...gadgets and gizmos a plenty

When I walked out of the Apple store exactly 3 years ago today, I was carrying the bag that contained the Nike+ ipod kit, my mind swirling with ideas and hope, gung-ho to 'try' something I'd hated my whole life, the very next day. I hoped that this new "thing", this "novelty" would at least last a few weeks... Never, did I imagine what that impulse buy would lead to! My first run, on May 7th, wasn't easy, but it was the beginning. It's my 3 year runniversary!

I'm reminded of Ariel's song Part of Your World (and apologies in advance if anyone now gets that song stuck in their head... heehee) in the Little Mermaid.

I've got gadgets and gizmos a-plenty

I've got whozits and whatzits galore

You want thingamabobs?

I've got twenty!

But who cares?

No big deal

I want more

Garmin, gels, heart rate monitors, Body Glide, double-layer socks, training plans, clipless pedals, pace, triathlon, race bibs, masters swim, aerobars, fartleks! These are all words that have become part of my regular vocabulary, of which I knew nothing about before!


I've traveled to San Francisco for a race, I've made life-long friends through Nike+, some closer than imagined, meeting quite by chance, and finding out later -- some far, including a visit from Damian in Australia, with another meet-up in the works! Recognizing fellow bloggers at local races, and following their updates and journey through facebook. I've crossed finish lines for distances that I once thought were impossible, and been inspired by so many amazing people. I learned more about myself during my DNF at my marathon one year ago this weekend, but heard the words from my father that I had waited a lifetime to hear. I've challenged myself more both physically and mentally on this journey than ever before. I nod, smile, and am quite proud when people ask if I'm crazy, I used to think "they" were too :)


Who would have thought that a $40 little gadget could get someone like me, doing all these things! Huh!