Gadget Obsessing!

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When my dad does something, anything, no matter what it was, he does it 150% percent. Scuba diving? He bought the most expensive scuba gear and equipment! Metal detecting? Yep, he had a fancy schmancy metal detector. Muscle cars? He owned a 1969 Hemi Super Bee - commonly referred to as his "retirement."  His never ending "hobbies" inspired me to create a hilarious stand-up routine that lasted more than 10 minutes.

Alas, I am very much my father's daughter! My mom and I have a long standing joke: "Mirror, Mirror On-the-Wall... I am my father after all!”

Despite being my dad's twin, there is one thing I've learned from him that has always proven beneficial; RESEARCH BEFORE you buy!

As discussed here the other day, my old heart rate monitor stopped working properly.  Since this past Sunday I've spent countless hours every day researching my heart rate monitor/fitness watch options.  After pouring over the many options out there I thought I had found the perfect one (the Polar RCX3).  However, since it's a new release it would not be available for another 2 months.

Should I wait?  Should I try and find something else?  The frustration and my obsession was maddening!  I continued to do my research and ultimately discovered a major limitation with the Polar RCX3 - it lacks the ability to program intervals.  *HUGE SIGH*

I've been wanting to implement interval training into my workout routine for several few weeks.  The one time I tried intervals it was very frustrating constantly checking my watch to know when it was time to switch between running insanely fast (high intensity) and walking (low intensity).  I needed an option to alert me when it was time to switch so I could focus my attention on the workout and not checking the time!

It was a disappointing discovery, however, I'd much rather be disappointed before a big purchase than afterward!  Back to the proverbial drawing board I went and a couple more nights past my bedtime...  I believe, this time, I found THE ONE: Garmin Forerunner 610!

In fact, the Garmin Forerunner 610 is BETTER because it has built-in GPS (the Polar option requires a separate device for GPS capabilities), several programming options, customizable display, a Virtual Partner/Racer feature (you can essentially race against your previous times - which I would absolutely LOVE), as well as Training Effect (which measures fitness and also provides customizable training options for smart training).  Last, but certainly not least, is the touch screen capability!  In a word?  AWESOME!

I initially passed over this option because there were a handful of reviews indicating charging issues with the device and to be honest, it's well outside of my price range!  Since falling in love with the Garmin Forerunner 610 I've spent another few hours trying to find the best possible deal - hoping I could somehow manage to afford it... so far, I'm coming up short! 

Any of my followers happen to work for Garmin?  I'd love the opportunity to team up with Garmin to successfully increase my fitness goals and become a rock-star runner!  In the meantime I'm going to keep trying to find a way and try to stop eye-humping it!  HAHA!