12.27.2008

Best Christmas ever!

When a runner says that, you know it means one thing: I got a Garmin Forerunner! And not any Forerunner, wifey got me the fancy new Forerunner 405! It's so sleek, so stylish, so streamlined--I love it! I've named him Fenny, after fennel, the English translation of the word marathon. We left our camera at home so there are no pictures, but when we get back to NYC I'll take pictures of the newest member of the sRod running family. (BTW, I am never forgetting our camera again, we had to buy a disposable camera yesterday and apparently those suckers go for $20 nowadays. WTF? They should come with a photographer for that price.)

There are the usual list of reasons I love Fenny: cool techno gadget, stylish accessory, runner status symbol, GPS tracking, pacing, etc. But the main reason I'm totally stoked about this present (thanks again wifey!!!) is that it will save so much time. Mapping out routes always takes so long, and then memorizing them is a tricky business, especially when you get home from a long run and realize that you accidentally cut two miles out of your run. Then there are all the stats that I no longer have to tediously write down every morning.

My only apprehension with Fenny is becoming an addict (see Nitmos and any other runner with a Forerunner). I've read all the stories of not being able to leave the house because the Garmin wasn't charged or delaying runs because it was taking a long time to find the satellites. By comparison, I like the simplicity of running with just a watch. So I've made a little promise to myself to not freak out if Fenny isn't cooperating one day and I have to strap on the plain ol' Timex. (Let's see how long this lasts).

The frustrating bit is that a full-fledged Fenny test run will have to wait until next weekend. I (intentionally) didn't bring any running gear on this trip. I don't like running around my in-laws' 'hood because it's all mountainous and cold-like, and I didn't anticipate running while in West Virginia with my family because we'll be skiing the whole time (although the weather looks iffy right now).

Hopefully all your Christmases/holidays were just as fantastic!

11 comments:

FLYERS26 said...

I got my 405 in July. I used my B-day money. BEST MONEY EVER SPENT!
It got me thru my marathon training. The sat feature is super accurate. I am one who can't run without it.
Man, you are going to love it!

FYI... when you run in the rain, lock the bezel, it is super sensitive, and will drive you nuts with the changing off screens. I only had that trouble in the rain.

RunToTheFinish said...

I have been avoiding it forever, but I got one too for Xmas..took it out today and it was love. I just need to name mine now

chia said...

I can't find my Garmin *tear*. I'm so jealous.

I'm sure you and Fenny will make beautiful miles together.

Kevin said...

$20 for a disposable camera? Ouch. I paid like 7$ a piece for waterproof disposable cameras. You definitely got ripped off

raulgonemobile said...

I have the 305 and love it.. But yeah, you might get addicted..

Unknown said...

I am also a proud owner of 405 and his name is Joost. You are going to love it. No question! Be sure to use www.bimactive.com to download it. You get all the cool features!!!

Jess said...

Congrats on the 405! I'm waiting for my 205 to pick the bucket before I upgrade.

nwgdc said...

I got a 405 also! I'm using it currently to monitor my HR while typing this.

Viv said...

Great gifts!Best wishes for a great 09! Keep us posted on the the 405 behaves.

The Laminator said...

Neat! Congrats on joining the forerunner club. It took you a while, but i'm glad you're part of the community. No more mapping runs, no more memorizing routes, no more missing turnaround points...wow, whatever will you do with all that extra time!

Happy Holidays, SRod...and happy new year to you and your wifey.

Marcy said...

Now you'll never be able to leave home without it :P I'm tellin ya . . .