What’s the expression, “If I die or collapse before I reach the finish line, stop my GPS.” Whatever the saying is, I find it hilarious and a bit dysfunctional that we runners are so attached to our arm candy. I am 12 weeks into my marathon training and other than my shoes, my GPS is the single most important piece of equipment I own. Although, I believe that we could all learn to run our paces by feel and to do that we need to break the attachment with our devices, it is an essential item to have when seriously training for a race. It’s important, but why do runners have such a bad reputation for being obsessed with our GPS devises? Here are a few light hearted facts about us
Nerds – WE love to analyze, and re-analyze each run with the scrutiny of a detective. If it was a bad run, we look at what might have gone wrong. It it was a good run, we stare at it for hours feeling the pride and smiling so hard it hurts.
Social Gluttons – We love to share with the world. Runners will Instagram, Facebook, tweet, Dailymile, and pin whatever run they do to share with the world. We are darn proud every single time we hit the pavement and we aren’t afraid to tell the world. If we didn’t have a GPS to track things we would feel invisible.
Comforting – The data is comforting to us. We need to see the numbers and splits at the end of a run or it might not have really happened.
Motivating – We like to see improvement! Who doesn’t love to look down and see your number dropping or your miles increasing? It’s rewarding. Kind of like stepping on the scale and seeing the numbers go down. It motivates you to get up the next day and keep going.
Melancholy – We like to review a run we did four years ago. Isn’t it fun to look at that ultra marathon you did 4 years ago in the pouring rain?
Possessive – Oh dear, do not mess with a runner’s GPS! If it’s not charged, runs out of battery life mid-run, or fails to function properly, I advise you to steer clear of these runners, they may be snappy and unable to socialize. Many of us are Type “A” with a mild case of OCD.
Soothing – We love that our GPS might beep or vibrate at every mile- it’s soothing (see #3). If it doesn’t let us know that a mile has gone by, it may not have actually happened. We need constant reassurance.
Speaking of arm candy. I like to think of my GPS like a car. Most models will get you from point A to point B, but others will get you there in style and comfort. I’m here to talk about one that is all style, comfort, and function. Have you heard of the Timex ONE GPS? It’s a GPS that can send and receive messages, track your location, store up to 1000 songs for use with bluetooth headphones, and has a SOS function. I am one of those people who can’t stand running with a bunch of stuff, especially my phone, so a smart fitness watch is right up my alley.
I haven’t had a new GPS 4 years, so I am thrilled to be trying this out. The first thing I noticed was that there was no waiting for a satellite connection. “How is this happening?” I thought. TIMEX ONE GPS has something called INSTAFIX– real time pace and distance on your wrist. It is pretty big, but it’s really flat and has a velvety feel– it’s very comfortable.
Some other features include:
Holds 1000 songs. All you need is bluetooth ear buds and you’re ready to run. I don’t always run with music, but this will come in handy this summer at the beach or park. With my ONE GPS+ and my portable blue tooth speaker, I’m all set.
Phone free messaging. I’ve tried this out. I was able to send my husband an email and let him know my running partner and I stopped at Starbucks and I was going to be a little latter than I had told him.
Live GPS Tracker. Your friends and family can live track your location in training or on race day. Even send an SOS if your in trouble with your location. I run trails by myself quite often, so my husband I really appreciate this feature.
Bright Screen. The Qualcom Mirasol Touchscreen only gets brighter in direct sunlight– it’s always on and you always have a clear view.
Uploads Directly to Your Fitness App. This was another thing I loved. No extra USB stick needed to transfer data.
This GPS was designed for fitness minded people who want to stay connected, but don’t want to drag their phone with them.
Why runners are obsessed with their GPS and @TimexSports #ONEGPS+ Review #fitfluential #ad Click To TweetI have four short weeks left until I run my second Boston Marathon, and I am looking forward to continue using my Timex ONE GPS. I can’t wait to hear that final 26th beep go off as I cross the finish line on the streets of Boston, Monday April 20, 2015. Boston Strong, Baby! Let’s do this.
How about you? Are you addicted to your GPS? Have you heard of the TimexmONE GPS? Talk about addiction- gah! love it!
This post is sponsored by FitFluential.
