I’ve temporarily retired my Garmin. For the first time in years, I don’t want to know how far or how fast I’m going. I’ve found that when I wear the Garmin, I either push myself harder than I should or I analyze the numbers afterwards and feel bad about where I am.
I planned to run this morning, but it was pouring down rain. I opted to take a nap instead. After I woke up, I did some work and then this beautiful bright ball appeared. The sun? Really? So I headed out into an absolutely beautiful day. I had the best.run.ever. I ran at an easy pace. A pace where I could have talked your ear off. A pace where I could have kept going forever. I have no idea how fast that pace was. I have no idea how far I went. All I know is that I ran for 35 PAIN FREE minutes and could have kept going. I can’t remember the last time I was able to say that.
It is not important for me to run fast or far right now, but it is hella important that I run. My very sanity is depending on it.
So, the Garmin will sit in the drawer for the forseeable future.
Yea for 35 pain-free minutes!! That's awesome! Hope you get some more runs like that – keep the Garmin in the drawer 🙂
WOO HOO for pain free!!!!! I hope it stays that way! 🙂
I am glad you are pain free. I want to go Garmin-free for a while. But I am attached to that thing. you bring me hope.
Fantastic!!!
I was planning to get one. I think I will wait a little longer. I know I tend to push myself when in a group or if I see numbers I do not like.
Great decision!
I hear/read from so many who feel hostage to their Garmins. I don't use one, so really can't speak to it. I do know that when I'm having a hard time, either mentally or physically, I'll leave my watch at home. It does wonders for relieving the internal pressure we place on ourselves.Great job on your run…you must feel fantastic 🙂
Awesome! Yay for 35min pain free 🙂
That sounds REFRESHING! Good riddance (for now) Garmin!
I often wear my Garmin and only pay attention to the distance. I do want to know how far I went but often don't care about the speed. Stay pain free!
Good for you!!!! I think that is super smart 🙂 And super YAY for pain-free!!!!
woo hoo for no pain!! Leaving the garmin at home for now is totally the way to go. More important to have fun, pain free runs than worry about pace and distance.
A friend and I met for Chicago 2011 and one of our conversations was about running based on how you feel and not our addiction to our Garmin. Not sure if I'm there yet (or even want to be) but she is going to try it for next year's training.So happy to hear about your pain free miles. After recovering from an injury you truly realize it's not the pace or the distance. It's simply being able to run that is the joy.Have a great weekend.
I think running without the garmin, reminds us why we love to run again… its not just about time and pace, but the peace we find while running! congrats
I put the Garmin away time and again for the same reason. Then I am able to truly ENJOY running.
So funny, I just wrote an article on returning to running's "old school" roots…I have been running "naked" more often. ~ah~ And it's nice to not worry about pace, just go off effort and savor every pain free step you get.
I lve this post and I am in a spot where it really speaks to me. The Garmin is wonderful but there is no need to have it on every run. Glad you are pain free.