My new favorite thing ever: Kindrunner.com

I ordered a new pair of running shoes the other day.

Online. And not from Amazon.

Normally, I'm a local running shop kind of girl. Well, not quite local, as I usually shop at the running store by my in-laws' house about 9 hours away. I didn't need shoes when we last visited, and I'm too lazy to make the 40 minute drive to visit the closest metropolis - so online I went.

When I finally decided which shoe I wanted - which was more stressful that I'd like to admit - I went to a few different sites to compare prices.  Usual list of suspects: Running Warehouse, Road Runner Sports etc... and then an unexpected rookie: KindRunner.
    
I first learned about KindRunner on Twitter. All these cool people that I follow were all like "buy shoes from kindrunner!" and "buy a pair, give a pair!" and "free shipping! free returns! free re-shipping!" So much excitement. So much use of the word "free".

Kindrunner, you had me at free shipping.

Kindrunner, you had me when you gave me the Confident Runner Price and saved me some cash.

Kindrunner, you had me when you said you'll take my gently used shoes and give them to people in need and then (if that wasn't enough) you will give me $10 in Kindness Cash Rewards. $10 that I can use towards my next purchase (or hoard like the cheap miser that I am).

Kindrunner, you had me when I received my shoes in a timely fashion, with a note stating that as one of your first 500 customers, I will receive free socks for life! Every time I buy a pair of shoes, you will send me a pair of FREE socks! And not just any old pair of socks, but a pair of fancy smancy Brooks socks!

Stick a fork in me, I'm done. I am a KindRunner for life. 

bad friend, awesome hermit

 Dear Mrs. ______,

With regret, your Callaway Gardens reservation has been cancelled.

Guest Name
Cancellation Number
Cancellation Date	Friday, August 16, 2013
Arrival Date	Friday, September 27, 2013
Departure Date	Saturday, September 28, 2013

 It's official. My hotel reservation for the 50k has been cancelled. I am not running my first ultramarathon this September. 

I've never had to miss a scheduled race due to an injury. I've never had my training derailed and my monthly mileage literally cut in half.

It's been quite depressing.

What does a runner do when a runner can't run?

I am not a gym rat. I can not spend hours on an elliptical or treadmill. I need to run. I need to be outside. I need to lace up my running sneakers, watch my Garmin search for a signal, and listen to my heart beat in time to some random song on my iPod.

It's been hard. I've been impatient, stressed, cranky, and restless. I've had no motivation to blog. I find myself scowling at my run-centric Facebook feed. I haven't been on Twitter in forever. Reading about other people running and racing makes me sigh.

Thankfully, though, I think the cloud is lifting. I've been able to run a few times a week with minimal to no knee pain. This past Thursday, I finally went for a much needed run with my running partner.

I may not be running in my first ultramarathon this fall but I will someday. This knee isn't going to keep me down forever.          

Product Review: OVERDRIVE Compression Sock + Ice Kit

I never win contests. Or raffles. Or giveaways. Especially if it's an item that I really want. So I was quite surprised when I received an email from 110% that I won an OVERDRIVE Compression Socks + Ice Kit. At first I thought it was spam. Then I thought it was a ploy to get me to sign up for something. Then I remembered I had entered their summer giveaway and I ACTUALLY WON!

So exciting.

I was even more excited when I received the kit and realized how freaking cool it is.

Basically, it's a pair of gradient compression socks with a sleeve that goes over top. You then place the included ice packs (that you can custom fit to the area) in between the compression sock and the sleeve. So you're getting the benefits of a compression sock and ice all at the same time. No more plastic wrap or being confined to the floor with ice packs and dishtowels (which is basically how I've been spending every night for the last month). You can actually walk around your house, cook dinner, or even venture outside if you're brave while helping your body recover. Genius.

My husband struggles with Achilles tightness and soreness so I saw his pain as a perfect opportunity to model this great product for my blog.

I am so in love with this concept that I'm five minutes away from ordering the Blitz Knee Compression + Ice.

Trust me, if you're using ice more then once a week and have problem areas that need some extra TLC - you NEED this product. I'm not even getting paid to say that people - it's just the truth. So head over to the website and hook yourself up. You will not regret it.

*All opinions expressed are my own and while I received the product through a giveaway I was not in any way compensated for this post.*

it can only go up from here

Today has been one of the most stressful days I've had in a long time.

This morning, in the pouring rain, I took my son to his first day of kindergarten. Last night he gave me a teary, neck crushing hug, song and dance about how he didn't want to go. He wanted to go to American Ninja Warrior and climb the Salmon Ladder and not fall in the water.  I sighed, kissed his forehead, and told him he has to go to school before he can be on American Ninja Warrior.

I think the excitement of a new lunch box and new shoes pacified him because, this morning, he sat right down in his little chair and obliged me with one last kiss with no fuss. I didn't even have time to be sad after I left him because it took me 20 minutes of wandering in the pouring rain before I could find my husband and be rescued from ankle deep water. I think the police officers directing traffic were starting to get suspicious.

And the drama continues....

Yesterday afternoon my daughter hurt her leg. She won't put any pressure or weight on it. I was sure she would be fine when she woke up this morning - she wasn't. After a consult with her doctor's office, we headed to the walk-in clinic so she could get an x-ray. She was not pleased. There was a lot of screaming and comments like "boy, she's strong." I bribed her with everything I could think of including but not limited to two packages of Curious George fruit snacks, a Curious George movie, chocolate milk, and lollipops. She complied to a point and everything looked normal, so we're at home watching lots of television and resting on the couch.

per E a blankie must be covering her leg at all times

 
And if that wasn't enough...

There's water in my basement. Apparently, there is a pin sized hole in the basement wall that's leaking. Leaking enough to be noticeable. Leaking enough to be annoying.

You should be able to quit and reset a day like you can reset a video game. That would be so awesome.  

How Running Changed My Life: Jason Guillorn

The first time I met Jason was a water fountain in our local park. We were both training for a marathon and chatted a bit about training and races. At the time, I assumed he had always been a runner and a healthy, fit individual. It wasn't until very recently that I learned he used running to completely overhaul his life. 

1. What is your story?
My story began in February of 2011 when I was the heaviest I have ever been at 225 pounds. I wanted to start losing weight not only for myself but mostly for my family. I'm a husband, a father, a son, a grandson, a brother, a co-worker and a friend. I want to be around for them for a long time. 

I had never been a runner so I knew that it was going to be hard. I downloaded the Couch 2 5k app on my iPod and started running 3 days a week. After I finished the 5k program, I then progressed to a 10k program, then a half marathon program, and then a marathon program. I recently became a certified running coach through Road Runners Club of America. I also help coach a kids track & field team and we are starting a cross country team this fall through Fusion Sports and Recreation. I am also a part of a local running club, Crown Chasers, and am excited to get it up and running. 

2. How has running changed your life?
WOW.......so much! The obvious stuff is the weight loss, 45lbs to date, and the smaller clothes. I love to drink water, I would have never said that before my journey started. I used to drink close to a 2 liter of Coke a day. I also love all kinds of fruits, vegetables and healthy foods now. I have encouraged others in my life (family, friends and coworkers) to make some lifestyle changes. I could say the biggest change in my life is that I feel like Jesus has given me PASSION and purpose for my life. 

3. What obstacles have you faced?
I would say the biggest obstacle for me has been trying to balance my family, work, volunteering, and my training. My wife Tracy, and our kids have been so supportive of my running. 

4. What advice would you give someone who is just starting on their running journey?
I recommend you first go see a doctor and make sure you get checked out. Then just get out there and WALK! Start slow and work your way up to a running program. I would then say to find a good program or hire a running coach to help you out. One thing I regret not doing is keeping a journal of MY STORY. It would be great write everything down and take pictures of yourself. Also, let family and friends know what your goals are and let them help you and encourage you while on your journey.

5. What are some of your goals?
I would like to qualify for the Boston Marathon at some point. I am watching two of my goals come into maturity now. Those goals are the formation of Crown Chasers and my volunteer work with Fusion Sports and Recreation. I am so glad that I GET to be a part of both of them. With both of these ministries I hope that I can help kids and adults make some life style changes.

Jason and his wife Tracy, July 2010
photo courtesy of Jason Guillorn

Jason and Tracy, May 2013
photo courtesy of Jason Guillorn