Posts Tagged ‘headbands’

Life was a sampler of big things and little this week.  I can’t go into the meat right now, but here are some small dishes…

Socks.  My beloved Balega Hidden Comforts are showing their age in an unexpected way: they’ve become huge, like man-size.  I’d like to think my feet have turned into petite flowers but it’s a mere illusion so I’m having to replace them which is downright pricey, but they lasted a few years so it’s worth the expense.

A nice blog perk: someone from Simon and Schuster emailed me asking if I’d like a review copy of Kara Goucher’s new running book Running For Women.  I received it a couple days ago so I’ll be giving a review sometime next week.  Gotta get my taxes done first.

Good runs this week.  Will break it down on Monday but it looks like I’ll hit 74 miles.  I’m not trying to push this into crazy-land or anything, just had some beautiful weather days which stretched a couple runs out. I admit it, I’m a child of weather – when it’s good, it’s magnificent.

Boston Marathon Headbands! Took me forever to find a ribbon and wouldn’t you know, I find it waaaay close to race day, but there’s time to get yours if you order asap (count on 2-4 days, depending on how far you are from Philly).

Hugs for my injured buddies.  I have so many injured running friends right now, it kills me to read of another needing x-rays, MRIs, pool running and the like.  So I’m sending healing vibes and the biggest buckets of sympathy an imaginary internet UPS can deliver.  May you all see the end of your boots, ice packs and compression gear as soon as possible.  As for those already on the comeback, wishing you some beautiful weather as you return to full speed.

Love to all.  Sweet weekend to you, folks.

First off, it’s been a great running week.  I had another soaking run on Thursday but this one was way more fun and I wore my backup Garmin that can handle getting wet.  The 305 is back from the dead and working fine, btw.  I can’t seem to kill it no matter how hard I try.

Anyway, my paces have consistently been on the faster end and while I have moments in my runs where I tell myself to slow down (and might, slightly), I have this rebellious feeling right now that, because I’m not “in training” I can run however I damn well please.  “Screw text book ‘best training’ paces!” is my latest philosophy.  I should note that I don’t think I’m running outside my range, but I could do a wider range of paces rather than sticking in the top quadrant of 8′s.  If I cared.

This week so far it’s been:

Monday: off
Tues:  8@8:13
Wed: 9@8:07
Thurs: 9@8:14
Fri:  10.30@8:06 (this one had a mile at 7:10 where I was hanging on some schoolboys’ tails…’twas fun)

All but one day was in the 50s, making everything infinitely better.  Running in shorts again is a slice of nirvana.

Appetite Suppression Experimentation and a Clear Winner!
Bet you didn’t know I was searching for a way to suppress my appetite.  Neither did I till a few days ago.

As background: I don’t feel like being strict with myself for food lately – not that I eat unhealthy, I eat clean as ever, but I’m enjoying going out to dinner and not worrying about it and I’ve been off the calorie-counting parade all winter, just not interested in being as strict as I was a few months ago, besides…I’m not that far off racing weight.  BUT, what bothers me is I’ve been feeling hungry quite often, especially at night after dinner.  I know it’ll get easier once summer’s here but until then, I’m kind of annoyed by wishing I could eat more.

So over the last few days, I began doing some research on natural appetite suppressants.  Truthfully, I wondered if I should admit this on the blog because just the phrase “appetite suppressant” connotes something bad, like Anna Nichole Smith pimping Ephedra or the Dexatrim of my childhood (aka Speed).  I was looking for something natural that wasn’t dangerous or weird or made by some shyster company with the picture of a big-titted bikini babe on it.

I just wanted something to quell my evening nibbler impulses in a healthy way (as much as manipulating natural urges can be healthy).  Lets face it kids, I’ve done enough real drugs in my life that I’m not afraid of being a human guinea pig but I’m also a healthy human being now and plan to remain that way.

I looked at 3 things: Tyrosine, Hoodia and Yerba Meta. I’m not going to say a whole lot about them, you can look them up on Google and WebMD, etc…but here’s my experience so far:

Tyrosine
This stuff is supposedly great for ADD, improving concentration and as a sidenote, also helps with appetite.  I could use the concentration help so I figured what the heck and I bought a bottle from Whole Foods.

The pain in the ass thing about this stuff is you need to take it on an empty stomach and since I eat regularly through the day, there are only small windows where “empty stomach” applies.  So I tried some right after waking, which is the normal time to take it anyway.  I did feel focused for a few hours after taking it, not really buzzy or speedy, but aware of having taken it…energized.

It seemed to help with appetite but only around the period that I took it, and I don’t really need it during the day, nighttime is my downfall and since it requires an empty stomach, I’d have to take it an hour before dinner or a couple hours afterwards and 1. that’s too much trouble for me to think about and 2. I think if I took it in the evening, it’d mess with me being sleepy, something I cannot fool with.

Hoodia
This is a controversial one, it has to come from a South African plant and there are lots of fakes out there.  You can’t even get it in Whole Foods or my local drugstores, but I found some at Vitacost under a brand I trust, Source Naturals, so I ordered it.  It hasn’t come yet but I’m regretting the purchase.  Something about it embarrasses me and makes me think I’m heading toward Anna Nichole territory with it.  This is crazy, though, because Source Naturals requires some major certification process so it’s supposed to be the real stuff, but the fact that I have to wonder at all is kinda creepy.  So anyway, I haven’t tried it yet but will when I get it just to compare.  It’s one of those things that works for some people and not for others.

Yerba Mate
This. Stuff. Rocks!!!  It’s not a pill or a capsule or anything questionable at all…it’s tea!  Or rather, it’s an herb that is steeped like tea and is a common drink of Paraguayans, Argentinians and Brazilians.  The traditional way to drink it (you want the loose stuff, not teabags) is to fill a gourd or wooden cup about 2/3 up with the tea, wet it with cool water to release the nutrients, place the special filter straw called a Bombilla into the cup and then add hot water.  Then as the day goes by, you keep adding water to the cup.

Yerba Mate

I went to Whole Foods this morning and got a bag to test it out.  It’s too expensive to buy there again and also, the brand they sell isn’t the best which I know because I found a MONSTER thread about it on a bodybuilding forum that I’m still only half-way through (basically it repeats itself after the first chunk of pages).  But anyway, Yerba Mate also has some mood-happy/concentration properties that make you feel quite good as well as energized but unlike green tea (which it reminds me of) it doesn’t have much caffeine.  We’ll find out tonight as I had some at 9:30 to test it out.

I don’t have the traditional gourd/bombilla so I made it a couple different ways today, once using the coffee machine and another by steeping it cold for 10 minutes and straining it.  I sweetened both and for the cold one, I added lime too.

But the crazy thing is how well it works.  After dinner, I’d usually have a little low-fat ice cream if it’s around, some nuts and dried fruit and then have to chomp on carrots and celery or even cooked veggies to hold me over until bedtime.  Tonight I had dinner, a little ice cream and that’s it – I don’t want anything else.  I honestly can’t remember when the last time was that I didn’t want to snack through the evening.

Another cool thing about this stuff is that it doesn’t lose it’s effectiveness the longer you take it, it will always work just as well as it does when you have your first cup.  I’m sold!

I just ordered some of the recommended ones on that thread from YerbaMate.us (really inexpensive, instead of paying $7 for 8oz at Whole Foods, you can get 2.2 lbs for the same cost and it’s higher quality Yerba).  I got a really strong, cadillac of plain Yerbas called Rosamonte Especial and a couple flavored ones: white chocolate and mint.

I’m going to skip the traditional way of drinking it (not really into sipping through a straw) since the alternative ways are as effective – coffemaker and brewing cold worked for me.  Here are four videos of how to make it:
1. The traditional way
2. With a French Press
3. In a Coffemaker
4. or Cold

Also, here’s a really good article on it if you’re interested. (I’m sure there are tons more all over the net)

Yerba Mate is da bomb.

22 New Headband Styles!
Check it out if you get a chance, click here for the new goodies at GIMheadbands.com

First off, thank you many times over for all the great blog/facebook/forum comments and emails.  From stories of similar situations with successful endings to those currently adrift in the same boat as me, I’m blessed to have such support.  Twas a busy post, too: 323 unique visitors on Tuesday, a usual day is around 220.  Something about life sucking gets a lot of eyeballs.

I suppose what I really sought from that post was permission to lay off a bit.  I know that sounds ludicrous, I’m a big girl with a working brain, but somehow the idea of  “you can chill some, it’s ok” was not meshing with my inner prejudiced “man-up” “don’t be such a wuss” voices.

In a strange coincidence, the same day I posted that last entry, an article was published on Running Competitor addressing my worries in a freakily specific way (he must have known someone was going through runnerpause that day).  Check it out: Feeling Fried? Enjoy Your Training & Avoid Burnout by Matt Fitzgerald.

“…whereas runners typically focus on training for improvement and simply trust that they will enjoy their training if they train properly, new research on the role of the brain in exercise suggests that we may be better off doing the opposite: prioritizing enjoyment and trusting that the more fun we have in training, the fitter we will become.”

So with the help of your comments and this article as the cherry on the sundae, here’s my training plan for the time being:  Week 1 – Week Whenever: Enjoy

I did manage to get those progression miles in yesterday on an 8-miler just because it was bugging me how much I didn’t want to do it since, of all things, progressions are the simplest and most laid back.  It wasn’t fabulous or surprising (got down to Half pace) but it didn’t suck.  I’m cool with that.

GIM Headbands At The Endrance Sports Expo!
My pal Lara and her man Jeff own GoCycling.com with the coolest bike jerseys and accessories around, really neat designs with city skylines or craft breweries on them. (pssst…”Like” their Facebook page to win a free t-shirt!)

One of my favorites from their collection

Anyway, they’re super cool people and they’ve done a few Expos or events recently where they sell my headbands as a sideline to their own stuff, which is great because I don’t have to be there or make a trillion zillion headbands as I would if I was doing an Expo on my own.  This weekend it’s a huge one, the Endurance Sports Expo at the Greater Philadelphia Expo Center in Oaks, PA.

So I’m stopping by on Sunday with my new man, Fran (yes, he has a name and it is Fran) for a first “these are my friends” and “this is my new man” introduction (oooh scary).  While we’re there, we’ll go to one of the free seminars offered.

Interestingly enough, Matt Fitzgerald is going to be one of the speakers that day, but I’m going to pass since he’s talking about his Racing Weight book and there’s nothing new I care about on that score.  Instead, I’ll be dragging Fran with me into Torbjørn Sindballe’s seminar Developing Champion Mentality which sounds right up my alley.

Back to headbands, I’ll have a HUGE array of new styles next week, about 15 new patterns and they are so cute! I’ll keep you posted when they’re up on GIMheadbands.

I’m In The Spotlight Today
I was asked by a very sweet blogger, Jodi from runjodirun, if I would be this week’s featured runner on her blog.  She sent a list of questions and asked for a few photos so check it out when you get a moment.

Kinvara Jackpot
I got my shoes yesterday and they fit me to a T!  All this time I’ve been modifying the Women’s version and hating on the colors when I should have followed my friend Heather’s lead months ago with the Men’s version.  I thought there’d be more difference between them but all I can tell is it’s a tad wider and the tongue is a bit longer [insert dirty joke here].   3 pairs at $36 each…Win!

A sweet 6-miler awaits this afternoon.  I’m excited to get back out there – a feeling that hadn’t hit me till yesterday when, through a car window, I saw runners on the river path moving gracefully in the gorgeous blue-skied day.  I’m ready.

Points Of Note From My 2-week Running Break

Weight: All told, I gained 3 lbs.  There were a couple nights eating out and one desserty evening featuring this monster vessel o’ icing shared with my New Friend, but for a Frosting Ho such as myself, it was worth it.

This claimed to be a cupcake

My friend Lara also gave me a few scrumptious homemade cookies, but aside from those blips I ate the same as usual.  I’m totally fine with the gain because I know it’ll come off without having to do anything but run.

Lazy ass: I was. It rocked.  The only activity I did was 3 sets of pushups on Thursday, some crunches Saturday and one walk longer than my usual 2-block trip to Whole Foods.  Other than that, I spent my hiatus basically sitting or lying down.

One of my internet running buddies, Chris, mentioned that he’d be scared to take a 2-week no-running break for fear it’d send him back to his old lazy ways…”a slippery slope”.  I would have had the same worry a couple years ago but since so much of my identity is now wrapped up in running, it would be unthinkable to do anything but resume.  I’m sure the confidence of that helped me relax into it fully.

In a way, this lazy stint was like tapering for a marathon; you have to let go and trust that it’s doing you good, so you may as well enjoy it.  Or take spin classes if you’re paranoid.  I prefer laying on a bed, comaesque.

Supplement Stoppage: About 2.5 weeks ago, I quit taking Glucosamine and MSM.  I’d been skipping days before going to California – not on purpose, just forgetting – and though I brought some with me on the trip, I never took it.

Since I’ve been inactive I don’t notice any difference.  Also, I fully expect to have a couple minor aches this week due to resuming running but it seems a good time to reevaluate the need for it.  Due to my proclivity for bursitis-type thingies rather than joint problems, I could see myself needing MSM before Glucosamine, but if I suddenly get runners knee or my ankles start feeling screwy, Glucosamine, here I come.

The Funny Story

Saturday night, I’m at my New Friend’s apartment for the very first time, checking out the bachelor pad and getting a tasty manly-made dinner out of the deal.  The next morning (yesterday) we’re having coffee in bed,  chatting lazily, and I hear the sound of a door close.  Seems really close by, like the front door to the apartment.  A second later, there’s this guy standing in the bedroom doorway (thankfully, we’re both covered in a sheet); it’s a kid in his 20s wearing a Phillies hat and a goofy smile – very personable young fella.

My New Friend (I have to give him a better name soon) is totally nonplussed and says “Hey dude, what are ya doing here?” and the two of them have a little chat about the front door being unlocked.  The kid’s in no hurry to leave so I figure it’s my guy’s relative or a friend.  Finally, the kid says goodbye and splits, while I’m giggling at the ridiculousness of the scene.

Giggles became full-on laughter when I discover that my guy had absolutely no idea who that fella was, he must of stumbled in looking for his pal in another apartment.

The funniest thing was how long it lasted.  If you or I did that, I’m sure we’d be all “Oh my god, I am so sorry!!” and zoom outta there in utter embarrassment.  This guy was just standing around, almost waiting for an invitation to crack open a beer and watch TV with us.  Hilarious.

Headband Review!
Check out this beautiful review for GIMheadbands from the Philadelphia Examiner yesterday.  Talk about coolness, it was totally out-of-the-blue unexpected.  Yay!

So much has happened since my last entry!  Kidding.  I’m a bore but wanted to mention the headband thing below, so I’ve included a short running catch-up to make it look like this isn’t a deplorably scheming, commercialistic post intended to bilk you of your hard-earned dollars.

Oh, look!  Here are some runs…
Wednesday’s 12-miler was another Garmin Ignoring run where I didn’t look at my wrist for the duration.  The first 5 miles averaged 8:17s but then the next 7 miles averaged 7:47s.  Average for the whole deal: 8:00/mi and a great time was had by all.

Yesterday was 8 easy avg. 8:26, today’s scheduled tempo-combo will be moved to tomorrow (I’d much rather bust a gut in 43 degrees than 30) so later today I’ll be going out for a veritable thrill-ride of 7 easy.

Headband Sale
I seriously suck at marketing.  A couple days ago, I announced a sale on the Facebook Page for GIM Headbands but neglected to post it here: 15% off headbands till Dec. 15th; just put Holiday15 in the coupon code box when you check out. On second thought, since I’m late letting you guys know, I’ll extend it to December 18th.

And that’s it for today.  Don’t feel bad if you have to lie down for a while to ingest it all, I know I’ve given you much to consider.  Beyond that, have a great weekend everyone: run safe, run well and have a good ole time!

One Year Off The Ganga
It’s today!  Despite a few generous invitations over the past year, I’ve held firm to my resolve of no more pot smoking.  I’m happy with my decision to quit, though it didn’t produce the outcome I desired at all (quieter breathing during races and improved running). In fact, it messed with my heart rate for about 6 months.

What I gained from quitting was some renewed motivation on the work front and the end of guilt for having a habit.  Both results are satisfying, though it’s amusing how small the payoff actually ended up being.  Oh well, it’s good to be untethered.

Status Update
Yesterday capped a sweet running week of 49 no-pressure miles with one day off due to a sore throat/snotty cold.  The cherry on the sundae was an overnight visit from one of my 3:20 thread pals, Ultra running queen Amy and her cool cage-fighter hubby, Bryan.  We had a blast filling our guts, jabbering away and enjoying a lovely 10-miler on Sunday morning.

This week’ll be more easy running with maybe something faster near the end of the week just to keep steady.  I don’t feel a big hurry to push ahead but I don’t want to lose what I have, whatever that may be (talk about your giant question mark).

I got my appointments for the medical tests: breathing thing is on Oct. 4th and stress test Oct. 28th, so it’s part of the background for now.  I’m not thinking about it, I just want to enjoy the coming Fall temps while letting my body steer the pace.

My Complicated Head
The day after those race photos and the video came out, I had some really dark thoughts along the lines of “What am I doing this for?”  You know, you spend serious time and thought working on your body to get it as racing-able as possible, solid months working on form and posture to make yourself more efficient and then it all goes to shit when you see yourself folded over at the waist looking like something from Night Of The Living Dead.

And while you know it isn’t warranted, you can’t help but feel a sense of revulsion, particularly when it’s not the first time.  I see that video (btw, $70 for a Half and all they can afford to photograph is the finish line?  RNR are assholes) and I can’t help but think it’s something I did wrong, like pacing so far outside of my fitness level like a naive beginner.  That’s the suck.  The self-blaming.  It never really leaves, even though I’m going for tests and stuff, I’ll always have that shadow in my mind that it was something I chose to do incorrectly.  You’ve no idea how much I hate that.

But that’s when I feel like dwelling on it, which I don’t.  Right now, my thoughts are focused on continuing what I’ve started.  That this can’t interfere with the concentration I’ve done on my body, form and fitness, that I am simply moving forward from where I was on Saturday, Sept. 18th when I was confident, hopeful and pleased with what I had achieved so far.   Because that’s the fun!

And honestly, every day that I’ve been out on the road this week, it’s as if nothing bad happened.  I start running and I’m right back in the beautiful place again, the one where I know what I’m doing and have utter control of each step.  Where I feel graceful and pretty.  That’s the me I know.

New Headband Styles!
An armload of new headband goodies for you gals.

1. Brown Happy Flowers
2. Psycho Lady Red and Psycho Lady Black
3. Japanese Gold (gorgeous fabric, looks like hand-painted gold on black)
4. Warm Paisley Delight
5. Red Polka-Dots (so you can compete with that Minnie Mouse guy) and Black Polka-Dots
6. Sequins!  In turquoise, pink or silvery-white hologram

Check out the New Stuff page to see ‘em in all available widths.