Favorite Things September 2011

Here are some items that I’m glad were invented.

1. Pearl Izumi Arm Warmers – $20.00

Many people have asked which arm warmers I use. I love these things. If I am going to bother with arm warmers, I want them to provide enough warmth to matter, but also be small enough to roll up and shove somewhere (no, not there). These stay in place on my arms (no falling down) and I dig the jazzy design. I ordered mine from REI HERE.

2. Dear Foam Slippers – on sale at Kohl’s for $16.80

I don’t think these are made from actual foam from a deer, but I could be wrong. I live in these things. I hope wearing a cheetah print makes me more of a MILF. I hate being barefoot once we hit September because my feet have the worst circulation and are always freezing. If you don't believe me, ask Ken, because when we get in bed and I touch him with my feet he usually files for divorce. Find them HERE.

3. “Webcam for Seniors 101” on You Tube

This gem was posted last week by these two people’s grand daughter. These two senior citizens were attempting to use their brand new computer to record a video for their grandkids. They didn’t know they recorded themselves until later. The stars: 86 year old Bruce Huffman and his 79 year old wife Esther. It will make you smile (teaser: burp and boobs).

4. Wacky Cake

I grew up on this cake and it’s still a family favorite. It’s called “wacky” because it has no eggs, milk or butter. Plus, it has vinegar in it which is really gross and cool at the same time. People also call it “Depression Cake” because during that time it made sense to bake a moist cake without the expense of milk, butter or eggs.  It’s also vegan and dairy free!

I top it with caramel frosting. Last week I really wanted to bake something but had no eggs so I made this.

See the recipe HERE.

5. Yurbud Earphones – $29.99

Many people have also asked me which are my favorite earphones for running. I have a pair of Yurbuds that I got almost two years ago. I can’t say enough about these for sound quality, reduced wind noise, and MOST importantly, how well they stay in the ear. Get them HERE.

6. Profile Design T2 Aerobars – about $100

In action here (although I’m going around a turn on not using them):

The week before my half ironman, I added these aerboars to my bike. They are just simple clip ons. I didn’t anticipate a huge jump in speed, but I wanted to be comfortable for 56 miles on the bike and was hoping these would help me settle in more.

I am not kidding you when I say my speed increased from about 17-18 mph average to 19-20 mph average.  I am also incredibly comfy when I drop down into these things. I feel I can just power through and GO! I got these at Bicycle Village, but I found them online for much cheaper ($82) HERE.

7. Polar insulated water bottle – $9.99

I know these have been around for awhile, but I am just getting a clue. The two things I love are the size (24 oz) and the fact that they keep your drink cold (duh, hence the “insulated” part). They come in lots of fun designs. I got mine for about $10 and picked up a second one at the Irongirl event for $5. Score. You can get them for $9.99-$11.00 HERE.

8. Room

I actually read this a few months back, but it has been one of my favorite books of the year. It sucks you in. You won’t be able to put it down. That’s all I’m telling you.

What are you liking this month?

SUAR

PS: As is the case with all of my “favorites” lists, these are my personal opinions of tried and true items. I was not asked by any companies for reviews or endorsements.

Pearl Izumi Running Gear Review

Outside PR spoiled me with some great new running gear this month, all made by Pearl Izumi. I have never been so color coordinated in my life.

First there were the shoes:

Synchro-Float IV ($110). Weighing in at 10.4 ounces, this is a lightweight stability shoe.  It has been updated from previous versions to include springier cushioning in the heel and forefoot for “more energy-return with each step and a smoother overall ride.”

I have to be honest. Coming back from an injury, I wasn’t crazy about the idea of getting a pair of shoes delivered to my doorstep without having been able to try them on first. Shoes are so damn personal! I think ordering shoes online is challenging to say the least, and that’s why I never do it unless I have worn the shoe before.

However, I took a chance because I like to live on the edge. Oh, and free shoes are good. I requested these shoes based on their description and got them in a size 9, one full size larger than my regular shoe size.

Before doing anything in these shoes, I had my PT evaluate me on the treadmill wearing them. Once she gave me the thumbs up, I was off and running.

I like to be very honest in my reviews and give the good, bad and the ugly.Yet, I couldn't find the bad and the ugly no matter how hard I tried. From the moment I put on these babies, it was comfort all the way. The fit was true to size, the cushioning was ample but not overdone. The toe box is generous for my right foot bunion, but not bulky. And the shoes breathe, which means you’re feet aren't sweating as much as your balls.

Of course the true test comes with testing the shoe in action. I have now run at least five times in these shoes (totaling about 30 miles) and have walked at least ten miles. They are lightweight without being wimpy. They are supportive without being bulky. The heel height is moderate, unlike some shoe models you get with a very elevated and thick heel. Bottom line, they are comfortable and have performed well for me on the road, the trails, the bike path and  the treadmill.

I trade off wearing these with my Mizuno Wave Inspires and I have to say I’m actually preferring the Pearls.

While I don’t buy shoes based on how pretty they are , I do dig the look of these babies (wow, check out how bow legged, I am. Can’t even touch my knees together if I tried. Anyone have a shoe to correct that?)

Then there were the Infinity Split Short ($40.00) and Infinity In-R-Cool Top ($45.00):

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Shorts: Size small. Perfect fit. At 5’5” and 110 pounds I had initially ordered the extra small. They were like a speedo on me, so I exchanged for the small. Very short, but I like ‘em short. The zippered pocket in the back is a nice touch so you can carry gels and condoms. There is a small slit on the side of the short that makes you run faster. Very comfortable, breathable and true to size.

Shirt: Size small. Perfect fit for my 34B size. Comfortable, with R Cool technology to keep you optimally cool. There are fancy screen print designs on the back with reflective elements.

This is all high quality running gear. Pearl has been around for 60 years and continues to perfect their shoes and apparel to meet the demands of the competitive and recreational runner. Yes, it is pricey, but no more so than any other reputable running gear brand.  It’s solid stuff that won’t disappoint. For cheaper prices, consider visiting the Pearl Izumi Outlet online. Most sale prices are 20% off.

Now for the outtakes. Ridiculous as usual:

 

 

Now go get your Pearl on! (and don’t look at what time I posted this. Shut up and be an insomniac!)

SUAR

Fine Print: Outside PR sent me all of the above items to try for purposes of a review on this blog. I paid nothing for them.

Only Dogs Could Hear It

It better be freaking worth it.

I got needled again today. That sounds dirty, kind of like “corn dogging,” but it’s really not.

I talked about dry needling in this post. Basically, it is to release really tight muscles that haven’t loosened up with massage, stretching, rolling. A practitioner (usually a PT, but could be a doc) sticks an acupuncture type needle directly into the trigger point muscle causing it to spasm and release. So far I’ve had great success with it.

Today I realized the first go-round my needler had been quite gentle with me. I be-bopped into my session, singing the praises of myself and how well I did post-needling: very little achiness, able to run the next day. She must have taken that as a green light to needle the eff out of my muscles.

My IT band is so tight that if it could fart only dogs could hear it.

You have to be really advanced to get that joke, so I hope it didn’t go over your head.

And yes my dog is in every picture because he cannot be more than three feet away from me at any given moment. I think it goes back to that one time I used KY Jelly on him (not kidding). I’ll have to post that story sometime. It’s a keeper.

She stuck me twice in the gluteus maximus (ass). She then started at the tightest part of my IT (by my knee) and worked her way up doing a total of five needles. The twitching, cramping and achiness flips me out a bit, only because you never know what to expect.  She then attacked my TFL (kind of to the outside of your hip).

I told her, “Okay, try not to hit the bone.” I have boney hips. She said, “That’s the point, we want to hit the bone, it helps us know where we’re going and lots of time the most cramped muscles are by the bone.” Me: “Shit.”

It hurt like a mother. But only for a few seconds.

I walked in the Center for Sport’s Medicine with a spring in my step. I walked out with a limp. I know this is normal and by tomorrow I’ll be fine. I know that the last session of needling really loosened me up and was totally worth it.

I have my eye on the prize and the prize is NOT Boston, is NOT running faster, is NOT putting in high mileage weeks. The prize is running pain free and loving to run again because it feels good and it’s what I want to be doing well into my later years.

Okay, so tomorrow I am hoping to finally get up a review of some cool Pearl Izumi gear I received (shoes, shirt, shorts). I always associate PI with cycling stuff, but seems they are really coming into the running world and I’ve been incredibly pleased with the quality and performance of my gear.

What’s your favorite brand of running gear and why? – I’m all over the board. I like Mizuno shoes, UA mock turtlenecks, Asics socks, Athleta running shirts.

What’s your best injury recovery tip? – Mine is plain and simple. Rest and not being hard on myself.

Feeling the need to make a chocolate cake (wait until I give you this recipe!),

SUAR

Longest 8 Miler Ever

Remember when I wrote that the sport’s physiologist said I should incorporate long walks into my marathon training in addition to my three weekly runs and every conceivable form of cross training?

Apparently, this is how some Japanese and Koreans train for marathons. With lots of walking. That way, you are on your feet for hours at a time, but don’t have the impact. Makes a lot of sense. Good for a gal like me who can’t take much impact right now.

I had high hopes, but I almost stopped a gun shop and shot myself in the head I was so bored. I don’t know which is worse. Running in the water or walking for eight miles on land. I am not a walker, never have been. I don’t even like walking to the mailbox or into the mall from my car. Sometimes the toilet is too far so I wear Depends.

Yesterday I had the best of conditions beautiful weather, all the time in the world. I strapped on my fuel belt with some sports beans and 20 oz. of water. I grabbed my phone, my shuffle, and a few bucks and I was off. Yes, I am wearing my new Pearl Izumi shoes. LOVE them. Review coming soon.

I ran into Ken doing his 800s. Good thing neither of us have a life .

Early on (as in first .5 mile) I was having a blast be-boppin’ along thinking, this is great! Nice day, time to think about my life, good chance to catch up with some friends by cell phone. No luck. No one was home and no one called me back. So if you could please leave your phone number so I can call you next time I am out on one of these adventures I’d appreciate it.

Mile one I got stopped by a train. Should have jumped on and caught a ride home:

Mile two, I swear I didn’t do this:

Mile three I passed my favorite brewery and came very close to calling it a day and going in for a cold one:

Mile four there was a lovely trailer park. Hopefully no dead bodies buried anywhere and no tornadoes in the forecast:

I told you it was a nice day. Long’s Peak in the distance.

Eight miles. Average pace around 14 minute/mile. Shoot me now. It’s hard to walk faster than that. You try it smarty pants. Time = 1:50. That is a long stinking way to walk. Right now I never want to do that again. Maybe as the memory fades I’ll go back out.

So, the other day when I said I “go commando” while running, Marjorie asked why it’s called commando. Fortunately, I always have the Urban Dictionary handy, and this is what it says:

“It is called 'going commando' because of an old practice in the army, where, so you didn't shit your underwear in battle, you didn't wear any - and therefore could boast that you didn't shit your pants.”

So, now I know why I don’t wear any underwear while running. So I never have to say I crapped my pants. Genius! 

Heading back to the brewery,

SUAR