While today started extra dark here, mild weather returned. So once the natural lights came on, I went running.
I brought along my (debatably) smart watch, acquired to support training for an ambitious adventure last summer -- one which I'm holding in reserve for a later slice. For this morning's foray, I was counting on my device for some faux extrinsic motivation. I dialed up an option called "Running Coach" and selected a program that would guide me through an accelerating sequence of paces. The watch face would update me on how I was doing in relation to the target, and a synthesized voice (coach!) would prompt me, too.
During the warm-up zone, the watch frequently told me to, "Slow down," or cautioned, "You're going too fast." I eventually reached a point where I heard, "Nice pace" and "Keep it up." From time to time, the watch asked a question that I presume must be rhetorical: "How are you feeling?" I did try answering out loud later in the run, wanting to see what would happen, and nothing did except momentary shortness of breath. (This particular Running Coach program did say I would have a hard time holding a conversation during the workout.)
One exchange left me convinced the watch was messing with me. It delivered this message: "Lengthening your stride can quicken your pace. Give it a try." Dutifully, I did. The next words out of the watch's speaker-mouth were, "Slow down a little." Thanks for nothing, backseat driver on my wrist. Once home, I muted the watch's sound. It'll stay that way until I feel the next urge to have my strings pulled.
Too funny! Assistive Technology Fail! I feel this way whenever I use GPS. I love it when it says "You have reached your destination", but you can't see the destination anywhere. That happened to me Friday night. I finally found it with no because to the British accent directing me. Maybe your watch and my GPS are related.
ReplyDeleteI actually laughed out loud at your post. The parentheses added so much humor-- you should use this as a mentor to show the power of punctuation (to anyone who will listen!)
ReplyDeleteI don't run, but if I did I am pretty sure I would be hesitant to wear anything that talked....unless it was " you are amazing." Thanks for the post. Kudos to you - not your watch.
ReplyDeleteThe pacing and humor of this slice was spot on. I feel your watch coach is now in my head. Love the analogy to a backseat driver on your wrist.
ReplyDeleteHeeheehee - I think you have better timing than your watch. Hilarious.
ReplyDeleteHa! Great post. It's a bit creepy when they start talking without you saying anything. Not sure what I would do if that happened in the middle of a run, though. I like how you decided to mess with it.
ReplyDeleteMachines! I remember those science fiction stories in which machines take over the world 🥺
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