Working here at Garmin is a great experience and has proven to be a lot of fun. Here's a picture of me (in front, far left) and some of my associates following a charity run last summer. I have the opportunity to work with some really great athletes who’ve put some challenges before me and inspired me to step out of my comfort zone. That comfort zone was pretty much playing softball and cycling. Last summer I was encouraged to do a triathlon. Fell in love with the sport except for the running portion. We have a lot of really good runners here who encouraged me to pick up the sport. Now, I’m not great at it, but for not starting until in my late forties, I do okay.

Since I work in technical support for our outdoor/fitness team, I get to try out all the fun GPS units so I can become familiar with them to help our customers. Last January, my niece called and said, “I need to lose some weight and get in shape, there’s a 15K at Disney and was wondering if you’d do it with me?”  I told her I’d think about it for a few days and talk it over with my husband. I’d never done a 15K, but I’d run a 10K, so I knew what it felt like. I decided I’d do it. It sounded like fun and I probably needed another challenge.

May 4 was the race at 6:15 AM at Walt Disney World in Orlando. I was in the crowd ready to start and I got nervous, thinking what have I gotten myself into. The Forerunners were ready (405 and 305). I had the Forerunner 305 for backup since we’d only had the 405 two weeks. The race started, I pressed start on both units, keeping my eye on the 405. Along the way, I heard other Garmin units beeping, letting the runners know their pace was too fast, too slow or their heart rate was too high.

I actually talked to a few of you users out there and it was great to meet you even though I don’t know your names. The 405 was the easiest one for me to see and be able to watch my pace and heart rate zone. As much as I have loved the 305, I think the 405 in a very short time has taken the place in my heart where the 305 used to live. I was able to stay at a consistent pace and finished my first 15K in 1:41:02. I know for you seasoned runners, that’s a long time to be out there, but for me it was great steady pace. I just want to encourage all athletes of any age to not give up. The only race that really matters is the one for you. Don’t give up and don’t shortchange yourself. Life’s too short. Get a Garmin and get on with your training. You’ll be glad you did.