Garmin’s Hooking Me Up…I Think?

Ever since I got my Forerunner 25 a year ago for my birthday, I’ve had issues with it. It hasn’t been the same problem every time, but the issues have remained consistent and recently, have prevented me from even using the watch. The first set of issues began almost immediately, (October). I went for a run, and went to save it upon completion. After clicking “save”, a screen popped up saying that my run was saved successfully – only problem is, this screen never disappeared. I contemplated on letting my watch die in hopes that my run might still be there once I charged it, but gave up and reset the watch, (which deletes any unsaved/recent activity). After doing some troubleshooting with Garmin, it was determined that the issue was that my watch’s software was out of date and all that was needed was for me to stay on top of the updates. No joke, as soon as I would get a notification saying that my watched needed an update, it would freeze on me. I can’t pre-emptively update my watch for an update that isn’t even available yet. Problem number one.

Problem Number two: Strava upload issues. After runs, my data would successfully upload to Garmin Connect, however wouldn’t sync to Strava. I doubled checked to make sure that I had it set to do it automatically, however it just wouldn’t sync. Again, I called Garmin and was told that the issue was that I had two Garmin Express accounts…how that happened, I have no idea. The Garmin employee I spoke with over the phone deleted the account that appeared to be dormant and reassured me that I shouldn’t have any more issues. Keep in mind my watch is still freezing on the “Run Saved!” screen in addition to this.

Problem number three: my run doesn’t even sync to Garmin Connect! I’ve tried resetting my watch, letting it die, and troubleshooting with Garmin but all to no avail. During my last troubleshooting session, I decided that I had enough and wanted a new watch. With very little fight, Garmin started a service request for me and said that I can send back my watch and get a new one. I sent my watch in the mail fairly promptly since the Oakville Half Marathon is next Sunday and I don’t want to use my phone as a means of keeping pace. However, I just checked the status of my order and saw this:

BACKORDERED?!? ARG!! This is so not ideal. A part of me wishes that I didn’t send my watch away until after the race. I only did it before because I was told 7-10 business days, (with today being the ninth). Here’s to hoping that my shipping status changing ASAP!

 

-Running Fast, Lifting Heavy

Race Recap: 2XU Toronto Women’s 10k

Last Sunday, I ran the 2XU Toronto Women’s 10k for the second time (I ran the 10k last summer). I should note that this race holds a special place in my heart; it happens to be the first 10k race I’ve ever done. After really grinding it out this past year, I felt that I was definitely ready to conquer a PR and really crush the course. I have to admit, I didn’t take a ton of photos since I was really focusing on staying in a winning mindset, but I really wish I did – Sunnybrook Park is gorgeous! As usual, I’ll break up my review in segments so I can really flesh it out.

Race Kit Pick-Up

I totally had every intent on picking up my race kit ahead of time at Running Room, but I completely dropped the ball. Whoops. This led me to head to Sunnybrook Park (the location of the race) a little bit early so I could get my bib/swag. That being said, I was in and out in a breeze at the race kit station. All I had to do was find a number on a board that corresponded with my name, and then dictate that number to the woman behind the table who gave me my bag. Literally took all of two minutes.

The Race Itself

Talk about good weather! Although it was a little breezy in the beginning, it warmed up once the race started and we got moving. One of the reasons why I love this race is because of the volunteers on the course. This year did not disappoint. Everyone is so encouraging and they all really give you the boost you need when you hit that “I want to give up” wall. They also will give you personalized words of encouragement (which I know is easy to do considering your name is on the bib), but trust me, it goes a long way.

In terms of how I performed, I think I did great. I set a pr, (my best 10k is 1:09:45 and this time around my time was 1:05:33), and felt 10x more confident than I did the previous year. It also helps that I know the course and know what to expect. I thought about signing up for the 5k instead of the 10k, but with the Oakville Half Marathon in a few weeks, I wanted a little more practice than a 5k could give me.

The Expo

I didn’t pay much attention to the expo last year, but it was actually pretty good this year. Notable highlights were a Goodlife Fitness booth, and a 2XU booth! If you follow me on Instagram, you’ll be able to see the trinket I bought there. Although this isn’t expo related, your entry gets you a 2XU technical hat which is pretty sweet.

What’s Next?

Next on the docket is the Nutrience Oakville Half Marathon (less than three weeks away!) and I’m feeling pretty nervous! The last time I attempted a half, I tore my meniscus. I’ve gone through physio and have been able to identify some issues that could’ve lead to the injury, so I’m hoping to cross the finish line injury-free! Wish me luck!

 

-Running Fast, Lifting Heavy