A Little Humor

1. I think part of a best friend's job should be to immediately clear your computer history if you die.

2. Nothing sucks more than that moment during an argument when you realize you're wrong.

3. I totally take back all those times I didn't want to nap when I was younger.

4. There is great need for a sarcasm font.

5. How the heck are you supposed to fold a fitted sheet?

6. Was learning cursive really necessary?

7. Map Quest really needs to start their directions on # 5. I'm pretty sure I know how to get out of my neighborhood.

8. Obituaries would be a lot more interesting if they told you how the person died.

9. I can't remember the last time I wasn't at least kind of tired.

10. Bad decisions make good stories.

11. You never know when it will strike, but there comes a moment at work when you know that you just aren't going to do anything productive for the rest of the day.

12. Can we all just agree to ignore whatever comes after Blue Ray? I don't want to have to restart my collection...again..

13. I'm always slightly terrified when I exit out of Word and it asks me if I want to save any changes to my ten-page technical report that I swear I did not make any changes to.

14. I keep some people's phone numbers in my phone just so I know not to answer when they call.

15. I think the freezer deserves a light as well.

16. I disagree with Kay Jewelers. I would bet on any given Friday or Saturday night more kisses begin with Miller Lite than Kay.

17. I wish Google Maps had an "Avoid Ghetto" routing option.

18. I have a hard time deciphering the fine line between boredom and hunger.

19. How many times is it appropriate to say "What?" before you just nod and smile because you still didn't hear or understand a word they said?

20. I love the sense of camaraderie when an entire line of cars team up to prevent a jerk from cutting in at the front. Stay strong, brothers and sisters!

21. Shirts get dirty. Underwear gets dirty. Pants? Pants never get dirty, and you can wear them forever.

22. Sometimes I'll look down at my watch 3 consecutive times and still not know what time it is.

23. Even under ideal conditions people have trouble locating their car keys in a pocket, finding their cell phone, and Pinning the Tail on the Donkey - but I'd bet everyone can find and push the snooze button from 3 feet away, in about 1.7 seconds, eyes closed, first time, every time.

24. The first testicular guard, the "Cup," was used in Hockey in 1874 and the first helmet was used in 1974. That means it only took 100 years for men to realize that their brain is also important.

Fitting It All In ~ Guest Post By Chic Runner!

By Danica
http://chicrunner.com/

Sometime I feel really overwhelmed. It's hard to keep track of training, work, family and friends and having that regular routine that fits everything in. When you start to slip down the mountain into overload mode, one of the first things to go is the training plan and exercise. Then falls eating healthy. Life is all about being on the go, go, go, and sometimes taking that special twenty minutes to an hour to make yourself first is hard. Taking that initiative to make yourself first though will pay off tremendously in the long run though, no pun intended. 

Now with 6 marathons under my belt, I've ran some that I was well trained for and some that I could have put in a few more miles to make my overall experience better. When I was at mile 22, I remembered how I wanted to sleep in and how much it hurt at that point. Getting in those extra miles could have helped a lot! There are a few things when you consider getting into exercising and working out. I have really realized that a training plan is a great place to start when you want to incorporate running and fitness into your life. Even if you can't run every day, or even every other day, making goals for yourself is the best place to start. 

I have made numerous training plans for a lot of different races, from 5Ks to half marathons to full marathons. The reason you make a training plan is to try to hit a goal, with that goal in mind,  hopefully you'll want to put in the work to make achieve that goal. I remember when I was training for my first half marathon, I kept thinking that I was running so incredibly far! It was a great rewarding feeling and even after I ran my first ten miles, all day I kept telling myself, I ran TEN miles!

What are your goals? To finish a race? To get healthy? To feel better about yourself? To hit a certain time in a given distance? Make sure you make attainable goals and then go for it! With a goal in mind, it's much easier to train for something when you have a goal to reach at the end. If it's a 5K, 10K, Half or Full Marathon, anyone can run! It's all about getting started, believing in yourself and getting out there. 

When you feel overwhelmed, take a deep breath and think about your goals, how far you've come and what you want to accomplish. I never though I would have run a Full Marathon, but here I am training for number 7! Remember, no matter what your fitness goals are for the year, make sure you are doing it for yourself. You will be the most rewarded when you reach your goals that you've set for yourself. It's always great to cross that finish line and realize your hard work has paid off. 

You're working out, getting fit and doing this for yourself! Remember that! Taking time for yourself will empower you to feel better about yourself and sometimes, those few moments that you steal away from work, family and friends can be your saving grace to keep you sane and happy! 

Fuel Belt Review

Although I'm not a marathon runner, I sometimes want some water or fuel on a run.  I had always seen other runners with their various belts and wondered how they worked, etc.  Fuel Belt sent me the Helium four bottle belt and I immediately tried it out.  

The first thing I want to mention is that I received it in pink.  Running gear is ugly most of the time, so a splash of pink is just what I need to make me "run pretty".  

The Fuel belt fit snugly around my hips, but comfortably.  I was concerned that it was going to bother me while running, but once I got going and had it in just the right spot, it didn't bounce at all.  

I only filled two out of the four water bottles.  (I only run about three miles at a time).  The water bottles were the right size and they were easy to open while running.  I did have some difficulty getting them in and out of the elastic holsters.  However, with time I know this would be easier.  

I love the idea that the bottles are dishwasher safe so I can throw them in when I come home from a run and be ready to go the next day.  With using two at a time, I will use two, wash them, use the other two and so on.  

The Helium belt also has a small pouch so you can carry a key, gel, etc.  Usually belts make you chose between water OR carrying things.  

I also liked the material the belt was made of.  It dried quickly and didn't pinch or pill my clothes.  

Want to get one?

Visit Fuel Belt's website here:

http://www.fuelbelt.com

Polar Buff Review

As a big believer in the benefits that Buffs give, I was thrilled to find a winter version.  The Polar Buff is fleece on one side and soft, wicking, Buff fabric on the other.

 Its VERY warm.  And better yet, its comfy!

It has even more convertible options than a "normal" Buff!  You can use it with the fleece on the inside, on the outside, you name it.  Its a great way to make sure you are warm when you start your outdoor activity.  Then, when you get warmed up you can change the configuration you are using to allow heat to escape.  Its so much better than stopping to strip off your hat, then getting cold.

If you're headed out into the cold for skiing, running, snowshoeing, etc, the Polar Buff is a great option!  Instead of buying lots of different  items, buy one and use it lots of ways!

Want to get one?  Visit their website here:
 http://www.buff.eu/en/USA/products/-/c/H/s/A/f/5

Erin Baker Goods

I was sent a few products from Erin Baker...and I was excited to try them.  However, the healthy and organic labels scared me a little.  We all know that sometimes these things mean "tasteless".  However, Erin's Baked goods are anything but.  

I started out with the Brownie Bites.  They are soft and chewy.  They seem as though they were fresh baked, not taken out of a package.  The best thing is that they are just the right size....not too big and not too small.  You feel as if you have had a sweet treat, but haven't over eaten.  All the varieties are less than 100 calories each!  I know that I'd rather have a brownie than a baked mini version of a cracker or cookie!  

I next tried the high protein granola.  I have a hard time getting all of the protein that I need into my daily diet.  So anything that has a lot of protein intrigues me.  I was doubtful at first as I usually make my own granola.  However, I was pleasantly surprised.  The granola is sweet, but not sugary.  Its hearty, but not sticky or heavy.  My favorite part was the light taste of peanut butter throughout.  I plan on getting a big granola and breaking it up into little packets to eat after runs, or during hikes.  

The final item I tried was the breakfast cookie.  Its a really good size, and I almost couldn't finish it in one sitting.  Its moist and soft like it was just baked and came out of the oven.  I toasted it, per suggestion from the baker and it was AMAZING!  I felt as if I were eating a tasty dessert and not a healthy food option.  I really feel like these could become addicting!  That being said, most mornings I just don't feel like eating breakfast.  However, who can't go for something sweet, warm and yummy in the morning?

All of Erin's goodies impressed me.  Its hard to find wholesome food that you can feel good about eating AND it tastes good.  Erin's Baker Goods fit the bill!  Give them a try and you won't be disappointed! 

Snow Running

Okay a few weeks ago we have a blizzard here in New England.  A real life blizzard.  It was snowing sideways.  I opened by back deck door and the snow was up to my waist.  So the day AFTER the blizzard occurred I decided I needed to go for a trail run.

First of all my car got stuck in the parking lot.  They hadn't plowed yet and there were cars skidding everywhere, dogs were having a hard time getting through it and there were snow banks preventing traveling in the usual lanes.  I should have left then.  But I didn't.

I started running on the area that everyone travels on.  It wasn't horrible there.  Then, about 25 feet onto the trail, it got bad.  I was slipping and sliding and with any given step, I had no idea how far I would sink in.  I was about a half a mile in before I just had it and tried to walk.  I was as out of breath as I'd ever been and I was angry.  I could have turned around, but I figured it couldn't possibly be as bad going forward to I plugged on figuring I'd loop back at my first chance, which was only three quarters of a mile.

Although there were spots where the snow was non existent due to the gusts we'd had, most of the rest of the trail was treacherous.  It was as if I were in a nightmare, running and running and running and going nowhere.  Just about everyone else was walking, or had cross country skis or snow shoes.  I should have realized.

I made it back to the car, where my husband was waiting and I think every other word was a curse.  I had managed to pull my achilles tendon in the process.  The silver lining to the day was that my husband, who was taking photos, got this shot of me.

Sweaty Bands

Before you judge, these bands are way cuter than their name.  They are headbands like no others you've tried.
They have a fabric outside made of grosgrain material with a velvet like underside (the side that touches your hair).  The back side of the headband (that goes under your head) is made of a stretchy elastic material.


I was skeptical because I've reviewed headbands before and when I fond comfort, I've found I have to adjust them when running.  If they hold tight, they hurt, etc.

So I wore one of these bands out for a run today.  I had a good on at first and pulled it off after my warm up.  I thought for sure I would have lost my headband in this process.  I didn't!

I ran a 5k this morning in the headband and it didn't move.  Not once.  Not when I played with my ear buds, not when I adjusted my sunglasses.  And it didn't pinch or hurt!

I'm a little concerned with washing the band after a bunch of sweaty bands, but after one run it didn't seem to be wet at all, so I think it would take a LOT of runs to get these grimy.

Here is a picture of the headband in my hair.  In the same place, literally hours after I put it in.

Take a look at their very extensive inventory here.  There is something for everyone's tastes.  I am itching to get a few more now.  I love seasonal things and they even have Christmas bands!  (I'm hoping for some cute spring and summer bands to pop up soon.)
http://www.sweatybands.com/