This year for my birthday Matt gave me a Garmin GPS running watch. I know what you are thinking, that doesn’t seem very romantic. I sort of thought the same thing.
However, when I opened the watch and realized that he purchased the version with the pink stripe and floral face, I knew I had married the most romantic guy ever.
I am a big believer that in order to feel good when you are working out, you should look good. That is why I occasionally allow myself to splurge on workout clothes from Lululemon and cute running skirts. When I was running the Disney Princess Half Marathon with my sister in celebration of her 30th Birthday, I almost leapt out with glee when I overheard another runner say “oh, that girl’s skirt is super cute.”
From that point forward, it didn’t matter if I got a person best time or even finished the race, in my mind, the race was already a success.
But back to my present – the fact Matt spent an extra second to pick out the pink watch truly warmed my heart. I think after 10 years of dating, he is finally starting to learn!
Since receiving this gift, Matt and I have gone on a few runs and I have been blown away with the results. I now know, down to the hundredth of a mile, just how far I have run. I know my pace throughout the run, my pace per mile and my “real-time” pace during the run. I can track my heart rate and the elevation of the terrain. And with all of this data, I can adjust my pace accordingly and hopefully improve my running.
The watch holds me accountable. I no longer walk up the stairs that lead to the reservoir – I run them. I no longer get slower every mile – I aim to get faster. I no longer think I’ve run 4 miles, when in actuality I have only run 2.
I am pushing myself harder and I am getting faster. It is truly amazing what accountability does for performance.
Now, if only we could think of something like this that would help improve public education and teaching…
wow…..
Yeah! for teacher accountability
By the way, I didn’t mean to buy you a pink one ;)
That would be quite a gizmo!!
Matt: Tips for a long successful marriage “it is OK to take credit even for the unintentional” i.e. keep your mouth shut & quit while you are ahead!
ps I really like the pink watch your picked out (and I really do assume you were joking)