Reaching #MyFitnessGoal with my TomTom GPS Watch for Oyster Festival

I'm very lucky that I get to run here - Sea Point Promenade

I recently got the TomTom Multi-Sport GPS Watch. Before, I was trying to track my distance with my phone via phone straps and tried apps like RunKeeper, which didn't really suit me. I was self conscious and worried about my phone falling out. I like to run free, and I don't run with music. Reason being - you can't run with music in organized races or marathons, so I don't want to get used to it now, and then struggle in the Momentum Cape Times Knysna Forest Half Marathon that I'll be running in July. 

This is why the TomTom suits me perfectly. It's light, comfortable and allows you to see your running, cycling or swimming metrics at a glace. See more and achieve more by setting goals and even monitor your heart rate to find a pace that suits you. The TomTom watches also have an extra large display and one-button control. Before I set out to run, I set a goal of 4 miles, and kept glancing at my watch as I went along telling myself "okay you're half way - you're almost there - you're doing fine" which makes TomTom my perfect training partner. Soon I'll be on a strict training schedule for my half marathon where I'd need to reach particular goals each week, so this watch is invaluable. It also saves your history, so you can really get in to it and track your progress as you build your strength and fitness. See more - achieve more. 

I was SO set on reaching my target on Wednesday. When we got back to the parking lot, I was only on 3.7 miles so I ran around all the cars for a little while and even in circles just to get 4.0 on the clock. And LOOK, I did it. It was hard, and slow with some walks in-between, but I reached 4 miles - 6.4KM!!!! I am really just so proud.

You can set your TomTom to KMs which I've since done. But here it is - 4 miles (6.4km) and 517 Calories DONE

My husband Graeme joined me and was really supportive. He is much fitter than I am, and gave me some great pointers. I felt frustrated because my MIND wants to run non-stop with the grace and ease of the others on the promenade, but my body and fitness was struggling to keep up. I earned two baby blisters from this run and was a bit stiff the next day, which is SO motivating because it means I'm doing it right and working hard at #MyFitnessGoal. Thank you for putting up with my occasional  grumpiness and frustration dearest and most patient Graeme.

I have three months or so to go before I run the Half Marathon at Knysna Oyster Festival and have a lot of work ahead of me. I started as a beginner a few months ago, and couldn't even make it around our block without gasping for air or suffering a cramp of sorts. It was ridiculous. I'm still not really fit, but every day I'm getting a bit stronger, a bit faster, a bit thinner (hey-hey) and healthier. Getting my heart rate up, toning my muscles and using my body to it's current capacity. When you set up your TomTom, you add in your age, gender, weight and height. This way, they're able to calculate and show you how many calories you burnt with each run. Running feels GOOD. It's fun, and I love being outside. 

Running is also free! No expensive gym membership or bulky equipment taking over your living space, so I really don't mind investing in good products to make my new little passion a bit more comfortable. Things like sports bras, a few new shorts and neon socks, shoes and of course - the TomTom GPS watch to monitor my stats and progress. You can start out with the TomTom Runner (R1999) or the Runner with Heart Rate Monitor (R2599) or if you're in to all sorts of active sports, then the Multi Sport with Bike Mount and Heart Rate Monitor is R3499. Find your TomTom GPS Watch at Cape Union Mart or Dion Wired. Also purchase it ONLINE with TakeAlot here 

 
Thank you to every single person that has helped me and offered advice so far. I love the running community and how helpful and receiving everyone has been. It doesn't matter if you can run 2km or 20km - every runner that I've spoken to has been incredibly nice and helpful. I think when you start, you worry that you won't be able to keep up with others or will embarrass yourself, but for me the only embarrassing thing is not taking care of your body and health. After years of insecurely snubbing those 'fitness types' (husband included) that go to gym or hit the promenade at 6am, I am crossing over to their side and it's nice here. Like, "I feel amazing" nice. Thank you to my friends (Jeanne-Marie jy ook!) and Twitter friends that have been coaching and advising me on all those little things as I learn. This is just the beginning!