I may look like an ex-convict…

But, I’m not. I swear. Anyway, those monitors go on your ankle. I wear mine on my wrist. What am I referring to? My favorite electronic gadget – the Garmin Forerunner. This handly little device tells you the distance you’ve run/walked, the pace you do it at, how long you’ve gone for, and can also connect to a chest-band that will tell you calories burned. Why I like it: I no longer have to map my routes because I know exactly how far I’ve gone. It also encourages me to push the distance. If I see I’ve done 3.2 miles, maybe I’ll try and round it up to 3.5. Things to consider: It’s big. Honkin’ big if you have small wrists like me. It’s also pricey, but worth it if it keeps you from buying a treadmill. (For future reference, parolee monitor on the left, Garmin Forerunner on the right.)