5 Random Tales from the Road

Running gives us so much, doesn't it? Besides fitness and bling, that is. One of my favorite things about running is that running gives us plenty to talk about. Race recaps, product reviews, weekly workout recaps, running advice--I never run out of topics to write about here on my blog.

And then there are the running stories. The weird, random things we see or encounter on the run. Today I bring you 5 random tales from the road.

Run and Be Open with AfterShokz TrekzTitanium: Product Review

Disclaimer: As a SweatPink Ambassador, I received a set of AfterShokz TrekzTitanium headphones from AfterShokz in exchange for my unbiased review. All opinions are, of course, my own.

As a music lover and runner, I have been intrigued by the AfterShokz TrekzTitanium headphones. I was super skeptical and had a lot of questions about them. How could headphones that use bone conduction for sound even work? Would the music sound "tinny"? Then there was the whole wireless Bluetooth thing. I've heard people complaining about their Bluetooth headphones--connection issues seem to be the biggest complaint. That, and the buds falling out of their ears made me think twice about giving up the cords.

Over the years, I've had ongoing issues with earbuds and so-called sport headphones. The biggest issue? Even when the earbuds claim to be sweatproof, they are not sweatproof. I believe that I am the sweatiest person on the planet. I just threw yet another pair of earbuds in the garbage because I sweated them to death. I consider myself lucky if I get 6 months out of a pair of earbuds. I'm also pretty picky about sound quality--I really am all about that bass--and so many earbuds sound so tinny. There's nothing worse than my rock and roll sounding like it's playing on an AM radio from the 1970s. Not that I know anything about that.  Finally, there's that whole cord thing--the cords fray, my flailing arms pull the buds out of my ears, they tangle into knots...

Naturally, when I was offered the chance to try the AfterShokz TrekzTitanium, you know I jumped at it. I do have one pair of corded earbuds that I love, so the bar was set pretty high for these!

Summer's Got Me Like....

Ah, summer! It's the time of year we long for during those cold, snowy winter days. The days are long, but here in the Midwest, the season is short. It feels like every free minute is packed as we try to squeeze in as much outdoor time as possible.

This weekend was no exception as I wrapped up my work week on Wednesday night and readied for a full three day extravaganza!

Saying Goodbye to My Coach

You're probably reading the title of this post and saying WHAT? Actually, I'm saying that. I'm still in shock. But it's true. My training sessions with Becky are coming to an end.

About 6 weeks ago, Becky told Steph and me that she was moving to Las Vegas to join the circus. Seriously. She is taking a job with Cirque du Soleil as part of their medical team. It's an amazing opportunity for her. I'm so proud of her for going out of her comfort zone and trying something new! After all, isn't that what she's been pushing me to do for the last 3 years?

Becky asked us not to share this information until the CrossFit box had a chance to let everyone know. I put it in the vault and there it has remained until today. This was a post I did not want to write. I've been struggling to put my thoughts into words. It's so hard for me to say goodbye to someone who has completely transformed my life.

7 Unconventional Tips to Help You Run Faster

Let's face it. Running is HARD. When you are a non-runner, you see runners and maybe you think that it looks easy. A seasoned runner can make it seem that way. What you don't see are the blood, sweat, and tears that have gone into the training that makes that runner's movement seem effortless.

There are no shortcuts to becoming a stronger, faster runner. You just have to run. Sounds boring? I've got some possibly fun, unconventional, and far from boring suggestions to help you become the runner you want to be. All it takes is a pair of running shoes and the desire to move.

Sweet Redemption: Stampede 10k Race Recap

Prior to today, I've run this hometown race 4 times and I've AG placed 4 times. I couldn't decide if I wanted to run it this year. I'm loathed to admit it--yes, this should have been a runfession--that I didn't know if my ego could handle the disappointment of not AG placing this year.

I've accepted my fate and have been doing really well, I think, with learning to living with rheumatoid arthritis. I tell myself all the time how lucky I am to still be running. I know this. I get it. And yet, I'm still not ready to accept that I'm slowing down. 

Last week I swallowed my pride and signed up to run the 10k once again. Best case scenario would be a sub-9 m/m race. Worst case scenario? There are no portapotties on the route. Not AG placing fell somewhere in the middle of those 2 scenarios. As race day approached, I made some changes in my diet with the hopes that I would not have any sort of GI issues. I figured everything else was up to chance.

June Runfessions

Welcome to Runfessions! It's that monthly clearing of the conscience, hosted by Marcia. This month, Marcia's out of town--in Dubai, no less--and she's left me in charge of the Runfessional! It's a big responsibility but I'm up for the task. Come on in, pull up a seat--there's one right inside here-- and share your runfessions. I'm a good listener, I can keep secrets (I like to call myself "the vault"), and I promise you'll feel much better when you're done.

Come on into the jumbo Runfessional!
Maybe we could even have a group session.