Amphipod Review

I purchased the Amphipod RunLite 2+. I have had the opportunity to use it the last three days in the 80 + weather. The first day I only ran 3 miles and it was a lot less bouncy than I expected. I also had it on the tightest that day. I would venture to say it was probably too tight because I was getting cramps, granted I was having female issues anyhow, but nevertheless.

The second day I wore it during my 6 mile run and this time I took my phone along. The first day I was afraid that it would just be added weight I wasn't used to. However, it really didn't seem bulky or heavy at all. I really loved that my phone fit in the pouch and it is a double pouch so I also carried my license and a GU (which I didn't use). I was glad to know all that would fit though. Especially since I have an iPhone so it is typically longer than most cell phones. It was really nice to carry it for once along with some identification. It gave me a sense of safety. This run was extremely hot and humid so another pro was that one of the water bottles hit me right in my lower back and felt like an ice pack during my run. I really liked that. I also have an iPod shuffle and it clipped on really easily. Now that I think about it I guess I could have used my phone for music since I was finally carrying it...I digress.

The third day was the hottest of them all! It was horribly hard to get my 5 miles in. I even got burnt. I was so pleased to have it during this run. I used the squirt bottles several times to give myself a good soak in the face and swollen hands. However, some cons did occur during this run. I was so out of energy I was having a hard time snapping the bottles in and out of the belt. In one part of my run a bottle fell off and I didn't realize it for a few paces so I had to run back and retrieve it. I also have a bruise on my hip from where I was apparently pulling a little hard. The bottles supposedly have a wide open mouth, however, ice cubes out of a standard ice cube tray don't fit.

Some additional pros:

The bottles can go horizontally or vertically. I haven't tried horizontal yet, but I have to believe that would make the belt even more comfortable. I am very happy with vertical placement though. This belt comes in sizes 1,2, and 3. Or fits all. I chose the fits all and I am so glad I did. You can tighten or loosen it quite a bit. Originally I thought I'd want it way down on my hips but I actually feel most comfortable with it at my natural waist while running. On the cool down when I am walking it seems a little awkward that my arms are brushing against it so I just loosen it up a bit and lower it. I also think this will be great if I continue to shed some pounds, which isn't likely with the way I have been eating. It will also be great for after baby #2. No I am not pregnant yet but have every hope and intention of trying after the Chicago Marathon.

So that pretty much sums up the review. I am thrilled with the product! It's not perfect but it works for me and the $28 I invested.

Running Store Sale = Happiness

Do you ever go somewhere totally knowing what you are going to be purchasing but all the sudden you have an arm full of stuff you didn't intend on? Well that is what happened to me when I went to the ladies night sale at our local running store. Three Rivers Running Company isn't a mega store to begin with, but I was shocked when I pulled up 30 minutes after the designated start of the sale and there were no parking spots. Once I got inside to my surprise the whole store was swarming with women!

All of the sudden the crazy shopper in me came out and I felt like there were deals to be had that I couldn't possibly take the chance on missing. I walked out of the store $100 poorer. But I am now the proud owner of a pretty green Nike long sleeve running shirt, 2 new pairs of running shorts, a pair of balega socks, a new sports bra, one Gu, and best of all an amphipod runlite hydration belt (review to come).

I ran 3.25 last night. It was my easy run day. It didn't feel so easy with cramps and 90 degree weather. However, I did have a strong sense of accomplishment when I was done. I certainly could have kept going too. That is always a good feeling!

Today was BodyFit part 3! That class is so stinkin' rewarding. Today we used the body bar quite a bit. I had never used one before. There always that thing you see in the gym that looks interesting but you don't dare pick up and take the risk of looking like a fool. So it was nice to actually learn some moves with it. We really worked our core and legs today. I am so glad I am seeing the results of this class already in my runs. What do you do for core and strength training? How about cross training days?

BodyFit Part II

I find it so odd that you workout and feel great. Then the next day you feel crippled. I did take Andrea's BodyFit again. I am actually glad I did (even with the old lady walk). She really worked our core, calves, and triceps. Not sure the tricep area will help a lot with my running however, I know it is flab that needs to be toned so I am happy.

I saw a guy at the gym today who said to me, "You have lost a sh**load of weight". Has anyone ever said anything like this to you? It kind of took me aback. I could either slap him and do girl talk in my mind, "so you thought I was a huge bus" or I could choose happiness and in turn gratefulness for his "nice" comment. I chose happiness!

I am feeling really great in my clothes. I am hoping my aching muscles will feel great on Friday too. My wonderful husband and daughter are treating me to a pedicure and deep tissue massage! I am really looking forward to it.

I have a 5 mile run to do this evening. I am also looking forward to that oddly. It is sort of overcast out so hopefully not too humid but it looks breezy from my window in the "cage" (office). I have been super busy with work so I am excited to get out of here relieve some stress and be free.

Dinner tonight is pork shops (probably soy ginger glaze), sauteed vegetables and rice! YUM-O! What are you having?

Back at it

I ran this morning which was a good thing since the rain has officially set in. I just did 3 miles and I am getting faster. Mom ran with me which was nice so we could chat and that made the time fly by. I think we would be a funny movie to watch as close as we are we basically argue through our whole runs. "You are going too fast" "You are getting in my way" etc. It is nice to have a running partner though.

I had a fantastic weekend and it was a little hard to get back in the grind of work. I took Lil to the zoo on Saturday. Lots of walking. We were there for 4 hours and she didn't use a stroller at all. It was really nice to be there with such a big girl. She walked, was easily reasoned with, and I didn't need a diaper bag because she gladly used all the potties!

Sunday was spent cleaning the whole entire house. I love the clean smell. Ryan beautified our yard. He also had an article featured in the Journal Gazette again!

Well not too much to say today. I am going to try to go to a bodyfit class again tomorrow. Wish me luck because my muscles have been sore all week from last weeks torture!

Race Craze

I am officially getting a little crazy when it comes to racing. Not because I intend to win. I just believe it is easier to run in a group rather than practice on my own.

So I signed up for the Fort 4 Fitness 13.1 in September. I realize some people feel doing that while training for a marathon isn't wise. But I already am supposed to run 12 miles that day and I just feel like it will be motivation to actually run it. I also have to go to a conference for work on a Monday in June. It is in Mishawaka which makes for an early morning. As I was looking over the conference schedule I realized I wouldn't be able to get my 3 miles in that morning. However, to my surprise the conference is doing a 5K fun run that evening. So I called and signed myself up for it too! It is paid for by my conference fee, so why not?!? I also know if I just waited until I got home from the conference to run dinner and time with Lillian would come first and run would be put on back burner so I am stoked!

Other concerns you can pray for:
I haven't felt like myself lately. I just feel down and hormonal. Pray for peace of mind and confidence in who I am in the eyes of Christ.

FYI:
Some of you reading this blog may not know me well so here is a little inside look.

I love:
coffee and cofffeeshop philosophizing, a good deal, a conversation with an individual, farmer's markets, and peanut butter banana whole wheat english muffins

Things I hate:
unloading the dishwasher, people not being authentic with themselves and others, complacency, and that my second toe is larger than the "big" toe and it curls under when I run =black toe nail!

BodyFit

So according to my marathon training I need one day of core work and strengthening. I left this out in the mini training and I do think adding this will really help! Most runs over 8 miles I begin to feel like my stomach is an empty pit so I am sure this will make me feel stronger.

Today I decided to use my Y membership and took a bodyfit class. It was excellent. The instructor is my favorite one there. Okay I haven't actually been in many other instructor's classes but she is really good (her body is proof), she is hilarious (helps pass the time), and she makes me feel like I really pushed myself. We did everything from step, to kick boxing, to core work. It was crazy fun. My muscles were trembling (an odd but good feeling).

I also got to see two friends in the class who are not connected and whom I didn't anticipate seeing. So that was truly a fun suprise. Now I have to hit the road for work South Bend here I come. Rain Rain Go Away....

Mini Marathon =Done!

Well I did the Mini and I am happy I was under 3 hours, however, I didn't get my goal time. I missed it by 7 minutes. My finishing time and PR is 2:55:26. So the good thing is with practice I should be able to beat this.

I am all signed up for the Chicago Marathon on 10,10,10. So lots of training to do in the next 5 months! I even went for a 2.6 miler today. It actually felt good suprisingly. I thought my muscles would still ache but I did 11:40 miles. Not bad for me.