I decided yesterday that if we were going to be training for a marathon, then the first thing we needed was something to set the training mood. When I run I generally take my iPod with me, but it’s one of those big manly 60GB ones, and I thought Emirhan and I could both do with something more portable (and he didn’t have a music player at all, so that certainly wouldn’t do).

Several hours and four electronics stores later and we had his-n-hers iPod Shuffles (mine pink, his silver). I had to go to so many places because I had trouble finding a shop that had both the colours I wanted in stock (the first three places were sold out of the silver). I have to say, after years and years of toting a big iPod around, this one is a shock. My big iPod has one of those remote controls, and the Shuffle is smaller than that remote is. I took the Shuffle out for a test run this morning, and I didn’t even notice it was there, so it’s definitely suitable for training, and nicer than listening to Antalya traffic. And it’s sooooooo sexy. I nearly chickened out and got a silver one for myself instead, but in the end I’m so glad I was brave and got the pink. Road less traveled and all that. Girl power extreme.

Now I just need to name it— I’ve been calling it PinkPod, but I’m sure you guys can think of a more creative name than that. Any suggestions?

Next up will be new shoes and a couple of cute running outfits, which we’ll probably sort out tomorrow on Emirhan’s day off. We’ll see. I’m thinking about suggesting that we run to the mall instead of taking the bus. After all, the training itself is almost as important as looking good, right?

No, don’t you worry, I’m in the hands of a professional— thanks to the helpful nature of my friend Chris Brogan, Mark Iocchelli over at completerunning.com has me under his wing and is setting up a suitable training program. Details of that when I know more, probably later this week.