A Runner's Christmas

Merry Christmas! This year, my family gave me the gift of a future scar-free torso.

Let me explain. 

I've been using a heart monitor chest strap for at least the last two years. And, because I'm slow sometimes, it took most of that time to realize it was responsible for the cuts around my torso.

I hadn't realized how bad it was until I happened to get a glance of my back in the mirror. Oh. My. God.

I debated whether to share a photo, but why scare anyone else?

I did share with my family. First, they could tell me if I was exaggerating. (I wasn't.) Second, I could explain the cuts if they happen to see them.

I had planned to save up and upgrade my watch to one with a built-in heart monitor. Meanwhile, the chest strap was getting worse.

During long runs, I could feel it cutting into my skin. Sometimes, removing the chest strap was a greater thrill than finishing the run.

My family saw this and decided to pitch in and buy me a watch with a built-in heart monitor for Christmas. I was eyeing the TomTom Runner Cardio and the Garmin Forerunner 225. I had been using a TomTom and heard good things about Garmin. My family got me the Garmin. Yay! It's in the center of the photo. 

There were some unexpected differences between the TomTom and Garmin. Nothing bad, just different. I'll write about that later.

To complete the runner's Christmas theme, I also got a pair of pants, Balega socks and a hydration pack. So I'm excited to try out my new things. And based on the way I've been eating for the last few weeks, my health would appreciate it too.

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