Gadgets...Running Shoes...Training Clothes...

I have come to realise I am a gadget junkie when it comes to exercising. I have a Garmin 910XT (with heart rate monitor) which I love, today I got all excited when I found at my favourite sports shop a swimming gadget, it beeps when you are below or above your chosen pace for the distance (eg: 50 meters), so I will be picking this up on Saturday, and trying it out on Sunday when I do my first endurance swim. So yes I am super excited.

Mind you I have this challenge from my physio that has said not to use any gadgets for a week and do you training sessions by feel, well after a late night last night and working about 10hrs,  I did a swim session this morning, and yes I was feeling a little less than great. For the first time in ages I got a pool noodle and sat on it and cycled up the lane and back working my legs. It was great fun.

So back to the gadgets, I am someone who downloads data onto Strava and Garmin Connect, and go over everything in some detail. I compare runs that I do if I have done the same route. I am someone when I am out running parkrun trying to reach a new Personal Best. Though I have to stop doing that so much and focus on good running form and in time the Personal Bests will come. I need to focus on enjoying the run and not trying to check every niggle of discomfort in my body and over think it all. So this weekend will be my first parkrun with no Garmin. I will have a finish time as its a timed event every weekend, so the final results will be very interesting.

Now lets talk shoes...ooohhh my other favourite things. I have 3 pairs of Newton Runners, 2 pairs of Asics (Noosa Gels), 1 pair of Brooks (wear for work). Each time I go into a sports store, its straight for the clothes, then shoes then everything else. Total Junkie :)

My wardrobe is 97% sports clothes with brands such as Lorna Jane, Nike, Asics, Adidas, 2XU, Running Bare, Newtons, Orca. Yes I love sports clothes, they are so comfortable to wear and look great too.

If you are a runner, do you use a gadget to keep a track of your running times, distance and effort, or are you a naked runner (no Gadgets) and run from feel and not worry about distance, etc. No matter what your style, I hope you enjoy each time you go running, swimming, cycling or what ever your chosen sport, form of exercise.

parkrun Canning River 3/11/14

Have a great rest of the week, and enjoy the moment.

Hayley xx