I love my tech. Maybe that's because I went to Tech. (Go Jackets!!!!!)
More likely, though, is the idea that I'm a millennial. Millennials are also known as "Generation Y", and we're the kids who grew up with N64s, Full House, and hammer pants. In other words, we're awesome. We're also insanely dependent on our computers, phones, and tablets. I, in fact, am completely dependent on my phone to tell me how far and how fast I've run.
For example, my phone started acting up last week. It would randomly reboot itself for no good reason, and then it finally just stopped working at all. I'll admit that I threw a small(ish) tantrum about it, and I refused to run until I at least had a loaner phone to track my stats. I'm not proud of my inability to "zen run", but I will totally own up to it!
Thankfully, my friend Patty was able to loan me a phone for a few days, and (after a pretty hefty argument with Verizon) I managed to get a replacement for my phone. Suddenly, I was happy again!
Happy Abby usually means better runs. But really, having technology is what really makes the difference. Here's a rundown of the apps I have for running.
In the beginning, there was one app, and one app only. Runkeeper. The keeper of all runs. For those who want a clue of how far and fast they're going without purchasing one of the fancy (albeit awesome) running watches, Runkeeper is the way to go. It uses gps to track your distance and can be programmed to give you audio cues at set distances or times. It shows you a map of your run and tells you how many calories you burned based on your current weight. My one complaint is how inaccurate the elevation climbs can be. But, then again, I'm not sure how it's supposed to calculate that anyway.
The second app I downloaded was an interval timer. For people who can't or don't want to run every single bit of the distance (I would be the former), intervals are awesome. I started out running 10 seconds, then walking 50 seconds. The interval timer told me when each set was done, so I didn't have to count. I've slowly created new timers to increase my running portions, and am now up to running 30 seconds and walking 45.
Then, of course, there are the audiobook apps. I always have to listen to something. It can be from Audible, Overdrive (the library's version of Audible), or my Google Play list. But it better be interesting, cause I need that distraction! I'm currently re-listening to Divergent and Insurgent so I can read Allegiant. I also have all of the Harry Potter books on standby, just in case I finish a book midrun.
Now, these were the apps that got me through the first few weeks. And I am grateful for them, and I still use them daily. But, it was at this point that I realized there was more to running than my personal numbers.
Enter Charity Miles. This app is awesome, has a simple interface, and rewards the charity of your choice with $0.25 per mile that you run. (Biking is also an option at $0.10 per mile, but since bikes and I have a shaky history that involve my running into mailboxes, I think I'll stick to running.) So... basically, if you're going to walk/run, you might as well be earning money for a good cause!
I was super excited to learn about this app, because I'd always thought running for charity was out of my reach. I mean, you have to hound people to give you their hard earned money so you can go complete a herculean feat of awesometastic-ness. This app, on the other hand, let's you bite off smaller chunks, and it rewards you for every single step you take in your daily exercise routine.
The other app is one that links directly to Runkeeper (and several other exercise apps). It's called Everymove, and it rewards you with points every time you complete an exercise day. Now, you can use these points to earn discounts on running gear and healthy foods, but you can also use your points towards a donation to the Make a Wish Foundation. Again, it's another way to earn money for a worthy cause in your day-to-day routine.
My hubby and I use these apps to earn money for Make a Wish and the Leukemia and Lymphoma Society. We are proud to support groups who help research cures for cancer, as well as rewarding cancer patients for their determination and courage. We, in fact, know somebody who is being directly benefited by both these non-profits.
Charlie's cousin, Ben, was diagnosed with non-Hodgkin's Lymphoma this past fall, and he's been pretty epic about the whole thing. Despite being put into a hard situation while still a teenager, he's upbeat, and he's got an amazing sense of humor. We were excited to visit him this weekend and finally get to give him his Christmas present (you know... just a little late).
Did I mention that he's epic? I mean, he completely rocked the viking beard I knit for him, so I think epic is the right word.
So, to sum it all up.... It's okay to be addicted to technology! But with great power, comes great responsibility. So, get off your butt and walk/run/bike around your neighborhood and earn some money for your favorite charity!
Until next time.... KnitOneRunToo
No comments:
Post a Comment