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She dressed in her running clothes, stepping into the moisture wicking shorts with pockets to hold her nutrition and slipping on the moisture wicking jog bra with a pocket to hold her music. She untangled the wires and threaded them inside her top and out through the neckline where they dangled until it was time to plug them in her ears. She pulled her pony tail through her high tech, sweat-catching hat. Her shoes were fitted with insoles that counted the miles automatically for her, and her GPS watch waited on her wrist to find a satellite. Finally, she was all set to go out for her run, but first….Click….Selfie!

Ahhh, technology. Technology is progress, and most progress is a good thing. My first major job was as an Executive Secretary to the President of a big import/export cotton company. I had to transcribe from shorthand written on an actual paper tablet. Then type letters and forms in triplicate with carbon paper. With the help of computerization today, there is no need for slipping carbon paper between sheets of letterhead. There’s no need to worry about typing errors because now all we have to do is delete and start over. That’s good progress.

There’s good progress in running too. Back in the days of my running as a beginner, I had to rely on the car odometer to have an idea of how far my training course was. Runners back then had watches that told them the distance they ran and how long it took. Watches today tell us not only the distance we run and how long it takes, but also how many calories we burn, the elevation we run, and even monitors our heart rate. Today’s watches even have a virtual pacer, a partner in a watch, to help you with your training. It will also chart your course. This technology came in very handy when I went for a run in Chicago and couldn’t find my way back to the hotel. I pulled up the map with the route I just ran and lo and behold; I was able to retrace my steps right to the front door of my hotel.

Phones have also progressed. With modern technology, phones are now portable. They also do more than serve as a voice communicator. They help you search instantly for the answer to a question. They help direct you to your destination and even find you a good restaurant. You can take pictures with your phone. You can then post pictures of the spectacular sunrise you saw on your run this morning. Or post a picture of the scrumptious breakfast you rewarded yourself with. Or post a picture of the new running shoes you just purchased. Or post a picture of your pet doing silly things. With a smart phone, you can search, scan, and share instantly. That’s good progress.

Social media is another step up the progress ladder. It’s used to connect you with long lost friends or family. It’s used to promote your business. And, it’s great to promote your running club. It has become the best way to market. With social media, you can belong to groups who are like-minded and share your interests. Virtual running clubs and virtual races abound. Check in on those pages you like, and you’ll find motivational postings, training tips, news flashes and current information on what others are doing in whatever appeals to you. Ahhh, technology.

Technology is not good, however, if we let it overtake our lives. Technology is great, but as in everything else, use in moderation. You don’t always have to share that you just brushed your teeth. You don’t have to always share that you are having a bad hair day. Once in a while just unplug. Run without your music. Run without strapping on your GPS or heart monitor. Just run up the road and back and enjoy your surroundings. Just run without knowing how far or how fast you went. Then, come home and take a selfie/runfie and post what you just did. Don’t’ forget to also share with us your selfie/runfie and what experiences you had on your run, your race, your triathlon, and even how drenched you are after your hot, humid activity.

Enjoy the journey…one Milestone at a time!