RUN 186 - Me and my Garmin

Just like every other run I turned my Garmin on before changing, then walked out the door and forgot it.  My instant reaction was fear, that i wouldn't know how well i was running, and that i might get les out of the time i was about to spend.  That was of course untrue, just as it has been each of the other times i've forgotten my watch, or if the battery has run out on a long run.  For me, the assessment of each run adds to my enjoyment and evaluation of each runs worth, the danger is that i come up short; maybe not enough distance, or not quick enough.  Its definitely an extra layer of the high i get, validation that i have done a good job! but do i need it? o think i do.  That's not to say i didn't enjoy running without the Garmin, and perhaps theres value in the occasional watch free run, but maybe thats because i know my body well enough now to know if im feeling strong, running hard, pushing myself or taking it too easy.  I know i can run at a 7, 8 or 9 minute mile without the watch, but maybe thats not it.  I look for interesting places to run, its a chance to experience more of the world around me, but thats only at most half of whats happening.  What im doing is more about me, my body and my abilities, which is why i dont listen to music, i want to connect with my body and listen to its needs, my garmin helps me understand more about how im performing, and thats why im going to charge her up right now, ready for tomorrow!

    

    [Sun setting over the River Thames]