's a community of people with similar interests.
I've used various Gu-like fuel products & have drank my share of Propel. Is it necessary on anything but, long runs? Do I really notice a difference on a 6 mile run?
I've talked myself down. I don't want a Garmin. That money would be better spent elsewhere. Replacing a wornout pair of running shoes or maybe as an entrance fee for a race.
My running enjoyment is enhanced by the running clothes available to the 21st century consumer. The Shuffle adds to the enjoyment level of my time spent running. The various drinks & food supplements have their time & place but, aren't required all the time. Website,blogs,etc...keep my interest piqued. All add to the fun of running but,...
All I really need is my running shoes, weather appropriate clothing, my running vest & time. Everything else is gravy.
3 comments:
I never thought I could love anything as much as I love my Garmin. I waited a long to buy something like this -- up until like 3 weeks ago all I ever bought for running was magazines and clothes.
It was a nice treat but it was just that, a treat.
I am amazed at how many people buy all this stuff before they start running.
Some folks think they need all the toys before they go out to play.
If I wasn't married I'd probably already own a Garmin but, part of me worries it would wind up stuck in the same drawer as the HRM my sister got me for Xmas last year.
I resist getting the gadgets because I like the general simplicity of running. last year when I stopped using my stopwatch, I found that I was more focused on running for the sake of running, which was liberating in a way. The downside to that was that it apparently made me slow and lazy and I have lost a lot of ground from where I was. I think the worthiness of the gadget really depends on your goal.
note: I can't/won't run without Todd, my iPod. He is not a gadget, he is my friend, motivator and running partner.
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