New toy!

After I started running I realized that music was most definitely necessary. Time alone with your thoughts is one thing, but running (and running… and running) when you aren’t actually running away from something can get kind of monotonous. I considered finding someone (or something) to chase me, but buying a cheap mp3 player seemed like a better option. Now I can run to my heart’s content all while having peppy tunes to amuse me. I would probably dance and sing along if I weren’t torturing myself while listening to such glorious music.

My mp3 player was bright pink, cost something like $20, and held plenty of music for shorter runs. When I started to run ridiculous amounts of miles in preparation for the half marathon in November I had to repeat all the songs once or twice, but it was still effective. Except now the mp3 player has suffered a horrible, untimely death after just about a year. It lived a good life, really. Plus I put the darn thing through hell—it survived being dropped almost daily, being sat on by the dog multiple times, my face plant into a ditch adventure, rain, snow, excessive summer heat, sprinklers, sweat, and probably more. I carried it in my hand while training for two 5Ks, a 10K, and a half marathon (I’m not sure why I never bought an arm band). The thing that finally did it in was a run through the snow following by an unfortunate incident that involved me dropping it on my kitchen floor and somehow launching it across the room. Still, I’m pretty sure I got my $20 worth.

As a result, I decided to upgrade a little and joined the world of people with iPods. This is a big step for me—I’m not kidding when I tell you that a mere three or so years ago I turned to a friend and said, “What’s an mp3 player?” Technology and me, we aren’t friends. I bought a refurbished iPod so that when I destroy it due to my constant abuse I won’t feel as guilty. Also, I bought an arm band so that I hopefully won’t cause it as much damage. It’s blue, tiny, and very cute. And I had to call my younger sister and ask her how the hell to work such a tiny and cute device. I think I have it figured out now, luckily.

Guess what else I bought? A Nike+!!!!! I’m probably more excited about this than I am about the iPod. A few months ago, Shawna and I were discussing our mutual love of fitness gadgetry, and she pointed this little gem out to me… it’s a thing that you plug into your iPod (and put a sensor in your shoe… ideally, a Nike shoe, but I’m totally going to rebel and make it work with some Velcro, I think) and it tells you how far you ran, what your average mile pace was, etc, etc. There’s a similar item (much like a watch) that you can purchase if you don’t own an iPod. Pretty much, I’m really excited. I’m guessing I’ll be even more excited when I can run again (I’m keeping my fingers crossed for this weekend).

Rest in peace, bright pink mp3 player… I would feel guilty about replacing you so soon if I didn’t have interesting new things to play with.