Like Christmas in September!

on September 3, 2009

This morning, I went to the mailbox and found a package from my mother…..

A Garmin Forerunner! OMG. I have been dreaming and praying for a Garmin for more than TWO YEARS. I cannot express to you how excited I was that my mom bought me a Garmin.

Prettiest fashion accessory, ever.

If you don’t know what a Garmin is, it’s basically a GPS satellite and heart monitor device that tracks:

Time
Distance
Pace
Heart Rate
Calories Burned

A Garmin frees me from running my regular routes to running ANY WHERE I WANT TO without giving up knowledge of my mileage.

It’s a pretty complex device. It took 10 minutes for me to figure out how to charge it. I’m intimated by the ginormous owner’s manual.

Charge, my baby, CHARGE!

I am open to suggestion for my Garmin’s name. Yes, I’m naming it. I like to name pets/cars/things after famous people (hence, Maggie Thatcher and James Bond). Thoughts?

Lunch was wonderful, too!

A veggie burger with sprouts and mustard:

1 cup of vegetarian corn chowder:

And of course… a side salad. Because what goes better with a sammie and soup?

How to Make French Press Coffee

I made this video this morning. I’m a little sleepy-looking (it was 6:30 AM), but I hope you enjoy!

Fworthy? Frothy!

{ 93 comments }

Courtney September 3, 2009, 8:54 am
My friend Molly and I named her Garmin GPS Svetlana on our recent road trip!! The GPS on my phone is named Susie Q. Hee hee!!!
Courtney
Adventures in Tri-ing
Neely September 3, 2009, 9:08 am
FloJo
Jenna September 3, 2009, 9:10 am
So exciting!!! I can't wait to hear about what you think of it!
Leah @ L4L September 3, 2009, 9:14 am
You are too cute! haha…

As far as the Garmin, I <3 it BUT the one complaint I have is that IF you have the HRM strap, it does NOT calculate calories burned based on that (which is the most accurate way); it still calculates calories based on body weight and pacing/distance using the GPS. Yes, it's good to know your HR BUT the calories burned aren't terribly accurate. I wore my Polar F11 HRM a couple times WITH my Forerunner to compared. Big difference. I know Garmin was working on some kind of patch or something to upload to the Garmin to get it to default to using the HRM for calories but I haven't looked into it recently. Just my 2 cents. If you care about calories burned and such.
Leah @ L4L September 3, 2009, 9:14 am
You are too cute! haha…

As far as the Garmin, I <3 it BUT the one complaint I have is that IF you have the HRM strap, it does NOT calculate calories burned based on that (which is the most accurate way); it still calculates calories based on body weight and pacing/distance using the GPS. Yes, it's good to know your HR BUT the calories burned aren't terribly accurate. I wore my Polar F11 HRM a couple times WITH my Forerunner to compared. Big difference. I know Garmin was working on some kind of patch or something to upload to the Garmin to get it to default to using the HRM for calories but I haven't looked into it recently. Just my 2 cents. If you care about calories burned and such.
Reenie September 3, 2009, 9:15 am
Oh I always name my vehicles…and my friends.

Gilly the Garmin
George
Gertrude
Gretta
mags September 3, 2009, 9:16 am
wolfgang puck!
ha.. in honor of the creepy chef we all know and love!
Leianna September 3, 2009, 9:16 am
I;m so jealous of your Garmin present, it's definetely on my Christmas wish list this year! Have fun with your runs now!
Janessa September 3, 2009, 9:16 am
Oh my gosh. That is the cutest video ever. You are so cute. And your southern twang–love it!

What about Howard? (after the famous Duck)
Denita September 3, 2009, 9:17 am
That (video) was stinkin' cute.

Garmin is based in Kansas…so I would suggest a Wizard of Oz themed name – Dorothy Gale / Judy Garland

Garland sounds a bit like Garmin…and no matter where you wander with your new toy…"there is no place like home"

I am more than a little cheesy.
Katerina September 3, 2009, 9:18 am
I am soo excited for you! I love my Garmin with all of my being and am totally addicted to the darn thing.

My suggestion with the manual is one thing at a day. Spend 20 minutes with it, program in your stats, set it to "running mode" and choose the data for your screens. Set it to beep at 1 mile intervals (or whatever). Then learn to start it and stop it. Thats all you need to know to enjoy it! After a week, then start reading more.

As for names… Gertie? Garry? Gertrude?
Nicole September 3, 2009, 9:19 am
You are going to love it!! I have the 405, and for the data geek that I am, I love it!!!!! It is a little tricky to figure out at first, but if you google your Garmin online, you will find instructional videos on the garmin website. These videos are much easier to get through than the manual! Good luck!!!! Have fun!
Beth September 3, 2009, 9:22 am
I'm totally thinking you need to keep with your British theme and name it after a Harry Potter character…
Elsa September 3, 2009, 9:23 am
Awesome gift from Mom! Bye, bye cheap watch HELLO Garmin!
Sheri September 3, 2009, 9:24 am
You are going to love that thing! I have had mine now for about 2 years and I LOVE it! Sit down with the manual and do the intial set up first.. and them giver a try. Then go back and read more of the manual and start playing. The manual is pretty big and that was the easiest way for me to get throught it all.

I named my Garmin MILES!

Love the video..too cute! You look pretty darn good in the morning! 😉
chipped nails and all September 3, 2009, 9:24 am
thanks for the little tutorial! I've always been intimidated by the french press, but now I'll have to try it out!
Nicci@NiftyEats September 3, 2009, 9:28 am
Your Mom rocks! Love the Garmin, you deserve it for all the running you do!
liveloveeatandplay September 3, 2009, 9:29 am
What a great mom, enjoy your new toy! I like to name things too, but I like it to be really significant. Maybe name it after a runner you admire? Either way, enjoy your new Garmin!
Mandy September 3, 2009, 9:32 am
Awww… what a great mom! 🙂 I know you've been wanting this for awhile now! Exciting!

That bun on your veggie burger looks yummy… oy, i'm too much of a bread freak… that's the first thing I go for!
Anonymous September 3, 2009, 9:34 am
my love for you has increased beyond ur blogging abilities. you totally remind me of blair waldorf in the opening shot!! yey
-steph
Caitlin at Healthy Tipping Point September 3, 2009, 9:36 am
ahh wolfgang puck is a pretty good idea!

and i dont have a southern accent…do i?

steph – you rule! xoxo gossip girl.
MelissaNibbles September 3, 2009, 9:38 am
Your mom rocks!

You should name it Elizabeth Taylor.
Bernadette September 3, 2009, 9:38 am
I have an idea…since you are an only child – how about your mom adopt ME!?! I too have dreamed of owning my very own Garmin!! I can't wait to hear how your first run goes with it!!!!!

As for the name I say Forrest… as in Run, Forrest, Run….

xoxo
Becky September 3, 2009, 9:51 am
I'm pretty sure you're supposed to push the plunger down MUCH slower than that…
Megan @ Megzz Wins At Life September 3, 2009, 9:52 am
I am soo excited for you!! I have wanted a Garmin for a while.. but can't get myself to spend that much money on it!!! Takes lots of pictures on your new runs!!!
thefitbride September 3, 2009, 9:55 am
Haha, we call our car GPS Garmin "Carmen" just because it's a woman's voice and rhymes with Garmin.

Since you like using a first and last name, I'd go with Carmen Miranda!
Tay September 3, 2009, 9:56 am
WOOHOOO!!! My life (and runs) haven't been the same since I got my G-man. It's great to be able to go all over. And I love to take it on hikes too. Wonderful wonderful.

Thanks for the french press lesson. I've always wondered how people do it. And I LOVE that mug! haha. When we went to London my grandpa couldn't let the "mind the gap" joke go. He told us about it first, and then every time we took the underground he would comment at it, laugh at it, whatever. We ended up buying him an ornament with a huge "mind the gap" sign.

How weird – I was just thinking of names, and Judy Garland popped in my head for some reason. Then I scrolled down and saw someone else recommended that because of Kansas? Guess it's a sign! hehe
recipesforcreativity September 3, 2009, 9:57 am
I'm so glad you got one finally! Your mother is so awesome! How about naming it after the president. Barack. Or past president. Or I'm just out of good ideas today, aren't I?
Carrie H September 3, 2009, 10:04 am
How about Robert Garminson after your celebrity love?

🙂
Anne P September 3, 2009, 10:07 am
omg… you should name it Edward 🙂
Carrie H September 3, 2009, 10:09 am
Oh wait, did I get the wrong Twilight crush? He he, never read the books or saw the movies myself … 🙂
Sarah (Running To Slow Things Down) September 3, 2009, 10:10 am
Ah…how cool is that to receive the garmin in the mail? I'm dying to get one too. One of these days…maybe I should tell my mom to check out your blog??? 😉 teehee…

I'm going to try the french press coffee tomorrow and see if I can make some frothy coffee of my own. Thanks for the video! 😀
Always Running September 3, 2009, 10:13 am
thanks for the video and congrats on your new baby (garmin that is 🙂
Whitney@whitsgettingfit September 3, 2009, 10:14 am
hahaha name the Garmin Fwothy.
happygoluckyalex September 3, 2009, 10:17 am
my garmin is named "garmin electra."
i have no admiration for carmen electra, I just thought it was funny!
Pam (Highway to Health) September 3, 2009, 10:17 am
Ahh! That's so nice of your mom!! Can wait to hear how you like it.
Erica September 3, 2009, 10:18 am
ahhhhh congrats! What a funnnnnnnnn gift! Your mama rocks. Great looking lunch again- loving the sprouts
Jill September 3, 2009, 10:19 am
Congrats on the Garmin! I'm lost without mine!
Paige@ Running Around Normal September 3, 2009, 10:20 am
I'm so jealous! I'm really hoping I get one for my anniversary this month 🙂 The 1st year tradition gifts have to do with either paper or clocks…so I think it fits the latter, right? haha

Enjoy! And let us know how your first run with the Garmin goes:)
Mica September 3, 2009, 10:30 am
Congratulations on the Garmin! You'll put it to great use with your training.
Britt September 3, 2009, 10:34 am
Yay mom, what a great gift. I'm so jealous, I really should get one sometime.

I like Miles.
Angie (Losing It and Loving It) September 3, 2009, 10:44 am
Cool gift. What a nice mommy!

Oh and that coffee process is cool. Thanks for sharing. Now I just need a French Press.
brandi September 3, 2009, 10:55 am
that's so exciting!!!! I have a garmin, but not the GPS one and I love it. having that makes it so much fun
littlemissminny September 3, 2009, 10:56 am
I would name it Bubby 😀
I like the video, if only I could find that french press thingy…
Nerd Girl September 3, 2009, 10:59 am
Hey i wrote a blog entry today that really ties into Operation Beautiful. It is about looking in the mirror. You can check it out here http://fitlizzio.wordpress.com/2009/09/03/mirrors/
Mrs. LC September 3, 2009, 11:02 am
I must be far too girly. I think your engagement/ wedding ring bling is prettier than the Garmin. 😉 (Not that I'd ever say no to a Garmin, haha).

Since you like famous people names, maybe pick a name of some person who inspires you athletically, like Lance Armstrong or someone.

I have no idea if you like her or not, but the name Lucille is stuck in my head for whatever odd reason, so you could name your Garmin after Lucille Ball if you're a fan. 🙂
Jenna September 3, 2009, 11:06 am
omg you must be pumped you got a garmin!
why did she send it to you?! special occasion or just because she is your mom and she loves you!
RhodeyGirl September 3, 2009, 11:07 am
DEFINITELY something that plays off either your twilight or britney obsessions!

love the Edward Cullen suggestion (twitter)… or even something like G'Cullen?
X-Country2 September 3, 2009, 11:09 am
I named mine Garmie. I love it. LOVE it! I still don't use all the features, but it was worth every penny. Enjoy!
Allie September 3, 2009, 11:19 am
Congrats on your Garmin! I just got one this week; you are going to love it! It is amazing!~
Megan September 3, 2009, 11:19 am
My friend named my Garmin GPS Abigail, though we often refer to it as Abby the Navi 🙂
crgilvr September 3, 2009, 11:20 am
My Garmin is named George.
The Mean Beene September 3, 2009, 11:24 am
I'm sooooo jealous of your Garmin! I had to settle for the Nike Triax because it's the most similar watch that's compatable with my Mac. I can't wait for the new version to come out!!!
I think you can also share your runs with everyone too, like in a graph form! YIPEE!

Yes, I also name my toys too!
Computer: Apple (Gwen Paltrow's kid)
Ipod: Isaac Nano (Isaac from The Fray)
iPhone: Gerty (from ET)

Enjoy!
The Globetrotter September 3, 2009, 11:25 am
Congrats on the Garmin!

And thank you so much for the video. I have been wondering a lot about how people go about making french-pressed coffee since it's one of my favorites so I really appreciate it. Plus, you're adorable on camera, even if you are a little sleepy 🙂
The Mean Beene September 3, 2009, 11:29 am
Oh yeah, my Nike Triax is named Trick. HA!
jack+alli September 3, 2009, 11:42 am
awesome gift! what a sweet and thoughtful mommy you have!
your sammy looks delish! i love putting alfalfa sprouts on mine 🙂
Lauren September 3, 2009, 11:51 am
Well Garmin is based really close to my home in Kansas (I could run there if I wanted to!) so I was thinking Kansas themes too – Judy Garland is nice, but i was also thinking Amelia Earhart – like you're flying when you run, etc., plus there is a new movie coming out about her this fall! I'd rather go on a run with Amelia than Judy 🙂
The Apple Hill Adventurer September 3, 2009, 11:52 am
hi there, just found your blog!
happy chirstmas! for that garmin, i have been dreaming of getting one too .. sigh

enjoy it!

also, the food all looks delish .. i cant wait for lunch time, though my packed lunch is not all too great lol
Megan (southerngracesblog) September 3, 2009, 11:52 am
How great is your mama to send you a Garmin?! So exciting!!!
I had a veggie burger for lunch today too 🙂
Beth @ CrossBorderCravings September 3, 2009, 11:56 am
Ahhh thanks so much for the video!! I have been dying to make a good french press for a while now. So helpful!
Ali September 3, 2009, 11:56 am
Um….THAT IS AM AWESOME GIFT!!! WOW, your mom is so sweet!!! Your a lucky lady! I have no ideas for names…sorry I am feeling uncreative. I will get back to you not that though, just need time to think!
Lizzy September 3, 2009, 12:16 pm
YAY!!! gifts from mom are amazing, especially when they are GARMIN"S congrats girl!!!!

A veggie burger sounds amazing right now. what brand do you use, or did you make the patty yourself?
Debbra September 3, 2009, 12:16 pm
How about Ms. Moneypenny for your garmin? keeping the British and/or James Bond theme?
HealthySDLiving September 3, 2009, 12:16 pm
Aw that's so awesome of your mom to get you that!
Angharad September 3, 2009, 12:31 pm
Amazing that your mom got you a Garmin!! That is the best gift ever! Ugh totally jealous beyond belief. You could call it…Doris Day (Doris is my fave name for any appliance). Or how about Lynford Christie? Keeping the British theme going but with a running edge! Ha ha.
Kath September 3, 2009, 12:37 pm
SO nice of mom!!!!

You beat me to my own todo list of a french press video 😉 Yours is prettier than mine. I let mine sit for 4 minutes and always stir after 60 seconds.
Christina September 3, 2009, 12:37 pm
What a great gift from your Mom! Is it your birthday or was it a 'just because' present?

The video is awesome. I have a friend who loves her french press and now I may just have to get one.
Joelle (The Pancake Girl) September 3, 2009, 12:54 pm
OMG so exciting- you will LOVE it!!

As for names… how about Super Woman?
Katy September 3, 2009, 1:10 pm
I love ALL your posts but this might be my new favorite — first, because you got your Garmin (and I am super jealous).

Second, because I have a french press and have been terrified to use it. You rock.

I LOVE seeing this videos, sister — are you using a flip cam or something else?
Caitlin at Healthy Tipping Point September 3, 2009, 1:14 pm
thanks everyone for the name suggestions. i think edward cullen wins. LOL.

my mom gave me the garmin as a thank you for repairing her computer when i was up in tennessee (remember that?)

katy – just my regular camera!
Jenny September 3, 2009, 1:27 pm
that Garmin is stylin' girl! You momma is such a gem!
Carolina John September 3, 2009, 2:24 pm
awesome! i love my 205, swear by that thing. it rocks, you are going to love it!
Susan September 3, 2009, 2:35 pm
Yay on the Garmin! I thought about getting one but went for a Nike+ instead. Obviously not the same, maybe before I do my first marathon at some undetermined time 😉

Love the video!! I french press too. Everyone asks me if it's more work, but I find it's easier than a coffee machine. Easier to clean! Plus, I can make iced coffee by sticking the press in the fridge overnight 🙂

Oh, and for the name, how about Garth? Ya know, GARmin, GARth 😛
Lauren @ Dragonflies Journey September 3, 2009, 2:45 pm
I think for your Garmin…Marilyn…after Monroe. She is sexy and so is that Garmin!
Deva (Voracious Vorilee) September 3, 2009, 3:34 pm
your mom is awesome – I can't wait to see how you use your Garmin. I saw your tweet and totally think that Edward Cullen the Garmin is the perfect name!
Justine September 3, 2009, 3:53 pm
Yay for a Garmin! I want one but am too cheap to buy one. Maybe for Christmas??
peanutbuttr plz September 3, 2009, 4:13 pm
congrats! aren't moms the best?
Kelly September 3, 2009, 4:31 pm
OOh yay! 🙂

Hmm I saw someone Said Edward…how bout Bella..though that may have been there too, or Lady DI? or The Duchess? (trying to stick with Brit theme)
Amanda Jones September 3, 2009, 4:36 pm
Congrats on your early Christmas present!
mike September 3, 2009, 5:05 pm
I have been looking to get one of those GPS things, I will wait to see how you like it.
angieinatlanta September 3, 2009, 5:11 pm
SO JEALOUS!

Will you do a review in a month or so? I'm dying to know if they're worth the investment!
vicky September 3, 2009, 5:11 pm
I call my Garmin "Gabby." How about Minnie?
Sleepdreamdress September 3, 2009, 5:16 pm
Sweet arm candy! Thanks for making me want a french press..grrrr 🙂

Maggie
platipus329 September 3, 2009, 5:49 pm
Ahhh I love my garmin, I hope you love yours too!
Maddy September 3, 2009, 6:03 pm
I say you name the GPS Lance Armstrong =)
Angie Eats Peace September 3, 2009, 6:07 pm
Yay! So glad you got one, hooray for Mom's!
Melissa September 3, 2009, 6:25 pm
I think Vin Diesel would be the perfect name for the Garmin! It makes it sound fast and furious 🙂
Shannon September 3, 2009, 6:26 pm
My sweet hubby got me one for my birthday this year. I love it! I had no idea that so many people name them! I'd better come up with something…
Melissa September 3, 2009, 6:44 pm
My parents just got me a Garmin for my birthday! Although I definitely haven't used it to its full potential yet, I love that I can randomly run and not have to worry about the mileage. One tip that I have.. play around with the main screen. I have mine set for 4 different parts.. time, distance, pace, and heart rate. As far as names.. how about Kia (Knows It All)??
Emmett losing weight September 3, 2009, 7:21 pm
My brother has the same Garmin watch, I want one too!
eatingRD September 4, 2009, 3:17 pm
OH my gosh, lucky most deserving girl!! That's awesome, I would love one of those to track my cycling mileage, especially with long, weird routes. Cool!!!
Learning to Cope w/ Eating and College September 4, 2009, 4:50 pm
I was just wondering what brand of veggie burgers you have??
emily September 5, 2009, 7:24 am
For anyone interested I saw that drugstore.com had a big sale on garmins, although I don't remember if they were forerunners.
I don't think you have a southern accent, but I'm from Louisiana so what do I know.

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