Garmin - friend or foe?

I am sure that anyone who runs with a Garmin will agree that it can really get you down sometimes. On Sunday, I found it almost impossible to run at a reasonable pace. I kept looking at my Garmin to see if I had improved my pace, but no, I just couldn't summon up the energy. Yet yesterday I managed an 8 mile run, with 4 miles at a really good 1/2 marathon pace - my Garmin was most definitely my friend! But why should yesterday's run feel so different to the one on Sunday. I have reflected on my preparation for the two, and in hindsight it is really quite obvious!

Sunday

1. 13 miles steady(only managed 12)
2. Evening before - out with friends to Thai restaurant, 3 glasses of wine (at least), late night
3. Evening meal - Thai sticky rice (not slow-burning like basmati), various shared main dishes, went home still hungry
4. Breakfast - porridge, nuts and Manuka honey
5. Conditions - hilly, windy and raining, muddy
6. No music - chatted to husband (which was good!)

Tuesday

1. 8 miles with 4 miles at 1/2 marathon pace (7.5 - 8 minute miles)
2. Evening before - early night, no alcohol
3. Evening meal - lamb and chickpea stew, greens, fresh homemade seed and nut bread, fruit and a bit of the kids sticky toffee pudding
4. Breakfast - muesli, natural yoghurt, large crust of above bread with Manuka honey
5. Weather - no wind and no rain, fairly flat course but still muddy with large puddles
6. Plugged into ipod - Santana and Bach Goldberg Variations

Well, I suppose there is no comparison. It just goes to show that decent weather, no alcohol and a "go faster" evening meal and breakfast really is worth it. But Saturday evening was such fun....