Driving > Disco

Here at Driving > Disco, we're committed to bringing you quality infotainment, and it's guaranteed to happen at least once a month. Now gather 'round children, cause it's that time of the month!

I was making my way up to the Bellevue gym, bag, keys, phone and clothes all in tow, when I saw one of those 'that guys,' that I had talked to in passing during earlier workout sessions. Pretty sure his name is Steve, but that is mostly irrelevant...it's what he said that was important. "It's such a nice day, you'll have to start running outside!" I nodded, assuming he was wishing me ill (like I assume about everyone) and pledged vengeance on him, once my workout was over (as usual). But, as I surveyed the track above me (it's on the second floor...like Lucas), I noticed several people that were going to get in my way and, consequently, on my nerves. The slow walkers, the power walkers and the chatty types were out in full force. It wasn't the most crowded I had ever seen it, but it was enough.

I stowed all my gear and wondered 'do I dare run out in the real world?' I received a Garmin Forerunner 101 watch about a month ago, but had never used it as it was intended. That came out wrong. I mean that I had never used the gps receiver on board to track my run. Even inside the good graces of the second floor of the gym, satellite signals are too weak, so I'm basically wearing the world's bulkiest stopwatch, simply to track my times.

I decided then and there I'd go for it. I acquired a signal (amazingly fast outdoors on such a clear day), set a waypoint and activated my "virtual training assistant," with a goal of 4 miles in 30 minutes. No, I did not have anything to drink before my exercise, I just didn't want to try to come up with a legitimate time (say 40 minutes) that I'd have to type in manually, so I simply took one of the preset ones.

I swear, as soon as I hit start, it popped up a "you are currently behind" message, but I guess that was just my imagination. All in all, it was a great workout. Beautiful day, probably 80~ something degrees, so not unbearably hot and, Bellevue's grounds provided a much needed change of scenery, not to mention NO TRAFFIC...foot or vehicular. It was great.

And, to top it all off, my little Garmin friend kept up with all the stats. 4.01 miles at 36:03. I ended up having a great time (for me) and only being about 6 minutes off of that 30 minute pace I inadvertently shot for. The best thing of all, was how great I felt afterwords. I honestly felt like I could take a 30-45 minute break, then run another 4 miles. Good times! I may have to relegate indoor running to periods of rain and/or cold.

(sorry for the wall-o-text)