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INSERT INTO `wp_ryff_posts` VALUES (392,1,'2017-01-09 00:09:13','2017-01-09 05:09:13','','Home','','publish','closed','closed','','home','','','2017-02-20 06:58:48','2017-02-20 11:58:48','',0,'http://50.87.248.94/~sothisj4/?p=392',1,'nav_menu_item','',0),(4,1,'2017-01-01 21:29:53','2017-01-01 21:29:53','','Media','','private','closed','closed','','media','','','2017-01-01 21:29:53','2017-01-01 21:29:53','',0,'http://50.87.248.94/~sothisj4/?option-tree=media',0,'option-tree','',0),(152,1,'2017-01-01 22:37:10','2017-01-01 22:37:10','','','','publish','closed','closed','','hueman_skope_post','','','2017-01-01 22:37:10','2017-01-01 22:37:10','',0,'http://50.87.248.94/~sothisj4/?post_type=czr_skope_opt&p=152',0,'czr_skope_opt','',0),(448,1,'2017-01-10 18:11:54','2017-01-10 23:11:54','','PhotoGrid_1464650883950','','inherit','open','closed','','photogrid_1464650883950','','','2017-01-10 18:11:54','2017-01-10 23:11:54','',0,'http://50.87.248.94/~sothisj4/wp-content/uploads/2017/01/PhotoGrid_1464650883950.jpg',0,'attachment','image/jpeg',0),(6,1,'2017-01-01 03:59:00','2017-01-01 08:59:00','<img style=\"margin: 0px; padding: 0px;\" src=\"http://www.findyourinfluence.com/trackrun.aspx?tcode=MTQ1MDAtQnJlYXRoVGhlcm1vLTY2MDQtQy0x\" />\r\nNew England really is a great place to live - I absolutely love it here. The history, the scenery, the charm...as cheesy as all that is to say...there really is something to it.\r\n\r\nWhat\'s positively obnoxious, however, is the weather. Roasting-hot, humid summer days, absolutely frigid winter nights...and everything in-between. If you\'re <i>really lucky</i> you can experience all four seasons within one week. <b>Awesome.</b>\r\n<div></div>\r\n<div>In order to survive the <i style=\"font-weight: bold;\">ever-changing</i> New England weather, it\'s important to have the right gear &amp; apparel. I got out of my comfort zone and tried some new stuff...and...<b><i>wow.</i></b></div>\r\n<!--more-->\r\n<div><i>(This post is sponsored by FitFluential LLC on behalf of Mizuno. All opinions are my own.)</i></div>\r\n<div><i> </i></div>\r\n<div><b><span style=\"font-size: large;\">I\'m a creature of habit.</span></b></div>\r\n<div></div>\r\n<div>Keep it simple, keep it the same, and keep me <i>sane</i>. For cold-weather running, that means compression thermal base layer, some kind of shirt over it, and some kind of outer layer. Gloves. Hat. Running shorts with sweatpants OR thermal tights instead. Nice and easy.</div>\r\n<div></div>\r\n<div>But recently...I had the opportunity to try the new Mizuno Running \"Breath Thermo\" gear. I\'ve got the Breath Thermo Base Layer quarter-zip  and a pair of their Breath Thermo gloves. I have to say...I\'m pretty impressed. This stuff is good enough to get me to break out of my old habits.</div>\r\n<div></div>\r\n<div></div>\r\n<div><b><span style=\"font-size: large;\">Fits, feels, and looks good.</span></b></div>\r\n<div></div>\r\n<div>\r\n\r\nFrom a wearability and aesthetics angle...the Breath Thermo gear nails it. The quarter-zip base layer fit like a second skin, and felt good while doing it. SUPER light, which is a bonus. Soft, comfortable, and (at least for me) pretty fitted, but certainly not compression. It fits a little small, but I think that\'s on purpose. Either way, works for me.\r\n\r\nThe gloves fit well, which is a big deal for me...I\'m very particular with gloves - they\'ve got to be snug enough but not TOO tight, I like almost NO cuff, etc. So far I haven\'t found anything warm enough or wind-proof enough...that ALSO has the touch-screen compatibility for my needy, millennial self. These met the criteria...at least, in the fit department.\r\n\r\n</div>\r\n<div></div>\r\n<div><b><span style=\"font-size: large;\">It\'s like freaking <i>magic</i>. </span></b></div>\r\n<div><b> </b></div>\r\n<div>\r\n\r\n<b>Seriously though...</b>it might as well be. The tech is pretty impressive. The short version here is...<b>the fabric ITSELF is <u>generating</u> heat.</b>\r\n\r\nApparently, even if you\'re not really <i>sweating</i>, your body gives off water vapor. That water vapor is harnessed by the special \"breath thermo\" yarn in the clothing...which makes it... yes... literally... generate heat. <i>(Diagrams and such here)</i>\r\n\r\nSo...if the clothing I\'m wearing is MAKING heat...maybe I don\'t have to wear all the EXTRA warm layers that help me trap my own heat?\r\n\r\nWell, I was pretty skeptical... but I tried it anyway. Considering its SO light and thin... I still didn\'t trust it, so I wore it as a base layer with a full-zip running hoodie over it. Wearing THAT instead of a compression base layer was enough of a stretch...I wasn\'t about to subject myself to some sort of cold-induced sickness as a result of under-dressing. I was sure IT ALONE couldn\'t possibly keep me warm enough.\r\n\r\n</div>\r\n<div><a style=\"clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;\"><img src=\"https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-CwNPBuMLbak/WGh7j1jihMI/AAAAAAAArsE/IsHz_xWw8pUf2IaKkizB5y4tnf5zAMC8QCLcB/s320/IMG_20161224_110526.jpg\" width=\"240\" height=\"320\" border=\"0\" /></a></div>\r\n<div></div>\r\n<div><span style=\"font-size: large;\"><b>Whelp...I was wrong.</b></span></div>\r\n<div></div>\r\n<div>\r\n\r\nWithin 15 minutes I was SO warm I had to ditch the hoodie. I couldn\'t fully toss it... all I could do was fully unzip it, leaving it flapping in the breeze. I was dripping sweat for the rest of the run, all the way home! The gloves, too! WOW! My hands...were SWEATY!\r\n\r\n<b>So obviously...I\'m in love.</b>\r\n\r\n</div>\r\n<div><b> </b></div>\r\n<div>I\'ve never had gloves so warm &amp; windproof. I\'ve NEVER had a top SO physically light &amp; breathable...yet so impossibly WARM. This stuff is the real deal. Now, please excuse me while I go run through the frozen tundra.</div>','Review - Breath Thermo by Mizuno Running','','publish','open','open','','review-breath-thermo-by-mizuno-running','','','2017-06-23 06:39:17','2017-06-23 10:39:17','',0,'',0,'post','',0),(1234,1,'2017-06-23 06:39:17','2017-06-23 10:39:17','<img style=\"margin: 0px; padding: 0px;\" src=\"http://www.findyourinfluence.com/trackrun.aspx?tcode=MTQ1MDAtQnJlYXRoVGhlcm1vLTY2MDQtQy0x\" />\r\nNew England really is a great place to live - I absolutely love it here. The history, the scenery, the charm...as cheesy as all that is to say...there really is something to it.\r\n\r\nWhat\'s positively obnoxious, however, is the weather. Roasting-hot, humid summer days, absolutely frigid winter nights...and everything in-between. If you\'re <i>really lucky</i> you can experience all four seasons within one week. <b>Awesome.</b>\r\n<div></div>\r\n<div>In order to survive the <i style=\"font-weight: bold;\">ever-changing</i> New England weather, it\'s important to have the right gear &amp; apparel. I got out of my comfort zone and tried some new stuff...and...<b><i>wow.</i></b></div>\r\n<!--more-->\r\n<div><i>(This post is sponsored by FitFluential LLC on behalf of Mizuno. All opinions are my own.)</i></div>\r\n<div><i> </i></div>\r\n<div><b><span style=\"font-size: large;\">I\'m a creature of habit.</span></b></div>\r\n<div></div>\r\n<div>Keep it simple, keep it the same, and keep me <i>sane</i>. For cold-weather running, that means compression thermal base layer, some kind of shirt over it, and some kind of outer layer. Gloves. Hat. Running shorts with sweatpants OR thermal tights instead. Nice and easy.</div>\r\n<div></div>\r\n<div>But recently...I had the opportunity to try the new Mizuno Running \"Breath Thermo\" gear. I\'ve got the Breath Thermo Base Layer quarter-zip  and a pair of their Breath Thermo gloves. I have to say...I\'m pretty impressed. This stuff is good enough to get me to break out of my old habits.</div>\r\n<div></div>\r\n<div></div>\r\n<div><b><span style=\"font-size: large;\">Fits, feels, and looks good.</span></b></div>\r\n<div></div>\r\n<div>\r\n\r\nFrom a wearability and aesthetics angle...the Breath Thermo gear nails it. The quarter-zip base layer fit like a second skin, and felt good while doing it. SUPER light, which is a bonus. Soft, comfortable, and (at least for me) pretty fitted, but certainly not compression. It fits a little small, but I think that\'s on purpose. Either way, works for me.\r\n\r\nThe gloves fit well, which is a big deal for me...I\'m very particular with gloves - they\'ve got to be snug enough but not TOO tight, I like almost NO cuff, etc. So far I haven\'t found anything warm enough or wind-proof enough...that ALSO has the touch-screen compatibility for my needy, millennial self. These met the criteria...at least, in the fit department.\r\n\r\n</div>\r\n<div></div>\r\n<div><b><span style=\"font-size: large;\">It\'s like freaking <i>magic</i>. </span></b></div>\r\n<div><b> </b></div>\r\n<div>\r\n\r\n<b>Seriously though...</b>it might as well be. The tech is pretty impressive. The short version here is...<b>the fabric ITSELF is <u>generating</u> heat.</b>\r\n\r\nApparently, even if you\'re not really <i>sweating</i>, your body gives off water vapor. That water vapor is harnessed by the special \"breath thermo\" yarn in the clothing...which makes it... yes... literally... generate heat. <i>(Diagrams and such here)</i>\r\n\r\nSo...if the clothing I\'m wearing is MAKING heat...maybe I don\'t have to wear all the EXTRA warm layers that help me trap my own heat?\r\n\r\nWell, I was pretty skeptical... but I tried it anyway. Considering its SO light and thin... I still didn\'t trust it, so I wore it as a base layer with a full-zip running hoodie over it. Wearing THAT instead of a compression base layer was enough of a stretch...I wasn\'t about to subject myself to some sort of cold-induced sickness as a result of under-dressing. I was sure IT ALONE couldn\'t possibly keep me warm enough.\r\n\r\n</div>\r\n<div><a style=\"clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;\"><img src=\"https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-CwNPBuMLbak/WGh7j1jihMI/AAAAAAAArsE/IsHz_xWw8pUf2IaKkizB5y4tnf5zAMC8QCLcB/s320/IMG_20161224_110526.jpg\" width=\"240\" height=\"320\" border=\"0\" /></a></div>\r\n<div></div>\r\n<div><span style=\"font-size: large;\"><b>Whelp...I was wrong.</b></span></div>\r\n<div></div>\r\n<div>\r\n\r\nWithin 15 minutes I was SO warm I had to ditch the hoodie. I couldn\'t fully toss it... all I could do was fully unzip it, leaving it flapping in the breeze. I was dripping sweat for the rest of the run, all the way home! The gloves, too! WOW! My hands...were SWEATY!\r\n\r\n<b>So obviously...I\'m in love.</b>\r\n\r\n</div>\r\n<div><b> </b></div>\r\n<div>I\'ve never had gloves so warm &amp; windproof. I\'ve NEVER had a top SO physically light &amp; breathable...yet so impossibly WARM. This stuff is the real deal. Now, please excuse me while I go run through the frozen tundra.</div>','Review - Breath Thermo by Mizuno Running','','inherit','closed','closed','','6-revision-v1','','','2017-06-23 06:39:17','2017-06-23 10:39:17','',6,'http://sothisisfitness.com/2017/06/6-revision-v1.html',0,'revision','',0),(1233,1,'2017-06-23 06:39:09','2017-06-23 10:39:09','<img style=\"margin: 0px; padding: 0px;\" src=\"http://www.findyourinfluence.com/trackrun.aspx?tcode=MTQ1MDAtQnJlYXRoVGhlcm1vLTY2MDQtQy0x\" />\r\nNew England really is a great place to live - I absolutely love it here. The history, the scenery, the charm...as cheesy as all that is to say...there really is something to it.\r\n\r\nWhat\'s positively obnoxious, however, is the weather. Roasting-hot, humid summer days, absolutely frigid winter nights...and everything in-between. If you\'re <i>really lucky</i> you can experience all four seasons within one week. <b>Awesome.</b>\r\n<div></div>\r\n<div>In order to survive the <i style=\"font-weight: bold;\">ever-changing</i> New England weather, it\'s important to have the right gear &amp; apparel. I got out of my comfort zone and tried some new stuff...and...<b><i>wow.</i></b></div>\r\n<!--more-->\r\n<div><i>(This post is sponsored by FitFluential LLC on behalf of Mizuno. All opinions are my own.)</i></div>\r\n<div><i> </i></div>\r\n<div><b><span style=\"font-size: large;\">I\'m a creature of habit.</span></b></div>\r\n<div></div>\r\n<div>Keep it simple, keep it the same, and keep me <i>sane</i>. For cold-weather running, that means compression thermal base layer, some kind of shirt over it, and some kind of outer layer. Gloves. Hat. Running shorts with sweatpants OR thermal tights instead. Nice and easy.</div>\r\n<div></div>\r\n<div>But recently...I had the opportunity to try the new Mizuno Running \"Breath Thermo\" gear. I\'ve got the Breath Thermo Base Layer quarter-zip  and a pair of their Breath Thermo gloves. I have to say...I\'m pretty impressed. This stuff is good enough to get me to break out of my old habits.</div>\r\n<div></div>\r\n<div></div>\r\n<div><b><span style=\"font-size: large;\">Fits, feels, and looks good.</span></b></div>\r\n<div></div>\r\n<div>\r\n\r\nFrom a wearability and aesthetics angle...the Breath Thermo gear nails it. The quarter-zip base layer fit like a second skin, and felt good while doing it. SUPER light, which is a bonus. Soft, comfortable, and (at least for me) pretty fitted, but certainly not compression. It fits a little small, but I think that\'s on purpose. Either way, works for me.\r\n\r\nThe gloves fit well, which is a big deal for me...I\'m very particular with gloves - they\'ve got to be snug enough but not TOO tight, I like almost NO cuff, etc. So far I haven\'t found anything warm enough or wind-proof enough...that ALSO has the touch-screen compatibility for my needy, millennial self. These met the criteria...at least, in the fit department.\r\n\r\n</div>\r\n<div></div>\r\n<div><b><span style=\"font-size: large;\">It\'s like freaking <i>magic</i>. </span></b></div>\r\n<div><b> </b></div>\r\n<div>\r\n\r\n<b>Seriously though...</b>it might as well be. The tech is pretty impressive. The short version here is...<b>the fabric ITSELF is <u>generating</u> heat.</b>\r\n\r\nApparently, even if you\'re not really <i>sweating</i>, your body gives off water vapor. That water vapor is harnessed by the special \"breath thermo\" yarn in the clothing...which makes it... yes... literally... generate heat. <i><a href=\"http://www.mizunousa.com/Running/Breath-Thermo\" target=\"_blank\">(Diagrams and such here)</a></i>\r\n\r\nSo...if the clothing I\'m wearing is MAKING heat...maybe I don\'t have to wear all the EXTRA warm layers that help me trap my own heat?\r\n\r\nWell, I was pretty skeptical... but I tried it anyway. Considering its SO light and thin... I still didn\'t trust it, so I wore it as a base layer with a full-zip running hoodie over it. Wearing THAT instead of a compression base layer was enough of a stretch...I wasn\'t about to subject myself to some sort of cold-induced sickness as a result of under-dressing. I was sure IT ALONE couldn\'t possibly keep me warm enough.\r\n\r\n</div>\r\n<div><a style=\"clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;\"><img src=\"https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-CwNPBuMLbak/WGh7j1jihMI/AAAAAAAArsE/IsHz_xWw8pUf2IaKkizB5y4tnf5zAMC8QCLcB/s320/IMG_20161224_110526.jpg\" width=\"240\" height=\"320\" border=\"0\" /></a></div>\r\n<div></div>\r\n<div><span style=\"font-size: large;\"><b>Whelp...I was wrong.</b></span></div>\r\n<div></div>\r\n<div>\r\n\r\nWithin 15 minutes I was SO warm I had to ditch the hoodie. I couldn\'t fully toss it... all I could do was fully unzip it, leaving it flapping in the breeze. I was dripping sweat for the rest of the run, all the way home! The gloves, too! WOW! My hands...were SWEATY!\r\n\r\n<b>So obviously...I\'m in love.</b>\r\n\r\n</div>\r\n<div><b> </b></div>\r\n<div>I\'ve never had gloves so warm &amp; windproof. I\'ve NEVER had a top SO physically light &amp; breathable...yet so impossibly WARM. This stuff is the real deal. Now, please excuse me while I go run through the frozen tundra.</div>','Review - Breath Thermo by Mizuno Running','','inherit','closed','closed','','6-revision-v1','','','2017-06-23 06:39:09','2017-06-23 10:39:09','',6,'http://sothisisfitness.com/2017/06/6-revision-v1.html',0,'revision','',0),(490,1,'2017-01-11 13:46:39','2017-01-11 18:46:39','<img style=\"margin: 0px; padding: 0px;\" src=\"http://www.findyourinfluence.com/trackrun.aspx?tcode=MTQ1MDAtQnJlYXRoVGhlcm1vLTY2MDQtQy0x\" />\r\nNew England really is a great place to live - I absolutely love it here. The history, the scenery, the charm...as cheesy as all that is to say...there really is something to it.\r\n\r\nWhat\'s positively obnoxious, however, is the weather. Roasting-hot, humid summer days, absolutely frigid winter nights...and everything in-between. If you\'re <i>really lucky</i> you can experience all four seasons within one week. <b>Awesome.</b>\r\n<div></div>\r\n<div>In order to survive the <i style=\"font-weight: bold;\">ever-changing</i> New England weather, it\'s important to have the right gear &amp; apparel. I got out of my comfort zone and tried some new stuff...and...<b><i>wow.</i></b></div>\r\n<!--more-->\r\n<div><i>(This post is sponsored by FitFluential LLC on behalf of Mizuno. All opinions are my own.)</i></div>\r\n<div><i> </i></div>\r\n<div><b><span style=\"font-size: large;\">I\'m a creature of habit.</span></b></div>\r\n<div></div>\r\n<div>Keep it simple, keep it the same, and keep me <i>sane</i>. For cold-weather running, that means compression thermal base layer, some kind of shirt over it, and some kind of outer layer. Gloves. Hat. Running shorts with sweatpants OR thermal tights instead. Nice and easy.</div>\r\n<div></div>\r\n<div>But recently...I had the opportunity to try the new <a href=\"http://www.fyitrack.com/?A1D5D1DA\" target=\"_blank\">Mizuno Running \"Breath Thermo\" gear</a>. I\'ve got the Breath Thermo Base Layer quarter-zip  and a pair of their Breath Thermo gloves. I have to say...I\'m pretty impressed. This stuff is good enough to get me to break out of my old habits.</div>\r\n<div></div>\r\n<div></div>\r\n<div><b><span style=\"font-size: large;\">Fits, feels, and looks good.</span></b></div>\r\n<div></div>\r\n<div>\r\n\r\nFrom a wearability and aesthetics angle...the Breath Thermo gear nails it. The quarter-zip base layer fit like a second skin, and felt good while doing it. SUPER light, which is a bonus. Soft, comfortable, and (at least for me) pretty fitted, but certainly not compression. It fits a little small, but I think that\'s on purpose. Either way, works for me.\r\n\r\nThe gloves fit well, which is a big deal for me...I\'m very particular with gloves - they\'ve got to be snug enough but not TOO tight, I like almost NO cuff, etc. So far I haven\'t found anything warm enough or wind-proof enough...that ALSO has the touch-screen compatibility for my needy, millennial self. These met the criteria...at least, in the fit department.\r\n\r\n</div>\r\n<div></div>\r\n<div><b><span style=\"font-size: large;\">It\'s like freaking <i>magic</i>. </span></b></div>\r\n<div><b> </b></div>\r\n<div>\r\n\r\n<b>Seriously though...</b>it might as well be. The tech is pretty impressive. The short version here is...<b>the fabric ITSELF is <u>generating</u> heat.</b>\r\n\r\nApparently, even if you\'re not really <i>sweating</i>, your body gives off water vapor. That water vapor is harnessed by the special \"breath thermo\" yarn in the clothing...which makes it... yes... literally... generate heat. <i><a href=\"http://www.mizunousa.com/Running/Breath-Thermo\" target=\"_blank\">(Diagrams and such here)</a></i>\r\n\r\nSo...if the clothing I\'m wearing is MAKING heat...maybe I don\'t have to wear all the EXTRA warm layers that help me trap my own heat?\r\n\r\nWell, I was pretty skeptical... but I tried it anyway. Considering its SO light and thin... I still didn\'t trust it, so I wore it as a base layer with a full-zip running hoodie over it. Wearing THAT instead of a compression base layer was enough of a stretch...I wasn\'t about to subject myself to some sort of cold-induced sickness as a result of under-dressing. I was sure IT ALONE couldn\'t possibly keep me warm enough.\r\n\r\n</div>\r\n<div><a style=\"clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;\"><img src=\"https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-CwNPBuMLbak/WGh7j1jihMI/AAAAAAAArsE/IsHz_xWw8pUf2IaKkizB5y4tnf5zAMC8QCLcB/s320/IMG_20161224_110526.jpg\" width=\"240\" height=\"320\" border=\"0\" /></a></div>\r\n<div></div>\r\n<div><span style=\"font-size: large;\"><b>Whelp...I was wrong.</b></span></div>\r\n<div></div>\r\n<div>\r\n\r\nWithin 15 minutes I was SO warm I had to ditch the hoodie. I couldn\'t fully toss it... all I could do was fully unzip it, leaving it flapping in the breeze. I was dripping sweat for the rest of the run, all the way home! The gloves, too! WOW! My hands...were SWEATY!\r\n\r\n<b>So obviously...I\'m in love.</b>\r\n\r\n</div>\r\n<div><b> </b></div>\r\n<div>I\'ve never had gloves so warm &amp; windproof. I\'ve NEVER had a top SO physically light &amp; breathable...yet so impossibly WARM. This stuff is the real deal. Now, please excuse me while I go run through the frozen tundra.</div>','Review - Breath Thermo by Mizuno Running','','inherit','closed','closed','','6-revision-v1','','','2017-01-11 13:46:39','2017-01-11 18:46:39','',6,'http://50.87.248.94/~sothisj4/6-revision-v1/',0,'revision','',0),(1235,1,'2017-06-23 06:41:32','2017-06-23 10:41:32','I\'ve been trying out something new, and after lots of training trials and game-day performance, I\'m ready to let you all know what I think.\r\n<h4><b>Health Warrior Chia Bars</b>.</h4>\r\nIf you\'ve seen <a href=\"https://twitter.com/SnuffyDX\" target=\"_blank\">tweets from me</a> that say #PoweredByChia...this is what I was talking about. There\'s been quite the \"superfood\" craze lately, and chia seeds are part of that. I\'ve been trying these out to fuel myself for runs, workouts, and life in general, and I\'ve got lots to tell you. In order to tell you about Health Warrior\'s Chia Bars, however, first the question must be asked...<!--more-->\r\n<h3><span style=\"font-size: large;\"><b>What the heck is Chia?</b></span></h3>\r\n<b>Healthy. That\'s what.</b> Now that I\'ve gotten that out of my system, let me REALLY answer my own question:\r\n\r\n<img class=\"size-medium wp-image-620 aligncenter\" src=\"http://sothisisfitness.com/wp-content/uploads/2014/01/chia-seeds-300x190.jpg\" alt=\"Chia Seeds\" width=\"300\" height=\"190\" />\r\n\r\n<b>You may have seen it</b> in a little tube on a point-of-sale display at your local \"health food\"/ nutrition store, you may have seen the word \"chia\" thrown around in \"health food\" packaging, or you may have heard people talking about the newest greatest thing - <a href=\"http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Salvia_hispanica\" target=\"_blank\">CHIA</a>!\r\n\r\n<b>Chia is a little tiny seed, and it\'s been around forever. </b>The reason it\'s such a big deal now is that it\'s a superfood, and people are just now catching on to it - it\'s becoming mainstream.\r\n\r\n<b>So what\'s a <a href=\"http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Superfood\" target=\"_blank\">\"superfood\"</a>? </b>The word itself is just a marketing term companies throw around to say something has a wide berth of health benefits - as far as I can tell it\'s not actually a word nutritionists, doctors or dieticians have put out there. I\'m ok with it though - it\'s just a descriptor and it DOES apply here so frankly I don\'t care where it came from.\r\n<div style=\"clear: both; text-align: center;\"></div>\r\n<h4><img class=\"size-full wp-image-623 alignleft\" src=\"http://sothisisfitness.com/wp-content/uploads/2014/01/chiaseedshw.jpg\" alt=\"Health Warrior black chia seeds\" width=\"206\" height=\"279\" /><b>Chia seeds ARE pretty packed with nutrition...</b></h4>\r\n...for how small of a seed it is, anyway. <a href=\"http://www.healthwarrior.com/superfoods/\" target=\"_blank\">As Health Warrior describes on their site</a> - one 16 ounce bag (1 pound) of their chia seeds is equivalent to:\r\n<ul>\r\n 	<li>10 lbs of salmon (Omega -3 Fatty Acids)</li>\r\n 	<li>3 lbs of tofu (protein)</li>\r\n 	<li>4 lbs of milk (calcium, I\'m assuming? They talk about strong bones with that one)</li>\r\n 	<li>4 lbs of oatmeal (fiber)</li>\r\n 	<li>15 lbs of broccoli (magnesium)</li>\r\n</ul>\r\n<b>That\'s an awful lot of work for one pound of little tiny seeds to be doing.</b>\r\n\r\nHealth Warrior uses those amazing, hard-working, nutrient-dense little seeds to make their Chia Bars.\r\n\r\n<b>So now that we\'ve covered those bases, we can look at...</b>\r\n<h3><b><span style=\"font-size: large;\">What\'s in these Chia Bars?</span></b></h3>\r\n<b>These things are pretty amazing. Let\'s take a look at the label.</b>\r\n\r\n<img class=\"size-medium wp-image-619 aligncenter\" src=\"http://sothisisfitness.com/wp-content/uploads/2014/01/chia-nutrition-300x111.jpg\" alt=\"Health Warrior Chia Bar nutrition facts label\" width=\"300\" height=\"111\" />\r\n\r\n<b>See that?!</b> These bars are 100 calories each (similar to other fitness \"nutrition\") and pack an awful lot into that little space. 1000mg of Omega-3 fatty acids, 4g of fiber (16% daily recommended intake), 4g of plant-based whole-food protein, and they make it taste good with just 5g of sugar.\r\n\r\n<b>But wait - </b>\r\n\r\n<img class=\"size-medium wp-image-621 aligncenter\" src=\"http://sothisisfitness.com/wp-content/uploads/2014/01/chiabaringredients-300x140.jpg\" alt=\"Health Warrior chia bar ingredients\" width=\"300\" height=\"140\" />\r\n<div style=\"clear: both; text-align: center;\"><b> It\'s all-natural and...well...healthy!</b> That 5g of sugar comes, primarily, from the organic agave syrup! <b>NOT </b>high-fructose corn syrup. <b>NOT </b>\"sugar\". <b>NOT aspartame, sucralose, fructose, or any \'ose\'</b>. Look at all the other ingredients - brown rice syrup, organic cashew butter, organic this, organic that...it\'s all organic and natural! These things are <i>really </i>healthy! The label also makes a point to say that it is soy-free, dairy-free, gluten-free and 100% vegan. They get it done and take care of a lot of peoples\' dietary needs/restrictions. It SEEMS to me to be the case that this would also qualify as paleo-friendly, but I\'m no pro on paleo, so I\'ll have to look into that a little more.</div>\r\n<b>So </b>we know what they\'re made of, and we know the health benefits...but there\'s another important question to ask:\r\n<h3><img class=\"size-medium wp-image-624 alignright\" src=\"http://sothisisfitness.com/wp-content/uploads/2014/01/chiaunbox-235x300.jpg\" alt=\"Health Warrior chia bar unboxing\" width=\"235\" height=\"300\" /><b><span style=\"font-size: large;\">Do They Taste Good?</span></b></h3>\r\n<b>YES! </b>At least, I think so. These chia bars are offered in a variety of flavors - <a href=\"http://shop.healthwarrior.com/\" target=\"_blank\">they are usually sold one flavor to a box</a>, but my friend Brad at Health Warrior was kind enough to hand-pack and send me a variety box so I could try them all! They have: Coffee, Acai Berry, Banana Nut, Apple Cinnamon, Chocolate Peanut Butter and Coconut. I have to say, my favorites are Apple Cinnamon, Banana Nut, and Coconut. They\'re ALL really tasty, don\'t get me wrong, but those ones are all tied for first place.\r\n<h4><b>I swear, the flavors are crazy good!</b></h4>\r\nIf they were colors, they\'d be the most vibrant, saturated hues of the color possible - that\'s the best way I can describe how the flavor really nails the description - the Banana Nut REALLY tastes like banana nut bread, the apple cinnamon smell and taste evokes memories of my favorite apple cinnamon oatmeal and baked goods growing up, the coconut tastes like every yummy coconut dessert I\'ve ever had...<b>I don\'t know how they do it while keeping it so healthy and natural</b>, but these things are basically a pre-race dessert for me!\r\n<h3><b><span style=\"font-size: large;\">Texture</span></b></h3>\r\n<b><img class=\"size-medium wp-image-627 alignright\" src=\"http://sothisisfitness.com/wp-content/uploads/2014/01/IMG_20140128_083305030-300x201.jpg\" alt=\"Health Warrior chia bar unwrapped\" width=\"300\" height=\"201\" />I feel like texture is important to touch on with this product. </b>These bars are, primarily, made with little tiny seeds, after all, and you CAN tell when you\'re eating it. The texture is <b>not </b>offensive, let me be clear on that. Think of it, in a small way, like when eating popcorn - sometimes a little piece gets left behind in your mouth and you find it later. Sometimes I find a chia seed floating around my mouth once I start my run. I do not mind this at all - it\'s still wrapped up in some of the flavor-y goodness of the bar, so it\'s like a little flavor nugget left behind in my mouth. <b>I kinda like that</b>.\r\n\r\nPlease note that this does <b>NOT </b>happen every time, only sometimes. I\'m sure if you have your bar with some water that would likely eliminate that occurrence completely. I have a feeling this is kind of my fault as I tend to fly through it and not necessarily chew thoroughly. <b>Again - this is NOT a negative</b>, just something to be aware of. I happen to like it, and for the health benefits / fuel quality I\'m getting, I\'m more than happy to \"deal\". That aside, overall, the texture kind of reminds me of a soft, chewy granola bar. <b>No points are deducted in the \"texture\" and \"mouth-feel\" department.</b>\r\n<h3><span style=\"font-size: large;\"><b>Performance</b></span></h3>\r\n<b>I. Felt. GREAT. </b>I\'m not going to take you through each individual run like I did with <a href=\"http://www.sothisisfitness.com/2013/09/review-fitaid.html\" target=\"_blank\">the FitAid review</a>, but after trying these bars a dozen times I can say with absolute certainty that I felt great when powered by these bars for a run, workout, or my day in general. I usually have a bar about 15 to 20 minutes before I begin my run/workout/whatever, and it gets me through my workout like a champ - when I might otherwise feel the need to stop, walk, or take it easy, instead I keep on truckin\' like a boss. For longer workouts, like a big distance run, I do tend to re-fuel after about an hour, but you should do that anyway - 100 calories isn\'t going to get you through a half-marathon, no matter HOW nutrient-dense it is.\r\n\r\nI went on a variety of run distances with this from 2 miles through half-marathon distance. Some were races, some were just my own regular workouts. I also used these for a pick-me-up on a regular day and felt great and really energized. These little bars are a great way to give your body what it craves to fuel it through a workout or through a normal day as a regular part of your daily health and nutrition.\r\n<h3><img class=\"size-medium wp-image-625 aligncenter\" src=\"http://sothisisfitness.com/wp-content/uploads/2014/01/fuel-300x300.jpg\" alt=\"Fuel meme with chia bar\" width=\"300\" height=\"300\" /></h3>\r\n<h3>Health Warrior Chia Bars - the verdict?</h3>\r\nThere\'s no two ways about it - Chia is a great way to fuel yourself for whatever is coming your way, and Health Warrior\'s Chia Bars are an <b>EXCELLENT </b>vehicle to get it. I HIGHLY recommend that you find them, get them, and give them a try. You can order from <a href=\"http://healthwarrior.com/\" target=\"_blank\">the Health Warrior website</a> or find the bars at <a href=\"http://www.wholefoodsmarket.com/\" target=\"_blank\">your local Whole Foods Market</a>. They\'re working on expanding, and I hope <a href=\"http://www.marathonsports.com/\" target=\"_blank\">Marathon Sports</a> (one of my <b>favorite</b> running stores) starts carrying it soon. If you have any questions, PLEASE reach out and ask! You can get me at Darrell@SoTHISIsFitness.com or use the contact form at the bottom of the page. Also, if you haven\'t already, <a href=\"https://www.facebook.com/sothisisfitness\" target=\"_blank\">please \"like\" the \"So THIS Is Fitness...\" Facebook page</a> to keep up with everything going on - I post there a LOT more frequently than I do on this site.\r\n<h4><b>Now go get some Chia Bars! :)</b></h4>','Ch-Ch-Ch-CHIA! Health Warrior Chia Bar Review','','inherit','closed','closed','','80-revision-v1','','','2017-06-23 06:41:32','2017-06-23 10:41:32','',80,'http://sothisisfitness.com/2017/06/80-revision-v1.html',0,'revision','',0),(7,1,'2016-12-29 12:29:00','2016-12-29 17:29:00','<em>(Apologies for the double-publish...technical difficulties earlier)\r\n</em>\r\nThere\'s just not enough time in the day (or in the podcast) sometimes. So many things to talk about... Well, today I cover three BIG things! Two of them I cover REALLY well! One is...well...just tough to talk about with saying the same thing everyone else has already said.\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n<span style=\"font-size: 12pt;\"><strong>The spotlight here is...The New England Spahtens.</strong></span>\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nWho, what, why, and how. And more, of course :) And I\'ve got Paul Jones to tell me allllll about it.\r\n\r\n<iframe style=\"border: none;\" src=\"//html5-player.libsyn.com/embed/episode/id/4948397/height/90/width/450/theme/custom/autonext/no/thumbnail/yes/autoplay/no/preload/no/no_addthis/no/direction/forward/tdest_id/454656/render-playlist/no/custom-color/ffac1a/\" width=\"450\" height=\"90\" scrolling=\"no\" allowfullscreen=\"allowfullscreen\"></iframe>\r\n\r\n<!--more-->\r\n\r\nHot off the heels of their big win in Mud Run Guide\'s \"Best Of\" OCR awards, I interview Paul Jones, the de facto face of the New England Spahtens! We get into:\r\n\r\n-OCR, and its roots\r\n-The growth of OCR, emergence of the \"Big 3\", and rise/fall of the \"little guys\"\r\n-The origins of The New England Spahtens, and where it is today\r\n-What \"community\" really means...and what it looks like\r\n\r\nIf you\'re interested in checking out the Spahtens, and maybe becoming a part of their crowd, visit the links below! Also, be sure to listen to The NE Spahtens Show. That\'s their podcast, and I assure you, it\'s lovely.\r\n\r\nvisit join.nespahtens.com for all the links you could want!\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nAfter the interview...I get into a bit about...well...New Year\'s Resolutions. because...well...why wouldn\'t I, right? I just can\'t help myself.\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nPlease do find me at:\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n<a href=\"http://www.sothisisfitness.com\">www.SoTHISIsFitness.com</a>\r\n\r\n<a href=\"http://www.facebook.com/SoTHISIsFitness\">www.Facebook.com/SoTHISIsFitness</a>\r\n\r\n<a href=\"http://www.instagram.com/snuffydx\">www.instagram.com/snuffydx</a>\r\n\r\n<a href=\"http://www.twitter.com/snuffydx\">www.twitter.com/snuffydx</a>\r\n\r\nSearch \"So THIS Is Fitness\" on iTunes or your favorite podcast listening app. Be sure to SUBSCRIBE, not just download one episode :)\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nAnd if you like the show, please consider giving us a rating and review on iTunes (or your podcast source of choice). Every little bit helps us pop up higher in search results and get found just a little bit easier.\r\n\r\nLastly, please don\'t be shy - EMAIL ME! <a href=\"mailto:Darrell@SoTHISIsFitness.com\">Darrell@SoTHISIsFitness.com</a>. I LOVE feedback, would love your questions, comments, or just a \"hey, liked the show!\".\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n<a href=\"http://www.sothisisfitness.com/podcast\" target=\"_blank\">Check out this episode!</a>','#18 - The New England Spahtens, OCR, & A New Year','','publish','open','open','','18-the-new-england-spahtens-ocr-a-new-year','','','2017-01-14 21:19:00','2017-01-15 02:19:00','',0,'',0,'post','',0),(492,1,'2017-01-11 13:54:42','2017-01-11 18:54:42','<iframe style=\"border: none;\" src=\"//html5-player.libsyn.com/embed/episode/id/4948397/height/90/width/450/theme/custom/autonext/no/thumbnail/yes/autoplay/no/preload/no/no_addthis/no/direction/forward/tdest_id/454656/render-playlist/no/custom-color/ffac1a/\" width=\"450\" height=\"90\" scrolling=\"no\" allowfullscreen=\"allowfullscreen\"></iframe>\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n<em>(Apologies for the double-publish...technical difficulties earlier)\r\n</em>\r\nThere\'s just not enough time in the day (or in the podcast) sometimes. So many things to talk about... Well, today I cover three BIG things! Two of them I cover REALLY well! One is...well...just tough to talk about with saying the same thing everyone else has already said.\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n<span style=\"font-size: 12pt;\"><strong>The spotlight here is...The New England Spahtens.</strong></span>\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nWho, what, why, and how. And more, of course :) And I\'ve got Paul Jones to tell me allllll about it.\r\n\r\n<!--more-->\r\n\r\nHot off the heels of their big win in Mud Run Guide\'s \"Best Of\" OCR awards, I interview Paul Jones, the de facto face of the New England Spahtens! We get into:\r\n\r\n-OCR, and its roots\r\n-The growth of OCR, emergence of the \"Big 3\", and rise/fall of the \"little guys\"\r\n-The origins of The New England Spahtens, and where it is today\r\n-What \"community\" really means...and what it looks like\r\n\r\nIf you\'re interested in checking out the Spahtens, and maybe becoming a part of their crowd, visit the links below! Also, be sure to listen to The NE Spahtens Show. That\'s their podcast, and I assure you, it\'s lovely.\r\n\r\nvisit join.nespahtens.com for all the links you could want!\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nAfter the interview...I get into a bit about...well...New Year\'s Resolutions. because...well...why wouldn\'t I, right? I just can\'t help myself.\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nPlease do find me at:\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n<a href=\"http://50.87.248.94/~sothisj4/\">www.SoTHISIsFitness.com</a>\r\n\r\n<a href=\"http://www.facebook.com/SoTHISIsFitness\">www.Facebook.com/SoTHISIsFitness</a>\r\n\r\n<a href=\"http://www.instagram.com/snuffydx\">www.instagram.com/snuffydx</a>\r\n\r\n<a href=\"http://www.twitter.com/snuffydx\">www.twitter.com/snuffydx</a>\r\n\r\nSearch \"So THIS Is Fitness\" on iTunes or your favorite podcast listening app. Be sure to SUBSCRIBE, not just download one episode :)\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nAnd if you like the show, please consider giving us a rating and review on iTunes (or your podcast source of choice). Every little bit helps us pop up higher in search results and get found just a little bit easier.\r\n\r\nLastly, please don\'t be shy - EMAIL ME! <a href=\"mailto:Darrell@SoTHISIsFitness.com\">Darrell@SoTHISIsFitness.com</a>. I LOVE feedback, would love your questions, comments, or just a \"hey, liked the show!\".\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n<a href=\"http://50.87.248.94/~sothisj4/podcast\" target=\"_blank\">Check out this episode!</a>','#18 - The New England Spahtens, OCR, & A New Year','','inherit','closed','closed','','7-revision-v1','','','2017-01-11 13:54:42','2017-01-11 18:54:42','',7,'http://50.87.248.94/~sothisj4/7-revision-v1/',0,'revision','',0),(133,1,'2016-12-29 12:29:00','2016-12-29 12:29:00','<iframe style=\"border: none\" src=\"//html5-player.libsyn.com/embed/episode/id/4948397/height/90/width/450/theme/custom/autonext/no/thumbnail/yes/autoplay/no/preload/no/no_addthis/no/direction/forward/tdest_id/454656/render-playlist/no/custom-color/ffac1a/\" height=\"90\" width=\"450\" scrolling=\"no\"  allowfullscreen webkitallowfullscreen mozallowfullscreen oallowfullscreen msallowfullscreen></iframe><br /><p><img src=\"https://assets.libsyn.com/secure/show/91043/wordswag_1482994002896.jpg\" alt=\"\" width=\"300\" height=\"300\" align=\"right\" /></p> <p><em>(Apologies for the double-publish...technical difficulties earlier)<br /></em><br /> There\'s just not enough time in the day (or in the podcast) sometimes. So many things to talk about... Well, today I cover three BIG things! Two of them I cover REALLY well! One is...well...just tough to talk about with saying the same thing everyone else has already said.&nbsp;</p> <p>&nbsp;</p> <p><span style=\"font-size: 12pt;\"><strong>The spotlight here is...The New England Spahtens.</strong></span></p> <p>&nbsp;</p> <p>Who, what, why, and how. And more, of course :) And I\'ve got Paul Jones to tell me allllll about it.</p> <p>&nbsp;</p> <p>&nbsp;</p> <a name=\'more\'></a> <p>&nbsp;</p> <p>Hot off the heels of their big win in Mud Run Guide\'s \"Best Of\" OCR awards, I interview Paul Jones, the de facto face of the New England Spahtens! We get into:<br /> <br /> -OCR, and its roots<br /> -The growth of OCR, emergence of the \"Big 3\", and rise/fall of the \"little guys\"<br /> -The origins of The New England Spahtens, and where it is today<br /> -What \"community\" really means...and what it looks like</p> <p>If you\'re interested in checking out the Spahtens, and maybe becoming a part of their crowd, visit the links below! Also, be sure to listen to The NE Spahtens Show. That\'s their podcast, and I assure you, it\'s lovely.&nbsp;</p> <p>visit join.nespahtens.com for all the links you could want!</p> <p>&nbsp;</p> <p>After the interview...I get into a bit about...well...New Year\'s Resolutions. because...well...why wouldn\'t I, right? I just can\'t help myself.&nbsp;</p> <p>&nbsp;</p> <p>Please do find me at:</p> <p>&nbsp;</p> <p><a href=\"http://www.sothisisfitness.com/\">www.SoTHISIsFitness.com</a></p> <p><a href=\"http://www.facebook.com/SoTHISIsFitness\">www.Facebook.com/SoTHISIsFitness</a></p> <p><a href=\"http://www.instagram.com/snuffydx\">www.instagram.com/snuffydx</a></p> <p><a href=\"http://www.twitter.com/snuffydx\">www.twitter.com/snuffydx</a></p> <p>Search \"So THIS Is Fitness\" on iTunes or your favorite podcast listening app. Be sure to SUBSCRIBE, not just download one episode :)&nbsp;</p> <p>&nbsp;</p> <p>And if you like the show, please consider giving us a rating and review on iTunes (or your podcast source of choice). Every little bit helps us pop up higher in search results and get found just a little bit easier.<br /> <br /> Lastly, please don\'t be shy - EMAIL ME! <a href=\"mailto:Darrell@SoTHISIsFitness.com\">Darrell@SoTHISIsFitness.com</a>. I LOVE feedback, would love your questions, comments, or just a \"hey, liked the show!\".&nbsp;</p> <br /><p><a target=\"_blank\" href=\"http://www.sothisisfitness.com/podcast\">Check out this episode!</a></p>','#18 - The New England Spahtens, OCR, & A New Year','','inherit','closed','closed','','7-revision-v1','','','2016-12-29 12:29:00','2016-12-29 12:29:00','',7,'http://50.87.248.94/~sothisj4/?p=133',0,'revision','',0),(8,1,'2016-12-22 11:58:00','2016-12-22 16:58:00','<h3><strong>I continue to be floored &amp; impressed by the people I meet.</strong></h3>\r\nIf you believe the best in humanity, you\'ll encounter it...and that\'s exactly what happened on frigid Millinocket weekend. Katrina White is an AMAZING person, someone who\'s story I can only call a True Triumph. I am thrilled to have her on the show to share that story and shine a little light on the hope that awaits every single person out there hoping to make a transformation.\r\nThere was a lot to cover in this episode...\r\n\r\n<iframe style=\"border: none;\" src=\"//html5-player.libsyn.com/embed/episode/id/4934931/height/90/width/450/theme/custom/autonext/no/thumbnail/yes/autoplay/no/preload/no/no_addthis/no/direction/forward/tdest_id/454656/render-playlist/no/custom-color/ffac1a/\" width=\"450\" height=\"90\" scrolling=\"no\" allowfullscreen=\"allowfullscreen\"></iframe><!--more-->\r\n\r\nI\'m THRILLED to have Katrina on the show!\r\n<h4><strong>What\'s in Episode 17?</strong></h4>\r\n-Life Today for Katrina White\r\n-Katrina\'s AMAZING 150 lb weight loss journey\r\n-Discovering running, &amp; conquering her first marathon - Millinocket Marathon!\r\n-Thought on the journey, attitude, and what others can expect\r\n-Inspiring the next generation through Girls On The Run\r\n-much more!\r\n\r\nIt was so great to have someone on the show who\'s <em>been there</em>, and keenly understands the struggle...but also knows that just because she lost triple digits doesn\'t mean everyone else needs to. It\'s all relative, as I always say.\r\n<h4>Join Katrina as she shares her story!</h4>\r\nFind Katrina online:\r\nOn Facebook (Katrina Brynn White)\r\nOn Instagram (@momsrun_strong)\r\n\r\nAnd find Girls On The Run at <a href=\"http://www.girlsontherun.org/\">www.GirlsOnTheRun.org</a>\r\n\r\nYou can find So THIS Is Fitness online at:\r\n<a href=\"http://www.sothisisfitness.com\">www.SoTHISIsFitness.com</a>\r\n<a href=\"http://www.facebook.com/SoTHISIsFitness\">www.facebook.com/SoTHISIsFitness</a>\r\n<a href=\"http://www.instagram.com/snuffydx\">www.instagram.com/snuffydx</a>\r\n<a href=\"http://www.twitter.com/snuffydx\">www.twitter.com/snuffydx</a>\r\nemail me at <a href=\"mailto:Darrell@SoTHISIsFitness.com\">Darrell@SoTHISIsFitness.com</a> with your feedback, questions, concerns &amp; more!\r\n\r\nAnd lastly - please consider taking a moment to rate &amp; review the show. Every single one of those helps us pop up a little higher in search results. Let\'s help others discover the inspiration Katrina, and future guests, will have to share!\r\n\r\n<a href=\"http://www.sothisisfitness.com/podcast\" target=\"_blank\">Check out this episode!</a>','#17 - True Triumph: Katrina White','','publish','open','open','','17-true-triumph-katrina-white','','','2017-01-14 21:19:13','2017-01-15 02:19:13','',0,'',0,'post','',0),(500,1,'2017-01-11 14:33:08','2017-01-11 19:33:08','<iframe style=\"border: none;\" src=\"//html5-player.libsyn.com/embed/episode/id/4934931/height/90/width/450/theme/custom/autonext/no/thumbnail/yes/autoplay/no/preload/no/no_addthis/no/direction/forward/tdest_id/454656/render-playlist/no/custom-color/ffac1a/\" width=\"450\" height=\"90\" scrolling=\"no\" allowfullscreen=\"allowfullscreen\"></iframe>\r\n<strong>I continue to be floored &amp; impressed by the people I meet.</strong>\r\n\r\nIf you believe the best in humanity, you\'ll encounter it...and that\'s exactly what happened on frigid Millinocket weekend. Katrina is an AMAZING person, someone who\'s story I can only call a True Triumph. I am thrilled to have her on the show to share that story and shine a little light on the hope that awaits every single person out there hoping to make a transformation.\r\nThere was a lot to cover in this episode...\r\n\r\n<!--more-->\r\n\r\nI\'m THRILLED to have Katrina on the show!\r\n<strong>What\'s in Episode 17?</strong>\r\n-Life Today for Katrina White\r\n-Katrina\'s AMAZING 150 lb weight loss journey\r\n-Discovering running, &amp; conquering her first marathon - Millinocket Marathon!\r\n-Thought on the journey, attitude, and what others can expect\r\n-Inspiring the next generation through Girls On The Run\r\n-much more!\r\n\r\nIt was so great to have someone on the show who\'s <em>been there</em>, and keenly understands the struggle...but also knows that just because she lost triple digits doesn\'t mean everyone else needs to. It\'s all relative, as I always say.\r\n\r\nJoin Katrina as she shares her story!\r\n\r\nFind Katrina online:\r\nOn Facebook (Katrina Brynn White)\r\nOn Instagram (@momsrun_strong)\r\n\r\nAnd find Girls On The Run at <a href=\"http://www.girlsontherun.org/\">www.GirlsOnTheRun.org</a>\r\n\r\nYou can find So THIS Is Fitness online at:\r\n<a href=\"http://50.87.248.94/~sothisj4/\">www.SoTHISIsFitness.com</a>\r\n<a href=\"http://www.facebook.com/SoTHISIsFitness\">www.facebook.com/SoTHISIsFitness</a>\r\n<a href=\"http://www.instagram.com/snuffydx\">www.instagram.com/snuffydx</a>\r\n<a href=\"http://www.twitter.com/snuffydx\">www.twitter.com/snuffydx</a>\r\nemail me at <a href=\"mailto:Darrell@SoTHISIsFitness.com\">Darrell@SoTHISIsFitness.com</a> with your feedback, questions, concerns &amp; more!\r\n\r\nAnd lastly - please consider taking a moment to rate &amp; review the show. Every single one of those helps us pop up a little higher in search results. Let\'s help others discover the inspiration Katrina, and future guests, will have to share!\r\n\r\n<a href=\"http://50.87.248.94/~sothisj4/podcast\" target=\"_blank\">Check out this episode!</a>','#17 - True Triumph: Katrina White','','inherit','closed','closed','','8-revision-v1','','','2017-01-11 14:33:08','2017-01-11 19:33:08','',8,'http://50.87.248.94/~sothisj4/8-revision-v1/',0,'revision','',0),(134,1,'2016-12-22 11:58:00','2016-12-22 11:58:00','<iframe allowfullscreen=\"\" height=\"90\" mozallowfullscreen=\"\" msallowfullscreen=\"\" oallowfullscreen=\"\" scrolling=\"no\" src=\"//html5-player.libsyn.com/embed/episode/id/4934931/height/90/width/450/theme/custom/autonext/no/thumbnail/yes/autoplay/no/preload/no/no_addthis/no/direction/forward/tdest_id/454656/render-playlist/no/custom-color/ffac1a/\" style=\"border: none;\" webkitallowfullscreen=\"\" width=\"450\"></iframe><br /><a href=\"https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-KRx01vB7hvQ/WFwRlh-ejxI/AAAAAAAArgY/GBIx7I_8e7E-nVy64J7ITH25g1H-lnnYACLcB/s1600/wordswag_1482391383546.jpg\" style=\"clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;\"><img border=\"0\" height=\"319\" src=\"https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-KRx01vB7hvQ/WFwRlh-ejxI/AAAAAAAArgY/GBIx7I_8e7E-nVy64J7ITH25g1H-lnnYACLcB/s320/wordswag_1482391383546.jpg\" width=\"320\" /></a><strong>I continue to be floored &amp; impressed by the people I meet.</strong><br /><br />If you believe the best in humanity, you\'ll encounter it...and that\'s exactly what happened on frigid Millinocket weekend. Katrina is an AMAZING person, someone who\'s story I can only call a True Triumph. I am thrilled to have her on the show to share that story and shine a little light on the hope that awaits every single person out there hoping to make a transformation.<br />There was a lot to cover in this episode...<br /><br /><br /><a name=\'more\'></a><br />I\'m THRILLED to have Katrina on the show!<br /><strong>What\'s in Episode 17?</strong><br />-Life Today for Katrina White<br />-Katrina\'s AMAZING 150 lb weight loss journey<br />-Discovering running, &amp; conquering her first marathon - Millinocket Marathon!<br />-Thought on the journey, attitude, and what others can expect<br />-Inspiring the next generation through Girls On The Run<br />-much more!<br /><br />It was so great to have someone on the show who\'s&nbsp;<em>been there</em>, and keenly understands the struggle...but also knows that just because she lost triple digits doesn\'t mean everyone else needs to. It\'s all relative, as I always say.<br /> <br /> Join Katrina as she shares her story!<br /><br />Find Katrina online:<br />On Facebook (Katrina Brynn White)<br /> On Instagram (@momsrun_strong)<br /><br />And find Girls On The Run at <a href=\"http://www.girlsontherun.org/\">www.GirlsOnTheRun.org</a><br /><br />You can find So THIS Is Fitness online at:<br /><a href=\"http://www.sothisisfitness.com/\">www.SoTHISIsFitness.com</a><br /> <a href=\"http://www.facebook.com/SoTHISIsFitness\">www.facebook.com/SoTHISIsFitness</a><br /><a href=\"http://www.instagram.com/snuffydx\">www.instagram.com/snuffydx</a><br /><a href=\"http://www.twitter.com/snuffydx\">www.twitter.com/snuffydx</a><br />email me at <a href=\"mailto:Darrell@SoTHISIsFitness.com\">Darrell@SoTHISIsFitness.com</a>&nbsp;with your feedback, questions, concerns &amp; more!<br /> <br /> And lastly - please consider taking a moment to rate &amp; review the show. Every single one of those helps us pop up a little higher in search results. Let\'s help others discover the inspiration Katrina, and future guests, will have to share!<br /><br /><a href=\"http://www.sothisisfitness.com/podcast\" target=\"_blank\">Check out this episode!</a>','#17 - True Triumph: Katrina White','','inherit','closed','closed','','8-revision-v1','','','2016-12-22 11:58:00','2016-12-22 11:58:00','',8,'http://50.87.248.94/~sothisj4/?p=134',0,'revision','',0),(9,1,'2016-12-19 13:56:00','2016-12-19 18:56:00','In promoting my podcast, I\'ve been asked a question. The question makes me stop in my tracks, drop my jaw, then remember...I once asked this very same question.\r\n\r\n<b><span style=\"font-size: large;\">What\'s a \"podcast\"?</span></b>\r\n<div>I had no idea what a podcast even WAS, nevermind how to subscribe to a feed or listen to an episode.</div>\r\n<div></div>\r\n<div>\r\n\r\nThere are SO many good podcasts out there with SO many good episodes... We just can\'t leave the masses uninformed! So - here it is...what, exactly, a podcast is, and how to enjoy them in just 5 easy steps!\r\n\r\n</div>\r\n<!--more-->\r\n\r\n<b><span style=\"font-size: large;\">First...What IS a \"podcast\"?</span></b>\r\n<div>\r\n\r\nThe name supposedly came from a combination of \"iPod\" and \"broadcast\". A \"podcast\" is, in short, kind of like a radio show on the internet.\r\n\r\nThere is an INCREDIBLE variety of podcasts \"out there\" and available to you. You\'re able to find podcasts with episodes as short as 15 minutes or as long as 3 hours (or even more)! There are podcasts on any topic you can imagine. Even within your particular interest, there are countless different shows and hosts, all with their own style, approach, and perspective on the subject matter. Comedy, politics, sports, murder mysteries, news, thrillers, dramas and more!\r\n\r\n</div>\r\n<div></div>\r\n<div>And best of all - the newest episodes of your favorite podcasts can automatically download to your device as they\'re released - ready to listen to in the car, during your workout, or whenever you\'d like to listen!</div>\r\n<div></div>\r\n<div>So NATURALLY you\'re wondering...how do I get in on this magic?! It\'s easy, and it only takes 5 steps.</div>\r\n<div></div>\r\n\r\n<hr width=\"80%\" />\r\n\r\n<div><b><span style=\"font-size: large;\"><u>5 Easy Steps To Enjoy A Podcast:</u></span></b></div>\r\n<b><img class=\"size-full wp-image-638 alignright\" src=\"http://sothisisfitness.com/wp-content/uploads/2016/12/Screenshot_20161219-084956-1.png\" alt=\"podcast app examples\" width=\"112\" height=\"200\" />1.) Get An App</b>\r\n<div>\r\n\r\nAn app meant to download and play podcasts is sometimes called a \"podcatcher\", and there are many different \"podcatchers\" out there. Podcast &amp; Radio Addict is my favorite. iPhones and iPads typically come with the \"Podcast\" app preinstalled, but you can choose others if you like. Hop on the App Store and see what you like!\r\n\r\nDon\'t have an iPhone, iPad, or Android phone/tablet? No problem! You can listen on Windows or Mac with a program like iTunes!\r\n\r\n</div>\r\n<div></div>\r\n<div><b>2.) Search &amp; Discover</b></div>\r\n<div>\r\n\r\nNow that you\'ve got a podcatcher... It\'s time to tell it what podcasts to catch!\r\n\r\nFind the \"search\" button/bar/function and type in what you\'re looking for. You can search a topic, genre, person... Whatever you can think of! Better yet, if you know the title of the show (like So THIS Is Fitness) you can search that, too!\r\n\r\nMake sure when you search... your search results show you podcasts, and not just episodes. The iPhone \"Podcasts\" app always seems to default to episodes, not podcasts. Watch out ?\r\n\r\n</div>\r\n<div></div>\r\n<div><b><img class=\"size-medium wp-image-637 alignright\" src=\"http://sothisisfitness.com/wp-content/uploads/2016/12/Screenshot_20161219-084851-1-169x300.png\" alt=\"Podcast subscriptions example\" width=\"169\" height=\"300\" />3.) Subscribe</b></div>\r\n<div>\r\n\r\nYou\'ve found what you want... There it is! Right there- in the search results! Now what?\r\n\r\nWell, hit \"subscribe\", of course! Subscribing to a podcast means that whenever a new episode of that show is published, your podcatcher will automatically download it. It\'ll be ready to listen as soon as you want it, and it\'s already on your device, so it won\'t take up your valuable data allotment by streaming! Once you\'ve subscribed, you can go back and download past episodes too! Hooray!\r\n\r\n</div>\r\n<div></div>\r\n<div><b>4.) Push Play</b>\r\nYou\'ve found them, subscribed, and by now the episodes are downloaded and ready to go! All that remains is to hit play and enjoy. Maybe even put a few episodes into a playlist for hours and hours of entertainment.<b>5.) Rate, Review, &amp; Share</b></div>\r\n<div>\r\n\r\nYou\'ve listened to an episode of a new-to-you show. You liked it. You LOVED it! You can\'t wait to hear more! Don\'t just keep that enjoyment to yourself... Share it!\r\n\r\nFind that podcast on iTunes, Stitcher Radio, Google Play, etc... And give them a rating &amp; review! Positive ratings/reviews help your favorite podcasts show up a little higher in search results, so other people like you can find them just a little bit easier. That\'ll also help them stick around longer, so you can continue to enjoy them! ;)\r\n\r\nAnd be sure to share the podcast with your friends on Facebook, Twitter, Instagram, and by word of mouth! That\'s the best way to share <i>anything</i>, really :)\r\n\r\n</div>\r\n<div>\r\n\r\n<b>Of course - be sure to subscribe to So THIS Is Fitness to get new episodes of the show every Thursday!</b><b><i>Any other questions? Put them right down there in the \"comments\" section!</i></b>\r\n\r\n</div>\r\n&nbsp;','Enjoy A Podcast In 5 Easy Steps!','','publish','open','open','','5stepstopodcast','','','2017-01-29 17:11:20','2017-01-29 22:11:20','',0,'',0,'post','',0),(639,1,'2017-01-14 11:55:59','2017-01-14 16:55:59','In promoting my podcast, I\'ve been asked a question. The question makes me stop in my tracks, drop my jaw, then remember...I once asked this very same question.\r\n\r\n<b><span style=\"font-size: large;\">What\'s a \"podcast\"?</span></b>\r\n<div>I had no idea what a podcast even WAS, nevermind how to subscribe to a feed or listen to an episode.</div>\r\n<div></div>\r\n<div>\r\n\r\nThere are SO many good podcasts out there with SO many good episodes... We just can\'t leave the masses uninformed! So - here it is...what, exactly, a podcast is, and how to enjoy them in just 5 easy steps!\r\n\r\n</div>\r\n<!--more-->\r\n\r\n<b><span style=\"font-size: large;\">First...What IS a \"podcast\"?</span></b>\r\n<div>\r\n\r\nThe name supposedly came from a combination of \"iPod\" and \"broadcast\". A \"podcast\" is, in short, kind of like a radio show on the internet.\r\n\r\nThere is an INCREDIBLE variety of podcasts \"out there\" and available to you. You\'re able to find podcasts with episodes as short as 15 minutes or as long as 3 hours (or even more)! There are podcasts on any topic you can imagine. Even within your particular interest, there are countless different shows and hosts, all with their own style, approach, and perspective on the subject matter. Comedy, politics, sports, murder mysteries, news, thrillers, dramas and more!\r\n\r\n</div>\r\n<div></div>\r\n<div>And best of all - the newest episodes of your favorite podcasts can automatically download to your device as they\'re released - ready to listen to in the car, during your workout, or whenever you\'d like to listen!</div>\r\n<div></div>\r\n<div>So NATURALLY you\'re wondering...how do I get in on this magic?! It\'s easy, and it only takes 5 steps.</div>\r\n<div></div>\r\n\r\n<hr width=\"80%\" />\r\n\r\n<div><b><span style=\"font-size: large;\"><u>5 Easy Steps To Enjoy A Podcast:</u></span></b></div>\r\n<b><img class=\"size-full wp-image-638 alignright\" src=\"http://sothisisfitness.com/wp-content/uploads/2016/12/Screenshot_20161219-084956-1.png\" alt=\"podcast app examples\" width=\"112\" height=\"200\" />1.) Get An App</b>\r\n<div>\r\n\r\nAn app meant to download and play podcasts is sometimes called a \"podcatcher\", and there are many different \"podcatchers\" out there. Podcast &amp; Radio Addict is my favorite. iPhones and iPads typically come with the \"Podcast\" app preinstalled, but you can choose others if you like. Hop on the App Store and see what you like!\r\n\r\nDon\'t have an iPhone, iPad, or Android phone/tablet? No problem! You can listen on Windows or Mac with a program like iTunes!\r\n\r\n</div>\r\n<div></div>\r\n<div><b>2.) Search &amp; Discover</b></div>\r\n<div>\r\n\r\nNow that you\'ve got a podcatcher... It\'s time to tell it what podcasts to catch!\r\n\r\nFind the \"search\" button/bar/function and type in what you\'re looking for. You can search a topic, genre, person... Whatever you can think of! Better yet, if you know the title of the show (like So THIS Is Fitness) you can search that, too!\r\n\r\nMake sure when you search... your search results show you podcasts, and not just episodes. The iPhone \"Podcasts\" app always seems to default to episodes, not podcasts. Watch out ?\r\n\r\n</div>\r\n<div></div>\r\n<div><b><img class=\"size-medium wp-image-637 alignright\" src=\"http://sothisisfitness.com/wp-content/uploads/2016/12/Screenshot_20161219-084851-1-169x300.png\" alt=\"Podcast subscriptions example\" width=\"169\" height=\"300\" />3.) Subscribe</b></div>\r\n<div>\r\n\r\nYou\'ve found what you want... There it is! Right there- in the search results! Now what?\r\n\r\nWell, hit \"subscribe\", of course! Subscribing to a podcast means that whenever a new episode of that show is published, your podcatcher will automatically download it. It\'ll be ready to listen as soon as you want it, and it\'s already on your device, so it won\'t take up your valuable data allotment by streaming! Once you\'ve subscribed, you can go back and download past episodes too! Hooray!\r\n\r\n</div>\r\n<div></div>\r\n<div><b>4.) Push Play</b>\r\nYou\'ve found them, subscribed, and by now the episodes are downloaded and ready to go! All that remains is to hit play and enjoy. Maybe even put a few episodes into a playlist for hours and hours of entertainment.<b>5.) Rate, Review, &amp; Share</b></div>\r\n<div>\r\n\r\nYou\'ve listened to an episode of a new-to-you show. You liked it. You LOVED it! You can\'t wait to hear more! Don\'t just keep that enjoyment to yourself... Share it!\r\n\r\nFind that podcast on iTunes, Stitcher Radio, Google Play, etc... And give them a rating &amp; review! Positive ratings/reviews help your favorite podcasts show up a little higher in search results, so other people like you can find them just a little bit easier. That\'ll also help them stick around longer, so you can continue to enjoy them! ;)\r\n\r\nAnd be sure to share the podcast with your friends on Facebook, Twitter, Instagram, and by word of mouth! That\'s the best way to share <i>anything</i>, really :)\r\n\r\n</div>\r\n<div>\r\n\r\n<b>Of course - be sure to subscribe to So THIS Is Fitness to get new episodes of the show every Thursday!</b><b><i>Any other questions? Put them right down there in the \"comments\" section!</i></b>\r\n\r\n</div>\r\n&nbsp;','Enjoy A Podcast In 5 Easy Steps!','','inherit','closed','closed','','9-revision-v1','','','2017-01-14 11:55:59','2017-01-14 16:55:59','',9,'http://sothisisfitness.com/2017/01/9-revision-v1.html',0,'revision','',0),(197,1,'2017-01-04 11:48:55','2017-01-04 11:48:55','<a style=\"clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;\"><img width=\"250\" height=\"250\" border=\"0\" /></a>In promoting my podcast, I\'ve been asked a question. The question makes me stop in my tracks, drop my jaw, then remember...I once asked this very same question.\r\n\r\n<b><span style=\"font-size: large;\">What\'s a \"podcast\"?</span></b>\r\n<div></div>\r\n<div>I had no idea what a podcast even WAS, nevermind how to subscribe to a feed or listen to an episode.</div>\r\n<div></div>\r\n<div>\r\n\r\nThere are SO many good podcasts out there with SO many good episodes... We just can\'t leave the masses uninformed! So - here it is...what, exactly, a podcast is, and how to enjoy them in just 5 easy steps!\r\n\r\n</div>\r\n<!--more-->\r\n\r\n<b><span style=\"font-size: large;\">First...What IS a \"podcast\"?</span></b>\r\n<div>\r\n\r\nThe name supposedly came from a combination of \"iPod\" and \"broadcast\". A \"podcast\" is, in short, kind of like a radio show on the internet.\r\n\r\nThere is an INCREDIBLE variety of podcasts \"out there\" and available to you. You\'re able to find podcasts with episodes as short as 15 minutes or as long as 3 hours (or even more)! There are podcasts on any topic you can imagine. Even within your particular interest, there are countless different shows and hosts, all with their own style, approach, and perspective on the subject matter. Comedy, politics, sports, murder mysteries, news, thrillers, dramas and more!\r\n\r\n</div>\r\n<div></div>\r\n<div>And best of all - the newest episodes of your favorite podcasts can automatically download to your device as they\'re released - ready to listen to in the car, during your workout, or whenever you\'d like to listen!</div>\r\n<div></div>\r\n<div>So NATURALLY you\'re wondering...how do I get in on this magic?! It\'s easy, and it only takes 5 steps.</div>\r\n<div></div>\r\n\r\n<hr width=\"80%\" />\r\n\r\n<div><b><span style=\"font-size: large;\"><u>5 Easy Steps To Enjoy A Podcast:</u></span></b></div>\r\n<div></div>\r\n<div>\r\n<div style=\"clear: both; text-align: center;\"><a style=\"clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;\"><img width=\"112\" height=\"200\" border=\"0\" /></a></div>\r\n<b>1.) Get An App</b>\r\n\r\n</div>\r\n<div>\r\n\r\nAn app meant to download and play podcasts is sometimes called a \"podcatcher\", and there are many different \"podcatchers\" out there. Podcast &amp; Radio Addict is my favorite. iPhones and iPads typically come with the \"Podcast\" app preinstalled, but you can choose others if you like. Hop on the App Store and see what you like!\r\n\r\nDon\'t have an iPhone, iPad, or Android phone/tablet? No problem! You can listen on Windows or Mac with a program like iTunes!\r\n\r\n</div>\r\n<div></div>\r\n<div><b>2.) Search &amp; Discover</b></div>\r\n<div>\r\n\r\nNow that you\'ve got a podcatcher... It\'s time to tell it what podcasts to catch!\r\n\r\nFind the \"search\" button/bar/function and type in what you\'re looking for. You can search a topic, genre, person... Whatever you can think of! Better yet, if you know the title of the show (like So THIS Is Fitness) you can search that, too!\r\n\r\nMake sure when you search... your search results show you podcasts, and not just episodes. The iPhone \"Podcasts\" app always seems to default to episodes, not podcasts. Watch out ?\r\n\r\n</div>\r\n<div></div>\r\n<div><b>3.) Subscribe</b></div>\r\n<div>\r\n\r\n<a style=\"clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;\"><img width=\"180\" height=\"320\" border=\"0\" /></a>You\'ve found what you want... There it is! Right there- in the search results! Now what?\r\n\r\nWell, hit \"subscribe\", of course! Subscribing to a podcast means that whenever a new episode of that show is published, your podcatcher will automatically download it. It\'ll be ready to listen as soon as you want it, and it\'s already on your device, so it won\'t take up your valuable data allotment by streaming! Once you\'ve subscribed, you can go back and download past episodes too! Hooray!\r\n\r\n</div>\r\n<div></div>\r\n<div><b>4.) Push Play</b>\r\nYou\'ve found them, subscribed, and by now the episodes are downloaded and ready to go! All that remains is to hit play and enjoy. Maybe even put a few episodes into a playlist for hours and hours of entertainment.<b>5.) Rate, Review, &amp; Share</b></div>\r\n<div>\r\n\r\nYou\'ve listened to an episode of a new-to-you show. You liked it. You LOVED it! You can\'t wait to hear more! Don\'t just keep that enjoyment to yourself... Share it!\r\n\r\nFind that podcast on iTunes, Stitcher Radio, Google Play, etc... And give them a rating &amp; review! Positive ratings/reviews help your favorite podcasts show up a little higher in search results, so other people like you can find them just a little bit easier. That\'ll also help them stick around longer, so you can continue to enjoy them! ;)\r\n\r\nAnd be sure to share the podcast with your friends on Facebook, Twitter, Instagram, and by word of mouth! That\'s the best way to share <i>anything</i>, really :)\r\n\r\n</div>\r\n<div>\r\n\r\n<b>Of course - be sure to subscribe to So THIS Is Fitness to get new episodes of the show every Thursday!</b><b><i>Any other questions? Put them right down there in the \"comments\" section!</i></b>\r\n\r\n</div>','Enjoy A Podcast In 5 Easy Steps!','','inherit','closed','closed','','9-revision-v1','','','2017-01-04 11:48:55','2017-01-04 11:48:55','',9,'http://50.87.248.94/~sothisj4/?p=197',0,'revision','',0),(135,1,'2016-12-19 13:56:00','2016-12-19 13:56:00','<a href=\"https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-DVVG25PwzdM/WFflw1DZuXI/AAAAAAAArW0/FFlD-wDezYkzCQSisDHy77q1cpwTNFk7ACLcB/s1600/PhotoGrid_1482155115670.png\" style=\"clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;\"><img border=\"0\" height=\"250\" src=\"https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-DVVG25PwzdM/WFflw1DZuXI/AAAAAAAArW0/FFlD-wDezYkzCQSisDHy77q1cpwTNFk7ACLcB/s320/PhotoGrid_1482155115670.png\" width=\"250\" /></a>In promoting my podcast, I\'ve been asked a question. The question makes me stop in my tracks, drop my jaw, then remember...I once asked this very same question.<br /><br /><b><span style=\"font-size: large;\">What\'s a \"podcast\"?</span></b><br /><div><br /></div><div>I had no idea what a podcast even WAS, nevermind how to subscribe to a feed or listen to an episode.&nbsp;</div><div><br /></div><div>There are SO many good podcasts out there with SO many good episodes... We just can\'t leave the masses uninformed! So - here it is...what, exactly, a podcast is, and how to enjoy them in just 5 easy steps!<br /><br /><a name=\'more\'></a><b><span style=\"font-size: large;\">First...What IS a \"podcast\"?</span></b></div><div><br /></div><div>The name supposedly came from a combination of \"iPod\" and \"broadcast\". A \"podcast\" is, in short, kind of like a radio show on the internet.<br /><br />There is an INCREDIBLE variety of podcasts \"out there\" and available to you. You\'re able to find podcasts with episodes as short as 15 minutes or as long as 3 hours (or even more)! There are podcasts on any topic you can imagine. Even within your particular interest, there are countless different shows and hosts, all with their own style, approach, and perspective on the subject matter. Comedy, politics, sports, murder mysteries, news, thrillers, dramas and more!</div><div><br /></div><div>And best of all - the newest episodes of your favorite podcasts can automatically download to your device as they\'re released - ready to listen to in the car, during your workout, or whenever you\'d like to listen!&nbsp;</div><div><br /></div><div>So NATURALLY you\'re wondering...how do I get in on this magic?! It\'s easy, and it only takes 5 steps.</div><div><br /></div><hr width=\"80%\" /><div><b><span style=\"font-size: large;\"><u>5 Easy Steps To Enjoy A Podcast:</u></span></b></div><div><br /></div><div><div style=\"clear: both; text-align: center;\"><a href=\"https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-hb7i3UOS5iY/WFfmPfXTceI/AAAAAAAArW4/gkL2Zxte6HgimtC_BNFkqyXd7huml31DgCLcB/s1600/Screenshot_20161219-084956.png\" style=\"clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;\"><img border=\"0\" height=\"200\" src=\"https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-hb7i3UOS5iY/WFfmPfXTceI/AAAAAAAArW4/gkL2Zxte6HgimtC_BNFkqyXd7huml31DgCLcB/s200/Screenshot_20161219-084956.png\" width=\"112\" /></a></div><b>1.) Get An App</b></div><div>An app meant to download and play podcasts is sometimes called a \"podcatcher\", and there are many different \"podcatchers\" out there. Podcast &amp; Radio Addict is my favorite. iPhones and iPads typically come with the \"Podcast\" app preinstalled, but you can choose others if you like. Hop on the App Store and see what you like!<br /><br />Don\'t have an iPhone, iPad, or Android phone/tablet? No problem! You can listen on Windows or Mac with a program like iTunes!</div><div><br /></div><div><b>2.) Search &amp; Discover</b></div><div>Now that you\'ve got a podcatcher... It\'s time to tell it what podcasts to catch!<br /><br />Find the \"search\" button/bar/function and type in what you\'re looking for. You can search a topic, genre, person... Whatever you can think of! Better yet, if you know the title of the show (like So THIS Is Fitness) you can search that, too!<br /><br />Make sure when you search... your search results show you podcasts, and not just episodes. The iPhone \"Podcasts\" app always seems to default to episodes, not podcasts. Watch out ?</div><div><br /></div><div><b>3.) Subscribe</b></div><div><a href=\"https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-SP-9aR88-G4/WFfmVvXYEdI/AAAAAAAArW8/zTWGYOtHjgoCqEFxtONaOPAHPL55L6FfwCLcB/s1600/Screenshot_20161219-084851.png\" style=\"clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;\"><img border=\"0\" height=\"320\" src=\"https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-SP-9aR88-G4/WFfmVvXYEdI/AAAAAAAArW8/zTWGYOtHjgoCqEFxtONaOPAHPL55L6FfwCLcB/s320/Screenshot_20161219-084851.png\" width=\"180\" /></a>You\'ve found what you want... There it is! Right there- in the search results! Now what?<br /><br />Well, hit \"subscribe\", of course! Subscribing to a podcast means that whenever a new episode of that show is published, your podcatcher will automatically download it. It\'ll be ready to listen as soon as you want it, and it\'s already on your device, so it won\'t take up your valuable data allotment by streaming! Once you\'ve subscribed, you can go back and download past episodes too! Hooray!</div><div><br /></div><div><b>4.) Push Play</b><br />You\'ve found them, subscribed, and by now the episodes are downloaded and ready to go! All that remains is to hit play and enjoy. Maybe even put a few episodes into a playlist for hours and hours of entertainment.<br /><br /><b>5.) Rate, Review, &amp; Share</b></div><div>You\'ve listened to an episode of a new-to-you show. You liked it. You LOVED it! You can\'t wait to hear more! Don\'t just keep that enjoyment to yourself... Share it!<br /><br />Find that podcast on iTunes, Stitcher Radio, Google Play, etc... And give them a rating &amp; review! Positive ratings/reviews help your favorite podcasts show up a little higher in search results, so other people like you can find them just a little bit easier. That\'ll also help them stick around longer, so you can continue to enjoy them! ;)<br /><br />And be sure to share the podcast with your friends on Facebook, Twitter, Instagram, and by word of mouth! That\'s the best way to share <i>anything</i>, really :)</div><div><br /><b>Of course - be sure to subscribe to So THIS Is Fitness to get new episodes of the show every Thursday!</b><br /><br /><b><i>Any other questions? Put them right down there in the \"comments\" section!</i></b></div>','Enjoy A Podcast In 5 Easy Steps!','','inherit','closed','closed','','9-revision-v1','','','2016-12-19 13:56:00','2016-12-19 13:56:00','',9,'http://50.87.248.94/~sothisj4/?p=135',0,'revision','',0),(10,1,'2016-12-15 11:02:00','2016-12-15 16:02:00','Often times, in life, we think we know what we\'re in for...only to find out we didn\'t really <em>get it</em>. Well, this is one of those times I was 100% shown that I simply <em>did not get it</em> ahead of time. This past weekend Megan and I ventured up to Millinocket, Maine for the Millinocket Marathon...and while I totally thought I had a handle on what was going on...I was dead wrong.\r\n\r\n<iframe style=\"border: none;\" src=\"//html5-player.libsyn.com/embed/episode/id/4915231/height/90/width/450/theme/custom/autonext/no/thumbnail/yes/autoplay/no/preload/no/no_addthis/no/direction/forward/tdest_id/454656/render-playlist/no/custom-color/ffac1a/\" width=\"450\" height=\"90\" scrolling=\"no\" allowfullscreen=\"allowfullscreen\"></iframe>\r\n\r\n<!--more-->\r\n\r\nWe\'ve got a JAM-PACKED episode for you today!\r\n\r\n-We finally get Bryan and Peter of \"How Was Your Run Today?\" on the show\r\n-We chat about Millinocket, small town charm and the lingering haunt of days gone-by\r\n-Chat with a local business owner about the impact of the race\r\n-Chat with the Race Director himself about his vision for the race, why he started it, and where he\'d like to see it go.\r\n\r\nPLEASE visit <a href=\"http://www.howwasyourruntoday.com/\">www.HowWasYourRunToday.com</a> and see all that Bryan and Peter have to offer. Find them on your podcast app of choice and subscribe so you, too, can listen to them each week while you run, work out, or commute to work.\r\n\r\nAlso PLEASE do be sure to visit <a href=\"http://www.crowathletics.com/\">www.crowathletics.com</a> - learn all about the organization the put on this race, as well as the other events they put on!\r\n\r\n<a title=\"REGISTER for the Millinocket Marathon &amp; Half 2017 here!\" href=\"https://www.eventbrite.com/e/millinocket-marathon-and-half-2017-registration-30224398991\" target=\"_blank\">REGISTER for the Marathon &amp; Half here!</a>\r\n\r\nAnd, as always, please do be sure to find me online!\r\n\r\n<a href=\"http://www.sothisisfitness.com\">www.SoTHISIsFitness.com</a>\r\n<a href=\"http://www.facebook.com/SoTHISIsFitness\">www.Facebook.com/SoTHISIsFitness</a>\r\n<a href=\"http://www.instagram.com/SnuffyDX\">www.instagram.com/SnuffyDX</a>\r\n<a href=\"http://www.twitter.com/SnuffyDX\">www.twitter.com/SnuffyDX</a>\r\n\r\nWe\'d just love it if you\'d visit your podcast downloading method of choice (iTunes, Stitcher, Google Play, or other) and leave us a rating &amp; review - that helps us pop up a little higher in search results and helps new listeners find us in the future.\r\n\r\n<a href=\"http://sothisisfitness.libsyn.com/16-millinocket-and-the-golden-road?tdest_id=454656\" target=\"_blank\">Check out this episode!</a>','#16 - Millinocket and The Golden Road','','publish','open','open','','16-millinocket-and-the-golden-road','','','2017-01-14 21:19:42','2017-01-15 02:19:42','',0,'',0,'post','',0),(199,1,'2017-01-04 12:03:17','2017-01-04 12:03:17','<iframe style=\"border: none;\" src=\"//html5-player.libsyn.com/embed/episode/id/4915231/height/90/width/450/theme/custom/autonext/no/thumbnail/yes/autoplay/no/preload/no/no_addthis/no/direction/forward/tdest_id/454656/render-playlist/no/custom-color/ffac1a/\" width=\"450\" height=\"90\" scrolling=\"no\" allowfullscreen=\"allowfullscreen\"></iframe>\r\nOften times, in life, we think we know what we\'re in for...only to find out we didn\'t really <em>get it</em>. Well, this is one of those times I was 100% shown that I simply <em>did not get it</em> ahead of time. This past weekend Megan and I ventured up to Millinocket, Maine for the Millinocket Marathon...and while I totally thought I had a handle on what was going on...I was dead wrong.\r\n\r\n<!--more-->\r\n\r\nWe\'ve got a JAM-PACKED episode for you today!\r\n\r\n-We finally get Bryan and Peter of \"How Was Your Run Today?\" on the show\r\n-We chat about Millinocket, small town charm and the lingering haunt of days gone-by\r\n-Chat with a local business owner about the impact of the race\r\n-Chat with the Race Director himself about his vision for the race, why he started it, and where he\'d like to see it go.\r\n\r\nPLEASE visit <a href=\"http://www.howwasyourruntoday.com/\">www.HowWasYourRunToday.com</a> and see all that Bryan and Peter have to offer. Find them on your podcast app of choice and subscribe so you, too, can listen to them each week while you run, work out, or commute to work.\r\n\r\nAlso PLEASE do be sure to visit <a href=\"http://www.crowathletics.com/\">www.crowathletics.com</a> - learn all about the organization the put on this race, as well as the other events they put on!\r\n\r\n<a title=\"REGISTER for the Millinocket Marathon &amp; Half 2017 here!\" href=\"https://www.eventbrite.com/e/millinocket-marathon-and-half-2017-registration-30224398991\" target=\"_blank\">REGISTER for Millinocket Marathon &amp; Half here!</a>\r\nAnd, as always, please do be sure to find me online!\r\n<a href=\"http://50.87.248.94/~sothisj4/\">www.SoTHISIsFitness.com</a>\r\n<a href=\"http://www.facebook.com/SoTHISIsFitness\">www.Facebook.com/SoTHISIsFitness</a>\r\n<a href=\"http://www.instagram.com/SnuffyDX\">www.instagram.com/SnuffyDX</a>\r\n<a href=\"http://www.twitter.com/SnuffyDX\">www.twitter.com/SnuffyDX</a>\r\n\r\nWe\'d just love it if you\'d visit your podcast downloading method of choice (iTunes, Stitcher, Google Play, or other) and leave us a rating &amp; review - that helps us pop up a little higher in search results and helps new listeners find us in the future.\r\n\r\n<a href=\"http://sothisisfitness.libsyn.com/16-millinocket-and-the-golden-road?tdest_id=454656\" target=\"_blank\">Check out this episode!</a>','#16 - Millinocket and The Golden Road','','inherit','closed','closed','','10-revision-v1','','','2017-01-04 12:03:17','2017-01-04 12:03:17','',10,'http://50.87.248.94/~sothisj4/?p=199',0,'revision','',0),(11,1,'2016-11-18 12:27:00','2016-11-18 17:27:00','<h3><b><span style=\"font-size: large;\">Podcast Ep 13 | Beer + Fitness = Love</span></b></h3>\r\nListen Now! Episode player embedded below.\r\n\r\nIt\'s one of the weirdest team-ups out there...but for some reason beer (well, alcohol in general) and fitness seem to go together just like peanut butter &amp; jelly.\r\n\r\nI, for one, enjoy a good brew every now and then...as does every other Average Joe out there. But there are some questions we should probably be asking before we start chugging away, don\'t you think?\r\n\r\n<!--more-->\r\n\r\nWe\'re not just gonna STOP drinking.\r\n\r\nI acknowledged this long ago. While we may be athletes (and honestly, if you do athletic events and athletic things, you should probably get right with calling yourself an athlete), we\'re not necessarily ELITE athletes. Thus, we can afford to have a beer now and then without worrying we\'re going to lose our edge and miss that 1st place finish at the Olympics.\r\n\r\nWith that under consideration...I ventured back to the Foolproof Brewery to talk to the President of the company - Nick - about all things beer.\r\n\r\nIn This Episode:\r\n\r\n- Foolproof Brewing Company - where it came from &amp; why it\'s so awesome\r\n- What\'s really IN that beer, and how do flavors happen?\r\n- What\'s up with the lack of \"Nutrition Facts\" labels...and what would be ON them?\r\n- Why do Beer &amp; Fitness go together so well?\r\n- What are the real benefits and negative effects? When &amp; how often should I drink?\r\n\r\nVisit Foolproof Brewing Company online at <a href=\"http://www.foolproofbrewing.com\">www.FoolproofBrewing.com</a>\r\n\r\n<iframe style=\"border: none;\" src=\"//html5-player.libsyn.com/embed/episode/id/4843019/height/90/width/500/theme/custom/autonext/no/thumbnail/yes/autoplay/no/preload/no/no_addthis/no/direction/backward/no-cache/true/render-playlist/no/custom-color/f4a906/\" width=\"500\" height=\"90\" scrolling=\"no\" allowfullscreen=\"allowfullscreen\"></iframe>','Podcast Ep. 13 | Beer + Fitness = Love','','publish','open','open','','podcast-ep-13-beer-fitness-love','','','2017-01-14 21:20:36','2017-01-15 02:20:36','',0,'',0,'post','',0),(649,1,'2017-01-14 17:08:08','2017-01-14 22:08:08','<h3><b><span style=\"font-size: large;\">Podcast Ep 13 | Beer + Fitness = Love</span></b></h3>\r\nListen Now! Episode player embedded below.\r\n<div style=\"clear: both; text-align: center;\"></div>\r\nIt\'s one of the weirdest team-ups out there...but for some reason beer (well, alcohol in general) and fitness seem to go together just like peanut butter &amp; jelly.\r\n\r\nI, for one, enjoy a good brew every now and then...as does every other Average Joe out there. But there are some questions we should probably be asking before we start chugging away, don\'t you think?\r\n\r\n<!--more-->\r\n\r\nWe\'re not just gonna STOP drinking.\r\n\r\nI acknowledged this long ago. While we may be athletes (and honestly, if you do athletic events and athletic things, you should probably get right with calling yourself an athlete), we\'re not necessarily ELITE athletes. Thus, we can afford to have a beer now and then without worrying we\'re going to lose our edge and miss that 1st place finish at the Olympics.\r\n\r\nWith that under consideration...I ventured back to the Foolproof Brewery to talk to the President of the company - Nick - about all things beer.\r\n\r\nIn This Episode:\r\n\r\n- Foolproof Brewing Company - where it came from &amp; why it\'s so awesome\r\n- What\'s really IN that beer, and how do flavors happen?\r\n- What\'s up with the lack of \"Nutrition Facts\" labels...and what would be ON them?\r\n- Why do Beer &amp; Fitness go together so well?\r\n- What are the real benefits and negative effects? When &amp; how often should I drink?\r\n\r\nVisit Foolproof Brewing Company online at www.FoolproofBrewing.com\r\n\r\n<iframe style=\"border: none;\" src=\"//html5-player.libsyn.com/embed/episode/id/4843019/height/90/width/500/theme/custom/autonext/no/thumbnail/yes/autoplay/no/preload/no/no_addthis/no/direction/backward/no-cache/true/render-playlist/no/custom-color/f4a906/\" width=\"500\" height=\"90\" scrolling=\"no\" allowfullscreen=\"allowfullscreen\"></iframe>','Podcast Ep. 13 | Beer + Fitness = Love','','inherit','closed','closed','','11-revision-v1','','','2017-01-14 17:08:08','2017-01-14 22:08:08','',11,'http://sothisisfitness.com/2017/01/11-revision-v1.html',0,'revision','',0),(200,1,'2017-01-04 12:05:15','2017-01-04 12:05:15','<b><span style=\"font-size: large;\">Podcast Ep 13 | Beer + Fitness = Love</span></b>\r\nListen Now! Episode player embedded below.\r\n<div style=\"clear: both; text-align: center;\"><a style=\"clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;\"><img src=\"https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-OYapM90aBZA/WC7xEkr0hXI/AAAAAAAAq1c/_6ssWeCOs78vr1V_6zyf82t3_TNaXomiACLcB/s320/wordswag_1479447947247.jpg\" width=\"320\" height=\"318\" border=\"0\" /></a></div>\r\nIt\'s one of the weirdest team-ups out there...but for some reason beer (well, alcohol in general) and fitness seem to go together just like peanut butter &amp; jelly.\r\n\r\nI, for one, enjoy a good brew every now and then...as does every other Average Joe out there. But there are some questions we should probably be asking before we start chugging away, don\'t you think?\r\n\r\n<!--more-->\r\n\r\nWe\'re not just gonna STOP drinking.\r\n\r\nI acknowledged this long ago. While we may be athletes (and honestly, if you do athletic events and athletic things, you should probably get right with calling yourself an athlete), we\'re not necessarily ELITE athletes. Thus, we can afford to have a beer now and then without worrying we\'re going to lose our edge and miss that 1st place finish at the Olympics.\r\n\r\nWith that under consideration...I ventured back to the Foolproof Brewery to talk to the President of the company - Nick - about all things beer.\r\n\r\nIn This Episode:\r\n\r\n- Foolproof Brewing Company - where it came from &amp; why it\'s so awesome\r\n- What\'s really IN that beer, and how do flavors happen?\r\n- What\'s up with the lack of \"Nutrition Facts\" labels...and what would be ON them?\r\n- Why do Beer &amp; Fitness go together so well?\r\n- What are the real benefits and negative effects? When &amp; how often should I drink?\r\n\r\nVisit Foolproof Brewing Company online at www.FoolproofBrewing.com\r\n\r\n<iframe style=\"border: none;\" src=\"//html5-player.libsyn.com/embed/episode/id/4843019/height/90/width/500/theme/custom/autonext/no/thumbnail/yes/autoplay/no/preload/no/no_addthis/no/direction/backward/no-cache/true/render-playlist/no/custom-color/f4a906/\" width=\"500\" height=\"90\" scrolling=\"no\" allowfullscreen=\"allowfullscreen\"></iframe>','Podcast Ep. 13 | Beer + Fitness = Love','','inherit','closed','closed','','11-revision-v1','','','2017-01-04 12:05:15','2017-01-04 12:05:15','',11,'http://50.87.248.94/~sothisj4/?p=200',0,'revision','',0),(137,1,'2016-11-18 12:27:00','2016-11-18 12:27:00','<b><span style=\"font-size: large;\">Podcast Ep 13 | Beer&nbsp;+ Fitness = Love</span></b><br />Listen Now! Episode player embedded below.<br /><div style=\"clear: both; text-align: center;\"><a href=\"https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-OYapM90aBZA/WC7xEkr0hXI/AAAAAAAAq1c/_6ssWeCOs78vr1V_6zyf82t3_TNaXomiACLcB/s1600/wordswag_1479447947247.jpg\" style=\"clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;\"><img border=\"0\" height=\"318\" src=\"https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-OYapM90aBZA/WC7xEkr0hXI/AAAAAAAAq1c/_6ssWeCOs78vr1V_6zyf82t3_TNaXomiACLcB/s320/wordswag_1479447947247.jpg\" width=\"320\" /></a></div><br />It\'s one of the weirdest team-ups out there...but for some reason beer (well, alcohol in general) and fitness seem to go together just like peanut butter &amp; jelly.<br /><br />I, for one, enjoy a good brew every now and then...as does every other Average Joe out there. But there are some questions we should probably be asking before we start chugging away, don\'t you think?<br /><br /><br /><a name=\'more\'></a><br /><br />We\'re not just gonna STOP drinking.<br /><br />I acknowledged this long ago. While we may be athletes (and honestly, if you do athletic events and athletic things, you should probably get right with calling yourself an athlete), we\'re not necessarily ELITE athletes. Thus, we can afford to have a beer now and then without worrying we\'re going to lose our edge and miss that 1st place finish at the Olympics.<br /><br />With that under consideration...I ventured back to the Foolproof Brewery to talk to the President of the company - Nick - about all things beer.<br /><br />In This Episode:<br /><br />- Foolproof Brewing Company - where it came from &amp; why it\'s so awesome<br />- What\'s really IN that beer, and how do flavors happen?<br />- What\'s up with the lack of \"Nutrition Facts\" labels...and what would be ON them?<br />- Why do Beer &amp; Fitness go together so well?<br />- What are the real benefits and negative effects? When &amp; how often should I drink?<br /><br />Visit Foolproof Brewing Company online at www.FoolproofBrewing.com<br /><br /><iframe allowfullscreen=\"\" height=\"90\" mozallowfullscreen=\"\" msallowfullscreen=\"\" oallowfullscreen=\"\" scrolling=\"no\" src=\"//html5-player.libsyn.com/embed/episode/id/4843019/height/90/width/500/theme/custom/autonext/no/thumbnail/yes/autoplay/no/preload/no/no_addthis/no/direction/backward/no-cache/true/render-playlist/no/custom-color/f4a906/\" style=\"border: none;\" webkitallowfullscreen=\"\" width=\"500\"></iframe>','Podcast Ep. 13 | Beer + Fitness = Love','','inherit','closed','closed','','11-revision-v1','','','2016-11-18 12:27:00','2016-11-18 12:27:00','',11,'http://50.87.248.94/~sothisj4/?p=137',0,'revision','',0),(12,1,'2017-01-01 22:24:57','0000-00-00 00:00:00','','Apera - The Last Gym Bag You\'ll Ever Need','','draft','open','open','','','','','2017-01-01 22:24:57','2017-01-01 22:24:57','',0,'',0,'post','',0),(13,1,'2016-11-11 12:41:00','2016-11-11 17:41:00','<b><span style=\"font-size: large;\">Podcast Ep. 12 - Welcome Back, Dingbat.</span></b>\r\n\r\nEvery once in a while the universe has to remind us that yes, we do in fact live in the real world. There are rules you play by, things you do and do not do. Even if you can achieve something as incredible as a 100 mile endurance run finish...a half-marathon can still take you down under the right circumstances (i.e. if you’re being stupid). Simple rules do still apply - they are, after all, RULES.\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n<iframe style=\"border: none;\" src=\"//html5-player.libsyn.com/embed/episode/id/4820941/height/90/width/500/theme/custom/autonext/no/thumbnail/yes/autoplay/no/preload/no/no_addthis/no/direction/backward/no-cache/true/render-playlist/no/custom-color/f4a906/\" width=\"500\" height=\"90\" scrolling=\"no\" allowfullscreen=\"allowfullscreen\"></iframe>\r\n<!--more-->\r\n\r\n<b><i>It can never just be easy, can it?</i></b>\r\n\r\nHaving just totally slacked off and \"recovered\" for 2 weeks post-100 miler....I decided it was time to get back in the game. I signed up for and ran the South Shore Half-Marathon. Normally, this would\'ve been a great idea. Too bad I didn\'t do that whole \"recovery\" thing correctly... Plenty of favors I DIDN\'T do myself prior to the 100, too, that made this whole process a bit more challenging than it needed to be. Lessons learned and reality once again found, It\'s time to look ahead.\r\n\r\nNow that I\'ve come out the other side of my big 100 miler goal...and learned some valuable lessons...it’s time to figure out the big question...<b>now what?</b> It\'s a lot to think about, a lot to consider, and some big things have to get figured out so the little ones can fall into place. Join me as I talk about avoiding PMS (not what you think), keeping your mind right, and working with what your body gives you.\r\n<div style=\"clear: both; text-align: center;\"><a style=\"margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;\"><img width=\"320\" height=\"319\" border=\"0\" /></a></div>\r\nThe So THIS Is Fitness podcast is a proud part of the <a href=\"http://www.athleteonfire.com/\" target=\"_blank\">Athlete On Fire network</a>.','Podcast Ep. 12 - Welcome Back, Dingbat','','publish','open','open','','podcast-ep-12-welcome-back-dingbat','','','2017-01-14 21:20:47','2017-01-15 02:20:47','',0,'',0,'post','',0),(201,1,'2017-01-04 12:06:56','2017-01-04 12:06:56','<b><span style=\"font-size: large;\">Podcast Ep. 12 - Welcome Back, Dingbat.</span></b>\r\n\r\n<iframe style=\"border: none;\" src=\"//html5-player.libsyn.com/embed/episode/id/4820941/height/90/width/500/theme/custom/autonext/no/thumbnail/yes/autoplay/no/preload/no/no_addthis/no/direction/backward/no-cache/true/render-playlist/no/custom-color/f4a906/\" width=\"500\" height=\"90\" scrolling=\"no\" allowfullscreen=\"allowfullscreen\"></iframe>\r\n\r\nEvery once in a while the universe has to remind us that yes, we do in fact live in the real world. There are rules you play by, things you do and do not do. Even if you can achieve something as incredible as a 100 mile endurance run finish...a half-marathon can still take you down under the right circumstances (i.e. if you’re being stupid). Simple rules do still apply - they are, after all, RULES.\r\n\r\n<!--more-->\r\n\r\n<b><i>It can never just be easy, can it?</i></b>\r\n\r\nHaving just totally slacked off and \"recovered\" for 2 weeks post-100 miler....I decided it was time to get back in the game. I signed up for and ran the South Shore Half-Marathon. Normally, this would\'ve been a great idea. Too bad I didn\'t do that whole \"recovery\" thing correctly... Plenty of favors I DIDN\'T do myself prior to the 100, too, that made this whole process a bit more challenging than it needed to be. Lessons learned and reality once again found, It\'s time to look ahead.\r\n\r\nNow that I\'ve come out the other side of my big 100 miler goal...and learned some valuable lessons...it’s time to figure out the big question...<b>now what?</b> It\'s a lot to think about, a lot to consider, and some big things have to get figured out so the little ones can fall into place. Join me as I talk about avoiding PMS (not what you think), keeping your mind right, and working with what your body gives you.\r\n<div style=\"clear: both; text-align: center;\"><a style=\"margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;\"><img width=\"320\" height=\"319\" border=\"0\" /></a></div>\r\nThe So THIS Is Fitness podcast is a proud part of the <a href=\"http://www.athleteonfire.com/\" target=\"_blank\">Athlete On Fire network</a>.','Podcast Ep. 12 - Welcome Back, Dingbat','','inherit','closed','closed','','13-revision-v1','','','2017-01-04 12:06:56','2017-01-04 12:06:56','',13,'http://50.87.248.94/~sothisj4/?p=201',0,'revision','',0),(139,1,'2016-11-11 12:41:00','2016-11-11 12:41:00','<b><span style=\"font-size: large;\">Podcast Ep. 12 - Welcome Back, Dingbat.</span></b><br /><br /><iframe allowfullscreen=\"\" height=\"90\" mozallowfullscreen=\"\" msallowfullscreen=\"\" oallowfullscreen=\"\" scrolling=\"no\" src=\"//html5-player.libsyn.com/embed/episode/id/4820941/height/90/width/500/theme/custom/autonext/no/thumbnail/yes/autoplay/no/preload/no/no_addthis/no/direction/backward/no-cache/true/render-playlist/no/custom-color/f4a906/\" style=\"border: none;\" webkitallowfullscreen=\"\" width=\"500\"></iframe><br /><br />Every once in a while the universe has to remind us that yes, we do in fact live in the real world. There are rules you play by, things you do and do not do. Even if you can achieve something as incredible as a 100 mile endurance run finish...a half-marathon can still take you down under the right circumstances (i.e. if you’re being stupid). Simple rules do still apply - they are, after all, RULES.<br /><br /><a name=\'more\'></a><br /><b><i>It can never just be easy, can it?</i></b><br /><br />Having just totally slacked off and \"recovered\" for 2 weeks post-100 miler....I decided it was time to get back in the game. I signed up for and ran the South Shore Half-Marathon. Normally, this would\'ve been a great idea. Too bad I didn\'t do that whole \"recovery\" thing correctly... Plenty of favors I DIDN\'T do myself prior to the 100, too, that made this whole process a bit more challenging than it needed to be. Lessons learned and reality once again found, It\'s time to look ahead.<br /><br />Now that I\'ve come out the other side of my big 100 miler goal...and learned some valuable lessons...it’s time to figure out the big question...<b>now what?</b>&nbsp;It\'s a lot to think about, a lot to consider, and some big things have to get figured out so the little ones can fall into place. Join me as I talk about avoiding PMS (not what you think), keeping your mind right, and working with what your body gives you.<br /><br /><div style=\"clear: both; text-align: center;\"><a href=\"https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-7iwqB3zM9Bk/WCW8EDf00pI/AAAAAAAAqvA/iaOYw92e38QgLOFayrYirKJ451PKSnxcACLcB/s1600/wordswag_1478866652153.jpg\" style=\"margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;\"><img border=\"0\" height=\"319\" src=\"https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-7iwqB3zM9Bk/WCW8EDf00pI/AAAAAAAAqvA/iaOYw92e38QgLOFayrYirKJ451PKSnxcACLcB/s320/wordswag_1478866652153.jpg\" width=\"320\" /></a></div><br /><br />The So THIS Is Fitness podcast is a proud part of the <a href=\"http://www.athleteonfire.com/\" target=\"_blank\">Athlete On Fire network</a>.','Podcast Ep. 12 - Welcome Back, Dingbat','','inherit','closed','closed','','13-revision-v1','','','2016-11-11 12:41:00','2016-11-11 12:41:00','',13,'http://50.87.248.94/~sothisj4/?p=139',0,'revision','',0),(14,1,'2016-11-04 20:27:00','2016-11-05 00:27:00','<h3><span style=\"font-size: large;\"><b>So THIS Is Fitness - Podcast </b></span><span style=\"font-size: large;\"><b>Episode 11: The Best Is Yet To Come</b></span></h3>\r\nFrankly...I\'m still in disbelief. It\'s still surreal. I still haven\'t FULLY processed exactly what it is that happened at the Ghost Train Rail Trail Race...\r\n\r\n<iframe style=\"border: none;\" src=\"//html5-player.libsyn.com/embed/episode/id/4803051/height/90/width/500/theme/custom/autonext/no/thumbnail/yes/autoplay/no/preload/no/no_addthis/no/direction/backward/no-cache/true/render-playlist/no/custom-color/f4a906/\" width=\"500\" height=\"90\" scrolling=\"no\" allowfullscreen=\"allowfullscreen\"></iframe>\r\n<!--more-->\r\n\r\n<i>I ran 100 miles. I was on my feet for 29 hours. ...people...don\'t DO that...</i>\r\n<i>\r\n</i>And yet here I am. <b>I did</b>. I\'ll probably be trying to wrap my head around it for a while. They say running an ultramarathon you learn a lot about yourself, and you see the world differently. Completing, or even participating in...an endurance run of THIS magnitude...<i>yeah. they\'re right. <u>It does.</u></i>\r\n<i><u>\r\n</u></i>So let\'s chat a minute about exactly what the deal is here.\r\n<i>\r\n</i><b><i>Episode Breakdown:</i></b>\r\n<i>-Origins of the 100 mile endurance run</i>\r\n<i>-100 miler stats, facts, &amp; numbers</i>\r\n<i>-\"Try It On\"\r\n-Ghost Train Rail Trail race breakdown &amp; event recap\r\n-Thoughts...and lessons learned...</i>\r\n<i>\r\nBIG THANKS to Cape Cod Nutrition Corner for sponsoring me into this season of events and making this whole thing possible.</i>\r\n\r\nSubscribe to the \"Athlete On Fire\" podcast to get episodes of So THIS Is Fitness! STIF is a proud part of the Athlete On Fire network!','Podcast Ep. 11 - The Best Is Yet To Come','','publish','open','open','','podcast-ep-11-the-best-is-yet-to-come','','','2017-01-18 07:32:44','2017-01-18 12:32:44','',0,'',0,'post','',0),(202,1,'2017-01-04 12:07:52','2017-01-04 12:07:52','<span style=\"font-size: large;\"><b>So THIS Is Fitness - Podcast</b></span>\r\n<span style=\"font-size: large;\"><b>Episode 11: The Best Is Yet To Come</b></span>\r\n\r\n<iframe style=\"border: none;\" src=\"//html5-player.libsyn.com/embed/episode/id/4803051/height/90/width/500/theme/custom/autonext/no/thumbnail/yes/autoplay/no/preload/no/no_addthis/no/direction/backward/no-cache/true/render-playlist/no/custom-color/f4a906/\" width=\"500\" height=\"90\" scrolling=\"no\" allowfullscreen=\"allowfullscreen\"></iframe>\r\n\r\nFrankly...I\'m still in disbelief. It\'s still surreal. I still haven\'t FULLY processed exactly what it is that happened at the Ghost Train Rail Trail Race...\r\n\r\n<!--more-->\r\n\r\n<i>I ran 100 miles. I was on my feet for 29 hours. ...people...don\'t DO that...</i>\r\n<i>\r\n</i>And yet here I am. <b>I did</b>. I\'ll probably be trying to wrap my head around it for a while. They say running an ultramarathon you learn a lot about yourself, and you see the world differently. Completing, or even participating in...an endurance run of THIS magnitude...<i>yeah. they\'re right. <u>It does.</u></i>\r\n<i><u>\r\n</u></i>So let\'s chat a minute about exactly what the deal is here.\r\n<i>\r\n</i><b><i>Episode Breakdown:</i></b>\r\n<i>-Origins of the 100 mile endurance run</i>\r\n<i>-100 miler stats, facts, &amp; numbers</i>\r\n<i>-\"Try It On\"\r\n-Ghost Train Rail Trail race breakdown &amp; event recap\r\n-Thoughts...and lessons learned...</i>\r\n<i>\r\nBIG THANKS to Cape Cod Nutrition Corner for sponsoring me into this season of events and making this whole thing possible.</i>\r\n\r\nSubscribe to the \"Athlete On Fire\" podcast to get episodes of So THIS Is Fitness! STIF is a proud part of the Athlete On Fire network!','Podcast Ep. 11 - The Best Is Yet To Come','','inherit','closed','closed','','14-revision-v1','','','2017-01-04 12:07:52','2017-01-04 12:07:52','',14,'http://50.87.248.94/~sothisj4/?p=202',0,'revision','',0),(15,1,'2017-01-01 22:24:58','0000-00-00 00:00:00','<iframe allowfullscreen=\"\" height=\"90\" mozallowfullscreen=\"\" msallowfullscreen=\"\" oallowfullscreen=\"\" scrolling=\"no\" src=\"//html5-player.libsyn.com/embed/episode/id/4753108/height/90/width/500/theme/custom/autonext/no/thumbnail/yes/autoplay/no/preload/no/no_addthis/no/direction/backward/no-cache/true/render-playlist/no/custom-color/f4bb06/\" style=\"border: none;\" webkitallowfullscreen=\"\" width=\"500\"></iframe><br /><br /><div dir=\"ltr\" style=\"line-height: 1.38; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;\"><span style=\"white-space: pre-wrap;\"><span style=\"font-family: inherit;\"><b><span style=\"font-size: large;\">Things don\'t always go according to plan</span></b></span></span><br /><span style=\"white-space: pre-wrap;\"><span style=\"font-family: inherit;\"><br /></span></span><span style=\"white-space: pre-wrap;\"><span style=\"font-family: inherit;\">...when the ceiling comes crashing down on you, it can be tough to find the drive to keep on plowing forward and sticking to the plan. When conditions are less than ideal, it\'s up to us to hunker down, toughen up, and make up the difference from within ourselves.&nbsp;</span></span></div><div dir=\"ltr\" style=\"line-height: 1.38; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;\"><span style=\"white-space: pre-wrap;\"><span style=\"font-family: inherit;\"><br /></span></span></div><div dir=\"ltr\" style=\"line-height: 1.38; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;\"><span style=\"white-space: pre-wrap;\"><span style=\"font-family: inherit;\">Last weekend, for Megan, Darrell, and hundreds of people running the Newport Marathon...was most certainly NOT ideal. Darrell recaps what exactly went down, how things went wrong, and marvels at the pure drive, determination, and commitment of these brave souls.&nbsp;</span></span></div><div dir=\"ltr\" style=\"line-height: 1.38; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;\"><br /></div><div dir=\"ltr\" style=\"line-height: 1.38; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;\"><br /></div>','\"Less Than Ideal...\" (STIF Podcast Episode 9)','','draft','open','open','','','','','2017-01-01 22:24:58','2017-01-01 22:24:58','',0,'',0,'post','',0),(16,1,'2016-09-01 12:58:00','2016-09-01 16:58:00','<h2><b>I am genuinely impressed.</b></h2>\r\nWhen I first tried Puroast Coffee I think there were only three flavors. Now they have quite the variety...and I have to say - it was pretty exciting, as coffee goes, to try the new flavors as they came out. Every coffee roaster out there has their own array of flavors, some boasting a veritable <i>arsenal </i>of them. Many are passable, most need sugar to unlock the actual \"flavor\" of it...and some are downright awful, leaving a nasty aftertaste from the syrups used to create flavor.\r\n<h3><b>Puroast\'s flavors, however, are different.</b></h3>\r\n<b><a href=\"http://sothisisfitness.com/2015/08/coffee-the-way-its-meant-to-be-puroast-review.html\" target=\"_blank\">As I\'ve made clear before:</a> </b>if you\'re not drinking Puroast, you\'re doing yourself a disservice. As trivial as it may sound to the casual coffee drinker... <b>not all coffee is created equally</b>, ESPECIALLY flavored coffee. How-so, you ask? <i>Oh let me count the ways...</i>\r\n\r\n<!--more-->\r\n<h3><b>It\'s no secret I\'m a big Puroast Coffee fan</b></h3>\r\nIf you follow this blog, you may have seen <a href=\"http://sothisisfitness.com/2015/08/coffee-the-way-its-meant-to-be-puroast-review.html\" target=\"_blank\">my Puroast review</a> a while back. The short version is - I ran into them at an obstacle course race (Battlefrog New England) and was super impressed. I stayed in touch, obtained some coffee samples (they had espresso, not coffee, on site), and did a review. To say the review was <i>positively glowing...</i> would be an understatement.\r\n\r\n<b>Coffee is my spirit animal</b>...and Puroast just stands head and shoulders above the rest.\r\n\r\nI was SO over the moon, as a matter of fact, that after my initial product review I had a long chat with their founder and became a Puroast ambassador/athlete of sorts. At the end of the day, aside from the occasional Dunk\'s hot or iced hazelnut...I just can\'t go back to other coffees. <i>Puroast has ruined me for other coffees</i>. It\'s honestly that good. It\'s like Puroast is the One Ring and I\'m freakin\' Golum. <b>I could go on for days...instead <a href=\"http://sothisisfitness.com/2015/08/coffee-the-way-its-meant-to-be-puroast-review.html\" target=\"_blank\">go read my Puroast review</a>.</b>\r\n\r\n*ahem*...<i>sorry, I was drooling for a second there...</i>\r\n<i>\r\n</i><b>SO... as part of that ambassadorship</b> I had the opportunity to try just about every flavor they offer. I honestly have not run into one I didn\'t like.\r\n\r\n<hr width=\"40%\" />\r\n\r\n<span style=\"font-size: large;\"><b>\"Roasts\"</b></span>\r\n\r\nSo, some of these \"flavors\" aren\'t really \"flavors\" like you might think. Instead, they\'re different <i>roasts</i>...and yes, they\'re just as different from each other as hazelnut is from vanilla.\r\n\r\n<b>Dark French Roast</b>\r\n\r\nI smell the coffee - both the unbrewed grounds and a brewed cup. Puroast\'s Dark French Roast has a great, deep, rich smell. Not burnt, like some dark roasts. <i>Deep. </i>It has a taste to match. It\'s rich, full-bodied, and dark as night...without being bitter. <b>I know, we\'ve established Puroast isn\'t bitter</b>...but sometimes in flavors where you kind of <i>expect</i> some bitterness...it still catches me off-guard.\r\n<b>\r\n</b><b>Dark Guatemalan Roast</b>\r\n<b>\r\n</b>The Dark Guatemalan Roast is very similar to the Dark French Roast...but it\'s a bit smokier. I NEVER in a million years would\'ve been able <i>to tell the difference between dark roasts</i> before Puroast.\r\n\r\n<em>Sorry</em><i> I\'m not sorry..</i>.I sound like a broken record, but there it is. The low acidity and lack of bitterness strikes again, allowing me to detect flavors...<i>and enjoy flavors</i>...that I have never been able to detect and enjoy before in a cup of coffee.\r\n<b>\r\n</b><b>Espresso Roast</b>\r\n\r\nI happen to be drinking Espresso Roast right now. This flavor always reminds me of when I first ran into Puroast, as it was their espresso I (unknowingly) tried first. Like, ACTUAL espresso...so smooth I thought it was coffee. Their Espresso Roast is very similar - very smooth, not offensive or bitter as you might expect espresso to be. Definitely a full-bodied profile - the \"true\" taste of espresso is able to shine through.\r\n\r\n<span style=\"font-size: large;\"><b>\"Flavors\"</b></span>\r\n\r\n<b>These are what you expect when you hear \"flavored\".</b> They are very different from each other, VERY different from the various \"dark roasts\" Puroast offers, but they are all VERY tasty. Puroast prefers to use natural flavorings. They blend in these flavors after roasting, when the bean is \"open\" and more receptive to infusion. Once the process is done they do a rigorous taste test, of course, to ensure the finished flavored coffees are nothing but the best.\r\n<b>\r\n</b><b>Chocolate Almond</b>\r\n\r\nI was pretty impressed with the depth of flavor I got out of this one. Puroast Chocolate Almond is a very light brew...not just color...it\'s just not a <b>heavy</b> coffee...if that makes sense. There\'s a subtle semi-sweetness of chocolate to it, which...<i>with the lack of bitterness</i>...you\'re able to get. Also...you almost get the dryness of a raw almond, with overtones of roasted almond. <i style=\"font-weight: bold;\">Imagine that</i>...a \"chocolate almond\" flavor that ACTUALLY tastes like chocolate and almond. I think I\'m in love.\r\n\r\n<b>Mistletoe Mocha</b>\r\n\r\nThis was another I really wish I could\'ve made last longer. Mistletoe Mocha had a subtle chocolate bitterness - not bitterness like coffee bitterness, more like the bitterness of a dark or semi-sweet chocolate. This flavor wrapped that pure chocolatey goodness up with a warm, medium body. I\'d like another, please.\r\n\r\n<b>Toasted Chestnut</b>\r\nVery light flavor - a sweet nutty smell hits you first, then a subtle nutty flavor. The warm, full flavor of the chestnut comes through later on the back of your palate. A nice treat for the holiday season.\r\n<b>\r\n</b><b>Vanilla Nut</b>\r\nIn keeping with the theme of most of their flavored roasts, Vanilla Nut was very subtle and light on the palate. You definitely got a bit of a sweet vanilla taste - a bit more gentle than most \"french vanilla\" coffees you find.\r\n<b>\r\n</b><b>Bourbon Pecan Torte</b>\r\nThis was actually the first Puroast coffee variety I ever tried. Sweet smell right out of the package, as if there\'s an actual pastry hiding inside! The scent after brewing is incredibly similar. Light to medium body, again...very easy on the palate. Aptly named, as it does taste like a rich bourbon pecan torte in your cup. Well Done!\r\n<b>\r\n</b><b>Hazelnut</b>\r\n<b>\r\n</b>I find I often judge coffee companies on their ability to execute a good hazelnut. Not like it\'s the one true coffee flavor to measure all coffee brands by...it just happens to be my favorite, so if you can\'t hack it I\'m probably going to dismiss you as a whole (whether that\'s fair or not). I am happy to report, Puroast nailed it. Their hazelnut has a great subtle, gentle, nutty hazelnut flavor. Not overpowering, but definitely there...just right. It\'s very light on the palate, I\'d call it light body, not quite medium. I could drink this all day.\r\n<b>\r\n</b><b>Nutcracker Sweet</b>\r\nLight bodied and gentle on the palate. It does have a hint of nuttiness to it, but I\'m not sure I\'d call it \"sweet\". A tasty &amp; pleasant brew nonetheless.\r\n\r\n<hr width=\"40%\" />\r\n\r\n<div style=\"text-align: center;\"><b>So WHAT ARE YOU WAITING FOR?!</b></div>\r\n<div style=\"text-align: center;\"></div>\r\n<div style=\"text-align: center;\">Run, don\'t walk, to the supermarket (or...<a href=\"http://puroast.com/\">The Puroast Website</a>) and pick one up!</div>\r\n<div style=\"text-align: center;\">Beat the urge to stay in bed.</div>\r\n<div style=\"text-align: center;\">What\'s YOUR favorite flavor?</div>\r\n<div style=\"clear: both; text-align: center;\"><a style=\"margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;\" href=\"https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-1n7Gg_p7zXk/V8glEm1DIKI/AAAAAAAApOA/eI3xU3KWrAIpzySDs5e6jlGNz6F-iqudQCKgB/s1600/IMG_20160228_071810.jpg\"><img src=\"https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-1n7Gg_p7zXk/V8glEm1DIKI/AAAAAAAApOA/eI3xU3KWrAIpzySDs5e6jlGNz6F-iqudQCKgB/s320/IMG_20160228_071810.jpg\" width=\"240\" height=\"320\" border=\"0\" /></a></div>\r\n&nbsp;','Flavor Round-Up - Puroast Coffee','','publish','open','open','','flavor-round-up-puroast-coffee','','','2017-01-21 08:53:11','2017-01-21 13:53:11','',0,'',0,'post','',0),(584,1,'2017-01-14 00:49:46','2017-01-14 05:49:46','<h2><b>I am genuinely impressed.</b></h2>\r\nWhen I first tried Puroast Coffee I think there were only three flavors. Now they have quite the variety...and I have to say - it was pretty exciting, as coffee goes, to try the new flavors as they came out. Every coffee roaster out there has their own array of flavors, some boasting a veritable <i>arsenal </i>of them. Many are passable, most need sugar to unlock the actual \"flavor\" of it...and some are downright awful, leaving a nasty aftertaste from the syrups used to create flavor.\r\n<h3><b>Puroast\'s flavors, however, are different.</b></h3>\r\n<b><a href=\"http://50.87.248.94/~sothisj4/?p=36\" target=\"_blank\">As I\'ve made clear before:</a> </b>if you\'re not drinking Puroast, you\'re doing yourself a disservice. As trivial as it may sound to the casual coffee drinker... <b>not all coffee is created equally</b>, ESPECIALLY flavored coffee. How-so, you ask? <i>Oh let me count the ways...</i>\r\n\r\n<!--more-->\r\n<h3><b>It\'s no secret I\'m a big Puroast Coffee fan</b></h3>\r\nIf you follow this blog, you may have seen <a href=\"http://50.87.248.94/~sothisj4/?p=36\" target=\"_blank\">my Puroast review</a> a while back. The short version is - I ran into them at an obstacle course race (Battlefrog New England) and was super impressed. I stayed in touch, obtained some coffee samples (they had espresso, not coffee, on site), and did a review. To say the review was <i>positively glowing...</i> would be an understatement.\r\n\r\n<b>Coffee is my spirit animal</b>...and Puroast just stands head and shoulders above the rest.\r\n\r\nI was SO over the moon, as a matter of fact, that after my initial product review I had a long chat with their founder and became a Puroast ambassador/athlete of sorts. At the end of the day, aside from the occasional Dunk\'s hot or iced hazelnut...I just can\'t go back to other coffees. <i>Puroast has ruined me for other coffees</i>. It\'s honestly that good. It\'s like Puroast is the One Ring and I\'m freakin\' Golum. <b>I could go on for days...instead <a href=\"http://50.87.248.94/~sothisj4/?p=36\" target=\"_blank\">go read my Puroast review</a>.</b>\r\n\r\n*ahem*...<i>sorry, I was drooling for a second there...</i>\r\n<i>\r\n</i><b>SO... as part of that ambassadorship</b> I had the opportunity to try just about every flavor they offer. I honestly have not run into one I didn\'t like.\r\n\r\n<hr width=\"40%\" />\r\n\r\n<span style=\"font-size: large;\"><b>\"Roasts\"</b></span>\r\n\r\nSo, some of these \"flavors\" aren\'t really \"flavors\" like you might think. Instead, they\'re different <i>roasts</i>...and yes, they\'re just as different from each other as hazelnut is from vanilla.\r\n\r\n<b>Dark French Roast</b>\r\n\r\nI smell the coffee - both the unbrewed grounds and a brewed cup. Puroast\'s Dark French Roast has a great, deep, rich smell. Not burnt, like some dark roasts. <i>Deep. </i>It has a taste to match. It\'s rich, full-bodied, and dark as night...without being bitter. <b>I know, we\'ve established Puroast isn\'t bitter</b>...but sometimes in flavors where you kind of <i>expect</i> some bitterness...it still catches me off-guard.\r\n<b>\r\n</b><b>Dark Guatemalan Roast</b>\r\n<b>\r\n</b>The Dark Guatemalan Roast is very similar to the Dark French Roast...but it\'s a bit smokier. I NEVER in a million years would\'ve been able <i>to tell the difference between dark roasts</i> before Puroast.\r\n\r\nI know, <i>sorry I\'m not sorry...I sound like a broken record</i>, but there it is. The low acidity and lack of bitterness strikes again, allowing me to detect flavors...<i>and enjoy flavors</i>...that I have never been able to detect and enjoy before in a cup of coffee.\r\n<b>\r\n</b><b>Espresso Roast</b>\r\n\r\nI happen to be drinking Espresso Roast right now. This flavor always reminds me of when I first ran into Puroast, as it was their espresso I (unknowingly) tried first. Like, ACTUAL espresso...so smooth I thought it was coffee. Their Espresso Roast is very similar - very smooth, not offensive or bitter as you might expect espresso to be. Definitely a full-bodied profile - the \"true\" taste of espresso is able to shine through.\r\n\r\n<span style=\"font-size: large;\"><b>\"Flavors\"</b></span>\r\n\r\n<b>These are what you expect when you hear \"flavored\".</b> They are very different from each other, VERY different from the various \"dark roasts\" Puroast offers, but they are all VERY tasty. Puroast prefers to use natural flavorings. They blend in these flavors after roasting, when the bean is \"open\" and more receptive to infusion. Once the process is done they do a rigorous taste test, of course, to ensure the finished flavored coffees are nothing but the best.\r\n<b>\r\n</b><b>Chocolate Almond</b>\r\n\r\nI was pretty impressed with the depth of flavor I got out of this one. Puroast Chocolate Almond is a very light brew...not just color...it\'s just not a <b>heavy</b> coffee...if that makes sense. There\'s a subtle semi-sweetness of chocolate to it, which...<i>with the lack of bitterness</i>...you\'re able to get. Also...you almost get the dryness of a raw almond, with overtones of roasted almond. <i style=\"font-weight: bold;\">Imagine that</i>...a \"chocolate almond\" flavor that ACTUALLY tastes like chocolate and almond. I think I\'m in love.\r\n\r\n<b>Mistletoe Mocha</b>\r\n\r\nThis was another I really wish I could\'ve made last longer. Mistletoe Mocha had a subtle chocolate bitterness - not bitterness like coffee bitterness, more like the bitterness of a dark or semi-sweet chocolate. This flavor wrapped that pure chocolatey goodness up with a warm, medium body. I\'d like another, please.\r\n\r\n<b>Toasted Chestnut</b>\r\nVery light flavor - a sweet nutty smell hits you first, then a subtle nutty flavor. The warm, full flavor of the chestnut comes through later on the back of your palate. A nice treat for the holiday season.\r\n<b>\r\n</b><b>Vanilla Nut</b>\r\nIn keeping with the theme of most of their flavored roasts, Vanilla Nut was very subtle and light on the palate. You definitely got a bit of a sweet vanilla taste - a bit more gentle than most \"french vanilla\" coffees you find.\r\n<b>\r\n</b><b>Bourbon Pecan Torte</b>\r\nThis was actually the first Puroast coffee variety I ever tried. Sweet smell right out of the package, as if there\'s an actual pastry hiding inside! The scent after brewing is incredibly similar. Light to medium body, again...very easy on the palate. Aptly named, as it does taste like a rich bourbon pecan torte in your cup. Well Done!\r\n<b>\r\n</b><b>Hazelnut</b>\r\n<b>\r\n</b>I find I often judge coffee companies on their ability to execute a good hazelnut. Not like it\'s the one true coffee flavor to measure all coffee brands by...it just happens to be my favorite, so if you can\'t hack it I\'m probably going to dismiss you as a whole (whether that\'s fair or not). I am happy to report, Puroast nailed it. Their hazelnut has a great subtle, gentle, nutty hazelnut flavor. Not overpowering, but definitely there...just right. It\'s very light on the palate, I\'d call it light body, not quite medium. I could drink this all day.\r\n<b>\r\n</b><b>Nutcracker Sweet</b>\r\nLight bodied and gentle on the palate. It does have a hint of nuttiness to it, but I\'m not sure I\'d call it \"sweet\". A tasty &amp; pleasant brew nonetheless.\r\n\r\n<hr width=\"40%\" />\r\n\r\n<div style=\"text-align: center;\"><b>So WHAT ARE YOU WAITING FOR?!</b></div>\r\n<div style=\"text-align: center;\"></div>\r\n<div style=\"text-align: center;\">Run, don\'t walk, to the supermarket (or...<a href=\"http://puroast.com/\">The Puroast Website</a>) and pick one up!</div>\r\n<div style=\"text-align: center;\">Beat the urge to stay in bed.</div>\r\n<div style=\"text-align: center;\">What\'s YOUR favorite flavor?</div>\r\n<div style=\"clear: both; text-align: center;\"><a style=\"margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;\" href=\"https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-1n7Gg_p7zXk/V8glEm1DIKI/AAAAAAAApOA/eI3xU3KWrAIpzySDs5e6jlGNz6F-iqudQCKgB/s1600/IMG_20160228_071810.jpg\"><img src=\"https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-1n7Gg_p7zXk/V8glEm1DIKI/AAAAAAAApOA/eI3xU3KWrAIpzySDs5e6jlGNz6F-iqudQCKgB/s320/IMG_20160228_071810.jpg\" width=\"240\" height=\"320\" border=\"0\" /></a></div>\r\n&nbsp;','Flavor Round-Up - Puroast Coffee','','inherit','closed','closed','','16-revision-v1','','','2017-01-14 00:49:46','2017-01-14 05:49:46','',16,'http://sothisisfitness.com/2017/01/16-revision-v1.html',0,'revision','',0),(142,1,'2016-09-01 12:58:00','2016-09-01 12:58:00','<div style=\"clear: both; text-align: center;\"><a href=\"https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-9-VJSo7-B0Q/V8gjFpiW-8I/AAAAAAAApN0/GwcFmVcE66QnEmqEvlQbfE3BdiBPSjj8wCKgB/s1600/IMG_20160821_182203.jpg\" style=\"clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;\"><img border=\"0\" height=\"320\" src=\"https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-9-VJSo7-B0Q/V8gjFpiW-8I/AAAAAAAApN0/GwcFmVcE66QnEmqEvlQbfE3BdiBPSjj8wCKgB/s320/IMG_20160821_182203.jpg\" width=\"320\" /></a></div><b><span style=\"font-size: large;\">I am genuinely impressed.</span></b><br /><div><br /></div><div>When I first tried Puroast Coffee I think there were only three flavors. Now they have quite the variety...and I have to say - it was pretty exciting, as coffee goes, to try the new flavors as they came out. Every coffee roaster out there has their own array of flavors, some boasting a veritable <i>arsenal </i>of them. Many are passable, most need sugar to unlock the actual \"flavor\" of it...and some are downright awful, leaving a nasty aftertaste from the syrups used to create flavor.<br /><br /><b><span style=\"font-size: large;\">Puroast\'s flavors, however, are different.</span></b><br /><br /><b><a href=\"http://www.sothisisfitness.com/2015/08/coffeethe-way-its-meant-to-be-puroast.html\" target=\"_blank\">As I\'ve made clear before:</a> </b>if you\'re not drinking Puroast, you\'re doing yourself a disservice. As trivial as it may sound to the casual coffee drinker...&nbsp;<b>not all coffee is created equally</b>, ESPECIALLY flavored coffee. How-so, you ask?&nbsp;<i>Oh let me count the ways...</i><br /><a name=\'more\'></a><br /><span style=\"font-size: large;\"><b>It\'s no secret I\'m a big Puroast fan</b></span><br /><i><br /></i>If you follow this blog, you may have seen <a href=\"http://www.sothisisfitness.com/2015/08/coffeethe-way-its-meant-to-be-puroast.html\" target=\"_blank\">my Puroast Coffee review</a> a while back. The short version is - I ran into them at an obstacle course race (Battlefrog New England) and was super impressed. I stayed in touch, obtained some coffee samples (they had espresso, not coffee, on site), and did a review. To say the review was <i>positively glowing...</i>&nbsp;would be an understatement.<br /><br /><b>Coffee is my spirit animal</b>...and Puroast just stands head and shoulders above the rest.<br /><br />I was SO over the moon, as a matter of fact, that after my initial product review I had a long chat with their founder and became a Puroast ambassador/athlete of sorts. At the end of the day, aside from the occasional Dunk\'s hot or iced hazelnut...I just can\'t go back to other coffees. <i>Puroast has ruined me for other coffees</i>. It\'s honestly that good. It\'s like Puroast is the One Ring and I\'m freakin\' Golum.&nbsp;<b>I could go on for days...instead <a href=\"http://www.sothisisfitness.com/2015/08/coffeethe-way-its-meant-to-be-puroast.html\" target=\"_blank\">go read my Puroast review</a>.</b><br /><br />*ahem*...<i>sorry, I was drooling for a second there...</i><br /><i><br /></i><b>SO... as part of that ambassadorship</b>&nbsp;I had the opportunity to try just about every flavor they offer. I honestly have not run into one I didn\'t like.<br /><br /><hr width=\"40%\" /><br /><span style=\"font-size: large;\"><b>\"Roasts\"</b></span><br /><br />So, some of these \"flavors\" aren\'t really \"flavors\" like you might think. Instead, they\'re different <i>roasts</i>...and yes, they\'re just as different from each other as hazelnut is from vanilla.<br /><br /><b>Dark French Roast</b><br /><br />I smell the coffee - both the unbrewed grounds and a brewed cup. Puroast\'s Dark French Roast has a great, deep, rich smell. Not burnt, like some dark roasts. <i>Deep. </i>It has a taste to match. It\'s rich, full-bodied, and dark as night...without being bitter. <b>I know, we\'ve established Puroast isn\'t bitter</b>...but sometimes in flavors where you kind of <i>expect</i>&nbsp;some bitterness...it still catches me off-guard.<br /><b><br /></b><b>Dark Guatemalan Roast</b><br /><b><br /></b>The Dark Guatemalan Roast is very similar to the Dark French Roast...but it\'s a bit smokier. I NEVER in a million years would\'ve been able <i>to tell the difference between dark roasts</i>&nbsp;before Puroast.<br /><br />I know, <i>sorry I\'m not sorry...I sound like a broken record</i>, but there it is. The low acidity and lack of bitterness strikes again, allowing me to detect flavors...<i>and enjoy flavors</i>...that I have never been able to detect and enjoy before in a cup of coffee.<br /><b><br /></b><b>Espresso Roast</b><br /><br />I happen to be drinking Espresso Roast right now. This flavor always reminds me of when I first ran into Puroast, as it was their espresso I (unknowingly) tried first. Like, ACTUAL espresso...so smooth I thought it was coffee. Their Espresso Roast is very similar - very smooth, not offensive or bitter as you might expect espresso to be. Definitely a full-bodied profile - the \"true\" taste of espresso is able to shine through.<br /><br /><span style=\"font-size: large;\"><b>\"Flavors\"</b></span><br /><br /><b>These are what you expect when you hear \"flavored\".</b>&nbsp;They are very different from each other, VERY different from the various \"dark roasts\" Puroast offers, but they are all VERY tasty. Puroast prefers to use natural flavorings. They blend in these flavors after roasting, when the bean is \"open\" and more receptive to infusion. Once the process is done they do a rigorous taste test, of course, to ensure the finished flavored coffees are nothing but the best.<br /><b><br /></b><b>Chocolate Almond</b><br /><br />I was pretty impressed with the depth of flavor I got out of this one. Puroast Chocolate Almond is a very light brew...not just color...it\'s just not a <b>heavy</b>&nbsp;coffee...if that makes sense. There\'s a subtle semi-sweetness of chocolate to it, which...<i>with the lack of bitterness</i>...you\'re able to get. Also...you almost get the dryness of a raw almond, with overtones of roasted almond. <i style=\"font-weight: bold;\">Imagine that</i>...a \"chocolate almond\" flavor that ACTUALLY tastes like chocolate and almond. I think I\'m in love.<br /><br /><b>Mistletoe Mocha</b><br /><br />This was another I really wish I could\'ve made last longer. Mistletoe Mocha had a subtle chocolate bitterness - not bitterness like coffee bitterness, more like the bitterness of a dark or semi-sweet chocolate. This flavor wrapped that pure chocolatey goodness up with a warm, medium body. I\'d like another, please.<br /><br /><b>Toasted Chestnut</b><br />Very light flavor - a sweet nutty smell hits you first, then a subtle nutty flavor. The warm, full flavor of the chestnut comes through later on the back of your palate. A nice treat for the holiday season.<br /><b><br /></b><b>Vanilla Nut</b><br />In keeping with the theme of most of their flavored roasts, Vanilla Nut was very subtle and light on the palate. You definitely got a bit of a sweet vanilla taste - a bit more gentle than most \"french vanilla\" coffees you find.<br /><b><br /></b><b>Bourbon Pecan Torte</b><br />This was actually the first Puroast coffee variety I ever tried. Sweet smell right out of the package, as if there\'s an actual pastry hiding inside! The scent after brewing is incredibly similar. Light to medium body, again...very easy on the palate. Aptly named, as it does taste like a rich bourbon pecan torte in your cup. Well Done!<br /><b><br /></b><b>Hazelnut</b><br /><b><br /></b>I find I often judge coffee companies on their ability to execute a good hazelnut. Not like it\'s the one true coffee flavor to measure all coffee brands by...it just happens to be my favorite, so if you can\'t hack it I\'m probably going to dismiss you as a whole (whether that\'s fair or not). I am happy to report, Puroast nailed it. Their hazelnut has a great subtle, gentle, nutty hazelnut flavor. Not overpowering, but definitely there...just right. It\'s very light on the palate, I\'d call it light body, not quite medium. I could drink this all day.<br /><b><br /></b><b>Nutcracker Sweet</b><br />Light bodied and gentle on the palate. It does have a hint of nuttiness to it, but I\'m not sure I\'d call it \"sweet\". A tasty &amp; pleasant brew nonetheless.<br /><br /><hr width=\"40%\" /><br /><br /><div style=\"text-align: center;\"><b>So WHAT ARE YOU WAITING FOR?!</b></div><div style=\"text-align: center;\"><br /></div><div style=\"text-align: center;\">Run, don\'t walk, to the supermarket (or...<a href=\"http://puroast.com/\">Puroast.com</a>) and pick one up!&nbsp;</div><div style=\"text-align: center;\">Beat the urge to stay in bed.&nbsp;</div><div style=\"text-align: center;\">What\'s YOUR favorite flavor?</div><br /><br /><div style=\"clear: both; text-align: center;\"><a href=\"https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-1n7Gg_p7zXk/V8glEm1DIKI/AAAAAAAApOA/eI3xU3KWrAIpzySDs5e6jlGNz6F-iqudQCKgB/s1600/IMG_20160228_071810.jpg\" style=\"margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;\"><img border=\"0\" height=\"320\" src=\"https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-1n7Gg_p7zXk/V8glEm1DIKI/AAAAAAAApOA/eI3xU3KWrAIpzySDs5e6jlGNz6F-iqudQCKgB/s320/IMG_20160228_071810.jpg\" width=\"240\" /></a></div></div>','Flavor Round-Up - Puroast Coffee','','inherit','closed','closed','','16-revision-v1','','','2016-09-01 12:58:00','2016-09-01 12:58:00','',16,'http://50.87.248.94/~sothisj4/?p=142',0,'revision','',0),(17,1,'2017-01-01 22:25:01','0000-00-00 00:00:00','<div><span style=\"font-size: large;\"><b>I work at a gym.</b></span></div><div><br /></div><div>Working at a gym, it\'s very unprofessional to bash other gyms. Despite that, plenty of gym employees do it. I truly think my gym is the best one in the area (for many reasons) and that it sells itself, so I\'ve never felt compelled to bash others. <b>There is one establishment, however, I cannot deal with.</b></div><div><b><br /></b></div><div><u style=\"font-weight: bold;\">One. Facility.</u>&nbsp;That I could ever really feel the need to vehemently and vigorously speak about. It is because their entire business model...frankly, everything about them...is built on hypocrisy, lies, and <b>their members\'&nbsp;failure.</b></div><div><b><br /></b></div><div><b>Today I want to talk about the five UNFORGIVABLE hypocrisies of <u>Planet Fitness</u>.</b></div><div><br /><a name=\'more\'></a><br /><br /><br /></div><div><br /></div>','The 5 Unforgivable Hypocrisies Of Planet Fitness','','draft','open','open','','','','','2017-01-01 22:25:01','2017-01-01 22:25:01','',0,'',0,'post','',0),(18,1,'2017-01-01 22:25:12','0000-00-00 00:00:00','<span style=\"font-size: large;\"><b>I\'ve run a lot of road races.&nbsp;</b></span><div><br /></div><div>I\'m not bragging, it\'s just a fact. In 2014 alone I did just shy of 40 races (and would\'ve done more if I hadn\'t <a href=\"http://50.87.248.94/~sothisj4/?p=62\" target=\"_blank\">broken my knee</a>). I\'ve run in my state and others. Road, trail, mountain, OCR...\"big races\", local \"little guys\", and everything in between. Some are terrible, many are good, some are GREAT.<br /><br />And one proves itself to be the best, to me, year after year.&nbsp;</div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div>Almost two years ago I put together criteria for what makes a great race - <a href=\"http://50.87.248.94/~sothisj4/?p=54\" target=\"_blank\">\"5 Keys To A Great Race\"</a>, I called it. Narragansett Summer Running Festival nails it in all 5.&nbsp;</div><div><br /></div><div><b><u>Post-Race</u></b></div><div>It\'s funny, as I refresh myself on what exactly each of those 5 categories entailed...I used a picture from \'Gansett for the \"Post-Race\" category.&nbsp;</div>','My Absolute Favorite Race - \'Gansett Summer','','draft','open','open','','','','','2017-01-01 22:25:12','2017-01-01 22:25:12','',0,'',0,'post','',0),(194,1,'2017-01-04 00:07:30','2017-01-04 00:07:30','<iframe style=\"border: none;\" src=\"//html5-player.libsyn.com/embed/episode/id/4948397/height/90/width/450/theme/custom/autonext/no/thumbnail/yes/autoplay/no/preload/no/no_addthis/no/direction/forward/tdest_id/454656/render-playlist/no/custom-color/ffac1a/\" width=\"450\" height=\"90\" scrolling=\"no\" allowfullscreen=\"allowfullscreen\"></iframe>\r\n\r\n<img src=\"https://assets.libsyn.com/secure/show/91043/wordswag_1482994002896.jpg\" alt=\"\" width=\"300\" height=\"300\" align=\"right\" />\r\n\r\n<em>(Apologies for the double-publish...technical difficulties earlier)\r\n</em>\r\nThere\'s just not enough time in the day (or in the podcast) sometimes. So many things to talk about... Well, today I cover three BIG things! Two of them I cover REALLY well! One is...well...just tough to talk about with saying the same thing everyone else has already said.\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n<span style=\"font-size: 12pt;\"><strong>The spotlight here is...The New England Spahtens.</strong></span>\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nWho, what, why, and how. And more, of course :) And I\'ve got Paul Jones to tell me allllll about it.\r\n\r\n<!--more-->\r\n\r\nHot off the heels of their big win in Mud Run Guide\'s \"Best Of\" OCR awards, I interview Paul Jones, the de facto face of the New England Spahtens! We get into:\r\n\r\n-OCR, and its roots\r\n-The growth of OCR, emergence of the \"Big 3\", and rise/fall of the \"little guys\"\r\n-The origins of The New England Spahtens, and where it is today\r\n-What \"community\" really means...and what it looks like\r\n\r\nIf you\'re interested in checking out the Spahtens, and maybe becoming a part of their crowd, visit the links below! Also, be sure to listen to The NE Spahtens Show. That\'s their podcast, and I assure you, it\'s lovely.\r\n\r\nvisit join.nespahtens.com for all the links you could want!\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nAfter the interview...I get into a bit about...well...New Year\'s Resolutions. because...well...why wouldn\'t I, right? I just can\'t help myself.\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nPlease do find me at:\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n<a href=\"http://50.87.248.94/~sothisj4/\">www.SoTHISIsFitness.com</a>\r\n\r\n<a href=\"http://www.facebook.com/SoTHISIsFitness\">www.Facebook.com/SoTHISIsFitness</a>\r\n\r\n<a href=\"http://www.instagram.com/snuffydx\">www.instagram.com/snuffydx</a>\r\n\r\n<a href=\"http://www.twitter.com/snuffydx\">www.twitter.com/snuffydx</a>\r\n\r\nSearch \"So THIS Is Fitness\" on iTunes or your favorite podcast listening app. Be sure to SUBSCRIBE, not just download one episode :)\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nAnd if you like the show, please consider giving us a rating and review on iTunes (or your podcast source of choice). Every little bit helps us pop up higher in search results and get found just a little bit easier.\r\n\r\nLastly, please don\'t be shy - EMAIL ME! <a href=\"mailto:Darrell@SoTHISIsFitness.com\">Darrell@SoTHISIsFitness.com</a>. I LOVE feedback, would love your questions, comments, or just a \"hey, liked the show!\".\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n<a href=\"http://50.87.248.94/~sothisj4/podcast\" target=\"_blank\">Check out this episode!</a>','#18 - The New England Spahtens, OCR, & A New Year','','inherit','closed','closed','','7-revision-v1','','','2017-01-04 00:07:30','2017-01-04 00:07:30','',7,'http://50.87.248.94/~sothisj4/?p=194',0,'revision','',0),(19,1,'2017-01-01 22:25:01','0000-00-00 00:00:00','<span style=\"font-size: large;\"><b>The struggle is real.</b></span><br /><br />Headphones and I have, historically, had a love/hate relationship. I <b>love</b> listening to things while I run, be it music, podcasts, or what have you...and they seem to <b>hate</b>&nbsp;staying in my ears. Really, it\'s quite the symbiosis we\'ve got going on.<br /><br />I have been through cheap $9 Black Friday throw-aways and I\'ve had the expensive, high-end $150 bluetooth masterpieces...and there\'s always <b style=\"font-style: italic;\">SOMETHING</b>&nbsp;wrong with them.<br /><br />And finally. <b>FINALLY</b>. I think I\'ve found the one.<br /><a name=\'more\'></a><span style=\"font-size: large;\"><b>It was totally by chance, too.</b></span><br /><br />I\'m one of those guys that LOVES to wander the race expo (when there is one). I like to check out the vendors, the new and exciting \"stuff\" they\'re demo-ing, the apparel, accessories and nutrition I\'m not gonna buy, and the free samples of delicious &amp; nutritious \"stuff\".<br /><b><br /></b><b>As a Falmouth, MA resident</b>, I\'m fortunate enough to have easy entry into the Falmouth Road Race (a 7-ish mile seaside road race you should ABSOLUTELY do if you have the opportunity). At last summer\'s Falmouth Road Race expo I happened upon a booth offering up yet another new pair of headphones. These, however, I recognized - I had seen these promoted on Facebook (guess that works, huh?). Now they\'re in front of me. <i>Now I\'m&nbsp;intrigued.</i><br /><br /><span style=\"font-size: large;\"><b>So, naturally, I chatted the guy up.</b></span><br /><br />I tried a pair out standing there (they always sound great during the controlled on-site demo), and I learned a bit about them. We exchanged business cards and stayed in touch, and after a little back and forth I had a pair of these headphones in my hand to field test and review. After having used them for MANY months, for MANY kinds of workouts and events, I am <b>pleased</b>&nbsp;to say...well, they\'re just fantastic.<br /><br /><span style=\"font-size: large;\"><b>What makes a great pair of headphones?</b></span><br /><br /><b><u>FIT IS CRITICAL.</u>&nbsp;</b><br /><br />It doesn\'t matter how amazing your headphones sound...if they don\'t sit and stay in/on your ears properly you\'re never going to hear that amazingness. I could go on for days...<u style=\"font-weight: bold;\">yes</u>, fit is that important. At least for me, over-the-ear headphones are much too cumbersome for running or gym workouts, so I\'m left picking through the multitudes of ear buds available.<br /><br /><b><u>Wired vs. Wireless</u></b><br /><b><u><br /></u></b>Honestly, this one is really personal preference. Both have their pros and cons. I, personally, have not seen proof that wireless prevents optimal sound quality, so it\'s really up to you whether or not you want to potentially spend a little more for the convenience of no* wires and perhaps remote controls. I prefer bluetooth/wireless. <i>That\'s just me.</i><br /><i><br /></i><b><u>Battery Life/Connection</u></b><br /><b><u><br /></u></b>Having great sound quality and a perfect fit don\'t do you much good if they won\'t connect and STAY connected, or if the battery dies after 2 hours. Make sure your chosen headphones, if you pick bluetooth, have a solid, reliable, easy connection and at least 4 - 5 hours of music-listening battery life (phone calls will drain it faster).<br /><br /><b><u>Sound Quality!</u></b><br /><br />All of this is kind of a moot point if your headphones sound like a dying cat. You want crisp highs, deep, rich lows, and a solid midrange to tie it together. You would think that\'s a no-brainer...but many companies out there pumping out mediocre products profit off of you not caring about that point.<br /><br /><span style=\"font-size: large;\"><b>So how does Reverb\'s ActiveX stack up?</b></span><br /><br /><i>*Disclosure - in case you missed it earlier, I was provided with the product for review. I was not compensated in any way. As always, my opinion is my own, never bought or sold.*</i><br /><br />Honestly, I\'m pretty impressed. The ActiveX is doing a lot of things very right.<br /><br /><b><u>Fit</u></b><br /><b><u><br /></u></b>The horseshoe design Reverb uses for the ActiveX makes it damn near impossible for these to fall out of your ears, which...at least for me...is half the battle won already. They include three sizes of silicone eartips to ensure proper fit inside your ear (medium worked fine for me).<br /><br /><b><u>Battery Life</u></b><br /><br /><b><u>Bluetooth Connection</u></b><br /><br /><b><u>Controls/Buttons</u></b><br /><br /><b><u>Sound Quality</u></b><br /><b><u><br /></u></b><br />','The Headphones \"Holy Grail\" - Reverb ActiveX','','draft','open','open','','','','','2017-01-01 22:25:01','2017-01-01 22:25:01','',0,'',0,'post','',0),(20,1,'2016-06-15 10:48:00','2016-06-15 14:48:00','<div><span style=\"font-size: large;\"><b>It still hasn\'t sunk in.</b></span></div><div><br /></div><div><div style=\"clear: both; text-align: center;\"><a href=\"https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-6rx2FNuxaDY/V2EuJx75oUI/AAAAAAAAmqc/wkSgtUIh6PwvynJgdHiN2OFlHYuI9DMFQCKgB/s1600/PhotoGrid_1464514429103.jpg\" style=\"clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;\"><img border=\"0\" height=\"200\" src=\"https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-6rx2FNuxaDY/V2EuJx75oUI/AAAAAAAAmqc/wkSgtUIh6PwvynJgdHiN2OFlHYuI9DMFQCKgB/s200/PhotoGrid_1464514429103.jpg\" width=\"200\" /></a></div><i>I ran a 50 mile ultramarathon...</i></div><div><i><br /></i></div><div><b><i>Wow.</i></b>&nbsp;Honestly I\'m still in disbelief. Of...like...the whole thing.</div><div><br /></div><div>I learned a lot during Pineland 50...both about myself and about life in general. I know, that sounds corny, cheesy, and painfully cliche...but it is what it is.</div><div><br />I\'ve been pretty lazy for the last two weeks (yikes)...it\'s about time I get back on it, get back into \"training mode\", and finally put together this race report.<br /><br />And gee willy, what a race report it is...<br /><br /><a name=\'more\'></a><span style=\"font-size: large;\"><b>OK, so I embellished a little...</b></span></div><div><br /></div><div>It\'s a race report like any other. Except... it\'s for an <i style=\"font-weight: bold;\">Ultramarathon</i>...so that makes it...special? <i>I don\'t know, just grasping at straws here trying to continue feeling like a unicorn.</i><br /><i><br /></i></div><div>Know what, screw that, <b>of course I still feel special</b>, and rightly so. One more time...&nbsp;</div><div><br /></div><div><b>50 miles.</b></div><div><b><br /></b></div><div>*ahem* Sorry guys...my \"entitled millenial\" was showing. <i>I\'m done now. really...</i></div><div><br /></div><div>According to my buddy Dave (an avid marathoner), at the end of the day it was actually a pretty challenging course. So let\'s talk about THAT... since I\'m sure that\'s what most of you are really here for. <i>(That and my charming wit, obviously)</i></div><div><br /></div><div><span style=\"font-size: large;\"><b>Pineland - A lovely weekend on the farm</b></span><br /><span style=\"font-size: large;\"><b><br /></b></span></div><div><a href=\"http://www.pinelandtrails.com/\" target=\"_blank\">The Salomon Trail Running Festival at Pineland Farms</a> (<a href=\"https://www.facebook.com/pinelandtrails\" target=\"_blank\">Pineland</a> for short) takes place at <i>(you guessed it) </i>Pineland Farms and&nbsp;has 7 races over 2 days. Saturday features a 5K, Barefoot 5K, Canicross 5K (5k with your dog), and 10K. Sunday features the distance runs - 25K, 50K, and 50 Mile.<br /><br />I have no real experience with the Saturday course - rather than run it, I was working as one of the event timers with RaceWire that day. What I CAN tell you is the weather was positively <b>OPPRESSIVE</b>&nbsp;that day. &nbsp;It was SUPER hot, SUPER humid, the sun was beating down, and apparently there was some sort of \"ozone warning\"? I don\'t even know what that is. Conditions were so bad that the 10K course was almost cut in half and some health officials would\'ve probably been just as happy if the Saturday events just...got called off. I\'m glad they didn\'t - if I were a runner I would\'ve been PISSED at that...leave the choice to ME (which they did...downgrades were encouraged).<br /><br />For the most part it seemed like everyone had a pretty good time on Saturday, and it was kinda fun to see people running a race with their dogs.<br /><br /><span style=\"font-size: large;\"><b>And then came Sunday...</b></span><br /><br /><a href=\"https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-XsxmSMMFr4A/V16r44VVo6I/AAAAAAAAmmU/EDAKm-kFKwARL_bE52XdFnUpjnxY2KUrwCKgB/s1600/20160529_060009.jpg\" style=\"clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;\"><img border=\"0\" height=\"240\" src=\"https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-XsxmSMMFr4A/V16r44VVo6I/AAAAAAAAmmU/EDAKm-kFKwARL_bE52XdFnUpjnxY2KUrwCKgB/s320/20160529_060009.jpg\" width=\"320\" /></a>Started my day off <i>strong</i>...with a freaking 2:30 am wake-up. While I might not have been working as a timer Sunday...my wife still was. So at 2:30 am up she was, and so was I. By 3:15 we (and the other timers) had left the hotel and were on-site by 3:30. I took some time to wake up, acclimate, and <a href=\"http://sothisisfitness.com/2016/05/ultramarathons-understanding-why.html\" target=\"_blank\">blog some final pre-race thoughts</a>.<br /><br />It was surreal...just like it always is before a new distance. Mom and Dad (my crew) showed up at 5 AM just as instructed, and we went over the packet, aid station plan, and pace chart one more time. Then 6 AM came...and off I went.<br /><br /><b style=\"font-size: x-large;\">A Course So Nice You\'ll Do It Thrice!</b><br /><br /><i>I spared the aid station volunteers (and my support crew) from that OBVIOUS joke on race day, don\'t worry.</i><br /><div style=\"clear: both; text-align: center;\"><a href=\"https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-8m_R18QnShs/V16riGBx7gI/AAAAAAAAmmM/cYrKQxGxhkML4YJR0uMsTA8gMsa-BWrAACLcB/s1600/pineland%2B50%2Bmap.JPG\" style=\"margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;\"><img border=\"0\" height=\"306\" src=\"https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-8m_R18QnShs/V16riGBx7gI/AAAAAAAAmmM/cYrKQxGxhkML4YJR0uMsTA8gMsa-BWrAACLcB/s400/pineland%2B50%2Bmap.JPG\" width=\"400\" /></a></div>One of the things I liked about this course was how it was easy to mentally (and visually) break it up. I kind of split the course into \"The Grove Side\" and \"The Far Side\" (or \"The Yurt Side\").<br /><br />The way the course was laid out, you hit aid stations multiple times - a total of 8 aid station stops on the 25K course. This was another (much appreciated) way to mentally break down the course into bite-size chunks.<br /><br />So that\'s a 25K course - 50K runners did that twice and 50 Milers (me) did that 3 times plus a 3ish mile loop beforehand.<br /><br /><span style=\"font-size: large;\"><b>Ultra-long distance breeds...new challenges...</b></span><br /><br />The course didn\'t look too bad on paper...but man...<i>those rolling hills will get you.&nbsp;</i><br /><div style=\"clear: both; text-align: center;\"><a href=\"https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-BI3by3pyUME/V16uGUQwd7I/AAAAAAAAmnE/OGUwBSqzxyw1W5d1SXkOVJwcw1OjnIlxwCKgB/s1600/PhotoGrid_1465822715567.jpg\" style=\"margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;\"><img border=\"0\" height=\"320\" src=\"https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-BI3by3pyUME/V16uGUQwd7I/AAAAAAAAmnE/OGUwBSqzxyw1W5d1SXkOVJwcw1OjnIlxwCKgB/s320/PhotoGrid_1465822715567.jpg\" width=\"320\" /></a></div><a href=\"https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-vIJNpGTN_Ko/V16u-L5WLSI/AAAAAAAAmnU/VfU5yd353IU2k0TqBlHGwP5FHmaf0DNDgCKgB/s1600/Screenshot_20160613-090047.png\" style=\"clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;\"><img border=\"0\" height=\"320\" src=\"https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-vIJNpGTN_Ko/V16u-L5WLSI/AAAAAAAAmnU/VfU5yd353IU2k0TqBlHGwP5FHmaf0DNDgCKgB/s320/Screenshot_20160613-090047.png\" width=\"180\" /></a><b>Yeah...</b>didn\'t think it\'d add up like that beforehand. Had this only been a marathon <i>(I can\'t believe I just said that)</i>&nbsp;it might\'ve been more manageable... but&nbsp;when you\'re talking such a long distance EVERYTHING adds up. Including GPS watch fluctuations/issues.<br /><i><br /></i><i style=\"font-weight: bold;\">THAT&nbsp;</i>was more than a little obnoxious. I know I covered 50 miles, but between typical GPS watch \"non-exactness\" and my not running down the exact middle of the course the whole time...over the course of 50 miles I lost about .7 on my gps log. boo. <b>Let\'s be clear here</b>&nbsp;<i>(mostly for myself)...</i><b style=\"font-style: italic;\">I ran THE WHOLE 50 GOD DAMNED MILES. </b>Stupid gps...<br /><br />The course itself certainly did have its challenges - in addition to those rolling hills there were some sections of the course I absolutely DESPISED - not because they weren\'t good...because they were freaking hard to run on (especially 40 miles in).<br /><br /><b>For the life of me, I can\'t remember where it was</b>&nbsp;beyond just \"halfway through The Yurt Side\" of the loop...but there were parts of the course that went on the edges of farm fields, and the trail was sloped down and to the left. It sucked to run on. And with distance...comes compounded suck (the third lap of that was brutal).<br /><br />It was also kind of tough running through the thick field grass for some stretches...like running through an unmowed-lawn-on-steroids. Every time I was getting a little \"ugh\" about the course and the challenge, though, there would be an aid station or the festival area...and I\'d perk up a bit.<br /><br /><span style=\"font-size: large;\"><b>Course support was pretty stellar</b></span><br /><br />Honestly, if push came to shove... you COULD totally run this race without crew or probably even a freaking waistpack/vest. <i>I don\'t recommend it...but the point remains...</i>&nbsp;The aid stations were practically a runner\'s buffet, and you basically never went more than 3 miles without hitting one. I\'m talking boiled potatoes, chips, pretzels, chocolate, nuts, candy, water/gatorate/soda, pickles, pickle <i>juice</i>, pb &amp; j...sweet lord they had it all! Except bacon. <i>Slackers.</i><br /><i><br /></i><b>And I would be remiss if I didn\'t mention MY course support.</b><br /><a href=\"https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-pXHO4QWvv04/UkJWoEZkrcI/AAAAAAAABx4/MvwYwpAAlg0JLhGfVXI5b8Yg2zU1b1zBwCKgB/s1600/ccnclogo.jpg\" style=\"clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;\"><img border=\"0\" height=\"151\" src=\"https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-pXHO4QWvv04/UkJWoEZkrcI/AAAAAAAABx4/MvwYwpAAlg0JLhGfVXI5b8Yg2zU1b1zBwCKgB/s200/ccnclogo.jpg\" width=\"200\" /></a><br /><b>First off </b>- <a href=\"https://www.facebook.com/CapeCodNutritionCorner.Plymouth\" target=\"_blank\">Cape Cod Nutrition Corner</a>. If it weren\'t for them I wouldn\'t have been able to do any of this in the first place. They sponsored me into the races and all the supplements/hydration I used during training and on race day came from them. They\'re the reason I can do Ghost Train 100, too! I\'m proud to run as a Team CCNC Sponsored Athlete...their only runner, and CERTAINLY their only ULTRArunner :)<br /><br /><a href=\"https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-XLzPt-tllJU/V2CRaL6YfLI/AAAAAAAAmp8/WAe23V46DRgadszH3BQfYdYDzvN7hbiLwCLcB/s1600/ads-78983-1443884053.73.png\" style=\"clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;\"><img border=\"0\" height=\"166\" src=\"https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-XLzPt-tllJU/V2CRaL6YfLI/AAAAAAAAmp8/WAe23V46DRgadszH3BQfYdYDzvN7hbiLwCLcB/s200/ads-78983-1443884053.73.png\" width=\"200\" /></a>Then there\'s Jason from <a href=\"http://grinhola.com/\" target=\"_blank\">Grin Hola</a>&nbsp;- he didn\'t sponsor me...but he DID hand-deliver his amazing granola (review coming) direct to my doorstep 2 days prior to the race to ensure I had the appropriate fuel for race day. WOW. So <b>thank you!</b>&nbsp;It was one of few \"real foods\" I could deal with after mile 30. (stuff is MAGICAL)<br /><br /><i><u><b>And...last but not least...the most important one of all...</b></u></i><br /><br />That\'s right, <b>dear old Mom \'n\' Dad</b> holdin\' down the fort on race day! Dad posted up in The Grove and Mom at Final Mile Aid Station. We kinda whiffed on my first pass, we got me on 2, 3 and 4, and for 5 and 6 (sorry Mom) I basically told them to pound sand because \"I just need to FINISH\". So...thanks for dealing with that.<br /><br />And they knew...they KNEW...I went out too fast on loop 1. They knew because they paid attention to the pace chart I meticulously crafted <a href=\"https://drive.google.com/open?id=0B2Heed0cppgSTk9uZkF5ZjNXVEk\" target=\"_blank\">(here it is for those who were asking)</a>. I was LITERALLY \"off the chart\" on my first loop. Too fast. Did I listen? No. Of course not. Mistake #2. #1 was going faster than I knew I should in the first place. Don\'t worry, it TOTALLY caught up to me on loop 2...and that\'s where I learned something vaulable...that I think I already knew...<br /><br /><span style=\"font-size: large;\"><b>The people make the event.</b></span><br /><br />Despite the in-the-moment suck, I DID have an enjoyable time...and it was largely due to the people. The aid station volunteers were either cheerful &amp; pleasant or downright bursting with excitement. The festival area (\"The Grove\") was awesome too - the energy was great to lift you up. On my 2nd loop through The Grove a woman from <a href=\"http://six03endurance.com/\" target=\"_blank\">Team Six03</a> was borderline lunatic with her \"WOO\" screams (hah).<br /><br /><a href=\"https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-54aEUaVX0cw/V2Et95Qn9II/AAAAAAAAmqU/MufSVz58vy4iY5ZMdzpJjaR3B6e_aLLzQCKgB/s1600/IMG_20160529_052016.jpg\" style=\"clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;\"><img border=\"0\" height=\"320\" src=\"https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-54aEUaVX0cw/V2Et95Qn9II/AAAAAAAAmqU/MufSVz58vy4iY5ZMdzpJjaR3B6e_aLLzQCKgB/s320/IMG_20160529_052016.jpg\" width=\"238\" /></a><span style=\"font-size: large;\"><b>Attitude is&nbsp;<u>everything.</u></b></span><br /><br />I know how BS that sounds...but it\'s true. When you\'re fighting such a huge mental battle, positivity, self-confidence, and a \"can-do attitude\" are literally the only things keeping one foot landing in front of the other. That\'s why the aid stations, The Grove, my crew, and my wife at the RaceWire timing table were all so important. Having those boosts helped make my staying positive possible. In my efforts to stay upbeat and \"yes I can\"...a realization dawned on me:<br /><br /><span style=\"font-size: large;\"><b>Everything they say about Ultras is true.</b></span><br /><br /><b>It\'s all the same after mile 30.</b>&nbsp;<i>Yes, really.</i>&nbsp;The pain was the same from mile 30 to mile 50. My nutrition struggles were the same. My feet felt the same. <u style=\"font-style: italic;\">Everything really was the same.</u>&nbsp;It got no better, but it got no worse. <i>Same.</i>&nbsp;It became mental. The last 15 miles were tough. The last 10 were harder. The final 5 were the worst...<br /><br /><b><span style=\"font-size: large;\">and that\'s when I found \"the dark place\".&nbsp;</span></b><br /><br />They say that mentally you\'ll go to \"a dark place\" late in the race...and I almost got out without hitting it... but I found it. It wasn\'t what I expected, though. It wasn\'t gloom and doom about succeeding in the 50 miler I was running. It wasn\'t <i>\"Oh God, what the hell am I doing.\" \"I can\'t do this.\" etc</i>...<br /><i style=\"font-weight: bold;\"><br /></i><i style=\"font-weight: bold;\">It was about Ghost Train 100.</i><br /><br />The exact thought was \"What the actual f**k did I get myself INTO?! I can barely finish THIS...how in the HELL am I going to do 100 miles 5 months from now?! I can\'t do 100 miles! I\'m fighting just to get to HALF OF THAT!\". I was stressing. I was bargaining with myself. 5 months away I was telling myself it was OK to accept anything over 50. <i>Just make it to 60 that day. that\'ll be a win.</i>&nbsp;<b>And then I got a grip...</b><br /><br /><span style=\"font-size: large;\"><b>and in that dark place, I&nbsp;<i>found myself</i>.&nbsp;</b></span><br /><br />It was almost a moment of awakening. Like the fog cleared and I saw behind the curtain. I saw the struggle for what it really was - <i>mental</i>. I resolved that right now, with less than 5 miles left, it\'s time to focus on TODAY, not tomorrow.<br /><br /><b>And today...I knew I could do it.</b> I knew the whole time. The giveaway was that my doubt in the darkness <i>wasn\'t about the 50</i>. EVEN IN THE DARKNESS I <i>knew</i>&nbsp;I could finish this race.&nbsp;I remembered...<i>this is how I felt in the final 3 miles of my first half-marathon. T</i><i>his is the same loathing and self-doubt I felt at mile 20 of my first marathon.</i>&nbsp;I was ready to swear off running altogether then, too.<br /><br />And I finished both of those only to move on to either a faster finish next time...or the next longest race. <b><i>And today would be no different.</i></b><br /><br /><b>So I picked it up.</b>&nbsp;I tried to move with <i style=\"font-weight: bold;\">purpose</i>&nbsp;again. I demanded speed - had to go as fast as possible, I could still break 12 hours! Just GO.<br /><br />And as I fought my way back through the final miles I knew. As I came through the clearing to the Final Mile Aid Station for the last time...to Mile 49.1...I knew. As I approached the fork...left for 2nd and 3rd lap, right for finish...I knew.<br /><br />And when I <i>finally</i>&nbsp;took that right...and&nbsp;turned the corner... and saw my wife on the other side of the finish arch with my green cowbell in her hands...<i>I knew...</i><br /><div style=\"clear: both; text-align: center;\"><a href=\"https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-D7bfs9_fr1w/V197MxOTGvI/AAAAAAAAmpQ/kElFoMsqJrs0F2AiqeFFMpagOAVLgYuUQCKgB/s1600/PhotoGrid_1464650883950.jpg\" style=\"margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;\"><img border=\"0\" height=\"320\" src=\"https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-D7bfs9_fr1w/V197MxOTGvI/AAAAAAAAmpQ/kElFoMsqJrs0F2AiqeFFMpagOAVLgYuUQCKgB/s320/PhotoGrid_1464650883950.jpg\" width=\"320\" /></a></div><b style=\"font-size: x-large;\"><i>...</i>I had overcome the final obstacle:<i> myself. &nbsp;</i></b></div>','Pineland 50 - The Come-Down','','publish','open','open','','pineland-50-the-come-down','','','2017-01-21 08:52:32','2017-01-21 13:52:32','',0,'',0,'post','',0),(146,1,'2016-06-15 10:48:00','2016-06-15 10:48:00','<div><span style=\"font-size: large;\"><b>It still hasn\'t sunk in.</b></span></div><div><br /></div><div><div style=\"clear: both; text-align: center;\"><a href=\"https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-6rx2FNuxaDY/V2EuJx75oUI/AAAAAAAAmqc/wkSgtUIh6PwvynJgdHiN2OFlHYuI9DMFQCKgB/s1600/PhotoGrid_1464514429103.jpg\" style=\"clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;\"><img border=\"0\" height=\"200\" src=\"https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-6rx2FNuxaDY/V2EuJx75oUI/AAAAAAAAmqc/wkSgtUIh6PwvynJgdHiN2OFlHYuI9DMFQCKgB/s200/PhotoGrid_1464514429103.jpg\" width=\"200\" /></a></div><i>I ran a 50 mile ultramarathon...</i></div><div><i><br /></i></div><div><b><i>Wow.</i></b>&nbsp;Honestly I\'m still in disbelief. Of...like...the whole thing.</div><div><br /></div><div>I learned a lot during Pineland 50...both about myself and about life in general. I know, that sounds corny, cheesy, and painfully cliche...but it is what it is.</div><div><br />I\'ve been pretty lazy for the last two weeks (yikes)...it\'s about time I get back on it, get back into \"training mode\", and finally put together this race report.<br /><br />And gee willy, what a race report it is...<br /><br /><a name=\'more\'></a><span style=\"font-size: large;\"><b>OK, so I embellished a little...</b></span></div><div><br /></div><div>It\'s a race report like any other. Except... it\'s for an <i style=\"font-weight: bold;\">Ultramarathon</i>...so that makes it...special? <i>I don\'t know, just grasping at straws here trying to continue feeling like a unicorn.</i><br /><i><br /></i></div><div>Know what, screw that, <b>of course I still feel special</b>, and rightly so. One more time...&nbsp;</div><div><br /></div><div><b>50 miles.</b></div><div><b><br /></b></div><div>*ahem* Sorry guys...my \"entitled millenial\" was showing. <i>I\'m done now. really...</i></div><div><br /></div><div>According to my buddy Dave (an avid marathoner), at the end of the day it was actually a pretty challenging course. So let\'s talk about THAT... since I\'m sure that\'s what most of you are really here for. <i>(That and my charming wit, obviously)</i></div><div><br /></div><div><span style=\"font-size: large;\"><b>Pineland - A lovely weekend on the farm</b></span><br /><span style=\"font-size: large;\"><b><br /></b></span></div><div><a href=\"http://www.pinelandtrails.com/\" target=\"_blank\">The Salomon Trail Running Festival at Pineland Farms</a> (<a href=\"https://www.facebook.com/pinelandtrails\" target=\"_blank\">Pineland</a> for short) takes place at <i>(you guessed it) </i>Pineland Farms and&nbsp;has 7 races over 2 days. Saturday features a 5K, Barefoot 5K, Canicross 5K (5k with your dog), and 10K. Sunday features the distance runs - 25K, 50K, and 50 Mile.<br /><br />I have no real experience with the Saturday course - rather than run it, I was working as one of the event timers with RaceWire that day. What I CAN tell you is the weather was positively <b>OPPRESSIVE</b>&nbsp;that day. &nbsp;It was SUPER hot, SUPER humid, the sun was beating down, and apparently there was some sort of \"ozone warning\"? I don\'t even know what that is. Conditions were so bad that the 10K course was almost cut in half and some health officials would\'ve probably been just as happy if the Saturday events just...got called off. I\'m glad they didn\'t - if I were a runner I would\'ve been PISSED at that...leave the choice to ME (which they did...downgrades were encouraged).<br /><br />For the most part it seemed like everyone had a pretty good time on Saturday, and it was kinda fun to see people running a race with their dogs.<br /><br /><span style=\"font-size: large;\"><b>And then came Sunday...</b></span><br /><br /><a href=\"https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-XsxmSMMFr4A/V16r44VVo6I/AAAAAAAAmmU/EDAKm-kFKwARL_bE52XdFnUpjnxY2KUrwCKgB/s1600/20160529_060009.jpg\" style=\"clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;\"><img border=\"0\" height=\"240\" src=\"https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-XsxmSMMFr4A/V16r44VVo6I/AAAAAAAAmmU/EDAKm-kFKwARL_bE52XdFnUpjnxY2KUrwCKgB/s320/20160529_060009.jpg\" width=\"320\" /></a>Started my day off <i>strong</i>...with a freaking 2:30 am wake-up. While I might not have been working as a timer Sunday...my wife still was. So at 2:30 am up she was, and so was I. By 3:15 we (and the other timers) had left the hotel and were on-site by 3:30. I took some time to wake up, acclimate, and <a href=\"http://www.sothisisfitness.com/2016/05/understanding-and-respecting.html\" target=\"_blank\">blog some final pre-race thoughts</a>.<br /><br />It was surreal...just like it always is before a new distance. Mom and Dad (my crew) showed up at 5 AM just as instructed, and we went over the packet, aid station plan, and pace chart one more time. Then 6 AM came...and off I went.<br /><br /><b style=\"font-size: x-large;\">A Course So Nice You\'ll Do It Thrice!</b><br /><br /><i>I spared the aid station volunteers (and my support crew) from that OBVIOUS joke on race day, don\'t worry.</i><br /><div style=\"clear: both; text-align: center;\"><a href=\"https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-8m_R18QnShs/V16riGBx7gI/AAAAAAAAmmM/cYrKQxGxhkML4YJR0uMsTA8gMsa-BWrAACLcB/s1600/pineland%2B50%2Bmap.JPG\" style=\"margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;\"><img border=\"0\" height=\"306\" src=\"https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-8m_R18QnShs/V16riGBx7gI/AAAAAAAAmmM/cYrKQxGxhkML4YJR0uMsTA8gMsa-BWrAACLcB/s400/pineland%2B50%2Bmap.JPG\" width=\"400\" /></a></div>One of the things I liked about this course was how it was easy to mentally (and visually) break it up. I kind of split the course into \"The Grove Side\" and \"The Far Side\" (or \"The Yurt Side\").<br /><br />The way the course was laid out, you hit aid stations multiple times - a total of 8 aid station stops on the 25K course. This was another (much appreciated) way to mentally break down the course into bite-size chunks.<br /><br />So that\'s a 25K course - 50K runners did that twice and 50 Milers (me) did that 3 times plus a 3ish mile loop beforehand.<br /><br /><span style=\"font-size: large;\"><b>Ultra-long distance breeds...new challenges...</b></span><br /><br />The course didn\'t look too bad on paper...but man...<i>those rolling hills will get you.&nbsp;</i><br /><div style=\"clear: both; text-align: center;\"><a href=\"https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-BI3by3pyUME/V16uGUQwd7I/AAAAAAAAmnE/OGUwBSqzxyw1W5d1SXkOVJwcw1OjnIlxwCKgB/s1600/PhotoGrid_1465822715567.jpg\" style=\"margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;\"><img border=\"0\" height=\"320\" src=\"https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-BI3by3pyUME/V16uGUQwd7I/AAAAAAAAmnE/OGUwBSqzxyw1W5d1SXkOVJwcw1OjnIlxwCKgB/s320/PhotoGrid_1465822715567.jpg\" width=\"320\" /></a></div><a href=\"https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-vIJNpGTN_Ko/V16u-L5WLSI/AAAAAAAAmnU/VfU5yd353IU2k0TqBlHGwP5FHmaf0DNDgCKgB/s1600/Screenshot_20160613-090047.png\" style=\"clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;\"><img border=\"0\" height=\"320\" src=\"https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-vIJNpGTN_Ko/V16u-L5WLSI/AAAAAAAAmnU/VfU5yd353IU2k0TqBlHGwP5FHmaf0DNDgCKgB/s320/Screenshot_20160613-090047.png\" width=\"180\" /></a><b>Yeah...</b>didn\'t think it\'d add up like that beforehand. Had this only been a marathon <i>(I can\'t believe I just said that)</i>&nbsp;it might\'ve been more manageable... but&nbsp;when you\'re talking such a long distance EVERYTHING adds up. Including GPS watch fluctuations/issues.<br /><i><br /></i><i style=\"font-weight: bold;\">THAT&nbsp;</i>was more than a little obnoxious. I know I covered 50 miles, but between typical GPS watch \"non-exactness\" and my not running down the exact middle of the course the whole time...over the course of 50 miles I lost about .7 on my gps log. boo. <b>Let\'s be clear here</b>&nbsp;<i>(mostly for myself)...</i><b style=\"font-style: italic;\">I ran THE WHOLE 50 GOD DAMNED MILES. </b>Stupid gps...<br /><br />The course itself certainly did have its challenges - in addition to those rolling hills there were some sections of the course I absolutely DESPISED - not because they weren\'t good...because they were freaking hard to run on (especially 40 miles in).<br /><br /><b>For the life of me, I can\'t remember where it was</b>&nbsp;beyond just \"halfway through The Yurt Side\" of the loop...but there were parts of the course that went on the edges of farm fields, and the trail was sloped down and to the left. It sucked to run on. And with distance...comes compounded suck (the third lap of that was brutal).<br /><br />It was also kind of tough running through the thick field grass for some stretches...like running through an unmowed-lawn-on-steroids. Every time I was getting a little \"ugh\" about the course and the challenge, though, there would be an aid station or the festival area...and I\'d perk up a bit.<br /><br /><span style=\"font-size: large;\"><b>Course support was pretty stellar</b></span><br /><br />Honestly, if push came to shove... you COULD totally run this race without crew or probably even a freaking waistpack/vest. <i>I don\'t recommend it...but the point remains...</i>&nbsp;The aid stations were practically a runner\'s buffet, and you basically never went more than 3 miles without hitting one. I\'m talking boiled potatoes, chips, pretzels, chocolate, nuts, candy, water/gatorate/soda, pickles, pickle <i>juice</i>, pb &amp; j...sweet lord they had it all! Except bacon. <i>Slackers.</i><br /><i><br /></i><b>And I would be remiss if I didn\'t mention MY course support.</b><br /><a href=\"https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-pXHO4QWvv04/UkJWoEZkrcI/AAAAAAAABx4/MvwYwpAAlg0JLhGfVXI5b8Yg2zU1b1zBwCKgB/s1600/ccnclogo.jpg\" style=\"clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;\"><img border=\"0\" height=\"151\" src=\"https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-pXHO4QWvv04/UkJWoEZkrcI/AAAAAAAABx4/MvwYwpAAlg0JLhGfVXI5b8Yg2zU1b1zBwCKgB/s200/ccnclogo.jpg\" width=\"200\" /></a><br /><b>First off </b>- <a href=\"https://www.facebook.com/CapeCodNutritionCorner.Plymouth\" target=\"_blank\">Cape Cod Nutrition Corner</a>. If it weren\'t for them I wouldn\'t have been able to do any of this in the first place. They sponsored me into the races and all the supplements/hydration I used during training and on race day came from them. They\'re the reason I can do Ghost Train 100, too! I\'m proud to run as a Team CCNC Sponsored Athlete...their only runner, and CERTAINLY their only ULTRArunner :)<br /><br /><a href=\"https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-XLzPt-tllJU/V2CRaL6YfLI/AAAAAAAAmp8/WAe23V46DRgadszH3BQfYdYDzvN7hbiLwCLcB/s1600/ads-78983-1443884053.73.png\" style=\"clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;\"><img border=\"0\" height=\"166\" src=\"https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-XLzPt-tllJU/V2CRaL6YfLI/AAAAAAAAmp8/WAe23V46DRgadszH3BQfYdYDzvN7hbiLwCLcB/s200/ads-78983-1443884053.73.png\" width=\"200\" /></a>Then there\'s Jason from <a href=\"http://grinhola.com/\" target=\"_blank\">Grin Hola</a>&nbsp;- he didn\'t sponsor me...but he DID hand-deliver his amazing granola (review coming) direct to my doorstep 2 days prior to the race to ensure I had the appropriate fuel for race day. WOW. So <b>thank you!</b>&nbsp;It was one of few \"real foods\" I could deal with after mile 30. (stuff is MAGICAL)<br /><br /><i><u><b>And...last but not least...the most important one of all...</b></u></i><br /><br />That\'s right, <b>dear old Mom \'n\' Dad</b> holdin\' down the fort on race day! Dad posted up in The Grove and Mom at Final Mile Aid Station. We kinda whiffed on my first pass, we got me on 2, 3 and 4, and for 5 and 6 (sorry Mom) I basically told them to pound sand because \"I just need to FINISH\". So...thanks for dealing with that.<br /><br />And they knew...they KNEW...I went out too fast on loop 1. They knew because they paid attention to the pace chart I meticulously crafted <a href=\"https://drive.google.com/open?id=0B2Heed0cppgSTk9uZkF5ZjNXVEk\" target=\"_blank\">(here it is for those who were asking)</a>. I was LITERALLY \"off the chart\" on my first loop. Too fast. Did I listen? No. Of course not. Mistake #2. #1 was going faster than I knew I should in the first place. Don\'t worry, it TOTALLY caught up to me on loop 2...and that\'s where I learned something vaulable...that I think I already knew...<br /><br /><span style=\"font-size: large;\"><b>The people make the event.</b></span><br /><br />Despite the in-the-moment suck, I DID have an enjoyable time...and it was largely due to the people. The aid station volunteers were either cheerful &amp; pleasant or downright bursting with excitement. The festival area (\"The Grove\") was awesome too - the energy was great to lift you up. On my 2nd loop through The Grove a woman from <a href=\"http://six03endurance.com/\" target=\"_blank\">Team Six03</a> was borderline lunatic with her \"WOO\" screams (hah).<br /><br /><a href=\"https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-54aEUaVX0cw/V2Et95Qn9II/AAAAAAAAmqU/MufSVz58vy4iY5ZMdzpJjaR3B6e_aLLzQCKgB/s1600/IMG_20160529_052016.jpg\" style=\"clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;\"><img border=\"0\" height=\"320\" src=\"https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-54aEUaVX0cw/V2Et95Qn9II/AAAAAAAAmqU/MufSVz58vy4iY5ZMdzpJjaR3B6e_aLLzQCKgB/s320/IMG_20160529_052016.jpg\" width=\"238\" /></a><span style=\"font-size: large;\"><b>Attitude is&nbsp;<u>everything.</u></b></span><br /><br />I know how BS that sounds...but it\'s true. When you\'re fighting such a huge mental battle, positivity, self-confidence, and a \"can-do attitude\" are literally the only things keeping one foot landing in front of the other. That\'s why the aid stations, The Grove, my crew, and my wife at the RaceWire timing table were all so important. Having those boosts helped make my staying positive possible. In my efforts to stay upbeat and \"yes I can\"...a realization dawned on me:<br /><br /><span style=\"font-size: large;\"><b>Everything they say about Ultras is true.</b></span><br /><br /><b>It\'s all the same after mile 30.</b>&nbsp;<i>Yes, really.</i>&nbsp;The pain was the same from mile 30 to mile 50. My nutrition struggles were the same. My feet felt the same. <u style=\"font-style: italic;\">Everything really was the same.</u>&nbsp;It got no better, but it got no worse. <i>Same.</i>&nbsp;It became mental. The last 15 miles were tough. The last 10 were harder. The final 5 were the worst...<br /><br /><b><span style=\"font-size: large;\">and that\'s when I found \"the dark place\".&nbsp;</span></b><br /><br />They say that mentally you\'ll go to \"a dark place\" late in the race...and I almost got out without hitting it... but I found it. It wasn\'t what I expected, though. It wasn\'t gloom and doom about succeeding in the 50 miler I was running. It wasn\'t <i>\"Oh God, what the hell am I doing.\" \"I can\'t do this.\" etc</i>...<br /><i style=\"font-weight: bold;\"><br /></i><i style=\"font-weight: bold;\">It was about Ghost Train 100.</i><br /><br />The exact thought was \"What the actual f**k did I get myself INTO?! I can barely finish THIS...how in the HELL am I going to do 100 miles 5 months from now?! I can\'t do 100 miles! I\'m fighting just to get to HALF OF THAT!\". I was stressing. I was bargaining with myself. 5 months away I was telling myself it was OK to accept anything over 50. <i>Just make it to 60 that day. that\'ll be a win.</i>&nbsp;<b>And then I got a grip...</b><br /><br /><span style=\"font-size: large;\"><b>and in that dark place, I&nbsp;<i>found myself</i>.&nbsp;</b></span><br /><br />It was almost a moment of awakening. Like the fog cleared and I saw behind the curtain. I saw the struggle for what it really was - <i>mental</i>. I resolved that right now, with less than 5 miles left, it\'s time to focus on TODAY, not tomorrow.<br /><br /><b>And today...I knew I could do it.</b> I knew the whole time. The giveaway was that my doubt in the darkness <i>wasn\'t about the 50</i>. EVEN IN THE DARKNESS I <i>knew</i>&nbsp;I could finish this race.&nbsp;I remembered...<i>this is how I felt in the final 3 miles of my first half-marathon. T</i><i>his is the same loathing and self-doubt I felt at mile 20 of my first marathon.</i>&nbsp;I was ready to swear off running altogether then, too.<br /><br />And I finished both of those only to move on to either a faster finish next time...or the next longest race. <b><i>And today would be no different.</i></b><br /><br /><b>So I picked it up.</b>&nbsp;I tried to move with <i style=\"font-weight: bold;\">purpose</i>&nbsp;again. I demanded speed - had to go as fast as possible, I could still break 12 hours! Just GO.<br /><br />And as I fought my way back through the final miles I knew. As I came through the clearing to the Final Mile Aid Station for the last time...to Mile 49.1...I knew. As I approached the fork...left for 2nd and 3rd lap, right for finish...I knew.<br /><br />And when I <i>finally</i>&nbsp;took that right...and&nbsp;turned the corner... and saw my wife on the other side of the finish arch with my green cowbell in her hands...<i>I knew...</i><br /><div style=\"clear: both; text-align: center;\"><a href=\"https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-D7bfs9_fr1w/V197MxOTGvI/AAAAAAAAmpQ/kElFoMsqJrs0F2AiqeFFMpagOAVLgYuUQCKgB/s1600/PhotoGrid_1464650883950.jpg\" style=\"margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;\"><img border=\"0\" height=\"320\" src=\"https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-D7bfs9_fr1w/V197MxOTGvI/AAAAAAAAmpQ/kElFoMsqJrs0F2AiqeFFMpagOAVLgYuUQCKgB/s320/PhotoGrid_1464650883950.jpg\" width=\"320\" /></a></div><b style=\"font-size: x-large;\"><i>...</i>I had overcome the final obstacle:<i> myself. &nbsp;</i></b></div>','Pineland 50 - The Come-Down','','inherit','closed','closed','','20-revision-v1','','','2016-06-15 10:48:00','2016-06-15 10:48:00','',20,'http://50.87.248.94/~sothisj4/?p=146',0,'revision','',0),(21,1,'2016-05-30 00:25:00','2016-05-30 04:25:00','<b>As I sit here...</b>&nbsp;at 4 am...staring at the calm, quiet, not-yet-sunlit festival area...I find myself marveling at this whole thing.<br /><br /><i style=\"font-weight: bold;\">Ultramarathon.</i><br /><br />Like...<i>this is really a thing...</i>and <b><i>I\'m freaking DOING it today...</i></b><br /><b><i><br /></i></b>Whoa.<br /><br />It has occurred to me at several points throughout this journey that many people don\'t really get it. Like...ok, you want a big achievement, you work hard and go do a marathon...good for you, that\'s a big deal. Now shut up about it and go to work on Monday.<br /><br />But <b>longer</b>? ...<i>why?</i><br /><br />It\'s only now, sitting here, hours from the start, that I truly understand why I\'m here.<br /><a name=\'more\'></a><br /><span style=\"font-size: large;\"><b>There\'s something deeper here.</b></span><br /><br />It\'s been an interesting ride these last 7 months. Up until now, the way its always gone is I register for a new distance, I kinda pee my pants a little bit with a mixture of terror and excitement, then I train, show up on race day, have that surreal moment in the first mile of \"oh my god I\'m really doing this\" and then I finish, hurrah.<br /><br />Not to get all hippie-dippie, but ever since pulling the trigger in (I think) November I think I knew this time was going to be different. I registered for the 50K and after the first 15 minutes of \"oh God\"...I started to plan. <i>Really</i>&nbsp;plan. At that point I realized if I could do 50K I could do 50 Mile, so I upgraded. And somewhere in that process I discovered the \"ultrarunning community\".<br /><br />Finding my way into the \"Ultra community\"... and learning what it is...its been a trip. It\'s a very different world from that of traditional running. The people seem to be...so much more laid back. So&nbsp;<i>relaxed</i>. They\'re not all about the glitz, glamour, flashy finisher medals, and the general to-do that typically comes with road races. The people also seem to be pretty...<i>chill</i>...about the fact they\'re running 30 - 100 miles or more.<br /><br />I guess that makes sense when you consider...<br /><br /><b>You can pretty much run forever if you slow down.</b><br /><br /><i>And these people get that. </i>It\'s not about speed. It\'s not about being the best, it\'s not about the split seconds you beat that guy by. It\'s hardly about competition at all. It seems to me that this is about willpower, determination, and the triumph of the human spirit.<br /><br />Maybe I\'m being naive here. Maybe I\'m still too much the uninitiated newbie. But that\'s how this seems to me. Especially today.<br /><br /><b>Why?</b><br /><br />Because I know my training was good. I know my fitness level is there. I know, physically, <b>I can do this</b>. At this point, it\'s all mental. I\'m going to hit points where I question why I\'m doing this. I\'m going to want to stop. Quit. Sit down. I\'m going to look at my Garmin and say \"sweet Jesus I have 30 miles left\". And I\'m going to have to dig deep and find it within myself to continue. <b>To persevere.</b>&nbsp;To fight back the demons clawing at my heels and whispering in my ear demanding I stop and give in to the fatigue and the enormity of what I\'ve set out to do.<br /><br /><b><span style=\"font-size: large;\">That is why I\'m here.</span></b><br /><br />I\'ve come to conquer something. Not a distance. Not a trail. Not a mountain. Something <i>within myself</i>. Something we all have deep within ourselves. That voice that says <i style=\"font-weight: bold;\">\"no, you can\'t\"</i>. Damnit, <i style=\"font-weight: bold;\">Yes I Can. And I WILL.</i><br /><br />And if I can do THIS...<i><u>I can do anything.</u></i>','Ultramarathons - Understanding Why','','publish','open','open','','ultramarathons-understanding-why','','','2017-01-08 23:22:30','2017-01-09 04:22:30','',0,'',0,'post','',0),(22,1,'2016-05-17 15:26:00','2016-05-17 19:26:00','In the last three years I\'ve learned a lot about myself, my body, and what we\'re all capable of. I\'ve witnessed people achieve some amazing transformations, milestones and accomplishments, and I\'ve had my own fair share as well. With each success I have, each wall I break down...I can\'t help but want to see what\'s next. What ELSE can be accomplished that was previously \"impossible\"?<br /><br /><div style=\"clear: both; text-align: center;\"><a href=\"https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-WTu3TdSMdoQ/Vzscl2MuCqI/AAAAAAAAj8Y/gZ_Hk9w9b9wdWLhNNhpEZzC2jLkW5ffrQCLcB/s1600/PhotoGrid_1463490308278.jpg\" style=\"clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;\"><img border=\"0\" height=\"320\" src=\"https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-WTu3TdSMdoQ/Vzscl2MuCqI/AAAAAAAAj8Y/gZ_Hk9w9b9wdWLhNNhpEZzC2jLkW5ffrQCLcB/s320/PhotoGrid_1463490308278.jpg\" width=\"320\" /></a></div>I kind of threw this out there at the end of the year...but didn\'t really get into it. This past November I decided to leap off the edge and see, once and for all, how deep the rabbit hole really goes. I decided to see just how far I can come from my starting point of 305 lbs. I decided 2016 is the year of the Ultramarathon.<br /><br />The final challenge? 100 miles.<br /><a name=\'more\'></a><br /><span style=\"font-size: large;\"><b>Wait...what?</b></span><br /><br />Yeah...like I said, I more or less announced this <a href=\"http://sothisisfitness.com/2015/12/crazynormal.html\" target=\"_blank\">in a post last December</a>. I realize now, though, that I kind of just used the announcement as a means to make a point (and frankly, looking back, I sounded like an ass doing it). Maybe I was going for shock value...maybe I was drunk on coffee...who knows. Point is...I didn\'t explain the whys and wherefores of what really is kind of a <b>momentous</b> thing. I most certainly did <b>not</b>&nbsp;do the thing justice, that\'s for sure. I owe it to myself, those supporting me, and to <i>the thing itself</i>&nbsp;to explain what the hell this is all about...and why on God\'s green Earth someone would choose to do it.<br /><br />So...yes. My latest challenge...perhaps the final, <i>top</i>&nbsp;rung of the achievement ladder left to climb...I am delving into the world of the Ultramarathon.<br /><br /><b style=\"font-size: x-large;\"><i>Ultra</i>marathon?</b><br /><br />Yes, I\'m not making that word up. An Ultramarathon is a running event longer than marathon distance (26.2 miles). There are two kinds - either time-limit (as far as you can go in 6, 12, 24, 48 hours) or the traditional \"distance goal\" (50K, 50 Mile, 100K, 100 Mile). So...what have I chosen to do?<br /><br /><span style=\"font-size: large;\"><b>50 and 100. Yes, Miles.</b></span><br /><br />Those are my two big goals this year. First I\'m running the Pineland Farms Trail Festival 50 Miler on 5/29/16. After that...October 22nd to 23rd 2016...Ghost Train Rail Trail Race, where I\'ve got 30 hours to achieve my goal of 100 miles. As my prize, I\'ll bring home a big green cowbell (Pineland 50) and a rail spike (Ghost Train 100).<br /><br /><span style=\"font-size: large;\"><b><i>\"You\'re insane.\"</i></b></span><br /><br /><i>Am I, though? </i>Earlier this month I&nbsp;had my last big training weekend - Saturday 4/30 I ran 18 miles. 12 hours later, on Sunday morning, I ran the Providence Marathon. I only slept 4.5 hours in between the two...and I finished Providence in <i>a new personal best marathon time.</i>&nbsp;In the two days after...aside from a slight twinge in my left shin (which we\'ll talk about another day) <i>I felt fine.</i>&nbsp;Literally hopping up and down.&nbsp;<b>That\'s exactly the kind of shape I want and need to be in</b> with a 50 mile race just weeks away. As <i>insane</i> as it might seem...<i>I\'m actually <b>ready</b>&nbsp;for this thing.</i><br /><i><br /></i><b>The initial decision itself...</b>THAT was a leap. It didn\'t happen all at once, either.<br /><br /><b>At first</b>&nbsp;I registered for 50K. I was nervous. It was DEFINITELY a big deal for me. But once I got over the initial shock I realized...if I can do a marathon, I can do a 50K (so I felt better). And if I could do 50K, I could do 50 Mile (so I upgraded my registration). <b>And if</b>, at that point, I can finish a 50 Miler...well, just <i>keep training</i>&nbsp;and I\'ll have the best shot possible at finishing my first 100 mile race. It\'s all about the training and trusting the process.<br /><br /><span style=\"font-size: large;\"><b>That training, though, HAS been insane.</b></span><br /><br />Those who follow this blog may have noticed...I haven\'t written a whole lot lately. It wasn\'t really on purpose...its more a result of my free time being completely consumed by training for this latest undertaking. In case you haven\'t figured it out on your own yet...training for an ultramarathon means one thing...<br /><span style=\"font-size: large;\"><b><br /></b></span><span style=\"font-size: large;\"><b>You run. All the time. Forever.&nbsp;</b></span><br /><br />Honestly though, I feel like all I do is run. I\'ll spend a good 10+ hours a week running (half of that on the weekend alone).&nbsp;I have to get up at the crack of dawn to get it done so I either get to work on time (weekday) or don\'t blow half my day running (weekend). &nbsp;The downside is obvious...but on the bright side?<br /><br /><b>I can go run 10 miles without even thinking about it.</b><br /><b><br /></b>My body has reached a point where I could nap through a 5 miler. That intense weekend of Providence Marathon? I was fully recovered in just a couple days. It\'s incredible to stop and think about how much I\'ve improved my fitness...and sometimes I still marvel at the fact that I really am an athlete. I\'m training for a thing that such a small percentage of the population even <i>considers</i>&nbsp;doing...even knows <i>exists</i>. I\'m not the fastest guy out there...but when you\'re taking on 50 and 100 miles...simply <i>finishing</i>&nbsp;is an accomplishment.<br /><br /><div style=\"clear: both; text-align: center;\"><a href=\"https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-lthCN9gpIWs/Vzsc5v3_vXI/AAAAAAAAj8c/LBTpKKjX_wM0S6Qs5GbR0HAY-xLSsW8EQCLcB/s1600/PhotoGrid_1463489144103.jpg\" style=\"margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;\"><img border=\"0\" height=\"320\" src=\"https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-lthCN9gpIWs/Vzsc5v3_vXI/AAAAAAAAj8c/LBTpKKjX_wM0S6Qs5GbR0HAY-xLSsW8EQCLcB/s320/PhotoGrid_1463489144103.jpg\" width=\"320\" /></a></div><br /><br /><span style=\"font-size: large;\"><b><u style=\"font-style: italic;\">That</u>&nbsp;is why I choose to do this.</b></span><br /><br /><b>Because</b>&nbsp;<b>I can.</b>&nbsp;And years ago, as far as I or anyone who knew me was concerned...it was <b>impossible. </b>Now that I know what I know and have achieved what I have achieved...I want to see just how far I can climb. &nbsp;With my friends and family behind me, and with the support of awesome sponsors like <a href=\"https://www.facebook.com/CapeCodNutritionCorner.Plymouth/\" target=\"_blank\">Cape Cod Nutrition Corner</a>, I know...<br /><br /><span style=\"font-size: large;\"><b><u>This Is My Time.</u></b></span><br /><br />I\'m gonna get that cowbell. And damn it all...I\'m coming for that rail spike. And if I can...<i>anyone can.</i>&nbsp;Go get it - I\'ll see you at the finish.','The Quest For 100','','publish','open','open','','the-quest-for-100','','','2017-01-21 08:51:21','2017-01-21 13:51:21','',0,'',0,'post','',0),(148,1,'2016-05-17 15:26:00','2016-05-17 15:26:00','In the last three years I\'ve learned a lot about myself, my body, and what we\'re all capable of. I\'ve witnessed people achieve some amazing transformations, milestones and accomplishments, and I\'ve had my own fair share as well. With each success I have, each wall I break down...I can\'t help but want to see what\'s next. What ELSE can be accomplished that was previously \"impossible\"?<br /><br /><div style=\"clear: both; text-align: center;\"><a href=\"https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-WTu3TdSMdoQ/Vzscl2MuCqI/AAAAAAAAj8Y/gZ_Hk9w9b9wdWLhNNhpEZzC2jLkW5ffrQCLcB/s1600/PhotoGrid_1463490308278.jpg\" style=\"clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;\"><img border=\"0\" height=\"320\" src=\"https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-WTu3TdSMdoQ/Vzscl2MuCqI/AAAAAAAAj8Y/gZ_Hk9w9b9wdWLhNNhpEZzC2jLkW5ffrQCLcB/s320/PhotoGrid_1463490308278.jpg\" width=\"320\" /></a></div>I kind of threw this out there at the end of the year...but didn\'t really get into it. This past November I decided to leap off the edge and see, once and for all, how deep the rabbit hole really goes. I decided to see just how far I can come from my starting point of 305 lbs. I decided 2016 is the year of the Ultramarathon.<br /><br />The final challenge? 100 miles.<br /><a name=\'more\'></a><br /><span style=\"font-size: large;\"><b>Wait...what?</b></span><br /><br />Yeah...like I said, I more or less announced this <a href=\"http://www.sothisisfitness.com/2015/12/crazynormal.html\" target=\"_blank\">in a post last December</a>. I realize now, though, that I kind of just used the announcement as a means to make a point (and frankly, looking back, I sounded like an ass doing it). Maybe I was going for shock value...maybe I was drunk on coffee...who knows. Point is...I didn\'t explain the whys and wherefores of what really is kind of a <b>momentous</b> thing. I most certainly did <b>not</b>&nbsp;do the thing justice, that\'s for sure. I owe it to myself, those supporting me, and to <i>the thing itself</i>&nbsp;to explain what the hell this is all about...and why on God\'s green Earth someone would choose to do it.<br /><br />So...yes. My latest challenge...perhaps the final, <i>top</i>&nbsp;rung of the achievement ladder left to climb...I am delving into the world of the Ultramarathon.<br /><br /><b style=\"font-size: x-large;\"><i>Ultra</i>marathon?</b><br /><br />Yes, I\'m not making that word up. An Ultramarathon is a running event longer than marathon distance (26.2 miles). There are two kinds - either time-limit (as far as you can go in 6, 12, 24, 48 hours) or the traditional \"distance goal\" (50K, 50 Mile, 100K, 100 Mile). So...what have I chosen to do?<br /><br /><span style=\"font-size: large;\"><b>50 and 100. Yes, Miles.</b></span><br /><br />Those are my two big goals this year. First I\'m running the Pineland Farms Trail Festival 50 Miler on 5/29/16. After that...October 22nd to 23rd 2016...Ghost Train Rail Trail Race, where I\'ve got 30 hours to achieve my goal of 100 miles. As my prize, I\'ll bring home a big green cowbell (Pineland 50) and a rail spike (Ghost Train 100).<br /><br /><span style=\"font-size: large;\"><b><i>\"You\'re insane.\"</i></b></span><br /><br /><i>Am I, though? </i>Earlier this month I&nbsp;had my last big training weekend - Saturday 4/30 I ran 18 miles. 12 hours later, on Sunday morning, I ran the Providence Marathon. I only slept 4.5 hours in between the two...and I finished Providence in <i>a new personal best marathon time.</i>&nbsp;In the two days after...aside from a slight twinge in my left shin (which we\'ll talk about another day) <i>I felt fine.</i>&nbsp;Literally hopping up and down.&nbsp;<b>That\'s exactly the kind of shape I want and need to be in</b> with a 50 mile race just weeks away. As <i>insane</i> as it might seem...<i>I\'m actually <b>ready</b>&nbsp;for this thing.</i><br /><i><br /></i><b>The initial decision itself...</b>THAT was a leap. It didn\'t happen all at once, either.<br /><br /><b>At first</b>&nbsp;I registered for 50K. I was nervous. It was DEFINITELY a big deal for me. But once I got over the initial shock I realized...if I can do a marathon, I can do a 50K (so I felt better). And if I could do 50K, I could do 50 Mile (so I upgraded my registration). <b>And if</b>, at that point, I can finish a 50 Miler...well, just <i>keep training</i>&nbsp;and I\'ll have the best shot possible at finishing my first 100 mile race. It\'s all about the training and trusting the process.<br /><br /><span style=\"font-size: large;\"><b>That training, though, HAS been insane.</b></span><br /><br />Those who follow this blog may have noticed...I haven\'t written a whole lot lately. It wasn\'t really on purpose...its more a result of my free time being completely consumed by training for this latest undertaking. In case you haven\'t figured it out on your own yet...training for an ultramarathon means one thing...<br /><span style=\"font-size: large;\"><b><br /></b></span><span style=\"font-size: large;\"><b>You run. All the time. Forever.&nbsp;</b></span><br /><br />Honestly though, I feel like all I do is run. I\'ll spend a good 10+ hours a week running (half of that on the weekend alone).&nbsp;I have to get up at the crack of dawn to get it done so I either get to work on time (weekday) or don\'t blow half my day running (weekend). &nbsp;The downside is obvious...but on the bright side?<br /><br /><b>I can go run 10 miles without even thinking about it.</b><br /><b><br /></b>My body has reached a point where I could nap through a 5 miler. That intense weekend of Providence Marathon? I was fully recovered in just a couple days. It\'s incredible to stop and think about how much I\'ve improved my fitness...and sometimes I still marvel at the fact that I really am an athlete. I\'m training for a thing that such a small percentage of the population even <i>considers</i>&nbsp;doing...even knows <i>exists</i>. I\'m not the fastest guy out there...but when you\'re taking on 50 and 100 miles...simply <i>finishing</i>&nbsp;is an accomplishment.<br /><br /><div style=\"clear: both; text-align: center;\"><a href=\"https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-lthCN9gpIWs/Vzsc5v3_vXI/AAAAAAAAj8c/LBTpKKjX_wM0S6Qs5GbR0HAY-xLSsW8EQCLcB/s1600/PhotoGrid_1463489144103.jpg\" style=\"margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;\"><img border=\"0\" height=\"320\" src=\"https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-lthCN9gpIWs/Vzsc5v3_vXI/AAAAAAAAj8c/LBTpKKjX_wM0S6Qs5GbR0HAY-xLSsW8EQCLcB/s320/PhotoGrid_1463489144103.jpg\" width=\"320\" /></a></div><br /><br /><span style=\"font-size: large;\"><b><u style=\"font-style: italic;\">That</u>&nbsp;is why I choose to do this.</b></span><br /><br /><b>Because</b>&nbsp;<b>I can.</b>&nbsp;And years ago, as far as I or anyone who knew me was concerned...it was <b>impossible. </b>Now that I know what I know and have achieved what I have achieved...I want to see just how far I can climb. &nbsp;With my friends and family behind me, and with the support of awesome sponsors like <a href=\"https://www.facebook.com/CapeCodNutritionCorner.Plymouth/\" target=\"_blank\">Cape Cod Nutrition Corner</a>, I know...<br /><br /><span style=\"font-size: large;\"><b><u>This Is My Time.</u></b></span><br /><br />I\'m gonna get that cowbell. And damn it all...I\'m coming for that rail spike. And if I can...<i>anyone can.</i>&nbsp;Go get it - I\'ll see you at the finish.','The Quest For 100','','inherit','closed','closed','','22-revision-v1','','','2016-05-17 15:26:00','2016-05-17 15:26:00','',22,'http://50.87.248.94/~sothisj4/?p=148',0,'revision','',0),(23,1,'2017-01-01 22:25:08','0000-00-00 00:00:00','<span style=\"font-size: large;\"><b>I\'ve barely written anything for months.</b></span><br /><br />So far this year I\'ve written one thing, and last year I wrote half as much as the year before. My own personal to-do list has gone largely untouched day to day. The things I want to do...and the things I really <i>SHOULD do...</i>simply end up...not done. My days have become, mainly, run/work/sleep.&nbsp;On the whole, barring some occasional blips of fun... I\'m kind of just...<i>surviving</i>.<br /><br />And it dawns on me that this is the same thing that happens to so many people I run into. Members at my gym who vanish for a while (and even some who <i>don\'t</i>&nbsp;vanish). People who come to TRY my gym but don\'t join. Friends I haven\'t seen. Family I haven\'t talked to. <i>My wife, </i>who feels tired all the time<i>.</i>&nbsp;We\'re all just surviving...but none of us are truly <i style=\"font-weight: bold;\">thriving.</i><br /><br />So what\'s the difference? And once we figure it out...how do we break out and truly <b>live?</b><br /><a name=\'more\'></a><b><span style=\"font-size: x-large;\">Life is busy.</span></b><br /><br />Let me take you through what has become my typical day.<br /><br />My first alarm goes off at 5 am, or maybe a touch before that...because I know myself. I don\'t actually end up on the couch with a cup of coffee until about 5:30 am. By 6:20 I finally get out the door for my morning run. Bear in mind I a.) am SUPPOSED to be running by 6 am and b.) &nbsp;don\'t actually manage to accomplish anything during that coffee time. Then fly through shower, work 9-7, and then an hour and a half in bed watching TV with my wife because we\'re too exhausted and brain-dead to accomplish anything productive. Rinse &amp; repeat. <b><i>Sound familiar?</i></b><br /><br />Like I said...it\'s run, work, sleep. I\'m fortunate that I\'m kind of a step ahead insofar as I\'ve made \"run\" a non-optional part of the day. It\'s no longer an \"extra\" that gets bumped down the priority list..if I don\'t do it I might punch someone. None of the other stuff I want to accomplish ends up getting done, though. There\'s so many things to do...I\'m just...so <b>BUSY</b>.<br /><br />The problem is...we let that busyness consume us. We let the busyness be bigger than it really is...bigger than it needs to be. It affects everything. &nbsp;All the things I\'m supposed to accomplish..it\'s all so overwhelming. In the haze maybe one thing gets done. The thing that was supposed to happen months ago and now it\'s \"panic-level\" past-due.<br /><br /><br /><br />','Survive or Thrive','','draft','open','open','','','','','2017-01-01 22:25:08','2017-01-01 22:25:08','',0,'',0,'post','',0),(24,1,'2016-02-23 13:01:00','2016-02-23 18:01:00','<span style=\"font-size: large;\"><b>I should have been SUPER sore.</b></span><br /><br /><a href=\"https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-aGijIdCyO2c/VsxUDNI-nlI/AAAAAAAAjsk/K7c25j06C_Q/s1600/memerunamarathon1.jpg\" style=\"clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;\"><img border=\"0\" height=\"200\" src=\"https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-aGijIdCyO2c/VsxUDNI-nlI/AAAAAAAAjsk/K7c25j06C_Q/s200/memerunamarathon1.jpg\" width=\"193\" /></a>A couple of weeks ago I ran my fastest 20 miler EVER. I should\'ve been sore as hell at SOME point the following week. And I wasn\'t. The only thing that hurt was the new blisters I earned from being an idiot.&nbsp;<i><b>And even THOSE</b>&nbsp;</i>were fine by Tuesday<b style=\"font-style: italic;\">.</b>&nbsp;As a matter of fact, that Tuesday I knocked out a pretty fast 4 miles in the freshly blizzarded roads of my New England neighborhood.<br /><br /><span style=\"font-size: large;\"><b>What Gives?</b></span><br /><br />Why was I not sore? Why did I feel nothing even&nbsp;<i>remotely</i>&nbsp;resembling the bedridden crippleness I would expect from such a (relatively) hard 3 hour and 38 minute effort Sunday?<br /><br /><b>It\'s because I found the secret sauce.</b><br /><a name=\'more\'></a><br /><b style=\"font-size: x-large;\">Step 1: Accept that there is no magic pill.&nbsp;</b><br /><br /><div style=\"clear: both; text-align: center;\"><a href=\"https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-UDPvtz_DyHE/VsxXhhA1mdI/AAAAAAAAjtU/iMHCynaeAA4/s1600/Snake-Oil-Ad.jpg\" style=\"clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;\"><img border=\"0\" height=\"172\" src=\"https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-UDPvtz_DyHE/VsxXhhA1mdI/AAAAAAAAjtU/iMHCynaeAA4/s320/Snake-Oil-Ad.jpg\" width=\"320\" /></a></div>Sorry to break the news...but there is not some magic pill that saved me from being a useless human being this past week. There is no \"one true way\" for&nbsp;<i>anything</i>&nbsp;in the health &amp; fitness world. If there WERE, we\'d all be doing the&nbsp;<i>same</i>&nbsp;workout, using the&nbsp;<i>same</i>&nbsp;supplement brand, at the&nbsp;<i>same&nbsp;</i>gym,&nbsp;and someone out there would be a super-billionaire.&nbsp;The thing that works for the majority of people (or me)&nbsp;<b>MAY NOT WORK FOR YOU</b>. As long we have that understanding...we can move forward :)<br /><i style=\"font-weight: bold;\"><br /></i><b><span style=\"font-size: large;\">Now then - the basics.</span></b><br /><br /><b>Q: Why do we get sore from working out?</b><br /><b>A: During your workout, you\'re breaking down muscle so it can build back up stronger.</b><br /><br /><a href=\"https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-jk_NzV4CtPk/VsxXZF_6SbI/AAAAAAAAjtQ/Z0MlD1P2yns/s1600/sponge-bob.jpg\" style=\"clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;\"><img border=\"0\" height=\"170\" src=\"https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-jk_NzV4CtPk/VsxXZF_6SbI/AAAAAAAAjtQ/Z0MlD1P2yns/s200/sponge-bob.jpg\" width=\"200\" /></a>That\'s the short version, anyway. This breakdown usually leads to DOMS (Delayed-Onset Muscle Soreness) - you\'ve essentially damaged your body, so of course, you\'re likely to feel that damage. This soreness (DOMS) can occur, arguably, anywhere from 6 to 72 hours after exercise (usually about 24 - 48 hours after). It is&nbsp;<b>perfectly normal.&nbsp;</b><br /><b><br /></b><span style=\"font-size: large;\"><b>OK, so what can I do about it?</b></span><br /><br />As I suggested...there\'s no one medically agreed-upon way to fix or prevent DOMS. If you scour the internet you\'ll find MANY ideas on how to fix it. Below are five things&nbsp;<i>I</i>&nbsp;do that work awesome for me and seem to be considered effective by the internet at-large.<br /><br /><b>1. Have a plan</b><br /><b><br /></b>You want to be sure you don\'t work the same muscle every day - they need a chance to recover. So,&nbsp;<b>have a plan </b>for how you\'re going to break things up<b>.</b>&nbsp;A plan for the day, of course, but a longer term plan too.&nbsp;<i>What are you doing today? Tomorrow? The rest of the week? Next week? How is next month laid out?</i>&nbsp;Having a plan will ensure that you don\'t waste time, your muscles can recover and work harder for you, and ultimately, over time, you can reach your goals.<br /><br />This whole \"have a plan\" thing...honestly...<b>it\'s something you should be doing anyway -&nbsp;</b>not just to avoid muscle soreness.<br /><b><br /></b><b>2. Hydrate</b><br /><div style=\"clear: both; text-align: center;\"></div><b><br /></b>Your body is mostly made of water...and it tends to perform better and do what you want when you stay well-hydrated. Everyone and their mother tells you to drink at least 8 glasses of water a day...<b>there\'s a reason.</b>&nbsp;To be safe, and to ensure your body has what it needs&nbsp;I say&nbsp;<i style=\"font-weight: bold;\">double that </i><i style=\"font-weight: bold;\">(hell, I drink even MORE than that)</i><i style=\"font-weight: bold;\">.&nbsp;</i>What\'s the worst that happens (<i>barring extreme circumstances)</i>? You pee more?&nbsp;<b>Good.</b><i>&nbsp;</i><br /><b><br /></b>This \"hydrating\" thing...it\'s&nbsp;<b>something you should be doing anyway.</b><br /><b><br /></b><b>3. Fuel</b><br /><div style=\"clear: both; text-align: center;\"><a href=\"https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-ZuIPtO47aes/VsxXA9j8dFI/AAAAAAAAjtE/TknxL35WWWQ/s1600/goku%2Beat.png\" style=\"clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;\"><img border=\"0\" height=\"165\" src=\"https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-ZuIPtO47aes/VsxXA9j8dFI/AAAAAAAAjtE/TknxL35WWWQ/s320/goku%2Beat.png\" width=\"320\" /></a></div><b><br /></b>If there\'s no gas in the tank, the car doesn\'t go. Unfortunately, we humans can...and often DO...<i>force</i>&nbsp;our bodies to go when there\'s not enough fuel consumed. Whether you get abnormally tired or sore...you <i>will</i>&nbsp;feel it. The solution is simple:&nbsp;<b>EAT.&nbsp;</b>Your body needs fuel to power it through the day. On top of that, your body needs&nbsp;<i>more&nbsp;</i>fuel to get through whatever workouts your asking it to get through. Eat appropriately for your weight loss/gain goals and activity level. I\'m no expert, but <a href=\" http://sothisisfitness.com/2015/02/back-to-basics.html\" target=\"_blank\">here\'s what I can offer for guidance on that front.</a><br /><b><br /></b>This, too, is&nbsp;<b>something you should be doing anyway.</b><br /><b><br /></b><b>4. Rest</b><br /><div style=\"clear: both; text-align: center;\"><a href=\"https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-JYFDBMHFz_g/VsxWnPtf-VI/AAAAAAAAjs8/2sRITMGGAFY/s1600/sleep__square.jpg\" style=\"clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;\"><img border=\"0\" height=\"128\" src=\"https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-JYFDBMHFz_g/VsxWnPtf-VI/AAAAAAAAjs8/2sRITMGGAFY/s200/sleep__square.jpg\" width=\"200\" /></a></div><b><br /></b>A critical part of this whole process is rest. Not just rest days as part of your \"plan\"...but actual REST. In a bed. You have to allow time for your muscles to recover, rebuild, and undo the damage done to them causing this soreness in the first place. It\'s that simple.&nbsp;<b>Get some sleep.</b>&nbsp;If you\'re not getting 7 - 9 hours of sleep a night...you\'ll probably be more sore than you need to be.<br /><br />Yes...<b>You should be doing THIS anyway, too</b>.<br /><b><br /></b><b>5. Recovery Aides / Supplements</b><br /><br /><div style=\"clear: both; text-align: center;\"><a href=\"https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-Cxdrz876cqI/VsxVVo6_KeI/AAAAAAAAjsw/_4MXucR2yQw/s1600/supplements_collage.jpg\" style=\"margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;\"><img border=\"0\" height=\"161\" src=\"https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-Cxdrz876cqI/VsxVVo6_KeI/AAAAAAAAjsw/_4MXucR2yQw/s320/supplements_collage.jpg\" width=\"320\" /></a></div>The harder your workouts, the more they demand from your body. Don\'t forget - how hard your workout is is relative to your athletic ability. A basic routine might still be pretty taxing if you\'re a total rookie. The short version here is: <u>use supplements.</u> There are a number of different supplements that can help give your body the raw materials it craves in order to build back up stronger, faster and thus&nbsp;<i>with less soreness. </i>Whey Protein, Creatine, BCAA\'s, Glutamine, \"Recovery Blends\" or \"Post-Workout supplements\"...there are a TON of options and ways to mix them.<br /><br /><b>So how do you sort it out and find the right one?</b><br /><b><br /></b><div style=\"clear: both; text-align: center;\"><a href=\"https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-1TIG0nI7qc4/VsxV_8onE_I/AAAAAAAAjs4/Rhed2TDfhEI/s1600/ccnc%2Bbanner.png\" style=\"margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;\"><img border=\"0\" height=\"147\" src=\"https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-1TIG0nI7qc4/VsxV_8onE_I/AAAAAAAAjs4/Rhed2TDfhEI/s400/ccnc%2Bbanner.png\" width=\"400\" /></a></div><br />You need a pro. My strongest advice here is to find a local supplement store. NO - <b>not a GNC/Vitamin Shoppe/Big Box</b>...a <b><i>local</i></b> supplement/nutrition store. If you live in Massachusetts I <b>STRONGLY</b>&nbsp;recommend you find a Cape Cod Nutrition Corner. I liked them so much I wiggled my way into becoming one of their team athletes! They only stock products they believe in, they are incredibly knowledgeable about those products, and they\'re going to give you unbiased opinions because <i style=\"font-weight: bold;\">they don\'t make commissions from vendors</i>.<br /><br />Budget yourself $30 or $40/month for this. Most of the solutions they offer will only cost you roughly $1/serving. If you\'re ok buying 10 for $10 yogurts at Stop &amp; Shop or a coffee on the way to work, you should be ok with this option too. Stop by and see what they recommend. It could totally change the game for you :)<br /><br /><b><span style=\"font-size: large;\">That\'s really it.</span></b><br /><br />In the end, no matter what,&nbsp;<i>if you\'re working really hard</i>...<b>you\'re going to be at least&nbsp;<i>a little</i>&nbsp;sore.</b>&nbsp;You CAN do a lot to deaden the blow...<b>it\'s not rocket science.</b> You need to plan, eat, drink and sleep...and using supplements can help put you over the top in terms of reducing that soreness issue. Try it...and let me know how it works out for you.<br /><br /><b style=\"font-style: italic;\">Disclosure: </b><span style=\"font-style: italic;\">As I mentioned,&nbsp;</span><i>I am a Cape Cod Nutrition Corner Sponsored Athlete.&nbsp;As always,&nbsp;<b>all&nbsp;opinions are my own</b>, never bought, sold or influenced. Trust me - if I ever come across something I think is awful, or even sub-par,&nbsp;<b>I won\'t be shy about it</b>. It simply hasn\'t happened yet.</i>','Solving Muscle Soreness - The Secret Sauce','','publish','open','open','','solving-muscle-soreness-the-secret-sauce','','','2017-01-21 09:01:52','2017-01-21 14:01:52','',0,'',0,'post','',0),(150,1,'2016-02-23 13:01:00','2016-02-23 13:01:00','<span style=\"font-size: large;\"><b>I should have been SUPER sore.</b></span><br /><br /><a href=\"https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-aGijIdCyO2c/VsxUDNI-nlI/AAAAAAAAjsk/K7c25j06C_Q/s1600/memerunamarathon1.jpg\" style=\"clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;\"><img border=\"0\" height=\"200\" src=\"https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-aGijIdCyO2c/VsxUDNI-nlI/AAAAAAAAjsk/K7c25j06C_Q/s200/memerunamarathon1.jpg\" width=\"193\" /></a>A couple of weeks ago I ran my fastest 20 miler EVER. I should\'ve been sore as hell at SOME point the following week. And I wasn\'t. The only thing that hurt was the new blisters I earned from being an idiot.&nbsp;<i><b>And even THOSE</b>&nbsp;</i>were fine by Tuesday<b style=\"font-style: italic;\">.</b>&nbsp;As a matter of fact, that Tuesday I knocked out a pretty fast 4 miles in the freshly blizzarded roads of my New England neighborhood.<br /><br /><span style=\"font-size: large;\"><b>What Gives?</b></span><br /><br />Why was I not sore? Why did I feel nothing even&nbsp;<i>remotely</i>&nbsp;resembling the bedridden crippleness I would expect from such a (relatively) hard 3 hour and 38 minute effort Sunday?<br /><br /><b>It\'s because I found the secret sauce.</b><br /><a name=\'more\'></a><br /><b style=\"font-size: x-large;\">Step 1: Accept that there is no magic pill.&nbsp;</b><br /><br /><div style=\"clear: both; text-align: center;\"><a href=\"https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-UDPvtz_DyHE/VsxXhhA1mdI/AAAAAAAAjtU/iMHCynaeAA4/s1600/Snake-Oil-Ad.jpg\" style=\"clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;\"><img border=\"0\" height=\"172\" src=\"https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-UDPvtz_DyHE/VsxXhhA1mdI/AAAAAAAAjtU/iMHCynaeAA4/s320/Snake-Oil-Ad.jpg\" width=\"320\" /></a></div>Sorry to break the news...but there is not some magic pill that saved me from being a useless human being this past week. There is no \"one true way\" for&nbsp;<i>anything</i>&nbsp;in the health &amp; fitness world. If there WERE, we\'d all be doing the&nbsp;<i>same</i>&nbsp;workout, using the&nbsp;<i>same</i>&nbsp;supplement brand, at the&nbsp;<i>same&nbsp;</i>gym,&nbsp;and someone out there would be a super-billionaire.&nbsp;The thing that works for the majority of people (or me)&nbsp;<b>MAY NOT WORK FOR YOU</b>. As long we have that understanding...we can move forward :)<br /><i style=\"font-weight: bold;\"><br /></i><b><span style=\"font-size: large;\">Now then - the basics.</span></b><br /><br /><b>Q: Why do we get sore from working out?</b><br /><b>A: During your workout, you\'re breaking down muscle so it can build back up stronger.</b><br /><br /><a href=\"https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-jk_NzV4CtPk/VsxXZF_6SbI/AAAAAAAAjtQ/Z0MlD1P2yns/s1600/sponge-bob.jpg\" style=\"clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;\"><img border=\"0\" height=\"170\" src=\"https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-jk_NzV4CtPk/VsxXZF_6SbI/AAAAAAAAjtQ/Z0MlD1P2yns/s200/sponge-bob.jpg\" width=\"200\" /></a>That\'s the short version, anyway. This breakdown usually leads to DOMS (Delayed-Onset Muscle Soreness) - you\'ve essentially damaged your body, so of course, you\'re likely to feel that damage. This soreness (DOMS) can occur, arguably, anywhere from 6 to 72 hours after exercise (usually about 24 - 48 hours after). It is&nbsp;<b>perfectly normal.&nbsp;</b><br /><b><br /></b><span style=\"font-size: large;\"><b>OK, so what can I do about it?</b></span><br /><br />As I suggested...there\'s no one medically agreed-upon way to fix or prevent DOMS. If you scour the internet you\'ll find MANY ideas on how to fix it. Below are five things&nbsp;<i>I</i>&nbsp;do that work awesome for me and seem to be considered effective by the internet at-large.<br /><br /><b>1. Have a plan</b><br /><b><br /></b>You want to be sure you don\'t work the same muscle every day - they need a chance to recover. So,&nbsp;<b>have a plan </b>for how you\'re going to break things up<b>.</b>&nbsp;A plan for the day, of course, but a longer term plan too.&nbsp;<i>What are you doing today? Tomorrow? The rest of the week? Next week? How is next month laid out?</i>&nbsp;Having a plan will ensure that you don\'t waste time, your muscles can recover and work harder for you, and ultimately, over time, you can reach your goals.<br /><br />This whole \"have a plan\" thing...honestly...<b>it\'s something you should be doing anyway -&nbsp;</b>not just to avoid muscle soreness.<br /><b><br /></b><b>2. Hydrate</b><br /><div style=\"clear: both; text-align: center;\"></div><b><br /></b>Your body is mostly made of water...and it tends to perform better and do what you want when you stay well-hydrated. Everyone and their mother tells you to drink at least 8 glasses of water a day...<b>there\'s a reason.</b>&nbsp;To be safe, and to ensure your body has what it needs&nbsp;I say&nbsp;<i style=\"font-weight: bold;\">double that </i><i style=\"font-weight: bold;\">(hell, I drink even MORE than that)</i><i style=\"font-weight: bold;\">.&nbsp;</i>What\'s the worst that happens (<i>barring extreme circumstances)</i>? You pee more?&nbsp;<b>Good.</b><i>&nbsp;</i><br /><b><br /></b>This \"hydrating\" thing...it\'s&nbsp;<b>something you should be doing anyway.</b><br /><b><br /></b><b>3. Fuel</b><br /><div style=\"clear: both; text-align: center;\"><a href=\"https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-ZuIPtO47aes/VsxXA9j8dFI/AAAAAAAAjtE/TknxL35WWWQ/s1600/goku%2Beat.png\" style=\"clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;\"><img border=\"0\" height=\"165\" src=\"https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-ZuIPtO47aes/VsxXA9j8dFI/AAAAAAAAjtE/TknxL35WWWQ/s320/goku%2Beat.png\" width=\"320\" /></a></div><b><br /></b>If there\'s no gas in the tank, the car doesn\'t go. Unfortunately, we humans can...and often DO...<i>force</i>&nbsp;our bodies to go when there\'s not enough fuel consumed. Whether you get abnormally tired or sore...you <i>will</i>&nbsp;feel it. The solution is simple:&nbsp;<b>EAT.&nbsp;</b>Your body needs fuel to power it through the day. On top of that, your body needs&nbsp;<i>more&nbsp;</i>fuel to get through whatever workouts your asking it to get through. Eat appropriately for your weight loss/gain goals and activity level. I\'m no expert, but <a href=\"http://www.sothisisfitness.com/2015/02/back-to-basics.html\" target=\"_blank\">here\'s what I can offer for guidance on that front.</a><br /><b><br /></b>This, too, is&nbsp;<b>something you should be doing anyway.</b><br /><b><br /></b><b>4. Rest</b><br /><div style=\"clear: both; text-align: center;\"><a href=\"https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-JYFDBMHFz_g/VsxWnPtf-VI/AAAAAAAAjs8/2sRITMGGAFY/s1600/sleep__square.jpg\" style=\"clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;\"><img border=\"0\" height=\"128\" src=\"https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-JYFDBMHFz_g/VsxWnPtf-VI/AAAAAAAAjs8/2sRITMGGAFY/s200/sleep__square.jpg\" width=\"200\" /></a></div><b><br /></b>A critical part of this whole process is rest. Not just rest days as part of your \"plan\"...but actual REST. In a bed. You have to allow time for your muscles to recover, rebuild, and undo the damage done to them causing this soreness in the first place. It\'s that simple.&nbsp;<b>Get some sleep.</b>&nbsp;If you\'re not getting 7 - 9 hours of sleep a night...you\'ll probably be more sore than you need to be.<br /><br />Yes...<b>You should be doing THIS anyway, too</b>.<br /><b><br /></b><b>5. Recovery Aides / Supplements</b><br /><br /><div style=\"clear: both; text-align: center;\"><a href=\"https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-Cxdrz876cqI/VsxVVo6_KeI/AAAAAAAAjsw/_4MXucR2yQw/s1600/supplements_collage.jpg\" style=\"margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;\"><img border=\"0\" height=\"161\" src=\"https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-Cxdrz876cqI/VsxVVo6_KeI/AAAAAAAAjsw/_4MXucR2yQw/s320/supplements_collage.jpg\" width=\"320\" /></a></div>The harder your workouts, the more they demand from your body. Don\'t forget - how hard your workout is is relative to your athletic ability. A basic routine might still be pretty taxing if you\'re a total rookie. The short version here is: <u>use supplements.</u> There are a number of different supplements that can help give your body the raw materials it craves in order to build back up stronger, faster and thus&nbsp;<i>with less soreness. </i>Whey Protein, Creatine, BCAA\'s, Glutamine, \"Recovery Blends\" or \"Post-Workout supplements\"...there are a TON of options and ways to mix them.<br /><br /><b>So how do you sort it out and find the right one?</b><br /><b><br /></b><div style=\"clear: both; text-align: center;\"><a href=\"https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-1TIG0nI7qc4/VsxV_8onE_I/AAAAAAAAjs4/Rhed2TDfhEI/s1600/ccnc%2Bbanner.png\" style=\"margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;\"><img border=\"0\" height=\"147\" src=\"https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-1TIG0nI7qc4/VsxV_8onE_I/AAAAAAAAjs4/Rhed2TDfhEI/s400/ccnc%2Bbanner.png\" width=\"400\" /></a></div><br />You need a pro. My strongest advice here is to find a local supplement store. NO - <b>not a GNC/Vitamin Shoppe/Big Box</b>...a <b><i>local</i></b> supplement/nutrition store. If you live in Massachusetts I <b>STRONGLY</b>&nbsp;recommend you find a Cape Cod Nutrition Corner. I liked them so much I wiggled my way into becoming one of their team athletes! They only stock products they believe in, they are incredibly knowledgeable about those products, and they\'re going to give you unbiased opinions because <i style=\"font-weight: bold;\">they don\'t make commissions from vendors</i>.<br /><br />Budget yourself $30 or $40/month for this. Most of the solutions they offer will only cost you roughly $1/serving. If you\'re ok buying 10 for $10 yogurts at Stop &amp; Shop or a coffee on the way to work, you should be ok with this option too. Stop by and see what they recommend. It could totally change the game for you :)<br /><br /><b><span style=\"font-size: large;\">That\'s really it.</span></b><br /><br />In the end, no matter what,&nbsp;<i>if you\'re working really hard</i>...<b>you\'re going to be at least&nbsp;<i>a little</i>&nbsp;sore.</b>&nbsp;You CAN do a lot to deaden the blow...<b>it\'s not rocket science.</b> You need to plan, eat, drink and sleep...and using supplements can help put you over the top in terms of reducing that soreness issue. Try it...and let me know how it works out for you.<br /><br /><b style=\"font-style: italic;\">Disclosure: </b><span style=\"font-style: italic;\">As I mentioned,&nbsp;</span><i>I am a Cape Cod Nutrition Corner Sponsored Athlete.&nbsp;As always,&nbsp;<b>all&nbsp;opinions are my own</b>, never bought, sold or influenced. Trust me - if I ever come across something I think is awful, or even sub-par,&nbsp;<b>I won\'t be shy about it</b>. It simply hasn\'t happened yet.</i>','Solving Muscle Soreness - The Secret Sauce','','inherit','closed','closed','','24-revision-v1','','','2016-02-23 13:01:00','2016-02-23 13:01:00','',24,'http://50.87.248.94/~sothisj4/?p=150',0,'revision','',0),(25,1,'2017-01-01 22:25:12','0000-00-00 00:00:00','Most people have heard of protein shakes, but many \"average joes\" or \"fitness rookies\" might not be familiar with my recent favorite - BCAA\'s.<br /><br />Branch Chain Amino Acids are, essentially, the building blocks of protein, which is what your muscles are made of. They are readily absorbed into your body, rather than having to be digested first (like a protein shake), making them an excellent choice to drink immediately following your workout (when muscles are most thirsty for those nutrients - I\'m talking within 20 minutes post-workout if possible). Most BCAA blends you find on the shelf are a \"2:1:1 ratio\". Let\'s keep it simple for now and say just stick with that. I\'ll go more in-depth on BCAA\'s another day.<br /><br />I\'ve been using BPI Best BCAA. It\'s simple, tastes good, and includes a CLA matrix (a fatty acid with a number of health benefits). When my training gets more intense I\'ll tend to sip on BCAA\'s later in the day in addition to my post-workout serving. You can find BPI Best BCAA (or whichever brand you might prefer) at your local supplement shop (my favorite, obviously, is Cape Cod Nutrition Corner).','Skip A Step & Recover Faster - BCAA\'s','','draft','open','open','','','','','2017-01-01 22:25:12','2017-01-01 22:25:12','',0,'',0,'post','',0),(26,1,'2015-12-31 17:36:00','2015-12-31 22:36:00','<div><b><span style=\"font-size: large;\">It\'s that time of year again.</span></b></div><div><br /></div><div>New Year\'s Eve. That means January 1st is tomorrow. Those of us in the fitness world know all too well what\'s about to happen...<br /><br /><b>The gym is about to get <i>crushed.</i></b></div><div><br /></div><div><div style=\"clear: both; text-align: center;\"><a href=\"http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-dbPkbIGzEgA/VoVcxgdUGJI/AAAAAAAAiz4/JBVlsX-xCqE/s1600/New-Years-Gym-Meme-07.jpg\" style=\"clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;\"><img border=\"0\" height=\"200\" src=\"http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-dbPkbIGzEgA/VoVcxgdUGJI/AAAAAAAAiz4/JBVlsX-xCqE/s200/New-Years-Gym-Meme-07.jpg\" width=\"200\" /></a></div>Yes, the annual <a href=\"http://www.sothisisfitness.com/2014/12/gympocalypse-2015.html\" target=\"_blank\">Gympocalypse</a> is upon us once more. \"They\" are coming. \"They\" - those who claim \"Yes, THIS will be my year! This time, <b>this time </b>by golly I\'ll actually do it!\".<br /><br /><b>I can hear my fellow gym-goers already.</b></div><div><b><br /></b></div><div>\"Ah <i>shit...</i>\" - \"Don\'t worry, they\'ll be gone in a few weeks.\" - etc. Gym rats the world over already hate these people about to invade their holy spaces, and they\'re not shy about sending the message of <b>\"you\'re not welcome. Be Gone, you of weak mind and body.\"</b></div><div><b><br /></b></div><div><b>I know these \"resolutioners\" all too well.</b></div><div><b><br /></b></div><div>Yes, I know your type. I\'ve got your number. I know what you\'re all about, how you tick, and what, exactly, the formula here is. I know how this is going to go...so...</div><div><b><br /></b></div><div><b><span style=\"font-size: large;\">I have my own message for you...</span></b></div><div><a name=\'more\'></a><br /><b><span style=\"font-size: large;\">You\'d better dig in.</span></b></div><div><br /></div><div>Yeah, <b>I DO know your type.</b> It\'s one of a few: <br /><br />Maybe you\'ve tried and failed before, lost hope temporarily but still aren\'t willing to give up the dream of finally being happy with your body.</div><div><br /></div><div>Maybe you used to be Mr./Ms. Athletic...and thanks to \"life\" you fell out of it. Now you\'ve finally mustered up the courage to find your way back to the promised land, but it\'ll be harder now.</div><div><br /></div><div>Maybe you\'ve never been the athletic or \"fit\" type...but hey, <b>why not me?</b>&nbsp;And y\'know what, now seems like a great time. There\'s New Year\'s specials!<br /><br /></div><div><b>Am I close? Probably.</b></div><div><br />So I\'ll say it again: <b>You\'d better dig in.</b>&nbsp;Why?<br /><br /><span style=\"font-size: large;\"><b>This is going to take time and effort.</b></span><br /><br />Yes, your body will change. <b>However,</b>&nbsp;nobody said it was an easy task...and <b>it will not happen overnight. </b>It might take anywhere from 1 - 3 months to start seeing visible change. And that\'s <b>if </b><i style=\"font-weight: bold;\">you work out enough</i>.&nbsp;It\'s generally accepted that you need to work out (i.e. a <i>structured workout routine) </i>consistently&nbsp;at least 3 days a week (Says who? <a href=\"http://www.businessinsider.com/we-asked-an-exercise-scientist-how-many-days-a-week-you-need-to-work-out-to-actually-make-a-difference-2015-6\" target=\"_blank\">Here</a>, <a href=\"http://www.mensfitness.com/training/pro-tips/question-week-how-much-workout\" target=\"_blank\">here</a>, and <a href=\"http://health.howstuffworks.com/wellness/diet-fitness/information/how-often-should-i-work-out.htm\" target=\"_blank\">here</a> are examples).<br /><b><br /></b><b>Please <i>don\'t get discouraged</i>&nbsp;</b>when things don\'t go your way. Keep at it. If you\'re not getting anywhere...<br /><br /><span style=\"font-size: large;\"><b>Ask for help.</b></span><br /><br /><b>Nobody at the gym expects you to be a pro</b>...but they DO expect you not to act like an idiot. You should know \"gym etiquette\", you should have a plan, and you should <b>refrain from being a jerk.</b><br /><br /><div style=\"clear: both; text-align: center;\"><a href=\"http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-zwmpn1uQFmg/VoVeasbBbpI/AAAAAAAAi0E/mq-qOwKbd4o/s1600/funny-pics-i-have-no-idea-what-im-doing.jpg\" style=\"clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;\"><img border=\"0\" height=\"200\" src=\"http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-zwmpn1uQFmg/VoVeasbBbpI/AAAAAAAAi0E/mq-qOwKbd4o/s200/funny-pics-i-have-no-idea-what-im-doing.jpg\" width=\"200\" /></a></div><b>\"Being a jerk\"? </b>Not putting away your weights/equipment. Aimlessly occupying space. Sitting on a piece of equipment <i>reading a book</i>.&nbsp;Talking/texting/selfie-ing in the gym. Making excessive grunting/groaning/noises in an attempt to look impressive. All of these, and just generally being obnoxious, are great ways to make more tenured gym members (and even your fellow resolutioners) absolutely <b>hate</b>&nbsp;you. So don\'t do it.<br /><br />Don\'t have a plan/program/routine? <b>Get one.</b>&nbsp;Your best bet is an actual, legitimate personal trainer. They are educated, certified, and know what they\'re talking about. They understand how to build a plan specific to YOU that will get you the results you want. They will push you past your perceived limits. They will motivate and encourage you. I recommend it.<br /><br />Not willing to pay for a trainer? <b>You\'re gonna have to learn it the hard way. </b>Make sure you\'ve got both cardio AND strength in your plan.&nbsp;You\'re going to have to do lots of research, and lots of trial-and-error. And that\'s fine. It\'s what I did, and I turned out just fine. Would\'ve been easier with a trainer, though.<br /><br />You\'re either paying in cash money or your time and effort...you choose. Either way,&nbsp;<b>you get what you pay for.</b><br /><br />Got some general questions? Need a little motivation or encouragement? If you look like you\'re genuinely making an effort, many of the more tenured and experienced gym members might be willing to help rather than make you feel unwelcome. The staff at your gym (not necessarily a personal trainer) should be able to help out, too.<br /><br />It\'s tough to get help, though, <i>if the staff doesn\'t care</i>...so...<br /><br /><span style=\"font-size: large;\"><b>Choose wisely.</b></span><br /><br />The right gym/health club can make a <b>huge</b>&nbsp;difference.&nbsp;Unfortunately, there are many gyms out there that <b>know</b>&nbsp;how likely you are to fail. And that\'s <b>fine by them</b>. They are more than happy to sign you up, take your money, and never talk to you again (unless you have a billing problem). I work in a gym...and <i style=\"font-weight: bold;\">I hate those clubs.</i>&nbsp;They make us all look bad. I could go on for days (seriously...you mention Planet Fitness and I see red)...<br /><br />Again, as a general rule, <b>you get what you pay for.</b>&nbsp;If a gym is touting only their low low price, how many \"free\" things they\'re throwing at you, and \"<i>no commitment!\"</i>...<b>walk away. </b><u style=\"font-weight: bold;\"><i>Trust me.</i></u>&nbsp;On the flip side...unless there\'s a pool, steam/sauna, tennis/racquetball, and I get a personal trainer at least weekly...&nbsp;I see no need for a gym membership to cost much more than $60/month (with commitment). On that note...<br /><br /><b>DON\'T FEAR \"COMMITMENT\".</b><br /><br /><div style=\"clear: both; text-align: center;\"><a href=\"http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-pEELwDyyl0o/VoVhdK5Aj0I/AAAAAAAAi0Q/bO4HaB4llvE/s1600/commitment.jpg\" style=\"clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;\"><img border=\"0\" height=\"200\" src=\"http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-pEELwDyyl0o/VoVhdK5Aj0I/AAAAAAAAi0Q/bO4HaB4llvE/s200/commitment.jpg\" width=\"161\" /></a></div>There is <b>NOTHING </b>wrong with signing a commitment term at a gym. We\'ve established that this is going to take a while, right? So why do you have a problem committing to that period of time? If a gym lets you sign up without a commitment they are <i>inviting you to give up and fail</i>. Some days you are NOT going to want to get out of bed. You might falter, miss a month (or two...or five...), and want to quit because \"you\'re throwing money out the window\". When you\'re hanging by a thread and you\'re ready to throw in the towel...<b>that commitment might be what gets you back on track.</b>&nbsp;So quit whining, quit making excuses, and <b>sign up, already.&nbsp;</b><br /><br />That said...making the right choice of gym isn\'t the last piece of the puzzle.<br /><br /><span style=\"font-size: large;\"><b>This is bigger than just \"going to the gym\"</b></span><br /><br />Yes, unfortunately, the \"new you\" doesn\'t just happen by arriving at the gym 3x/week. You can work out 3 hours a day 8 days a week and <b><i>crush it</i></b>...but it doesn\'t matter if you <b>don\'t eat right.</b><br /><br />Nutrition is a <i>critically important part</i>&nbsp;of your new fitness journey. Get rid of the garbage, get more of the good stuff, and develop good habits of how and when to fuel yourself with that good stuff.<br /><div style=\"clear: both; text-align: center;\"></div><div style=\"clear: both; text-align: center;\"><a href=\"http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-IfO_djN_fRM/VoVh4TvrPJI/AAAAAAAAi0c/H0TCsMYxc3k/s1600/Food-Choices.jpg\" style=\"margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;\"><img border=\"0\" height=\"179\" src=\"http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-IfO_djN_fRM/VoVh4TvrPJI/AAAAAAAAi0c/H0TCsMYxc3k/s320/Food-Choices.jpg\" width=\"320\" /></a></div><div style=\"clear: both; text-align: center;\"></div><b>What\'s \"garbage\"?</b> Some is obvious, some is not. If it gets to you in a paper bag through your car window...<b>it\'s probably garbage.</b>&nbsp;Use your noggin - you know if you shouldn\'t be eating it. <br /><br /><b>What\'s good?</b>&nbsp;Veggies, lean meats, chicken, fish, whole grains, fruits (in moderation), etc.&nbsp;The less \"processed\" it is, the better. The shorter the ingredients list and the more of it you can pronounce/understand, the better. You <b>do not have to remove</b>&nbsp;an entire category (like fat, or carbs) from your diet.<br /><br /><b>How/when do I eat?</b>&nbsp;Think of food as fuel. The more of your day you have left, the more fuel you need to get through it. \"Breakfast like a king, lunch like a peasant, dinner like a pauper.\" Better yet, take it to the next level by learning to eat small meals (200 - 400 calories depending on your needs) every 2 to 3 hours. That method will keep your metabolism fired up, give you more energy, and you won\'t binge because you\'re over-hungry.<br /><br /><b>\"Diets do not work long-term\".</b>&nbsp;Focus on making choices and behavior modifications that you can stick with. This is a <i>lifestyle change</i>, not a temporary diet.<br /><div style=\"clear: both; text-align: center;\"><a href=\"http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-tXM0WUABlnA/VoViXanIVeI/AAAAAAAAi0o/pANOPZUuf40/s1600/Diets-and-quick-fixes-.jpg\" style=\"margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;\"><img border=\"0\" height=\"178\" src=\"http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-tXM0WUABlnA/VoViXanIVeI/AAAAAAAAi0o/pANOPZUuf40/s320/Diets-and-quick-fixes-.jpg\" width=\"320\" /></a></div><br /><span style=\"font-size: large;\"><b>Remember why you\'re doing this.</b></span><br /><br /><b>This is a lot of work.</b>&nbsp;If you lose sight of why you\'re doing it in the first place...it\'s not going to seem worth it to you, and you <b><i>will</i> fail.</b>&nbsp;Make sure you\'ve got a concrete, attainable goal. Something measurable. Maybe it\'s a size of clothing to fit into. Maybe it\'s finishing a 5K/10K/Marathon. Maybe it\'s being able to do 5 pull-ups. I recommend NOT making it a weight goal...and <a href=\"http://www.sothisisfitness.com/2013/07/why-workouts-fail-2-the-scale.html\" target=\"_blank\">here\'s why</a>.<br /><br />Yes, it\'s a lot of work...but <b>you CAN do it. </b>It\'s <u>worth it</u>.<br /><br /><span style=\"font-size: large;\"><b>You are not alone.</b></span><br /><br /></div><div><div style=\"clear: both; text-align: center;\"><a href=\"http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-aqce_JPWhMQ/UsubdlYGmeI/AAAAAAAAGK0/NszU25ihyks/s1600/aftert25front.jpg\" style=\"clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;\"><img border=\"0\" height=\"200\" src=\"http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-aqce_JPWhMQ/UsubdlYGmeI/AAAAAAAAGK0/NszU25ihyks/s200/aftert25front.jpg\" width=\"200\" /></a></div>I know you because <b>I used to be one of you.</b>&nbsp;August 2012 I was about 305. Today I\'m running marathons to train for ultramarathons. You don\'t necessarily have to run marathons...the point is...if I can do it, so can you. I may not have joined the gym in January...but <b>so what?</b>&nbsp;Joining in January doesn\'t make you any less a member or any less able to do it than someone who started in August or May.<br /><br />Don\'t quit, believe in your ability to do it, and stick with it. Unless you\'re injured or sick from the neck down...drag yourself out of bed and make your workout happen <i>at all costs</i>.<br /><br />This <b>can</b>&nbsp;happen. It <b>is</b>&nbsp;a lot of work. So you\'d better dig in, believe, commit, and <b>make it happen.</b>&nbsp;This CAN be your year...so let\'s do this.</div>','To The \"Resolutioners\" Eyeing The Gym','','publish','open','open','','to-the-resolutioners-eyeing-the-gym','','','2017-01-15 08:05:51','2017-01-15 13:05:51','',0,'http://50.87.248.94/~sothisj4/?p=26',0,'post','',1),(27,1,'2017-03-07 08:54:34','2017-03-07 13:54:34','<h2><strong>I\'ve pretty much seen the full spectrum of \"taste\".</strong></h2>\r\nI\'ve been that \"fat guy\" that eats everything indiscriminately. Overly greasy, fatty, salty, sauced and more. You reach a certain point where eating and drinking like that... you sort of deaden your taste buds. Then those terrible foods begin to... \"taste\" <em>good</em>.  <strong>Now? </strong>I\'m that \"fit guy\" who makes better choices. I avoid those things I used to eat. <strong>My taste buds came back to life.</strong> I can taste spices, nuance, subtlety, and the chef/creator\'s intent. It\'s why I drink my coffee black, why I love seltzer water, and why I say Grin Hola is not JUST granola.\r\n<h3><strong>I realize that might sound a bit... over the top...</strong></h3>\r\nBut have YOU tried Grin Hola? It\'s unlike any granola I\'ve ever picked off the shelf in the supermarket. TOTALLY found it by accident... might never have known about it otherwise. And... sadly...<strong> <span style=\"text-decoration: underline;\">YOU</span> might <em>never</em> get to eat it.</strong><!--more-->\r\n<h2></h2>\r\n<h2><strong>It starts with quality, natural ingredients.</strong></h2>\r\n<img class=\"alignright wp-image-958 size-medium\" src=\"http://sothisisfitness.com/wp-content/uploads/2017/02/PhotoGrid_1487162688390-300x155.png\" alt=\"Grin Hola apple pie ingredients\" width=\"300\" height=\"155\" />Grin Hola is made from pretty simple, pretty wholesome ingredients. The ingredients for the Apple Pie flavor, for example (see image) - I don\'t see anything artificial or difficult to pronounce there. The Peanut Butter &amp; Jelly flavor? It ACTUALLY has peanut butter and grape jelly in it! There\'s organic when it can be done, but sure, not EVERYTHING is organic. Honestly... not everything NEEDS to be. This isn\'t some elitist food blog - I\'m certainly not gonna dump on someone for not being 100% organic, 100% GMO free, etc. I\'m behind good, quality, healthy stuff. <strong>This fits the bill</strong><strong>. </strong>Besides...\r\n<h2><strong>The flavor is <span style=\"text-decoration: underline;\">incredible</span>.</strong></h2>\r\nI can\'t go on any longer without talking about this. Most granola is dry, mostly flavorless, and not super impressive. Just a big bag of oats with maybe some nuts and fruit in there... then there\'s Grin Hola. This guy is some kind of kitchen wizard... I don\'t know HOW he does it... but there\'s an incredible depth of flavor in this stuff. It\'s hard to describe... but the way the flavors combine... there\'s levels that absolutely destroy everything else on the shelf. I can taste the vanilla and how it plays with the apple, the nutmeg... Honestly, I\'m no cullinary genius... but this guy is seriously some kind of magician.\r\n\r\n<strong>The flavor names/descriptions are spot-on, too!</strong> The Apple Pie tastes like a delicious, crunchy slice of apple pie. The Cocoa Nutty is the most delicious blend of chocolate and subtle vanilla tones you\'ll try. And OH... the Peanut Butter &amp; Jelly... actually tastes like a pb &amp; j sandwich! PB &amp; J is the one flavor I feel like is simply impossible for most companies to get right. Ever had a peanut butter &amp; jelly protein bar? Nine times out of ten... terrible. Grin Hola nailed it.\r\n<h3><strong><img class=\"alignright size-medium wp-image-974\" src=\"http://sothisisfitness.com/wp-content/uploads/2017/03/PhotoGrid_1487075913950-200x300.png\" alt=\"Grin hola package apple pie\" width=\"200\" height=\"300\" />Texture and mouth-feel are a home-run, too</strong></h3>\r\nMost granola is super dry, and to say it\'s \"crunchy\" would be a gross understatement. In this regard... Grin Hola, once again, is unlike any other granola I\'ve had. There\'s a moistness to it that seems wholly uncharacteristic of granola in general... but it works in the most amazing way. It\'s just soft enough, but there\'s still some crunch to it. I think that moistness helps carry more flavor, if that makes sense.\r\n<h3><strong>And it comes in such an unassuming package</strong></h3>\r\nGrin Hola... quite possibly the most delicious breakfast treat or trail snack available... comes in such a simple, plain, honest-to-goodness here-I-am package. Just a simple little stand-up pouch with a re-sealable top. That\'s it! That simple. It just sits there on the shelf... giggling because you have no idea the awesome that sits before you.\r\n<h2><strong>You can tell... Grin Hola is made with love</strong></h2>\r\nHonestly, <strong>I don\'t even consider that to be <a href=\"http://www.dictionary.com/browse/hyperbole\">hyperbole</a>.</strong> There\'s no industrial kitchen, there\'s not even a humble unmarked no-storefront commercial kitchen. Grin Hola is <a href=\"http://www.grinhola.com\">a tiny little hyper-local company - <em>it\'s a guy in his kitchen. </em></a>\r\n\r\n<strong>Yes, you read that right.</strong> The magic of this amazing granola SERIOUSLY happens in a home kitchen. No staff save for the man himself and his young helpers - yes... his kids. Jason Warren, founder, creator, and head chef of Grin Hola <span style=\"text-decoration: underline;\"><strong>is</strong></span> the American Dream in action. He had an idea, he brought it to life, he pitched himself and he is <strong>SUCCEEDING HUGELY.</strong>\r\n<h3><strong>He\'s earning that success with hard work</strong></h3>\r\nHe personally travels all over Cape Cod and Southeastern Massachusetts. He\'s getting out there, spreading the word, sampling his product. He\'s boots-on-the-ground, finding opportunities. He sampled at the gym I manage, he\'s sampled at local markets, and he\'s sampled at local races (that\'s how I found him!). You can find him at places like Lambert\'s Fruit &amp; Produce in Hyannis, or Marshfield Hills General Store... but right now... not in a major supermarket... and not outside my very local area.\r\n<h3><strong>The rest of the state... and <em>everyone</em>... is missing out.</strong></h3>\r\nThis might just be the best breakfast food, munchable snack, or trail fuel you\'ve never eaten and WILL never eat. Due to certain constraints, right now it\'s not as widely available as some of us might like, and it\'s not readily available for online purchase. Nevertheless... this granola is so... GOOD... that I feel compelled to review it and tell the world about it. <strong>Even if 99% of you will never get to eat it (read on, though... maybe I can hook you up). </strong>Those of you who live here, though? RUN, do not walk... and get yourself some of this amazing granola!\r\n<h2><strong>So WHAT are you waiting for?</strong></h2>\r\nSeriously... this isn\'t a paid ad or anything - I just honest to goodness think Grin Hola is THAT GOOD that EVERYONE who likes granola even a LITTLE bit should be eating it. And if you DON\'T like granola? Well... it\'s a safe bet you haven\'t tried Grin Hola and it might just change your mind. Don\'t live in Southeastern Massachusetts? FEAR NOT! Email me, I\'ll connect you with the man in charge - Jason - and we\'ll see about doing some kind of special-order ship-you-some situation. Hit the contact page and let\'s do this thing! (Darrell@SoTHISIsFitness.com)\r\n\r\n<strong>So there it is... a solid A+ rating for Grin Hola... </strong>the best damn granola I have ever or (probably) WILL ever eat.','Grin Hola - The BEST Granola you\'ll (probably) never eat.','','publish','open','open','','grin-hola-review-its-not-just-granola','','','2017-03-07 08:54:34','2017-03-07 13:54:34','',0,'http://50.87.248.94/~sothisj4/?p=27',0,'post','',0),(28,1,'2015-12-01 11:02:00','2015-12-01 16:02:00','<span style=\"font-size: large;\"><b>I\'ve had some realizations lately -&nbsp;</b></span><br /><b><br /></b>and I can sum them up quite simply:<br /><br /><b>People suck.</b><br /><br />OK, that\'s the harsh, short, exaggerated version. But... there it is.<br /><br /><span style=\"font-size: large;\"><b>So why would I think that?</b></span><br /><br />Person A:<br />\"I want to run a marathon!\" / &nbsp;\"Let\'s go do a 5K!\" / \"I signed up for an obstacle course race!\" / \"Wanna come with me to the gym?\"<br /><br />Person B:<br />\"You\'re <b>nuts.</b>\" / \"That\'s <b>crazy.</b>\" / \"<b><i>You have fun</i></b> with that.\" / \"Yeahhhhhh....<b>no.</b>\"<br /><br />...I have a problem with this. <b>And you should too.</b>&nbsp;This is a symptom of a bigger problem.<br /><br /><a name=\'more\'></a><span style=\"font-size: large;\"><b>\"A bigger problem\"?</b></span><br /><br />Think back to \"Person A / Person B\" and allow me to elaborate on \"we suck\":<br /><br /><b>We reject that which we can\'t comprehend/envision for ourselves.</b><br /><b><br /></b>It\'s pretty plain to see, I think. Anything outside of our comfort zone...it all falls under the umbrella of \"crazy\". People, when offered a chance to step outside their comfort zone and participate in something unconventional...<i>usually&nbsp;</i>don\'t even take it seriously and give it thought. A quick dismissal is often the best you get. But it gets <i>worse</i>.<br /><br /><span style=\"font-size: large;\"><b>The dreamers are stifled.</b></span><br /><br /><b>All too often</b>&nbsp;this rejection of the \"crazy\"...the disdain and reproach that is given as a response to these relatively big dreams...is delivered in such a way that \"Person A\" feels stupid. Feels <b>discouraged</b>. <i style=\"font-weight: bold;\">No longer wants to try</i><i>.</i><br /><br />My question to \"Person B\" is simple.<br /><br /><span style=\"font-size: large;\"><b>What are you so afraid of?</b></span><br /><br />Sorry to get all \"hippie\" on you, but who decided what \"crazy\" and \"normal\" are, anyway? Who\'s the \"crazy\" one, <i>really</i>&nbsp;- the guy who takes charge of his life, loses 100+ lbs and eventually runs a marathon? Or the guy that spends his free time turning the couch cushion into a mold of his less-than-firm ass?<br /><br /><span style=\"font-size: large;\"><b>Get out of the way.&nbsp;</b></span><br /><br /><div style=\"clear: both; text-align: center;\"><a href=\"http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-KZwVrAQNywQ/Vl17webXo9I/AAAAAAAAiuM/qEyrSbSLrfw/s1600/Fitness%2Bmotivational%2Bquotes1.jpg\" style=\"clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;\"><img border=\"0\" height=\"200\" src=\"http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-KZwVrAQNywQ/Vl17webXo9I/AAAAAAAAiuM/qEyrSbSLrfw/s200/Fitness%2Bmotivational%2Bquotes1.jpg\" width=\"165\" /></a></div>There is no room for negativity and roadblocks in this life. We are getting lazier, less ambitious, and less adventurous as time goes on. I have a message for \"Person B\" - <b>get out of the way</b>&nbsp;of people who want to reach higher. Just because you have gotten too comfortable with \"normal\" doesn\'t mean others can\'t break out and do something \"crazy\".<br /><br />And y\'know what, \"Person B\"? <b>Get out of YOUR OWN way - </b>WHO SAYS you can\'t go run a 5K? WHAT\'S SO BAD about going to the gym? After you WORK YOUR WAY THERE...is a Marathon <i>really </i>so outlandish?<br /><br /><span style=\"font-size: large;\"><b>Join me. <i>I dare you</i>.</b></span><br /><br />I am stepping off the deep end, and I dare you to do the same. 2016 is officially the Year Of The Ultra. I will be running:<br /><br /><div style=\"clear: both; text-align: center;\"><a href=\"http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-DAjd1FbLG0E/Vl15Yv988qI/AAAAAAAAit4/pvXAwUewOPY/s1600/screen-shot-2013-09-02-at-8-41-02-pm.png\" style=\"clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;\"><img border=\"0\" height=\"191\" src=\"http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-DAjd1FbLG0E/Vl15Yv988qI/AAAAAAAAit4/pvXAwUewOPY/s200/screen-shot-2013-09-02-at-8-41-02-pm.png\" width=\"200\" /></a></div>- 5 Marathons<br />- 2 6-Hour Ultramarathons (shooting for 30+ miles)<br />- 1 8-Hour Ultramarathon (shooting for 30+ miles)<br />- 1 50 Mile Ultramarathon<br />- 1 30-Hour Ultramarathon (shooting for <b>100 miles</b>)<br /><br />Yes. I\'m going to attempt to run <b>100 miles in one whack.</b>&nbsp;Yes, prior to that I will run <b>50 miles in 12 hours or less </b>(that\'s the time limit). Those marathons? The 6-Hour and 8-Hour races?<br /><br />Honestly...I\'m supposed to run 20 - 30 miles those days <i>anyway</i>&nbsp;as part of my <i style=\"font-weight: bold;\">training</i>...so I might as well get a medal for it. Hah. <b>Yes, </b>5 marathons and three 6+ Hour Ultras will be TRAINING runs for me next year.<br /><br /><div style=\"clear: both; text-align: center;\"><a href=\"http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-D5bSeUXVRSU/Vl15k_frctI/AAAAAAAAiuA/gVJB9JKYSgE/s1600/ccnclogo.jpg\" style=\"clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;\"><img border=\"0\" height=\"180\" src=\"http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-D5bSeUXVRSU/Vl15k_frctI/AAAAAAAAiuA/gVJB9JKYSgE/s200/ccnclogo.jpg\" width=\"200\" /></a></div>This plan is going to beat the crap out of me. I\'ll be running 50, 60, 70 miles per week. I\'ll be cross-training in the gym to stay strong to handle these runs. I\'ll need lots of fuel all day long, and <a href=\"https://www.facebook.com/CapeCodNutritionCorner.Plymouth/\" target=\"_blank\">Cape Cod Nutrition Corner</a> is going to be coming up BIG for me in that department (they\'re sponsoring this whole adventure). But in the end...I think I can tackle it. And if I don\'t hit 100? Well, at least I tried. And damnit...<i style=\"font-weight: bold;\">I\'ll try again later</i>. One way or another, <b>I will finish a 100 mile ultramarathon</b>.<br /><br />Pretty much everyone I tell about this calls it \"crazy\". Know what I say? There is <b>nothing crazy about this.</b>&nbsp;\"Crazy\" is an opinion. <b>So is \"normal\".&nbsp;</b><br /><br /><span style=\"font-size: large;\"><b>It\'s all relative.</b></span><br /><br />\"Normal\" is simply another way to say \"this is where I\'m comfortable\". We don\'t grow by staying \"comfortable\".<br /><br /><div style=\"clear: both; text-align: center;\"><a href=\"http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-fIAZfZEt71I/Vl133X6hwhI/AAAAAAAAits/X5luITPrWGc/s1600/BXdF38VIIAAKF3r.jpg\" style=\"clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;\"><img border=\"0\" height=\"200\" src=\"http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-fIAZfZEt71I/Vl133X6hwhI/AAAAAAAAits/X5luITPrWGc/s200/BXdF38VIIAAKF3r.jpg\" width=\"200\" /></a></div>Three years ago I had never \"gone for a run\", and now I\'m staring down over 2,500 miles in 2016. <b>If I had never gone for that first run</b>&nbsp;a 5K would still seem pretty out of reach. If I never started this fitness journey I\'d probably be looking at me sideways too. I\'d never have known that seeming \"far off\" and being \"impossible\" are not the same thing. I\'d never have realized that <b><i>there is no ceiling</i>.</b><br /><b><br /></b><b>Maybe, just maybe...</b>&nbsp;we should learn to appreciate the bold, daring choices of our peers. Perhaps we could learn to look at these chances people take as a level of bravery we should aspire to. As <b>hope</b>&nbsp;that we, too, can one day achieve something so great.<br /><br /><b>Maybe, just maybe...</b>&nbsp;if we can all be a little more open...try a little harder...and always take that next step...<br /><br />we might just accomplish some amazing things.<br /><br /><b><i>What\'s so crazy about that?</i></b>','Crazy/Normal','','publish','open','open','','crazynormal','','','2017-01-08 20:46:46','2017-01-09 01:46:46','',0,'http://50.87.248.94/~sothisj4/?p=28',0,'post','',5),(29,1,'2015-11-25 10:35:00','0000-00-00 00:00:00','<span style=\"font-size: large;\"><b>The \"Little Guys\" Keep Impressing.</b></span><br /><br />Every so often you find a real gem in your chosen activity. We obstacle course athletes (yes, you are an athlete) in the Northeast happen to be spoiled with an abundance of them. Movements like #OCRUnited and events like the #RaceLocal Grand Prix can introduce us to and highlight some of the best Obstacle Racing events out there.<br /><div style=\"clear: both; text-align: center;\"><a href=\"http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-QRktlWzA28c/VkjdMR6UC6I/AAAAAAAAin8/AFHNbqCjvYY/s1600/_20151115_135452.JPG\" style=\"margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;\"><img border=\"0\" height=\"235\" src=\"http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-QRktlWzA28c/VkjdMR6UC6I/AAAAAAAAin8/AFHNbqCjvYY/s320/_20151115_135452.JPG\" width=\"320\" /></a></div>A couple of weeks ago I returned to Cumberland, RI for the fifth installment of F.I.T. Challenge - EPIC Fifth. The short version... I am once again thoroughly pleased and am left more than satisfied. There was something...<i>special</i>...about this race.<br /><a name=\'more\'></a><br /><b>Race Rating:</b><br /><b><br /></b><b>Pre-Race:</b><br /><b>Race Day:<br />The Course:<br />Support/Swag:<br />Post-Race:</b><br /><b><br /></b><b>Overall:</b><br /><br />Somehow the F.I.T. Challenge team continues to improve their event every time. There\'s something about this, and many other local races, that keeps me coming back for more. And I\'ll tell you <i>exactly </i>what it is...<br /><br /><span style=\"font-size: large;\"><b>The race is just so damn FUN!</b></span><br /><br />Sometimes we OCR enthusiasts get a little caught up in the challenge. We find the most ridiculous, challenging, bone-crushing events...we go hard...we savor the victory...and we forget...<br /><br /><b>This is supposed to be <i>fun.</i></b><br /><b><br /></b>Yes, OCR is SUPPOSED to be about \"ripping people off the couch\" <i>(there\'s a slogan we haven\'t heard in a while) </i>and having <b>fun.</b>&nbsp;Somewhere along the way to 9+ mile / 50+ obstacle suffer-fests I think we forgot that key fact.<br /><br />F.I.T. Challenge, along with other local Obstacle Course Races (BoldrDash and Blizzard Blast come to mind) are finding the happy place. The Fun-Zone, if you will. Step-by-step, here\'s how F.I.T. put on a solid OCR event...that didn\'t forget it\'s a RECREATIONAL activity:<br /><br /><b>1. Clear pre-race communication. And lots of it.</b><br /><br />Kept it simple,<br /><br />','F. U. N. | F.I.T. Challenge: EPIC Fifth Recap','','draft','open','open','','','','','2015-11-25 10:35:00','0000-00-00 00:00:00','',0,'http://50.87.248.94/~sothisj4/?p=29',0,'post','',0),(30,1,'2015-11-15 17:37:00','0000-00-00 00:00:00','<b><span style=\"font-size: large;\">Big races are...big.</span></b><br /><br />That\'s the simplest way to put it. The bigger the race the bigger of a to-do it becomes. More sponsors, more vendors, more rules, more stuff, more <i>everything</i>. Whatever happened to just <i>\"let\'s go run a half-marathon\"</i>? I have yet to run a \"big\" race that keeps it simple. Fun. That makes it about the race and experience and nothing more.<br /><div style=\"clear: both; text-align: center;\"><a href=\"http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-18CmTYL4O0E/Vj37U0HBw4I/AAAAAAAAh-A/b1zo46aUklw/s1600/IMG_20151106_084452222.jpg\" style=\"margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;\"><img border=\"0\" height=\"215\" src=\"http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-18CmTYL4O0E/Vj37U0HBw4I/AAAAAAAAh-A/b1zo46aUklw/s320/IMG_20151106_084452222.jpg\" width=\"320\" /></a></div><br /><div style=\"text-align: center;\"><u><b>Until now.</b></u><br /><a name=\'more\'></a><u><b><br /></b></u></div><i>(Disclosure: My wife is a Racewire office employee/timer. I time races for Racewire as an independent contractor. I was not compensated in any way for this review. All opinions are, as always, my own.)</i><br /><i><br /></i>South Shore Half-Marathon was <b>almost magical</b> in its simplicity and purity of purpose.<br /><br /><b>Rating:</b><br /><b><br /></b><b>Pre-Race: 8.5<br />Race Day: 9<br />The Course: 9<br />Support/Swag: 9<br />Post-Race: 9.5<br /><br />Overall: 45/50</b><br /><br /><b>I didn\'t know a race could be so simple, </b>and I mean that in the best possible way.<br /><br /><span style=\"font-size: large;\"><b>So...What\'s Different About South Shore Half?</b></span><br /><br />In my humble opinion - there are two things that affect how your race is going to go - Planning/Execution...and the money. These two things go hand in hand.<br /><br /><b>Planning/Execution -&nbsp;</b><br />The experience and tone of a race all starts with its planning and execution. Those aspects are handled by the Race Director and whatever board/organization oversees and operates the race. Typically, a race will be owned/operated or otherwise \"put on\" by a running club, civic or charity organization, race management company, etc. <br /><br /><b>The Money-</b><br />More often than not&nbsp;the purpose of a race will be to raise funds for a charity or, less often, to turn as much of a profit as possible. It can cost a lot to put on a race. Permits, manpower, timing services, insurance, shirts/swag, etc...it all costs money...money that was meant to either be profit or for charity.<br /><br />To off-set these costs, sponsors are signed on. These sponsors put cash into a race in exchange for perhaps putting their logo everywhere, putting a flyer in your swag bag, or even setting up a tent pre/post race to sample their product or sign you up for a mailing list.<br /><br />Poor planning/execution can result in a terrible, or at least less than stellar, race experience. Too many sponsors, the wrong sponsors...hell even just sponsors in general...can lead to a cluttered and obnoxious race experience. <b>Not South Shore Half. </b>Why?<br /><br /><b>Racewire.</b><br /><b><br /></b><span style=\"font-size: large;\"><b>Huh?</b></span><br /><br />Racewire is a race timing company, and they own/operate South Shore Half-Marathon.<br /><br /><b>Seriously.</b>&nbsp;It was just pure. running. fun.<br /><br /><br /><br />','Pure. Running. Fun. | South Shore Half Recap','','draft','open','open','','','','','2015-11-15 17:37:00','0000-00-00 00:00:00','',0,'http://50.87.248.94/~sothisj4/?p=30',0,'post','',0),(31,1,'2015-10-30 20:07:00','0000-00-00 00:00:00','<div>It\'s been a little while since I ran O2X Summit Challenge at Loon Mountain. Now that the runner\'s high has most certainly worn off I feel confident saying...</div><div><br /></div><div><b><span style=\"font-size: large;\">That event was damn near perfect.</span></b></div><div><br /></div><div>I was blown away. This event knocked it out of the park in all areas. Just...everything.&nbsp;</div><div><br />My Rating:<br /><br />Pre-Race: 9<br />Race Day: 10<br />The Course: 10<br />Swag/Support: 10<br />Post-Race: 10</div><div><br /></div><div>I\'ve gotten a little more...strict?...conservative?...in how I rate races...and I\'m still saying that. It was just...stellar. &nbsp;</div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div>','Damn Near Perfect - O2X Summit Challenge','','draft','open','open','','','','','2015-10-30 20:07:00','0000-00-00 00:00:00','',0,'http://50.87.248.94/~sothisj4/?p=31',0,'post','',0),(32,1,'2015-10-22 11:41:00','2015-10-22 15:41:00','<div style=\"clear: both; text-align: center;\"></div>It was a long road from the 2014 Killington Beast back to OCR for me. The 6 months prior to this event had been a constant battle to regain strength, speed, and motivation. This race reminded me why I love running races, why I put myself through these things, and why I bother with \"health &amp; fitness\" at all.<br /><div><div style=\"clear: both; text-align: center;\"><a href=\"http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-507bEijS744/VgccRebhHtI/AAAAAAAAeKY/ZGuMjN0IDzU/s1600/IMG_20150412_131239409.jpg\" style=\"margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;\"><img border=\"0\" height=\"144\" src=\"http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-507bEijS744/VgccRebhHtI/AAAAAAAAeKY/ZGuMjN0IDzU/s200/IMG_20150412_131239409.jpg\" width=\"200\" /></a></div><br /></div><div>On Saturday, 4/11/15, I ran F.I.T. Challenge IV - Epic F.I.T. and I have to say...<u>it was exactly what I needed.</u> It challenged me, it tested me, it pushed me, and it renewed my drive for all things health &amp; fitness!</div><div><br /></div><div>So what was so great about Epic F.I.T.? How does it rank? Why was I so sore the next day...<i>and so happy about it?&nbsp;</i><br /><i><br /></i><a name=\'more\'></a><span style=\"font-size: large;\"><b>Epic.</b></span></div><div><br /></div><div><b>This event was just </b><i style=\"font-weight: bold;\">done right</i>. Robb McCoy, the man behind F.I.T. Challenge, knows how to put on a top notch event, and he has struck again with the 4th installment of his series.&nbsp;</div><div><br /></div><div><b><a href=\"http://sothisisfitness.com/2014/11/5-keys-to-a-great-race.html\" target=\"_blank\">The Score:</a></b><br /><br /><b>Pre-Race: 8<br />Race Day: 9<br />The Course: 10</b><br /><b>Support / Swag: 9&nbsp;</b><br /><b>Post-Race: 8</b><br /><br />Just an all-around well-executed event. Things promised were followed-through on, the course was outstanding, and everyone seemed to have a great time. Would I run this race again? <b>Heck yes I would.</b><br /><br /><b>Pre-Race - 8</b><br /><b><br /></b>There were a fair number of promotional emails/Facebook posts and I certainly didn\'t forget the race was coming. The \"pre-race email\" came out the week before the race - I was impressed that it came to me as I wasn\'t actually officially registered for the race...I was signed on as a volunteer! Good on ya, F.I.T. Challenge! I DID check with some friends who pre-registered well in advance, and there were PLENTY of emails sent to participants.<br /><br /><b>Race Day - 9</b><br /><div style=\"clear: both; text-align: center;\"><a href=\"http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-IBezysHz4gU/VdMb8-q3lKI/AAAAAAAAdtg/fFC5cO_scmc/s1600/IMG_20150411_075758643.jpg\" style=\"margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;\"><img border=\"0\" height=\"225\" src=\"http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-IBezysHz4gU/VdMb8-q3lKI/AAAAAAAAdtg/fFC5cO_scmc/s400/IMG_20150411_075758643.jpg\" width=\"400\" /></a></div><b><br /></b><b>I must say, I had a pretty good race day experience. </b>Checking in as a volunteer was super-easy - this can normally be a pretty tedious or confusing process. I watched a number of regularly registered runners checking in as well, and it looked to be a pretty quick and painless process. Near registration there was a small festival area with some vendors and a rep from OCR World Championships (yes, this is an OCRWC Qualifier...wow!). There was also ample room to hang out, stretch, and prepare.<br /><br /><table cellpadding=\"0\" cellspacing=\"0\" style=\"float: right; margin-left: 1em; text-align: right;\"><tbody><tr><td style=\"text-align: center;\"><a href=\"http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-m1GSccXvHJg/VijI_Hm2GGI/AAAAAAAAgY4/UkXDaR5AqVk/s1600/11073993_831901773564837_2627680150545396605_o.jpg\" style=\"clear: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;\"><img border=\"0\" height=\"213\" src=\"http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-m1GSccXvHJg/VijI_Hm2GGI/AAAAAAAAgY4/UkXDaR5AqVk/s320/11073993_831901773564837_2627680150545396605_o.jpg\" width=\"320\" /></a></td></tr><tr><td style=\"text-align: center;\">Our Team - Photo Credit: Mary Donohue</td></tr></tbody></table>As part of the New England Spahtens, I was a member of the day\'s largest team, which meant I got to hang out pre/post race at our largest team tent. Took a minute to figure out where it was - and once I did I discovered the restroom situation was INDOORS! Huzzah!<br /><br />Already ran your race? <i>Want to run another lap? </i><b>Go for it!</b>&nbsp;$15 gets you a new timing chip and you\'re off to the races (again). Manage 5 laps and you get a special plaque for doing 25K of OCR.<br /><br />All in all...everything leading up to crossing the starting mat was pretty darn smooth.<br /><br /><b>The Course - 10</b><br /><table cellpadding=\"0\" cellspacing=\"0\" style=\"float: right; margin-left: 1em; text-align: right;\"><tbody><tr><td style=\"text-align: center;\"><a href=\"http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-DmfkvAq-FFg/VijIE7YQ7QI/AAAAAAAAgYs/sp-Mo7ITX4Q/s1600/10845812_831899546898393_1622263705756634095_o.jpg\" style=\"clear: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;\"><img border=\"0\" height=\"320\" src=\"http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-DmfkvAq-FFg/VijIE7YQ7QI/AAAAAAAAgYs/sp-Mo7ITX4Q/s320/10845812_831899546898393_1622263705756634095_o.jpg\" width=\"213\" /></a></td></tr><tr><td style=\"text-align: center;\">Photo Credit: Mary Donohue</td></tr></tbody></table><b><br /></b><b>The course was <u>excellent</u>. </b>There\'s no two ways about it. F.I.T. Challenge really nailed it all - use-of-venue, variety, quality, and quantity of obstacles...it was just <i>really well-done</i>. <u>Top-freaking-notch.</u>&nbsp;I\'m genuinely impressed here, in case you couldn\'t tell.&nbsp;The course was also INCREDIBLY well-marked - trust me...while volunteering post-race I pulled hundreds of flags, a ton of caution tape, and MANY arrow signs...so I can <i>personally</i>&nbsp;attest to that.<br /> <br /><br />I want to point out that part of what helped this race have such an excellent course was the #OCRUnited element - <b>they played well with others</b>. ABF Mud Run, ORTC at Shale Hill, Grit \'n\' Wit, Blizzard Blast and more - Robb McCoy and his crew aren\'t afraid to work with others to put on a successful event. This is something that helped him in planning, execution, race-day experience, the course itself...all areas got a boost.&nbsp;<i>Other, bigger races could learn something from F.I.T. Challenge </i>in this regard. <i>Take notes, big 3.</i><br /><br /><b>Support/Swag - 9</b><br /><div style=\"clear: both; text-align: center;\"><a href=\"http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-EjbAEfzZvKs/VijHM5sH_uI/AAAAAAAAgYY/9KuH3nfxF7k/s1600/IMG_20151022_071608295.jpg\" style=\"clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;\"><img border=\"0\" height=\"251\" src=\"http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-EjbAEfzZvKs/VijHM5sH_uI/AAAAAAAAgYY/9KuH3nfxF7k/s320/IMG_20151022_071608295.jpg\" width=\"320\" /></a></div><b><br /></b><b>Swag and Support was good - above average, even!&nbsp;</b>Swag included a cotton t-shirt, a logo\'d headband (similar to what you get at a Spartan Race, but no bib number), and finisher\'s medal. I love the medal - shaped like a Wreck Bag (added to the #OCRUnited feel - lots of local races are embracing Wreck Bag). NE Spahtens also got some \"cheap sunglasses\" (you know, the plastic Wayfarer knock-offs?) with Spahten F.I.T. printed on them. I\'m a sucker for \"cheap sunglasses\", and I think everyone else is too, let\'s be honest. Thanks F.I.T.!<br /><br />Age group awards were provided (nice), and as an added bonus (I mentioned this before) for those who managed 5 (timed) laps there was a special plaque involved. Nice touch. Not to mention that whole \"OCRWC Qualifier\" thing.<br /><br />Support was good - <i>especially </i>when you got to the #OCRUnited parts of the course, especially the big cluster with \"rigs\" by the big Shale Hill truck. There was a volunteer at every obstacle, as there should be, (some more engaged than others) and I was aware of medical support that was available.<br /><b><br /></b><b>Post-Race - 8</b><br /><br /><b>Post-race was pretty good too.</b>&nbsp;Once you cross the finish there was water, Hint Water (review coming) and though I didn\'t stop to look, I <i>think</i>&nbsp;there was food of some sort (bananas maybe?). The little festival area was there, so First Aid Shot Therapy was there with their \"shots\" (think 5 hour energy...but aspirin) in case you were hurtin\'. There was a cool little podium/backdrop area for photo ops and awards, but aside from that...if you\'re not running another lap (which you could for $10 or $15)...when you finish the race that\'s kinda it. <b>Pack it up and go home. </b>You could certainly hang out, though...it IS a state park (and very pretty, I thought).<br /><br />I personally would\'ve gone back over to the NE Spahtens tent to hang out if I hadn\'t immediately gone over to volunteer (he was grossly under-supported for PM volunteers. Shame on people for bailing). That\'s how I wrapped MY day up, and it was kinda fun to break it all down :)<br /><br /><b>Overall, I had a great time and would certainly go back.</b><br /><br /><b>At the end of the day - </b>this <i>was</i> a great race. What you\'ve got in F.I.T. Challenge is a great, very well-constructed, very well-thought-out, and very well-executed Obstacle Course Race. You can tell the owner/race director and the team that works with him (i.e. family and friends) really cares about the event and making it great. <b>That\'s why I love local OCR\'s </b>and why I will always seek them out. The big-name races are really turning me off lately, and \"the little guy\" keeps impressing.<br /><div style=\"clear: both; text-align: center;\"><a href=\"http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-rItZMRRVn-M/VijIC7t7GfI/AAAAAAAAgYk/5KqJgPTNJdM/s1600/11136175_831896266898721_7937356905526464364_o.jpg\" style=\"margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;\"><img border=\"0\" height=\"213\" src=\"http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-rItZMRRVn-M/VijIC7t7GfI/AAAAAAAAgYk/5KqJgPTNJdM/s320/11136175_831896266898721_7937356905526464364_o.jpg\" width=\"320\" /></a></div><br />F.I.T. Challenge V is this fall on 11/14/15, and <a href=\"https://www.eventbrite.com/e/fit-epic-fifth-challenge-email-us-for-a-discount-code-tickets-16941529571?utm_campaign=new_event_email&amp;utm_medium=email&amp;utm_source=eb_email&amp;utm_term=viewmyevent_button\" target=\"_blank\">you can register via this link</a>. If you\'re not already committed to something...<b>I heartily recommend you register.</b>&nbsp;Whether you\'re a rookie or a rockstar, you\'ll have fun at this event.</div>','Back In The Saddle - F.I.T. Challenge IV Recap','','publish','open','open','','back-in-the-saddle-f-i-t-challenge-iv-recap','','','2017-01-18 07:33:43','2017-01-18 12:33:43','',0,'http://50.87.248.94/~sothisj4/?p=32',0,'post','',0),(33,1,'2015-10-16 02:58:00','0000-00-00 00:00:00','One of the last races I did before last fall\'s Killington Spartan Beast was BoldrDash In The Mud.<br /><br /><br />','Local Greatness - BoldrDash In The Mud 2014','','draft','open','open','','','','','2015-10-16 02:58:00','0000-00-00 00:00:00','',0,'http://50.87.248.94/~sothisj4/?p=33',0,'post','',0),(34,1,'2015-10-05 11:54:00','2015-10-05 15:54:00','<span style=\"font-size: large;\"><b>I thought I was looking for redemption.</b></span><br /><br />I came to the mountain on a mission. <a href=\"http://sothisisfitness.com/2014/10/the-beast.html\" target=\"_blank\">The Beast broke me last year</a>...and though I got my finish...it didn\'t feel like a true victory. At the end there was no celebration. No camaraderie. No reveling in our success with hugs, beers, laughter and high fives. I came back looking for what I thought was taken from me. To correct my mistake. I thought I wanted...no...<i>NEEDED</i>...<b>redemption.</b><br /><b><br /></b><br /><div style=\"clear: both; text-align: center;\"><a href=\"http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-CVP0WoXTOgE/VhEWBuLpuDI/AAAAAAAAeUQ/qkLw1Lk-nKY/s1600/beast-2014-finish-broken.jpg\" style=\"margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;\"><img border=\"0\" height=\"182\" src=\"http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-CVP0WoXTOgE/VhEWBuLpuDI/AAAAAAAAeUQ/qkLw1Lk-nKY/s400/beast-2014-finish-broken.jpg\" width=\"400\" /></a></div><br /><span style=\"font-size: large;\">As it turns out...<b>I was wrong</b>.</span><br /><br />What I found and what I learned was much more valuable and worthwhile than that. Too bad it took me a year to figure it out.<br /><a name=\'more\'></a><br /><b><a href=\"http://sothisisfitness.com/2014/11/5-keys-to-a-great-race.html\" target=\"_blank\">As far as a rating goes</a>...</b>Let\'s knock this out now.<br /><br /><b>Pre-Race: 7.5<br />Race-Day: 8</b><br /><div><b>The Course: 7.5&nbsp;</b><br /><b>Support/Swag: 7</b><br /><b>Post-Race: 8</b><br /><b>Overall: 38/50</b><br /><br />Overall...average to above average. You\'ll get why by the end.<br /><br /><span style=\"font-size: large;\"><b>The theme of the day was \"struggle\".</b></span><br /><br />What can I say about the Killington Beast that I (or someone else) haven\'t said before? Those who have done it...know. And those who haven\'t yet...can\'t possibly REALLY know until you\'re there. Suffering and struggling through it. There are insane ascents, vicious descents, technical trails that eat ankles for lunch and top it off with obstacles strategically placed to push you to your limits.<br /><br /><a href=\"http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-DydM85_yrqg/VfgnMvpBk3I/AAAAAAAAd_0/QP6ePvWIaUM/s1600/12002898_10156036810185068_2215877450671638072_n.jpg\" style=\"clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;\"><img border=\"0\" height=\"320\" src=\"http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-DydM85_yrqg/VfgnMvpBk3I/AAAAAAAAd_0/QP6ePvWIaUM/s320/12002898_10156036810185068_2215877450671638072_n.jpg\" width=\"207\" /></a>This year was a bit different from the past, though. This year Killington was a Founder\'s Race.<br /><br /><span style=\"font-size: large;\"><b>What does \"Founder\'s Race\" really mean?</b></span><br /><br />Some would say it means Spartan Race is getting cheap and taking the easy way out on a course build. Spartan calls it \"going back to their roots\" when things were simpler. Honestly...I think <b>it\'s a little bit of both.</b><br /><b><br /></b>The \"Founder\'s Race\" idea results in a less complicated, less grandiose build-out. No massive banners. No 5,000 foot high rope climb rigs with a water ditch below large enough to build a house in. To be perfectly honest...the build-out reminded me of some smaller, local OCR\'s I\'ve run lately. <b>I kind of liked that</b>. <br /><br /><span style=\"font-size: large;\"><b>Each year is different.</b></span><br /><br />Each year at any given venue is its own event, and you kind of have to take it for what it is. I heard some people (some, my own teammates) complaining that this year\'s VT Beast wasn\'t as hard as years prior. I read one blog in particular that I thought was pretty...shall we say...elitist...about it. Complaining that US races are incredibly disorganized. <b>It kind of offended me.</b><br /><br /><span style=\"font-size: large;\"><b>In hindsight...I <i>WAS</i>&nbsp;slightly disappointed.</b></span><br /><br /><div style=\"clear: both; text-align: center;\"><a href=\"http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-FX6sL6uBRwk/VhEYoavbG0I/AAAAAAAAeUc/7TlNrlLShPw/s1600/beast%2Bpancake%2B2015.jpg\" style=\"clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;\"><img border=\"0\" height=\"213\" src=\"http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-FX6sL6uBRwk/VhEYoavbG0I/AAAAAAAAeUc/7TlNrlLShPw/s320/beast%2Bpancake%2B2015.jpg\" width=\"320\" /></a></div>As hard as it was...ultimately...it DID feel a little...disappointing in the obstacle category. There were innumerable things to climb over, at least 8 carries of some sort and three barbed wire crawls. These made up the VAST majority of obstacles. I felt there was a lot less...creativity...than I expected. Local OCR\'s I\'ve done...hell, even other SPARTAN races I\'ve done...have had more variety than that. Is this what \"Founder\'s Race\" means? If so...I won\'t mind if I don\'t run another. Lack of variety doesn\'t mean it was easy...but still...it felt like something was lacking.<br /><br /><a href=\"http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-3mgiGxXthH4/VhEbojzjnZI/AAAAAAAAeVM/E6F4J2fOIIA/s1600/beast%2Blog%2Bcarry%2B2015.jpg\" style=\"clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;\"><img border=\"0\" height=\"320\" src=\"http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-3mgiGxXthH4/VhEbojzjnZI/AAAAAAAAeVM/E6F4J2fOIIA/s320/beast%2Blog%2Bcarry%2B2015.jpg\" width=\"213\" /></a><span style=\"font-size: large;\"><b>Despite it all...the struggle was real.</b></span><br /><br />That mountain is no joke. This year\'s course had all the steepest ascents and descents from last year\'s course...plus new ones. The heat was a new challenge...one that got the best of me for a while. You just never know what you\'re gonna get on that mountain...<br /><br /><b><span style=\"font-size: large;\">Lack of water didn\'t help, either</span></b><br /><br />I\'m not gonna sit here and make a Federal project out of it...Spartan Race blew it with water...but at least they owned their mistake. They depleted their water sources way early and lost pressure on (it seems) their one available hose. People (myself included) weren\'t allowed to fill Camelbaks. I had to ration my water a lot more than usual. Given the heat...this was a challenge. One I was not prepared for.<br /><br /><span style=\"font-size: large;\"><b>Teamwork saved the day.</b></span><br /><br />I\'ve said it before and I\'ll say it again...<b>I would not have made it without my battle buddies. </b>For the uninformed - a Battle Buddy is someone you run/crawl/climb/struggle through the race with.&nbsp;<b>Maureen and Rob were mine.</b><br /><br />Happened kind of by accident, too...I lost my original BB very early (it\'s ok, we had a deal, not upset) and came across them on the first major ascent. Deciding to stick with them was probably the single smartest thing I did all day.<br /><div style=\"clear: both; text-align: center;\"><a href=\"http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-KRC4pvrbkGg/VhEZ6oSZdmI/AAAAAAAAeUo/aKYe_VKZL80/s1600/beast%2B15%2Bbattle%2Bbuddies.jpg\" style=\"margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;\"><img border=\"0\" height=\"213\" src=\"http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-KRC4pvrbkGg/VhEZ6oSZdmI/AAAAAAAAeUo/aKYe_VKZL80/s320/beast%2B15%2Bbattle%2Bbuddies.jpg\" width=\"320\" /></a></div><br /><b>They had my back at every turn.</b>&nbsp;I was stunned to find them waiting for me at the bottom of the bucket carry. It got the best of me, whipped my ass...and there they were. Waiting. I felt bad because I took so long...this is exactly where I lost my battle buddies last year (except it was later in the race)...but there they were. And they were right there with me until the very end. Salt tabs, conversation, looking out for each other...they covered it all. It was a much different back-half of the Beast this year getting through it with a couple of BB\'s like that.<br /><br /><b>I would not have finished without them. Not this year\'s Beast. </b>No way.<br /><b><br /></b><b><span style=\"font-size: large;\">Imagine an entire community like that.</span></b><br /><div style=\"clear: both; text-align: center;\"><a href=\"http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-Q_IO5sguLqU/VhEaTVthEmI/AAAAAAAAeUw/bXeBQnicU30/s1600/IMG_20150919_073611305.jpg\" style=\"margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;\"><img border=\"0\" height=\"225\" src=\"http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-Q_IO5sguLqU/VhEaTVthEmI/AAAAAAAAeUw/bXeBQnicU30/s400/IMG_20150919_073611305.jpg\" width=\"400\" /></a></div><br />That\'s the <a href=\"https://www.facebook.com/nespahtens\" target=\"_blank\">New England Spahtens</a> - over 3,000 people just like that (to varying degrees). A whole community of \"care\". That\'s what OCR SHOULD be like...not whining about this or that, not complaining that someone didn\'t do their burpees, not bellyaching about cheating...just looking out for each other and having fun.<br /><br /><span style=\"font-size: large;\"><b>I almost cried at the finish line.</b></span><br /><div style=\"clear: both; text-align: center;\"><a href=\"http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-1OzyNyZOdjw/VhEa5SiZv0I/AAAAAAAAeU8/7j-ep9x4gVI/s1600/beast%2B15%2Bfire%2Bjump.jpg\" style=\"margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;\"><img border=\"0\" height=\"213\" src=\"http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-1OzyNyZOdjw/VhEa5SiZv0I/AAAAAAAAeU8/7j-ep9x4gVI/s320/beast%2B15%2Bfire%2Bjump.jpg\" width=\"320\" /></a></div><br />The look on my face at the fire jump was borderline horrified...but I jumped it. I landed. And I screamed out of pure elation. <i>I could finally run across the finish...</i><b style=\"font-style: italic;\">on my own.</b>&nbsp;And I did. And there was my wife. And my Battle Buddies. And that G-Damn medal I\'ve been chasing for months. <b>I did it.</b>&nbsp;The feeling is simply indescribable.<br /><br /><div style=\"clear: both; text-align: center;\"></div><div style=\"clear: both; text-align: center;\"><a href=\"http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-v-9vYriFSlA/Vgcp17BJrfI/AAAAAAAAeMM/79CPufgh5AU/s1600/IMG_20150921_070553898.jpg\" style=\"margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;\"><img border=\"0\" height=\"180\" src=\"http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-v-9vYriFSlA/Vgcp17BJrfI/AAAAAAAAeMM/79CPufgh5AU/s320/IMG_20150921_070553898.jpg\" width=\"320\" /></a></div><br /><span style=\"font-size: large;\"><b>Thanks to the team...I found TRUE success.</b></span><br /><br /><b><i>And it was a bit different than I thought it would be.&nbsp;</i></b><br /><br />High fives and hugs. Shared stories of successes. Lamenting opportunities missed on-course. A teammate not-so-subtly offering a victory shot and beer. And also...asking after teammates we hadn\'t seen or heard from. Not for the gossip factor...not out of curiosity...but out of genuine care, and to perhaps be ready to help console a teammate feeling like a failure. <i>So much positivity...</i><br /><i><br /></i><br /><div style=\"clear: both; text-align: center;\"><a href=\"http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-XA241grFg5k/VhEbFWSkA3I/AAAAAAAAeVI/qVP2yalrF04/s1600/beast%2B15%2Bvictory.jpg\" style=\"margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;\"><img border=\"0\" height=\"213\" src=\"http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-XA241grFg5k/VhEbFWSkA3I/AAAAAAAAeVI/qVP2yalrF04/s320/beast%2B15%2Bvictory.jpg\" width=\"320\" /></a></div><br />Sitting in the lodge, much later, as I\'m getting ready to finish my beer and head home...A teammate comes in for hers. It\'s late, most others from the team have left. Despite being more sore than ever...of course I practically leap out of my chair to congratulate her.<br /><br />Back to the house...where other exhausted, beaten teammates rest as well. In the morning - shared stories of success. Breakfast in town surrounded by finishers, spectators...and people who <i>get it.</i>&nbsp;The next night...furiously hitting \"refresh\" on Chronotrack hoping to see friends finish the UltraBeast...<i>did they make it?</i><br /><br />The sense of completion...of victory...of <i>success</i>...didn\'t come from the medal, or simply from running across on my own two feet. <b><i>It was everything else.</i></b></div>','Struggle, Teamwork, & Success - Spartan Beast VT 2015','','publish','open','open','','struggle-teamwork-success-spartan-beast-vt-2015','','','2017-07-29 12:18:10','2017-07-29 16:18:10','',0,'http://50.87.248.94/~sothisj4/?p=34',0,'post','',0),(1294,1,'2017-07-29 12:18:10','2017-07-29 16:18:10','<span style=\"font-size: large;\"><b>I thought I was looking for redemption.</b></span><br /><br />I came to the mountain on a mission. <a href=\"http://sothisisfitness.com/2014/10/the-beast.html\" target=\"_blank\">The Beast broke me last year</a>...and though I got my finish...it didn\'t feel like a true victory. At the end there was no celebration. No camaraderie. No reveling in our success with hugs, beers, laughter and high fives. I came back looking for what I thought was taken from me. To correct my mistake. I thought I wanted...no...<i>NEEDED</i>...<b>redemption.</b><br /><b><br /></b><br /><div style=\"clear: both; text-align: center;\"><a href=\"http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-CVP0WoXTOgE/VhEWBuLpuDI/AAAAAAAAeUQ/qkLw1Lk-nKY/s1600/beast-2014-finish-broken.jpg\" style=\"margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;\"><img border=\"0\" height=\"182\" src=\"http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-CVP0WoXTOgE/VhEWBuLpuDI/AAAAAAAAeUQ/qkLw1Lk-nKY/s400/beast-2014-finish-broken.jpg\" width=\"400\" /></a></div><br /><span style=\"font-size: large;\">As it turns out...<b>I was wrong</b>.</span><br /><br />What I found and what I learned was much more valuable and worthwhile than that. Too bad it took me a year to figure it out.<br /><a name=\'more\'></a><br /><b><a href=\"http://sothisisfitness.com/2014/11/5-keys-to-a-great-race.html\" target=\"_blank\">As far as a rating goes</a>...</b>Let\'s knock this out now.<br /><br /><b>Pre-Race: 7.5<br />Race-Day: 8</b><br /><div><b>The Course: 7.5&nbsp;</b><br /><b>Support/Swag: 7</b><br /><b>Post-Race: 8</b><br /><b>Overall: 38/50</b><br /><br />Overall...average to above average. You\'ll get why by the end.<br /><br /><span style=\"font-size: large;\"><b>The theme of the day was \"struggle\".</b></span><br /><br />What can I say about the Killington Beast that I (or someone else) haven\'t said before? Those who have done it...know. And those who haven\'t yet...can\'t possibly REALLY know until you\'re there. Suffering and struggling through it. There are insane ascents, vicious descents, technical trails that eat ankles for lunch and top it off with obstacles strategically placed to push you to your limits.<br /><br /><a href=\"http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-DydM85_yrqg/VfgnMvpBk3I/AAAAAAAAd_0/QP6ePvWIaUM/s1600/12002898_10156036810185068_2215877450671638072_n.jpg\" style=\"clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;\"><img border=\"0\" height=\"320\" src=\"http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-DydM85_yrqg/VfgnMvpBk3I/AAAAAAAAd_0/QP6ePvWIaUM/s320/12002898_10156036810185068_2215877450671638072_n.jpg\" width=\"207\" /></a>This year was a bit different from the past, though. This year Killington was a Founder\'s Race.<br /><br /><span style=\"font-size: large;\"><b>What does \"Founder\'s Race\" really mean?</b></span><br /><br />Some would say it means Spartan Race is getting cheap and taking the easy way out on a course build. Spartan calls it \"going back to their roots\" when things were simpler. Honestly...I think <b>it\'s a little bit of both.</b><br /><b><br /></b>The \"Founder\'s Race\" idea results in a less complicated, less grandiose build-out. No massive banners. No 5,000 foot high rope climb rigs with a water ditch below large enough to build a house in. To be perfectly honest...the build-out reminded me of some smaller, local OCR\'s I\'ve run lately. <b>I kind of liked that</b>. <br /><br /><span style=\"font-size: large;\"><b>Each year is different.</b></span><br /><br />Each year at any given venue is its own event, and you kind of have to take it for what it is. I heard some people (some, my own teammates) complaining that this year\'s VT Beast wasn\'t as hard as years prior. I read one blog in particular that I thought was pretty...shall we say...elitist...about it. Complaining that US races are incredibly disorganized. <b>It kind of offended me.</b><br /><br /><span style=\"font-size: large;\"><b>In hindsight...I <i>WAS</i>&nbsp;slightly disappointed.</b></span><br /><br /><div style=\"clear: both; text-align: center;\"><a href=\"http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-FX6sL6uBRwk/VhEYoavbG0I/AAAAAAAAeUc/7TlNrlLShPw/s1600/beast%2Bpancake%2B2015.jpg\" style=\"clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;\"><img border=\"0\" height=\"213\" src=\"http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-FX6sL6uBRwk/VhEYoavbG0I/AAAAAAAAeUc/7TlNrlLShPw/s320/beast%2Bpancake%2B2015.jpg\" width=\"320\" /></a></div>As hard as it was...ultimately...it DID feel a little...disappointing in the obstacle category. There were innumerable things to climb over, at least 8 carries of some sort and three barbed wire crawls. These made up the VAST majority of obstacles. I felt there was a lot less...creativity...than I expected. Local OCR\'s I\'ve done...hell, even other SPARTAN races I\'ve done...have had more variety than that. Is this what \"Founder\'s Race\" means? If so...I won\'t mind if I don\'t run another. Lack of variety doesn\'t mean it was easy...but still...it felt like something was lacking.<br /><br /><a href=\"http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-3mgiGxXthH4/VhEbojzjnZI/AAAAAAAAeVM/E6F4J2fOIIA/s1600/beast%2Blog%2Bcarry%2B2015.jpg\" style=\"clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;\"><img border=\"0\" height=\"320\" src=\"http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-3mgiGxXthH4/VhEbojzjnZI/AAAAAAAAeVM/E6F4J2fOIIA/s320/beast%2Blog%2Bcarry%2B2015.jpg\" width=\"213\" /></a><span style=\"font-size: large;\"><b>Despite it all...the struggle was real.</b></span><br /><br />That mountain is no joke. This year\'s course had all the steepest ascents and descents from last year\'s course...plus new ones. The heat was a new challenge...one that got the best of me for a while. You just never know what you\'re gonna get on that mountain...<br /><br /><b><span style=\"font-size: large;\">Lack of water didn\'t help, either</span></b><br /><br />I\'m not gonna sit here and make a Federal project out of it...Spartan Race blew it with water...but at least they owned their mistake. They depleted their water sources way early and lost pressure on (it seems) their one available hose. People (myself included) weren\'t allowed to fill Camelbaks. I had to ration my water a lot more than usual. Given the heat...this was a challenge. One I was not prepared for.<br /><br /><span style=\"font-size: large;\"><b>Teamwork saved the day.</b></span><br /><br />I\'ve said it before and I\'ll say it again...<b>I would not have made it without my battle buddies. </b>For the uninformed - a Battle Buddy is someone you run/crawl/climb/struggle through the race with.&nbsp;<b>Maureen and Rob were mine.</b><br /><br />Happened kind of by accident, too...I lost my original BB very early (it\'s ok, we had a deal, not upset) and came across them on the first major ascent. Deciding to stick with them was probably the single smartest thing I did all day.<br /><div style=\"clear: both; text-align: center;\"><a href=\"http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-KRC4pvrbkGg/VhEZ6oSZdmI/AAAAAAAAeUo/aKYe_VKZL80/s1600/beast%2B15%2Bbattle%2Bbuddies.jpg\" style=\"margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;\"><img border=\"0\" height=\"213\" src=\"http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-KRC4pvrbkGg/VhEZ6oSZdmI/AAAAAAAAeUo/aKYe_VKZL80/s320/beast%2B15%2Bbattle%2Bbuddies.jpg\" width=\"320\" /></a></div><br /><b>They had my back at every turn.</b>&nbsp;I was stunned to find them waiting for me at the bottom of the bucket carry. It got the best of me, whipped my ass...and there they were. Waiting. I felt bad because I took so long...this is exactly where I lost my battle buddies last year (except it was later in the race)...but there they were. And they were right there with me until the very end. Salt tabs, conversation, looking out for each other...they covered it all. It was a much different back-half of the Beast this year getting through it with a couple of BB\'s like that.<br /><br /><b>I would not have finished without them. Not this year\'s Beast. </b>No way.<br /><b><br /></b><b><span style=\"font-size: large;\">Imagine an entire community like that.</span></b><br /><div style=\"clear: both; text-align: center;\"><a href=\"http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-Q_IO5sguLqU/VhEaTVthEmI/AAAAAAAAeUw/bXeBQnicU30/s1600/IMG_20150919_073611305.jpg\" style=\"margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;\"><img border=\"0\" height=\"225\" src=\"http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-Q_IO5sguLqU/VhEaTVthEmI/AAAAAAAAeUw/bXeBQnicU30/s400/IMG_20150919_073611305.jpg\" width=\"400\" /></a></div><br />That\'s the <a href=\"https://www.facebook.com/nespahtens\" target=\"_blank\">New England Spahtens</a> - over 3,000 people just like that (to varying degrees). A whole community of \"care\". That\'s what OCR SHOULD be like...not whining about this or that, not complaining that someone didn\'t do their burpees, not bellyaching about cheating...just looking out for each other and having fun.<br /><br /><span style=\"font-size: large;\"><b>I almost cried at the finish line.</b></span><br /><div style=\"clear: both; text-align: center;\"><a href=\"http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-1OzyNyZOdjw/VhEa5SiZv0I/AAAAAAAAeU8/7j-ep9x4gVI/s1600/beast%2B15%2Bfire%2Bjump.jpg\" style=\"margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;\"><img border=\"0\" height=\"213\" src=\"http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-1OzyNyZOdjw/VhEa5SiZv0I/AAAAAAAAeU8/7j-ep9x4gVI/s320/beast%2B15%2Bfire%2Bjump.jpg\" width=\"320\" /></a></div><br />The look on my face at the fire jump was borderline horrified...but I jumped it. I landed. And I screamed out of pure elation. <i>I could finally run across the finish...</i><b style=\"font-style: italic;\">on my own.</b>&nbsp;And I did. And there was my wife. And my Battle Buddies. And that G-Damn medal I\'ve been chasing for months. <b>I did it.</b>&nbsp;The feeling is simply indescribable.<br /><br /><div style=\"clear: both; text-align: center;\"></div><div style=\"clear: both; text-align: center;\"><a href=\"http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-v-9vYriFSlA/Vgcp17BJrfI/AAAAAAAAeMM/79CPufgh5AU/s1600/IMG_20150921_070553898.jpg\" style=\"margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;\"><img border=\"0\" height=\"180\" src=\"http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-v-9vYriFSlA/Vgcp17BJrfI/AAAAAAAAeMM/79CPufgh5AU/s320/IMG_20150921_070553898.jpg\" width=\"320\" /></a></div><br /><span style=\"font-size: large;\"><b>Thanks to the team...I found TRUE success.</b></span><br /><br /><b><i>And it was a bit different than I thought it would be.&nbsp;</i></b><br /><br />High fives and hugs. Shared stories of successes. Lamenting opportunities missed on-course. A teammate not-so-subtly offering a victory shot and beer. And also...asking after teammates we hadn\'t seen or heard from. Not for the gossip factor...not out of curiosity...but out of genuine care, and to perhaps be ready to help console a teammate feeling like a failure. <i>So much positivity...</i><br /><i><br /></i><br /><div style=\"clear: both; text-align: center;\"><a href=\"http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-XA241grFg5k/VhEbFWSkA3I/AAAAAAAAeVI/qVP2yalrF04/s1600/beast%2B15%2Bvictory.jpg\" style=\"margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;\"><img border=\"0\" height=\"213\" src=\"http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-XA241grFg5k/VhEbFWSkA3I/AAAAAAAAeVI/qVP2yalrF04/s320/beast%2B15%2Bvictory.jpg\" width=\"320\" /></a></div><br />Sitting in the lodge, much later, as I\'m getting ready to finish my beer and head home...A teammate comes in for hers. It\'s late, most others from the team have left. Despite being more sore than ever...of course I practically leap out of my chair to congratulate her.<br /><br />Back to the house...where other exhausted, beaten teammates rest as well. In the morning - shared stories of success. Breakfast in town surrounded by finishers, spectators...and people who <i>get it.</i>&nbsp;The next night...furiously hitting \"refresh\" on Chronotrack hoping to see friends finish the UltraBeast...<i>did they make it?</i><br /><br />The sense of completion...of victory...of <i>success</i>...didn\'t come from the medal, or simply from running across on my own two feet. <b><i>It was everything else.</i></b></div>','Struggle, Teamwork, & Success - Spartan Beast VT 2015','','inherit','closed','closed','','34-revision-v1','','','2017-07-29 12:18:10','2017-07-29 16:18:10','',34,'http://sothisisfitness.com/2017/07/34-revision-v1.html',0,'revision','',0),(35,1,'2015-09-15 16:00:00','2015-09-15 20:00:00','<b><span style=\"font-size: large;\">There\'s no turning back now.</span></b><br /><br />A lot of words, feelings, and thoughts are going to <strike>be expressed</strike>&nbsp;fall out of my face right now that may not make sense. For the sake of the uninformed...<br /><br />In four days I will, for the second time, be taking on the Spartan Beast at Mt. Killington, VT.<br /><div style=\"clear: both; text-align: center;\"><a href=\"http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-amillRsdPZg/U_dKh9NdWhI/AAAAAAAAJGo/DlyJjAz1DdA/s1600/Spartan-Beast.jpg\" style=\"margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;\"><img border=\"0\" height=\"105\" src=\"http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-amillRsdPZg/U_dKh9NdWhI/AAAAAAAAJGo/DlyJjAz1DdA/s400/Spartan-Beast.jpg\" width=\"400\" /></a></div>Those who have done this event before, like me, <b>get it</b>. Those who have not...probably have an incredible sense of <b>dread and anticipation</b>. <a href=\"http://sothisisfitness.com/2014/10/the-beast.html\" target=\"_blank\">For those who are interested, you can read my rambling, complainey recap of last year\'s race.</a> <i>Buckle up, it\'s a long one.</i><br /><br />Through all the raging emotions...somehow... I\'ve managed to find a little zen. There are some undeniable truths about this race that, if embraced, will help us all find a little solace, a little calm, and a little sleep in these final few days leading up to the mountain.<br /><br /><a name=\'more\'></a><span style=\"font-size: large;\"><b>This \"race\" is going to destroy me.</b></span><br /><br />Let\'s not kid ourselves. No matter if you\'re on the podium or DFL... this will wreck you. The sooner we make peace with that the better. This is one of the most difficult events I have ever done. Harder, I think, than my first marathon. Harder, for sure, than the Seven Sisters Trail Race. The Spartan Beast at Mt. Killington has no equal, in my opinion, unless you start going to the realm of Ultra OCR\'s, such as World\'s Toughest Mudder, the Death Race, or even the Ultra Beast (which is two laps of the Beast).<br /><br />I am taking extra care of my body NOW so that it can withstand the unearned punishment it will endure Saturday. This \"race\" is going to annihilate me, body and mind. <b>I will cross the finish. I will recover.</b> <i>I know this. I accept this.</i><br /><i><br /></i><span style=\"font-size: large;\"><b>The time to train has passed.</b></span><br /><i><br /></i>We are four days away from the race. There is no more time to train. Hell, there\'s barely time to <b>pack</b>. Whatever is not yet planned...will not be - yes, even items to bring on the mountain. You should only run with what you\'ve trained with. By now, you must already know what you\'re bringing.<br /><br />No, I do not need every piece of gear I own. I know what nutrition I need. I know what clothing I need. I know what I will drink. I know what additional gear I need. I just need to pack it, put it in the car, and be done with it. <b>I will be ok.</b> <i>I know this. I accept this</i>.<br /><br /><span style=\"font-size: large;\"><b>This will be harder than last year. Unless it\'s easier.</b></span><br /><br /><table cellpadding=\"0\" cellspacing=\"0\" style=\"float: right; margin-left: 1em; text-align: right;\"><tbody><tr><td style=\"text-align: center;\"><a href=\"http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-DydM85_yrqg/VfgnMvpBk3I/AAAAAAAAd_w/7aSA0I6RCLM/s1600/12002898_10156036810185068_2215877450671638072_n.jpg\" style=\"clear: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;\"><img border=\"0\" height=\"320\" src=\"http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-DydM85_yrqg/VfgnMvpBk3I/AAAAAAAAd_w/7aSA0I6RCLM/s320/12002898_10156036810185068_2215877450671638072_n.jpg\" width=\"207\" /></a></td></tr><tr><td style=\"text-align: center;\">Photo Credit - Spartan Race</td></tr></tbody></table>Last year Killington was the World Championship race. This year its not. However, it IS still Killington...the birthplace of the Spartan Beast. Hell...the birthplace of SPARTAN in general. This year, instead of the World Championship, its a Founder\'s Race - this simply means the race founder(s) will help the already-evil course designer make this race more challenging.<br /><br />Because it clearly needed to be more challenging.<br /><br />And though rumors may fly about this obstacle or that obstacle (or lack thereof)...we all know this race is going to be hard, and we cannot know EXACTLY how hard until it\'s over. \"You\'ll know at the finish line\"...<b>what a bunch of jerks.</b> <i>I know this. I accept this.</i><br /><br /><span style=\"font-size: large;\"><b>I am overthinking this. It is what it is.</b></span><br /><br /><table cellpadding=\"0\" cellspacing=\"0\" style=\"float: right; margin-left: 1em; text-align: right;\"><tbody><tr><td style=\"text-align: center;\"><a href=\"http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-obI2zpcEhSo/VfgnhzdXgUI/AAAAAAAAd_4/BjjRy8W119U/s1600/12006576_10154243791529552_280808859841967624_o.jpg\" style=\"clear: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;\"><img border=\"0\" height=\"317\" src=\"http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-obI2zpcEhSo/VfgnhzdXgUI/AAAAAAAAd_4/BjjRy8W119U/s320/12006576_10154243791529552_280808859841967624_o.jpg\" width=\"320\" /></a></td></tr><tr><td style=\"text-align: center;\">Photo Credit - New England Spahtens</td></tr></tbody></table>I know what I\'m doing. The fear of the unknown is strong, but there is much less \"unknown\" than I think. I know what a Spartan Race is. I know what last year\'s Beast is. I estimate this course will be in the neighborhood of 16 miles long (including carries). It\'s going to suck. It\'s going to be long. There are going to be (multiple) sandbag carries, bucket carries, log carries, barbed wire crawls...But, frankly, <b>it doesn\'t matter.</b> It is what it is. <b>I will survive.</b><br /><br />A wise man once said...<b><a href=\"http://www.newenglandspahtens.com/the-most-important-beast-or-ultra-beast-blog-post-you-will-ever-read/\" target=\"_blank\">\"Don\'t Panic\"</a></b>. <i>I know this. I accept this.</i><br /><i><br /></i><span style=\"font-size: large;\"><b>I will not repeat last year\'s mistakes.</b></span><br /><i><br /></i>I made a lot of mistakes last year. I will not waste time. I will not stop unnecessarily. I will not stare at obstacles I know I will fail. I will hydrate and fuel every 45 minutes. If I fail an obstacle I fail it. Burpee (or don\'t) and move on. I will not fear failure. I will not make the rope climb. I will not make the rig. I may not make the spear throws. But&nbsp;<b>I WILL finish the Beast.</b>&nbsp;<i>I know this. I accept this</i>.<br /><i><br /></i><span style=\"font-size: large;\"><b>This \"race\" is not a race. Just do it.&nbsp;</b></span><br /><i><br /></i><br /><table cellpadding=\"0\" cellspacing=\"0\" style=\"float: right; margin-left: 1em; text-align: right;\"><tbody><tr><td style=\"text-align: center;\"><a href=\"http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-MqB8yhIqq0A/VfgnpBbxNDI/AAAAAAAAeAA/13rA-dCUiro/s1600/11934976_10153665294978338_71976099320238870_o.jpg\" style=\"clear: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;\"><img border=\"0\" height=\"213\" src=\"http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-MqB8yhIqq0A/VfgnpBbxNDI/AAAAAAAAeAA/13rA-dCUiro/s320/11934976_10153665294978338_71976099320238870_o.jpg\" width=\"320\" /></a></td></tr><tr><td style=\"text-align: center;\">Photo Credit - New England Spahtens</td></tr></tbody></table>More important than anything else, I must remember - this \"race\" is not a race. I said it last fall after finishing, and anyone you ask who has done this will tell you...this is not a race. This event...its a test. A test of your will, your fortitude, your ability to overcome. Don\'t race the clock - it will only cause you to make avoidable mistakes. I WILL be careful, and I WILL finish. <br /><br /><b>One of the best pieces of advice I ever got - </b>\"Run when you can, walk if you have to, crawl if you must.\"&nbsp;I can do this. It will take everything I\'ve got, but <b>I can.</b>&nbsp;<i>I know this. I accept this.</i><br /><br /><span style=\"font-size: large;\"><b>Run your own \"race\".</b></span><br /><br />You are here for a reason, whatever that reason may be. This is YOUR event, nobody else\'s. Other peoples\' opinions of how you run your \"race\" <u>do not</u> matter. How you burpee (or don\'t), how you climb a wall (or don\'t), how you fuel/eat/pee/walk/run...it is your business and <u><b>nobody else\'s.</b></u>&nbsp;<i>I know this. I accept this.</i><br /><i><br /></i><span style=\"font-size: large;\"><b>It\'s time to prepare.</b></span><br /><i><br /></i><table cellpadding=\"0\" cellspacing=\"0\" style=\"float: right; margin-left: 1em; text-align: right;\"><tbody><tr><td style=\"text-align: center;\"><a href=\"http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-i9K14u9MDOs/Vfgn_b6__oI/AAAAAAAAeAI/OKuiMwHsgH8/s1600/11390106_10153028761711429_1833357992792414227_n.jpg\" style=\"clear: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;\"><img border=\"0\" height=\"320\" src=\"http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-i9K14u9MDOs/Vfgn_b6__oI/AAAAAAAAeAI/OKuiMwHsgH8/s320/11390106_10153028761711429_1833357992792414227_n.jpg\" width=\"320\" /></a></td></tr><tr><td style=\"text-align: center;\">Photo credit - Spartan Race</td></tr></tbody></table><b>You\'ve got some things to do.</b> Account for and pack your gear/nutrition. Get your race clothing/gear selected and packed. Charge your GPS watch. Hydrate. Constantly. Make sure you eat enough. Make sure you rest enough. Most important of all...<a href=\"http://www.newenglandspahtens.com/2-weeks-and-counting/\" target=\"_blank\">Don\'t Panic</a>. It\'s here. You\'re as ready as you can be. With this event, that\'s all anybody can ask for. <i>I know this. I accept this.</i><br /><i><br /></i><span style=\"font-size: large;\"><b>So</b>,</span> if we see each other on the mountain Saturday...say hi. Give a friendly wave. Perhaps \"run\" part of the course with me. In the end, most of us will finish. Some will get injured. Some will get hypothermia and be pulled from the course. Do not quit. Do not give up. Do not give in. You can do this. Trust your training, trust your knowledge, trust yourself. <b>What will be...will be.</b><br /><br /><i>I know this. I accept this.</i>','Fool Me Once...','','publish','open','open','','fool-me-once','','','2017-01-21 08:44:33','2017-01-21 13:44:33','',0,'http://50.87.248.94/~sothisj4/?p=35',0,'post','',0),(36,1,'2015-08-05 05:09:00','2015-08-05 09:09:00','<span style=\"font-size: large;\"><b>We\'ve been cheated and lied to.</b></span>\r\n\r\n<i>\"How?\"</i> - you ask? <i>\"Who has lied to us, and what have we been cheated of?\"</i>\r\n<div style=\"clear: both; text-align: center;\"></div>\r\n<div style=\"clear: both; text-align: center;\"><a style=\"clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;\" href=\"http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-VHYWma3VYag/VcGFFdya-SI/AAAAAAAAdhc/CJ_siAjccQQ/s1600/IMG_20150804_072109854.jpg\"><img src=\"http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-VHYWma3VYag/VcGFFdya-SI/AAAAAAAAdhc/CJ_siAjccQQ/s200/IMG_20150804_072109854.jpg\" width=\"191\" height=\"200\" border=\"0\" /></a></div>\r\n<b>Our coffee.</b>\r\n\r\nWe have been <u>living in ignorance</u>. <b>But NO MORE!</b> My friends<b> - </b><i style=\"font-weight: bold;\">I HAVE GREAT NEWS!</i>\r\n\r\nCoffee does not have to be bitter and offensive. Coffee <i>does not need </i>to be<i> <b>drowned</b></i> in cream and sugar to be palatable! <b><i>What if I told you</i> </b>that you\'d never need to add anything to your coffee again? No cream. N<i>o sugar</i>. And it would be the most delicious, satisfying coffee you\'ve <i>ever tasted? </i>It would even be <i>healthier</i>?\r\n\r\n<b>Puroast has changed the game. </b>Prepare to have your mind blown.\r\n\r\n<!--more-->\r\n\r\n<i>(Disclosure: I was provided product for review. I was not compensated in any way for this review. My opinions are my own, are honest, and are -sometimes- blunt.)</i>\r\n<div><i>\r\n</i><span style=\"font-size: large;\"><b>I\'m still in disbelief.</b></span>I remember my first taste of coffee - Grandma\'s kitchen (it always smelled like coffee). I was pretty young, and I was instantly turned off by the flavor. It was so <i>bitter</i>. After watching the \"adults\", though, I learned they added cream and sugar. I learned that if you added these things it turned that awful bitter liquid into an entirely different beverage...one that was kinda good! And boy did it wake you up!! So I ran with it.\r\n<table style=\"float: right; margin-left: 1em; text-align: right;\" cellspacing=\"0\" cellpadding=\"0\">\r\n<tbody>\r\n<tr>\r\n<td style=\"text-align: center;\"><a style=\"clear: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;\" href=\"http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-XbI2DccsAYs/VcGHH-8yGeI/AAAAAAAAdho/n3wCs1AxAeo/s1600/coffee-sugar-cream.jpg\"><img src=\"http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-XbI2DccsAYs/VcGHH-8yGeI/AAAAAAAAdho/n3wCs1AxAeo/s320/coffee-sugar-cream.jpg\" width=\"320\" height=\"212\" border=\"0\" /></a></td>\r\n</tr>\r\n<tr>\r\n<td style=\"text-align: center;\">Photo from \"Thehandthatfeeds.com\"</td>\r\n</tr>\r\n</tbody>\r\n</table>\r\n<b>Little did I know...</b>the coffee companies were counting on that learning experience.\r\n\r\nWe are taught that a \"regular\" coffee is with cream and sugar. On TV coffee is marketed with cream/sugar and in cafes, is served with these two condiments alongside it. When you order your coffee \"black\"...you get a funny look, like you\'re some kind of tough guy, while the \"extra/extra\" person is <i>reasonable</i>. It\'s <b>madness.</b>\r\n\r\n<span style=\"font-size: large;\"><b>Coffee is not meant to be this way.</b></span>\r\n\r\n<b>Before we dive in, </b>let\'s be clear: we\'re talking about COFFEE here - No, that machi-frappa-lata-thing is NOT coffee. It is a <i>confection</i>. And, likely, <a href=\"http://www.livestrong.com/article/559348-whats-really-inside-your-starbucks-caramel-frappuccino/\"><i>horrible for you</i>.</a>\r\n\r\n<b>Now - let me lay some knowledge on you: </b>Roasters down in Latin America, by and large, <i>don\'t drink the coffee we drink</i>. They roast their own, and they roast it differently. For them, putting sugar or cream in coffee is <i>sacrilege. </i>No, it\'s not because they\'re used to the bitterness...it\'s because <i>their coffee isn\'t bitter like ours</i>. Their coffee is a labor of love, and it tastes like <i>art.</i> <b>Puroast Coffee Co.</b> is roasting their coffee like the growers do...and the difference is <i>astonishing</i>.\r\n\r\n<span style=\"font-size: large;\"><b>Can coffee <i>really</i> be <i>that good?</i></b></span>\r\n\r\n<b>Um...yes.</b> I came across Puroast at an obstacle course race, and I tried a sample. It was the smoothest, most robust, most <i>amazingly rich</i> coffee I had ever tasted. I didn\'t even need sugar! I didn\'t figure out until afterwards...<b>what I sampled was <u>espresso</u></b><i style=\"font-weight: bold;\">. </i><i>So then I tried their coffee.</i>\r\n\r\n<span style=\"font-size: large;\"><b>The flavor was unreal.</b></span>\r\n\r\nAs a matter of fact, I\'m drinking a cup of Dark French Roast as I type. What strikes me and amazes me with every cup is the distinct lack of that trademark bitterness that all coffee seems to have. Puroast coffee is just...<i>impossibly smooth</i>. It, of course, still tastes like <i>coffee</i>...but better. It\'s got this rich, deep, satisfying flavor...it made me fall in love with coffee again. I don\'t know how else to describe it...it\'s <b>coffee</b>...just...<i>elevated</i>. <b><i><u>Pure.</u></i></b> It is simply <i>the best coffee I have ever tasted</i>...and that\'s WITHOUT SUGAR. No additives! There\'s no terrible aftertaste, either. <b>I have yet to find the \"gotcha\". </b>\r\n<div style=\"clear: both; text-align: center;\"><a style=\"margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;\" href=\"http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-XAVEBzzG9rU/VcGMtk7taeI/AAAAAAAAdiI/Z6vTUR1q7xA/s1600/IMG_20150801_093842126.jpg\"><img src=\"http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-XAVEBzzG9rU/VcGMtk7taeI/AAAAAAAAdiI/Z6vTUR1q7xA/s320/IMG_20150801_093842126.jpg\" width=\"320\" height=\"180\" border=\"0\" /></a></div>\r\n<span style=\"font-size: large;\"><b>How is this possible?</b></span>\r\n\r\n<b>It\'s all about the roast.</b>\r\n<b>\r\n</b>I chatted with the man in charge - Kerry Sachs...and <a href=\"https://www.puroast.com/AcidityandBitternessExplanations.pdf\">between his explanations</a>, <a href=\"http://www.puroast.com/papers/AntioxidantResearchSummaryLetter.pdf\">the scientific study behind it</a>, and other assorted research I did on my own...it makes sense.\r\n\r\n<b>The problem is...America is cheap.</b>\r\n\r\nAll coffee starts out the same. Whether it comes from Columbia, Venezuela, Hawaii or Jamaica...all green coffee beans grow the same. You can\'t tell the difference until you roast them. <b>The roasting process is where the magic happens.</b>\r\n\r\nBy and large, the coffee we drink in the USA is all roasted in the same way - flash roasting. The beans are roasted in big batches using convection (direct heat), and it\'s all over in a matter of minutes (if that). Now, I\'m no scientist, so don\'t crucify me if this isn\'t 100% scientifically accurate, but it would seem that because of the way the heat is transferred to the bean, how short a time it takes, etc...certain acids are produced/released during this roasting process.\r\n<b>\r\nThis acid production</b> is a big factor in that bitter taste nearly all coffee has. The acid also contributes to what I\'m going to call \"coffee gut\"...a blanket term we\'ll use for all the various reflux/indigestion/\"grumbly stomach\" issues that arise from coffee consumption. Not only that, but the \"Maillard Reaction\" is not able to take place. This reaction is where much of the flavors and aromas of coffee are released. The result is a bitter, acidic coffee that lacks depth, richness, and the ability to stand up on its own without cream or sugar.\r\n\r\nPresumably, coffee companies use this roasting method because it\'s fast and cheap. <b>Welcome to America.</b> This, however, is not how coffee was <i>meant</i> to be roasted.\r\n\r\n<span style=\"font-size: large;\"><b>This is where Puroast is different.</b></span>\r\n<div style=\"clear: both; text-align: center;\"><a style=\"clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;\" href=\"http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-ttVA9vk_JlU/VcGKShjtpMI/AAAAAAAAdh8/LJoxkoKcJFU/s1600/IMG_20150804_072508192.jpg\"><img src=\"http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-ttVA9vk_JlU/VcGKShjtpMI/AAAAAAAAdh8/LJoxkoKcJFU/s320/IMG_20150804_072508192.jpg\" width=\"180\" height=\"320\" border=\"0\" /></a></div>\r\nPuroast coffee is roasted the way coffee <i>should </i>be roasted - slowly and carefully, with love and respect for the bean.\r\n\r\n<b>Seriously, though. </b>Puroast uses a different method - the way the growers themselves do it. Rather than heat directly to the beans, heat is spread across a cooking/roasting surface where the beans are continuously agitated for an even, thorough roast. This method is called \"conduction\". Again, I\'m not a scientist, or a cook, or a coffee roaster...so don\'t nitpick the details here...but you get the difference between methods, I\'m sure.\r\n\r\nAs a result of this roasting method, the result is a coffee that contains 70% less acid. Not only that, but in place of the acid...polyphenols are produced/released. The short explanation is...these are antioxidants. Additionally, the \"Maillard Reaction\" is able to fully take place.\r\n\r\n<b>So let me get this straight...</b>\r\n<b>\r\n</b><b>Not only</b> does Puroast\'s method produce LESS ACID and release more aroma/flavor...helping the coffee taste <i>amazing</i>...but it produces more antioxidants...making it <i>better for my health?</i>\r\n\r\n<span style=\"font-size: large;\"><b>How did they figure this out?</b></span>\r\n\r\nKerry was not always a coffee man. As a matter of fact...when this all started...<i>he didn\'t even like coffee!</i> In short...after living with coffee growers in Venezuela, he tried the coffee they roasted themselves and was taken aback by its smoothness, and the lack of bitterness. He learned their roasting methods before leaving, and eventually made the connection between taste, acidity, and roasting method. After some encouragement, he convinced <a href=\"http://www.puroast.com/papers/Shibamoto-letter.pdf\">a professor at UC Davis</a> to do some real research...and <a href=\"http://www.puroast.com/papers/LowAcidResearchAbstract.pdf\">the results proved it.</a>\r\n\r\n<span style=\"font-size: large;\"><b>So it\'s probably crazy expensive</b></span>\r\n<div style=\"clear: both; text-align: center;\"><a style=\"margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;\" href=\"http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-CKyhiAJmKmc/VcGEFUP_70I/AAAAAAAAdhU/jO2Gk8SocpQ/s1600/Screenshot_2015-08-04-07-36-06.png\"><img src=\"http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-CKyhiAJmKmc/VcGEFUP_70I/AAAAAAAAdhU/jO2Gk8SocpQ/s320/Screenshot_2015-08-04-07-36-06.png\" width=\"180\" height=\"320\" border=\"0\" /></a></div>\r\n<b>Nope.</b>\r\n<b>\r\n</b>So...why, then, do the major US companies have to do it the cheap way...and then...charge consumers the same price Puroast is charging? Hmmm...\r\n\r\n<span style=\"font-size: large;\"><b>What does this MEAN?</b></span>\r\n\r\nIt MEANS that I\'ve got a 2 lb. box of raw sugar in the pantry that <i>I\'m not going to need anymore.</i> Again, in case you missed it...<i>you don\'t need cream or sugar for this coffee</i>. I can\'t be any more succinct than that. No. Sugar. Needed. Seriously, try it.\r\n\r\nIt MEANS that coffee, which <i><a href=\"http://www.medicalnewstoday.com/articles/270202.php\">already had health benefits</a></i>... just became <b><i>more healthy.</i></b>\r\n\r\nIt MEANS that <b>I can have coffee on race-day morning</b> and not worry I\'ll have to find a port-o-potty mid-race.\r\n\r\nIT MEANS that the coffee with all these benefits costs <b>the same or less than </b>the crap we\'ve been drinking all along.\r\n\r\n<i style=\"font-weight: bold;\">Pinch me.</i>\r\n\r\nI know its tough to wrap your head around. You\'ll get there.\r\n\r\nAs a health nut, fitness fanatic, obstacle racer and marathoner...this excites me endlessly.\r\n\r\n<b>Rating: 5 stars. 5 sugar-free, delicious stars.</b>\r\n<div style=\"clear: both; text-align: center;\"></div>\r\n<div style=\"clear: both; text-align: center;\"></div>\r\n<div style=\"clear: both; text-align: center;\"><a style=\"margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;\" href=\"http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-VQPgdFFAWZk/VbIpLujhCOI/AAAAAAAAdas/ibvw0TdBMog/s1600/shut-up-and-take-my-money.jpg\"><img src=\"http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-VQPgdFFAWZk/VbIpLujhCOI/AAAAAAAAdas/ibvw0TdBMog/s320/shut-up-and-take-my-money.jpg\" width=\"320\" height=\"200\" border=\"0\" /></a></div>\r\nIf you truly like COFFEE and you\'re drinking anything other than Puroast Coffee...you\'re either ignorant, don\'t care, or <i>incredibly</i> brand-loyal. Either way...you\'re wrong.\r\n\r\nYour coffee mug deserves better. <u>So do you.</u> Run, don\'t walk. <b>Go get Puroast.</b>\r\n\r\n</div>','Coffee...The Way It\'s MEANT To Be | Puroast Review','','publish','open','open','','coffee-the-way-its-meant-to-be-puroast-review','','','2017-01-14 00:51:09','2017-01-14 05:51:09','',0,'http://50.87.248.94/~sothisj4/?p=36',0,'post','',2),(585,1,'2017-01-14 00:51:09','2017-01-14 05:51:09','<span style=\"font-size: large;\"><b>We\'ve been cheated and lied to.</b></span>\r\n\r\n<i>\"How?\"</i> - you ask? <i>\"Who has lied to us, and what have we been cheated of?\"</i>\r\n<div style=\"clear: both; text-align: center;\"></div>\r\n<div style=\"clear: both; text-align: center;\"><a style=\"clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;\" href=\"http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-VHYWma3VYag/VcGFFdya-SI/AAAAAAAAdhc/CJ_siAjccQQ/s1600/IMG_20150804_072109854.jpg\"><img src=\"http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-VHYWma3VYag/VcGFFdya-SI/AAAAAAAAdhc/CJ_siAjccQQ/s200/IMG_20150804_072109854.jpg\" width=\"191\" height=\"200\" border=\"0\" /></a></div>\r\n<b>Our coffee.</b>\r\n\r\nWe have been <u>living in ignorance</u>. <b>But NO MORE!</b> My friends<b> - </b><i style=\"font-weight: bold;\">I HAVE GREAT NEWS!</i>\r\n\r\nCoffee does not have to be bitter and offensive. Coffee <i>does not need </i>to be<i> <b>drowned</b></i> in cream and sugar to be palatable! <b><i>What if I told you</i> </b>that you\'d never need to add anything to your coffee again? No cream. N<i>o sugar</i>. And it would be the most delicious, satisfying coffee you\'ve <i>ever tasted? </i>It would even be <i>healthier</i>?\r\n\r\n<b>Puroast has changed the game. </b>Prepare to have your mind blown.\r\n\r\n<!--more-->\r\n\r\n<i>(Disclosure: I was provided product for review. I was not compensated in any way for this review. My opinions are my own, are honest, and are -sometimes- blunt.)</i>\r\n<div><i>\r\n</i><span style=\"font-size: large;\"><b>I\'m still in disbelief.</b></span>I remember my first taste of coffee - Grandma\'s kitchen (it always smelled like coffee). I was pretty young, and I was instantly turned off by the flavor. It was so <i>bitter</i>. After watching the \"adults\", though, I learned they added cream and sugar. I learned that if you added these things it turned that awful bitter liquid into an entirely different beverage...one that was kinda good! And boy did it wake you up!! So I ran with it.\r\n<table style=\"float: right; margin-left: 1em; text-align: right;\" cellspacing=\"0\" cellpadding=\"0\">\r\n<tbody>\r\n<tr>\r\n<td style=\"text-align: center;\"><a style=\"clear: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;\" href=\"http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-XbI2DccsAYs/VcGHH-8yGeI/AAAAAAAAdho/n3wCs1AxAeo/s1600/coffee-sugar-cream.jpg\"><img src=\"http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-XbI2DccsAYs/VcGHH-8yGeI/AAAAAAAAdho/n3wCs1AxAeo/s320/coffee-sugar-cream.jpg\" width=\"320\" height=\"212\" border=\"0\" /></a></td>\r\n</tr>\r\n<tr>\r\n<td style=\"text-align: center;\">Photo from \"Thehandthatfeeds.com\"</td>\r\n</tr>\r\n</tbody>\r\n</table>\r\n<b>Little did I know...</b>the coffee companies were counting on that learning experience.\r\n\r\nWe are taught that a \"regular\" coffee is with cream and sugar. On TV coffee is marketed with cream/sugar and in cafes, is served with these two condiments alongside it. When you order your coffee \"black\"...you get a funny look, like you\'re some kind of tough guy, while the \"extra/extra\" person is <i>reasonable</i>. It\'s <b>madness.</b>\r\n\r\n<span style=\"font-size: large;\"><b>Coffee is not meant to be this way.</b></span>\r\n\r\n<b>Before we dive in, </b>let\'s be clear: we\'re talking about COFFEE here - No, that machi-frappa-lata-thing is NOT coffee. It is a <i>confection</i>. And, likely, <a href=\"http://www.livestrong.com/article/559348-whats-really-inside-your-starbucks-caramel-frappuccino/\"><i>horrible for you</i>.</a>\r\n\r\n<b>Now - let me lay some knowledge on you: </b>Roasters down in Latin America, by and large, <i>don\'t drink the coffee we drink</i>. They roast their own, and they roast it differently. For them, putting sugar or cream in coffee is <i>sacrilege. </i>No, it\'s not because they\'re used to the bitterness...it\'s because <i>their coffee isn\'t bitter like ours</i>. Their coffee is a labor of love, and it tastes like <i>art.</i> <b>Puroast Coffee Co.</b> is roasting their coffee like the growers do...and the difference is <i>astonishing</i>.\r\n\r\n<span style=\"font-size: large;\"><b>Can coffee <i>really</i> be <i>that good?</i></b></span>\r\n\r\n<b>Um...yes.</b> I came across Puroast at an obstacle course race, and I tried a sample. It was the smoothest, most robust, most <i>amazingly rich</i> coffee I had ever tasted. I didn\'t even need sugar! I didn\'t figure out until afterwards...<b>what I sampled was <u>espresso</u></b><i style=\"font-weight: bold;\">. </i><i>So then I tried their coffee.</i>\r\n\r\n<span style=\"font-size: large;\"><b>The flavor was unreal.</b></span>\r\n\r\nAs a matter of fact, I\'m drinking a cup of Dark French Roast as I type. What strikes me and amazes me with every cup is the distinct lack of that trademark bitterness that all coffee seems to have. Puroast coffee is just...<i>impossibly smooth</i>. It, of course, still tastes like <i>coffee</i>...but better. It\'s got this rich, deep, satisfying flavor...it made me fall in love with coffee again. I don\'t know how else to describe it...it\'s <b>coffee</b>...just...<i>elevated</i>. <b><i><u>Pure.</u></i></b> It is simply <i>the best coffee I have ever tasted</i>...and that\'s WITHOUT SUGAR. No additives! There\'s no terrible aftertaste, either. <b>I have yet to find the \"gotcha\". </b>\r\n<div style=\"clear: both; text-align: center;\"><a style=\"margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;\" href=\"http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-XAVEBzzG9rU/VcGMtk7taeI/AAAAAAAAdiI/Z6vTUR1q7xA/s1600/IMG_20150801_093842126.jpg\"><img src=\"http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-XAVEBzzG9rU/VcGMtk7taeI/AAAAAAAAdiI/Z6vTUR1q7xA/s320/IMG_20150801_093842126.jpg\" width=\"320\" height=\"180\" border=\"0\" /></a></div>\r\n<span style=\"font-size: large;\"><b>How is this possible?</b></span>\r\n\r\n<b>It\'s all about the roast.</b>\r\n<b>\r\n</b>I chatted with the man in charge - Kerry Sachs...and <a href=\"https://www.puroast.com/AcidityandBitternessExplanations.pdf\">between his explanations</a>, <a href=\"http://www.puroast.com/papers/AntioxidantResearchSummaryLetter.pdf\">the scientific study behind it</a>, and other assorted research I did on my own...it makes sense.\r\n\r\n<b>The problem is...America is cheap.</b>\r\n\r\nAll coffee starts out the same. Whether it comes from Columbia, Venezuela, Hawaii or Jamaica...all green coffee beans grow the same. You can\'t tell the difference until you roast them. <b>The roasting process is where the magic happens.</b>\r\n\r\nBy and large, the coffee we drink in the USA is all roasted in the same way - flash roasting. The beans are roasted in big batches using convection (direct heat), and it\'s all over in a matter of minutes (if that). Now, I\'m no scientist, so don\'t crucify me if this isn\'t 100% scientifically accurate, but it would seem that because of the way the heat is transferred to the bean, how short a time it takes, etc...certain acids are produced/released during this roasting process.\r\n<b>\r\nThis acid production</b> is a big factor in that bitter taste nearly all coffee has. The acid also contributes to what I\'m going to call \"coffee gut\"...a blanket term we\'ll use for all the various reflux/indigestion/\"grumbly stomach\" issues that arise from coffee consumption. Not only that, but the \"Maillard Reaction\" is not able to take place. This reaction is where much of the flavors and aromas of coffee are released. The result is a bitter, acidic coffee that lacks depth, richness, and the ability to stand up on its own without cream or sugar.\r\n\r\nPresumably, coffee companies use this roasting method because it\'s fast and cheap. <b>Welcome to America.</b> This, however, is not how coffee was <i>meant</i> to be roasted.\r\n\r\n<span style=\"font-size: large;\"><b>This is where Puroast is different.</b></span>\r\n<div style=\"clear: both; text-align: center;\"><a style=\"clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;\" href=\"http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-ttVA9vk_JlU/VcGKShjtpMI/AAAAAAAAdh8/LJoxkoKcJFU/s1600/IMG_20150804_072508192.jpg\"><img src=\"http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-ttVA9vk_JlU/VcGKShjtpMI/AAAAAAAAdh8/LJoxkoKcJFU/s320/IMG_20150804_072508192.jpg\" width=\"180\" height=\"320\" border=\"0\" /></a></div>\r\nPuroast coffee is roasted the way coffee <i>should </i>be roasted - slowly and carefully, with love and respect for the bean.\r\n\r\n<b>Seriously, though. </b>Puroast uses a different method - the way the growers themselves do it. Rather than heat directly to the beans, heat is spread across a cooking/roasting surface where the beans are continuously agitated for an even, thorough roast. This method is called \"conduction\". Again, I\'m not a scientist, or a cook, or a coffee roaster...so don\'t nitpick the details here...but you get the difference between methods, I\'m sure.\r\n\r\nAs a result of this roasting method, the result is a coffee that contains 70% less acid. Not only that, but in place of the acid...polyphenols are produced/released. The short explanation is...these are antioxidants. Additionally, the \"Maillard Reaction\" is able to fully take place.\r\n\r\n<b>So let me get this straight...</b>\r\n<b>\r\n</b><b>Not only</b> does Puroast\'s method produce LESS ACID and release more aroma/flavor...helping the coffee taste <i>amazing</i>...but it produces more antioxidants...making it <i>better for my health?</i>\r\n\r\n<span style=\"font-size: large;\"><b>How did they figure this out?</b></span>\r\n\r\nKerry was not always a coffee man. As a matter of fact...when this all started...<i>he didn\'t even like coffee!</i> In short...after living with coffee growers in Venezuela, he tried the coffee they roasted themselves and was taken aback by its smoothness, and the lack of bitterness. He learned their roasting methods before leaving, and eventually made the connection between taste, acidity, and roasting method. After some encouragement, he convinced <a href=\"http://www.puroast.com/papers/Shibamoto-letter.pdf\">a professor at UC Davis</a> to do some real research...and <a href=\"http://www.puroast.com/papers/LowAcidResearchAbstract.pdf\">the results proved it.</a>\r\n\r\n<span style=\"font-size: large;\"><b>So it\'s probably crazy expensive</b></span>\r\n<div style=\"clear: both; text-align: center;\"><a style=\"margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;\" href=\"http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-CKyhiAJmKmc/VcGEFUP_70I/AAAAAAAAdhU/jO2Gk8SocpQ/s1600/Screenshot_2015-08-04-07-36-06.png\"><img src=\"http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-CKyhiAJmKmc/VcGEFUP_70I/AAAAAAAAdhU/jO2Gk8SocpQ/s320/Screenshot_2015-08-04-07-36-06.png\" width=\"180\" height=\"320\" border=\"0\" /></a></div>\r\n<b>Nope.</b>\r\n<b>\r\n</b>So...why, then, do the major US companies have to do it the cheap way...and then...charge consumers the same price Puroast is charging? Hmmm...\r\n\r\n<span style=\"font-size: large;\"><b>What does this MEAN?</b></span>\r\n\r\nIt MEANS that I\'ve got a 2 lb. box of raw sugar in the pantry that <i>I\'m not going to need anymore.</i> Again, in case you missed it...<i>you don\'t need cream or sugar for this coffee</i>. I can\'t be any more succinct than that. No. Sugar. Needed. Seriously, try it.\r\n\r\nIt MEANS that coffee, which <i><a href=\"http://www.medicalnewstoday.com/articles/270202.php\">already had health benefits</a></i>... just became <b><i>more healthy.</i></b>\r\n\r\nIt MEANS that <b>I can have coffee on race-day morning</b> and not worry I\'ll have to find a port-o-potty mid-race.\r\n\r\nIT MEANS that the coffee with all these benefits costs <b>the same or less than </b>the crap we\'ve been drinking all along.\r\n\r\n<i style=\"font-weight: bold;\">Pinch me.</i>\r\n\r\nI know its tough to wrap your head around. You\'ll get there.\r\n\r\nAs a health nut, fitness fanatic, obstacle racer and marathoner...this excites me endlessly.\r\n\r\n<b>Rating: 5 stars. 5 sugar-free, delicious stars.</b>\r\n<div style=\"clear: both; text-align: center;\"></div>\r\n<div style=\"clear: both; text-align: center;\"></div>\r\n<div style=\"clear: both; text-align: center;\"><a style=\"margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;\" href=\"http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-VQPgdFFAWZk/VbIpLujhCOI/AAAAAAAAdas/ibvw0TdBMog/s1600/shut-up-and-take-my-money.jpg\"><img src=\"http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-VQPgdFFAWZk/VbIpLujhCOI/AAAAAAAAdas/ibvw0TdBMog/s320/shut-up-and-take-my-money.jpg\" width=\"320\" height=\"200\" border=\"0\" /></a></div>\r\nIf you truly like COFFEE and you\'re drinking anything other than Puroast Coffee...you\'re either ignorant, don\'t care, or <i>incredibly</i> brand-loyal. Either way...you\'re wrong.\r\n\r\nYour coffee mug deserves better. <u>So do you.</u> Run, don\'t walk. <b>Go get Puroast.</b>\r\n\r\n</div>','Coffee...The Way It\'s MEANT To Be | Puroast Review','','inherit','closed','closed','','36-revision-v1','','','2017-01-14 00:51:09','2017-01-14 05:51:09','',36,'http://sothisisfitness.com/2017/01/36-revision-v1.html',0,'revision','',0),(37,1,'2015-07-24 12:43:00','2015-07-24 16:43:00','<b><u><span style=\"font-size: x-large;\">Chocolate Designed For Fitness</span></u></b>\r\n<div style=\"clear: both; text-align: center;\"><a style=\"clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;\" href=\"http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-6XFbxfa3RLU/VbDZiQOcVZI/AAAAAAAAdXo/X-KFPKZ1vxA/s1600/PhotoGrid_1437652826783.jpg\"><img src=\"http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-6XFbxfa3RLU/VbDZiQOcVZI/AAAAAAAAdXo/X-KFPKZ1vxA/s320/PhotoGrid_1437652826783.jpg\" width=\"320\" height=\"204\" border=\"0\" /></a></div>\r\n<b>Do I have your attention now?</b>\r\n\r\nNot all performance fuels are created equally...and nearly NONE of them are <i>chocolate</i>.\r\n\r\nI am absolutely IN LOVE with Perfect Fuel Chocolate. The co-founders have taken a great idea, tested it, evolved it, and now? Well...\r\n\r\nSomehow they\'ve taken chocolate to a place we\'ve always wanted it to go but never thought possible. Kids, it\'s time to fuel your day on chocolate. Let\'s talk \"how and why\" :)<!--more-->\r\n\r\n<i>(Disclaimer: I was provided product to review. I was not compensated in any way for this product review - my opinions are my own, not bought or sold.)</i>\r\n\r\n<span style=\"font-size: large;\"><b>My inner child is doing backflips...</b></span>\r\n\r\nFueling is important. This is a basic fact. Whether it\'s fueling for your day, for a workout, for a race/event/competition, or fueling your <i>car</i>...things don\'t happen if you don\'t fuel. There are a <i>multitude </i>of ways you can fuel...your car has 3 options, your body has about 3 million. It can be very difficult to choose, and after a while it gets a little boring...innovation can only go so far in the way of performance fuel. We have gels, gu\'s, gummy blocks, powders, pills and tablets <i>oh my</i>.  <b><i>Until Perfect Fuel.</i></b>\r\n\r\nPerfect Fuel has tapped into something downright <i style=\"font-weight: bold;\">magical</i> here. For the longest time, chocolate has been our guilty pleasure, generally lumped in with candy as \"unhealthy\". Only relatively recently has it been shown that modest amounts of dark chocolate <a href=\"https://www.pinterest.com/perfectfuel/perfect-fuel-cacao/\">can have some health benefits</a>. And then Perfect Fuel took it to the next level.\r\n\r\n<span style=\"font-size: large;\"><b>So what\'s the big idea?</b></span>\r\n\r\n<b>As they say on their website - </b><i>\"Perfect Fuel delivers convenient, clean, and delicious energy and nutrition for the active lifestyle with powerful and pure organic ingredients for a natural boost.\"</i>\r\n<i>\r\n</i><b>OK, that\'s great</b>...but how exactly does this work?\r\n\r\n<span style=\"font-size: large;\"><b>First, what is it? What\'s in it?</b></span>\r\n\r\n<a style=\"clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;\" href=\"http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-Gpyb7xFSXoU/VbDnmOH5JuI/AAAAAAAAdYE/67LzFuDbod0/s1600/PhotoGrid_1437651901551.jpg\"><img src=\"http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-Gpyb7xFSXoU/VbDnmOH5JuI/AAAAAAAAdYE/67LzFuDbod0/s320/PhotoGrid_1437651901551.jpg\" width=\"320\" height=\"320\" border=\"0\" /></a>Perfect Fuel Chocolate bites are small, half-ounce blocks of high quality dark chocolate blended with either American ginseng, chia seeds, or espresso. The ingredients list is literally five ingredients long: cacao, cacao butter, coconut palm sugar, American ginseng (or chia seeds/espresso), and vanilla bean. Everything is organic, and they even make mention that ingredients are Fair Trade compliant.\r\n\r\n<b>That means it\'s high quality. </b>This isn\'t a Hershey bar, folks - this is worth your time and money. Given how deeply Co-Founder Nicolas cares about his baby, and given Co-Founder Miles\' time in the Peace Corp working with Cacao farmers...you can bet that they take a lot of care in sourcing and selecting their ingredients. This care, effort and attention to detail comes from a very genuine place, and it results in a superior product.\r\n\r\n<span style=\"font-size: large;\"><b>Nutrition? Health Benefits? This is <i>chocolate</i>...</b></span>\r\n\r\n<b>Yes. Chocolate can be healthy, too. </b>\r\n\r\n<a style=\"clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;\" href=\"http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-56d326jhySA/VbIstMBx0VI/AAAAAAAAdbY/N4VgFZ1GgLM/s1600/PhotoGrid_1437739838094.jpg\"><img src=\"http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-56d326jhySA/VbIstMBx0VI/AAAAAAAAdbY/N4VgFZ1GgLM/s320/PhotoGrid_1437739838094.jpg\" width=\"320\" height=\"320\" border=\"0\" /></a>Nutritionally speaking, you\'re getting between 72 and 85 calories per block (depending on variety), with quick carbs (for energy), healthy fats (that you need), just a hint of protein, and the nutritional benefits of ginseng, chia seeds, or espresso.\r\n\r\nIf you\'re not up-to-snuff on what, exactly, the health benefits of dark chocolate, ginseng, chia and espresso are...Nicolas and Miles do a <a href=\"http://www.perfectfuel.com/benefits/\">darn good job of explaining</a> it on <a href=\"http://perfectfuel.com/\">PerfectFuel.com</a>.\r\n\r\nIn short, dark chocolate (now being called a superfood by some) can help with stress, blood pressure, circulation and overall mood (would YOU be happier having chocolate?). Ginseng can help with physical endurance (hence its inclusion in version 1), stress, and enhancing brain function. Chia (a highly-regarded superfood) can positively affect hunger, exercise performance, and is a great source of vegan protein. Espresso? Well, our old friend coffee\'s energetic cousin can help with fat burning, physical performance, and (of coruse) energy.\r\n\r\nFor more detail, again, <a href=\"http://www.perfectfuel.com/benefits/\">check out their site</a> (there are links to articles and stuff).\r\n\r\n<span style=\"font-size: large;\"><b>Does it taste good?</b></span>\r\n<div style=\"clear: both; text-align: center;\"><a style=\"clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;\" href=\"http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-AgmAPrz_X-0/VbDkaU0XRLI/AAAAAAAAdX4/dFXtb_HAD2o/s1600/PhotoGrid_1437651713496.jpg\"><img src=\"http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-AgmAPrz_X-0/VbDkaU0XRLI/AAAAAAAAdX4/dFXtb_HAD2o/s320/PhotoGrid_1437651713496.jpg\" width=\"320\" height=\"320\" border=\"0\" /></a></div>\r\n<b>You do understand it\'s <i>chocolate</i>, right?</b>\r\n\r\nIn all seriousness, though, this stuff tastes <b>delicious. </b>The original flavor (ginseng) is excellent - it has the perfect bitterness of a good dark chocolate (70% dark) with just enough sweetness. It\'s also the most amazing creamy consistency...since it\'s not mucked up with all kinds of artificial ingredients and garbage, the quality cacao butter they use shines through. <b>It melts in your mouth</b>...however cheesy that may sound. It doesn\'t shatter when you bite it, but it\'s not like trying to gnaw on a brick either - they\'ve gotten the hardness just right - another nod, I\'m sure, to its purity.\r\n<div style=\"clear: both; text-align: center;\"><a style=\"clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;\" href=\"http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-kVIvSDRpZSc/VbIlU1oZZ9I/AAAAAAAAdac/hTOlumi0O1w/s1600/IMG_20150723_073428792.jpg\"><img src=\"http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-kVIvSDRpZSc/VbIlU1oZZ9I/AAAAAAAAdac/hTOlumi0O1w/s200/IMG_20150723_073428792.jpg\" width=\"140\" height=\"200\" border=\"0\" /></a></div>\r\nThe espresso flavor tastes like the best chocolate coffee you can imagine- the espresso/coffee flavor is present, and notable, but not overpowering...it\'s just right.\r\n\r\nThe CHIA FLAVOR...oh lord...it might be ousting the original ginseng as my new favorite. <b>CALL ME CRAZY</b> - but chia seeds have a flavor. The chia flavor twists itself up with the chocolate and the buttery smoothness and <i>oh my </i>if it isn\'t the most magical thing... (pardon me, I\'m drooling). If I could have one of these 3 times a day everyday...\r\n\r\n<b><span style=\"font-size: large;\">\r\n</span></b><b><span style=\"font-size: large;\">Hey, it looks prettier now, too!</span></b>\r\n<b>\r\n</b>\r\n<div style=\"clear: both; text-align: center;\"><a style=\"clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;\" href=\"http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-4Pn6tLkqy_E/VbIyMerVq0I/AAAAAAAAdb8/N_PvyPkEYKQ/s1600/PhotoGrid_1437741318125.jpg\"><img src=\"http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-4Pn6tLkqy_E/VbIyMerVq0I/AAAAAAAAdb8/N_PvyPkEYKQ/s320/PhotoGrid_1437741318125.jpg\" width=\"320\" height=\"265\" border=\"0\" /></a></div>\r\n<b>Aw shucks, thanks for noticing.</b> The form factor has changed a bit from version 1 to version 2 - greatly improved, if you ask me (see photo above). It\'s now a little thinner, a little wider, and (I think) a little easier to eat than before. The packaging is also visually appealing and easy to navigate. Each bite is individually wrapped, and you can get it in pouches of 6 or boxes of 20. Tough to get people to buy into your product if it\'s not eye-catching, so glad they nailed that one (with or without a wrapper)!\r\n\r\n<span style=\"font-size: large;\"><b>OK, bottom line...how much and is this worth my time/money?</b></span>\r\n\r\n<b>Not much, and \"Um, have you been paying attention?\"</b>\r\n\r\nWhether you get a pouch of 6 or box of 20 cost here breaks down to an average of about $1.85 per piece. That\'s not much more than competing performance fuels...and what you\'re getting is of a much higher quality and a much better purity.\r\n<div style=\"clear: both; text-align: center;\"><a style=\"margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;\" href=\"http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-VQPgdFFAWZk/VbIpLujhCOI/AAAAAAAAdao/lCDrl7uwiFY/s1600/shut-up-and-take-my-money.jpg\"><img src=\"http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-VQPgdFFAWZk/VbIpLujhCOI/AAAAAAAAdao/lCDrl7uwiFY/s320/shut-up-and-take-my-money.jpg\" width=\"320\" height=\"200\" border=\"0\" /></a></div>\r\nIs this EXACTLY the same as a gel? No. Is this something that\'s practical to take with you in a race and eat on the course? Probably not (it\'d melt). What this IS is an excellent fuel to have <i>before </i>that race, <i>before </i>your workout/run/whatever, to start your day, as an afternoon pick-me-up, or as a HEALTHY option when you just <i>have to </i>satisfy your sweet tooth.\r\n\r\nI could not recommend this product more. Next time I see Nicolas and Miles...I might freaking hug them. Go to <a href=\"http://www.perfectfuel.com/\">www.PerfectFuel.com</a> if you\'d like to get your own.\r\n\r\n<b>Rating: 5 stars. 5 stars <i>all day long</i>. I\'d give it an unofficial 6th if that wasn\'t cheating.</b>\r\n\r\nBottom line? <b>It\'s freaking CHOCOLATE. </b>And it\'s <b>good for you.</b> <b><i>Why aren\'t you eating a piece <u>right now</u>?</i></b>','The Athlete\'s Willy Wonka - Perfect Fuel Review','','publish','open','open','','the-athletes-willy-wonka-perfect-fuel-review','','','2017-01-14 00:52:10','2017-01-14 05:52:10','',0,'http://50.87.248.94/~sothisj4/?p=37',0,'post','',0),(586,1,'2017-01-14 00:52:10','2017-01-14 05:52:10','<b><u><span style=\"font-size: x-large;\">Chocolate Designed For Fitness</span></u></b>\r\n<div style=\"clear: both; text-align: center;\"><a style=\"clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;\" href=\"http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-6XFbxfa3RLU/VbDZiQOcVZI/AAAAAAAAdXo/X-KFPKZ1vxA/s1600/PhotoGrid_1437652826783.jpg\"><img src=\"http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-6XFbxfa3RLU/VbDZiQOcVZI/AAAAAAAAdXo/X-KFPKZ1vxA/s320/PhotoGrid_1437652826783.jpg\" width=\"320\" height=\"204\" border=\"0\" /></a></div>\r\n<b>Do I have your attention now?</b>\r\n\r\nNot all performance fuels are created equally...and nearly NONE of them are <i>chocolate</i>.\r\n\r\nI am absolutely IN LOVE with Perfect Fuel Chocolate. The co-founders have taken a great idea, tested it, evolved it, and now? Well...\r\n\r\nSomehow they\'ve taken chocolate to a place we\'ve always wanted it to go but never thought possible. Kids, it\'s time to fuel your day on chocolate. Let\'s talk \"how and why\" :)<!--more-->\r\n\r\n<i>(Disclaimer: I was provided product to review. I was not compensated in any way for this product review - my opinions are my own, not bought or sold.)</i>\r\n\r\n<span style=\"font-size: large;\"><b>My inner child is doing backflips...</b></span>\r\n\r\nFueling is important. This is a basic fact. Whether it\'s fueling for your day, for a workout, for a race/event/competition, or fueling your <i>car</i>...things don\'t happen if you don\'t fuel. There are a <i>multitude </i>of ways you can fuel...your car has 3 options, your body has about 3 million. It can be very difficult to choose, and after a while it gets a little boring...innovation can only go so far in the way of performance fuel. We have gels, gu\'s, gummy blocks, powders, pills and tablets <i>oh my</i>.  <b><i>Until Perfect Fuel.</i></b>\r\n\r\nPerfect Fuel has tapped into something downright <i style=\"font-weight: bold;\">magical</i> here. For the longest time, chocolate has been our guilty pleasure, generally lumped in with candy as \"unhealthy\". Only relatively recently has it been shown that modest amounts of dark chocolate <a href=\"https://www.pinterest.com/perfectfuel/perfect-fuel-cacao/\">can have some health benefits</a>. And then Perfect Fuel took it to the next level.\r\n\r\n<span style=\"font-size: large;\"><b>So what\'s the big idea?</b></span>\r\n\r\n<b>As they say on their website - </b><i>\"Perfect Fuel delivers convenient, clean, and delicious energy and nutrition for the active lifestyle with powerful and pure organic ingredients for a natural boost.\"</i>\r\n<i>\r\n</i><b>OK, that\'s great</b>...but how exactly does this work?\r\n\r\n<span style=\"font-size: large;\"><b>First, what is it? What\'s in it?</b></span>\r\n\r\n<a style=\"clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;\" href=\"http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-Gpyb7xFSXoU/VbDnmOH5JuI/AAAAAAAAdYE/67LzFuDbod0/s1600/PhotoGrid_1437651901551.jpg\"><img src=\"http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-Gpyb7xFSXoU/VbDnmOH5JuI/AAAAAAAAdYE/67LzFuDbod0/s320/PhotoGrid_1437651901551.jpg\" width=\"320\" height=\"320\" border=\"0\" /></a>Perfect Fuel Chocolate bites are small, half-ounce blocks of high quality dark chocolate blended with either American ginseng, chia seeds, or espresso. The ingredients list is literally five ingredients long: cacao, cacao butter, coconut palm sugar, American ginseng (or chia seeds/espresso), and vanilla bean. Everything is organic, and they even make mention that ingredients are Fair Trade compliant.\r\n\r\n<b>That means it\'s high quality. </b>This isn\'t a Hershey bar, folks - this is worth your time and money. Given how deeply Co-Founder Nicolas cares about his baby, and given Co-Founder Miles\' time in the Peace Corp working with Cacao farmers...you can bet that they take a lot of care in sourcing and selecting their ingredients. This care, effort and attention to detail comes from a very genuine place, and it results in a superior product.\r\n\r\n<span style=\"font-size: large;\"><b>Nutrition? Health Benefits? This is <i>chocolate</i>...</b></span>\r\n\r\n<b>Yes. Chocolate can be healthy, too. </b>\r\n\r\n<a style=\"clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;\" href=\"http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-56d326jhySA/VbIstMBx0VI/AAAAAAAAdbY/N4VgFZ1GgLM/s1600/PhotoGrid_1437739838094.jpg\"><img src=\"http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-56d326jhySA/VbIstMBx0VI/AAAAAAAAdbY/N4VgFZ1GgLM/s320/PhotoGrid_1437739838094.jpg\" width=\"320\" height=\"320\" border=\"0\" /></a>Nutritionally speaking, you\'re getting between 72 and 85 calories per block (depending on variety), with quick carbs (for energy), healthy fats (that you need), just a hint of protein, and the nutritional benefits of ginseng, chia seeds, or espresso.\r\n\r\nIf you\'re not up-to-snuff on what, exactly, the health benefits of dark chocolate, ginseng, chia and espresso are...Nicolas and Miles do a <a href=\"http://www.perfectfuel.com/benefits/\">darn good job of explaining</a> it on <a href=\"http://perfectfuel.com/\">PerfectFuel.com</a>.\r\n\r\nIn short, dark chocolate (now being called a superfood by some) can help with stress, blood pressure, circulation and overall mood (would YOU be happier having chocolate?). Ginseng can help with physical endurance (hence its inclusion in version 1), stress, and enhancing brain function. Chia (a highly-regarded superfood) can positively affect hunger, exercise performance, and is a great source of vegan protein. Espresso? Well, our old friend coffee\'s energetic cousin can help with fat burning, physical performance, and (of coruse) energy.\r\n\r\nFor more detail, again, <a href=\"http://www.perfectfuel.com/benefits/\">check out their site</a> (there are links to articles and stuff).\r\n\r\n<span style=\"font-size: large;\"><b>Does it taste good?</b></span>\r\n<div style=\"clear: both; text-align: center;\"><a style=\"clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;\" href=\"http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-AgmAPrz_X-0/VbDkaU0XRLI/AAAAAAAAdX4/dFXtb_HAD2o/s1600/PhotoGrid_1437651713496.jpg\"><img src=\"http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-AgmAPrz_X-0/VbDkaU0XRLI/AAAAAAAAdX4/dFXtb_HAD2o/s320/PhotoGrid_1437651713496.jpg\" width=\"320\" height=\"320\" border=\"0\" /></a></div>\r\n<b>You do understand it\'s <i>chocolate</i>, right?</b>\r\n\r\nIn all seriousness, though, this stuff tastes <b>delicious. </b>The original flavor (ginseng) is excellent - it has the perfect bitterness of a good dark chocolate (70% dark) with just enough sweetness. It\'s also the most amazing creamy consistency...since it\'s not mucked up with all kinds of artificial ingredients and garbage, the quality cacao butter they use shines through. <b>It melts in your mouth</b>...however cheesy that may sound. It doesn\'t shatter when you bite it, but it\'s not like trying to gnaw on a brick either - they\'ve gotten the hardness just right - another nod, I\'m sure, to its purity.\r\n<div style=\"clear: both; text-align: center;\"><a style=\"clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;\" href=\"http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-kVIvSDRpZSc/VbIlU1oZZ9I/AAAAAAAAdac/hTOlumi0O1w/s1600/IMG_20150723_073428792.jpg\"><img src=\"http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-kVIvSDRpZSc/VbIlU1oZZ9I/AAAAAAAAdac/hTOlumi0O1w/s200/IMG_20150723_073428792.jpg\" width=\"140\" height=\"200\" border=\"0\" /></a></div>\r\nThe espresso flavor tastes like the best chocolate coffee you can imagine- the espresso/coffee flavor is present, and notable, but not overpowering...it\'s just right.\r\n\r\nThe CHIA FLAVOR...oh lord...it might be ousting the original ginseng as my new favorite. <b>CALL ME CRAZY</b> - but chia seeds have a flavor. The chia flavor twists itself up with the chocolate and the buttery smoothness and <i>oh my </i>if it isn\'t the most magical thing... (pardon me, I\'m drooling). If I could have one of these 3 times a day everyday...\r\n\r\n<b><span style=\"font-size: large;\">\r\n</span></b><b><span style=\"font-size: large;\">Hey, it looks prettier now, too!</span></b>\r\n<b>\r\n</b>\r\n<div style=\"clear: both; text-align: center;\"><a style=\"clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;\" href=\"http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-4Pn6tLkqy_E/VbIyMerVq0I/AAAAAAAAdb8/N_PvyPkEYKQ/s1600/PhotoGrid_1437741318125.jpg\"><img src=\"http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-4Pn6tLkqy_E/VbIyMerVq0I/AAAAAAAAdb8/N_PvyPkEYKQ/s320/PhotoGrid_1437741318125.jpg\" width=\"320\" height=\"265\" border=\"0\" /></a></div>\r\n<b>Aw shucks, thanks for noticing.</b> The form factor has changed a bit from version 1 to version 2 - greatly improved, if you ask me (see photo above). It\'s now a little thinner, a little wider, and (I think) a little easier to eat than before. The packaging is also visually appealing and easy to navigate. Each bite is individually wrapped, and you can get it in pouches of 6 or boxes of 20. Tough to get people to buy into your product if it\'s not eye-catching, so glad they nailed that one (with or without a wrapper)!\r\n\r\n<span style=\"font-size: large;\"><b>OK, bottom line...how much and is this worth my time/money?</b></span>\r\n\r\n<b>Not much, and \"Um, have you been paying attention?\"</b>\r\n\r\nWhether you get a pouch of 6 or box of 20 cost here breaks down to an average of about $1.85 per piece. That\'s not much more than competing performance fuels...and what you\'re getting is of a much higher quality and a much better purity.\r\n<div style=\"clear: both; text-align: center;\"><a style=\"margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;\" href=\"http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-VQPgdFFAWZk/VbIpLujhCOI/AAAAAAAAdao/lCDrl7uwiFY/s1600/shut-up-and-take-my-money.jpg\"><img src=\"http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-VQPgdFFAWZk/VbIpLujhCOI/AAAAAAAAdao/lCDrl7uwiFY/s320/shut-up-and-take-my-money.jpg\" width=\"320\" height=\"200\" border=\"0\" /></a></div>\r\nIs this EXACTLY the same as a gel? No. Is this something that\'s practical to take with you in a race and eat on the course? Probably not (it\'d melt). What this IS is an excellent fuel to have <i>before </i>that race, <i>before </i>your workout/run/whatever, to start your day, as an afternoon pick-me-up, or as a HEALTHY option when you just <i>have to </i>satisfy your sweet tooth.\r\n\r\nI could not recommend this product more. Next time I see Nicolas and Miles...I might freaking hug them. Go to <a href=\"http://www.perfectfuel.com/\">www.PerfectFuel.com</a> if you\'d like to get your own.\r\n\r\n<b>Rating: 5 stars. 5 stars <i>all day long</i>. I\'d give it an unofficial 6th if that wasn\'t cheating.</b>\r\n\r\nBottom line? <b>It\'s freaking CHOCOLATE. </b>And it\'s <b>good for you.</b> <b><i>Why aren\'t you eating a piece <u>right now</u>?</i></b>','The Athlete\'s Willy Wonka - Perfect Fuel Review','','inherit','closed','closed','','37-revision-v1','','','2017-01-14 00:52:10','2017-01-14 05:52:10','',37,'http://sothisisfitness.com/2017/01/37-revision-v1.html',0,'revision','',0),(38,1,'2015-06-01 11:20:00','2015-06-01 15:20:00','<b><i>They say The Marathon changes you.</i><br /><br />Just over three weeks ago I finished my first marathon.</b> <i>26.2 miles.</i> For 5 hours, 12 minutes and 5 seconds I ran, jogged, walked, and struggled. But in the end, I crossed that finish line. <u>I finished.</u> And at the finish line...I wasn\'t really sure what to feel. Finishing that marathon...achieving such a feat..it really made me take a hard look at where I\'m at and how far I\'ve come.<br /><br /><i>The Marathon <b>did&nbsp;</b>change me</i>...and the nugget of knowledge I gained? It\'s one I will <u>never</u> let go of.<br /><a name=\'more\'></a><br /><b>It\'s amazing to realize</b>&nbsp;what you can accomplish in just two years. Really...March 2013 I \"went for a run\" for the very first time ever - 3.25 miles...it <i>hurt</i>...and now...just over two years later...I finished my first MARATHON. 26.2 miles...<i>and I felt fine</i>.<br /><br />It\'s...<i>incomprehensible</i>.<br /><br /><div style=\"clear: both; text-align: center;\"><a href=\"http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-B2KSGPTSDxY/VWw_RbmdkHI/AAAAAAAAass/g1p1ZLczpX0/s1600/PhotoGrid_1433156905811.jpg\" style=\"clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;\"><img border=\"0\" height=\"320\" src=\"http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-B2KSGPTSDxY/VWw_RbmdkHI/AAAAAAAAass/g1p1ZLczpX0/s320/PhotoGrid_1433156905811.jpg\" width=\"320\" /></a></div><b>Or is it?&nbsp;</b>I\'ve said it a million times and I\'ll say it a million more...it\'s <i>truly amazing</i>&nbsp;what the human body will do if you give it enough time, training, and fuel. There are people that successfully run Iron Man triathlons - they cover 140.6 miles swimming, biking, and running. There are people who run ultramarathons covering as much as 100 miles (maybe even more!) ON FOOT. There are countless examples, but the lesson is the same:<br /><br /><b>Your body will go the distance.</b><br /><b><br /></b><b>Despite what you may feel right now</b>, your body will do it. Your body <i>yearns</i>&nbsp;for the challenge. It wants to be treated well, maintained, trained, fed the right foods and asked to move in ways you might not have moved in a very long time. If you train and fuel correctly <b>your body can and will do what you will ask it.</b><br /><br /><b>And so it becomes a mental game.</b> Do you have the <i>heart</i>, the <i>spirit</i>, and the <i>mental toughness</i> to outlast the forces that are working against you? In The Marathon you\'ve got 26.2 miles of unforgiving pavement and the forces of Nature - sun, wind, heat, humidity, cold, rain...you\'re battling the Earth itself to achieve your victory (and as far as I\'m concerned there is nothing more pure).<br /><br /><b>But what about in your own journey?</b><br /><br />On a daily basis, you fight against much more. Self-esteem. Peer-pressure. The fact that healthy food and gym memberships are SO expensive, but that McBurger with fries is just $2.99 and hey, my favorite show is on!<br /><br /><i>You\'ve got to win the fight. </i>It\'s <b>life or death.</b>&nbsp;Battle back and say \"NO, it\'s NOT ok to just sit there and rot on the couch.\" <br /><br />\"NO, I WILL invest in myself...because a gym membership now costs a lot less than my medical bills will later. If I eat out one less time a month...there\'s my dues! I shouldn\'t even be having that platter of nachos anyway.\"<br /><br />\"NO, you will NOT make me feel stupid for going to the gym when I weigh 300 lbs...because I\'ve got news for you pal, I\'m NOT going to weigh 300 lbs for much longer...and won\'t you look silly when I\'ve got a 6-pack and you\'re still rockin\' the \'dad bod\'.\"<br /><br /><b>The Marathon taught me a lot</b> of things about myself I never expected to learn...but quite possibly the most important thing I learned...is that <b>there truly is no limit.</b> It\'s something I\'ve believed for a long time, but there was a nagging suspicion somewhere in the back of my mind that there was, in fact, a ceiling...albeit a high one...and eventually...you would find it.<br /><br />But now it\'s been made crystal clear to me: <i>there is no ceiling</i>. There truly is NO limit to what you can achieve. As long as you set your goal, make a plan, train, fuel, and <b>believe</b>...you <u>really can</u> achieve anything. It might be hard to believe right now, sitting where you\'re sitting...but I was sitting in a place very similar not too long ago...<br /><div style=\"clear: both; text-align: center;\"><a href=\"http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-8VTv1CwpBZw/VWw-7-DU4CI/AAAAAAAAask/ZapnOWQidUk/s1600/PhotoGrid_1433156482076.jpg\" style=\"margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;\"><img border=\"0\" height=\"320\" src=\"http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-8VTv1CwpBZw/VWw-7-DU4CI/AAAAAAAAask/ZapnOWQidUk/s320/PhotoGrid_1433156482076.jpg\" width=\"320\" /></a></div><br />Don\'t lose faith in yourself. You <u>can</u>&nbsp;do it. Whatever \"it\" is.','The Marathon','','publish','open','open','','the-marathon','','','2017-01-18 07:35:27','2017-01-18 12:35:27','',0,'http://50.87.248.94/~sothisj4/?p=38',0,'post','',1),(39,1,'2015-05-10 09:45:00','2015-05-10 13:45:00','<div><b><span style=\"font-size: large;\">Mother Nature gave me an out.</span></b></div><div><br /></div><div>Taking place late February, the Hyannis Marathon was supposed to be my first full marathon. However, thanks to the worst snowfall in Massachusetts history...it was cancelled.&nbsp;<b>I easily could\'ve bailed. </b>I could\'ve just kept quiet, done the other races on my list, and never brought up \"26.2\" again.</div><div><br /><b>But I didn\'t.</b><br /><b><br /></b>And now I\'m sitting in a hotel room in Maine. And in 11 hours I\'ll be standing in the starting corral of the 2015 Maine Coast Marathon...<b>my first marathon.</b><br /><b><br /></b><br /><div style=\"clear: both; text-align: center;\"><a href=\"http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-qcvY942YDfE/VU7GlXkB2pI/AAAAAAAAZhY/MT_w8IGu5L8/s1600/Screenshot%2B2014-12-29%2B20.19.28.png\" style=\"margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;\"><img border=\"0\" height=\"140\" src=\"http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-qcvY942YDfE/VU7GlXkB2pI/AAAAAAAAZhY/MT_w8IGu5L8/s400/Screenshot%2B2014-12-29%2B20.19.28.png\" width=\"400\" /></a></div><b><br /></b>Holy crap...<br /><a name=\'more\'></a><br /><b><span style=\"font-size: large;\">Oddly enough, I\'m not nervous.</span></b><br /><b><br /></b>I\'ve got this weird little sense of peaceful certainty going on. I was reasonably confident in my training when it was time for Hyannis to happen...but the last two weeks alone have shown me that I can not only finish this race, but I can hit my goal time too.<br /><br /><b><span style=\"font-size: large;\">So why didn\'t I bail?</span></b><br /><br /><b>I had already made the decision.&nbsp;</b>The scariest part was already done - <i>I had registered for the Hyannis Marathon. </i>Making the decision and clicking \"register now\"...it was like a switch flipped. Things were different. I was no longer afraid of the big bad marathon. It was no longer up on a pedestal - a mythical \"I\'ll never do that\" thing to be brushed off and nervously laughed about in conversation. In that moment...it became something to me.<br /><br /><b>So when Hyannis was cancelled...</b><br /><b><br /></b>There wasn\'t a sense of \"relief\" that I no longer \"had to do it\". Instead...I went through a range of emotions akin to the 5 stages of grief! I was in disbelief...in <i>denial</i>&nbsp;that it had been cancelled. Then I was angry as all hell. Then I was sad that all that effort, anticipation, and excitement was for naught. And finally I accepted it.<br /><br /><b>But then...there was still a void.</b><br /><div style=\"clear: both; text-align: center;\"><br /></div><div style=\"clear: both; text-align: center;\"><a href=\"http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-e2FVL7g7buo/VU7JlhByY7I/AAAAAAAAZhk/J74qN2llSdQ/s1600/2015-05-09_22.57.36.jpg\" style=\"clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;\"><img border=\"0\" height=\"281\" src=\"http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-e2FVL7g7buo/VU7JlhByY7I/AAAAAAAAZhk/J74qN2llSdQ/s320/2015-05-09_22.57.36.jpg\" width=\"320\" /></a></div><br />Almost immediately during the \"denial\" bit I started looking for other marathons in New England. I had to do it. And I found one. I found IT. The best option for my first marathon without waiting until fall. The Maine Coast Marathon. A gorgeous course through Kennebunk, the Maine coast, Kennebunkport, and then the Maine coast again. A great finisher\'s medal and post-race celebration. Hell, I can even get a finisher\'s jacket! In my favorite color!<br /><br /><b>And here I am.</b><br /><br />And by the time I cross that finish line tomorrow...I\'ll have travelled a lot farther than 26.2 miles.<br /><br />You\'ll never know what you\'re capable of until you take the plunge and try. See you on the other side.&nbsp;</div><div><br /></div><div><i>Thanks again to <a href=\"http://facebook.com/CapeCodNutritionCorner.Plymouth\" target=\"_blank\">Cape Cod Nutrition Corner</a> for sponsoring me!</i></div>','The Time Has Come - 26.2','','publish','open','open','','the-time-has-come-26-2','','','2017-01-08 23:28:25','2017-01-09 04:28:25','',0,'http://50.87.248.94/~sothisj4/?p=39',0,'post','',3),(40,1,'2015-04-05 15:05:00','0000-00-00 00:00:00','<div>\"But…you’re a runner…you use supplements?\"<br /><br /></div><div>YES! Of COURSE! Supplementing isn’t just for bodybuilders, \"workout freaks\", and \"pros\" - it\'s for <i>everyone.</i>&nbsp; This list is particularly good for runners, but even if you don\'t consider yourself to be one...anything on this list will still benefit you!</div><div></div><a name=\'more\'></a><br /><div><b>Fish Oil</b></div><div>These are most easily found in fish, like salmon. If you, like 65% of runners out there, don’t enjoy seafood 2 or 3 times a week…you probably aren’t getting enough Omega 3 fatty acids. Take fish oil for that! Fish Oil (and the Omega 3’s you get from it) <a href=\"http://running.competitor.com/2014/02/nutrition/lets-talk-fish-oil_23193\" target=\"_blank\">helps reduce damaging inflamation</a>. Fish oil is also a good source of the healthy fats your body needs. EPA and DHA are the Omega 3 Fatty Acids found in Fish Oil that you’re looking for, so make sure the one you pick up has at least 500mg EPA/DHA combined.<br /><br /><b>Iron</b><br />Iron is a tricky one. It’s vital for producing hemoglobin, which is a part of your red blood cells responsible for carrying oxygen to muscles. If you’re low on iron, your muscles might not be getting enough oxygen, which can leave you feeling tired, fatigued, and overall much weaker than you should. Why did I say Iron is tricky? While too <i>little</i> leaves you fatigued...too <i>much</i> iron in your system is toxic. You should <b>absolutely</b> consult a doctor on this one – get your iron levels tested once a year and if you’re low, then get an iron supplement. Most people will get what they need from their regular diet…but best to know anyway.</div><div><br /><b>Calcium</b></div><div>This one should be a no-brainer. Calcium = Strong bones. Strong bones mean you’re less prone to stress fractures and bone breakage. Running is high impact, right? Probably best to make sure your bones are as strong as they can be so they can take the pounding you’re giving them on that pavement, eh? Thought so. Easy.</div><div><br /></div><div><b>Glucosamine &amp; Chondroitin (&amp; MSM)</b></div><div>No, this is not just for your grandpa suffering from arthritis. As a runner it is vitally important to take care of your joints. Your ankles, hips, and ESPECIALLY your knees are doing an awful lot of work to keep you moving forward at top speed. As with any good machine, you keep it well-lubricated and protected to ensure top performance day in and day out. It helps to regenerate cartilage and has an anti-inflammatory effect. Taking Glucosamine &amp; Chondroitin will also help protect against future cartilage breakdown. It’s going to take some time to do it’s work…this isn’t a 24 hour turnaround. If you give it time, it’ll reward you well. Take a lesson from grampy – keep your joints working correctly and protect them for the future.</div><div><br /></div><div><b>Co-Q10</b></div><div>Co-enzyme Q10 is one many have heard of but don’t actually know what it does. Co-Q10, in short, is vital for energy production and fat metabolism. Co-Q10 also aids in recovery! Your body will convert Co-Q10 into a powerful anti-oxidant which is important in helping reduce free-radicals. That’s a good thing – trust me.</div><div><br /></div><div><b>B Vitamins</b></div><div>B Vitamins are key for energy production. Many people out there (including those who don’t work out) will take B Vitamins or even see a doctor for a B Vitamin injection to increase energy levels and supplement their system. Many athletes, especially runners, end up deficient in these vitamins for a number of reasons. This is a great thing to supplement to ensure you’re at your peak. </div><div><br /></div><div><b>Vitamin D</b></div><div>Vitamin D is essential for your body to be able to process calcium. The vast majority of people can get all the vitamin D they need from simply GOING OUTSIDE! 15 – 20 minutes of direct sunlight can give you everything you need. Why am I mentioning this? I want you to remember to actually get out there! Get your strength training done in the gym...then get outside!</div><div><br /><b>Whey Protein</b></div><div>Whey Protein isn’t just for body builders in their post-workout shake – it’s for everyone! Whey protein is an easily/quickly-digested protein source for your fuel-hungry muscles. Whey protein can be added to things you’re already eating as a way to boost protein intake, and a whey protein shake after a run can be just what your tired muscles need to aid in recovery. Just because you didn’t pump serious iron doesn’t mean you don’t need a recovery shake…pavement/trail/obstacles are just as solid a form of punishment!</div><br /><div><b>Branched Chain Amino Acids (BCAA\'s)</b></div><div>BCAA\'s do a few important things for you, but the short explanation is...they provide the building blocks of muscle growth and regeneration. BCAA\'s found in supplements (like my current favorite - Elite Recoup by Dymatize) are, generally, readily available for your body to absorb...no waiting for digestion. What does that mean? It means BCAA\'s are not only a great post-workout supplement, but are great for pre or intra (during) workout as well!<br /><br /></div><div>There you have it - a plethora of supplements that should be in not just any <i>runner\'s </i>regimen, but any health conscious individual out there <b>period</b>. <br /><b><br />*DISCLAIMER* -&nbsp;</b>As you may or may not know, supplements aren\'t generally regulated by the FDA and effectiveness, recommended dose, etc is usually determined by independent research. Everything here is my own opinion and based on my own research. I <i>urge you </i>to also do YOUR own research. Assess your needs and find what will work best for you.</div>','Runners: 10 Supplements You Should Consider','','draft','open','open','','','','','2015-04-05 15:05:00','0000-00-00 00:00:00','',0,'http://50.87.248.94/~sothisj4/?p=40',0,'post','',0),(41,1,'2015-03-19 02:28:00','2015-03-19 06:28:00','<h3><em><strong>\"When something bad happens, you have three choices. You can let it define you, let it destroy you, or you can let it strengthen you.\"</strong></em></h3>\r\n<b>Something interesting is happening</b> in the OCR world right now: BattleFrog (a reportedly fantastic obstacle race series born just a year ago) is now implementing MAJOR changes to the rest of their schedule for 2015 as well as to their format in general.\r\n\r\nWhat will ultimately be the death or rebirth of BattleFrog as an OCR series is unfolding <b>right now</b> before our eyes. So what\'s involved? What\'s at stake? How will this affect BattleFrog, it\'s participants &amp; staff, and the OCR scene as a whole? And why are people <b>so damn mad?</b>\r\n\r\nNow that the dust is beginning to settle...<b>let\'s take a look.</b>\r\n<h3><!--more-->\r\n<span style=\"font-size: large;\"><b>BattleFrog brought something refreshing to OCR.</b></span></h3>\r\nThey weren\'t all about <a href=\"http://www.toughmudder.com/\">messing with your head</a>, they weren\'t trying to be <a href=\"http://www.spartanrace.com/\">the One True Obstacle Race</a>, and they weren\'t <a href=\"http://www.warriordash.com/\">come-get-muddy-have-a-beer-and-wear-fuzzy-hats</a>. BattleFrog was about one thing - being the best obstacle race they could be.\r\n<h4><b>How did they go about that?</b>\r\n<i></i></h4>\r\n<i><img class=\"size-medium wp-image-726 alignright\" src=\"http://sothisisfitness.com/wp-content/uploads/2015/03/LegendsInTheMaking_BF-300x300.jpg\" alt=\"Battlefrog Legends In The Making\" width=\"300\" height=\"300\" />By trying to cover all the bases. </i>\r\n<ul>\r\n 	<li>They aimed to <b>cater to everyone</b> with different length/difficulty courses (including shorties for the kids!). They also offered both Saturday <b>and</b> Sunday races at <i>all</i> of their events. Even Spartan Race doesn\'t <i>always </i>do that. (they did cut that partway through last year)</li>\r\n 	<li>They <b>executed well</b> - US Navy SEALS design their courses and they have staff that takes their jobs seriously.\r\nAccording to all accounts thus far -<b> they put on one hell of a race</b>.</li>\r\n 	<li>There are live SEAL demonstrations on event day. Why? Because #America.</li>\r\n 	<li>They <b>played well with others</b> (something I wish Spartan would learn how to do) as part of the #OCRUnited movement.</li>\r\n 	<li>They even <b>cross-promoted</b> another Navy SEAL-designed event - <a href=\"http://www.bonefrogchallenge.com/\">The BoneFrog Challenge</a>. Fun fact, they also <i>made sure their event dates didn\'t conflict with BoneFrog\'s dates</i>. Show me another OCR that cares enough to do that.</li>\r\n</ul>\r\nBy all accounts...<b>they were doing it right.</b>\r\n<b>\r\n</b><span style=\"font-size: large;\"><b>So what happened?</b></span>\r\n\r\n<b>They made some major changes</b> within the last few weeks.\r\n<b>\r\n</b><b>For one</b>, the Sunday races were dropped from the schedule. <b><u>Across the board.</u> </b>After their Houston event (happening March 28th) this is official, meaning <u>no</u> BattleFrog events after March are happening on Sundays this year.\r\n\r\n<img class=\"size-medium wp-image-727 alignright\" src=\"http://sothisisfitness.com/wp-content/uploads/2015/03/battlefrog-pittsburgh-map-300x232.jpg\" alt=\"Battlefrog Pittsburgh map\" width=\"300\" height=\"232\" />An equally major change...<b>The race format was altered substantially.</b> Originally, BattleFrog offered the title 15K \"BattleFrog\" course and the 5K \"BullFrog\" course for adults. There were also the 1 Mile \"BullFrog\" and 400m \"Tadpole\" races for kids. Yes, that means <b>four separate courses </b>per event location. There was also the \"BattleFrog Extreme\" for those looking for an ultra-marathon-like challenge - Do one lap of the 15K then as many laps of the 5K course as you could. Elites would participate in the 15K course as the earliest waves of the day (as is customary in any OCR).\r\n<h3><span style=\"font-size: large;\"><b>Why the changes, anyway?</b></span></h3>\r\nI think it\'s easy enough to figure out, but some \"inside rumblings\" go a long way to confirm it - sustainability and cost.\r\n\r\nSunday races: As I gathered from posts on <a href=\"http://mudrunguide.com/\">MudRunGuide.com</a> and <a href=\"http://obstacleracingmedia.com/\" target=\"_blank\">ObstacleRacingMedia</a>...there weren\'t enough registrants last year to warrant Sunday events, and there weren\'t enough this year so far either. With too few registrants, it just wasn\'t financially justifiable to have Sunday events. OK, easy enough.\r\n\r\nThe race format itself: <b>A new 8K course</b> will replace both the 15K and 5K...this one\'s a mixed bag. <b>Cost - </b>Having two separate courses with their own separate obstacles is <i>significantly</i> more costly than having one course.\r\n\r\n<b>Sustainability/Location - </b>It can be a bit challenging, as we in the Northeast have learned, to find a venue that can accommodate an Obstacle Course Race. It can be even <b>more</b> challenging to find a venue for a longer-format course (over 5 miles). With BattleFrog moving down to an 8K format it will be easier for them to find more venues much closer to major metropolitan races.\r\n\r\n<b>What does this mean for the future of BattleFrog?</b> If all goes well...more (and better) locations at a lower cost? That\'s easy...<i>more BattleFrog</i>.\r\n\r\n<img class=\"aligncenter wp-image-728\" src=\"http://sothisisfitness.com/wp-content/uploads/2015/03/10269541_765231210161710_4975062894693287738_n-300x111.jpg\" alt=\"Battlefrog Banner\" width=\"400\" height=\"148\" />\r\n<div style=\"clear: both; text-align: center;\"></div>\r\n<h3><span style=\"font-size: large;\"><b>But of course, people are pissed</b></span></h3>\r\nThere were a plethora of things people were angry about, mainly centering on how they\'re mad what they had is now gone and they\'re not inconvenienced. All the complaints are things that will either be what BattleFrog is remembered for (if they go down in flames) or or that people will totally forget and get over (if they have a successful year).\r\n\r\nThe Field Team was at least temporarily angry as well - many of them felt unfairly dropped into bad situations, having publicized races and convinced friends, neighbors, and co-workers to register for something that was now gone. That has, at this point, mostly been quelled.\r\n<h3><b style=\"font-size: x-large;\">How did BattleFrog handle these changes?</b></h3>\r\n<b><img class=\"size-medium wp-image-729 alignright\" src=\"http://sothisisfitness.com/wp-content/uploads/2015/03/80Percent_BF-300x300.jpg\" alt=\"80% of success battlefrog\" width=\"300\" height=\"300\" />There was an AWFUL lot of frustration and questions... </b>in the beginning anyway. As word of the Sunday eliminations...then 8K format change...slowly appeared online...BattleFrog\'s Field Team (brand advocates who publicize the races) took to their private communication channels like hyenas attacking a carcass. I have to give MAJOR kudos to Travis Ketcham, the Field Team Director - on a regular basis he handles an incredible volume of questions and demands from the Field Team with impressive professionalism and care...this situation was 10x worse than normal.\r\n\r\nOnce official word from BattleFrog HQ was released, however, staff members took to social media to ensure they would follow through on promises made, including:\r\n\r\n-Those who had registered for Sunday races were offered full refunds or transfers to Saturday events\r\n-Participants who registered for the 15K course were offered a number of options, including refund options\r\n-Season pass holders are being given a 50% refund\r\n\r\n<i>(BattleFrog has hinted that they may also take some case-by-case situations too)</i>\r\n<h3><span style=\"font-size: large;\"><b>So what now?</b></span></h3>\r\nThis could go one of two ways:\r\n\r\n1.) this pisses off a lot of people, things don\'t go as planned, HQ can\'t handle it and they slowly go down the tubes and die.\r\n\r\n2.) BattleFrog HQ handles this like a champ, they put on some excellent races, and people get over their pissed-off-ness.\r\n\r\n<img class=\"size-medium wp-image-730 alignleft\" src=\"http://sothisisfitness.com/wp-content/uploads/2015/03/NothingGreat_ComesEasy-300x300.jpg\" alt=\"Nothing Great Comes Easy\" width=\"300\" height=\"300\" /><b>Honestly...</b><i style=\"font-weight: bold;\">I think BattleFrog is going to be just fine</i>. They have proven so far that they mean business and know how to put on an event. They handle themselves well and they know how to make people happy. <b>They made sure to get their sh!t together before opening their mouths...</b>even to their Field Team. They\'re also exercising a level of honesty, character &amp; accountability that we don\'t often see in terms of accommodations for race cancellations/refunds. <b>They want people to be happy and come back. </b>\r\n\r\nA Field Team member said it best - chalk this up to growing pains.\r\n\r\nOne thing, at this point, is clear: For BattleFrog...<b>this is either the beginning of the end or the end of the beginning.</b> Time will tell.\r\n<div style=\"clear: both; text-align: center;\"></div>\r\n<b><img class=\"size-medium wp-image-731 alignright\" src=\"http://sothisisfitness.com/wp-content/uploads/2015/03/updated-BFNE-flyer-217x300.jpg\" alt=\"BF NE promo flyer\" width=\"217\" height=\"300\" />If you are interested in participating in the new 8K format, I offer you my own modified flyer for the New England event - July 25th 2015. Be your own judge and see for yourself what BattleFrog has to offer. </b>\r\n\r\n<b><i>What do YOU think of the changes made to BattleFrog\'s 2015 schedule &amp; format? Let\'s hear it!</i></b>','Battlefrog\'s (Literal) \"Make Or Break\" Moment','','publish','open','open','','battlefrogs-literal-make-or-break-moment','','','2017-02-08 06:24:12','2017-02-08 11:24:12','',0,'http://50.87.248.94/~sothisj4/?p=41',0,'post','',3),(732,1,'2017-01-17 10:17:05','2017-01-17 15:17:05','<h3><em><strong>\"When something bad happens, you have three choices. You can let it define you, let it destroy you, or you can let it strengthen you.\"</strong></em></h3>\r\n<b>Something interesting is happening</b> in the OCR world right now: BattleFrog (a reportedly fantastic obstacle race series born just a year ago) is now implementing MAJOR changes to the rest of their schedule for 2015 as well as to their format in general.\r\n\r\nWhat will ultimately be the death or rebirth of BattleFrog as an OCR series is unfolding <b>right now</b> before our eyes. So what\'s involved? What\'s at stake? How will this affect BattleFrog, it\'s participants &amp; staff, and the OCR scene as a whole? And why are people <b>so damn mad?</b>\r\n\r\nNow that the dust is beginning to settle...<b>let\'s take a look.</b>\r\n<h3><!--more-->\r\n<span style=\"font-size: large;\"><b>BattleFrog brought something refreshing to OCR.</b></span></h3>\r\nThey weren\'t all about <a href=\"http://www.toughmudder.com/\">messing with your head</a>, they weren\'t trying to be <a href=\"http://www.spartanrace.com/\">the One True Obstacle Race</a>, and they weren\'t <a href=\"http://www.warriordash.com/\">come-get-muddy-have-a-beer-and-wear-fuzzy-hats</a>. BattleFrog was about one thing - being the best obstacle race they could be.\r\n<h4><b>How did they go about that?</b>\r\n<i></i></h4>\r\n<i><img class=\"size-medium wp-image-726 alignright\" src=\"http://sothisisfitness.com/wp-content/uploads/2015/03/LegendsInTheMaking_BF-300x300.jpg\" alt=\"Battlefrog Legends In The Making\" width=\"300\" height=\"300\" />By trying to cover all the bases. </i>\r\n<ul>\r\n 	<li>They aimed to <b>cater to everyone</b> with different length/difficulty courses (including shorties for the kids!). They also offered both Saturday <b>and</b> Sunday races at <i>all</i> of their events. Even Spartan Race doesn\'t <i>always </i>do that. (they did cut that partway through last year)</li>\r\n 	<li>They <b>executed well</b> - US Navy SEALS design their courses and they have staff that takes their jobs seriously.\r\nAccording to all accounts thus far -<b> they put on one hell of a race</b>.</li>\r\n 	<li>There are live SEAL demonstrations on event day. Why? Because #America.</li>\r\n 	<li>They <b>played well with others</b> (something I wish Spartan would learn how to do) as part of the #OCRUnited movement.</li>\r\n 	<li>They even <b>cross-promoted</b> another Navy SEAL-designed event - <a href=\"http://www.bonefrogchallenge.com/\">The BoneFrog Challenge</a>. Fun fact, they also <i>made sure their event dates didn\'t conflict with BoneFrog\'s dates</i>. Show me another OCR that cares enough to do that.</li>\r\n</ul>\r\nBy all accounts...<b>they were doing it right.</b>\r\n<b>\r\n</b><span style=\"font-size: large;\"><b>So what happened?</b></span>\r\n\r\n<b>They made some major changes</b> within the last few weeks.\r\n<b>\r\n</b><b>For one</b>, the Sunday races were dropped from the schedule. <b><u>Across the board.</u> </b>After their Houston event (happening March 28th) this is official, meaning <u>no</u> BattleFrog events after March are happening on Sundays this year.\r\n\r\n<img class=\"size-medium wp-image-727 alignright\" src=\"http://sothisisfitness.com/wp-content/uploads/2015/03/battlefrog-pittsburgh-map-300x232.jpg\" alt=\"Battlefrog Pittsburgh map\" width=\"300\" height=\"232\" />An equally major change...<b>The race format was altered substantially.</b> Originally, BattleFrog offered the title 15K \"BattleFrog\" course and the 5K \"BullFrog\" course for adults. There were also the 1 Mile \"BullFrog\" and 400m \"Tadpole\" races for kids. Yes, that means <b>four separate courses </b>per event location. There was also the \"BattleFrog Extreme\" for those looking for an ultra-marathon-like challenge - Do one lap of the 15K then as many laps of the 5K course as you could. Elites would participate in the 15K course as the earliest waves of the day (as is customary in any OCR).\r\n<h3><span style=\"font-size: large;\"><b>Why the changes, anyway?</b></span></h3>\r\nI think it\'s easy enough to figure out, but some \"inside rumblings\" go a long way to confirm it - sustainability and cost.\r\n\r\nSunday races: As I gathered from posts on <a href=\"http://mudrunguide.com/\">MudRunGuide.com</a> and <a href=\"http://www.obstacleracingmedia.com/\" target=\"_blank\">ObstacleRacingMedia</a>...there weren\'t enough registrants last year to warrant Sunday events, and there weren\'t enough this year so far either. With too few registrants, it just wasn\'t financially justifiable to have Sunday events. OK, easy enough.\r\n\r\nThe race format itself: <b>A new 8K course</b> will replace both the 15K and 5K...this one\'s a mixed bag. <b>Cost - </b>Having two separate courses with their own separate obstacles is <i>significantly</i> more costly than having one course.\r\n\r\n<b>Sustainability/Location - </b>It can be a bit challenging, as we in the Northeast have learned, to find a venue that can accommodate an Obstacle Course Race. It can be even <b>more</b> challenging to find a venue for a longer-format course (over 5 miles). With BattleFrog moving down to an 8K format it will be easier for them to find more venues much closer to major metropolitan races.\r\n\r\n<b>What does this mean for the future of BattleFrog?</b> If all goes well...more (and better) locations at a lower cost? That\'s easy...<i>more BattleFrog</i>.\r\n\r\n<img class=\"aligncenter wp-image-728\" src=\"http://sothisisfitness.com/wp-content/uploads/2015/03/10269541_765231210161710_4975062894693287738_n-300x111.jpg\" alt=\"Battlefrog Banner\" width=\"400\" height=\"148\" />\r\n<div style=\"clear: both; text-align: center;\"></div>\r\n<h3><span style=\"font-size: large;\"><b>But of course, people are pissed</b></span></h3>\r\nThere were a plethora of things people were angry about, mainly centering on how they\'re mad what they had is now gone and they\'re not inconvenienced. All the complaints are things that will either be what BattleFrog is remembered for (if they go down in flames) or or that people will totally forget and get over (if they have a successful year).\r\n\r\nThe Field Team was at least temporarily angry as well - many of them felt unfairly dropped into bad situations, having publicized races and convinced friends, neighbors, and co-workers to register for something that was now gone. That has, at this point, mostly been quelled.\r\n<h3><b style=\"font-size: x-large;\">How did BattleFrog handle these changes?</b></h3>\r\n<b><img class=\"size-medium wp-image-729 alignright\" src=\"http://sothisisfitness.com/wp-content/uploads/2015/03/80Percent_BF-300x300.jpg\" alt=\"80% of success battlefrog\" width=\"300\" height=\"300\" />There was an AWFUL lot of frustration and questions... </b>in the beginning anyway. As word of the Sunday eliminations...then 8K format change...slowly appeared online...BattleFrog\'s Field Team (brand advocates who publicize the races) took to their private communication channels like hyenas attacking a carcass. I have to give MAJOR kudos to Travis Ketcham, the Field Team Director - on a regular basis he handles an incredible volume of questions and demands from the Field Team with impressive professionalism and care...this situation was 10x worse than normal.\r\n\r\nOnce official word from BattleFrog HQ was released, however, staff members took to social media to ensure they would follow through on promises made, including:\r\n\r\n-Those who had registered for Sunday races were offered full refunds or transfers to Saturday events\r\n-Participants who registered for the 15K course were offered a number of options, including refund options\r\n-Season pass holders are being given a 50% refund\r\n\r\n<i>(BattleFrog has hinted that they may also take some case-by-case situations too)</i>\r\n<h3><span style=\"font-size: large;\"><b>So what now?</b></span></h3>\r\nThis could go one of two ways:\r\n\r\n1.) this pisses off a lot of people, things don\'t go as planned, HQ can\'t handle it and they slowly go down the tubes and die.\r\n\r\n2.) BattleFrog HQ handles this like a champ, they put on some excellent races, and people get over their pissed-off-ness.\r\n\r\n<img class=\"size-medium wp-image-730 alignleft\" src=\"http://sothisisfitness.com/wp-content/uploads/2015/03/NothingGreat_ComesEasy-300x300.jpg\" alt=\"Nothing Great Comes Easy\" width=\"300\" height=\"300\" /><b>Honestly...</b><i style=\"font-weight: bold;\">I think BattleFrog is going to be just fine</i>. They have proven so far that they mean business and know how to put on an event. They handle themselves well and they know how to make people happy. <b>They made sure to get their sh!t together before opening their mouths...</b>even to their Field Team. They\'re also exercising a level of honesty, character &amp; accountability that we don\'t often see in terms of accommodations for race cancellations/refunds. <b>They want people to be happy and come back. </b>\r\n\r\nA Field Team member said it best - chalk this up to growing pains.\r\n\r\nOne thing, at this point, is clear: For BattleFrog...<b>this is either the beginning of the end or the end of the beginning.</b> Time will tell.\r\n<div style=\"clear: both; text-align: center;\"></div>\r\n<b><img class=\"size-medium wp-image-731 alignright\" src=\"http://sothisisfitness.com/wp-content/uploads/2015/03/updated-BFNE-flyer-217x300.jpg\" alt=\"BF NE promo flyer\" width=\"217\" height=\"300\" />If you are interested in participating in the new 8K format, I offer you my own modified flyer for the New England event - July 25th 2015. Be your own judge and see for yourself what BattleFrog has to offer. </b>\r\n\r\n<b><i>What do YOU think of the changes made to BattleFrog\'s 2015 schedule &amp; format? Let\'s hear it!</i></b>','Battlefrog\'s (Literal) \"Make Or Break\" Moment','','inherit','closed','closed','','41-revision-v1','','','2017-01-17 10:17:05','2017-01-17 15:17:05','',41,'http://sothisisfitness.com/2017/01/41-revision-v1.html',0,'revision','',0),(42,1,'2015-03-15 21:57:00','0000-00-00 00:00:00','','Why I Eat Meat...And Won\'t Apologize.','','draft','open','open','','','','','2015-03-15 21:57:00','0000-00-00 00:00:00','',0,'http://50.87.248.94/~sothisj4/?p=42',0,'post','',0),(43,1,'2015-03-06 00:21:00','2015-03-06 05:21:00','<a href=\"http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-mKrYnmdi-ko/VF6F6JoQBiI/AAAAAAAALOU/VDydZUth1lM/s1600/560535_674041855941962_853171469_n.png\" style=\"clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;\"><img border=\"0\" src=\"http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-mKrYnmdi-ko/VF6F6JoQBiI/AAAAAAAALOU/VDydZUth1lM/s1600/560535_674041855941962_853171469_n.png\" height=\"196\" width=\"200\" /></a>So, by now it\'s no secret that I overloaded myself this past summer. So many people believed in me and my message that I was inundated with opportunities to get out there and show people <i>you can do it. </i>Now that my wedding, the summer, and my race season is over, <b>it\'s time to catch up.</b>&nbsp;&nbsp;This is the first of many long-overdue race recaps and product reviews from the past year.<br /><br /><b>TODAY</b>...I\'m stoked. TODAY I revisit a GREAT obstacle race. My wife\'s very first OCR...<br /><br /><b><a href=\"http://boldrdashrace.com/\">BOLDRDASH ON THE BEACH!</a></b><br /><a name=\'more\'></a><div style=\"clear: both; text-align: center;\"><a href=\"http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-UtunpsHj6QA/VPjviV_Ds_I/AAAAAAAAXIE/dVm7DQb08QY/s1600/BoldrDash%2Bon%2Bthe%2BBeach%2B2014%2B3491.jpeg\" style=\"clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;\"><img border=\"0\" src=\"http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-UtunpsHj6QA/VPjviV_Ds_I/AAAAAAAAXIE/dVm7DQb08QY/s1600/BoldrDash%2Bon%2Bthe%2BBeach%2B2014%2B3491.jpeg\" height=\"320\" width=\"213\" /></a></div><b><br /></b><b>BoldrDash On The Beach was a GREAT OCR!&nbsp;</b><br /><b><br /></b>Boldrdash was a great example of what a top notch local race can be. Any Joe out there can put on a decent 5K road race, but it takes a special kind of Race Director to organize a great local <i>obstacle race - </i>Lynn Hall of BoldrDash has done just that.<br /><br />Let me start by saying I\'m 10x as happy that this OCR was as good as it was because it was my wife\'s <b>first obstacle race.</b>&nbsp;We both had a great time, ever since running she understands the sport and my obsession with it, and she was encouraged to run more! I\'m sure she wasn\'t the only first-timer out there and I\'m sure their experience was similar. That said...my rating <a href=\"http://sothisisfitness.com/2014/11/5-keys-to-a-great-race.html\">(how the rating works)</a>:<br /><br /><b>Pre-Race: 10/10</b><br /><b>Race-Day: 10/10</b><br /><b>The Course: 9/10</b><br /><b>Support/Swag: 9/10</b><br /><b>Post-Race: 9/10</b><br /><b>Overall: 47/50 - A solid \"A\" rating!</b><br /><br />From sign-up to show-up to climb-up to clean-up, BoldrDash on the Beach <b>just does it right.</b>&nbsp;This is an excellent Obstacle Course Race for the whole family - participants of all ages and skill levels will have fun here, find a challenge, and be able to succeed - <i>even the kids!</i>&nbsp;Is this a back-breaking extreme-endurance challenge like The Beast? <b>No.</b>&nbsp;<i>It\'s not trying to be </i>and it doesn\'t <b>need</b>&nbsp;to be. It\'s everything it\'s advertised to be <b>and more, </b>and you <b>certainly</b>&nbsp;won\'t regret signing up.<br /><br /><span style=\"font-size: large;\"><b>So let\'s break that down:</b></span><br /><br /><b>Pre-Race: 10</b><br /><br /><div style=\"clear: both; text-align: center;\"><a href=\"http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-oRWUOzuHNNk/VPfESxBeJII/AAAAAAAAW4c/d6B0C4Hqwd8/s1600/boldrdash%2Bemail.png\" style=\"clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;\"><img border=\"0\" src=\"http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-oRWUOzuHNNk/VPfESxBeJII/AAAAAAAAW4c/d6B0C4Hqwd8/s1600/boldrdash%2Bemail.png\" height=\"237\" width=\"320\" /></a></div><b>BoldrDash</b>&nbsp;really just <i>knocks it out of the park</i>&nbsp;in the pre-race department. I mean, <b>damn</b>, look at that! OUTSTANDING! Nevermind giving you a registration confirmation &amp; a pre-race info packet...BoldrDash takes it 10 steps beyond. Lynn really makes sure to keep you up-to-date on everything that\'s happening <b>as soon as it happens.</b><b>&nbsp;</b><br /><b><br /></b><b>Not only that</b>, there\'s plenty offered to participants <b>free of charge</b>&nbsp;before race-day. How do you find out? All those pre-race emails are full-fledged <b>newsletters</b>&nbsp;complete with events, news, and community updates.&nbsp;Packet pick-up? <b>Child\'s play.</b>&nbsp;BoldrDash kicks it into overdrive working with their sponsors/vendors/partners offering injury prevention clinics, free workouts, and community outreach events. <b>BoldrDash has your pre-race needs covered.</b>&nbsp;You\'ll feel like part of the family by the time race day hits.<br /><br /><b>Race-Day: 10</b><br /><b><br /></b><b>SPEAKING OF RACE DAY...</b>they\'ve got that on lock-down too. There was ample parking (which was <b>FREE</b>, by the way), and we were easily able to find a comfy spot and finish getting our gear on in the parking lot. Parking was pretty darn close to the festival/registration area, and it wasn\'t very challenging to see where we needed to go. Waiting in line for packets, t-shirt, port-o-john and marking station were all a breeze, and there was more than plenty of room to hang out, stretch, and prepare. From there, starting corral was super easy to spot - with an L.E.D. timing clock right there it was pretty darn hard to miss your start time, too.<br /><b><br /></b><b>The Course: 9</b><br /><b><br /></b>The course was <b>AWESOME.</b>&nbsp;I have to say, a beach OCR sounds pretty daunting...sand is <i>awful</i>&nbsp;to run on, but man...that <b>view!</b>&nbsp;Also, the sand wasn\'t as bad as I had expected - it was more of a 3 mile long obstacle! The <i>actual&nbsp;</i>obstacles were great; very well-constructed and challenging, but not impossible. There was certainly your typical OCR fare - wall climbs, over-unders, etc, but BoldrDash had plenty of unique offerings! Water carries <b>straight from the ocean</b>, a quarter-mile walk/run/climb/crawl along the jetty (tricky!)&nbsp;a couple of surprisingly-challenging balance obstacles and an inverted wall <i>harder than Spartan Race\'s</i>&nbsp;really made this OCR stand out to me. <br /><a href=\"http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-q8A21rnWKyY/VPjtPHFu1nI/AAAAAAAAXHg/J7liIIoyUT0/s1600/BoldrDash%2Bon%2Bthe%2BBeach%2B2014%2B3671.jpeg\" style=\"clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;\"><img border=\"0\" src=\"http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-q8A21rnWKyY/VPjtPHFu1nI/AAAAAAAAXHg/J7liIIoyUT0/s1600/BoldrDash%2Bon%2Bthe%2BBeach%2B2014%2B3671.jpeg\" height=\"263\" width=\"300\" /></a><br />There were two reasons this category didn\'t get full marks, and they\'re relatively minor. 1.) There were a couple of points where we were confused on where to go and there either wasn\'t clear marking or a volunteer readily available to point you in the right direction. A simple sign with an arrow would\'ve sufficed. 2.) There was some back-up at the water carry - a temporary shortage of men\'s buckets (women had smaller buckets) left my wife waiting a bit for me to finish the obstacle. Overall, though - the course was very well thought out, well-built, not impossible (read: discouraging) and most of all...<b>FUN!</b><br /><b><br /></b><b>Support/Swag: 9</b><br /><b><br /></b>I sometimes feel like a spoiled brat rating this category, but the fact of the matter is...swag can be a deciding (or at least major) factor in race choice for many people, <b>and that\'s totally their right.</b>&nbsp;Can you blame someone for wanting something memorable to take home to celebrate their accomplishment? I\'ll admit, I\'ve picked one half-marathon over another before because it had a better medal/shirt. <b>That said:</b>&nbsp;The BoldrDash t-shirt is <i><b>kickass</b>, </i>and (*<i>spoiled brat*</i>) the medal is kind of average. Know what, though? <b>That\'s ok.</b><br /><b><br /></b><b>As far as \"support\" goes - BoldrDash did pretty darn good.</b>&nbsp;There were a TON of volunteers on-course and in the festival area. Many of them were JROTC, and I love that Lynn / BoldrDash gave them the opportunity to help out (and probably get some service hours in?). There were also plenty of spectators and \"other\" volunteers throughout to cheer you on and help with morale!&nbsp;The volunteers were, overall, very knowledgeable, very helpful, and very friendly (except the \"tough guys\" at some obstacles, but they were just playing their role). There were maybe a couple of volunteers throughout our experience who seemed a little lost/confused...but that\'ll happen.<br /><br />There was a whole med trailer on-site, ATV\'s rolling along the course (including Lynn herself!), plenty of water and, of course, ample port-o-johns available.&nbsp;They just plain <b>had it covered</b>&nbsp;across the board!<br /><b><br /></b><b>Post-Race: 9</b><br /><div style=\"clear: both; text-align: center;\"></div><div style=\"clear: both; text-align: center;\"><a href=\"http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-583EA0nBjBc/VPju4TTRf7I/AAAAAAAAXH0/EXPH6wTRkMY/s1600/IMG_20140503_112146413.jpg\" style=\"clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;\"><img border=\"0\" src=\"http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-583EA0nBjBc/VPju4TTRf7I/AAAAAAAAXH0/EXPH6wTRkMY/s1600/IMG_20140503_112146413.jpg\" height=\"320\" width=\"220\" /></a></div><b><br /></b><b>Nailed it. </b>Seriously...a veritable <i>mountain</i>&nbsp;of KIND bars of every flavor plus Hint water and plain water available literally steps away from the finish chute. From there, the festival began. I don\'t know that it really felt like a festival, but that could just be because all the little pop-up canopies were spaced so far apart. The free foam-rolling/KT Taping was available, Zico coconut water was there, etc. It was a decent little festival.<br /><br />Bummer of the day - <b>no alcohol allowed</b>&nbsp;as Scarborough Beach is RI State property. However, <b>this didn\'t stop BoldrDash</b>&nbsp;- they worked out a deal with a place about 5 minutes away to offer all participants a free beer! AWESOME! Downer that we couldn\'t have it right there at the finish, but I certainly appreciate that they still made it happen.<br /><b><br /></b><b>Overall Impression -&nbsp;</b><br /><a href=\"http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-SnwQ8q3X3xo/VPjvEE3pXCI/AAAAAAAAXH8/HOKvQojOLc8/s1600/IMG_20140503_112752668_HDR.jpg\" style=\"clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;\"><img border=\"0\" src=\"http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-SnwQ8q3X3xo/VPjvEE3pXCI/AAAAAAAAXH8/HOKvQojOLc8/s1600/IMG_20140503_112752668_HDR.jpg\" height=\"320\" width=\"180\" /></a><b><br /></b><br /><i><b>What a great experience.</b>&nbsp;</i>Megan and I really had a blast - it was a great experience for her and I loved seeing her \"get it\" as we went along the course. We loved it so much and talked it up so much that my mom\'s gonna go for it this year and is even recruiting a friend! It\'ll be <b>her</b>&nbsp;first OCR too! Great for the whole family, too - There\'s the 5K course (with elite heats available for those seeking a challenge), and a kids race too. Make a day out of it!<br /><br /><span style=\"font-size: large;\"><b>Important Note:</b></span><br /><span style=\"font-size: large;\"><b><br /></b></span><b>This year\'s BoldrDash on the Beach is Saturday/Sunday May 2nd/3rd - THERE\'S STILL TIME TO REGISTER!!! </b>Which, by the way, I highly recommend you do! As with most OCR\'s, the longer you wait, the more expensive it is. Tomorrow (March 6th) at midnight the price will jump up!<br /><br />So, if you think this is a race you want to do, register ASAP, preferably before midnight 3/6/15! <a href=\"https://boldrdash.webconnex.com/boldrdashbeach15\">Use this link to register.</a> Hopefully I\'ll see you there :)<br /><br />#RaceLocal','Looking Back - BoldrDash on the Beach','','publish','open','open','','looking-back-boldrdash-on-the-beach','','','2017-01-18 07:36:07','2017-01-18 12:36:07','',0,'http://50.87.248.94/~sothisj4/?p=43',0,'post','',0),(44,1,'2015-02-27 12:11:00','2015-02-27 17:11:00','<b><span style=\"font-size: x-large;\">I Have Lost My Way.</span></b><br /><br />I\'ve been lost, wandering, and floundering nutritionally and in my fitness since just before my wedding last August. Going on 6 months now. 3 months of flat-out not working out, and 3 months of trying and failing to stick with a program. <b>Nothing has stuck.</b>&nbsp;I feel lost.<br /><div style=\"clear: both; text-align: center;\"><a href=\"http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-OQxbGs-nMgc/VO237tZVcNI/AAAAAAAAWi0/OO0f4wDP5rU/s1600/backtobasics.png\" style=\"clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;\"><img border=\"0\" src=\"http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-OQxbGs-nMgc/VO237tZVcNI/AAAAAAAAWi0/OO0f4wDP5rU/s1600/backtobasics.png\" height=\"320\" width=\"320\" /></a></div><b><br /></b><b>This is not a new feeling for me,</b>&nbsp;and I don\'t like how the rest of the story goes. I know there are others, probably some people reading this, who are in the same boat - forward progress has come to a complete <b>halt</b>, or maybe never began in the first place. Eventually everyone will hit a plateau, or flounder, or get lost, or fall off the wagon...the trick is centering yourself and getting back on track.<br /><br />Fortunately, I know how to stop this and right the ship. I\'m not going to allow myself to go back over 200 lbs.<br /><b><br /></b><b><span style=\"font-size: large;\">It\'s time to go back to basics.</span></b><br /><br /><a name=\'more\'></a>So what exactly <i>are</i>&nbsp;those \"basics\"? Is there some magic fix for this situation? <b><i>Sure there is. </i>Strap in, this is gonna be a doozie (</b>the revelation AND this blog post) -<br /><br /><span style=\"font-size: large;\"><b>Proper Nutrition and Exercise</b></span><br /><br />There, <b>I said it.</b>&nbsp;And let\'s be honest - <i>you knew I was going to.</i>&nbsp;The basics: Proper Nutrition and Exercise. It kind of <b>is</b>&nbsp;magic how well it works. Eating the right amount of the right stuff will do the trick, and getting some exercise will help the process - it\'s&nbsp;that easy and that complicated.<br /><a href=\"http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-KdHZml2SBLY/VOseW8tZJEI/AAAAAAAAWeQ/NPOYkTnzjY0/s1600/0ff7ef9a0a648459f0d57b7b5c479e39.jpg\" style=\"clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;\"><img border=\"0\" src=\"http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-KdHZml2SBLY/VOseW8tZJEI/AAAAAAAAWeQ/NPOYkTnzjY0/s1600/0ff7ef9a0a648459f0d57b7b5c479e39.jpg\" /></a><br /><b>So where do I even begin? How do I figure out what \"the right amount\" and the \"right stuff\" is?</b><br /><br /><span style=\"font-size: large;\"><b>Step 1: What is your goal?</b></span><br /><br />You have to know where you\'re going before you can figure out how to get there. We\'ll keep it simple right now and lump all your possible goals into three categories:&nbsp;<b>do you want to gain weight (build muscle), lose weight (burn fat) or maintain (stay the same)?</b><br /><br /><span style=\"font-size: large;\"><b>Step 2: How much should I eat?</b></span><br /><br /><b>This is the deceptively hard part.</b>&nbsp;How many calories do you think you should be eating? <b>You might be shocked by the answer.</b><br /><br /><b>Process:</b><br />A. Figure out your BMR - B. Figure out your \"Maintenance Number\" - C. Figure out your target calories<br /><br /><div style=\"clear: both; text-align: center;\"><a href=\"http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-6xYhbvtdZ2k/VO29nqe8YRI/AAAAAAAAWjA/qy5PUJoLKyU/s1600/il_fullxfull.404065856_f7vh.jpg\" style=\"clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;\"><img border=\"0\" src=\"http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-6xYhbvtdZ2k/VO29nqe8YRI/AAAAAAAAWjA/qy5PUJoLKyU/s1600/il_fullxfull.404065856_f7vh.jpg\" height=\"320\" width=\"207\" /></a></div><b>Part A.) BMR is your \"Basal Metabolic Rate\" - </b>it\'s how many calories you burn simply <i>existing</i>...y\'know, like, comatose. There are several formulas you can use to figure this out...I prefer the Mifflin - St. Jeor (and <a href=\"http://www.adajournal.org/article/PIIS0002822305001495/abstract\">a recent ADA study</a> found it to be the most accurate).<br /><br /><i>W = weight in kilograms<br />(weight (lbs) / 2.2) =weight in kg</i><br /><i>H = height in centimeters <br />(inches x 2.54) = height in cm</i><br /><i>A = age in years</i><br /><br /><b>Men</b><br /><b>(10 x W) + (6.25 x H) - (5 x A) + 5 = BMR</b><br /><b><br /></b><b>Women</b><br /><b>(10 x W) + (6.25 x H) - (5 x A) - 161 = BMR</b><br /><br />Save this number - you\'re going to need it in a minute.<br /><br /><b>Part B.) How active are you?</b><br /><br />Some people sit at a desk all day and some people are constantly moving - how active you are VERY MUCH affects how much you should eat in a day. Multiply your BMR by whichever of the following applies to you:<br /><br />BMR x 1.2 - Sedentary (Desk job - sit around a lot)<br />BMR x 1.3 or 1.4 - Light Activity (light activity job...walking a bit)<br />BMR x 1.5 or 1.6 - Moderate Activity (waitress or other \"moving\" job)<br />BMR x 1.7 or 1.8 - High Activity (physically demanding lifestyle)<br />BMR x 1.9, 2.0, 2.1 or 2.2 - Extreme Activity (VERY Active physicaly-engaging job/Professional Athlete)<br /><br /><b>The result is the number of calories you must eat to stay exactly where you are: your \"maintenance calories\".&nbsp;</b><br /><b><br /></b><b>Part C.) Factor in your goal - lose, maintain, or gain.</b><br /><br />Earlier, in Part A, what did you decide was your goal? Lose weight (burn fat), gain weight (build muscle mass) or maintain (stay the same)? If you said \"maintain\", then the \"maintenance calories\" number we just figured out is your number.<br /><br /><b>If you want to lose weight: </b>Generally, consuming 80% of your \"maintenance calories\" will lead you to a 1 lb/week weight loss. If you\'ve got a LOT to lose, you can safely go to about 60% of your maintenance calories for a 2 lb/week loss - <u><b>this is the absolute </b></u><b><u>MINIMUM</u>&nbsp;</b>amount of calories you should eat.<br /><b><br /></b><div style=\"clear: both; text-align: center;\"><a href=\"http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-StcR16knvmQ/VO8HnX3uAxI/AAAAAAAAWjo/BpuX037O9sg/s1600/starve.jpg\" style=\"clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;\"><img border=\"0\" src=\"http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-StcR16knvmQ/VO8HnX3uAxI/AAAAAAAAWjo/BpuX037O9sg/s1600/starve.jpg\" height=\"184\" width=\"320\" /></a></div><b>If you eat too little</b>&nbsp;you are not doing yourself any favors - your body can go into \"survival mode\", afraid it will never receive food again, and store away a lot of what you give it as fat.<br /><br /><b>The absolute minimum calories you should ever eat, REGARDLESS of the above calculations, are below - NEVER go below these numbers. If your calculations try to take you lower, stop here.<br />1200 - women |&nbsp;</b><b>1500 - men</b><br /><br /><b>Want to GAIN weight? - </b>Instead of <i>subtracting</i>&nbsp;20% or 40% from your \"maintenance calories\"...ADD 20% or 40%. This should be <i>roughly</i> a 500 or 1000 calorie addition. Adding much more than that won\'t result in muscle gain...just fat.<br /><br /><span style=\"font-size: large;\"><b>Step 3: What should I eat?</b></span><br /><br />This, too, will depend on your goals. The general guideline is \"eat clean\" and eliminate the junk. You can try doing this in 2 stages so it\'s not such a shock to the system:<br /><br />Stage 1 - Avoid fried foods, fast food, and soda, limit refined (white) sugar.<br />Stage 2 - Eliminate white sugar &amp; limit artificial sweeteners (raw turbinado cane sugar is ok), try to do brown/wild rice &amp; whole grain bread/pasta instead of white. Stick to lean meats (chicken, fish, lean beef, turkey, etc).<br /><br /><b>Macro-nutrient ratios are important too!</b>&nbsp;- Everything you eat is made up of 3 \"macro nutrients\" - Protein, Carbohydrates, &amp; Fat. Make sure that these are balanced in the correct ratio and you\'ll do a lot to help yourself. <b>GENERALLY</b>, for fat loss, I like to stick with 50% protein, 30% carb, 20% fat. If you\'re trying to gain weight or doing some sort of athletic performance, you\'ll probably need more carbs (we\'ll cover macros in more detail another day).<br /><br /><span style=\"font-size: large;\"><b>Step 4: When should I eat?</b></span><br /><br /><b>This is really up to you, </b>though I DO have some guidelines:<br /><br /><b>1.) ALWAYS eat breakfast</b><br />Breakfast really IS the most important meal of the day - it starts the fire and kicks your metabolism into gear. Make it count, have a couple hundred calories...take the early opportunity and throw some carbs on the fire!<br /><br /><a href=\"http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-07ud1bs8KK0/VO_mLn3DNNI/AAAAAAAAWkM/E9sOzPJRMuE/s1600/3551638908_2337b577ac_z.jpg\" style=\"clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;\"><img border=\"0\" src=\"http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-07ud1bs8KK0/VO_mLn3DNNI/AAAAAAAAWkM/E9sOzPJRMuE/s1600/3551638908_2337b577ac_z.jpg\" height=\"200\" width=\"188\" /></a><b>2.) The Carb/Protein sliding scale</b><br />Short answer - Eat the majority of your carbs early in the day when your body needs the fuel for the fire, less carbs as the day goes on. More on this another day.<br /><br /><b>3.) Smaller, more frequent meals</b><br />Again, think of your metabolism like a fire - dumping a big pile of wood on the fire all at once makes it slow down and work through that big pile. If, every so often, you throw a little wood on the fire it will flare up and burn steady, shredding everything you throw at it.<br /><br /><b>4.) Spread it out</b><br />I trained myself to eat every 2 hours, and I continue that for as long as I\'m awake. Think about it - the longer you\'re awake - the more you\'re doing - the more fuel you need. My last meal is generally 2 (maybe 3) hours before bed. Coupled with the smaller/more frequent meal idea...this is a recipe for success.<br /><br /><span style=\"font-size: large;\"><b>Step 5: Exercise - and eat what you burn!</b></span><br /><br /><div style=\"clear: both; text-align: center;\"><a href=\"http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-HkZS3O7917I/VPBb8wAf6ZI/AAAAAAAAWkc/keRl20oNPeQ/s1600/SedentaryVsExercise.png\" style=\"clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;\"><img border=\"0\" src=\"http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-HkZS3O7917I/VPBb8wAf6ZI/AAAAAAAAWkc/keRl20oNPeQ/s1600/SedentaryVsExercise.png\" height=\"320\" width=\"268\" /></a></div><b>Getting your nutrition in line is 80% of the battle</b>, but exercising is important too! Exercise is a good way to (obviously) burn more calories, build some muscle, look (and feel) better, and just generally be healthier. It helps you really take charge of your health and get your fitness super-charged!<br /><br />Everyone has different needs - some people don\'t want to work out in a gym for whatever reason (maybe you\'re not a self-starter, need constant hand-holding, and can\'t afford a personal trainer 6 days a week). Some people CANNOT work out at home (distractions, lack of motivation, etc). Whatever your needs/desires, there IS an option out there for you! Maybe I can even help (and I\'d be happy to!)!&nbsp;Regardless of the path you choose...one of the most important things to remember...<br /><br /><b>EAT THE CALORIES YOU BURN IN YOUR WORKOUT!</b><br /><b><br /></b>Yes, in order to lose weight you need to burn more calories than you take in. However...you\'re <b>already doing that</b>&nbsp;by doing all that math you did earlier in this post! <b>It is crucial</b>&nbsp;that you add the calories burned in a workout to your target calories for the day. <br /><br />How do you figure out how many calories you burned? Most cardio equipment can give you a good estimate or you could invest in a wearable heart rate monitor (I recommend doing that). If you\'re looking for guidance/recommendations feel free to comment on this post. <b>So what\'s the bottom line here?</b><br /><b><br /></b><span style=\"font-size: large;\"><b>Exercise &amp; Proper Nutrition Are The \"Basics\" That Will Make It Happen!</b></span><br /><br />If you don\'t see the scale move...don\'t get discouraged...remember - <a href=\"http://www.sothisisfitness.com/2013/07/why-workouts-fail-2-the-scale.html\">that number isn\'t the only one that means something.</a>&nbsp;If you\'d like a little help/guidance feel free to email me (Darrell@SoTHISIsFitness.com) or leave a comment on this post.<br /><br /><i>Disclaimer: I am not a nutritionist/registered dietitian or doctor - I have simply gone to the school of hard knocks. I have learned this through my own independent research, peer interaction, and trial/error.</i>','Back To Basics','','publish','open','open','','back-to-basics','','','2017-01-15 08:05:51','2017-01-15 13:05:51','',0,'http://50.87.248.94/~sothisj4/?p=44',0,'post','',0),(693,1,'2017-01-15 08:05:15','2017-01-15 13:05:15','<b><span style=\"font-size: x-large;\">I Have Lost My Way.</span></b><br /><br />I\'ve been lost, wandering, and floundering nutritionally and in my fitness since just before my wedding last August. Going on 6 months now. 3 months of flat-out not working out, and 3 months of trying and failing to stick with a program. <b>Nothing has stuck.</b>&nbsp;I feel lost.<br /><div style=\"clear: both; text-align: center;\"><a href=\"http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-OQxbGs-nMgc/VO237tZVcNI/AAAAAAAAWi0/OO0f4wDP5rU/s1600/backtobasics.png\" style=\"clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;\"><img border=\"0\" src=\"http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-OQxbGs-nMgc/VO237tZVcNI/AAAAAAAAWi0/OO0f4wDP5rU/s1600/backtobasics.png\" height=\"320\" width=\"320\" /></a></div><b><br /></b><b>This is not a new feeling for me,</b>&nbsp;and I don\'t like how the rest of the story goes. I know there are others, probably some people reading this, who are in the same boat - forward progress has come to a complete <b>halt</b>, or maybe never began in the first place. Eventually everyone will hit a plateau, or flounder, or get lost, or fall off the wagon...the trick is centering yourself and getting back on track.<br /><br />Fortunately, I know how to stop this and right the ship. I\'m not going to allow myself to go back over 200 lbs.<br /><b><br /></b><b><span style=\"font-size: large;\">It\'s time to go back to basics.</span></b><br /><br /><a name=\'more\'></a>So what exactly <i>are</i>&nbsp;those \"basics\"? Is there some magic fix for this situation? <b><i>Sure there is. </i>Strap in, this is gonna be a doozie (</b>the revelation AND this blog post) -<br /><br /><span style=\"font-size: large;\"><b>Proper Nutrition and Exercise</b></span><br /><br />There, <b>I said it.</b>&nbsp;And let\'s be honest - <i>you knew I was going to.</i>&nbsp;The basics: Proper Nutrition and Exercise. It kind of <b>is</b>&nbsp;magic how well it works. Eating the right amount of the right stuff will do the trick, and getting some exercise will help the process - it\'s&nbsp;that easy and that complicated.<br /><a href=\"http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-KdHZml2SBLY/VOseW8tZJEI/AAAAAAAAWeQ/NPOYkTnzjY0/s1600/0ff7ef9a0a648459f0d57b7b5c479e39.jpg\" style=\"clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;\"><img border=\"0\" src=\"http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-KdHZml2SBLY/VOseW8tZJEI/AAAAAAAAWeQ/NPOYkTnzjY0/s1600/0ff7ef9a0a648459f0d57b7b5c479e39.jpg\" /></a><br /><b>So where do I even begin? How do I figure out what \"the right amount\" and the \"right stuff\" is?</b><br /><br /><span style=\"font-size: large;\"><b>Step 1: What is your goal?</b></span><br /><br />You have to know where you\'re going before you can figure out how to get there. We\'ll keep it simple right now and lump all your possible goals into three categories:&nbsp;<b>do you want to gain weight (build muscle), lose weight (burn fat) or maintain (stay the same)?</b><br /><br /><span style=\"font-size: large;\"><b>Step 2: How much should I eat?</b></span><br /><br /><b>This is the deceptively hard part.</b>&nbsp;How many calories do you think you should be eating? <b>You might be shocked by the answer.</b><br /><br /><b>Process:</b><br />A. Figure out your BMR - B. Figure out your \"Maintenance Number\" - C. Figure out your target calories<br /><br /><div style=\"clear: both; text-align: center;\"><a href=\"http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-6xYhbvtdZ2k/VO29nqe8YRI/AAAAAAAAWjA/qy5PUJoLKyU/s1600/il_fullxfull.404065856_f7vh.jpg\" style=\"clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;\"><img border=\"0\" src=\"http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-6xYhbvtdZ2k/VO29nqe8YRI/AAAAAAAAWjA/qy5PUJoLKyU/s1600/il_fullxfull.404065856_f7vh.jpg\" height=\"320\" width=\"207\" /></a></div><b>Part A.) BMR is your \"Basal Metabolic Rate\" - </b>it\'s how many calories you burn simply <i>existing</i>...y\'know, like, comatose. There are several formulas you can use to figure this out...I prefer the Mifflin - St. Jeor (and <a href=\"http://www.adajournal.org/article/PIIS0002822305001495/abstract\">a recent ADA study</a> found it to be the most accurate).<br /><br /><i>W = weight in kilograms<br />(weight (lbs) / 2.2) =weight in kg</i><br /><i>H = height in centimeters <br />(inches x 2.54) = height in cm</i><br /><i>A = age in years</i><br /><br /><b>Men</b><br /><b>(10 x W) + (6.25 x H) - (5 x A) + 5 = BMR</b><br /><b><br /></b><b>Women</b><br /><b>(10 x W) + (6.25 x H) - (5 x A) - 161 = BMR</b><br /><br />Save this number - you\'re going to need it in a minute.<br /><br /><b>Part B.) How active are you?</b><br /><br />Some people sit at a desk all day and some people are constantly moving - how active you are VERY MUCH affects how much you should eat in a day. Multiply your BMR by whichever of the following applies to you:<br /><br />BMR x 1.2 - Sedentary (Desk job - sit around a lot)<br />BMR x 1.3 or 1.4 - Light Activity (light activity job...walking a bit)<br />BMR x 1.5 or 1.6 - Moderate Activity (waitress or other \"moving\" job)<br />BMR x 1.7 or 1.8 - High Activity (physically demanding lifestyle)<br />BMR x 1.9, 2.0, 2.1 or 2.2 - Extreme Activity (VERY Active physicaly-engaging job/Professional Athlete)<br /><br /><b>The result is the number of calories you must eat to stay exactly where you are: your \"maintenance calories\".&nbsp;</b><br /><b><br /></b><b>Part C.) Factor in your goal - lose, maintain, or gain.</b><br /><br />Earlier, in Part A, what did you decide was your goal? Lose weight (burn fat), gain weight (build muscle mass) or maintain (stay the same)? If you said \"maintain\", then the \"maintenance calories\" number we just figured out is your number.<br /><br /><b>If you want to lose weight: </b>Generally, consuming 80% of your \"maintenance calories\" will lead you to a 1 lb/week weight loss. If you\'ve got a LOT to lose, you can safely go to about 60% of your maintenance calories for a 2 lb/week loss - <u><b>this is the absolute </b></u><b><u>MINIMUM</u>&nbsp;</b>amount of calories you should eat.<br /><b><br /></b><div style=\"clear: both; text-align: center;\"><a href=\"http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-StcR16knvmQ/VO8HnX3uAxI/AAAAAAAAWjo/BpuX037O9sg/s1600/starve.jpg\" style=\"clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;\"><img border=\"0\" src=\"http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-StcR16knvmQ/VO8HnX3uAxI/AAAAAAAAWjo/BpuX037O9sg/s1600/starve.jpg\" height=\"184\" width=\"320\" /></a></div><b>If you eat too little</b>&nbsp;you are not doing yourself any favors - your body can go into \"survival mode\", afraid it will never receive food again, and store away a lot of what you give it as fat.<br /><br /><b>The absolute minimum calories you should ever eat, REGARDLESS of the above calculations, are below - NEVER go below these numbers. If your calculations try to take you lower, stop here.<br />1200 - women |&nbsp;</b><b>1500 - men</b><br /><br /><b>Want to GAIN weight? - </b>Instead of <i>subtracting</i>&nbsp;20% or 40% from your \"maintenance calories\"...ADD 20% or 40%. This should be <i>roughly</i> a 500 or 1000 calorie addition. Adding much more than that won\'t result in muscle gain...just fat.<br /><br /><span style=\"font-size: large;\"><b>Step 3: What should I eat?</b></span><br /><br />This, too, will depend on your goals. The general guideline is \"eat clean\" and eliminate the junk. You can try doing this in 2 stages so it\'s not such a shock to the system:<br /><br />Stage 1 - Avoid fried foods, fast food, and soda, limit refined (white) sugar.<br />Stage 2 - Eliminate white sugar &amp; limit artificial sweeteners (raw turbinado cane sugar is ok), try to do brown/wild rice &amp; whole grain bread/pasta instead of white. Stick to lean meats (chicken, fish, lean beef, turkey, etc).<br /><br /><b>Macro-nutrient ratios are important too!</b>&nbsp;- Everything you eat is made up of 3 \"macro nutrients\" - Protein, Carbohydrates, &amp; Fat. Make sure that these are balanced in the correct ratio and you\'ll do a lot to help yourself. <b>GENERALLY</b>, for fat loss, I like to stick with 50% protein, 30% carb, 20% fat. If you\'re trying to gain weight or doing some sort of athletic performance, you\'ll probably need more carbs (we\'ll cover macros in more detail another day).<br /><br /><span style=\"font-size: large;\"><b>Step 4: When should I eat?</b></span><br /><br /><b>This is really up to you, </b>though I DO have some guidelines:<br /><br /><b>1.) ALWAYS eat breakfast</b><br />Breakfast really IS the most important meal of the day - it starts the fire and kicks your metabolism into gear. Make it count, have a couple hundred calories...take the early opportunity and throw some carbs on the fire!<br /><br /><a href=\"http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-07ud1bs8KK0/VO_mLn3DNNI/AAAAAAAAWkM/E9sOzPJRMuE/s1600/3551638908_2337b577ac_z.jpg\" style=\"clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;\"><img border=\"0\" src=\"http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-07ud1bs8KK0/VO_mLn3DNNI/AAAAAAAAWkM/E9sOzPJRMuE/s1600/3551638908_2337b577ac_z.jpg\" height=\"200\" width=\"188\" /></a><b>2.) The Carb/Protein sliding scale</b><br />Short answer - Eat the majority of your carbs early in the day when your body needs the fuel for the fire, less carbs as the day goes on. More on this another day.<br /><br /><b>3.) Smaller, more frequent meals</b><br />Again, think of your metabolism like a fire - dumping a big pile of wood on the fire all at once makes it slow down and work through that big pile. If, every so often, you throw a little wood on the fire it will flare up and burn steady, shredding everything you throw at it.<br /><br /><b>4.) Spread it out</b><br />I trained myself to eat every 2 hours, and I continue that for as long as I\'m awake. Think about it - the longer you\'re awake - the more you\'re doing - the more fuel you need. My last meal is generally 2 (maybe 3) hours before bed. Coupled with the smaller/more frequent meal idea...this is a recipe for success.<br /><br /><span style=\"font-size: large;\"><b>Step 5: Exercise - and eat what you burn!</b></span><br /><br /><div style=\"clear: both; text-align: center;\"><a href=\"http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-HkZS3O7917I/VPBb8wAf6ZI/AAAAAAAAWkc/keRl20oNPeQ/s1600/SedentaryVsExercise.png\" style=\"clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;\"><img border=\"0\" src=\"http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-HkZS3O7917I/VPBb8wAf6ZI/AAAAAAAAWkc/keRl20oNPeQ/s1600/SedentaryVsExercise.png\" height=\"320\" width=\"268\" /></a></div><b>Getting your nutrition in line is 80% of the battle</b>, but exercising is important too! Exercise is a good way to (obviously) burn more calories, build some muscle, look (and feel) better, and just generally be healthier. It helps you really take charge of your health and get your fitness super-charged!<br /><br />Everyone has different needs - some people don\'t want to work out in a gym for whatever reason (maybe you\'re not a self-starter, need constant hand-holding, and can\'t afford a personal trainer 6 days a week). Some people CANNOT work out at home (distractions, lack of motivation, etc). Whatever your needs/desires, there IS an option out there for you! Maybe I can even help (and I\'d be happy to!)!&nbsp;Regardless of the path you choose...one of the most important things to remember...<br /><br /><b>EAT THE CALORIES YOU BURN IN YOUR WORKOUT!</b><br /><b><br /></b>Yes, in order to lose weight you need to burn more calories than you take in. However...you\'re <b>already doing that</b>&nbsp;by doing all that math you did earlier in this post! <b>It is crucial</b>&nbsp;that you add the calories burned in a workout to your target calories for the day. <br /><br />How do you figure out how many calories you burned? Most cardio equipment can give you a good estimate or you could invest in a wearable heart rate monitor (I recommend doing that). If you\'re looking for guidance/recommendations feel free to comment on this post. <b>So what\'s the bottom line here?</b><br /><b><br /></b><span style=\"font-size: large;\"><b>Exercise &amp; Proper Nutrition Are The \"Basics\" That Will Make It Happen!</b></span><br /><br />If you don\'t see the scale move...don\'t get discouraged...remember - <a href=\"http://www.sothisisfitness.com/2013/07/why-workouts-fail-2-scale.html\">that number isn\'t the only one that means something.</a>&nbsp;If you\'d like a little help/guidance feel free to email me (Darrell@SoTHISIsFitness.com) or leave a comment on this post.<br /><br /><i>Disclaimer: I am not a nutritionist/registered dietitian or doctor - I have simply gone to the school of hard knocks. I have learned this through my own independent research, peer interaction, and trial/error.</i>','Back To Basics','','inherit','closed','closed','','44-revision-v1','','','2017-01-15 08:05:15','2017-01-15 13:05:15','',44,'http://sothisisfitness.com/2017/01/44-revision-v1.html',0,'revision','',0),(45,1,'2015-02-14 13:03:00','2015-02-14 18:03:00','<div><b style=\"font-size: x-large;\">Sometimes it seems </b>that no matter how hard we try and how well we plan...<span style=\"font-size: large;\"><b>It simply doesn\'t matter.</b>&nbsp;</span></div><div><br /></div><div>If the universe has decided it\'s going to flip your day upside-down...guess what. <b>That\'s it.</b>&nbsp;And that\'s precisely what has happened this past month here in good ol\' New England.</div><div style=\"clear: both; text-align: center;\"><a href=\"http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-sQEq1zzfXGM/VNyUiHkfMBI/AAAAAAAAVlA/2AYDWUgSKmk/s1600/aint%2Bnobody%2Bsnow.jpeg\" style=\"clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;\"><img border=\"0\" src=\"http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-sQEq1zzfXGM/VNyUiHkfMBI/AAAAAAAAVlA/2AYDWUgSKmk/s1600/aint%2Bnobody%2Bsnow.jpeg\" height=\"240\" width=\"320\" /></a></div><div><br /></div><div><b>Massachusetts</b>&nbsp;has had a \"historic amount\" of snowfall since late January. So far, something like 5 feet has been dumped on the city of Boston, with the rest of the state seeing similarly devastating snowfall. We live in New England...snow is not show-stopping. <i>This</i>, however, is a bit much.&nbsp;</div><div><br /></div><div><b>So much, </b>in fact, that it\'s completely thrown off both normal life <i>and</i>&nbsp;marathon training...for me AND others...But this isn\'t the first time somebody\'s plans have ever gotten thrown off.<br /><br />Today\'s theme? <b>Adapt or die.</b><br /><a name=\'more\'></a><br /><span style=\"font-size: large;\"><b>Planning is CRUCIAL</b>.</span></div><br /><div style=\"clear: both; text-align: center;\"><a href=\"http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-GTQlhY3s1lY/VN4Bqud0nBI/AAAAAAAAVlo/gkbqMG0uk3I/s1600/road-to-success.jpg\" style=\"clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;\"><img border=\"0\" src=\"http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-GTQlhY3s1lY/VN4Bqud0nBI/AAAAAAAAVlo/gkbqMG0uk3I/s1600/road-to-success.jpg\" height=\"256\" width=\"320\" /></a></div>I\'ve said it before and I\'ll say it again - Planning is absolutely CRITICAL to success. The bigger the goal, the <b>more</b>&nbsp;important the plan. <b>EXAMPLE:</b>&nbsp;I decided, 9.5 weeks prior, that it would be a <i>great idea </i>to run a marathon. Given the immense task ahead of me, it would literally <b>only be possible</b>&nbsp;if I planned well and followed that plan. I mean...I was basically going <b>couch to marathon</b>&nbsp;and banking on muscle memory to get me halfway there.<br /><br />Having a plan, I find, is ALWAYS important for me. I <b>have to have</b>&nbsp;a schedule, a plan, a timeline...I have to have that plan so I have something to stick to. Without it...<a href=\" http://sothisisfitness.com/2014/12/its-easier-to-not.html\">it\'s so easy to just...not</a>.<br /><br /><div><span style=\"font-size: large;\"><b>\"The best laid plans of mice and men oft\'n go awry\"-&nbsp;</b></span></div><br />Whatever the reason, sometimes things just don\'t work out how we plan. Honestly, it\'s inevitable. <b>This...</b>however...I did not see coming.<br /><div style=\"clear: both; text-align: center;\"><a href=\"http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-k3PWCT462NA/VN4JCLdriYI/AAAAAAAAVl4/IJFf1pW-eFw/s1600/BOS_FASTEST_70IN_SNOW.jpg\" style=\"margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;\"><img border=\"0\" src=\"http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-k3PWCT462NA/VN4JCLdriYI/AAAAAAAAVl4/IJFf1pW-eFw/s1600/BOS_FASTEST_70IN_SNOW.jpg\" height=\"221\" width=\"400\" /></a></div><b>SERIOUSLY?</b><br /><b><br /></b><b>Just shy of 5 feet of snow...in just over 2 weeks.</b><br /><b><br /></b>That much snow in that short a period of time is a snow-removal <i>nightmare</i>. Town, City, and privately contracted snow removal \"troops\" have had a hell of a time dealing with it all. It was just...<b>so much so fast...</b>&nbsp;And ever since that last blizzard...<br /><b><br /></b><b><span style=\"font-size: large;\">We\'re running out of room to put the snow.</span></b><br /><br /><div style=\"clear: both; text-align: center;\"><a href=\"http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-byepDqSS2Ig/VN85jDxksGI/AAAAAAAAVmM/xDu6Z7pPgr0/s1600/B8ZDPALCYAE9Igb.jpg\" style=\"clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;\"><img border=\"0\" src=\"http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-byepDqSS2Ig/VN85jDxksGI/AAAAAAAAVmM/xDu6Z7pPgr0/s1600/B8ZDPALCYAE9Igb.jpg\" height=\"240\" width=\"320\" /></a></div>The snowpiles and snowbanks are enormous. If you don\'t live in New England or, I don\'t know...on a mountain somewhere...you probably can\'t comprehend quite how large some of these snow piles really are. Schools were closed for a full week, some towns even slightly longer!<br /><b><br /></b><b>Why?</b><br /><br />If we don\'t have room for the SNOW...well, trickle-down effect that ends with lack of safe places to walk and run. In many places there STILL aren\'t <i>sidewalks</i>. Where there <b>ARE</b>...they often ice up due to the near-constant sub-freezing temperatures. Some days it\'s even single-digit/sub-zero!<br /><br /><b>All of that has made running outdoors damn near impossible most days.&nbsp;</b>But do we give up? <b>No.</b><br /><br /><span style=\"font-size: large;\"><b>Adapt or die.</b></span><br /><br /><div style=\"clear: both; text-align: center;\"></div><a href=\"http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-3w0ehkJF0qs/VN9FmueZCqI/AAAAAAAAVm0/fpnqxqF0aCw/s1600/adaptovercome.jpg\" style=\"clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;\"><img border=\"0\" src=\"http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-3w0ehkJF0qs/VN9FmueZCqI/AAAAAAAAVm0/fpnqxqF0aCw/s1600/adaptovercome.jpg\" height=\"320\" width=\"320\" /></a>Things aren\'t <i>always </i>going to work out how we plan. Hell, we\'re lucky if it works out like that 50% of &nbsp;the time. If we just give up whenever things don\'t go quite right we will <b>never</b>&nbsp;get anywhere...and <i>I\'d</i> still be 300 lbs. <b>ADAPT.</b>&nbsp;Know what that means?<br /><i><br /></i><span style=\"font-size: large;\"><i>Figure it out</i>.&nbsp;</span><br /><br />Can\'t run outside? <b>Hit the treadmill</b>.<b>&nbsp;</b>Yeah, not the most attractive option, but hey, <i style=\"font-weight: bold;\">at least you\'re still running</i>. The same goes for whatever <i>your</i>&nbsp;plan was. Sick kid and can\'t get to the gym? Do a bodyweight workout at home. Hitting a plateau? <b>Make a change</b>&nbsp;to your workout or nutrition.<br /><br />There is <i>always</i>&nbsp;an answer. There is <i>always</i>&nbsp;an alternate way to achieve your goal. Giving up and throwing in the towel is <i style=\"font-weight: bold;\">never</i>&nbsp;the way to go.<br /><br /><i>I</i> was <b>SUPPOSED</b> to be running a 10 mile road race tomorrow as my last \"big\" training effort before the marathon next weekend...<br /><div style=\"clear: both; text-align: center;\"><a href=\"http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-1rclKFQnX8s/VN8_Oln_9vI/AAAAAAAAVmk/3CB6pfEVP4c/s1600/neptunesnowlatest.jpg\" style=\"margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;\"><img border=\"0\" src=\"http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-1rclKFQnX8s/VN8_Oln_9vI/AAAAAAAAVmk/3CB6pfEVP4c/s1600/neptunesnowlatest.jpg\" height=\"221\" width=\"400\" /></a></div><b>Aaaaaaand it\'s <i>postponed</i>. </b><u>Excellent</u>.<br /><br /><b>Fine, Universe,</b>&nbsp;I\'ll adapt.<br /><br />So instead, I\'m going to do 10 miles outside <b>TODAY</b>, before the snow hits.<br /><div style=\"clear: both; text-align: center;\"><a href=\"http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-G7w7yRX72Js/VN8-uQ_m0ZI/AAAAAAAAVmc/HCB4fPGN-aQ/s1600/Screenshot_2015-02-14-06-52-04.png\" style=\"margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;\"><img border=\"0\" src=\"http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-G7w7yRX72Js/VN8-uQ_m0ZI/AAAAAAAAVmc/HCB4fPGN-aQ/s1600/Screenshot_2015-02-14-06-52-04.png\" height=\"320\" width=\"180\" /></a></div><span style=\"font-size: large;\"><b>FINE.</b></span><br /><br />So I\'ll just hit the damn treadmill. <u>Just try and stop THAT</u>.','Best Laid Plans','','publish','open','open','','best-laid-plans','','','2017-01-21 09:00:54','2017-01-21 14:00:54','',0,'http://50.87.248.94/~sothisj4/?p=45',0,'post','',0),(46,1,'2015-02-02 13:05:00','2015-02-02 18:05:00','<a href=\"http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-NAkxElSncQE/VMY591sJsVI/AAAAAAAAUZ0/RPvlQ_mYbBM/s1600/6a00d8341bf90553ef01a511da034e970c.png\" style=\"clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;\"><img border=\"0\" src=\"http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-NAkxElSncQE/VMY591sJsVI/AAAAAAAAUZ0/RPvlQ_mYbBM/s1600/6a00d8341bf90553ef01a511da034e970c.png\" height=\"280\" width=\"320\" /></a>There have been <b>A LOT </b>of mornings lately where I\'ve woken up and asked myself <i>\"Why?\"</i>,&nbsp;<i>\"what was I thinking?\"</i>, etc.<br /><br />Most mornings, I simply don\'t want to get out of bed. <b>Most</b>&nbsp;mornings I\'m seriously questioning my decisions. To train for a winter marathon...to train for a marathon <b>period</b>... to work out 6 days a week...<br /><br />This isn\'t the first time I\'ve questioned myself like this though...and the answer is usually the same every time.<br /><a name=\'more\'></a><br /><span style=\"font-size: x-large;\"><b>WHY?</b></span><br /><br /><div><b>WHY on God\'s green earth </b>would I choose to put myself through this? I have a <i>perfectly good </i>couch to sit on, lots of tv/movies to watch, games to play, and books to read. I don\'t need to work out 6 days a week...I CERTAINLY don\'t need to train for a freaking MARATHON...in the <b>winter</b>...in <i>half</i>&nbsp;the time people normally train...</div><div><br /></div><div><b><u>Something must be wrong with me</u>.</b></div><div><b><br /></b></div><div><b>I mean, </b>how can there NOT be? Every time I&nbsp;reach my goal...every time I achieve a new height...I just push right past and keep going higher.</div><div><b><i><br /></i></b></div><div><b><i><span style=\"font-size: large;\">Shouldn\'t I be satisfied?</span></i></b></div><div><br /></div><div>Shouldn\'t we <b>all</b>&nbsp;be satisfied? I have lots of friends who have (I think I said this recently) had some <b>great</b>&nbsp;achievements lately. They\'ve lost a ton of weight, they ran their <b>first 5K!</b>&nbsp;Shouldn\'t that be it? I mean, they thought they\'d never run a 5K...and they finally checked that off the list. WHY are we still going...and pushing...and refusing to be satisfied?&nbsp;Aren\'t we done? Pack it up and go home? Did what we came here to do?&nbsp;</div><div><br /></div><div><b><span style=\"font-size: x-large;\">No.</span></b></div><div><b><br /></b></div><div style=\"clear: both; text-align: center;\"><a href=\"http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-_weZpaEHnlk/VMmr83P3p9I/AAAAAAAAUmc/1Ye3GTSNLzE/s1600/10844183_759041854143376_9339086_a.jpg\" style=\"clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;\"><img border=\"0\" src=\"http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-_weZpaEHnlk/VMmr83P3p9I/AAAAAAAAUmc/1Ye3GTSNLzE/s1600/10844183_759041854143376_9339086_a.jpg\" /></a></div><div><b>If that were the case, </b>we wouldn\'t have cars. Or planes. Or freaking <i>bikes.</i>&nbsp;Walking was enough, why push it and figure out how to go farther, higher, or faster?</div><div><b><br /></b></div><div><b>We must continue to challenge ourselves.</b>&nbsp;We <i>owe </i>it to ourselves. We <b>deserve</b>&nbsp;more. Why should we settle for <i>mediocrity?</i><b style=\"font-style: italic;\">&nbsp;</b>If you have the <b>drive, determination, </b>and <b>motivation </b>to get where you are now, <b>why</b>&nbsp;wouldn\'t you reach for that <i>next level </i>of achievement?</div><blockquote><i>\"Work like there is someone working twenty-four hours a day to take it all away from you\"</i> - Mark Cuban</blockquote><div>You must be <b>hungry</b>&nbsp;for success. You must <b>believe</b>&nbsp;that <i>you have not yet <b>reached</b>&nbsp;the mountain-top.</i>&nbsp;This is one of those cheesy quotes, but your desire for success <b>must be greater</b>&nbsp;than your fear of failure.<br /><br /><b><span style=\"font-size: large;\">I could go on for days.</span></b></div><div><br /></div><div><b>The bottom line here</b>&nbsp;is that the moment you stop trying and settle for where you\'re at is the moment you have given up. It\'s the moment where you forfeit all the hard work you\'ve put in and begin to backslide into mediocrity. And y\'know what? <b>You deserve more than that.</b>&nbsp;You were <i>meant</i>&nbsp;for more than that.</div><div><div style=\"clear: both; text-align: center;\"><a href=\"http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-5RM0XbSwKvo/VM91eU5yvPI/AAAAAAAAU2Y/2MLN2rnsor0/s1600/pukefaintdie.jpg\" style=\"margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;\"><img border=\"0\" src=\"http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-5RM0XbSwKvo/VM91eU5yvPI/AAAAAAAAU2Y/2MLN2rnsor0/s1600/pukefaintdie.jpg\" height=\"320\" width=\"320\" /></a></div></div><div><b><br /></b><b>Always reach higher.</b></div>','Why?','','publish','open','open','','why','','','2017-01-08 23:30:15','2017-01-09 04:30:15','',0,'http://50.87.248.94/~sothisj4/?p=46',0,'post','',1),(47,1,'2015-02-02 12:35:00','0000-00-00 00:00:00','<div><span style=\"font-size: large;\"><b>My Wife Is A G-Damn Miracle Worker.</b></span></div><div><br /></div><div>Seriously, that\'s my only explanation for how she does what she does in the kitchen. The low-fat, low-cal healthy experimentation that my wife and my mom do in the kitchen is a large part of why I am, became, and remain healthy and of an athletic build (despite 3 months of not working out - a potential game-loser).</div><div><br /></div><div><b>Recently, my wife made a batch</b>&nbsp;of the most amazing turkey chili. I practically demanded it...it\'s that good.</div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div>','Turkey Chili - It\'s What\'s For Dinner','','draft','open','open','','','','','2015-02-02 12:35:00','0000-00-00 00:00:00','',0,'http://50.87.248.94/~sothisj4/?p=47',0,'post','',0),(48,1,'2015-01-30 12:46:00','0000-00-00 00:00:00','','Why Is Dairy So Scary?','','draft','open','open','','','','','2015-01-30 12:46:00','0000-00-00 00:00:00','',0,'http://50.87.248.94/~sothisj4/?p=48',0,'post','',0),(49,1,'2015-01-12 12:44:00','2015-01-12 17:44:00','<span style=\"font-size: large;\"><b>Wow.</b></span><br /><br /><b>The Year Of The Conqueror </b>indeed...<br /><br /><div style=\"clear: both; text-align: center;\"><a href=\"http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-J-iA8FT2rb8/VK0eKiNef2I/AAAAAAAAS74/DzoQiHMcu-k/s1600/262%2Bsticker.gif\" style=\"clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;\"><img border=\"0\" src=\"http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-J-iA8FT2rb8/VK0eKiNef2I/AAAAAAAAS74/DzoQiHMcu-k/s1600/262%2Bsticker.gif\" height=\"206\" width=\"320\" /></a></div>So I\'m beginning 2015 in the most epic of fashions...running my first marathon -<a href=\"http://www.hyannismarathon.com/\">the Hyannis Marathon - February 22nd 2015.</a> I\'ve run a lot of races&nbsp;this year...but most of them happened pre-injury while I was in my physical peak. On its own, a marathon would be hard enough...<b>But</b>&nbsp;<b>Now...</b>now I\'m out of practice and have lost some of my endurance and speed.<br /><br />It\'s gonna take a lot to be ready for this thing with just 9 weeks to train. But it <b>can </b>be done. And if <b>I can do it</b>...hell, ANYONE can. (Not that I\'d <b>advise</b>&nbsp;that...)<br /><br /><b>So how, </b>exactly, do I envision this being possible?<br /><a name=\'more\'></a><br /><span style=\"font-size: large;\"><b>In Order To Succeed At <i>Anything</i>...</b></span><br /><br /><b>planning is </b><u style=\"font-weight: bold;\">essential</u><span style=\"font-weight: bold;\">.</span>&nbsp;I said it in <a href=\" http://sothisisfitness.com/2015/01/2015-the-year-of-the-conqueror.html\">The Year Of The Conqueror</a> and I\'ll say it again...<b>planning is <u>essential</u>.</b>&nbsp;I DO have a plan, and for the last 3 weeks I\'ve been (mostly) sticking to it. Moving forward... I\'m going to have to be a lot better about <b>making time</b>&nbsp;for each day\'s workout...<br /><br />In figuring out my plan I used a little <a href=\"http://www.urbandictionary.com/define.php?term=google-fu\">Google-Fu</a>&nbsp;to see what was out there for training plans. I ended up finding out...the shortest widely-available training plans were generally 18 weeks. <b>Oh, good...</b>&nbsp;that means my 9 weeks must be <i>highly advisable</i>...but regardless...<br /><br /><span style=\"font-size: large;\"><b>A Plan Is Necessary.</b></span><br /><br /><b><i>And I figured one out.</i></b><br /><div style=\"clear: both; text-align: center;\"><a href=\"http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-1yExyKZuAZQ/VK_O0VnDkDI/AAAAAAAATJA/rY10xzv200U/s1600/9%2Bweek%2Bmarathon%2Btraining.jpg\" style=\"margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;\"><img border=\"0\" src=\"http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-1yExyKZuAZQ/VK_O0VnDkDI/AAAAAAAATJA/rY10xzv200U/s1600/9%2Bweek%2Bmarathon%2Btraining.jpg\" height=\"266\" width=\"500\" /></a></div><b>Essentially </b>I did a modified <a href=\"http://www.halhigdon.com/\">Hal Higdon Novice 2</a> program. I took the Hal Higdon program (a very highly-regarded, successful program) and chopped it down from 18 weeks to 9. I cut out the early weeks where distance builds and progressed the middle weeks a bit faster.<br /><br /><span style=\"font-size: large;\"><b>It\'s not all about the mileage though-</b></span><br /><br /><b>Stretch and flexibility </b>are hugely important for runners...ESPECIALLY distance runners. I added the (strongly recommended) option for Friday\'s rest day to instead be stretch or yoga. Stretch vs. Yoga, how long or what style...that\'s all dependent on how I feel that particular Friday. Either way...again...I <b>STRONGLY</b>&nbsp;recommend a whole day be dedicated to this.<br /><br /><b><span style=\"font-size: large;\">Runners can lift too, y\'know...</span></b><br /><br /><div style=\"clear: both; text-align: center;\"></div><div style=\"clear: both; text-align: center;\"><a href=\"http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-1iLg1iAka7U/VLPAzg16shI/AAAAAAAATWw/e-hCjl-JUgk/s1600/sneaker-weight.jpg\" style=\"clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;\"><img border=\"0\" src=\"http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-1iLg1iAka7U/VLPAzg16shI/AAAAAAAATWw/e-hCjl-JUgk/s1600/sneaker-weight.jpg\" height=\"227\" width=\"320\" /></a></div><b>Runners NEED to strength-train! </b>It\'s unfortunate how many runners don\'t realize this, but it REALLY is important. Some low-weight high-rep strength-training is important to help build up leg strength for those long runs. Another area most runners don\'t think of - Core. Your core is stabilizing you throughout your run...it would be in your best interests to strengthen it to better handle the load. Your upper body is important too - your arms swing to help keep your momentum, balance, and stride in line - 26 miles is a long way to keep that swinging going. To this end I added in a light leg day and core work on Tuesdays and an upper body strength circuit on Thursdays.<br /><br /><span style=\"font-size: large;\"><b>Rest is not laziness -&nbsp;</b></span><br /><b><i><br /></i></b><b><i>It\'s actually REALLY important!</i>&nbsp;</b>Your body needs time to recover from all the hard work you\'re asking it to do.&nbsp;It may seem like a wasted day or laziness...but <b>trust me</b>...it isn\'t.<br /><b><i><br /></i></b><span style=\"font-size: large;\"><b>In the end, I\'m convinced you can run forever...</b></span><br /><b><i><br /></i></b><br /><div style=\"clear: both; text-align: center;\"></div><div style=\"clear: both; text-align: center;\"><a href=\"http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-wSTZqzOnDdY/VLPHHbdKGDI/AAAAAAAATXI/pwwrzyYArNk/s1600/ccnclogo.jpg\" style=\"clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;\"><img border=\"0\" src=\"http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-wSTZqzOnDdY/VLPHHbdKGDI/AAAAAAAATXI/pwwrzyYArNk/s1600/ccnclogo.jpg\" height=\"179\" width=\"200\" /></a></div>I follow a lot of people that run ultra-marathons...and I\'ve picked up on something. As long as you\'re putting in the work and doing endurance training...You can reach the point where you can run ANY distance. The key is...<b>the farther you go, the slower your pace.</b>&nbsp;Sure, I can do a 7:30 min/mile pace in a 5K...but when I\'m running 26.2 miles I\'m shooting for 10:00 - 10:30 min/mile. As long as you do a <u>complete</u>&nbsp;training program and figure out the right pace, you\'re golden. (Supplementing properly helps too - handy that <a href=\"https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=103806889934\">Cape Cod Nutrition Corner</a> is my sponsor for this race!)<br /><br /><span style=\"font-size: large;\"><b>Don\'t worry...you\'ll finish.</b></span><br /><br />You can\'t <b>ever</b>&nbsp;be upset with your finish time the first time you do a particular distance. Focus on the finish and celebrate the achievement. Sure, I\'d like to finish this marathon in 4:30...but <b>I\'ll be happy to finish PERIOD.&nbsp;</b>Once you\'ve got your first 5K/half-marathon/marathon under your belt...<i>then&nbsp;</i>go for a better time. <u>Don\'t ever diminish your success just because you didn\'t do it fast enough</u>.<br /><br /><b>So... </b>What are YOU training for to kick off <a href=\" http://sothisisfitness.com/2015/01/2015-the-year-of-the-conqueror.html\">The Year of The Conqueror</a>?<br /><br /><div style=\"clear: both; text-align: center;\"><a href=\"http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-YcOyrgGyv6w/VLPD-xHbQbI/AAAAAAAATW8/Cvyd13x6lkU/s1600/262%2Bsticker.gif\" style=\"margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;\"><img border=\"0\" src=\"http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-YcOyrgGyv6w/VLPD-xHbQbI/AAAAAAAATW8/Cvyd13x6lkU/s1600/262%2Bsticker.gif\" height=\"206\" width=\"320\" /></a></div><br /><br /><br />','Mission: 26.2 - 2.22.15','','publish','open','open','','mission-26-2-2-22-15','','','2017-01-21 09:02:17','2017-01-21 14:02:17','',0,'http://50.87.248.94/~sothisj4/?p=49',0,'post','',0),(808,1,'2017-01-21 08:46:11','2017-01-21 13:46:11','<span style=\"font-size: large;\"><b>Wow.</b></span><br /><br /><b>The Year Of The Conqueror </b>indeed...<br /><br /><div style=\"clear: both; text-align: center;\"><a href=\"http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-J-iA8FT2rb8/VK0eKiNef2I/AAAAAAAAS74/DzoQiHMcu-k/s1600/262%2Bsticker.gif\" style=\"clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;\"><img border=\"0\" src=\"http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-J-iA8FT2rb8/VK0eKiNef2I/AAAAAAAAS74/DzoQiHMcu-k/s1600/262%2Bsticker.gif\" height=\"206\" width=\"320\" /></a></div>So I\'m beginning 2015 in the most epic of fashions...running my first marathon -<a href=\"http://www.hyannismarathon.com/\">the Hyannis Marathon - February 22nd 2015.</a> I\'ve run a lot of races&nbsp;this year...but most of them happened pre-injury while I was in my physical peak. On its own, a marathon would be hard enough...<b>But</b>&nbsp;<b>Now...</b>now I\'m out of practice and have lost some of my endurance and speed.<br /><br />It\'s gonna take a lot to be ready for this thing with just 9 weeks to train. But it <b>can </b>be done. And if <b>I can do it</b>...hell, ANYONE can. (Not that I\'d <b>advise</b>&nbsp;that...)<br /><br /><b>So how, </b>exactly, do I envision this being possible?<br /><a name=\'more\'></a><br /><span style=\"font-size: large;\"><b>In Order To Succeed At <i>Anything</i>...</b></span><br /><br /><b>planning is </b><u style=\"font-weight: bold;\">essential</u><span style=\"font-weight: bold;\">.</span>&nbsp;I said it in <a href=\"http://www.sothisisfitness.com/2015/01/2015-year-of-conqueror.html\">The Year Of The Conqueror</a> and I\'ll say it again...<b>planning is <u>essential</u>.</b>&nbsp;I DO have a plan, and for the last 3 weeks I\'ve been (mostly) sticking to it. Moving forward... I\'m going to have to be a lot better about <b>making time</b>&nbsp;for each day\'s workout...<br /><br />In figuring out my plan I used a little <a href=\"http://www.urbandictionary.com/define.php?term=google-fu\">Google-Fu</a>&nbsp;to see what was out there for training plans. I ended up finding out...the shortest widely-available training plans were generally 18 weeks. <b>Oh, good...</b>&nbsp;that means my 9 weeks must be <i>highly advisable</i>...but regardless...<br /><br /><span style=\"font-size: large;\"><b>A Plan Is Necessary.</b></span><br /><br /><b><i>And I figured one out.</i></b><br /><div style=\"clear: both; text-align: center;\"><a href=\"http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-1yExyKZuAZQ/VK_O0VnDkDI/AAAAAAAATJA/rY10xzv200U/s1600/9%2Bweek%2Bmarathon%2Btraining.jpg\" style=\"margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;\"><img border=\"0\" src=\"http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-1yExyKZuAZQ/VK_O0VnDkDI/AAAAAAAATJA/rY10xzv200U/s1600/9%2Bweek%2Bmarathon%2Btraining.jpg\" height=\"266\" width=\"500\" /></a></div><b>Essentially </b>I did a modified <a href=\"http://www.halhigdon.com/\">Hal Higdon Novice 2</a> program. I took the Hal Higdon program (a very highly-regarded, successful program) and chopped it down from 18 weeks to 9. I cut out the early weeks where distance builds and progressed the middle weeks a bit faster.<br /><br /><span style=\"font-size: large;\"><b>It\'s not all about the mileage though-</b></span><br /><br /><b>Stretch and flexibility </b>are hugely important for runners...ESPECIALLY distance runners. I added the (strongly recommended) option for Friday\'s rest day to instead be stretch or yoga. Stretch vs. Yoga, how long or what style...that\'s all dependent on how I feel that particular Friday. Either way...again...I <b>STRONGLY</b>&nbsp;recommend a whole day be dedicated to this.<br /><br /><b><span style=\"font-size: large;\">Runners can lift too, y\'know...</span></b><br /><br /><div style=\"clear: both; text-align: center;\"></div><div style=\"clear: both; text-align: center;\"><a href=\"http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-1iLg1iAka7U/VLPAzg16shI/AAAAAAAATWw/e-hCjl-JUgk/s1600/sneaker-weight.jpg\" style=\"clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;\"><img border=\"0\" src=\"http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-1iLg1iAka7U/VLPAzg16shI/AAAAAAAATWw/e-hCjl-JUgk/s1600/sneaker-weight.jpg\" height=\"227\" width=\"320\" /></a></div><b>Runners NEED to strength-train! </b>It\'s unfortunate how many runners don\'t realize this, but it REALLY is important. Some low-weight high-rep strength-training is important to help build up leg strength for those long runs. Another area most runners don\'t think of - Core. Your core is stabilizing you throughout your run...it would be in your best interests to strengthen it to better handle the load. Your upper body is important too - your arms swing to help keep your momentum, balance, and stride in line - 26 miles is a long way to keep that swinging going. To this end I added in a light leg day and core work on Tuesdays and an upper body strength circuit on Thursdays.<br /><br /><span style=\"font-size: large;\"><b>Rest is not laziness -&nbsp;</b></span><br /><b><i><br /></i></b><b><i>It\'s actually REALLY important!</i>&nbsp;</b>Your body needs time to recover from all the hard work you\'re asking it to do.&nbsp;It may seem like a wasted day or laziness...but <b>trust me</b>...it isn\'t.<br /><b><i><br /></i></b><span style=\"font-size: large;\"><b>In the end, I\'m convinced you can run forever...</b></span><br /><b><i><br /></i></b><br /><div style=\"clear: both; text-align: center;\"></div><div style=\"clear: both; text-align: center;\"><a href=\"http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-wSTZqzOnDdY/VLPHHbdKGDI/AAAAAAAATXI/pwwrzyYArNk/s1600/ccnclogo.jpg\" style=\"clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;\"><img border=\"0\" src=\"http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-wSTZqzOnDdY/VLPHHbdKGDI/AAAAAAAATXI/pwwrzyYArNk/s1600/ccnclogo.jpg\" height=\"179\" width=\"200\" /></a></div>I follow a lot of people that run ultra-marathons...and I\'ve picked up on something. As long as you\'re putting in the work and doing endurance training...You can reach the point where you can run ANY distance. The key is...<b>the farther you go, the slower your pace.</b>&nbsp;Sure, I can do a 7:30 min/mile pace in a 5K...but when I\'m running 26.2 miles I\'m shooting for 10:00 - 10:30 min/mile. As long as you do a <u>complete</u>&nbsp;training program and figure out the right pace, you\'re golden. (Supplementing properly helps too - handy that <a href=\"https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=103806889934\">Cape Cod Nutrition Corner</a> is my sponsor for this race!)<br /><br /><span style=\"font-size: large;\"><b>Don\'t worry...you\'ll finish.</b></span><br /><br />You can\'t <b>ever</b>&nbsp;be upset with your finish time the first time you do a particular distance. Focus on the finish and celebrate the achievement. Sure, I\'d like to finish this marathon in 4:30...but <b>I\'ll be happy to finish PERIOD.&nbsp;</b>Once you\'ve got your first 5K/half-marathon/marathon under your belt...<i>then&nbsp;</i>go for a better time. <u>Don\'t ever diminish your success just because you didn\'t do it fast enough</u>.<br /><br /><b>So... </b>What are YOU training for to kick off <a href=\"http://www.sothisisfitness.com/2015/01/2015-year-of-conqueror.html\">The Year of The Conqueror</a>?<br /><br /><div style=\"clear: both; text-align: center;\"><a href=\"http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-YcOyrgGyv6w/VLPD-xHbQbI/AAAAAAAATW8/Cvyd13x6lkU/s1600/262%2Bsticker.gif\" style=\"margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;\"><img border=\"0\" src=\"http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-YcOyrgGyv6w/VLPD-xHbQbI/AAAAAAAATW8/Cvyd13x6lkU/s1600/262%2Bsticker.gif\" height=\"206\" width=\"320\" /></a></div><br /><br /><br />','Mission: 26.2 - 2.22.15','','inherit','closed','closed','','49-revision-v1','','','2017-01-21 08:46:11','2017-01-21 13:46:11','',49,'http://sothisisfitness.com/2017/01/49-revision-v1.html',0,'revision','',0),(50,1,'2015-01-05 13:39:00','2015-01-05 18:39:00','<span style=\"font-size: large;\"><b>In 2014 We Became Limitless -&nbsp;</b></span><br /><br />For a lot of us, last year was pretty epic. Many set foot in a gym for the first time, ran their first 5K, did their first unassisted pull-up...<br /><br /><b>We Broke New Ground.</b><br /><b><br /></b>Now, however...now is our time to <b>conquer. </b>Now that we\'ve tested the waters, shed our self-imposed limits, and surprised ourselves with what we\'re capable of...it\'s time to adopt a new strategy.<br /><div style=\"clear: both; text-align: center;\"><a href=\"http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-LtgjOod-L3o/VKqTJaVTstI/AAAAAAAAS0g/gmCcZznunI0/s1600/-arnold-conquer-wallpaper-1920-x-1080_904630430.jpg\" style=\"margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;\"><img border=\"0\" src=\"http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-LtgjOod-L3o/VKqTJaVTstI/AAAAAAAAS0g/gmCcZznunI0/s1600/-arnold-conquer-wallpaper-1920-x-1080_904630430.jpg\" height=\"200\" width=\"320\" /></a></div><b>2015 won\'t know what hit it.</b><br /><a name=\'more\'></a><span style=\"font-size: large;\"><b><br /></b></span><span style=\"font-size: large;\"><b>This Is Your Year.</b></span><br /><br />If there\'s one thing this past year has taught me, it\'s that <b>nothing is out of your reach.</b>&nbsp;Between what I myself was able to accomplish and what I saw others achieve...it was made very clear to me that it\'s just a matter of having the courage to go out and take your victory from the universe.<br /><br /><b>Fear is the enemy, Courage is your weapon.</b><br /><div style=\"clear: both; text-align: center;\"><a href=\"http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-IZSjRhrTUi4/VKqTbUxn9KI/AAAAAAAAS0o/voiSWM3RB_0/s1600/courage-faces-fear-and-thereby-masters-it-courage-quote.jpg\" style=\"margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;\"><img border=\"0\" src=\"http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-IZSjRhrTUi4/VKqTbUxn9KI/AAAAAAAAS0o/voiSWM3RB_0/s1600/courage-faces-fear-and-thereby-masters-it-courage-quote.jpg\" height=\"165\" width=\"400\" /></a></div>You can\'t be afraid of failure. You can\'t be afraid of how big the task before you is. You can\'t be afraid of the \"what ifs\". You have to have confidence in yourself and your ability. With a positive attitude and the right approach, nothing can stop you.<br /><br /><span style=\"font-size: large;\"><b>What Do You Want?</b></span><br /><br /><b>What have you always thought was out of reach?</b>&nbsp;Did you think you\'d never run a 5K? Never be smaller than a size 10/8/4/etc? Have you been running but a marathon just seems absurd?<br /><br /><b>Nonsense.</b><br /><b><br /></b>Guess what? <b>You just found your goal.</b> Now what?<br /><br /><span style=\"font-size: large;\"><b>Plan For Success.</b></span><br /><br /><div style=\"clear: both; text-align: center;\"><a href=\"http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-BtawXxpYY1I/VKqT4QnD6fI/AAAAAAAAS0w/YuntDFRVz00/s1600/setgoalconquer.jpg\" style=\"clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;\"><img border=\"0\" src=\"http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-BtawXxpYY1I/VKqT4QnD6fI/AAAAAAAAS0w/YuntDFRVz00/s1600/setgoalconquer.jpg\" height=\"192\" width=\"320\" /></a></div>I mean that literally AND metaphorically. You\'ve got to <b>believe</b>&nbsp;that you\'re going to achieve it before you have a snowball\'s chance. That said, you need a solid plan that will get you there. Want to lose weight? Run a 5K? Marathon? There are plans to be designed to help <b>you</b>, specifically, achieve that goal. Not everyone is the same, and not everyone\'s road to victory will be either. Talk to a trainer or coach, use The Power of Google, or figure it out on your own. One way or another, you <b>must</b>&nbsp;have a plan and stick to it.<br /><br /><span style=\"font-size: large;\"><b>Yes, I said <u>Conquer</u>.</b></span><br /><br /><b>You\'re not just going to achieve your goal</b>, you\'re going to <u><b>conquer</b></u>&nbsp;it. You\'re not going to meekly ask the universe if you can pretty please have it this time...You\'re going to go out there and <b>take <u>your</u>&nbsp;</b>victory. Why? <b>Because why SHOULDN\'T you?</b>&nbsp;There is <u style=\"font-weight: bold;\">nothing</u>&nbsp;out of your reach as long as you\'re willing to put in the work to achieve it. It might not be easy, but you <b>can</b>&nbsp;and <b>WILL</b>&nbsp;do it.<br /><br /><span style=\"font-size: large;\"><b>I\'m Taking My Own Advice.</b></span><br /><br /><b>How, you ask?</b><br /><div style=\"clear: both; text-align: center;\"><a href=\"http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-cqvSWo1YRao/VKqRaksmtXI/AAAAAAAAS0U/f4jUd241Avk/s1600/marathon%2Bregistration.jpg\" style=\"margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;\"><img border=\"0\" src=\"http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-cqvSWo1YRao/VKqRaksmtXI/AAAAAAAAS0U/f4jUd241Avk/s1600/marathon%2Bregistration.jpg\" height=\"331\" width=\"500\" /></a></div><b>I\'m running my first marathon.</b><br /><b><br /></b>This year is about setting a goal, creating a plan, going out there and <b>getting it.&nbsp;</b><br /><br />This year <b>we conquer.</b>','2015 - The Year Of The Conqueror','','publish','open','open','','2015-the-year-of-the-conqueror','','','2017-01-08 23:30:35','2017-01-09 04:30:35','',0,'http://50.87.248.94/~sothisj4/?p=50',0,'post','',3),(51,1,'2014-12-31 12:13:00','2014-12-31 17:13:00','Tomorrow is New Year\'s Day. You know what that means...<br /><div style=\"clear: both; text-align: center;\"><a href=\"http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-pqE_yXO5rGY/VKN0BOtwqGI/AAAAAAAASSE/hpkInZkQJ1g/s1600/57617758.jpg\" style=\"margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;\"><img border=\"0\" src=\"http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-pqE_yXO5rGY/VKN0BOtwqGI/AAAAAAAASSE/hpkInZkQJ1g/s1600/57617758.jpg\" height=\"265\" width=\"400\" /></a></div><span style=\"font-size: large; font-weight: bold;\">Yes, that\'s right-&nbsp;</span><b>your gym is about to be </b><span style=\"font-size: large; font-weight: bold;\">flooded</span>&nbsp;with New Year\'s Resolution gym-goers. Your club will be <b>over-run</b>&nbsp;with people full of the short-lived self-starter motivation that only the promise of a new year\'s fresh start can bring.<br /><br /><b>How do you survive such a calamity?</b>&nbsp;Should you just stay home for a month until they lose steam and quit?<br /><br /><b>No. </b><u>You should go to your gym</u>. For more reasons than you might think.<br /><br /><a name=\'more\'></a><b style=\"font-size: x-large;\">This is the single most frustrating thing in the world.</b><br /><span style=\"font-size: large;\"><b><br /></b></span><div style=\"clear: both; text-align: center;\"><a href=\"http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-A9G1wkzcIyE/VKPg87kP9ZI/AAAAAAAASSU/WJ_h33FJaZ8/s1600/WWE.png\" style=\"clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;\"><img border=\"0\" src=\"http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-A9G1wkzcIyE/VKPg87kP9ZI/AAAAAAAASSU/WJ_h33FJaZ8/s1600/WWE.png\" height=\"318\" width=\"320\" /></a></div><b><br />Every year </b>countless people have the cliche New Year\'s Resolution to \"get in shape\" or \"lose weight\" or \"get healthy\"...etc. So they all go out and get a gym membership, and all the gyms are packed during January...then a little quieter during February...then by the time April rolls around it\'s back to normal.&nbsp;<b>Nearly EVERYONE </b>in the \"New Year\'s Resolution\" crowd falls off and quits.<br /><b><br /></b><u style=\"font-weight: bold;\">Not This Year.</u><br /><br />This year it\'s time for us to make a change.<br /><br />This year our gyms are not going to get flooded out for a month and then empty like the streets of Dodge City at high-noon.<br /><br /><b>This year we\'re going to do it right.</b><br /><b><br /></b><span style=\"font-size: large;\"><b>How. Do I. SURVIVE this?!</b></span><br /><br /><div style=\"clear: both; text-align: center;\"><a href=\"http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-DaREle7-DVY/VKPlCUKvz4I/AAAAAAAASSs/cYAMUN0tegQ/s1600/gym-no-idea.jpg\" style=\"clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;\"><img border=\"0\" src=\"http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-DaREle7-DVY/VKPlCUKvz4I/AAAAAAAASSs/cYAMUN0tegQ/s1600/gym-no-idea.jpg\" height=\"320\" width=\"317\" /></a></div><b>We\'re going to go about our business as usual.</b><br /><br />Whether you like it or not, these people are here. They have just as much right to be here as we do, and we should make them feel at home - after all...they\'re members now, <b>so they ARE home.</b><br /><br /><b>And maybe</b>...just <i>maybe</i>...if they feel \"at home\" enough...they\'ll be just comfortable enough to go up to staff or an experienced-looking gym member and ask a question. Maybe then they won\'t get discouraged and quit because <b>they don\'t know what they\'re doing.</b><br /><br />Maybe they\'ll feel they have such a positive workout environment they\'ll have the willpower to say no to that piece of pizza at home. Maybe then they won\'t quit because <b>no matter how hard they try they don\'t see results.</b><br /><b><br /></b><b>Maybe</b>...just maybe...<i>we can help these people succeed.</i><br /><br /><div style=\"clear: both; text-align: center;\"><a href=\"http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-lzw3amZ91mU/VKPjsSGO42I/AAAAAAAASSg/pq7aKaBjmRI/s1600/ce622e49893bd3cc95b19034b607fd8e.jpg\" style=\"clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;\"><img border=\"0\" src=\"http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-lzw3amZ91mU/VKPjsSGO42I/AAAAAAAASSg/pq7aKaBjmRI/s1600/ce622e49893bd3cc95b19034b607fd8e.jpg\" height=\"320\" width=\"320\" /></a></div><b><span style=\"font-size: large;\">Not everyone has to be a hero.</span></b><br /><b><br /></b><b>We don\'t all have to be the white knight and save the day.</b>&nbsp;If we all come at them like over-friendly cult members they might run away screaming anyway. So <b>how do you survive Gympocalypse</b>&nbsp;if you <i>just want to keep doing your thing?</i><br /><br /><b>Timing is everything.</b><br /><br />The gym is going to be busier at certain \"peak hours\". For my gym, this is generally 7 - 9 am and 5 - 7 pm. Want the easiest solution available?<br /><br /><b>Don\'t go during peak hours.</b><br /><b><br /></b>Same solution we alllll use when we don\'t want to hit rush hour traffic...just avoid the time of day you KNOW you\'ll hit it. It\'s that simple.<br /><br /><span style=\"font-size: large; font-weight: bold;\">This is not the end of the world.</span><br /><br />Rather, this is potentially the <b>beginning</b>&nbsp;of the rest of someone\'s life. Maybe <b>a lot</b>&nbsp;of someones. Shouldn\'t we be <b>encouraging</b>&nbsp;the people who are coming out of the woodwork joining the gym and making a resolution to achieve positive change? After all...if they\'re <b>actually</b>&nbsp;walking through the door...somewhere deep down there exists a <b>true desire</b>&nbsp;to make <b>real change</b>&nbsp;that lasts.<br /><table align=\"center\" cellpadding=\"0\" cellspacing=\"0\" style=\"margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;\"><tbody><tr><td style=\"text-align: center;\"><a href=\"http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-lSXeXJJhQxc/VKPnwnN9aCI/AAAAAAAASS4/1oNV4Pux2ng/s1600/aftert25front.jpg\" style=\"margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;\"><img border=\"0\" src=\"http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-lSXeXJJhQxc/VKPnwnN9aCI/AAAAAAAASS4/1oNV4Pux2ng/s1600/aftert25front.jpg\" height=\"320\" width=\"320\" /></a></td></tr><tr><td style=\"text-align: center;\">I started in August...but so what if it had been January?</td></tr></tbody></table>Don\'t forget...<b>we all started somewhere.</b><br /><br /><b>Joining in January doesn\'t make them any less worthy of being there or able to succeed </b>than if they joined in December, February or June.<br /><br />You can not only survive this...you can even help keep some of the Resolutioners from vanishing back into the self-loathing pit they crawled out of. <b>Keep your gym a positive place where positive change happens.<br /><br />Who knows...</b>You might just save someone\'s life.','Gympocalypse 2015','','publish','open','open','','gympocalypse-2015','','','2017-01-08 10:53:21','2017-01-08 15:53:21','',0,'http://50.87.248.94/~sothisj4/?p=51',0,'post','',0),(52,1,'2014-12-30 12:23:00','2014-12-30 17:23:00','<span style=\"font-size: large;\"><b>Wow...</b></span><br /><br />So much <i>happened</i>&nbsp;in 2014... Not just for me, but for a lot of people I know.<br /><br />2013 was a year of change. 2014 was a year of testing the waters, challenging ourselves, pushing the limits...<br /><br /><b>and shattering them to bits.&nbsp;</b><br /><div style=\"clear: both; text-align: center;\"><a href=\"http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-ibuGl7zIgdQ/VKKVKXW3utI/AAAAAAAASPo/6fJlQuPN5bQ/s1600/Screenshot_2014-01-01-10-38-44-1-1.png\" style=\"margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;\"><img border=\"0\" src=\"http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-ibuGl7zIgdQ/VKKVKXW3utI/AAAAAAAASPo/6fJlQuPN5bQ/s1600/Screenshot_2014-01-01-10-38-44-1-1.png\" height=\"123\" width=\"320\" /></a></div>Just what kind of change can you accomplish in a year? How far can someone come? This is my opportunity to look back and reflect...to appreciate the people I met, things I did, and how far I<i>&nbsp;</i>came...and to believe in what I can do in 2015. The Year Of The Conqueror is coming, but first I have to appreciate Limitless 2014.<br /><br /><a name=\'more\'></a><span style=\"font-size: large;\"><b>Where to even begin...</b></span><br /><br />2014 saw a newly-fit 25 year old man eager to take on the world. I had lost 125 lbs, I had crushed my 5K PR, and I had run my first half-marathon. I wanted to see what this new body could do...<b><i>what could possibly be next?</i></b><br /><b><i><br /></i></b><b>Everything.</b><br /><b><br /></b><br /><div style=\"clear: both; text-align: center;\"><a href=\"http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-GohdK5fFaCc/VKKVyVLIU4I/AAAAAAAASPw/ww1vE7147Hc/s1600/IMG_20140729_180448643_HDR.jpg\" style=\"clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;\"><img border=\"0\" src=\"http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-GohdK5fFaCc/VKKVyVLIU4I/AAAAAAAASPw/ww1vE7147Hc/s1600/IMG_20140729_180448643_HDR.jpg\" height=\"320\" width=\"180\" /></a></div>I took it upon myself to show just how much someone can accomplish when they set themselves to task. I ended up becoming <i>pretty </i>busy. I ran everything from 5K to half-marathon (6 of them!) and did a BUNCH of Obstacle Course Races (<a href=\"http://sothisisfitness.com/2014/10/the-beast.html\">including The Beast</a>...yikes!). By the time it was all said and done I had registered or otherwise committed for 37 races, and anticipated that I\'d do 40 by year\'s end. I would\'ve gotten there, too, if it weren\'t for <a href=\"http://www.sothisisfitness.com/2014/10/breaking-point-literally.html\">breaking my knee</a>&nbsp;(break was race 32, did 2 more post-injury).<br /><br /><b>That break was a game-changer for me.</b><br /><br />Why? <b>I got married this year!</b>&nbsp;My wife, Megan, is very understanding about this whole \"fitness\" and \"running\" thing...but the weekend I went to Killington and broke myself at The Beast was different. The \"in sickness &amp; in health\" clause got invoked in a big way, and not only could I not run...or workout...I couldn\'t even <i>walk</i>&nbsp;for 6 weeks. Megan had to help me with virtually everything.<br /><div style=\"clear: both; text-align: center;\"><a href=\"http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-vRfld-0RBtg/VKKXgTrhUjI/AAAAAAAASQM/1gGPWNlAgFQ/s1600/crutch.jpg\" style=\"clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;\"><img border=\"0\" src=\"http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-vRfld-0RBtg/VKKXgTrhUjI/AAAAAAAASQM/1gGPWNlAgFQ/s1600/crutch.jpg\" height=\"320\" width=\"178\" /></a></div><br /><b>I got a taste of what life is like for a lot of people.</b><br /><br />A lot of members at my gym come through the door battling something that is physically hindering their ability to take care of their health and fitness. For many of them, their malady is <i>not </i>going away &nbsp;in 6 - 12 weeks like mine did. While I can never fully understand what it\'s like to live your life like that, I got a sample...and I can appreciate how hard it is. <b>I am inspired</b>&nbsp;by the people that battle through this every day, especially those I see at my gym...<br /><br /><br /><span style=\"font-size: large;\"><b>Oh...and, I started working in Fitness full-time!</b></span><br /><div style=\"clear: both; text-align: center;\"><a href=\"http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-kWR6ZvQovQo/VKKX4RVypOI/AAAAAAAASQU/AKSew8EmdMI/s1600/AnytimeFitness.jpg\" style=\"clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;\"><img border=\"0\" src=\"http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-kWR6ZvQovQo/VKKX4RVypOI/AAAAAAAASQU/AKSew8EmdMI/s1600/AnytimeFitness.jpg\" height=\"75\" width=\"320\" /></a></div><br />I made a major life-change / career-shift and left the restaurant I had been at for 3 years (and my half-baked long-term plan) and became the Club Manager at an <a href=\"https://www.facebook.com/AnytimeFitnessMashpee\">Anytime Fitness near me</a>. The people I\'ve met and the opportunities that have opened up for me have been life-altering. I\'ve met so many people with so many stories...it\'s mind-blowing. I\'ve seen people come to tears in the face of a major achievement. I\'ve seen people spit in the face of adversity and begin their journey despite mountains of deterrents. I\'ve seen people go from self-loathing to self-loving. <b>It\'s simply incredible,</b>&nbsp;and I consider myself so fortunate to be a part of these peoples\' fitness journey. <b>They</b>&nbsp;inspire <b>me</b>&nbsp;to continue on and reach higher.<br /><br />2014 also saw some great professional relationships established. I was sponsored by so many different groups for my racing journey, and I\'m taking a great relationship with <a href=\"http://www.healthwarrior.com/\">Health Warrior</a>, <a href=\"https://www.facebook.com/CapeCodNutritionCorner.Plymouth\">Cape Cod Nutrition Corner</a> and <a href=\"https://www.perfectfuel.com/\">Perfect Fuel</a> into 2015.<br /><br />I can\'t wait to take on my next challenge. The Year of the Conqueror is coming. What did YOU accomplish in Limitless 2014...and what will you conquer in 2015?','2014 - Limitless','','publish','open','open','','2014-limitless','','','2017-06-23 06:43:29','2017-06-23 10:43:29','',0,'http://50.87.248.94/~sothisj4/?p=52',0,'post','',1),(807,1,'2017-01-21 08:46:11','2017-01-21 13:46:11','<span style=\"font-size: large;\"><b>Wow...</b></span><br /><br />So much <i>happened</i>&nbsp;in 2014... Not just for me, but for a lot of people I know.<br /><br />2013 was a year of change. 2014 was a year of testing the waters, challenging ourselves, pushing the limits...<br /><br /><b>and shattering them to bits.&nbsp;</b><br /><div style=\"clear: both; text-align: center;\"><a href=\"http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-ibuGl7zIgdQ/VKKVKXW3utI/AAAAAAAASPo/6fJlQuPN5bQ/s1600/Screenshot_2014-01-01-10-38-44-1-1.png\" style=\"margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;\"><img border=\"0\" src=\"http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-ibuGl7zIgdQ/VKKVKXW3utI/AAAAAAAASPo/6fJlQuPN5bQ/s1600/Screenshot_2014-01-01-10-38-44-1-1.png\" height=\"123\" width=\"320\" /></a></div>Just what kind of change can you accomplish in a year? How far can someone come? This is my opportunity to look back and reflect...to appreciate the people I met, things I did, and how far I<i>&nbsp;</i>came...and to believe in what I can do in 2015. The Year Of The Conqueror is coming, but first I have to appreciate Limitless 2014.<br /><br /><a name=\'more\'></a><span style=\"font-size: large;\"><b>Where to even begin...</b></span><br /><br />2014 saw a newly-fit 25 year old man eager to take on the world. I had lost 125 lbs, I had crushed my 5K PR, and I had run my first half-marathon. I wanted to see what this new body could do...<b><i>what could possibly be next?</i></b><br /><b><i><br /></i></b><b>Everything.</b><br /><b><br /></b><br /><div style=\"clear: both; text-align: center;\"><a href=\"http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-GohdK5fFaCc/VKKVyVLIU4I/AAAAAAAASPw/ww1vE7147Hc/s1600/IMG_20140729_180448643_HDR.jpg\" style=\"clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;\"><img border=\"0\" src=\"http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-GohdK5fFaCc/VKKVyVLIU4I/AAAAAAAASPw/ww1vE7147Hc/s1600/IMG_20140729_180448643_HDR.jpg\" height=\"320\" width=\"180\" /></a></div>I took it upon myself to show just how much someone can accomplish when they set themselves to task. I ended up becoming <i>pretty </i>busy. I ran everything from 5K to half-marathon (6 of them!) and did a BUNCH of Obstacle Course Races (<a href=\"http://sothisisfitness.com/2014/10/the-beast.html\">including The Beast</a>...yikes!). By the time it was all said and done I had registered or otherwise committed for 37 races, and anticipated that I\'d do 40 by year\'s end. I would\'ve gotten there, too, if it weren\'t for <a href=\"http://www.sothisisfitness.com/2014/10/breaking-point-literally.html\">breaking my knee</a>&nbsp;(break was race 32, did 2 more post-injury).<br /><br /><b>That break was a game-changer for me.</b><br /><br />Why? <b>I got married this year!</b>&nbsp;My wife, Megan, is very understanding about this whole \"fitness\" and \"running\" thing...but the weekend I went to Killington and broke myself at The Beast was different. The \"in sickness &amp; in health\" clause got invoked in a big way, and not only could I not run...or workout...I couldn\'t even <i>walk</i>&nbsp;for 6 weeks. Megan had to help me with virtually everything.<br /><div style=\"clear: both; text-align: center;\"><a href=\"http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-vRfld-0RBtg/VKKXgTrhUjI/AAAAAAAASQM/1gGPWNlAgFQ/s1600/crutch.jpg\" style=\"clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;\"><img border=\"0\" src=\"http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-vRfld-0RBtg/VKKXgTrhUjI/AAAAAAAASQM/1gGPWNlAgFQ/s1600/crutch.jpg\" height=\"320\" width=\"178\" /></a></div><br /><b>I got a taste of what life is like for a lot of people.</b><br /><br />A lot of members at my gym come through the door battling something that is physically hindering their ability to take care of their health and fitness. For many of them, their malady is <i>not </i>going away &nbsp;in 6 - 12 weeks like mine did. While I can never fully understand what it\'s like to live your life like that, I got a sample...and I can appreciate how hard it is. <b>I am inspired</b>&nbsp;by the people that battle through this every day, especially those I see at my gym...<br /><br /><br /><span style=\"font-size: large;\"><b>Oh...and, I started working in Fitness full-time!</b></span><br /><div style=\"clear: both; text-align: center;\"><a href=\"http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-kWR6ZvQovQo/VKKX4RVypOI/AAAAAAAASQU/AKSew8EmdMI/s1600/AnytimeFitness.jpg\" style=\"clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;\"><img border=\"0\" src=\"http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-kWR6ZvQovQo/VKKX4RVypOI/AAAAAAAASQU/AKSew8EmdMI/s1600/AnytimeFitness.jpg\" height=\"75\" width=\"320\" /></a></div><br />I made a major life-change / career-shift and left the restaurant I had been at for 3 years (and my half-baked long-term plan) and became the Club Manager at an <a href=\"https://www.facebook.com/AnytimeFitnessMashpee\">Anytime Fitness near me</a>. The people I\'ve met and the opportunities that have opened up for me have been life-altering. I\'ve met so many people with so many stories...it\'s mind-blowing. I\'ve seen people come to tears in the face of a major achievement. I\'ve seen people spit in the face of adversity and begin their journey despite mountains of deterrents. I\'ve seen people go from self-loathing to self-loving. <b>It\'s simply incredible,</b>&nbsp;and I consider myself so fortunate to be a part of these peoples\' fitness journey. <b>They</b>&nbsp;inspire <b>me</b>&nbsp;to continue on and reach higher.<br /><br />2014 also saw some great professional relationships established. I was sponsored by so many different groups for my racing journey, and I\'m taking a great relationship with <a href=\"http://www.healthwarrior.com/\">Health Warrior</a>, <a href=\"https://www.facebook.com/CapeCodNutritionCorner.Plymouth\">Cape Cod Nutrition Corner</a> and <a href=\"http://www.perfectfuelchocolate.com/\">Perfect Fuel</a> into 2015.<br /><br />I can\'t wait to take on my next challenge. The Year of the Conqueror is coming. What did YOU accomplish in Limitless 2014...and what will you conquer in 2015?','2014 - Limitless','','inherit','closed','closed','','52-revision-v1','','','2017-01-21 08:46:11','2017-01-21 13:46:11','',52,'http://sothisisfitness.com/2017/01/52-revision-v1.html',0,'revision','',0),(53,1,'2014-12-13 16:23:00','2014-12-13 21:23:00','<div><span style=\"font-size: large;\"><b>Nobody is immune.</b></span></div><div><br /></div><div>Up until 3 months ago, I was a 6-day-a-week fitness freak. I couldn\'t even really rest on my rest day..I\'d do yoga, or a long stretch session...<i>something</i>. <b>Up until 3 months ago</b>.&nbsp;</div><div><br /></div><div>Now I find it\'s easier...to just...<i>not</i>.<br /><table cellpadding=\"0\" cellspacing=\"0\" style=\"float: right; margin-left: 1em; text-align: right;\"><tbody><tr><td style=\"text-align: center;\"><a href=\"http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-YxPWWTDUu6k/VImQ4sxgyFI/AAAAAAAAMME/dDJzKnjmjlw/s1600/garfieldlazy_2816.jpeg\" style=\"clear: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;\"><img border=\"0\" src=\"http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-YxPWWTDUu6k/VImQ4sxgyFI/AAAAAAAAMME/dDJzKnjmjlw/s1600/garfieldlazy_2816.jpeg\" height=\"239\" width=\"320\" /></a></td></tr><tr><td style=\"text-align: center;\">Image from TVTropes.org</td></tr></tbody></table></div><div><br /></div><div>I\'m once again in the shoes of so many others. <i>I\'m sure you know what I mean.</i> It\'s so easy to just...sleep in. It\'s so easy to just...take a little too long having coffee...and <i>oops</i>...no time left to work out.&nbsp;</div><div><br /></div><div>But in the end...it\'s really not so easy... but you might not realize why until it\'s too late.<br /><br /><a name=\'more\'></a><span style=\"font-size: large;\"><b>I know because I did this already</b></span><br /><br />Sometimes, for an instant, I forget that <b>I was 300 lbs</b>&nbsp;two years ago. SOMETIMES I forget why I do what I do...and I fall back into bad habits...we ALL do.&nbsp;That extra half-hour of sleep I got by ignoring my alarm? <i>Wasn\'t really restful</i>. That extra time I stayed up last night? <i>I accomplished <u>zero</u> useful things.</i>&nbsp;<b>I could keep giving examples</b>&nbsp;(and I usually do) but the point is...all of these things we do...it\'s just <i>wasting time</i>. Sure, TV\'s great (and I happen to be on a Breaking Bad binge right now) but wouldn\'t it be even MORE great to<i>&nbsp;feel like you accomplished something</i>&nbsp;today?</div><div><br /></div><div><b>Yeah. It would.&nbsp;</b>Know why?<br /><span style=\"font-size: large;\"><b><br /></b></span><span style=\"font-size: large;\"><b>It\'ll always come back around in the long-term</b></span></div><div><br />Whether it\'s in a month, a year, or more...eventually you\'ll see the results - whether you wasted time or used it wisely. I miss that feeling of <b>accomplishment</b>&nbsp;when I lost a couple pounds, or when I completed a workout program...Honestly, the only thing I\'ve accomplished lately is losing muscle, gaining fat, and making a dent in my couch.<br /><b><br /></b><b>Backsliding sucks</b><br /><br /><table cellpadding=\"0\" cellspacing=\"0\" style=\"float: left; margin-right: 1em; text-align: left;\"><tbody><tr><td style=\"text-align: center;\"><a href=\"http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-repX36Ae7mo/VIxeke8fhWI/AAAAAAAAMTI/V0BhLqzqChE/s1600/1244.jpg\" style=\"clear: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;\"><img border=\"0\" src=\"http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-repX36Ae7mo/VIxeke8fhWI/AAAAAAAAMTI/V0BhLqzqChE/s1600/1244.jpg\" height=\"239\" width=\"320\" /></a></td></tr><tr><td style=\"text-align: center;\">Image from GalleryHip.com</td></tr></tbody></table>Example: I ran the Jingle Jog in Falmouth recently (recap coming soon) and I came in at 28:58. Many would say that\'s great, and for many...it is!<br /><b><br /></b><b>But <i><u>my</u></i>&nbsp;PR is about 23:30.</b><br /><br /><i>I can do better</i>&nbsp;than 28:58.&nbsp;Yes, I broke my knee. <b>Whoopee.</b>&nbsp;It\'s healed - not an excuse. That time and my current condition is a result of <b>not working out</b>&nbsp;for the last three months.&nbsp;<i>&nbsp;</i>Just&nbsp;<i>not&nbsp;</i><u>doing it</u> has&nbsp;<b>already</b>&nbsp;come back around to bite me.<i>&nbsp;</i>Imagine what would\'ve happened if I stayed out of it <i>longer.</i>&nbsp;Jeez...I might\'ve ended up right back at 300 lb square one...<br /><br /><span style=\"font-size: large;\"><b>And now I have extra work to do</b></span><br /><br /><b>I have to make up for all those losses. </b>I have to get back that 5 1/2 minutes I lost off my 5K time, gain back the muscle, lose the fat...<i><b>&nbsp;And the best part?</b></i><br /><i><b><br /></b></i><b>It takes longer to fix than it did to break.</b><br /><b><br /></b>It can take much longer to re-lose the weight than it did to gain it back.&nbsp;<b>That\'s incredibly discouraging.</b>&nbsp;Discouragement leads to lack of motivation. Lack of motivation leads you to...not. <b>See the sick little self-fueling cycle we fall into?</b><br /><br /><span style=\"font-size: large;\"><b>You owe it to yourself to NOT not-</b></span><br /><br />Every time you\'re thinking \"let\'s...not\"... just DO it. It\'s easier to not, but it\'s BETTER to <i>not </i>not. I <b>immensely </b>regret letting my fitness fall by the wayside. Hell, if I had stayed with my workouts...<i>I might not have broken my knee in The Beast!</i><br /><br /><span style=\"font-size: large;\"><b>It\'s time to do something about it.</b></span><br /><br /><b>You have to BEAT this. </b>Every time you\'re going to <i>not</i>...<b>hit it harder. </b>You KNOW you can do it, and you <b>know</b>&nbsp;the saying...<br /><div style=\"clear: both; text-align: center;\"><a href=\"http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-y8q4fCbwtKo/VIxcECY4h7I/AAAAAAAAMS8/_zbg42VsSUY/s1600/Workout-running-image.jpg\" style=\"margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;\"><img border=\"0\" src=\"http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-y8q4fCbwtKo/VIxcECY4h7I/AAAAAAAAMS8/_zbg42VsSUY/s1600/Workout-running-image.jpg\" height=\"167\" width=\"320\" /></a></div>I have already started - today is day 3 of Insanity. How about you?<br /><br /><b>No Regrets.</b></div>','It\'s Easier...To Not.','','publish','open','open','','its-easier-to-not','','','2017-01-08 16:59:43','2017-01-08 21:59:43','',0,'http://50.87.248.94/~sothisj4/?p=53',0,'post','',0),(54,1,'2014-11-26 13:09:00','2014-11-26 18:09:00','<b><span style=\"font-size: large;\">So here I am </span>playing at being some sort of \"expert\"</b>&nbsp;with all these race recaps I do...and after seeing a <a href=\"http://www.relentlessforwardcommotion.com/\">friend redoing all of HER race recaps</a> I came to the realization...<br /><br /><b>I\'m doing it wrong.</b><br /><div style=\"clear: both; text-align: center;\"></div><b></b><br /><div><a href=\"http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-bMJd49j5BdY/VF7hWzn8xYI/AAAAAAAALPw/S7_uLN7o-Bo/s1600/5-RACE-KEYS.jpg\" style=\"clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;\"><img border=\"0\" src=\"http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-bMJd49j5BdY/VF7hWzn8xYI/AAAAAAAALPw/S7_uLN7o-Bo/s1600/5-RACE-KEYS.jpg\" height=\"320\" width=\"320\" /></a><b><br /></b></div><div>I tend to talk. <b>A lot.</b>&nbsp;My blog posts have been long and drawn out...and in order to TRULY see what I think of a race you have to read the whole damn thing in its entirety. Don\'t get me wrong, I\'m thrilled when people do that...<b>but some people want the quick facts</b>.<br /><br />Frankly, I should\'ve been providing that all along.<br /><br />But HOW do you judge a race? What really makes it great, and how do you <b>MEASURE that</b>&nbsp;consistently from race to race? <br /><br />Well, <b>I figured it out.</b>&nbsp;5 key areas that make a great (or not-so-great) race.<br /><a name=\'more\'></a><span style=\"font-size: large;\"><b><br /></b></span><span style=\"font-size: large;\"><b>What Makes A Race Great?</b></span></div><div><br /></div><div>Five categories each on a 1 - 10 scale:</div><div><br /></div><div><b>1. Pre-Race</b><br /><b>2. Race-Day</b><br /><b>3. The Course</b><br /><b>4. Support/Swag</b><br /><b>5. Post-Race</b><br /><br />Those five categories are it, and you average them to get an overall score. <b>What falls into those categories will vary</b>&nbsp;from race to race, but when you want to qualify and quantify how a race is doing and you want to compare it to other races, this works. This will allow you to fairly compare, I think, most races. Let\'s break down what kinds of things can fall into each category.<br /><br /><b><span style=\"font-size: large;\">1. Pre-Race</span></b><br /><div style=\"clear: both; text-align: center;\"><a href=\"http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-KTRXDxKxnW8/VHXMJkhOvxI/AAAAAAAALr0/_eZxU7UdLKE/s1600/262%2Bchallenge%2Bconfirmation.jpg\" style=\"margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;\"><img border=\"0\" src=\"http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-KTRXDxKxnW8/VHXMJkhOvxI/AAAAAAAALr0/_eZxU7UdLKE/s1600/262%2Bchallenge%2Bconfirmation.jpg\" height=\"240\" width=\"400\" /></a></div><b>I\'m not talking changing rooms and water bottles</b>, this category is all about your experience BEFORE you even show up to the venue to lace up your shoes. In order to have a good race-day experience, it\'s important to be provided with all the important information ahead of time. The Pre-Race category considers (but is not limited to) the following:</div><div><ul><li>Availability/accuracy of information about the race before signing up</li><li>Ease of sign-up process / confirmation email</li><li>Ability to contact race company / race director if necessary</li><li>Availability of pre-race bib pick-up</li><li>Quality / execution of pre-race expo (if applicable)</li><li>Any and all pre-race communication including website updates, email / email newsletters and week-of-race reminders/updates</li></ul><div><b><span style=\"font-size: large;\">2. Race-Day</span></b><br /><div style=\"clear: both; text-align: center;\"><a href=\"http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-F0kxDqPbeyg/VHXNcDjqROI/AAAAAAAALr8/hDdh96zhyZ8/s1600/IMG_20140920_070259591.jpg\" style=\"margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;\"><img border=\"0\" src=\"http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-F0kxDqPbeyg/VHXNcDjqROI/AAAAAAAALr8/hDdh96zhyZ8/s1600/IMG_20140920_070259591.jpg\" height=\"225\" width=\"400\" /></a></div></div><div><b>From parking to registration to the starting line &amp; the word \"go\", </b>race-day organization and execution is crucial to a fun and successful race. This category is all about whether they\'ve \"got their stuff together\" when it comes time to put on the race itself. This category considers (but is not limited to):<br /><ul><li>Availability, ease, and organization of parking</li><li>Ease/availability/frequency of shuttles, if parking is off-site</li><li>Adequate volunteer/staff presence (not under-staffed/unable to handle crowd)</li><li>Volunteers / staff are knowledgeable on things they should...well...KNOW</li><li>Ease of registration/bib pickup (if on race-day)</li><li>Adequate communication (start time, delays, important information, etc)</li></ul></div><br /><div><b><span style=\"font-size: large;\">3. The Course</span></b><br /><div style=\"clear: both; text-align: center;\"><a href=\"http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-JTIwGCaZEOg/VHXN9Z9pdXI/AAAAAAAALsE/QL6Fm2X-AHs/s1600/hyannismap.jpg\" style=\"margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;\"><img border=\"0\" src=\"http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-JTIwGCaZEOg/VHXN9Z9pdXI/AAAAAAAALsE/QL6Fm2X-AHs/s1600/hyannismap.jpg\" height=\"207\" width=\"400\" /></a></div><b>It doesn\'t matter how well-organized, easy &amp; smooth everything goes if the course is garbage.</b>&nbsp;Some races\' claim to fame is their course itself, and many people consider difficulty level and scenery when choosing a race.This category is ALL about the course itself, and considers (but is not limited to) the following:</div><div><ul><li>The course is as described (maps, elevation charts, &amp; distance are accurate/as-described)</li><li>Visual appeal of race course</li><li>Difficulty level of race course (i.e. a \"family fun run\" doesn\'t have 32% grade hills)</li><li>Course is easy to follow / well-marked</li><li>Traffic management (if applicable)</li></ul></div><div><b><span style=\"font-size: large;\">4. Support/Swag</span></b><br /><div style=\"clear: both; text-align: center;\"></div><div style=\"clear: both; text-align: center;\"><a href=\"http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-l6pAhr2etfk/VHXPsfT0-RI/AAAAAAAALsU/41uQOuywAO4/s1600/IMG_20140412_114722402_HDR.jpg\" style=\"clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;\"><img border=\"0\" src=\"http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-l6pAhr2etfk/VHXPsfT0-RI/AAAAAAAALsU/41uQOuywAO4/s1600/IMG_20140412_114722402_HDR.jpg\" height=\"320\" width=\"180\" /></a></div><b><br /></b><b>Success or failure, and the rewards therein, are important</b>, This is where things like water stops, finishers/podium medals, t-shirts &amp; more come into play. <b>These are the things that help you finish &amp; help you remember your finish.</b>&nbsp;This is also where that \"special something extra\" comes into play. \"Support/Swag\" considers (but is not limited to):</div><div><ul><li>Availability of water/aid stations on-course (if applicable)</li><li>First-aid/medical on-course &amp; at festival (if applicable)</li><li>Restrooms/port-o-johns at festival &amp; on-course (if applicable)</li><li>\"Other\" volunteers on-course (morale, obstacles, etc - if applicable)</li><li>Finisher\'s medal (if applicable)</li><li>Awards for top finishers (if applicable)</li><li>Availability of (free) T-shirt, including correct size (if applicable)</li><li>\"Extras\"</li></ul><div><b><span style=\"font-size: large;\">5. Post-Race</span></b><br /><div style=\"clear: both; text-align: center;\"><a href=\"http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-y0t2JEQWDkM/VHXPU_Vys4I/AAAAAAAALsM/uPWqQ-hGTWs/s1600/FB_IMG_14052658294706706.jpg\" style=\"margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;\"><img border=\"0\" src=\"http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-y0t2JEQWDkM/VHXPU_Vys4I/AAAAAAAALsM/uPWqQ-hGTWs/s1600/FB_IMG_14052658294706706.jpg\" height=\"274\" width=\"320\" /></a></div><br /></div><div><b>You\'ve crossed the finish, it\'s all over...where\'s my banana! </b>What happens after you cross that finish and cool down is important - it is, after all, your last impression of the race! This category is all about what SHOULD be offered, what SHOULD happen, and follow-through on things they SAID would be offered &amp; happen...including (but not limited to):<br /><br /><ul><li>Availability of water post-race</li><li>Availability of food (i.e. bananas, etc) post-race</li><li>Quality of post-race festival (if applicable)</li><li>Are they just trying to sell me something?</li><li>Results posting</li><li>Awards ceremony (if applicable)</li><li>Availability/quality/accuracy of beer / post-race libations (if applicable)</li></ul><div><b>If each of these categories are done well</b>, the overall race experience should be excellent. Now and forever more, this system is how I will rate a race and decide if I\'ll ever run it again - I hope you find it useful. Now to go through all my previous race recaps and retrofit this in...</div><div><br /></div><div><b>How does YOUR most recent race stack up against this?</b></div></div></div></div>','5 Keys To A Great Race','','publish','open','open','','5-keys-to-a-great-race','','','2017-01-18 07:36:22','2017-01-18 12:36:22','',0,'http://50.87.248.94/~sothisj4/?p=54',0,'post','',0),(55,1,'2014-11-20 13:41:00','2014-11-20 18:41:00','<b>Hard work and a positive attitude will get you everywhere.</b><div><b><br /></b></div><div>It\'s been 8 weeks since surgery...&amp; in one more week I\'ll be returning to the starting line for my first \"race\" since I broke my knee. <b>That\'s 9 weeks since surgery...</b>I move quick ;).&nbsp;</div><div><a href=\"http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-ETTQKSwVi-s/VG3dQo4DvrI/AAAAAAAALb0/GTM5E7GK0Z8/s1600/500px-I\'m_back_baby!.png\" style=\"clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;\"><img border=\"0\" src=\"http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-ETTQKSwVi-s/VG3dQo4DvrI/AAAAAAAALb0/GTM5E7GK0Z8/s1600/500px-I\'m_back_baby!.png\" height=\"181\" width=\"320\" /></a></div><div><br />The race I chose for my triumphant return is probably one of the most historic, scenic 5K turkey trots you could ask for...right where it all started for USA - the <b><a href=\"https://runsignup.com/Race/MA/Plymouth/PlymouthThanksgivingDayPilgrim5KRunandWalk\">Plymouth Thanksgiving Day Pilgrim 5K.&nbsp;</a></b></div><div><b><br /></b></div><div><b>So there\'s that. </b>I\'m also already getting myself lined up for a BIG 2015...and a few someones have taken notice...<a name=\'more\'></a></div><div style=\"clear: both; text-align: center;\"></div><div><b><br /></b></div><div style=\"clear: both; text-align: center;\"><a href=\"http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-OXa6FtiBjb8/VG3hzFAEtqI/AAAAAAAALcA/CAcgD_89iFw/s1600/IMG_20141119_091541.jpg\" style=\"clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;\"><img border=\"0\" src=\"http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-OXa6FtiBjb8/VG3hzFAEtqI/AAAAAAAALcA/CAcgD_89iFw/s1600/IMG_20141119_091541.jpg\" height=\"200\" width=\"189\" /></a></div><div><b>Recovery is hard.</b>&nbsp;It\'s been a challenging road, and I\'m relieved to be coming out the other side. I understand just how fortunate I am that my broken knee wasn\'t worse &amp; didn\'t come with soft tissue damage (like a torn ACL). Thanks to <a href=\"http://www.drwilsterman.com/\">a kick-ass orthopedic surgeon</a>, a little guidance from <a href=\"http://www.mashpeephysicaltherapy.com/\">a physical therapist</a>, and a LOT of grit and determination, <b>I managed 2 miles on the treadmill yesterday.</b>&nbsp;</div><div><br /></div><div>Started with a walk, worked up to a jog, and before I knew it I was working a 12 minute mile. <b>Not bad for 2 weeks off the crutches.</b></div><div><br /></div><div><a href=\"http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-un9GpU-kJR4/VG3kTJ0fw_I/AAAAAAAALcM/XR478F2LHPQ/s1600/disbelief.jpg\" style=\"clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;\"><img border=\"0\" src=\"http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-un9GpU-kJR4/VG3kTJ0fw_I/AAAAAAAALcM/XR478F2LHPQ/s1600/disbelief.jpg\" height=\"200\" width=\"181\" /></a><b>My first goal</b>&nbsp;was to be able to do the <a href=\"https://www.facebook.com/falmouthchamberofcommercejinglejog\">Jingle Jog - a Christmas 5K</a> in my town on Dec. 6th. <b>Then I got ambitious</b>&nbsp;and decided to shoot for a turkey trot. <b>Literally everyone</b>&nbsp;I told looked at me like I was insane. So, naturally, <b>I worked harder to defy the odds.</b></div><div><b><br /></b></div><div>And then yesterday happened, affirming for me that I\'m good to go.</div><div><br /></div><div><span style=\"font-size: large;\"><b>So what about this turkey trot?</b></span></div><div><br /></div><div>Well, this race seems to be pretty great. It\'s put on by <a href=\"http://www.plymouthrockracing.com/\">Plymouth Rock Racing</a> and takes place in just about the GREATEST place for a Turkey Trot - Plymouth, MA (y\'know, home of the ORIGINAL Thanksgiving?).&nbsp;</div><div><br /></div><div style=\"clear: both; text-align: center;\"><a href=\"http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-SiWvyOvdGhs/VG3pbAgL_YI/AAAAAAAALcc/qlnQ1rhXpGo/s1600/plymouth%2Bturkey%2Btrot.jpg\" style=\"clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;\"><img border=\"0\" src=\"http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-SiWvyOvdGhs/VG3pbAgL_YI/AAAAAAAALcc/qlnQ1rhXpGo/s1600/plymouth%2Bturkey%2Btrot.jpg\" height=\"320\" width=\"115\" /></a></div><div>This course is a nice little flat &amp; fast 5K along the oldest road in the country - Old Sandwich Road. It\'s an out-and-back with the turnaround at \"the other rock\" in Plymouth - <a href=\"http://www.plymouthantiquariansociety.org/historic.htm\">Sacrifice Rock</a>.&nbsp;What is it? Apparently a very old Native American religious site. <b>Pretty cool</b>. This course is very scenic - I ran along Old Sandwich Rd for the <a href=\"http://www.sothisisfitness.com/2014/02/winter-warlock-recap.html\">Winter Warlock 5K</a>. I loved it covered in snow and I\'m sure I\'ll love it in the throes of late fall/early winter. <b>New England</b>...love/hate relationship...</div><div><br /></div><div><b>FUN FACT - </b>There\'s also <a href=\"https://runsignup.com/Race/MA/Plymouth/PlymouthTurkeyTrot\">a 5 mile turkey trot</a> that very same morning. Yes, <b>two turkey trots -</b>&nbsp;one morning (pretty sure Plymouth is the only town in America with two turkey trots same day). Do both and it\'s the Second Helping Challenge. I WAS planning on doing that...<b>then I broke my knee.</b>&nbsp;</div><div><br /></div><div>The 5 miler happens across town by the waterfront. It\'s actually a really great course and I\'m pretty bummed I\'m not participating. You run by about 5 major historic sites, including the Mayflower II, the Forefathers Monument, and Plymouth Rock. That\'s kind of Plymouth Rock Racing\'s M.O. though...with the history and beautiful courses and whatnot. <i>(More on that another day)</i></div><div><br /></div><div>If you\'re still looking for a turkey trot and you\'re anywhere near Plymouth...<b>register for this race.</b>&nbsp;Turkey trots are a dime a dozen, so why not do one (or two!) that\'s steeped in history along a beautiful course?</div><div><br /></div><div><b><span style=\"font-size: large;\">I mentioned I\'m getting set up for 2015...</span></b></div><div><br /></div><div>After <b>putting in WORK </b>on a ridiculous 2014...some people have taken notice. Within the next week (I think) I\'ll be one of 6 athletes featured in <a href=\"http://www.healthwarrior.com/\">Health Warrior\'s \"Conquer 2014\" series</a>, and...*dramatic pause*...</div><div style=\"clear: both; text-align: center;\"><a href=\"http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-Lz_hijxkilY/VG3tuci4MGI/AAAAAAAALco/j2nNNUH6oac/s1600/l.jpg\" style=\"margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;\"><img border=\"0\" src=\"http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-Lz_hijxkilY/VG3tuci4MGI/AAAAAAAALco/j2nNNUH6oac/s1600/l.jpg\" height=\"290\" width=\"320\" /></a></div><div><b><a href=\"http://www.capecodnutrition.com/index.html\">Cape Cod Nutrition Corner</a></b>&nbsp;will be announcing me as the newest addition to their <a href=\"https://www.facebook.com/CapeCodNutritionCorner.Plymouth\">Sponsored Athlete Team</a>! You heard it here first :) <b>Can\'t keep me down.</b></div><div><br /></div><div>Just goes to show, like I said before, <b>hard work and a positive attitude will get you everywhere.</b>&nbsp;See you at the starting line.</div>','Thanksgiving - The Triumphant Return','','publish','open','open','','thanksgiving-the-triumphant-return','','','2017-01-18 07:37:28','2017-01-18 12:37:28','',0,'http://50.87.248.94/~sothisj4/?p=55',0,'post','',0),(56,1,'2014-11-12 13:14:00','2014-11-12 18:14:00','<div style=\"clear: both; text-align: center;\"><a href=\"https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-dPVFGmOa8Xo/VGLe1AA9OnI/AAAAAAAALVU/bNwA7GQA95U/s1600/Pumpkin-Cheesecake.jpg\" style=\"clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;\"><img border=\"0\" height=\"155\" src=\"https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-dPVFGmOa8Xo/VGLe1AA9OnI/AAAAAAAALVU/bNwA7GQA95U/s320/Pumpkin-Cheesecake.jpg\" width=\"320\" /></a></div><b>You would think </b>that eating as clean as I try to, I wouldn\'t even THINK about anything most people would consider \"dessert\"... much less a CHEESECAKE. However... my wife found an <i>awesome</i>&nbsp;recipe for <b>ultra</b>-low fat, <i>pretty</i>&nbsp;low calorie pumpkin cheesecake.<br /><br />I always talk about how important nutrition is...well, it\'s time to start sharing some of the recipes that have helped me stick with it and get my nutrition in line. <b>STARTING WITH DESSERT!</b><br /><a name=\'more\'></a><b><span style=\"font-size: large;\"><u>Recipe:</u></span></b><br /><br /><b>Tools:</b><br />-Oven (obviously?)<br />-light cotton towel (I\'ll explain later)<br />-wax paper<br />-Spring-form pan<br />-Measuring cups/spoons/etc, spoons, spatulas, etc. Y\'know...<i>cooking things</i>&nbsp;that are probably in your kitchen if you\'re the type that\'s considering <b>cooking</b>&nbsp;something.<br />-Fridge (you have one, right?)<br />-Fork (to eat it with. you\'re not a caveman.)<br /><b><br /></b><b>Ingredients - Crust:</b><br />8 graham cracker squares<br />2 Tbsp Sugar (can substitute 2 Tbsp Sugar in the Raw Organic White)<br /><br /><b>Ingredients - Filling:</b><br />1 16 oz. can of pumpkin<br />16 oz. reduced fat cream cheese<br />1 cup fat free sour cream<br />4 egg whites<br />3/4 cup brown sugar<br />1 1/2 Tbsp pumpkin pie spice<br />1/4 tsp salt<br />1 tsp vanilla extract<br /><br /><b>Procedure:</b><br /><b><br /></b><b>1.</b> Preheat oven to 300 deg. Come back to that later...<br /><b>2.</b> In a food processor, grind graham crackers &amp; add 2 tbsp sugar - process lightly. <i>(This will be your crust...so process until it\'s...you know...<b>crust</b>&nbsp;consistency. That makes sense, right?)</i><br /><b>3.</b> Spray a spring-form pan with non-stick cooking spray.<br /><b>4.</b> Sprinkle the graham cracker mixture evenly over the bottom of your sprayed pan. Set this aside.<br /><b>5.</b> In food processor combine filling ingredients and process until well-blended.<br /><b>6.</b> VERY CAREFULLY pour over crust, trying not to disturb crumbs. <i>(It should settle nicely and smooth out to provide the appearance you\'d expect from a cheesecake.)</i><br /><b>7.</b> Bake at 300 degrees for 55 - 60 minutes.<br /><b>8.</b> <b>IMPORTANT</b>:&nbsp;Let it cool to room temperature with a light cotton towel over it (not touching the cake). If you don\'t let it cool before the next step you will be very sad. <i>(The towel bit is a tip from a 60\'s cookbook. It allows the cheesecake to breathe and it wicks away excess moisture. Trust me, just do it.)</i><br /><b>9.</b> Ditch the towel and LIGHTLY cover the cheesecake with wax paper. Let it chill in the fridge like this for <b>at least</b>&nbsp;a few hours (so it can set). Ideally, let it set overnight <i>(this is a good recipe to make afternoon or night).&nbsp;</i><br /><b>10.</b> Remove the sides from the spring-form pan. ENJOY!<br /><br />This recipe is meant to yield 8 servings/slices.<br />One serving = ~209 calories and less than 1 gram of fat.<br /><br />Disclaimer: The picture up top is NOT an actual picture of what my wife made...but it IS a pumpkin cheesecake. Yours will look similar.<br /><b><br />Tell me again why dessert is impossible :)</b>','Pumpkin Cheesecake? Yes, Please.','','publish','open','open','','pumpkin-cheesecake-yes-please','','','2017-01-08 10:55:06','2017-01-08 15:55:06','',0,'http://50.87.248.94/~sothisj4/?p=56',0,'post','',0),(57,1,'2014-11-03 12:34:00','2014-11-03 17:34:00','Well, <b>recovery is going great</b>. It feels like it\'s been about a million years, and sometimes I feel like I\'ve nearly forgotten what it\'s like to walk on my own two legs...but <i>I\'m almost out the other side of this.</i><br /><div style=\"clear: both; text-align: center;\"><a href=\"http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-5P9fxLf5gTQ/VFcIPEXRcNI/AAAAAAAALBw/ru3d_DZFaME/s1600/attitude.jpg\" style=\"margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;\"><img border=\"0\" src=\"http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-5P9fxLf5gTQ/VFcIPEXRcNI/AAAAAAAALBw/ru3d_DZFaME/s1600/attitude.jpg\" height=\"320\" width=\"320\" /></a></div>It\'s been almost 6 weeks since surgery. This week I start working my way off the crutches.&nbsp;<b>Victory.&nbsp;</b>I\'ve been doing my best to set myself up for success this whole time, from \"Moment Zero\" with the injury all the way through now. Proactivity and a positive attitude have gotten me pretty far. <b>Attitude can make or break you. </b>And I don\'t just mean dealing with injuries...<br /><a name=\'more\'></a><b><span style=\"font-size: large;\"><br /></span></b><div><b><span style=\"font-size: large;\">It\'s easy to give up.&nbsp;</span></b><br /><div><b><br /></b></div><div><b>You\'re injured...</b>that\'s it, I\'m ruined, I\'ll never be the same.&nbsp;</div><div><b>You stopped going to the gym for 3 weeks...</b>I can\'t show my face there again.&nbsp;</div><div><b>You got a divorce...</b>I\'m already THAT undesirable, working out won\'t help anything.</div><div><b>You haven\'t started...</b>It\'s never worked, it\'s never stuck, and it\'s never going to. Why bother?</div><div><b>The list goes on.</b></div><div><b><br /></b></div><div><b><br /></b></div><div>Any of these could plant you firmly on the couch never to be seen again...it\'s all about what you do next. Do you take the high road and plan for 5 steps from now, or do you wallow in the misery of the moment?&nbsp;</div><div><br /></div><div style=\"clear: both; text-align: center;\"><a href=\"http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-fDPXv2JdPeE/VFcN9gQXcpI/AAAAAAAALCA/n_0RaT1HWZU/s1600/reasonquit5.jpg\" style=\"clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;\"><img border=\"0\" src=\"http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-fDPXv2JdPeE/VFcN9gQXcpI/AAAAAAAALCA/n_0RaT1HWZU/s1600/reasonquit5.jpg\" height=\"320\" width=\"320\" /></a></div><div><b>Many of the greatest achievements of our time</b>&nbsp;would not have happened if someone had given up. <b>You simply can\'t let a bad attitude get the best of you.</b>&nbsp;Michael Jordan failed so many times it made his head spin...but how many people are wearing Air Jordans today? Albert Einstein didn\'t speak until he was 4 years old...and...well, I think we know how THAT turned out. <b>Get my point?</b></div><div><b><br /></b></div><div><b>Focus on the positive. Focus on what will drive you.</b>&nbsp;Is it your family? Is it loved ones? Is it a particular goal? Is it <i>doing something for <b>you</b>?</i>&nbsp;Whatever it is, find it, focus on it, and let it <b>push you</b>&nbsp;to achieve things that would otherwise be forever out of your grasp. <b>Need some motivation from the outside?</b>&nbsp;Seek friends who will empower you. If you need it, <b>there is a support system </b>just waiting for you to call on it.</div><div><br /></div><div><b>You are bigger than this...</b>whatever \"this\" may be. Every victory you can claim is important, even the little victories that seem insignificant.&nbsp;</div><div><br /></div><div>At 5 weeks out of surgery I was on a stationary bike working my knee. At just under 6 weeks, I\'m already gearing up to start really hitting the gym hard. I\'m <b>already planning</b>&nbsp;my next race. <b>Attitude is everything,</b>&nbsp;and my attitude is that I\'m getting back into it as fast as I can.&nbsp;</div><div style=\"clear: both; text-align: center;\"><a href=\"http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-BhkEI3Tzlow/VFcP0nHPB3I/AAAAAAAALCM/sNr2U3lWRGA/s1600/myvictory.jpg\" style=\"margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;\"><img border=\"0\" src=\"http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-BhkEI3Tzlow/VFcP0nHPB3I/AAAAAAAALCM/sNr2U3lWRGA/s1600/myvictory.jpg\" height=\"320\" width=\"320\" /></a></div><div>Broken bones heal, torn muscles mend, cuts, scrapes, bruises...they vanish in an instant...<i>but a broken spirit might not - and that\'s what negativity brings</i>. <b>I don\'t let it get there. </b>I\'m through being beaten down. Now, <b>I will not </b>be broken. When I fall, <b>I will get back up</b>&nbsp;stronger than before. This is my personal victory every single day.&nbsp;<b>Find Your Victory...</b>and embrace it.</div></div>','Attitude Is Everything','','publish','open','open','','attitude-is-everything','','','2017-01-08 17:00:41','2017-01-08 22:00:41','',0,'http://50.87.248.94/~sothisj4/?p=57',0,'post','',0),(58,1,'2014-11-03 04:22:00','0000-00-00 00:00:00','<b>Often we get lost</b>&nbsp;in what\'s going on. Life is busy. There\'s just <b>so much</b>&nbsp;that demands our attention. We\'re...just...so <b>busy</b>. There\'s not enough time in the day for sleep, work, fitness, nutrition, social life, kids, relaxation...We\'re so crunched for time the newest fitness craze is to jam it into as little time as possible!<br /><div style=\"clear: both; text-align: center;\"><a href=\"http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-axtZd4WSzRU/VFG-CyK22AI/AAAAAAAAK50/cBfl46kLE1o/s1600/T25-Why-it-Works.jpeg\" style=\"margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;\"><img border=\"0\" src=\"http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-axtZd4WSzRU/VFG-CyK22AI/AAAAAAAAK50/cBfl46kLE1o/s1600/T25-Why-it-Works.jpeg\" height=\"180\" width=\"400\" /></a></div><div style=\"text-align: center;\"><a href=\"http://www.sothisisfitness.com/p/my-transformation.html\"><b>Yes, </b>I did T25.</a> <a href=\"http://www.sothisisfitness.com/p/beachbody-coach.html\"><b>Yes,</b>&nbsp;I liked it.</a> <b>NO</b>, this is <i>not </i>an advertisement.</div><br /><b>T25 just illustrates my point though</b>...It\'s an issue.&nbsp;Sometimes it\'s <strike>helpful</strike>&nbsp;...<strike>important</strike>&nbsp;...<i>necessary </i>to step back and just <b>breathe</b>&nbsp;for a minute. With my knee busted I\'ve...well...<b>been forced</b>&nbsp;to do just that. It gave me time to figure some things out...<br /><a name=\'more\'></a><br /><b><span style=\"font-size: large;\">I don\'t want to say I\'m glad this happened...</span>&nbsp;</b><br /><br />But on some level...I think I have to take the good with the bad. Every once in a while it\'s good to take stock of where you\'re at, where you came from, and where you want to be. If I hadn\'t been sidelined like this...I\'m not sure when, or even IF...I would have (at least, not any time soon).<br /><br />I was so caught up in this whole \"lose your limits\" thing...that I lost sight of the importance of everything else I have going on.','Clarity and Perspective','','draft','open','open','','','','','2014-11-03 04:22:00','0000-00-00 00:00:00','',0,'http://50.87.248.94/~sothisj4/?p=58',0,'post','',0),