Often times I find myself a little sad when a new purchase means saying goodbye to something I have used a lot. I know this seems so silly to have any emotion for an inanimate object, but I find that things hold memories for me. It can be an old sweatshirt, overused running shoes or an old book. Sometimes the objects in our lives hold so much more than what is visible on their surface.
Tonight I was excited to see a package awaiting my arrival home. I tore into it similar to a child on Christmas morning, and gazed at the beautiful newness of the contents. You are probably thinking it was some exciting new toy, gadget or electronic device. I am sure not many people would share the excitement I feel for my brand new heart rate monitor. Yes, I am thrilled to report that I have replaced my worn out workout companion.
Now you might be asking why in the world this transition to a new one might bring sadness.... after all it is just a heart rate monitor. However, it represents a lot more for me. It is a piece of this journey. When I began to use it my workouts became more intense, I pushed myself to work harder, and I fell in love with seeing visual feedback of my hard work. Almost every workout for over 4 years has started with putting on this heart rate monitor.
As I began to pack it up I took a look at all the data stored in it. Although it does not have it all because of a malfunction 18 months ago, the information it holds is a huge reminder of the lifestyle change I made all those years ago. As I glanced over the numbers I was pretty amazed. The numbers don't lie....
357 workout sessions wearing my this monitor in the last 18 months!!
525 hours spent working out!!!!
AND.... A total of 123,969 calories burned!!!
I have worn this monitor in two half marathons and countless other tests of my physical limits. I am excited to have a more accurate monitor without all the issues this one has been having, however, it will hold a special place, as one of the many other symbols, along this road I continue to travel.
