March 24th, 2011
The week so far has been: Monday off, Tuesday a 12-miler, yesterday 8 and today 9. Yesterday was a late run due to Fran leaving my apartment at 2pm only to call a few minutes later with the words “My car’s not here!” After asking him 3 times if he was serious before realizing his car had indeed been towed, I got a Zipcar and we anxiously made our way down to the creepy towing company area of Philly (they have their own icky enclave down there). $251 later, the world was once again restored to normalcy…the shysters.
I’m running a bit slower this week, btw – purposely trying to widen the pace gamut because yeah, it’s fun to be running peppy all the time but then where do you go? You end up wanting to top yourself each week and I can’t play that game, otherwise this is gonna turn into a grind.
Besides, while I’m not doing quality runs right now I have re-entered 60-65mpw so it’s not like I’m slacking. Sure, it’s not nearly as effective as doing both workouts and mileage, but at least I’ve got one in the mix.
Appetite Suppressant Wrap-Up
I’m apparently a fickle creature; this experiment was far more interesting when I wanted to get back to 115lbs. Once I realized my runs were trending for the better despite being 4 lbs up, I stopped giving a shit. Even so, in the name of faux science, I did a few more tests this week since I said I would.
I tried Hoodia and Glucomannan after dinner (on different nights, of course) and while they do seem to help stave off hunger for an hour or so, neither is like “Wow, I couldn’t eat a thing!” I’d say between the two, Glucomannan wins, not that it worked more effectively – they were pretty much the same – but at least you know what you’re ingesting with it. That said, I didn’t give Hoodia a fair shot since it should probably be taken a few days in a row to know if it works but I’m not into messing around with it that thoroughly.
The other thing is, I think both Hoodia and Glucomannan are probably more effective for those who don’t have a Stop button on them at meal time. If I ate the way I did as a young chunky thing, to the point of always leaving the table stuffed, then I could see it having more of an impact. They are, after all, meant to be taken before meals, but if you eat small meals already and just want to fend off occasional evening munchies, they’re kind of Meh.
Yerba mate remains the winner for my purposes. I like the fact that it staves off hunger efficiently, doesn’t have any funny stuff added or processed into it and that it’s a common beverage for zillions of South Americans. I won’t be drinking it all the time but I bought a french press specifically for brewing it. It’s cool stuff.
A Death In The Family
It’s time to say goodbye to a trusted and longtime running companion, my Garmin 305. Even though it came back to life after the last rainy drowning, it lost another button and started acting strange this week – it starts beeping out of the blue and then the buttons stop working. As much as I hated to admit defeat, I finally gave in and ordered another 305 at Amazon for $128. They also had the 405 on sale for $169 but I prefer this version. Now, please join me for a moment of silence in appreciation of my little mangled baby before I say goodbye for good.
Note the bottom strap is held on with fishing wire, the other strap's clasp is held on with electrical tape, it has 2 replacement buttons made out of wadded-up foil and attached with tape, numerous scratches from taking a few tumbles plus a weird oily drop beneath the screen that won't go away. It had a good life. Amen.
Posted in Running | 
Tags: appetite suppressants, Garmin, glucomannan, hoodia, mileage, pictures, yerba mate
I just got some Yerba in pill form and it works very well. It really does help stave off hunger and also gives you a bit of a lift.
Cool to know the pill form works too. I was wondering about that.
I admire the way youre able to keep your running fun and avoid the grind. I’m hoping to be able to do the same soon. It must be nice to just take a break from the self imposed pressure and get back to the basics.
Anyway, it looks like I might try Yerba Mate on your recommendation. Since having to cut my mileage significantly (not by choice) I’m already putting on the pounds.
And that 305.. Boy does it look like you got your fair share of use out of that one. For $128 you cant go wrong replacing it. Most who have had a 305 hate the 405, but check out the 310xt on the next replacement. It might be more reasonably priced by then (and its pretty awesome)
I’m sorry you’re having to cut your mileage!! I have so many injured friends right now, it’s really a sad time. Hope you find the fun again though you’ve been doing so great, that usually IS the fun. May your recuperation be quick.
Also, I was fully intending to spring for the 310xt, thinking it was the lastest and greatest and I like that form factor (more screen real estate than the watch types) but since I don’t cross-train, the only thing that struck me as useful (for me) was it catches satellites a little quicker and the vibration feature…neither of which would be worth $220 extra.
poor some on the curb for the 305.
I would go with the same one as well. Just not diggin the 405.
Me neither, too many complaints of the bezel and I really like having the large screen.
Oh my GOODness, the resemblance between that Garmin and my old Polar heart rate monitor/watch are striking — right down to the tape on the clasp and the wadded up foil/tape buttons. And I have to say… nothing about this is surprising coming from a DIY-wizard like you — awesome.
Hah! Takes one to know one, fellow DIY Wizard.
Seriously, don’t you think buying new things when the old one still works is the most annoying outlay of cash ever? Then again, if I was a rich person, I’d probably have dumped the 305 on it’s ass long ago (just joking 305, I heart you).
Ouch on the towing costs… what is a “zipcar” ? And… sounds like your old Garmin had done a lot of work and was ready for retirement! I’m dreaming of my first Garmin and continually plotting a way to work it into the budget… one of these months I’ll do it
Zipcars are cars you rent by the hour. They’re in a bunch of cities across the US. I got rid of my crappy car last Fall and have been using them since.
Here’s to a little windfall coming your way so you can get a Garmin, they’re a wonderful tool.
My sympathies on the passing of your Garmin! Definitely you made the right call avoiding the 405. I have a relatively new 405CX and I freakin’ HATE the thing. To the point that I am taking my 305 out of retirement for my upcoming marathon. Bah!
Oh, that sucks! Nothing worse than spending good money on something you don’t even want to use. May the 305 accompany you down the road in a speedy and surefooted race.
i didn’t think about it before (when you were in experiment mode) but yogi tea makes a fasting tea that will make you not be able to eat a thing. it’s so weird. it makes ya’ feel extra full, and you’re looking at the cup going “it’s just water”. i’d recommend it if you want a full feeling.
Cool to know, I’ll have to try it, the ingredients look great. I’m sold on yerba mate, but it’s good to see what else might do the trick in a non-scary way.
Sorry about the Garmin. I have emotional attachments to things like that too, and the one time I thought I lost my racing watch I freaked out. I think your new one will bring you lots of happy data-filled runs!
Thanks Greenlee. I’m wishing the same for you, girl, may you be back to your marathoning self very very soon.
I loved my Forerunner 101 to pieces — literally — as well. I wouldn’t have replaced it if I could have found a good way to stop it from belching up its AA batteries during a run. It turns out that I’ve gotten really cozy with its successor, the 205, so I appreciate this generation’s formfactor just like you do.
And thanks for the appetite-suppressant update.
Sorry the update wasn’t as thorough as it could have been – I kind of petered out with Hoodia and Glucomannan. I wish I’d started it in the winter but since my weight was a steady 115 (though I was peckish!) it wasn’t on my mind to look for panaceas.
My 305 developed the detaching clasp problem just a few days ago, and my hastily-applied duct-tape reinforcement is proving too stretchy. Must try the electrical tape, Thanks!
Also, don’t know if this helps, but my method is to start with 2 thin tape strips on either side of the pin, going the length-wise direction on the strap, then tape around the strap crosswise, adhering to both the lengthwise strips and the strap itself. Then repeat for double-assurance. Lasts a long time that way. Or you could go to Target and get a strap. :-) I didn’t because my wrist is so small and the straps at Target looked too big but since you’re a guy, it’d fit.
You can get straps that fit? I assumed they were some oddball wide size.
You can, they’re usually sold in mm (19mm, 22mm, etc). I didn’t measure but held up the Garmin while I was at the store. They have a lot of “sport” models too, which are plastic and look similar…take a look-see.
The other thing is, it can be a tad smaller in width where it meets up with the watch as long as you’re using the original pin to attach it, a millimeter or two isn’t going to shift enough to notice.
Interesting info on the Garmins. I’ve been Garminless since my 201 died a few years back. I run with Garmin wearers when not doing my usual courses
Was wondering about the 310xt.. know it has longer battery life too, but have heard of a few replacements being needed. And having to lock the bezel all the time on that other one – no thanks. Might look at the 305 again. Thanks.
Oh right, I guess it does have extended battery life (as does the 405), but I’ve never found the 305′s battery to be a problem. You’re good being Garminless, no crutches for you!
Hello Flo,
Thanks for posting the pic of your Forerunner. It inspired me to repair the hopelessly torn bracelet of my 405 with Gaffa tape. Looks awful but works fine!
Best regards from Germany and thanks for the motivation and inspiration you spread through your blog
Kerstin
I got my first GPS watch ever about 2 months ago and really like it – I considered the 305 at the amazing price of about $125, but then decided to go for it and get the 210 for double the cost. I chose it over 110 because I get the added benefit of intervals, a better GPS sensor than the 405, and less ‘fuss’ overall.
So far, really liking it, just not sure about the HR – not great at picking up my beats. Might have to get some of that HR strap goo. Ick.