(145,1,'2016-07-11 12:59:00','2016-07-11 12:59:00','<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','','inherit','closed','closed','','19-revision-v1','','','2016-07-11 12:59:00','2016-07-11 12:59:00','',19,'http://50.87.248.94/~sothisj4/?p=145',0,'revision','',0),(147,1,'2016-05-30 00:25:00','2016-05-30 00:25:00','<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','','inherit','closed','closed','','21-revision-v1','','','2016-05-30 00:25:00','2016-05-30 00:25:00','',21,'http://50.87.248.94/~sothisj4/?p=147',0,'revision','',0),(149,1,'2016-05-03 12:38:00','2016-05-03 12:38:00','<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','','inherit','closed','closed','','23-revision-v1','','','2016-05-03 12:38:00','2016-05-03 12:38:00','',23,'http://50.87.248.94/~sothisj4/?p=149',0,'revision','',0),(151,1,'2016-02-20 16:35:00','2016-02-20 16:35:00','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','','inherit','closed','closed','','25-revision-v1','','','2016-02-20 16:35:00','2016-02-20 16:35:00','',25,'http://50.87.248.94/~sothisj4/?p=151',0,'revision','',0),(195,1,'2017-01-04 00:08:55','2017-01-04 00:08:55','<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<a style=\"clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;\" href=\"https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-KRx01vB7hvQ/WFwRlh-ejxI/AAAAAAAArgY/GBIx7I_8e7E-nVy64J7ITH25g1H-lnnYACLcB/s1600/wordswag_1482391383546.jpg\"><img src=\"https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-KRx01vB7hvQ/WFwRlh-ejxI/AAAAAAAArgY/GBIx7I_8e7E-nVy64J7ITH25g1H-lnnYACLcB/s320/wordswag_1482391383546.jpg\" width=\"320\" height=\"319\" border=\"0\" /></a><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','','','2017-01-04 00:08:55','2017-01-04 00:08:55','',8,'http://50.87.248.94/~sothisj4/?p=195',0,'revision','',0),(878,1,'2017-02-01 23:05:52','2017-02-02 04:05:52','<h2>Sometimes we get locked into a sick cycle of failure.</h2>\nWhen that happens... things can seem pretty hopeless. We can seem completely lost. Permanently locked into a neverending circle of mediocrity and non-progress. Eventually, we might give up hope of success completely.\n\nIt\'s when we find ourselves in those desperate, terrible situations... that we need to believe in ourselves and the power of change more than ever. We need to believe that we CAN try again... and that THIS time... things WILL be different. We NEED to BELIEVE.\n\nIt\'s time we try. Just ONE more time.\n\n<!--more-->\n<h2>I\'ve been there. I get it.</h2>\nThis is hard. It can seem completely hopeless. it can seem like a lost cause and you\'ll never get there... especially since you\'ve already tried this 5 times with no positive result. <strong>Y\'know what?</strong> Like the old saying goes... fall down 7 times... get up 8. It\'s up to us to believe... that THIS TIME... just one... last... try...\n\n<strong>This time... things CAN... and WILL... be different. </strong>\n\nThere\'s a method to the madness here. Today\'s episode will cover the following bases:\n<ul>\n<ul>\n<ul>\n 	<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">My run today and what I think it means for my big goals</span></li>\n 	<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">My “big resurgence” with STIF</span></li>\n 	<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">How to ACTUALLY have THIS time be different. Do that by:</span>\n<ul>\n 	<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Acknowledging past failures, owning it, and being able to move forward</span></li>\n 	<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Understanding WHY and HOW you failed in the past</span></li>\n 	<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Know yourself</span></li>\n 	<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Getting your head right</span></li>\n 	<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Setting the goal</span></li>\n 	<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Developing the plan</span></li>\n 	<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Executing and following through</span></li>\n 	<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Figuring out what happens when you get there</span></li>\n</ul>\n</li>\n</ul>\n</ul>\n</ul>\nI firmly believe, as a result of having been there, that if you just BELIEVE firmly enough... this time really, truly CAN and WILL be different. Have a little faith in yourself.\n\nPlease, do reach out if you like. podcast@sothisisfitness.comfind me online:\n\nAnd find me online:\n\nwww.facebook.com/sothisisfitness\nwww.instagram.com/sothisisfitness\nwww.twitter.com/sothisisfitness\nwww.sothisisfitness.com\n\nFind our sponsors online, too!\n\nwww.runtruenorth.com\nwww.hopheadevents.com\nwww.foolproofbrewing.com','#23 - This Time WILL Be Different','','inherit','closed','closed','','874-autosave-v1','','','2017-02-01 23:05:52','2017-02-02 04:05:52','',874,'http://sothisisfitness.com/2017/02/874-autosave-v1.html',0,'revision','',0),(155,1,'2017-01-01 22:46:45','2017-01-01 22:46:45','','STIF-new-banner-\'14-blogger','','inherit','open','closed','','stif-new-banner-14-blogger','','','2017-01-01 22:46:45','2017-01-01 22:46:45','',0,'http://50.87.248.94/~sothisj4/wp-content/uploads/2017/01/STIF-new-banner-14-blogger.jpg',0,'attachment','image/jpeg',0),(156,1,'2017-01-01 22:48:40','2017-01-01 22:48:40','','itunes_podcast_logo','','inherit','open','closed','','itunes_podcast_logo','','','2017-01-01 22:48:40','2017-01-01 22:48:40','',0,'http://50.87.248.94/~sothisj4/wp-content/uploads/2017/01/itunes_podcast_logo.png',0,'attachment','image/png',0),(447,1,'2017-01-10 18:11:51','2017-01-10 23:11:51','','PhotoGrid_1463489144103','','inherit','open','closed','','photogrid_1463489144103','','','2017-01-10 18:11:51','2017-01-10 23:11:51','',0,'http://50.87.248.94/~sothisj4/wp-content/uploads/2017/01/PhotoGrid_1463489144103.jpg',0,'attachment','image/jpeg',0),(443,1,'2017-01-10 18:11:33','2017-01-10 23:11:33','','sleep__square','','inherit','open','closed','','sleep__square','','','2017-01-10 18:11:33','2017-01-10 23:11:33','',0,'http://50.87.248.94/~sothisj4/wp-content/uploads/2017/01/sleep__square.jpg',0,'attachment','image/jpeg',0),(444,1,'2017-01-10 18:11:37','2017-01-10 23:11:37','','goku eat','','inherit','open','closed','','goku-eat','','','2017-01-10 18:11:37','2017-01-10 23:11:37','',0,'http://50.87.248.94/~sothisj4/wp-content/uploads/2017/01/goku-eat.png',0,'attachment','image/png',0),(445,1,'2017-01-10 18:11:42','2017-01-10 23:11:42','','sponge-bob','','inherit','open','closed','','sponge-bob','','','2017-01-10 18:11:42','2017-01-10 23:11:42','',0,'http://50.87.248.94/~sothisj4/wp-content/uploads/2017/01/sponge-bob.jpg',0,'attachment','image/jpeg',0),(446,1,'2017-01-10 18:11:45','2017-01-10 23:11:45','','Snake-Oil-Ad','','inherit','open','closed','','snake-oil-ad','','','2017-01-10 18:11:45','2017-01-10 23:11:45','',0,'http://50.87.248.94/~sothisj4/wp-content/uploads/2017/01/Snake-Oil-Ad.jpg',0,'attachment','image/jpeg',0),(431,1,'2017-01-10 18:10:38','2017-01-10 23:10:38','','12002898_10156036810185068_2215877450671638072_n','','inherit','open','closed','','12002898_10156036810185068_2215877450671638072_n','','','2017-01-10 18:10:38','2017-01-10 23:10:38','',0,'http://50.87.248.94/~sothisj4/wp-content/uploads/2017/01/12002898_10156036810185068_2215877450671638072_n.jpg',0,'attachment','image/jpeg',0),(432,1,'2017-01-10 18:10:45','2017-01-10 23:10:45','','IMG_20150412_131239409','','inherit','open','closed','','img_20150412_131239409-2','','','2017-01-10 18:10:45','2017-01-10 23:10:45','',0,'http://50.87.248.94/~sothisj4/wp-content/uploads/2017/01/IMG_20150412_131239409-1.jpg',0,'attachment','image/jpeg',0),(433,1,'2017-01-10 18:10:49','2017-01-10 23:10:49','','BXdF38VIIAAKF3r','','inherit','open','closed','','bxdf38viiaakf3r','','','2017-01-10 18:10:49','2017-01-10 23:10:49','',0,'http://50.87.248.94/~sothisj4/wp-content/uploads/2017/01/BXdF38VIIAAKF3r.jpg',0,'attachment','image/jpeg',0),(434,1,'2017-01-10 18:10:56','2017-01-10 23:10:56','','screen-shot-2013-09-02-at-8-41-02-pm','','inherit','open','closed','','screen-shot-2013-09-02-at-8-41-02-pm','','','2017-01-10 18:10:56','2017-01-10 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22:24:06','',0,'http://50.87.248.94/~sothisj4/wp-content/uploads/2017/01/beast-2014-finish-broken.jpg',0,'attachment','image/jpeg',0),(414,1,'2017-01-10 17:24:12','2017-01-10 22:24:12','','IMG_20150412_131239409','','inherit','open','closed','','img_20150412_131239409','','','2017-01-10 17:24:12','2017-01-10 22:24:12','',0,'http://50.87.248.94/~sothisj4/wp-content/uploads/2017/01/IMG_20150412_131239409.jpg',0,'attachment','image/jpeg',0),(918,1,'2017-02-10 05:51:02','2017-02-10 10:51:02','<h2>\"It\'s not enough\".</h2>\r\nWe get told, every single day, that \"it\'s not enough\". The \"it\" may vary, and the person telling us that \"it\'s not enough\" varies too. The point remains the same. We don\'t measure up. We are not yet satisfactory. IT is not yet satisfactory. Maybe that \"it\" is \"the amount of time we have in a day\". Maybe that \"it\" is \"how pretty you are\". \"It\" could be any number of things.\r\n\r\nThere are some very important things to consider. On this lovely snow day, I took a moment to stop, smell the (snow-covered) roses, and really think about all of this. It\'s not an easy thing to talk about... but I\'m good at talking. And I\'ve been there... just like with all of this stuff... it\'s nice to get something off my chest that I\'ve dealt with for so long. <!--more-->\r\n<h2><strong>Podcast Episode 24 delves into the issue of \"It\'s not enough\"</strong></h2>\r\nDiscussion in this episode will include:\r\n<ul>\r\n 	<li>Snow days, and \"taking a break\"</li>\r\n 	<li>Time Management &amp; Prioritization</li>\r\n 	<li>The February \"What\'s In The Box?\"</li>\r\n 	<li>Being \"not pretty enough\", \"not good enough\" and just generally... \"not enough\"</li>\r\n 	<li>When being \"not enough\" is ok, and how to tell the difference</li>\r\n</ul>\r\nIt\'s a long talk. It\'s a tough talk. You\'ll find, I\'m sure... it\'s worth it. Below you\'ll find the link to the resources and sponsors mentioned in this episode.\r\n<h3><strong>Episode 24 Resources</strong></h3>\r\n<a href=\"http://sothisisfitness.com/time-management-planner\">Find the Time Management / Weekly Planner sheet here</a>\r\n\r\n<a href=\"http://sothisisfitness.com/2013/09/making-it-work-time-management.html\">Find the original \"Time Management - Making It Work\" blog post here</a>\r\n<h3><strong>Listen to the So THIS Is Fitness Podcast</strong></h3>\r\nTo listen, you can either use the player below OR browse the following links:\r\n<ul>\r\n 	<li><a href=\"https://itunes.apple.com/us/podcast/so-this-is-fitness/id1185769801?mt=2&amp;ls=1\">Subscribe On iTunes</a></li>\r\n 	<li><a href=\"http://subscribeonandroid.com/sothisisfitness.libsyn.com/rss\">Subscribe On Android</a></li>\r\n 	<li><a href=\"http://www.sothisisfitness.libsyn.com/rss\">Subscribe via RSS</a></li>\r\n</ul>\r\n<h3><strong>Support the show by supporting our sponsors!</strong></h3>\r\n<a href=\"http://www.foolproofbrewing.com\">Visit Foolproof Brewing Company\'s website</a>\r\n\r\n<a href=\"http://www.hopheadevents.com\">Visit the Hophead Events website</a>\r\n\r\n<a href=\"http://www.runtruenorth.com\">Visit the True North Running Co. website</a>\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n<iframe style=\"border: none;\" src=\"//html5-player.libsyn.com/embed/episode/id/5072134/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/0fe92b/\" width=\"500\" height=\"90\" scrolling=\"no\" allowfullscreen=\"allowfullscreen\"></iframe>','Podcast Episode 24 - \"It\'s Not Enough\"','','publish','open','open','','podcast-episode-24-not-enough','','','2017-02-10 05:51:02','2017-02-10 10:51:02','',0,'http://sothisisfitness.com/?p=918',0,'post','',0),(920,1,'2017-02-09 23:29:02','2017-02-10 04:29:02','','','','inherit','open','closed','','wordswag_1486700267693','','','2017-02-09 23:29:25','2017-02-10 04:29:25','',918,'http://sothisisfitness.com/wp-content/uploads/2017/02/wordswag_1486700267693.jpg',0,'attachment','image/jpeg',0),(923,1,'2017-02-10 00:01:47','2017-02-10 05:01:47','<h2>\"It\'s not enough\".</h2>\r\nWe get told, every single day, that \"it\'s not enough\". The \"it\" may vary, and the person telling us that \"it\'s not enough\" varies too. The point remains the same. We don\'t measure up. We are not yet satisfactory. IT is not yet satisfactory. Maybe that \"it\" is \"the amount of time we have in a day\". Maybe that \"it\" is \"how pretty you are\". \"It\" could be any number of things.\r\n\r\nThere are some very important things to consider. On this lovely snow day, I took a moment to stop, smell the (snow-covered) roses, and really think about all of this. It\'s not an easy thing to talk about... but I\'m good at talking. And I\'ve been there... just like with all of this stuff... it\'s nice to get something off my chest that I\'ve dealt with for so long. <!--more-->\r\n<h2><strong>Podcast Episode 24 delves into the issue of \"It\'s not enough\"</strong></h2>\r\nDiscussion in this episode will include:\r\n<ul>\r\n 	<li>Snow days, and \"taking a break\"</li>\r\n 	<li>Time Management &amp; Prioritization</li>\r\n 	<li>The February \"What\'s In The Box?\"</li>\r\n 	<li>Being \"not pretty enough\", \"not good enough\" and just generally... \"not enough\"</li>\r\n 	<li>When being \"not enough\" is ok, and how to tell the difference</li>\r\n</ul>\r\nIt\'s a long talk. It\'s a tough talk. You\'ll find, I\'m sure... it\'s worth it. Below you\'ll find the link to the resources and sponsors mentioned in this episode.\r\n<h3><strong>Episode 24 Resources</strong></h3>\r\n<a href=\"http://sothisisfitness.com/time-management-planner\">Find the Time Management / Weekly Planner sheet here</a>\r\n\r\n<a href=\"http://sothisisfitness.com/2013/09/making-it-work-time-management.html\">Find the original \"Time Management - Making It Work\" blog post here</a>\r\n<h3><strong>Listen to the So THIS Is Fitness Podcast</strong></h3>\r\nTo listen, you can either use the player below OR browse the following links:\r\n<ul>\r\n 	<li><a href=\"https://itunes.apple.com/us/podcast/so-this-is-fitness/id1185769801?mt=2&amp;ls=1\">Subscribe On iTunes</a></li>\r\n 	<li><a href=\"http://subscribeonandroid.com/sothisisfitness.libsyn.com/rss\">Subscribe On Android</a></li>\r\n 	<li><a href=\"http://www.sothisisfitness.libsyn.com/rss\">Subscribe via RSS</a></li>\r\n</ul>\r\n<h3><strong>Support the show by supporting our sponsors!</strong></h3>\r\n<a href=\"http://www.foolproofbrewing.com\">Visit Foolproof Brewing Company\'s website</a>\r\n\r\n<a href=\"http://www.hopheadevents.com\">Visit the Hophead Events website</a>\r\n\r\n<a href=\"http://www.runtruenorth.com\">Visit the True North Running Co. website</a>','Podcast Episode 24 - \"It\'s Not Enough\"','','inherit','closed','closed','','918-revision-v1','','','2017-02-10 00:01:47','2017-02-10 05:01:47','',918,'http://sothisisfitness.com/2017/02/918-revision-v1.html',0,'revision','',0),(172,1,'2017-01-02 03:34:49','2017-01-02 03:34:49','http://50.87.248.94/~sothisj4/wp-content/uploads/2017/01/cropped-STIF-new-banner-14-blogger.jpg','cropped-STIF-new-banner-14-blogger.jpg','','inherit','open','closed','','cropped-stif-new-banner-14-blogger-jpg','','','2017-01-02 03:34:49','2017-01-02 03:34:49','',0,'http://50.87.248.94/~sothisj4/wp-content/uploads/2017/01/cropped-STIF-new-banner-14-blogger.jpg',0,'attachment','image/jpeg',0),(407,1,'2017-01-10 06:46:11','2017-01-10 11:46:11','','bloglovin follow button','','inherit','open','closed','','bloglovin-follow-button','','','2017-01-10 06:46:11','2017-01-10 11:46:11','',0,'http://50.87.248.94/~sothisj4/wp-content/uploads/2017/01/bloglovin-follow-button.png',0,'attachment','image/png',0),(408,1,'2017-01-10 06:47:58','2017-01-10 11:47:58','','Bloglovin Follow Button','','inherit','open','closed','','bloglovin-button-copy_zpsa45bfcc6','','','2017-01-10 07:27:13','2017-01-10 12:27:13','',0,'http://50.87.248.94/~sothisj4/wp-content/uploads/2017/01/bloglovin-button-copy_zpsa45bfcc6.jpg',0,'attachment','image/jpeg',0),(750,1,'2017-01-18 06:20:19','2017-01-18 11:20:19','<h3><strong><em>Sometimes...the important thing is to just GET OUT THERE...</em></strong></h3>\r\nIt\'s a new year...with a new set of goals...and a new reason to <strong>get out there</strong>. With such lofty goals as a 22 hour 100 miler and a sub-4 hour marathon... no training opportunity can be passed up. That said... when presented with the opportunity to run a half-marathon in an otherwise mostly race-barren month... who am I to say no? So, off I went to Plymouth for Winter Warlock 2017.\r\n\r\nLet\'s just say... it didn\'t go exactly how I thought it would... in a number of ways. I\'m still trying to decide how I feel about that. <!--more-->\r\n\r\n<em>(Disclosure: I was provided a complimentary registration to this event - this was not payment or compensation of any kind, nor did it influence my review. As always, all opinions are honest and my own.)</em>\r\n<h3><strong>I\'m a race junkie.</strong></h3>\r\nAnyone that knows me knows I love a good race. They\'re fun, and they\'re a great opportunity to <strong>get out there</strong>, push yourself, and see where you\'re at. <strong>Competition</strong>, whether against yourself or others, is the true litmus test of your current fitness level and athletic ability - it makes you push in a way you wouldn\'t on any normal day. So, like I said...when presented with the opportunity to run a race...I just can\'t pass it up. Not every race, however, is the most spectacular event to land a permit.\r\n<h4><strong>I always give the benefit of the doubt.</strong></h4>\r\nI can\'t help myself, really - <strong>I\'m a bright-sider.</strong> When you preach positivity for so long you kind of can\'t help but just live that way on a daily basis. <em>It\'s my curse, </em>what can I say? So when a race isn\'t perfect...I tend to downplay shortcomings, make up excuses, and sugar-coat mistakes that were made. Sometimes, yes, there are perfectly reasonable explanations... and sometimes, <em>sure</em>, its understandable how something happened... but sometimes...\r\n<h4><strong>You have to call it like you see it.</strong></h4>\r\nWhen I ran Winter Warlock this past Sunday...I had mixed feelings. I decided it was best to stick as close as I can to my \"5 Keys To A Great Race\" as a means to rate the race...and we\'ll see where the chips fall. <em>(If you haven\'t already read \"5 Keys..</em>.\", click here and read it so this makes sense.) <strong>L</strong><strong>et\'s dive right in. FAIR WARNING - </strong>this is gonna be a little long... there\'s a lot of things I feel the need to mention.\r\n<h3><strong>Winter Warlock Recap &amp; Rating based on my \"5 Keys\"</strong></h3>\r\n<em>If you just want the score, scroll through for the headers and the total at the bottom. </em>\r\n<h3><strong>Pre-Race - 7</strong></h3>\r\nPre-race is a tough category for me to really judge on since I actually signed up as a same-day on-site registration, but I would be remiss if I didn\'t share what I heard from many people.\r\n\r\n<em><strong>Take this with a grain of salt,</strong> as it was not my personal experience:<strong> </strong>I\'m in a hyper-local running-focused Facebook group where a lot of people complained that it was just days before the race and they hadn\'t gotten any correspondance. Just before the event (Friday 1/13/17 at 11:14 am) someone said they DID receive an email, which they forwarded to me. For the most part, the email had all the info you\'d want... but it seems aside from a sign-up confirmation...this email Friday morning before a Sunday race was the only thing they heard from the race.</em>\r\n\r\nHad I personally been in these shoes, how I felt may have adjusted my ranking. As it stands, I had a pretty average pre-race experience - the information I needed was online and available, and I was able to show up on race day to sign up.\r\n<h3><img class=\"size-medium wp-image-721 alignright\" src=\"http://sothisisfitness.com/wp-content/uploads/2017/01/winter-warlock-gps-issue-300x148.png\" alt=\"Winter Warlock GPS Issue\" width=\"300\" height=\"148\" /><strong>Race Day - 6</strong></h3>\r\nI\'m honestly really disappointed on this category. First thing on the list of \"Race Day\" is showing up. Well...take a look at the photo here and you\'ll see the issue.\r\n\r\nThe race website, email, and registration page all tell you the race begins and ends at Plimoth Plantation, with a GPS-friendly address of 137 Warren Avenue. That address is also where Google Maps/Navigation takes you when you type \"Plymouth Plantation\", and it\'s the address on Plimoth Plantation\'s website. Naturally, one would assume this is the right place. On race day, though, when I followed those directions it took me to a beachside restaurant...NOT Plimoth Plantation. Fortunately I\'m a smart cookie and know how to bang a u-turn and follow road signs to Plimoth Plantation (3 minutes away). If you\'re not from around here...this could\'ve been a big problem.\r\n\r\n<strong>My dilemma here... </strong>is that I WISH the race director had clarified this, but I can also see how this could easily happen...and Lord knows it won\'t happen again (I hope). It\'s the first year he\'s held this at Plimouth Plantation, and I think we locals all take for granted that we know how the hell to get there. So, to be extra helpful, he hops on the website or google maps and finds the actual ADDRESS of it for non-locals. Well...frankly, even if he HADN\'T provided that GPS address, everyone\'s GPS STILL would\'ve taken them there, except we\'d be blaming Google or Apple and not the race director. Should he have done that extra step? <em>Sure</em>. Is it ultimately all his fault some of us landed in the wrong place? <em>Maybe not</em>. I did...and I didn\'t follow the faulty address he gave.\r\n\r\n<strong>The mixed-bag of \"race day\" experience continued...</strong>\r\n\r\nOnce I DID find the entrance to Plymouth Plantation...well, there was no sign or indication of \"hey this is where you go to park\" or \"EVENT HERE\". The entrance off the \"main road\" had no signage, so once I figured out I had driven by the best &amp; only entrance...I turned around (again, GPS kept telling me there were more \"access roads\" to get in...false).\r\n\r\nOnce I actually turned IN to Plimoth Plantation, there was a volunteer that directed me to the main parking lot. Ample parking there, but no sign to the registration area. I understand this is a little thing, and yes I figured it out by following the crowd and looking around for a minute...but <em>I shouldn\'t have to \"figure it out\".</em>\r\n<h4><strong>Once you got in the building... things were good.</strong></h4>\r\n<img class=\"size-medium wp-image-747 alignright\" src=\"http://sothisisfitness.com/wp-content/uploads/2017/01/IMG_20170115_095317_519-300x300.jpg\" alt=\"Winter Warlock pre-race photo\" width=\"300\" height=\"300\" />Same-day registration was a snap, and it looks like pre-registered number pick-up was pretty easy, too. I even got a t-shirt as a same-day! Though, in hindsight, I think benches may have been set up between the same-day reg table and the shirts as a \"you can\'t come in here\"...<em>oops</em>. Didn\'t seem like it at the time.\r\n\r\nPlimoth Plantation\'s indoor bathrooms were open/available (which was nice) and there were port-o-johns outside (ample bathrooms). I happened to be outside in the 15 minutes prior to the race, but it seems clear there was an indoor announcement telling people to get outside for the start. Start notification while outside? My only indication was when everyone started migrating behind the start line. Meh, that\'s pretty normal I think.\r\n<h4><strong>But our final send-off was less than stellar.</strong></h4>\r\nThe pre-race \"speech\" came off kind of gruff and bothered me a bit. It was somewhat...passively... <em>condescending </em>maybe? It was a bit preachy and had a very \"don\'t-complain-please\" attitude, which could\'ve easily been sarcastic (just like Paul Clark at the Cambridge Classic 5K\'s) except...you  could tell he was serious and not laughing it off or anything.\r\n\r\nHe made a point of saying if you win something stick around because he\'s NOT mailing awards, hey we bought you some nice food so stick around after, can-i-get-a-clap, I love headphones but USATF doesn\'t so I don\'t buy insurance from them, etc. I dunno...I just feel like he could\'ve delivered the exact same info but in a cheery way that left everyone pumped up and ready to rock. After that, we began the race about 6 minutes late...with no apparent reason for the lateness. Not the best way to go off. :/\r\n<h3><strong>The Course -  6</strong></h3>\r\nWinter Warlock offered a 5K &amp; 10K (just like the first time I ran it a few years ago) and also offered a half-marathon and 18 mile option. I opted for the half-marathon, so that\'s what I\'m speaking on. The half-marathon course itself was nice enough - rolling hills, some flat parts, some paved road, some dirt road. It was an out and back, with the far half of the out/back being on Old Sandwich Road - the oldest dirt road in the country. It was kind of cool (and I\'ve run that road before), despite intense potholes in the first 2 miles of OSR (not the race\'s fault, and he DID warn us about it).\r\n\r\n<strong>I DID have three main complaints which docked points:</strong>\r\n<h4><strong>1.) Traffic management &amp; thus, runner safety, concerned me.</strong></h4>\r\nCops WERE present at major intersections...but the rest of the course was the concern...I didn\'t see any road signs alerting motorists of a road race in progress (or coming, for days before). The course was not closed, and we weren\'t instructed to keep tight to the shoulder or anything. As such, people mostly took up the entire side of the road in the first half of the race. This effectively blocked a side of the street and created a little bedlam when a car would try to pass &amp; come upon an oncoming car. Add into that people starting to turn around in the middle of the street at the 5K &amp; 10K turnarounds...<em>eek. </em>\r\n<h4><strong>2.) Course marking.</strong></h4>\r\nJust like there was no \"hey, this is where you park for the race\" sign when you arrived for registration...well, that\'s exactly where a \"hey, turn here to finish the race\" sign should\'ve been. <strong>There wasn\'t.</strong> This was the ONLY signage issue on an otherwise well-marked course...but unfortunately it was an IMPORTANT course marking to miss.<strong> </strong>I figured out where to go because, again, <em>I\'m a smart cookie</em> and I recognized that the finish area was down the same road we went to park. I heard many people who were much faster than me cruised right by it and ran too far.\r\n\r\nBut the third, and arguably biggest issue (for me)?\r\n<h4><strong>3.) The half-marathon course was .6 miles short.</strong></h4>\r\nI can understand maybe a tenth (.1) of a mile... but having your half-marathon course over half a mile short... Sorry, but it\'s kind of an essential basic that your race needs to  be the distance you advertise. That could\'ve been easily avoided by just a little more care when dropping your turnaround marker. That was a big deduction. It seems all the other race turnarounds were correct...well, <em>that\'s nice</em>...but I ran the <del>half-marathon</del> 12.5 miler, so that\'s what I\'m speaking on. TO HIS CREDIT, when I chatted with the race director post-race he DID own up to the short course before I even mentioned it...but man, when did you figure it out? When one of the Cambridge Classic 5K\'s was too long due to a police/lead car error...they told us. Tell people you whoopsied, make an announcement, an apology...SOMETHING. Just acknowledge it.\r\n\r\n<strong><img class=\"size-medium wp-image-745 aligncenter\" src=\"http://sothisisfitness.com/wp-content/uploads/2017/01/distance-marker-turnaround-300x82.png\" alt=\"Winter Warlock Turnaround Markers\" width=\"300\" height=\"82\" />Also - </strong>just realized...the email broke down where water stops were. The water stops doubled as the turnarounds. It\'s very clearly and intelligently laid down - 1.5, 3.1, 6.1, and 9 miles. All appropriate half-way turnaround points... except... 6.1? So where and when in the process did the \"whoopsie\" on the distance happen? *sigh*\r\n<h3><strong>Swag / Support - 7</strong></h3>\r\nThere was an EMT and ambulance on-site and available. <em>Check.</em> There were 4 water stops, which really meant for the <del>half-marathon</del> 12.5 miler I got 5, not 3. <em>Check</em>. Swag - already mentioned there was a nice enough long-sleeve tee for the race (said all 4 distances on it), and there WAS a finisher\'s medal for the <del>half-marathon</del> and 18 miler.\r\n<h4><strong>It seems there was a lack of volunteer help, though.</strong></h4>\r\nI WAS a bit bothered that there was nobody handing out medals at the finish. Like, if my wife hadn\'t pointed out the small tupperware of medals after the finish arch I would\'ve completely missed it. As a matter of fact, I was looking around for the person handing out medals. That...idk...just feels like a basic thing. Stick someone at the finish to hand out medals. I was a little bummed at the medal - it was kinda cheap &amp; generic. Didn\'t really feel special. I don\'t know much about races and medal purchasing, so who knows how much those things cost...but I\'ve run half-marathons that cost the same and have a much nicer, race-specific medal. Oh well.\r\n\r\nNo finish-line photos either, which weren\'t advertised or promised, so not docking points...I guess its just something I\'ve come to expect at races, whether its free or for profit. Guess maybe I\'m spoiled. So...overall...average on the swag/support.\r\n<h3><strong>Post-Race - 7</strong></h3>\r\nPost-race wasn\'t bad...just wasn\'t mind-blowing. Once you crossed the finish, water was available right there (grab it yourself, ok...no problem). No signs directing you to the post-race party...but again...<em>smart cookie.</em> Followed the crowd and found it - wasn\'t hard. The email said the post-race party was \"catered\". It was a nice enough spread, for sure - little scones, pastries, fruit, coffee and tea. I\'m not complaining, I guess I just pictured...something...<em>more</em>... when I hear \"catered\" and someone makes a big deal about saying \"we bought some nice food for you\" at the pre-race speech. But, hey, catered food was promised, and catered food was provided.\r\n<h4>It bothered me that it ran out so fast, though.</h4>\r\nWhile Megan was keeping warm she told me all the spectators went to that room and piled plates high - I could\'ve sworn I saw someone with a cookie, but I saw none on the table. By the time the last runners came in, not much was left (if anything). The very last runner...nothing was left. TO HIS CREDIT - the race director rushed over to congratulate him and threw himself at the guy offering to get him whatever he needed in terms of food or drink - that was nice to see.\r\n<h3><strong>Winter Warlock Overall Rating - 66/100 (D)</strong></h3>\r\n<strong><img class=\"size-medium wp-image-748 alignright\" src=\"http://sothisisfitness.com/wp-content/uploads/2017/01/IMG_20170115_141819_706-300x300.jpg\" alt=\"Sunday runday winter warlock\" width=\"300\" height=\"300\" /></strong>\r\n\r\n<strong>Would I recommend Winter Warlock?? </strong>\r\n\r\nI mean, shoot, you see my complaints laid out in black and white right here - if those get cleaned up I\'d recommend it all day. Will they get cleaned up? I\'d like to think so, yes. In all honesty, I went into this race expecting kind of a mess  - complaints about past Plymouth Rock Racing events flew around online. That\'s all neither here nor there - we\'re talking about Winter Warlock, and overall, despite my concerns (which I did dock points for), I had a pretty good experience.\r\n\r\n<strong>TO BE FAIR - </strong> I interviewed four different participants about (among other things) their experience. All four of them had nothing but good things to say and had a positive experience. For all the rumblings and complaining Megan said she heard on-site from the 5K, 10K\'ers, &amp; fast half-marathoners it appears there were plenty of people that had a good experience, too.\r\n<h4><strong>Like I said, I\'m a firm believer in \"the benefit of the doubt\" and positive change. </strong></h4>\r\nAs far as I\'m concerned, Winter Warlock 2017 looked, <em>overall</em>, like a move in the right direction...improving on some things that had been a source of complaints in the past. There\'s still some work to do, but we\'re getting there. Let\'s continue improving and moving forward, PRR - the more good races and options we all have...the better :)','Race Recap - Winter Warlock 2017','','inherit','closed','closed','','713-revision-v1','','','2017-01-18 06:20:19','2017-01-18 11:20:19','',713,'http://sothisisfitness.com/2017/01/713-revision-v1.html',0,'revision','',0),(877,1,'2017-02-01 22:57:28','2017-02-02 03:57:28','<h2>Sometimes we get locked into a sick cycle of failure.</h2>\r\nWhen that happens... things can seem pretty hopeless. We can seem completely lost. Permanently locked into a neverending circle of mediocrity and non-progress. Eventually, we might give up hope of success completely.\r\n\r\nIt\'s when we find ourselves in those desperate, terrible situations... that we need to believe in ourselves and the power of change more than ever. We need to believe that we CAN try again... and that THIS time... things WILL be different. We NEED to BELIEVE.\r\n\r\nIt\'s time we try. Just ONE more time.\r\n\r\n<!--more-->\r\n<h2>I\'ve been there. I get it.</h2>\r\nThis is hard. It can seem completely hopeless. it can seem like a lost cause and you\'ll never get there... especially since you\'ve already tried this 5 times with no positive result. <strong>Y\'know what?</strong> Like the old saying goes... fall down 7 times... get up 8. It\'s up to us to believe... that THIS TIME... just one... last... try...\r\n\r\n<strong>This time... things CAN... and WILL... be different. </strong>\r\n\r\nThere\'s a method to the madness here. Today\'s episode will cover the following bases:\r\n<ul>\r\n<ul>\r\n<ul>\r\n 	<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">My run today and what I think it means for my big goals</span></li>\r\n 	<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">My “big resurgence” with STIF</span></li>\r\n 	<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">How to ACTUALLY have THIS time be different. Do that by:</span>\r\n<ul>\r\n 	<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Acknowledging past failures, owning it, and being able to move forward</span></li>\r\n 	<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Understanding WHY and HOW you failed in the past</span></li>\r\n 	<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Know yourself</span></li>\r\n 	<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Getting your head right</span></li>\r\n 	<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Setting the goal</span></li>\r\n 	<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Developing the plan</span></li>\r\n 	<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Executing and following through</span></li>\r\n 	<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Figuring out what happens when you get there</span></li>\r\n</ul>\r\n</li>\r\n</ul>\r\n</ul>\r\n</ul>\r\nI firmly believe, as a result of having been there, that if you just BELIEVE firmly enough... this time really, truly CAN and WILL be different. Have a little faith in yourself.\r\n\r\nPlease, do reach out if you like. podcast@sothisisfitness.comfind me online:\r\n\r\nAnd find me online:\r\n\r\nwww.facebook.com/sothisisfitness\r\nwww.instagram.com/sothisisfitness\r\nwww.twitter.com/sothisisfitness\r\nwww.sothisisfitness.com\r\n\r\nFind our sponsors online, too!\r\n\r\nwww.runtruenorth.com\r\nwww.hopheadevents.com\r\nwww.foolproofbrewing.com','#23 - This Time WILL Be Different','','inherit','closed','closed','','874-revision-v1','','','2017-02-01 22:57:28','2017-02-02 03:57:28','',874,'http://sothisisfitness.com/2017/02/874-revision-v1.html',0,'revision','',0),(874,1,'2017-02-01 22:57:28','2017-02-02 03:57:28','<h2>Sometimes we get locked into a sick cycle of failure.</h2>\r\nWhen that happens... things can seem pretty hopeless. We can seem completely lost. Permanently locked into a neverending circle of mediocrity and non-progress. Eventually, we might give up hope of success completely.\r\n\r\nIt\'s when we find ourselves in those desperate, terrible situations... that we need to believe in ourselves and the power of change more than ever. We need to believe that we CAN try again... and that THIS time... things WILL be different. We NEED to BELIEVE.\r\n\r\nIt\'s time we try. Just ONE more time.\r\n\r\n<!--more-->\r\n<h2>I\'ve been there. I get it.</h2>\r\nThis is hard. It can seem completely hopeless. it can seem like a lost cause and you\'ll never get there... especially since you\'ve already tried this 5 times with no positive result. <strong>Y\'know what?</strong> Like the old saying goes... fall down 7 times... get up 8. It\'s up to us to believe... that THIS TIME... just one... last... try...\r\n\r\n<strong>This time... things CAN... and WILL... be different. </strong>\r\n\r\nThere\'s a method to the madness here. Today\'s episode will cover the following bases:\r\n<ul>\r\n<ul>\r\n<ul>\r\n 	<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">My run today and what I think it means for my big goals</span></li>\r\n 	<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">My “big resurgence” with STIF</span></li>\r\n 	<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">How to ACTUALLY have THIS time be different. Do that by:</span>\r\n<ul>\r\n 	<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Acknowledging past failures, owning it, and being able to move forward</span></li>\r\n 	<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Understanding WHY and HOW you failed in the past</span></li>\r\n 	<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Know yourself</span></li>\r\n 	<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Getting your head right</span></li>\r\n 	<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Setting the goal</span></li>\r\n 	<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Developing the plan</span></li>\r\n 	<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Executing and following through</span></li>\r\n 	<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Figuring out what happens when you get there</span></li>\r\n</ul>\r\n</li>\r\n</ul>\r\n</ul>\r\n</ul>\r\nI firmly believe, as a result of having been there, that if you just BELIEVE firmly enough... this time really, truly CAN and WILL be different. Have a little faith in yourself.\r\n\r\nPlease, do reach out if you like. podcast@sothisisfitness.com\r\n\r\nAnd find me online:\r\n\r\nwww.facebook.com/sothisisfitness\r\nwww.instagram.com/sothisisfitness\r\nwww.twitter.com/sothisisfitness\r\nwww.sothisisfitness.com\r\n\r\nFind our sponsors online, too!\r\n\r\nwww.runtruenorth.com\r\nwww.hopheadevents.com\r\nwww.foolproofbrewing.com\r\n\r\n[podcast src=\"https://html5-player.libsyn.com/embed/episode/id/5047005/height/90/width/450/theme/custom/autonext/no/thumbnail/yes/autoplay/no/preload/no/no_addthis/no/direction/forward/render-playlist/no/custom-color/32cd32/\" height=\"90\" width=\"450\"]','#23 - This Time WILL Be Different','','publish','open','open','','23-time-will-different','','','2017-02-02 12:37:07','2017-02-02 12:37:07','',0,'http://sothisisfitness.com/?p=874',0,'post','',0),(875,1,'2017-02-01 22:35:23','2017-02-02 03:35:23','','IMG_20151107_172455447','','inherit','open','closed','','img_20151107_172455447','','','2017-02-01 22:35:23','2017-02-02 03:35:23','',874,'http://sothisisfitness.com/wp-content/uploads/2017/02/IMG_20151107_172455447.jpg',0,'attachment','image/jpeg',0),(876,1,'2017-02-01 22:43:48','2017-02-02 03:43:48','','','','inherit','open','closed','','wordswag_1486006964154','','','2017-02-01 22:44:19','2017-02-02 03:44:19','',874,'http://sothisisfitness.com/wp-content/uploads/2017/02/wordswag_1486006964154.jpg',0,'attachment','image/jpeg',0),(182,1,'2017-01-03 02:42:33','2017-01-03 02:42:33','http://50.87.248.94/~sothisj4/wp-content/uploads/2017/01/cropped-itunes_podcast_logo.png','cropped-itunes_podcast_logo.png','','inherit','open','closed','','cropped-itunes_podcast_logo-png','','','2017-01-03 02:42:33','2017-01-03 02:42:33','',0,'http://50.87.248.94/~sothisj4/wp-content/uploads/2017/01/cropped-itunes_podcast_logo.png',0,'attachment','image/png',0),(184,1,'2017-01-11 13:28:24','2017-01-11 18:28:24','<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><a style=\"clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;\"><img src=\"https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-GZJ2oLvcO6M/WGh70GcPPuI/AAAAAAAArsI/d8Vtf1C-J3Aj2TlseG0hfCO1ad7R_u5gwCLcB/s200/IMG_20161231_175340_649.jpg\" width=\"200\" height=\"200\" border=\"0\" /></a></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-autosave-v1','','','2017-01-11 13:28:24','2017-01-11 18:28:24','',6,'http://50.87.248.94/~sothisj4/?p=184',0,'revision','',0),(185,1,'2017-01-03 03:50:25','2017-01-03 03:50:25','<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><a style=\"clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;\"><img src=\"https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-GZJ2oLvcO6M/WGh70GcPPuI/AAAAAAAArsI/d8Vtf1C-J3Aj2TlseG0hfCO1ad7R_u5gwCLcB/s200/IMG_20161231_175340_649.jpg\" width=\"200\" height=\"200\" border=\"0\" /></a></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','','','2017-01-03 03:50:25','2017-01-03 03:50:25','',6,'http://50.87.248.94/~sothisj4/?p=185',0,'revision','',0),(187,1,'2017-01-03 05:16:58','2017-01-03 05:16:58','<em><strong>\"Who\'s this jerk think he is?\"</strong></em>\r\n\r\nThis \"jerk\" is a regular guy...an \"Average Joe\"...just like you.\r\n\r\n<span style=\"text-decoration: underline;\"><strong>And that\'s the point.</strong></span>\r\n\r\nWhat\'s the difference between me and you? Maybe its that I lost 130 lbs. Maybe it\'s that I\'ve finished at least 5 marathons. Or a 50 mile ultramarathon. Or a <em>100 mile ultramarathon</em>. Maybe it\'s that <em>I started &amp; stuck to a fitness routine</em><em>.</em> <em><strong>Maybe its nothing.</strong></em>\r\n\r\n<em><strong>I\'m. nobody. special.</strong></em><em> </em>\r\n\r\nI\'m just a guy that hit a breaking point and finally did something about his situation. Changed what I had, until that point, viewed as my permanent reality. I <em>took control</em> and made a change. <strong>A big change.</strong> One that has reshaped my whole life and world view.\r\n\r\n<strong>It wasn\'t easy.</strong>\r\n\r\nThere were countless times I wanted to quit. Give up. It would\'ve been so much easier to just...<em>not</em>. It still IS easier.\r\n\r\n<strong>It\'s a constant struggle.</strong>\r\n\r\nAnd I know I\'m not the only one who fights that battle. <strong>So here I am - </strong>sharing my story - both the struggles AND successes...to show you...\r\n\r\n<strong>If <em>I </em>can do it...<span style=\"text-decoration: underline;\"><em>anyone can.</em></span></strong>\r\n\r\n130 pounds lost? 100 mile ultramarathon finish? <em>I\'m just getting warmed up.</em>\r\n\r\n<em>Want a little more detail on the journey and my story (complete with pics)? Check it out the <a href=\"http://sothisisfitness.com/meet-darrell/findingfitness\">\"finding fitness\"</a> and <a href=\"http://sothisisfitness.com/meet-darrell/my-journey\">\"my journey\"</a> pages.</em>\r\n\r\n<strong>So...THIS is \"fitness\"...</strong>\r\n\r\n<em>I\'m not a doctor, nutritionist, dietitian, or the like...I\'m just a guy who\'s been through it and done his homework. All opinions here are my own. You should probably consult a doctor before making radical changes to your health, fitness, or nutrition habits.</em>','About','','publish','closed','closed','','meet-darrell','','','2017-01-13 22:21:18','2017-01-14 03:21:18','',0,'http://50.87.248.94/~sothisj4/?page_id=187',0,'page','',0),(188,1,'2017-01-03 05:00:34','2017-01-03 05:00:34','<em><strong>\"Who\'s this jerk think he is?\"</strong></em>\r\n\r\nThis \"jerk\" is a regular guy...an \"Average Joe\"...just like you.\r\n\r\n<span style=\"text-decoration: underline;\"><strong>And that\'s the point.</strong></span>\r\n\r\nWhat\'s the difference between me and you? Maybe its that I lost 130 lbs. Maybe it\'s that I\'ve finished at least 5 marathons. Or a 50 mile ultramarathon. Or a <em>100 mile ultramarathon</em>. Maybe it\'s that <em>I started &amp; stuck to a fitness routine</em><em>.</em> <em><strong>Maybe its nothing.</strong></em>\r\n\r\n<em><strong>I\'m nobody special.</strong></em><em> </em>\r\n\r\nI\'m just a guy that hit a breaking point and finally did something about his situation. Changed what I had, until that point, viewed as my permanent reality. I <em>took control</em> and made a change. <strong>A big change.</strong> One that has reshaped my whole life and world view.\r\n\r\n<strong>It wasn\'t easy.</strong>\r\n\r\nThere were countless times I wanted to quit. Give up. It would\'ve been so much easier to just...<em>not</em>. It still IS easier.\r\n\r\n<strong>It\'s a constant struggle.</strong>\r\n\r\nAnd I know I\'m not the only one who fights that battle. <strong>So here I am - </strong>sharing my story - both the struggles AND successes...to show you...\r\n\r\n<strong>If <em>I </em>can do it...<span style=\"text-decoration: underline;\"><em>anyone can.</em></span></strong>\r\n\r\nSo...THIS is \"fitness\"...','About','','inherit','closed','closed','','187-revision-v1','','','2017-01-03 05:00:34','2017-01-03 05:00:34','',187,'http://50.87.248.94/~sothisj4/?p=188',0,'revision','',0),(189,1,'2017-01-03 05:02:54','2017-01-03 05:02:54','<em><strong>\"Who\'s this jerk think he is?\"</strong></em>\r\n\r\nThis \"jerk\" is a regular guy...an \"Average Joe\"...just like you.\r\n\r\n<span style=\"text-decoration: underline;\"><strong>And that\'s the point.</strong></span>\r\n\r\nWhat\'s the difference between me and you? Maybe its that I lost 130 lbs. Maybe it\'s that I\'ve finished at least 5 marathons. Or a 50 mile ultramarathon. Or a <em>100 mile ultramarathon</em>. Maybe it\'s that <em>I started &amp; stuck to a fitness routine</em><em>.</em> <em><strong>Maybe its nothing.</strong></em>\r\n\r\n<em><strong>I\'m. nobody. special.</strong></em><em> </em>\r\n\r\nI\'m just a guy that hit a breaking point and finally did something about his situation. Changed what I had, until that point, viewed as my permanent reality. I <em>took control</em> and made a change. <strong>A big change.</strong> One that has reshaped my whole life and world view.\r\n\r\n<strong>It wasn\'t easy.</strong>\r\n\r\nThere were countless times I wanted to quit. Give up. It would\'ve been so much easier to just...<em>not</em>. It still IS easier.\r\n\r\n<strong>It\'s a constant struggle.</strong>\r\n\r\nAnd I know I\'m not the only one who fights that battle. <strong>So here I am - </strong>sharing my story - both the struggles AND successes...to show you...\r\n\r\n<strong>If <em>I </em>can do it...<span style=\"text-decoration: underline;\"><em>anyone can.</em></span></strong>\r\n\r\n130 pounds lost? 100 mile ultramarathon finish? <em>I\'m just getting warmed up.</em>\r\n\r\n<strong>So...THIS is \"fitness\"...</strong>','About','','inherit','closed','closed','','187-revision-v1','','','2017-01-03 05:02:54','2017-01-03 05:02:54','',187,'http://50.87.248.94/~sothisj4/?p=189',0,'revision','',0),(882,1,'2017-02-04 15:48:03','2017-02-04 20:48:03','<h2>Being healthy does not mean deprivation.</h2>\r\nOne crucial thing I had to learn during my initial 130 lb weight loss journey... was how not to deprive myself. I had to find a way to satisfy the cravings I had while still \"eating healthy\". I loved nachos, cookies, cake, ice cream, candy bars, 7 layer dip, buffalo chicken wings... the works. Classic \"fat kid\" and \"drunk college kid\" food, right? So when my wife told me she was gonna make a low-fat buffalo chicken dip...\r\n<h3>Yes - LOW-FAT Buffalo Chicken DIP</h3>\r\nShe literally just came up with it one day. An idea turned to trial &amp; error turned to delicious reality. With the Super Bowl LITERALLY tomorrow... you may be in a position where maybe you\'re hosting a party and want to provide something relatively healthy. Maybe you\'re ATTENDING a party and... well... want to actually have something you\'re going to EAT. <strong>YOU</strong>, sir or madam, <em>are in luck.</em> <!--more-->\r\n<h2>This recipe is ridiculously easy to make.</h2>\r\nIt almost feels silly assembling a full-on recipe like this... but here it is.\r\n<h3><b>Tools:</b></h3>\r\n<ul>\r\n 	<li>Oven</li>\r\n 	<li>Assorted cooking utensils (spoons, spatulas, etc) &amp; measuring devices(dry and liquid)</li>\r\n 	<li>Large mixing bowl</li>\r\n 	<li>Shallow oven-safe dish (casserole dish, pyrex, etc - there\'s some personal preference here, see procedure step 5)</li>\r\n 	<li>Electric Hand-Mixer</li>\r\n</ul>\r\n<h3><b>Ingredients:</b></h3>\r\n<ul>\r\n 	<li>16 Oz. Fat-Free Sour Cream</li>\r\n 	<li>10 oz Reduced-Fat Crumbled Bleu Cheese</li>\r\n 	<li>24 Oz. Fat-Free Cream Cheese</li>\r\n 	<li>1 Cup Frank\'s Red Hot (original)</li>\r\n 	<li>2 Cups Boneless, Skinless Chicken</li>\r\n</ul>\r\n<h3><strong>Procedure:</strong></h3>\r\n<ol>\r\n 	<li><strong><img class=\"alignright size-medium wp-image-893\" src=\"http://sothisisfitness.com/wp-content/uploads/2017/02/IMG_20170129_181350-225x300.jpg\" alt=\"mixing the buffalo chicken dip\" width=\"225\" height=\"300\" />Bake The Chicken.</strong> (<em>Honestly, wasn\'t exactly prepared to give instructions on how to bake chicken. I tend to do it quick &amp; dirty, just throw it on a broiler pan or cookie sheet at 350 or 400 and take it out when it\'s \"done\". Yes, I realize this is SOOOO not the best way, and it might end up a little dry... but honestly... I\'m lazy. I\'m thinking, though, that maybe a \"hey I CAN cook\" basics post is in order. If that does come down the road... I\'ll edit this post to include it. For now... Sorry... I\'m sure you can hack it baking the chicken. *NOTE* - any additional fat you use baking the chicken will not factor in to this recipe. Do math.)</em></li>\r\n 	<li><strong>Shred the chicken.</strong> Honestly, this is kind of a preference thing, but the way Megan did it the first time around was shredding the chicken and I thought it was great. I\'m sure you could cube it or do whatever you want... I\'m sticking with shredded.</li>\r\n 	<li><strong>Mix everything (but the chicken) together in a bowl.</strong> This way you don\'t totally destroy the chicken. Use that electric hand mixer.</li>\r\n 	<li><strong>Add the chicken.</strong> Try not to totally destroy it. Unless you want that. Then go for it. You might want to use a spatula or spoon or something for this part. Unless you shredded the chicken... then the hand mixer will work just fine.</li>\r\n 	<li><strong>Bake at 350 for 20 - 35 min.</strong> This is where the personal preference comes into play. Depending on the size and depth of the dish you choose to bake in, the cook time will vary. Several shallower, smaller dishes may result in shorter cook times whereas a larger, deeper dish may take longer. Use your best judgement and check it to make sure it\'s REALLY done.</li>\r\n 	<li><strong>Enjoy your low-fat buffalo chicken dip! </strong>I don\'t think I need to tell you... let it cool off a minute. Unless you like eating molten-hot lava... then go for it.</li>\r\n</ol>\r\n<h3><strong>Nutrition Facts:</strong></h3>\r\nIf you follow the recipe above, based on a 4 oz (half-cup) serving, you\'ll end up with the below nutrition facts:\r\n<h3><img class=\"aligncenter wp-image-886\" src=\"http://sothisisfitness.com/wp-content/uploads/2017/02/low-fat-buffalo-dip-vert-nutrition-label-555x1024.png\" alt=\"low fat buffalo chicken dip vert nutrition label\" width=\"200\" height=\"369\" /><strong>Hot Tips:</strong></h3>\r\nThis recipe for low-fat buffalo chicken dip is going to produce a medium level of spiciness, though some may consider it mild. If you like it spicy, go ahead and dump in more Red Hot. Or add something a little more intense. Want more protein in there? Dump in some more chicken! You can tweak this around to suit you, but as long as you\'re mostly following that recipe up top... it\'s going to have the right taste and consistency. I strongly recommend you choose your dipping implement carefully. Find a nice whole wheat tortilla chip, or celery, or some other veggie. Make good choices.\r\n\r\nAgain, the serving size IS 4 oz (half-cup), but it\'s only 120 calories and 2.5g fat, so even if you have 2 or *gasp* 3 servings... you\'re still not going to become a whale. Just make good choices on the dipping implement and we\'re set. ENJOY!<img class=\"size-medium wp-image-894 aligncenter\" src=\"http://sothisisfitness.com/wp-content/uploads/2017/02/IMG_20170129_185134-300x225.jpg\" alt=\"low-fat buffalo chicken dip\" width=\"300\" height=\"225\" />\r\n<h4><em><strong>Did you make this dish? Leave us a comment to let us know how awesome it was! Questions? Concerns? Reach out! Find more at <a href=\"http://www.SoTHISIsFitness.com/recipe\">www.SoTHISIsFitness.com/recipe</a></strong></em></h4>','Low-Fat Buffalo Chicken Dip (recipe) - It DOES Exist!','','publish','open','open','','low-fat-buffalo-chicken-dip-recipe','','','2017-02-04 15:58:19','2017-02-04 20:58:19','',0,'http://sothisisfitness.com/?p=882',0,'post','',0),(883,1,'2017-02-03 17:02:23','2017-02-03 22:02:23','','Low-Fat Buffalo Chicken Dip (recipe) - It DOES Exist!','','inherit','closed','closed','','882-revision-v1','','','2017-02-03 17:02:23','2017-02-03 22:02:23','',882,'http://sothisisfitness.com/2017/02/882-revision-v1.html',0,'revision','',0),(193,1,'2017-01-11 13:57:33','2017-01-11 18:57:33','\n<em>(Apologies for the double-publish...technical difficulties earlier)\n</em>\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.\n\n&nbsp;\n\n<span style=\"font-size: 12pt;\"><strong>The spotlight here is...The New England Spahtens.</strong></span>\n\n&nbsp;\n\nWho, what, why, and how. And more, of course :) And I\'ve got Paul Jones to tell me allllll about it.\n\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>\n\n<!--more-->\n\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:\n\n-OCR, and its roots\n-The growth of OCR, emergence of the \"Big 3\", and rise/fall of the \"little guys\"\n-The origins of The New England Spahtens, and where it is today\n-What \"community\" really means...and what it looks like\n\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.\n\nvisit join.nespahtens.com for all the links you could want!\n\n&nbsp;\n\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.\n\n&nbsp;\n\nPlease do find me at:\n\n&nbsp;\n\n<a href=\"http://50.87.248.94/~sothisj4/\">www.SoTHISIsFitness.com</a>\n\n<a href=\"http://www.facebook.com/SoTHISIsFitness\">www.Facebook.com/SoTHISIsFitness</a>\n\n<a href=\"http://www.instagram.com/snuffydx\">www.instagram.com/snuffydx</a>\n\n<a href=\"http://www.twitter.com/snuffydx\">www.twitter.com/snuffydx</a>\n\nSearch \"So THIS Is Fitness\" on iTunes or your favorite podcast listening app. Be sure to SUBSCRIBE, not just download one episode :)\n\n&nbsp;\n\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.\n\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!\".\n\n&nbsp;\n\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-autosave-v1','','','2017-01-11 13:57:33','2017-01-11 18:57:33','',7,'http://50.87.248.94/~sothisj4/?p=193',0,'revision','',0),(196,1,'2017-01-14 11:54:57','2017-01-14 16:54:57','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.\n\n<b><span style=\"font-size: large;\">What\'s a \"podcast\"?</span></b>\n<div></div>\n<div>I had no idea what a podcast even WAS, nevermind how to subscribe to a feed or listen to an episode.</div>\n<div></div>\n<div>\n\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!\n\n</div>\n<!--more-->\n\n<b><span style=\"font-size: large;\">First...What IS a \"podcast\"?</span></b>\n<div>\n\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.\n\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!\n\n</div>\n<div></div>\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>\n<div></div>\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>\n<div></div>\n\n<hr width=\"80%\" />\n\n<div><b><span style=\"font-size: large;\"><u>5 Easy Steps To Enjoy A Podcast:</u></span></b></div>\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>\n<div>\n\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!\n\nDon\'t have an iPhone, iPad, or Android phone/tablet? No problem! You can listen on Windows or Mac with a program like iTunes!\n\n</div>\n<div></div>\n<div><b>2.) Search &amp; Discover</b></div>\n<div>\n\nNow that you\'ve got a podcatcher... It\'s time to tell it what podcasts to catch!\n\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!\n\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 ?\n\n</div>\n<div></div>\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>\n<div>\n\nYou\'ve found what you want... There it is! Right there- in the search results! Now what?\n\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!\n\n</div>\n<div></div>\n<div><b>4.) Push Play</b>\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>\n<div>\n\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!\n\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! ;)\n\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 :)\n\n</div>\n<div>\n\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>\n\n</div>\n&nbsp;','Enjoy A Podcast In 5 Easy Steps!','','inherit','closed','closed','','9-autosave-v1','','','2017-01-14 11:54:57','2017-01-14 16:54:57','',9,'http://50.87.248.94/~sothisj4/?p=196',0,'revision','',0),(198,1,'2017-01-04 11:55:21','2017-01-04 11:55:21','<a style=\"clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;\"><img src=\"https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-DVVG25PwzdM/WFflw1DZuXI/AAAAAAAArW0/FFlD-wDezYkzCQSisDHy77q1cpwTNFk7ACLcB/s320/PhotoGrid_1482155115670.png\" 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 11:55:21','2017-01-04 11:55:21','',9,'http://50.87.248.94/~sothisj4/?p=198',0,'revision','',0),(206,1,'2016-12-11 18:20:02','2016-12-11 23:20:02','<span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Every once in a while it\'s important to get away, have a little fun, and spend some time with those you love. This weekend, that happened to coincide with the opportunity to run a marathon and do some good for a town that needed it!</span>\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n<span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Darrell and Megan ventured up to Millinocket, ME for the Millinocket Marathon. Join them on this episode as they Roadtrip up LIVE as they record! Musings about the weekend, the event, coffee, and stick figure families abound.</span>\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n<span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">You can learn more about the Millinocket Marathon at</span> <a href=\"http://www.crowathletics.com/millinocket-marathon-half/\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\"> http://www.crowathletics.com/millinocket-marathon-half/</span></a>\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n<span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">You can find Darrell online at</span>\r\n\r\n<a href=\"http://www.sothisisfitness.com/\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">www.SoTHISIsFitness.com</span></a>\r\n\r\n<a href=\"http://www.facebook.com/SoTHISIsFitness\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">www.facebook.com/SoTHISIsFitness</span></a>\r\n\r\n<span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Instagram &amp; Twitter: @snuffydx</span>','#15 - Roadtrip & Making Time','','publish','open','open','','15-roadtrip-making-time','','','2017-01-14 21:20:12','2017-01-15 02:20:12','',0,'http://bd55d324263490451367a5fee2d05184',0,'post','',0),(207,1,'2016-11-29 18:17:42','2016-11-29 23:17:42','<span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Every once in a while we lose our way, lose our reason...and fall off-track. Welcome to Darrell\'s past month. The short and sweet here is...every once in a while we have that epiphany moment that swings us back on track. Today, you get to hear Darrell\'s epiphany as it happens! hurrah.</span>\r\n<div></div>\r\n<span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Find Darrell and So THIS Is Fitness online at:</span>\r\n<div></div>\r\n<a href=\"http://www.sothisisfitness.com/\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">www.SoTHISIsFitness.com</span></a>\r\n\r\n<a href=\"http://www.facebook.com/SoTHISIsFitness\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">www.facebook.com/SoTHISIsFitness</span></a>\r\n\r\n<a href=\"http://www.instagram.com/SnuffyDX\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">www.instagram.com/SnuffyDX</span></a>\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n<span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">and check out my sponsors:</span>\r\n\r\n<a href=\"http://www.addaday.com/\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">www.addaday.com</span></a>\r\n\r\n<a href=\"http://www.healthwarrior.com/\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">www.HealthWarrior.com</span></a>\r\n\r\n<a href=\"http://www.capecodnutritioncorner.com/\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">www.CapeCodNutritionCorner.com</span></a>','#14 - Thankful','','publish','open','open','','14-thankful','','','2017-01-14 21:20:25','2017-01-15 02:20:25','',0,'http://20b3e7ea4d4e9ea639f862e1b5fd9231',0,'post','',0),(646,1,'2017-01-14 13:36:19','2017-01-14 18:36:19','<span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Every once in a while we lose our way, lose our reason...and fall off-track. Welcome to Darrell\'s past month. The short and sweet here is...every once in a while we have that epiphany moment that swings us back on track. Today, you get to hear Darrell\'s epiphany as it happens! hurrah.</span>\r\n<div></div>\r\n<span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Find Darrell and So THIS Is Fitness online at:</span>\r\n<div></div>\r\n<a href=\"http://www.sothisisfitness.com/\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">www.SoTHISIsFitness.com</span></a>\r\n\r\n<a href=\"http://www.facebook.com/SoTHISIsFitness\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">www.facebook.com/SoTHISIsFitness</span></a>\r\n\r\n<a href=\"http://www.instagram.com/SnuffyDX\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">www.instagram.com/SnuffyDX</span></a>\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n<span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">and check out my sponsors:</span>\r\n\r\n<a href=\"http://www.addaday.com/\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">www.addaday.com</span></a>\r\n\r\n<a href=\"http://www.healthwarrior.com/\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">www.HealthWarrior.com</span></a>\r\n\r\n<a href=\"http://www.capecodnutritioncorner.com/\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">www.CapeCodNutritionCorner.com</span></a>','#14 - Thankful','','inherit','closed','closed','','207-revision-v1','','','2017-01-14 13:36:19','2017-01-14 18:36:19','',207,'http://sothisisfitness.com/2017/01/207-revision-v1.html',0,'revision','',0),(211,1,'2016-10-20 16:56:54','2016-10-20 20:56:54','<span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">It\'s funny to think how one decision, one feeling, can change the course of your life.</span>\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n<span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">When you\'re staring down your first 100 mile ultramarathon, and it\'s less than 48 hours away...you tend to reflect on what you\'re about to do and, really...how you got here in the first place.</span>\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n<span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Join Darrell as he look at exactly what he\'s about to do, how he got here, and what exactly he\'s thinking going into this thing. Darrell also recaps this past weekend, his Mom\'s latest triumph, and does a fun new thing with Megan! WHAT\'S IN THE BOX?!</span>\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n<span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">This is it... the time has come. Nothing left but to do the thing. See you on the other side.</span>\r\n<div></div>\r\n<span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Follow Darrell at</span> <a href=\"http://www.facebook.com/SoTHISIsFitness\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">www.facebook.com/SoTHISIsFitness</span></a> <span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">and</span> <a href=\"http://www.instagram.com/SnuffyDX\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">www.instagram.com/SnuffyDX</span></a> <span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">for live updates during the Ghost Train Rail Trail Race 100 Mile Ultramarathon!!! Race begins 9 am Sat 10/22 and cutoff is 3 pm Sunday 10/23.</span>\r\n<div></div>\r\n<a href=\"http://www.sothisisfitness.com/\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">www.SoTHISIsFitness.com</span></a>','#10 - Countdown To Oblivion','','publish','open','open','','10-countdown-to-oblivion','','','2017-01-14 21:21:23','2017-01-15 02:21:23','',0,'http://cf330455c7e518a7331a9cd26956b989',0,'post','',0),(212,1,'2016-10-18 16:53:03','2016-10-18 20:53:03','<span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Things don\'t always go according to plan...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. Darrell recaps last weekend - Megan\'s triumphant Hartford Marathon run, the heinous weather nightmare that was Newport Marathon, and what its really all about.</span>\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n<span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">You can find Darrell online at:</span>\r\n\r\n<a href=\"http://www.sothisisfitness.com/\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">www.SoTHISIsFitness.com</span></a>\r\n\r\n<a href=\"http://www.facebook.com/SoTHISIsFitness\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">www.Facebook.com/SoTHISIsFitness</span></a>\r\n\r\n<a href=\"http://www.instagram.com/SnuffyDX\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">http://www.Instagram.com/SnuffyDX</span></a>','#9 - Less Than Ideal','','publish','open','open','','9-less-than-ideal','','','2017-01-14 21:21:46','2017-01-15 02:21:46','',0,'http://b5eb9caa004536cd71f63a66e04cae43',0,'post','',0),(213,1,'2016-10-06 16:51:56','2016-10-06 20:51:56','<span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Fitness is hard. Life is hard. Why does everything have to be so hard? Often we want to shed the stuff that’s harder than we feel like it has to be. And often, the thing that’s easiest to shed...is health and fitness. The gym membership. The running. The whatever. We make things harder than they have to be. We give in.</span>\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n<span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">That struggle is what keeps us from achieving the greatness we’re all capable of, and it’s up to us to find a way to break through. Darrell talks about his own struggle, how this stuff happens, and what, ultimately, it’s gonna come down to to bust out and make it happen.</span>\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n<span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Send your feedback and questions to Darrell@SoTHISIsFitness.com</span>\r\n\r\n<span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Find us online -</span> <a href=\"http://www.sothisisfitness.com/\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">www.SoTHISIsFitness.com</span></a>\r\n\r\n<span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">“Like” the FB page -</span> <a href=\"http://www.facebook.com/SoTHISIsFitness\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">www.Facebook.com/SoTHISIsFitness</span></a>','#8 - The Struggle Is Real','','publish','open','open','','8-the-struggle-is-real','','','2017-01-14 21:22:30','2017-01-15 02:22:30','',0,'http://e1e48e16c0e8af2f2fc635280cc77170',0,'post','',0),(214,1,'2016-10-01 16:42:41','2016-10-01 20:42:41','<span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Even if you’re a fitness fanatic, or had that epiphany and “found fitness”...it can be tough to get those you care about to have that same kind of “awakening”. It can be frustrating, saddening, and even cause a little anger and resentment when friends and loved ones just refuse to do something you KNOW will be beneficial for them, and that they might even enjoy! So how do you get those YOU care about to the same place? You might not like the answer…</span>\r\n\r\n<span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Find Darrell &amp; So THIS Is Fitness online!</span>\r\n\r\n<a href=\"http://www.sothisisfitness.com/\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">http://www.SoTHISIsFitness.com</span></a>\r\n\r\n<a href=\"http://www.facebook.com/SoTHISIsFitness\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">http://www.facebook.com/SoTHISIsFitness</span></a>\r\n\r\n<a href=\"http://www.instagram.com/SnuffyDX\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">http://www.instagram.com/SnuffyDX</span></a>\r\n\r\n<span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Send your comments, questions, &amp; feedback to Darrell@SoTHISIsFitness.com</span>','#7 - You Can Lead A Horse To Water...','','publish','open','open','','7-you-can-lead-a-horse-to-water','','','2017-01-14 21:22:48','2017-01-15 02:22:48','',0,'http://3cb687776c32ae233a469a22df9b1799',0,'post','',0),(215,1,'2016-09-20 16:32:11','2016-09-20 20:32:11','<span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">All too often people find themselves in an unfulfilling cycle. Get up, go to work, stare at the clock, go home...with no sense of purpose, no sense of pride, and maybe no sense of your impact on the world at large.</span>\r\n<div></div>\r\n<span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">I, and many like me, spend our days differently. We wake up high on life, swipe a keyfob at the door, and walk into a world where we can help people make lasting, positive change in their lives.</span>\r\n<div></div>\r\n<span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Today I want to talk about where I work, what I do, and why, no matter how hard some days might be... I love it every damn day. Today you find out what it means to #BleedPurple.</span>','#6 - #BleedPurple','','publish','open','open','','6-bleedpurple','','','2017-01-14 21:23:00','2017-01-15 02:23:00','',0,'http://b1bb88b5192912632d7845f3fd978dfc',0,'post','',0),(216,1,'2016-09-08 16:22:57','2016-09-08 20:22:57','<span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Darrell and Megan venture out to the Foolproof brewery to experience one of the more...off-color...athletic events out there - a “beer mile”. Learn what a beer mile is, how it came to be a “thing”, and what it\'s really to participate in one. Also… Learn why Darrell came frighteningly close to his first voluntary DNF. And in a shocking turn of events...Megan beats Darrell in a race! All this and more in episode 5!</span>\r\n<div></div>\r\n<span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">You can learn more about Foolproof Brewing Company and the events they hold (both at and away from the brewery) at</span> <a href=\"http://www.foolproofbrewing.com/\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">www.foolproofbrewing.com</span></a>','#5 - The Fool\'s Mile','','publish','open','open','','5-the-fools-mile','','','2017-01-22 21:49:41','2017-01-23 02:49:41','',0,'http://434c114f37a2a51fd9f39b5c21f1e2bd',0,'post','',0),(217,1,'2016-09-01 14:54:19','2016-09-01 18:54:19','<span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Megan &amp; Darrell recap the mid-August race weekend of Anchor Down Ultramarathon and the Falmouth Road Race. They talk about each race, the experience they each had therein, and the big differences between the two. There was one BIG difference...and its what everything circles back around to...fun.</span>\r\n<div></div>\r\n<span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">You can learn more about Anchor Down Ultramarathon at</span> <a href=\"http://www.anchordownultra.com/\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">www.AnchorDownUltra.com</span></a>\r\n\r\n<span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Check out</span> <a href=\"http://www.runtruenorth.com/\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">www.RunTrueNorth.com</span></a> <span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">to learn about their company and other events (including my favorite - Narragansett Summer Running Festival!).</span>\r\n<div></div>\r\n<span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">And check out</span> <a href=\"http://www.falmouthroadrace.com/\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">www.FalmouthRoadRace.com</span></a> <span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">for more on THAT race.</span>','#4 - FUN','','publish','open','open','','4-fun','','','2017-01-22 22:21:17','2017-01-23 03:21:17','',0,'http://831849c77fd48fef87f5fa0cf660bf2e',0,'post','',0),(218,1,'2016-08-26 14:51:36','2016-08-26 18:51:36','<span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Last time Darrell &amp; Megan talked about their big goals and the training necessary for success. This time, they talk about the running journeys that led them here. Their stories aren\'t quite so crazy, and could easily be anyone\'s story...including yours. It all starts with that first step.</span>','#3 - The Long & The Short Of It (2/2)','','publish','open','open','','3-the-long-the-short-of-it-22','','','2017-01-22 22:00:45','2017-01-23 03:00:45','',0,'http://d8e6638455237d6e2c2f902661d260e8',0,'post','',0),(219,1,'2016-08-19 14:43:10','2016-08-19 18:43:10','<span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Darrell &amp; Megan talk about the big goals they\'ve been working towards all year and what the final 3 months of training looks like. Delve into their training plans a bit and get some ideas for your own! It\'s not as out of reach or silly as it might seem - we promise :) All that, plus a lesson in...making the right call...</span>\r\n<div></div>\r\n<span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Next time? The running journeys that led them to this point.\r\n</span>\r\n\r\nThis episode backlogged - originally published on Athlete On Fire','#2 - The Long & The Short Of It (1/2)','','publish','open','open','','2-the-long-the-short-of-it-12','','','2017-01-22 21:56:27','2017-01-23 02:56:27','',0,'http://c3ec065117dd6e66d836a497db7ae9ae',0,'post','',0),(220,1,'2016-08-11 05:41:40','2016-08-11 09:41:40','<span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">I\'m Darrell McTague, and THIS is \"So THIS Is Fitness\". Join me as I share a little bit about myself, where So THIS Is Fitness came from (it\'s been around for a while, actually), and what its really all about. And, in the wake of my most recent ultramarathon experience...let\'s talk a little bit about failure.</span>\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n<span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">This episode backlogged - originally published on the Athlete On Fire feed.</span>','#1 - Failure','','publish','open','open','','1-failure','','','2017-01-22 21:52:03','2017-01-23 02:52:03','',0,'http://48fb9aac43853377bd853682f6294628',0,'post','',0),(548,1,'2017-01-13 22:21:00','2017-01-14 03:21:00','<em><strong>\"Who\'s this jerk think he is?\"</strong></em>\r\n\r\nThis \"jerk\" is a regular guy...an \"Average Joe\"...just like you.\r\n\r\n<span style=\"text-decoration: underline;\"><strong>And that\'s the point.</strong></span>\r\n\r\nWhat\'s the difference between me and you? Maybe its that I lost 130 lbs. Maybe it\'s that I\'ve finished at least 5 marathons. Or a 50 mile ultramarathon. Or a <em>100 mile ultramarathon</em>. Maybe it\'s that <em>I started &amp; stuck to a fitness routine</em><em>.</em> <em><strong>Maybe its nothing.</strong></em>\r\n\r\n<em><strong>I\'m. nobody. special.</strong></em><em> </em>\r\n\r\nI\'m just a guy that hit a breaking point and finally did something about his situation. Changed what I had, until that point, viewed as my permanent reality. I <em>took control</em> and made a change. <strong>A big change.</strong> One that has reshaped my whole life and world view.\r\n\r\n<strong>It wasn\'t easy.</strong>\r\n\r\nThere were countless times I wanted to quit. Give up. It would\'ve been so much easier to just...<em>not</em>. It still IS easier.\r\n\r\n<strong>It\'s a constant struggle.</strong>\r\n\r\nAnd I know I\'m not the only one who fights that battle. <strong>So here I am - </strong>sharing my story - both the struggles AND successes...to show you...\r\n\r\n<strong>If <em>I </em>can do it...<span style=\"text-decoration: underline;\"><em>anyone can.</em></span></strong>\r\n\r\n130 pounds lost? 100 mile ultramarathon finish? <em>I\'m just getting warmed up.</em>\r\n\r\n<em>Want a little more detail on the journey and my story (complete with pics)? Check it out the <a href=\"http://sothisisfitness.com/meet-darrell/findingfitness\">\"finding fitness\"</a> and <a href=\"http://50.87.248.94/~sothisj4/meet-darrell/my-journey/\">\"my journey\"</a> pages.</em>\r\n\r\n<strong>So...THIS is \"fitness\"...</strong>\r\n\r\n<em>I\'m not a doctor, nutritionist, dietitian, or the like...I\'m just a guy who\'s been through it and done his homework. All opinions here are my own. You should probably consult a doctor before making radical changes to your health, fitness, or nutrition habits.</em>','About','','inherit','closed','closed','','187-revision-v1','','','2017-01-13 22:21:00','2017-01-14 03:21:00','',187,'http://sothisisfitness.com/2017/01/187-revision-v1.html',0,'revision','',0),(912,1,'2017-02-04 15:58:17','2017-02-04 20:58:17','<h2>Being healthy does not mean deprivation.</h2>\nOne crucial thing I had to learn during my initial 130 lb weight loss journey... was how not to deprive myself. I had to find a way to satisfy the cravings I had while still \"eating healthy\". I loved nachos, cookies, cake, ice cream, candy bars, 7 layer dip, buffalo chicken wings... the works. Classic \"fat kid\" and \"drunk college kid\" food, right? So when my wife told me she was gonna make a low-fat buffalo chicken dip...\n<h3>Yes - LOW-FAT Buffalo Chicken DIP</h3>\nShe literally just came up with it one day. An idea turned to trial &amp; error turned to delicious reality. With the Super Bowl LITERALLY tomorrow... you may be in a position where maybe you\'re hosting a party and want to provide something relatively healthy. Maybe you\'re ATTENDING a party and... well... want to actually have something you\'re going to EAT. <strong>YOU</strong>, sir or madam, <em>are in luck.</em> <!--more-->\n<h2>This recipe is ridiculously easy to make.</h2>\nIt almost feels silly assembling a full-on recipe like this... but here it is.\n<h3><b>Tools:</b></h3>\n<ul>\n 	<li>Oven</li>\n 	<li>Assorted cooking utensils (spoons, spatulas, etc) &amp; measuring devices(dry and liquid)</li>\n 	<li>Large mixing bowl</li>\n 	<li>Shallow oven-safe dish (casserole dish, pyrex, etc - there\'s some personal preference here, see procedure step 5)</li>\n 	<li>Electric Hand-Mixer</li>\n</ul>\n<h3><b>Ingredients:</b></h3>\n<ul>\n 	<li>16 Oz. Fat-Free Sour Cream</li>\n 	<li>10 oz Reduced-Fat Crumbled Bleu Cheese</li>\n 	<li>24 Oz. Fat-Free Cream Cheese</li>\n 	<li>1 Cup Frank\'s Red Hot (original)</li>\n 	<li>2 Cups Boneless, Skinless Chicken</li>\n</ul>\n<h3><strong>Procedure:</strong></h3>\n<ol>\n 	<li><strong><img class=\"alignright size-medium wp-image-893\" src=\"http://sothisisfitness.com/wp-content/uploads/2017/02/IMG_20170129_181350-225x300.jpg\" alt=\"mixing the buffalo chicken dip\" width=\"225\" height=\"300\" />Bake The Chicken.</strong> (<em>Honestly, wasn\'t exactly prepared to give instructions on how to bake chicken. I tend to do it quick &amp; dirty, just throw it on a broiler pan or cookie sheet at 350 or 400 and take it out when it\'s \"done\". Yes, I realize this is SOOOO not the best way, and it might end up a little dry... but honestly... I\'m lazy. I\'m thinking, though, that maybe a \"hey I CAN cook\" basics post is in order. If that does come down the road... I\'ll edit this post to include it. For now... Sorry... I\'m sure you can hack it baking the chicken. *NOTE* - any additional fat you use baking the chicken will not factor in to this recipe. Do math.)</em></li>\n 	<li><strong>Shred the chicken.</strong> Honestly, this is kind of a preference thing, but the way Megan did it the first time around was shredding the chicken and I thought it was great. I\'m sure you could cube it or do whatever you want... I\'m sticking with shredded.</li>\n 	<li><strong>Mix everything (but the chicken) together in a bowl.</strong> This way you don\'t totally destroy the chicken. Use that electric hand mixer.</li>\n 	<li><strong>Add the chicken.</strong> Try not to totally destroy it. Unless you want that. Then go for it. You might want to use a spatula or spoon or something for this part. Unless you shredded the chicken... then the hand mixer will work just fine.</li>\n 	<li><strong>Bake at 350 for 20 - 35 min.</strong> This is where the personal preference comes into play. Depending on the size and depth of the dish you choose to bake in, the cook time will vary. Several shallower, smaller dishes may result in shorter cook times whereas a larger, deeper dish may take longer. Use your best judgement and check it to make sure it\'s REALLY done.</li>\n 	<li><strong>Enjoy your low-fat buffalo chicken dip! </strong>I don\'t think I need to tell you... let it cool off a minute. Unless you like eating molten-hot lava... then go for it.</li>\n</ol>\n<h3><strong>Nutrition Facts:</strong></h3>\nIf you follow the recipe above, based on a 4 oz (half-cup) serving, you\'ll end up with the below nutrition facts:\n<h3><img class=\"aligncenter wp-image-886\" src=\"http://sothisisfitness.com/wp-content/uploads/2017/02/low-fat-buffalo-dip-vert-nutrition-label-555x1024.png\" alt=\"low fat buffalo chicken dip vert nutrition label\" width=\"200\" height=\"369\" /><strong>Hot Tips:</strong></h3>\nThis recipe for low-fat buffalo chicken dip is going to produce a medium level of spiciness, though some may consider it mild. If you like it spicy, go ahead and dump in more Red Hot. Or add something a little more intense. Want more protein in there? Dump in some more chicken! You can tweak this around to suit you, but as long as you\'re mostly following that recipe up top... it\'s going to have the right taste and consistency. I strongly recommend you choose your dipping implement carefully. Find a nice whole wheat tortilla chip, or celery, or some other veggie. Make good choices.\n\nAgain, the serving size IS 4 oz (half-cup), but it\'s only 120 calories and 2.5g fat, so even if you have 2 or *gasp* 3 servings... you\'re still not going to become a whale. Just make good choices on the dipping implement and we\'re set. ENJOY!<img class=\"size-medium wp-image-894 aligncenter\" src=\"http://sothisisfitness.com/wp-content/uploads/2017/02/IMG_20170129_185134-300x225.jpg\" alt=\"low-fat buffalo chicken dip\" width=\"300\" height=\"225\" />\n<h4><em><strong>Did you make this dish? Leave us a comment to let us know how awesome it was! Questions? Concerns? Reach out! Find more at <a href=\"http://www.SoTHISIsFitness.com/recipe\">www.SoTHISIsFitness.com/recipe</a></strong></em></h4>','Low-Fat Buffalo Chicken Dip (recipe) - It DOES Exist!','','inherit','closed','closed','','882-autosave-v1','','','2017-02-04 15:58:17','2017-02-04 20:58:17','',882,'http://sothisisfitness.com/2017/02/882-autosave-v1.html',0,'revision','',0),(236,1,'2017-01-07 01:28:24','2017-01-07 01:28:24','','addaday-logo-1','Addaday Muscle Recovery Products','inherit','open','closed','','addaday-logo-1','','','2017-01-07 01:28:26','2017-01-07 01:28:26','',0,'http://50.87.248.94/~sothisj4/wp-content/uploads/2017/01/addaday-logo-1.jpg',0,'attachment','image/jpeg',0),(227,1,'2017-01-06 12:55:57','2017-01-06 12:55:57','','994021_629788467052761_617901802_n','Health Warrior chia products','inherit','open','closed','','994021_629788467052761_617901802_n','','','2017-01-07 02:12:56','2017-01-07 02:12:56','',0,'http://50.87.248.94/~sothisj4/wp-content/uploads/2017/01/994021_629788467052761_617901802_n.jpg',0,'attachment','image/jpeg',0),(229,1,'2017-01-06 12:56:04','2017-01-06 12:56:04','','ccnclogo','','inherit','open','closed','','ccnclogo','','','2017-01-06 12:56:04','2017-01-06 12:56:04','',0,'http://50.87.248.94/~sothisj4/wp-content/uploads/2017/01/ccnclogo.jpg',0,'attachment','image/jpeg',0),(230,1,'2017-01-06 13:04:15','2017-01-06 13:04:15','','Anytime Fitness','Anytime Fitness - Pembroke, MA','inherit','open','closed','','af-logo','','','2017-01-07 01:31:32','2017-01-07 01:31:32','',0,'http://50.87.248.94/~sothisj4/wp-content/uploads/2017/01/af-logo.png',0,'attachment','image/png',0),(235,1,'2017-01-07 01:25:13','2017-01-07 01:25:13','','addaday logo','Addaday Muscle Recovery Products - www.addaday.com','inherit','open','closed','','addaday-logo','','','2017-01-07 02:13:03','2017-01-07 02:13:03','',0,'http://50.87.248.94/~sothisj4/wp-content/uploads/2017/01/addaday-logo.jpg',0,'attachment','image/jpeg',0),(232,1,'2017-01-07 00:55:23','2017-01-07 00:55:23','','Proudly Affiliated With','','publish','closed','closed','','proudly-affiliated-with','','','2017-01-07 00:55:23','2017-01-07 00:55:23','',0,'http://50.87.248.94/~sothisj4/?post_type=aigpl_gallery&#038;p=232',0,'aigpl_gallery','',0),(234,1,'2017-01-07 01:25:00','2017-01-07 01:25:00','Foolproof Brewing Company','foolproof logo','Foolproof Brewing Company - www.foolproofbrewing.com','inherit','open','closed','','foolproof-logo','','','2017-01-07 01:31:03','2017-01-07 01:31:03','',0,'http://50.87.248.94/~sothisj4/wp-content/uploads/2017/01/foolproof-logo.png',0,'attachment','image/png',0),(237,1,'2017-01-07 04:48:06','2017-01-07 04:48:06','','button-follow-me-on-bloglovin','','inherit','open','closed','','button-follow-me-on-bloglovin','','','2017-01-07 04:48:06','2017-01-07 04:48:06','',0,'http://50.87.248.94/~sothisj4/wp-content/uploads/2017/01/button-follow-me-on-bloglovin.png',0,'attachment','image/png',0),(238,1,'2017-01-07 04:49:04','2017-01-07 04:49:04','Activate by Bloglovin','activate logo','','inherit','open','closed','','activate-logo','','','2017-01-07 14:55:07','2017-01-07 14:55:07','',0,'http://50.87.248.94/~sothisj4/wp-content/uploads/2017/01/activate-logo.png',0,'attachment','image/png',0),(239,1,'2017-01-07 14:51:05','2017-01-07 14:51:05','Fitfluential Ambassador','Fitfluential+Ambassador','','inherit','open','closed','','fitfluentialambassador','','','2017-01-07 14:55:06','2017-01-07 14:55:06','',0,'http://50.87.248.94/~sothisj4/wp-content/uploads/2017/01/FitfluentialAmbassador.png',0,'attachment','image/png',0),(916,1,'2017-02-08 06:24:12','2017-02-08 11:24:12','<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','','inherit','closed','closed','','41-revision-v1','','','2017-02-08 06:24:12','2017-02-08 11:24:12','',41,'http://sothisisfitness.com/2017/02/41-revision-v1.html',0,'revision','',0),(251,1,'2017-01-07 18:34:20','2017-01-07 23:34:20','<b>Occasionally Darrell, \"So THIS Is Fitness...\", and his mission gets noticed and featured in other publications!</b> Those press and media features are highlighted below. <em>(most occur shortly after his initial 130 lb weight loss)</em>\r\n\r\nIf you\'re interested in interviewing/featuring Darrell, please reach out at: Darrell (at) SoTHISIsFitness (dot) com.\r\n<h4><strong><img class=\"alignright wp-image-264 size-medium\" src=\"http://50.87.248.94/~sothisj4/wp-content/uploads/2017/01/aof165-press-300x291.png\" alt=\"Athlete On Fire feature of So THIS Is Fitness\" width=\"300\" height=\"291\" />Athlete On Fire - Ep. 165 - 8/2/2016</strong></h4>\r\nDarrell was invited on the Athlete On Fire podcast to talk about his story! They talked life on Cape Cod, weight loss, running, and what it takes to make a major transformation happen.\r\n\r\n<a href=\"http://www.athleteonfire.com\">Learn more at www.AthleteOnFire.com</a>\r\n\r\n<a href=\"http://athleteonfire.com/aof165-losing-100-pounds-running-100-miles/\">Find the blog post here.</a>\r\n\r\nand listen to the episode! (AOF #165)\r\n\r\n<hr width=\"60%\" />\r\n\r\n<h4><b>Health Warrior - \"I Conquered 2014\" - </b><i><b>11/25/2014</b></i></h4>\r\n<img class=\"alignright wp-image-258\" src=\"http://50.87.248.94/~sothisj4/wp-content/uploads/2017/01/hw-conquer-press-300x213.jpg\" alt=\"Health Warrior feature of So THIS Is Fitness\" width=\"300\" height=\"213\" />Health Warrior featured 6 athletes as part of their \"I Conquered 2014\" series, and they saw fit to include Darrell as one of them!\r\n\r\nCheck out the post here\r\n\r\n<a href=\"http://www.sothisisfitness.com/2014/01/ch-ch-ch-chia-health-warrior-chia-bar.html\">And check out the review of their Chia Bars here</a>\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n<hr width=\"60%\" />\r\n\r\n<h4><img class=\"alignright wp-image-257 size-medium\" src=\"http://50.87.248.94/~sothisj4/wp-content/uploads/2017/01/huffpostsuccess-300x285.jpg\" alt=\"Huff Post Health feature of So THIS Is Fitness\" width=\"300\" height=\"285\" /><b>The Huffington Post - Healthy Living:\r\nHow A Pair Of Work Pants Inspired Darrell W. McTague To Lose 125 Lbs. - </b><b><i>5/19/2014</i></b></h4>\r\nThe Huffington Post Healthy Living category featured Darrell\'s story - he shares how he gained the weight, his breaking point, and how he lost it.\r\n\r\n<a href=\"http://www.huffingtonpost.com/2014/05/19/i-lost-weight-darrell-mctague_n_5104908.html\">Read the HuffPost story here</a>\r\n\r\n<hr width=\"60%\" />\r\n\r\n<h4><b><img class=\"alignright wp-image-255 size-medium\" src=\"http://50.87.248.94/~sothisj4/wp-content/uploads/2017/01/cognitea-feature-300x202.jpg\" alt=\"CogniTea &quot;I Can. I WILL.&quot; story featuring So THIS Is Fitness\" width=\"300\" height=\"202\" />CogniTea - \"I Can. I WILL. Story\" - </b><b><i>4/30/14</i></b></h4>\r\nAlready the first athlete featured by and associated with CogniTea, Darrell was featured again as their first \"I Can. I WILL. Story\". Highlights include Darrell\'s story, his advice, and action steps to make your own change.\r\n\r\n<a href=\"http://cognitea.com/blogs/the-stories/13996861-introducing-darrell-mctague-i-can-i-will-story-of-the-month\">Read the story here</a>\r\n\r\n<hr width=\"60%\" />\r\n\r\n<h4><b>Road Runner Sports - Spring 2014 Catalog / Inspiration Instigator</b></h4>\r\n<i style=\"font-weight: bold;\">Spring 2014</i>\r\n\r\nIn Spring 2014 Road Runner Sports, a brick &amp; mortar / online running specialty store featured Darrell as part of their Spring 2014 catalog, sharing his story. Darrell was also featured as a part of Road Runner Sports\' \"Inspiration Instigator\" promotion.\r\n\r\n<a href=\"https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=BWcltCojY-M\">See the video here</a>\r\n\r\n<hr width=\"60%\" />\r\n\r\n<h4><b><img class=\"alignright wp-image-256 size-medium\" src=\"http://50.87.248.94/~sothisj4/wp-content/uploads/2017/01/cognitea-feature2-300x192.jpg\" alt=\"CogniTea Feature of So THIS Is Fitness\" width=\"300\" height=\"192\" />CogniTea - \"How CogniTea helped Darrell run (his first) sub-2 hour 1/2 Marathon!\" - </b><b><i>2/26/14</i></b></h4>\r\nCogniTea, a Boston-based startup bringing a new, brain-boosting tea to the world, featured Darrell as their first inspirational story. Darrell exemplified CogniTea\'s motto of \"I Can. I WILL.\" in his mentally tough personal victory - his first sub-2 hour half-marathon.\r\n\r\n<a href=\"http://cognitea.com/blogs/the-stories/12684025-see-how-cognitea-helped-darrell-mctague-run-a-sub-2-hour-1-2-marathon\">Read the story here</a>','Press and Media','','publish','closed','closed','','press','','','2017-06-23 06:42:00','2017-06-23 10:42:00','',0,'http://50.87.248.94/~sothisj4/?page_id=251',0,'page','',0),(1236,1,'2017-06-23 06:42:00','2017-06-23 10:42:00','<b>Occasionally Darrell, \"So THIS Is Fitness...\", and his mission gets noticed and featured in other publications!</b> Those press and media features are highlighted below. <em>(most occur shortly after his initial 130 lb weight loss)</em>\r\n\r\nIf you\'re interested in interviewing/featuring Darrell, please reach out at: Darrell (at) SoTHISIsFitness (dot) com.\r\n<h4><strong><img class=\"alignright wp-image-264 size-medium\" src=\"http://50.87.248.94/~sothisj4/wp-content/uploads/2017/01/aof165-press-300x291.png\" alt=\"Athlete On Fire feature of So THIS Is Fitness\" width=\"300\" height=\"291\" />Athlete On Fire - Ep. 165 - 8/2/2016</strong></h4>\r\nDarrell was invited on the Athlete On Fire podcast to talk about his story! They talked life on Cape Cod, weight loss, running, and what it takes to make a major transformation happen.\r\n\r\n<a href=\"http://www.athleteonfire.com\">Learn more at www.AthleteOnFire.com</a>\r\n\r\n<a href=\"http://athleteonfire.com/aof165-losing-100-pounds-running-100-miles/\">Find the blog post here.</a>\r\n\r\nand listen to the episode! (AOF #165)\r\n\r\n<hr width=\"60%\" />\r\n\r\n<h4><b>Health Warrior - \"I Conquered 2014\" - </b><i><b>11/25/2014</b></i></h4>\r\n<img class=\"alignright wp-image-258\" src=\"http://50.87.248.94/~sothisj4/wp-content/uploads/2017/01/hw-conquer-press-300x213.jpg\" alt=\"Health Warrior feature of So THIS Is Fitness\" width=\"300\" height=\"213\" />Health Warrior featured 6 athletes as part of their \"I Conquered 2014\" series, and they saw fit to include Darrell as one of them!\r\n\r\nCheck out the post here\r\n\r\n<a href=\"http://www.sothisisfitness.com/2014/01/ch-ch-ch-chia-health-warrior-chia-bar.html\">And check out the review of their Chia Bars here</a>\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n<hr width=\"60%\" />\r\n\r\n<h4><img class=\"alignright wp-image-257 size-medium\" src=\"http://50.87.248.94/~sothisj4/wp-content/uploads/2017/01/huffpostsuccess-300x285.jpg\" alt=\"Huff Post Health feature of So THIS Is Fitness\" width=\"300\" height=\"285\" /><b>The Huffington Post - Healthy Living:\r\nHow A Pair Of Work Pants Inspired Darrell W. McTague To Lose 125 Lbs. - </b><b><i>5/19/2014</i></b></h4>\r\nThe Huffington Post Healthy Living category featured Darrell\'s story - he shares how he gained the weight, his breaking point, and how he lost it.\r\n\r\n<a href=\"http://www.huffingtonpost.com/2014/05/19/i-lost-weight-darrell-mctague_n_5104908.html\">Read the HuffPost story here</a>\r\n\r\n<hr width=\"60%\" />\r\n\r\n<h4><b><img class=\"alignright wp-image-255 size-medium\" src=\"http://50.87.248.94/~sothisj4/wp-content/uploads/2017/01/cognitea-feature-300x202.jpg\" alt=\"CogniTea &quot;I Can. I WILL.&quot; story featuring So THIS Is Fitness\" width=\"300\" height=\"202\" />CogniTea - \"I Can. I WILL. Story\" - </b><b><i>4/30/14</i></b></h4>\r\nAlready the first athlete featured by and associated with CogniTea, Darrell was featured again as their first \"I Can. I WILL. Story\". Highlights include Darrell\'s story, his advice, and action steps to make your own change.\r\n\r\n<a href=\"http://cognitea.com/blogs/the-stories/13996861-introducing-darrell-mctague-i-can-i-will-story-of-the-month\">Read the story here</a>\r\n\r\n<hr width=\"60%\" />\r\n\r\n<h4><b>Road Runner Sports - Spring 2014 Catalog / Inspiration Instigator</b></h4>\r\n<i style=\"font-weight: bold;\">Spring 2014</i>\r\n\r\nIn Spring 2014 Road Runner Sports, a brick &amp; mortar / online running specialty store featured Darrell as part of their Spring 2014 catalog, sharing his story. Darrell was also featured as a part of Road Runner Sports\' \"Inspiration Instigator\" promotion.\r\n\r\n<a href=\"https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=BWcltCojY-M\">See the video here</a>\r\n\r\n<hr width=\"60%\" />\r\n\r\n<h4><b><img class=\"alignright wp-image-256 size-medium\" src=\"http://50.87.248.94/~sothisj4/wp-content/uploads/2017/01/cognitea-feature2-300x192.jpg\" alt=\"CogniTea Feature of So THIS Is Fitness\" width=\"300\" height=\"192\" />CogniTea - \"How CogniTea helped Darrell run (his first) sub-2 hour 1/2 Marathon!\" - </b><b><i>2/26/14</i></b></h4>\r\nCogniTea, a Boston-based startup bringing a new, brain-boosting tea to the world, featured Darrell as their first inspirational story. Darrell exemplified CogniTea\'s motto of \"I Can. I WILL.\" in his mentally tough personal victory - his first sub-2 hour half-marathon.\r\n\r\n<a href=\"http://cognitea.com/blogs/the-stories/12684025-see-how-cognitea-helped-darrell-mctague-run-a-sub-2-hour-1-2-marathon\">Read the story here</a>','Press and Media','','inherit','closed','closed','','251-revision-v1','','','2017-06-23 06:42:00','2017-06-23 10:42:00','',251,'http://sothisisfitness.com/2017/06/251-revision-v1.html',0,'revision','',0),(258,1,'2017-01-07 17:26:53','2017-01-07 22:26:53','','hw conquer press','','inherit','open','closed','','hw-conquer-press','','','2017-01-07 17:26:53','2017-01-07 22:26:53','',251,'http://50.87.248.94/~sothisj4/wp-content/uploads/2017/01/hw-conquer-press.jpg',0,'attachment','image/jpeg',0),(255,1,'2017-01-07 17:25:59','2017-01-07 22:25:59','','cognitea feature','','inherit','open','closed','','cognitea-feature','','','2017-01-07 17:25:59','2017-01-07 22:25:59','',251,'http://50.87.248.94/~sothisj4/wp-content/uploads/2017/01/cognitea-feature.jpg',0,'attachment','image/jpeg',0),(1239,1,'2017-06-23 06:43:25','2017-06-23 10:43:25','<span style=\"font-size: large;\"><i><b>\"I can\'t believe I just did that!\"</b></i></span><br /><div style=\"clear: both; text-align: center;\"><a href=\"http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-3VteV8kQRa0/UzAluwpZPoI/AAAAAAAAGs4/5mGik_RUbOk/s1600/Fools_Dual_Logo_2013.png\" style=\"margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;\"><img border=\"0\" src=\"http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-3VteV8kQRa0/UzAluwpZPoI/AAAAAAAAGs4/5mGik_RUbOk/s1600/Fools_Dual_Logo_2013.png\" height=\"165\" width=\"400\" /></a></div><br /><b>This past Sunday I ran the YuKanRun.com Fool\'s Dual Challenge. </b>It was a 5K at 8 AM and a half-marathon at 9 AM.<b> A combined 16.2 miles. </b>It is the farthest I have <b>ever</b> run in one morning, and my greatest challenge to date. I was exhausted. I was sore. I was hungry as all hell...<b>but I did it.</b> Not only did I do it, but...well...I guess you\'ll have to keep reading to find out ;)<br /><a name=\'more\'></a><br />All I can say is...<b>WHAT A DAY!</b> I still can\'t believe I did that, and everyone I\'ve told so far looked at me like I was a nutball. For those of you who read <a href=\"http://sothisisfitness.com/2014/03/im-getting-foolish-5k-13-1.html\">my pre-race article about the Dual</a>, you know what I\'m talking about. For those who didn\'t catch that, let me give you a brief breakdown:<br /><br /><div style=\"clear: both; text-align: center;\"><a href=\"http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-fUh7z0JC77c/UzAoBtLqR_I/AAAAAAAAGtI/Qu15w0TGh-s/s1600/yukanrunlogo.png\" style=\"clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;\"><img border=\"0\" src=\"http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-fUh7z0JC77c/UzAoBtLqR_I/AAAAAAAAGtI/Qu15w0TGh-s/s1600/yukanrunlogo.png\" height=\"111\" width=\"400\" /></a></div>The <a href=\"http://yukanrun.com/\">YuKanRun.com</a> Fool\'s Dual Challenge was a dual race put on by a race company called...you guessed it...YuKanRun.com. Their \"thing\" seems to be, well, making people run a LOT in one morning. \"Oh, you just finished a 5K? Go ahead and run a half-marathon!\" \"Oh, you had a nice mile run, you say? Go do a 5K, then grab a drink and run a half...<b>then</b> we\'ll talk!\"<br /><br />The race director, Craig, is a very nice guy - I went back and forth with him via email a bit. I have to say, he and his team put together a very good race! Well-organized, well-run, and FUN! <br /><br /><b>So, what\'s the deal? How did this work?</b><br /><br /><a href=\"http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-FEeO5Gx2044/U0fYoc0I9aI/AAAAAAAAGyo/ZWzY22Vwg_g/s1600/IMG_20140406_075941_661.jpg\" style=\"clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;\"><img border=\"0\" src=\"http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-FEeO5Gx2044/U0fYoc0I9aI/AAAAAAAAGyo/ZWzY22Vwg_g/s1600/IMG_20140406_075941_661.jpg\" height=\"335\" width=\"400\" /></a><b>Basically</b>, it was dual races...<i>and that was the challenge. </i>At 8 am the 5K began. See that neon yellow person on the runners\' right of the starting line? That\'s me. Go ahead, zoom in. I finished in 25:21. I then had about a half hour to relax, stretch, lose layers, refuel...do whatever I needed to do to get ready for the half-marathon. At 9 am, the gun went off and the half-marathon started. There\'s your dual race, and there\'s the challenge.<br /><br /><b>I was worried about the 5K, not the half-marathon.</b><br /><br /><b>I said this in my pre-race article</b>, but I\'ll say it again - The 13.1 was not my big concern - it was the 5K! When I go into a race, I go in with a certain mindset, approach, and set of expectations for my performance based on the race distance. A 5K is a VERY different mindset and approach than a half-marathon! I usually run out of gas and \"leave it all on the pavement\" when I run a race, no matter the distance...so having a half-marathon to deal with a half-hour after finishing a 5K...<b> that was MY challenge.</b> I had to make sure I paced myself and didn\'t go balls-to-the-wall in the 5K. A minute or minute and a half on my 5K time meant a lot more physical exertion, and could be the difference between great success and wild failure in the half-marathon. <b>I had to pace myself</b>. I had to try very hard to monitor my speed and keep myself under control. <b>It was tough</b>, but I had to remind myself over and over...<b>today is not a PR day, today is about finishing.</b><br /><br />With that mantra in mind, I ran two successful races, ran the farthest distance I\'ve done in one morning, and achieved a big accomplishment! <b>More on that in a minute ;)</b><br /><br />So, again...in my pre-race article I talked about the courses for the races. The 5K was, indeed a loop. On our approach driving to the race, we went up this gnarly hair-pin twisty steep hill, and Megan goes \"good thing you don\'t have to run on this road! It\'d already be blocked off.\"...guess what? <b>I had to run down it.</b> Thanks, babe. hah.It was a nice course though - classic rural New England, and not too bad difficulty-wise. The half-marathon course was just as advertised - a 6.5 mile out-and-back with a nice little loop for a turnaround. The elevation chart provided was also accurate...but I didn\'t realize exactly what it meant...more on that later.<br /><br /><b><span style=\"font-size: large;\">Let\'s talk about the experience.</span></b><br /><br /><b>To be honest, I don\'t remember much of the 5K run.</b> It was such a big morning and there was so much going on...it\'s all a blur. As we were leaving after the races, Megan pointed out \"race\" signs that had designated the course for runners, and I completely had no recollection of running on those roads! Weird. I remember pacing myself. I remember making a point to not go too hard, but still run a strong, respectable pace. I remember crossing the finish, seeing my time...and being a bit disappointed...but I knew it had to be done to achieve overall success. It\'s just all so BLURRY!<br /><br /><div style=\"clear: both; text-align: center;\"><a href=\"http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-vH-CWPgk1Zo/U0fhz9x9RLI/AAAAAAAAGzE/uW9WVTA1czo/s1600/IMG_20140406_090031_426.jpg\" style=\"clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;\"><img border=\"0\" src=\"http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-vH-CWPgk1Zo/U0fhz9x9RLI/AAAAAAAAGzE/uW9WVTA1czo/s1600/IMG_20140406_090031_426.jpg\" height=\"400\" width=\"225\" /></a></div><b>In contrast, I remember the half-marathon vividly</b>. The picture to the left is right after the starting line - for some reason Runkeeper started before I actually began the race, so when I tried to \"start\" it when the gun was about to go off...it was already running! I had to scramble to stop, delete, and restart it, so for about the first .1 miles I was trying to start up my run. Once I got that taken care of, however, things went well. I remembered \"today is not a PR day\", and that thought carried me through and helped me not over-exert myself. Another thought flying through my head was one word - <b>Endure</b>. That was particularly poignant given I was running 16.2 miles total. And, of course, the shirt...<a href=\"http://www.sothisisfitness.com/2014/02/no-limits-frosty-knuckle-5k-hyannis.html\">It was the same shirt from the Hyannis Half - \"NO Limits - I Can, I Will\"</a>.&nbsp; <br /><br /><b>This race was all hills and headwinds! </b>I guess it didn\'t really click in my head when I looked at the elevation chart...I\'m so used to running on Cape Cod that I was NOT mentally prepared for the hills I encountered! Thanks to Insanity: The Asylum...I knew how to handle it though! Haha...lean forward and do high-knees! Those headwinds...I have never experienced anything like that! It takes so much more effort to run against that! I managed, though. Every once in a while I had to refocus, recenter, and renew my efforts. I also had to occasionally fix my form - pull my elbows in towards my body, stop doing the loopy-leg dance...just generally tighten it up. I didn\'t run with a pace band this time (like I did for Hyannis) because, as I said...it was NOT a PR day...so I had to monitor my pace the \"old-fashioned\" way.<br /><br />I had no urge to go to the water stops along the first half of the race - I had my own hydration source, and I\'d hydrate on my terms, when I was ready. I managed my water pretty well, but I did top off towards the end (people at the water tables were VERY nice). They also gave out energy gels along the course! I got a Gu Salted Caramel on the way out and a Clif Shot citrus on the way back! Hey, that\'s two less of my own I had to use, so I\'m not complaining :). <br /><br />I got a little bit of a surprise when I got to around the 6-mile mark...I saw the \"Entering Rockport\" <span></span>sign! Again, this was just me being oblivious to the world and it not \"clicking\" when I looked at the map of the course...but I distinctly remember thinking to myself <i>\"we\'re seriously running all the FREAKING way to Rockport and back?!\"</i> <b>Yes, Darrell...pay attention next time.</b> The scenery WAS nice though - classic rural New England the whole way. <br /><a href=\"http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-znlGtLvpR8w/U0fmF6l_uAI/AAAAAAAAGzU/IAJAn6ZtWys/s1600/4332-500h.jpg\" style=\"clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;\"><img border=\"0\" src=\"http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-znlGtLvpR8w/U0fmF6l_uAI/AAAAAAAAGzU/IAJAn6ZtWys/s1600/4332-500h.jpg\" /></a><br />The last half of the half-marathon was tough. Once I passed the turnaround (which was a nice little loop of road, not a hairpin turnaround) I started talking to myself in restaurant terms... <i>\"7 miles...10.1 all day\"</i> - literally just how it sounds - I had 7 miles down, and had run 10.1 all day (thanks to the 5K). I kept saying that each mile to remind myself to stay strong, run hard, and realize just how far I had actually gone...and how far I will have gone once I finish. To think...the accomplishment I was about to make by not only running two miles farther than I ever have...but to do it <b>strong</b>...<a href=\"http://runkeeper.com/user/dwmctague/activity/285722002\">something I failed to do on New Year\'s Eve Day when I ran 14 on a whim</a>. Damnit...<b>I prepared for this</b>, and I was gonna <b>SMASH IT!</b> Once I got to the 10 mile mark...I knew I had a <b>real</b> opportunity to come in at about 2 hours - if I could keep it strong I might even meet or beat my sub-2 hour PR from the Hyannis Half! I just had to achieve 9 minute miles... <b>Then the last two miles happened.</b><br /><span></span><br /><br /><b>The last two miles were especially tough.&nbsp;</b> <br /><br />At that point...I had gone 14 miles in total. My body was tired. I was mentally tired. My little mental boosts of \"you DON\'T need to stop, you\'ve GOT this\" were starting to wear thin. The people cheering along the race course began to be very important. Seeing others chugging along also became important to me - usually I tune everything out and run my own race, but I had to know, at that point, that others were struggling and fighting along with me. I saw others taking walk breaks just like I was. I saw people who I passed earlier pass me. I passed some who had flown by me earlier...it was just one big fight to the finish. <br /><br /><b>The last mile was the worst.</b><br /><br /><a href=\"http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-VQIok7aF6AU/U0fbJH3tG-I/AAAAAAAAGy0/uxvnu1vL5o4/s1600/IMG_20140406_110207_296.jpg\" style=\"clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;\"><img border=\"0\" src=\"http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-VQIok7aF6AU/U0fbJH3tG-I/AAAAAAAAGy0/uxvnu1vL5o4/s1600/IMG_20140406_110207_296.jpg\" height=\"320\" width=\"254\" /></a>At just past the 12 mile marker for the half (15.1 overall) I started really feeling it in my right hamstring and left calf. My muscles were starting to let me know just how hard I had worked that morning. With about .6 to go, I think, my left calf cramped. <b>Just once</b>. Just to say hi. Just to challenge me. I had to stop, stretch my calves, and hit the pavement again. <b>I refused to be beaten</b> this close to the end. I had worked WAY too hard to nuke my time and limp over the finish. I did everything I knew to keep a calf cramp from happening...and kept on chugging. My left calf and the bottom of my right hamstring threatened to cramp for the entirety of that last half-mile...but I kept going. I could SEE the finish, and it was gonna feel good.<br /><br /><b>And it did.</b><br /><br /><div style=\"clear: both; text-align: center;\"><a href=\"http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-B9rK603SsRA/U0fqnG5I1OI/AAAAAAAAGzc/Qaba3necSsk/s1600/IMG_20140406_110210_516.jpg\" style=\"clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;\"><img border=\"0\" src=\"http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-B9rK603SsRA/U0fqnG5I1OI/AAAAAAAAGzc/Qaba3necSsk/s1600/IMG_20140406_110210_516.jpg\" height=\"155\" width=\"320\" /></a></div><b>I finished the half-marathon in 2:01:55!&nbsp;</b><br /><br />Considering all the hills and headwinds I had to deal with, I\'m pretty happy about that! Oh, and there\'s that whole \"ran a 5K first\" thing too. <b>I was thrilled! </b>After finishing, I literally said out loud <i>\"I can\'t believe I just did that!\"<b>&nbsp;</b><b> </b></i>I then proceeded to stretch and eat A TON...I was so sore...but I could actually function! I was a <i>wreck </i>after the Hyannis Half...I was pooped, I was discombobulated and couldn\'t think, I was sore, and my legs almost didn\'t wanna work. After this...I felt pretty good actually.<br /><div style=\"clear: both; text-align: center;\"><a href=\"http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-vMIAusZUCEg/U0fvdPkCf3I/AAAAAAAAGz8/OTxsFKXGbMg/s1600/IMG_20140411_070915785.jpg\" style=\"margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;\"><img border=\"0\" src=\"http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-vMIAusZUCEg/U0fvdPkCf3I/AAAAAAAAGz8/OTxsFKXGbMg/s1600/IMG_20140411_070915785.jpg\" height=\"263\" width=\"400\" /></a></div><b>Oh...Remember that big achievement I mentioned earlier?</b><br /><br /><b><span style=\"font-size: large;\">I PLACED 3RD IN MY AGE GROUP FOR COMBINED TIME!</span></b><br /><br />With a time of 25:21 in the 5K and 2:01:55.1 for the half, I had a combined 2:27:16.1 for the Dual...and clinched 3rd in the Male 19 - 29 age group by a commanding 19 minutes! They had a classic podium for winners for a photo op...but I don\'t have any photos from that. Why, you ask? <b>The timing was messed up</b>. My 5K results for some reason didn\'t register, which meant I also didn\'t show up in the Dual results - it was as if I had only run the half-marathon! I figured this out after the fact, and was pretty bummed. I realized, though, that <b>this was in no way the race\'s fault - it was the timing company.</b> I shot an email to the Race Director and submitted a timing error request with the timing company, and they were both super-helpful in getting it fixed! My official results now show up, and I can say that I officially snagged 3rd in the Male Open Age Group! The Race Director is even sending me out my age group award since, due to the error, I didn\'t get it AT the race! That\'s very nice of him :)<br /><br /><b><span style=\"font-size: large;\">There were some cool people and parting gifts too!</span></b><br /><br /><a href=\"http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-Vzr8KpEcCT4/U0fyMeKgVqI/AAAAAAAAG0Q/STLs5ImhIT4/s1600/IMG_20140406_110909_893.jpg\" style=\"clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;\"><img border=\"0\" src=\"http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-Vzr8KpEcCT4/U0fyMeKgVqI/AAAAAAAAG0Q/STLs5ImhIT4/s1600/IMG_20140406_110909_893.jpg\" height=\"320\" width=\"299\" /></a>In the picture above you can see the finisher\'s medal - pretty sweet medal! My 3rd half-marathon, and my 3rd finisher\'s medal. It even has a nice ribbon, complete with the race company\'s logo on the back. They also were nice enough to include a 13.1 sticker for my car! I\'ve been meaning to get one of those... I also got a sweet string sackpack (actually well-built!) and a runner\'s visor (for doing the Dual). Oh, also...<br /><br /><b>I got to (re)meet Nicolas - the Perfect Fuel guy!</b><br /><br />Within a few days (I hope) I\'ll have a product review up for <a href=\"https://www.perfectfuel.com/\">Perfect Fuel</a>. It\'s a performance chocolate, and I had it before both the 5K and the half-marathon. <b>I love it</b>. I think it tastes great, I like the idea and the science behind it, and I feel like it helped me in every run/race I\'ve used it in! Look for that article soon.<br /><br /><span style=\"font-size: large;\"><b>Overall, a great day and big success!</b></span><br /><br />I\'m SO pleased with my overall performance and just the day in general! This was the greatest challenge I have taken on yet - I went in with a strategy/gameplan...<b>and it worked!</b> I did well, I pushed my limits, and I achieved what I wanted - I may not have placed in the 5K or the half-marathon individually, but I achieved a combined place...which is fine by me :) I also learned...I was wrong - I said that it was NOT going to be a PR day...but once again it didn\'t \"click\" - I gained a new distance PR - 16.2 miles! Chalk that up to a win.<br /><br /><b>*Bonus* - </b>I took some video for my buddy Rick who\'s vlogging as part of his Falmouth Road Race training this year - you can see the video below! <iframe allowfullscreen=\"\" frameborder=\"0\" height=\"315\" src=\"//www.youtube.com/embed/gQXc2sDAjHg\" width=\"560\"></iframe><br /><br /><b>So What\'s The Moral Of The Story?</b><br /><br />I strongly recommend checking out www.YuKanRun.com and looking into their races! they\'re a ton of fun, a great challenge, and a great way to try something new and see just what you can do! <br /><br />Just remember - If I can do crazy things like this, <b>so can you.</b> Pick a race, register, and take the plunge! You\'ll be amazed with what you can accomplish :)','FOOLISH! Fool\'s Dual Challenge 5K & 13.1 Recap','','inherit','closed','closed','','71-revision-v1','','','2017-06-23 06:43:25','2017-06-23 10:43:25','',71,'http://sothisisfitness.com/2017/06/71-revision-v1.html',0,'revision','',0),(256,1,'2017-01-07 17:26:08','2017-01-07 22:26:08','','cognitea feature2','','inherit','open','closed','','cognitea-feature2','','','2017-01-07 17:26:08','2017-01-07 22:26:08','',251,'http://50.87.248.94/~sothisj4/wp-content/uploads/2017/01/cognitea-feature2.jpg',0,'attachment','image/jpeg',0),(257,1,'2017-01-07 17:26:16','2017-01-07 22:26:16','','huffpostsuccess','','inherit','open','closed','','huffpostsuccess','','','2017-01-07 17:26:16','2017-01-07 22:26:16','',251,'http://50.87.248.94/~sothisj4/wp-content/uploads/2017/01/huffpostsuccess.jpg',0,'attachment','image/jpeg',0),(1238,1,'2017-06-23 06:42:41','2017-06-23 10:42:41','It\'s been two weeks...it\'s finally time to talk about this. On September 20th, 2014 I did the single most challenging thing I have ever done in my life -<br /><br /><span style=\"font-size: large;\"><b>The Spartan Race Beast at Mt. Killington, VT.</b></span><br /><div style=\"clear: both; text-align: center;\"><a href=\"http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-o9Pq39zt0sg/VDKYPeJq4uI/AAAAAAAAKjQ/4S7GScQIeGY/s1600/Beast-black.jpg\" style=\"margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;\"><img border=\"0\" src=\"http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-o9Pq39zt0sg/VDKYPeJq4uI/AAAAAAAAKjQ/4S7GScQIeGY/s1600/Beast-black.jpg\" /></a></div><b>The VT Beast.</b> I thought I knew...I thought I could take it like a champ. I thought I\'d be ready - <b>really</b>&nbsp;ready.<br /><br /><b>I had no idea...</b><br /><a name=\'more\'></a><b>Forewarning: this is going to be long. &nbsp;Here\'s the short version:</b><br /><b><br /></b>Some say this race was unnecessarily brutal. Others say it SHOULD be - its the VT Beast... its the World Championship! Whichever camp you belong to, one thing is certain - this is the most difficult Beast that Spartan has ever offered up for our masochistic pleasure. Many succeeded, but many did not. <b>This race broke people.</b> The victories were hard-won. The failures hurt (literally and metaphorically).<br /><br />Stats:<br /><div style=\"clear: both; text-align: center;\"><a href=\"http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-Y-l4lZ2-65o/VDPE6rwmYrI/AAAAAAAAKjw/E8OQEh7Eywc/s1600/10534253_10205603262067258_7856677417406428934_n.jpg\" style=\"clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;\"><img border=\"0\" src=\"http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-Y-l4lZ2-65o/VDPE6rwmYrI/AAAAAAAAKjw/E8OQEh7Eywc/s1600/10534253_10205603262067258_7856677417406428934_n.jpg\" height=\"400\" width=\"300\" /></a></div><br />Distance:<br />Spartan measured about 14 miles<br />everyone else measured about 16.5+ miles<br /><br />Elevation gain / loss I have at roughly 6,500 ft. <b>each</b>.<br /><br />Time: the top elite man finished in 3 hrs 23 min. The majority of \"normal\" people seem to have finished in 8+ hrs.<br /><b><br /></b><b>I\'ve run a lot of races this year - </b>about 32 at this point. <b>None of them</b>&nbsp;could\'ve possibly prepared me for The Beast.<br /><br />The Spartan Race people themselves didn\'t exactly help with this \"preparation\" thing either. There were a number of things Spartan Race did, (and didn\'t do) that set people up for failure. From allowing newbies/rookies to run in early afternoon waves (most had slim hopes of finishing / finishing in daylight) to not enforcing mandatory gear requirements (headlamps, glowsticks...even hydration packs), Spartan Race set many people up for a bad experience. Course safety was a concern as well - at a number of points spectators weren\'t exactly \"corralled\" away from runners behind caution tape. I distinctly remember actually having to meander THROUGH a crowd of spectators after the tractor pull to continue my race.<br /><br /><b>But overall</b>, despite the organizational shortcomings and the incredibly difficult course...this was still a great Obstacle Course Race. It challenged me, it pushed me farther than I\'ve ever been pushed before, and it taught me a lot. There was decent race support (hydration), there were medics everywhere, lots of volunteers, and I got a sweet (special) finisher\'s medal. <b>There\'s a video near the bottom of this post that you should watch.</b><br /><br /><b>Still interested? Read on...because there\'s more to it.</b><br /><b><br /></b><b><span style=\"font-size: large;\">For those who DON\'T know</span></b> - Spartan Race is an obstacle course race series. They offer different distances, the most popular and widely known being:<br /><br /><ul><li>Sprint (3+ miles, 15+ obstacles, red logo)</li><li>Super (8+ miles, 20+ obstacles, blue logo)</li><li>Beast (12+ miles, &nbsp;25+ obstacles, green logo)&nbsp;</li></ul><br />They have each of these distances all over the country (and world)...but Killington, VT is home to the mother of them all. The Beast at Mt. Killington is so big, so bad, so <b>brutal</b>...that it was made their World Championship event (hence why most times I simply refer to it as \"<b>The</b> Beast\"). The top of the top, the \"elite elites\" generally finish in the rough neighborhood of 3.5 hours (give or take a half hour). \"Normal\" people finish anywhere from 7 - 9 hours (typically). Newbies and the ill-prepared can typically take over 10 hours...or not even finish. That said, one of the most important things to take away from this post is<strike>...unless you\'re an \"Elite Elite\"</strike>:<br /><br /><b>This race is NOT a race - it is a <u>test</u>, and NOT everyone will pass -</b><br /><br />- just as with any test. Yes, I think this even applies to the top Elites...its just so damn <i>difficult, </i>it\'s a test for everyone that does it...it\'s just a different sort of test for them.&nbsp;And, just as with any test, with adequate preparation you can not only pass - you can exceed expectations and rise to the top of the class. <b>I, however,</b> just barely made it out of this thing. It took everything I had...<u>and more</u>. I was not as prepared as I should\'ve been and though I got my finisher\'s medal...I paid the difference.<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://1.bp.blogspot.com/-nc8YlNN_fvY/VDKgiW0OYyI/AAAAAAAAKjg/Dz7nMjxHEm4/s1600/DSC04755.jpg\" style=\"margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;\"><img border=\"0\" src=\"http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-nc8YlNN_fvY/VDKgiW0OYyI/AAAAAAAAKjg/Dz7nMjxHEm4/s1600/DSC04755.jpg\" height=\"300\" width=\"400\" /></a></td></tr><tr><td style=\"text-align: center;\">Photo Credit - Kim Overstreet - Ragnarok Training - Lincoln, RI</td></tr></tbody></table><b>More on that later...</b><br /><b><br /></b><span style=\"font-size: large;\"><b>What can you say about The Beast?</b></span><br /><br /><div style=\"clear: both; text-align: center;\"><a href=\"http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-BZvcVqcbLco/VDPJSZ13PFI/AAAAAAAAKj8/pzWQPNz8TVM/s1600/norm.jpg\" style=\"clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;\"><img border=\"0\" src=\"http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-BZvcVqcbLco/VDPJSZ13PFI/AAAAAAAAKj8/pzWQPNz8TVM/s1600/norm.jpg\" height=\"320\" width=\"213\" /></a></div>It\'s <b>probably</b>&nbsp;harder than any race you\'ve done before. <b>Yes, </b>even if you\'ve done The Beast before, this time, it will probably be harder. Norm Koch, the Spartan Race Director and Course Designer...well...though I understand he\'s a generally happy person that really enjoys life...when you\'re out on that course...I really though he <b>wasn\'t hugged enough as a child</b>. <a href=\"http://www.mudandadventure.com/norm-koch-spartan-race-director-qa-the-beast-behind-the-beast/\">He openly admits that he has set athletes up for failure and would rather be called a bastard (than congratulated for good design) when you cross (or don\'t cross) the finish line beaten, bloody and broken.</a><br /><br /><b>I definitely felt that sentiment. </b>But the man sure can\'t be accused of designing a wimpy, boring, or predictable course. <i><b>That\'s for sure.</b></i><br /><br /><b>I was, however, a bit disappointed </b>that many of the traditionally more challenging obstacles (rope climb, Hercules Hoist, ...2nd...Spear Throw...) weren\'t until very late in the course. I had hopes of my first successful rope climb that day...<b>didn\'t happen</b>. Speaking of disappointment...<br /><br /><div style=\"clear: both; text-align: center;\"><a href=\"http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-XjXfAWH6FIg/VDS3pqNEYZI/AAAAAAAAKkY/WrLh_0t0qjs/s1600/my%2Bbad.jpg\" style=\"clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;\"><img border=\"0\" src=\"http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-XjXfAWH6FIg/VDS3pqNEYZI/AAAAAAAAKkY/WrLh_0t0qjs/s1600/my%2Bbad.jpg\" /></a></div><b>As far as my earlier comments</b>&nbsp;about Spartan Race setting people up for failure? There is typically (read: always) a \"racer packet\" that goes out maybe a week before the race listing all the important information for the day, any required gear, etc. This packet didn\'t go out until a few days (max) before the race. The packet listed a&nbsp;<i>working</i>&nbsp;headlamp, two glow sticks (that you can attach to yourself front/back) and your own source of hydration as&nbsp;<b>mandatory</b>&nbsp;gear. It was clearly stated that you would not be allowed to start without a hydration pack of some sort. It was also stated that if you came across a time cutoff and did not have a working headlamp or glow sticks you would DNF.&nbsp;As I understand it - <b>this did not happen</b>. I\'ve read many accounts saying that those who did not have headlamps were grouped with those who did. One person with a headlamp was made to wait at a checkpoint for people without. That person would then guide 3 lamp-less people through the remainder of the course. Given the very challenging terrain...<b>explain to me&nbsp;</b>how this is <b>safe</b> for those unprepared souls being guided or <b>fair</b> to the prepared participant made to guide? It was also made clear that a number of obstacles were to be closed at a certain point in time (for safety). It is incredibly unfortunate that one of these obstacles (Tyrolean Traverse) was late in the race. Right out of the gate, many people would not be allowed to participate in this obstacle due to start time and average completion time.<br /><br /><b>What bothered me most has to do with that last point</b>, however - that Spartan allowed people to<br /><div style=\"clear: both; text-align: center;\"><a href=\"http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-zcYqR1n_rmc/VDS2GZH2oVI/AAAAAAAAKkM/CeYv-BGOO9M/s1600/misc-you-dont-say.png\" style=\"clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;\"><img border=\"0\" src=\"http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-zcYqR1n_rmc/VDS2GZH2oVI/AAAAAAAAKkM/CeYv-BGOO9M/s1600/misc-you-dont-say.png\" /></a></div>register for early afternoon waves. Knowing this course was more difficult than in the past...knowing many of those people simply wouldn\'t have a chance to finish...how could they happily accept your money? When I registered (and perhaps I\'m remembering wrong), I don\'t recall having seen something advising me not to register for a late wave if I was inexperienced. Knowing I was green, I chose to register extra early (8:30 am \"confirmed\" start time). Maybe it\'s as simple as the old saying...<br /><br /><b>\"Proper prior planning prevents piss poor performance.\"</b><br /><br />But, as I said, despite those issues, I did experience a pretty smooth registration process, relatively organized \"everything\", and good race support.<br /><br /><div style=\"clear: both; text-align: center;\"><a href=\"http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-ceY5h8zN7As/VDS_7CgCTsI/AAAAAAAAKlQ/AaW617EhR0Y/s1600/IMG_20140921_144024.jpg\" style=\"clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;\"><img border=\"0\" src=\"http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-ceY5h8zN7As/VDS_7CgCTsI/AAAAAAAAKlQ/AaW617EhR0Y/s1600/IMG_20140921_144024.jpg\" height=\"320\" width=\"180\" /></a></div><b>The medical situation was similar - \"mostly\" good.</b><br /><b><br /></b>On the final obstacle of the race - the Fire Jump, I landed funny and broke my left medial tibial plateau. <b>For the record - I finished under my own power (rolling over the timing mat - I did have help under the actual arch).&nbsp;</b>The journey from the finish line to the med tent was drawn out, slightly confused, and had its fair share of miscommunication. Eventually, after my knee had successfully had time to swell like a watermelon, I arrived at the med tent to be treated to warmth, cup-o-noodles, and ice saran wrapped to my leg. This, unfortunately (though, predictably) was the extent of what they could do for me. To their credit, I will say they did seem genuinely concerned for my well-being, <b>and I certainly was comfortable in the med tent. </b>So there\'s that.<br /><br />On a lighter note:<br /><br /><b style=\"font-size: x-large;\">Running with a TomTom GPS watch </b>may have <b>changed the game</b> for me.<br /><div style=\"clear: both; text-align: center;\"></div><div style=\"clear: both; text-align: center;\"><a href=\"http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-EQTfYl924ow/VDUhOObtfBI/AAAAAAAAKnI/oquJaKQ4IK4/s1600/Tom-tom-multi-sport.png\" style=\"margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;\"><img border=\"0\" src=\"http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-EQTfYl924ow/VDUhOObtfBI/AAAAAAAAKnI/oquJaKQ4IK4/s1600/Tom-tom-multi-sport.png\" height=\"155\" width=\"400\" /></a></div><br />I ran The Beast with a <a href=\"http://www.tomtom.com/en_us/products/your-sports/\">TomTom Multi Sport</a> GPS watch. I usually run road races with Runkeeper on my phone, and I normally don\'t have any tracking at all (GPS or not) during Obstacle Races. This time, however, <b>I did</b>. I have to say, I think it made all the difference in helping me keep my sanity, helping me know where I stand, and helping me maintain proper calorie intake and hydration throughout the race. I love it, and it did really well for me, but I\'ll talk more about it in a dedicated review (which will come very soon).<br /><br /><b>Speaking of calorie intake</b>&nbsp;- when you\'re running a half-marathon that can take you 1.5 to 2.5 hours, eating some calories is important. Can you just <b>IMAGINE </b>how important, then, eating something during a 16.5 mile, 7+ hour event like <b>this</b> is? If you wait until you\'re thirsty to drink, or until you\'re hungry to eat...<b>it\'s already too late</b>. I packed a <b>LOT</b>&nbsp;of food for The Beast, and I ate nearly all of it. I also drained my 3 liter hydration pack almost 3 full times.<b>&nbsp;Proper calorie planning is a major key </b>to success in The Beast. Much of what I ate consisted of <b><a href=\"http://www.healthwarrior.com/\">Health Warrior Chia Bars</a> - </b>they\'re stupidly tasty and have a TON of nutrients in them that your body will just soak right up, especially in circumstances like this race <a href=\"http://www.sothisisfitness.com/2014/01/ch-ch-ch-chia-health-warrior-chia-bar.html\">(see my review here)</a>. I love being part of <a href=\"http://www.healthwarrior.com/our-tribe/\">The Tribe</a> - it\'s one more way I\'m able to help inspire and motivate people to get out there and <i>do something, </i>whether they think its crazy or not.<br /><div style=\"clear: both; text-align: center;\"><a href=\"http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-yGeDwJoI4QU/VDS8cPRV0tI/AAAAAAAAKlA/Btp0F-fv5Iw/s1600/health-warrior-bar-banner.jpg\" style=\"margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;\"><img border=\"0\" src=\"http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-yGeDwJoI4QU/VDS8cPRV0tI/AAAAAAAAKlA/Btp0F-fv5Iw/s1600/health-warrior-bar-banner.jpg\" height=\"180\" width=\"320\" /></a></div><br /><span style=\"font-size: large;\"><b>For all those wondering about the obstacles themselves...</b></span><br /><br /><b>The full obstacle list, in order, is as follows:</b><br />1. Under/Over/Under<br />2. Over/Under/Through<br />3. Sandbag Carry 1 (45 lb pancake)<br />4. Bucket Brigade 1 (~80 lb bucket carry)<br />5. Traverse Wall<br />6. Tarzan Swing (swim, rope climb, tarzan swing, swim)<br />7. Atlas Carry (~120 lb stone)<br />8. Barbed Wire Crawl 1<br />9. Log Carry<br />10. Log Hop / Balance<br />11. 7 Foot Wall<br />12. Vertical Cargo Net<br />13. \"Big Cargo\" (at the mountaintop)<br />14. Tractor Pull<br />15. Memorization Wall<br />16. Spear Throw 1 (This is about where I lost my Battle Buddies Heather and Geoff)<br />17. Inverted Wall<br />18. Bucket Brigade 2<br />19. Tire Pull<br />20. Sandbag Carry 2 (70 lb bag)<br />21. \"PlatinumRig\"<br />22. Tyrolean Traverse<br />23. Memory Recall<br />24. Rope Climb<br />25. Spear Throw 2<br />26. 8\' Wall<br />27. Barbed Wire Crawl 2<br />28. Dunk Wall<br />29. Pipe Traverse<br />30. Hercules Hoist (45 lb women, 90 lb men)<br />31. Big...Climby...Thing...<br />32. Monkey Bars (varying heights)<br />33. Fire Jump<br /><br />But honestly, the biggest and baddest obstacle of this entire race is not in that list: <b>The Mountain</b>. I\'m not going to give a ridiculous in-depth heartfelt recounting of all the obstacles - I\'ll let my video below do that for me.<br /><br /><iframe allowfullscreen=\"\" frameborder=\"0\" height=\"315\" src=\"//www.youtube.com/embed/6pdUNQ9TFAA\" width=\"560\"></iframe> <b>The short version: </b>I was beyond pleased with myself that I succeeded in the Traverse Wall, the Tyrolean Traverse, and the Hercules Hoist. Very disappointed about the PlatinumRig, Rope Climb, and Monkey Bars, and so close it was <i>heartbreaking</i> on my first Spear Throw. The steep, never-ending climbs and steeper, muddy, treacherous descents were incredibly challenging. The technical trails through the woods could (and probably did) end many peoples\' races with the greatest of ease.<br /><br /><b>Running with a Battle Buddy (or two) is a REALLY GOOD IDEA. </b>I ran with these two nuts Heather and Geoff...they were pretty hilarious and kept the pain to a dull roar for the first 9 miles until I lost them (or...they lost ME?). hah. Either way, it was really good to run with them while I did. Check out Heather\'s blog over at <a href=\"http://www.relentlessforwardcommotion.com/\">www.RelentlessForwardCommotion.com</a>.<br /><br /><b>But, in the end, I did finish. &nbsp;Despite all the negative</b>, I did finish. <b>Despite woeful lack of preparation</b>, I DID finish. And despite breaking my damn knee and having absolutely no gas left in the tank...<b>I. Did. FINISH. &nbsp;</b><br /><div style=\"clear: both; text-align: center;\"><a href=\"http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-DtebSO3QKUc/VDTDNDKXUMI/AAAAAAAAKlo/VM2SIZdURus/s1600/IMG_20140924_200130838.jpg\" style=\"margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;\"><img border=\"0\" src=\"http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-DtebSO3QKUc/VDTDNDKXUMI/AAAAAAAAKlo/VM2SIZdURus/s1600/IMG_20140924_200130838.jpg\" height=\"225\" width=\"400\" /></a></div><b><br /></b><span style=\"font-size: large; font-weight: bold;\">I learned a lot during this race. </span>Some of it I\'ll be keeping to myself, but I will share this: Like I said before - this race is not a race...it\'s a <b>test</b>. Through enduring the trials and tribulations of this monstrous test...I learned a lot both in general and about myself.&nbsp;<b>The Beast taught me about me.</b>&nbsp;I learned what my body can <b>physically do right now, </b>and the difference between that and where I want to be.&nbsp;I learned just how important <b>hydration and calories</b> are to athletic performance. I learned about <b>fatigue</b>. About <b>willpower </b>and the strength of an <b>unbreakable, unshakable spirit</b>. About the value of teamwork, friendship, and camaraderie. I learned the <b>value of each moment</b> spent in training and preparation for any test life puts before you, be it schoolwork, children, marriage, or a physical endurance test such as The Beast. Not only that, I learned the value of each moment <b>period</b>, and <b>how quickly the winds of fortune can change</b> when you least expect it.<br /><b><br /></b><b>But, perhaps most importantly...</b>I learned that if you really want something bad enough you can <b>defy all odds</b> and rip it from the cold, greedy hands of Fate<b>.&nbsp;</b><br /><b><br /></b><b>It\'s incredible to think</b>&nbsp;that this time a year ago I was getting ready for my first half-marathon...and this time two years ago I had just barely begun my fitness journey and was still about 300 lbs...wondering if I\'d ever shrink below a 42\" waist pant.<br /><div style=\"clear: both; text-align: center;\"><a href=\"http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-1NlnGgWJ74M/VDTEidSj2FI/AAAAAAAAKl0/kk4S1KWyHWM/s1600/impossiblekillington.jpg\" style=\"margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;\"><img border=\"0\" src=\"http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-1NlnGgWJ74M/VDTEidSj2FI/AAAAAAAAKl0/kk4S1KWyHWM/s1600/impossiblekillington.jpg\" height=\"266\" width=\"400\" /></a></div><br /><b>Nothing is impossible. </b>Set a goal and <b>go get it! </b>I\'ll see you at next year\'s VT Beast.<br /><br />','The Beast','','inherit','closed','closed','','62-revision-v1','','','2017-06-23 06:42:41','2017-06-23 10:42:41','',62,'http://sothisisfitness.com/2017/06/62-revision-v1.html',0,'revision','',0),(264,1,'2017-01-07 18:23:47','2017-01-07 23:23:47','','aof165 press','','inherit','open','closed','','aof165-press','','','2017-01-07 18:23:47','2017-01-07 23:23:47','',251,'http://50.87.248.94/~sothisj4/wp-content/uploads/2017/01/aof165-press.png',0,'attachment','image/png',0),(266,1,'2017-01-07 18:28:28','2017-01-07 23:28:28','<b>Occasionally Darrell, \"So THIS Is Fitness...\", and his mission gets noticed and featured in other publications!</b> Those press and media features are highlighted below. <em>(most occur shortly after his initial 130 lb weight loss)</em>\r\n\r\nIf you\'re interested in interviewing/featuring Darrell, please reach out at: Darrell (at) SoTHISIsFitness (dot) com.\r\n\r\n<strong><img class=\"size-medium wp-image-264 alignright\" src=\"http://50.87.248.94/~sothisj4/wp-content/uploads/2017/01/aof165-press-300x291.png\" alt=\"\" width=\"300\" height=\"291\" />Athlete On Fire - Ep. 165 - 8/2/2016</strong>\r\n\r\nDarrell was invited on the Athlete On Fire podcast to talk about his story! They talked life on Cape Cod, weight loss, running, and what it takes to make a major transformation happen.\r\n\r\n<a href=\"http://www.athleteonfire.com\">Learn more at www.AthleteOnFire.com</a>\r\n\r\n<a href=\"http://athleteonfire.com/aof165-losing-100-pounds-running-100-miles/\">Find the blog post here.</a>\r\n\r\nand listen to the episode! (AOF #165)\r\n\r\n<hr width=\"60%\" />\r\n\r\n<b>Health Warrior - \"I Conquered 2014\" - </b><i><b>11/25/2014</b></i>\r\n\r\n<img class=\" wp-image-258 alignright\" src=\"http://50.87.248.94/~sothisj4/wp-content/uploads/2017/01/hw-conquer-press-300x213.jpg\" alt=\"\" width=\"300\" height=\"213\" />Health Warrior featured 6 athletes as part of their \"I Conquered 2014\" series, and they saw fit to include Darrell as one of them!\r\n\r\n<a href=\"http://www.healthwarrior.com/conquered-2014-darrell-mctague/\">Check out the post here</a>\r\n\r\n<a href=\"http://www.sothisisfitness.com/2014/01/ch-ch-ch-chia-health-warrior-chia-bar.html\">And check out the review of their Chia Bars here</a>\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n<hr width=\"60%\" />\r\n\r\n<b>The Huffingt<img class=\"size-medium wp-image-257 alignright\" src=\"http://50.87.248.94/~sothisj4/wp-content/uploads/2017/01/huffpostsuccess-300x285.jpg\" alt=\"\" width=\"300\" height=\"285\" />on Post - Healthy Living:\r\nHow A Pair Of Work Pants Inspired Darrell W. McTague To Lose 125 Lbs. - </b><b><i>5/19/2014</i></b>\r\n\r\nThe Huffington Post Healthy Living category featured Darrell\'s story - he shares how he gained the weight, his breaking point, and how he lost it.\r\n\r\n<a href=\"http://www.huffingtonpost.com/2014/05/19/i-lost-weight-darrell-mctague_n_5104908.html\">Read the HuffPost story here</a>\r\n\r\n<hr width=\"60%\" />\r\n\r\n<b><img class=\"size-medium wp-image-255 alignright\" src=\"http://50.87.248.94/~sothisj4/wp-content/uploads/2017/01/cognitea-feature-300x202.jpg\" alt=\"\" width=\"300\" height=\"202\" />CogniTea - \"I Can. I WILL. Story\" - </b><b><i>4/30/14</i></b>\r\n\r\nAlready the first athlete featured by and associated with CogniTea, Darrell was featured again as their first \"I Can. I WILL. Story\". Highlights include Darrell\'s story, his advice, and action steps to make your own change.\r\n\r\n<a href=\"http://cognitea.com/blogs/the-stories/13996861-introducing-darrell-mctague-i-can-i-will-story-of-the-month\">Read the story here</a>\r\n\r\n<hr width=\"60%\" />\r\n\r\n<b>Road Runner Sports - Spring 2014 Catalog / Inspiration Instigator</b>\r\n\r\n<i style=\"font-weight: bold;\">Spring 2014</i>\r\n\r\nIn Spring 2014 Road Runner Sports, a brick &amp; mortar / online running specialty store featured Darrell as part of their Spring 2014 catalog, sharing his story. Darrell was also featured as a part of Road Runner Sports\' \"Inspiration Instigator\" promotion.\r\n\r\n<a href=\"https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=BWcltCojY-M\">See the video here</a>\r\n\r\n<hr width=\"60%\" />\r\n\r\n<b><img class=\"size-medium wp-image-256 alignright\" src=\"http://50.87.248.94/~sothisj4/wp-content/uploads/2017/01/cognitea-feature2-300x192.jpg\" alt=\"\" width=\"300\" height=\"192\" />CogniTea - \"How CogniTea helped Darrell run (his first) sub-2 hour 1/2 Marathon!\" - </b><b><i>2/26/14</i></b>\r\n\r\nCogniTea, a Boston-based startup bringing a new, brain-boosting tea to the world, featured Darrell as their first inspirational story. Darrell exemplified CogniTea\'s motto of \"I Can. I WILL.\" in his mentally tough personal victory - his first sub-2 hour half-marathon.\r\n\r\n<a href=\"http://cognitea.com/blogs/the-stories/12684025-see-how-cognitea-helped-darrell-mctague-run-a-sub-2-hour-1-2-marathon\">Read the story here</a>','Press and Media','','inherit','closed','closed','','251-revision-v1','','','2017-01-07 18:28:28','2017-01-07 23:28:28','',251,'http://50.87.248.94/~sothisj4/251-revision-v1/',0,'revision','',0),(267,1,'2017-01-07 18:33:52','2017-01-07 23:33:52','<b>Occasionally Darrell, \"So THIS Is Fitness...\", and his mission gets noticed and featured in other publications!</b> Those press and media features are highlighted below. <em>(most occur shortly after his initial 130 lb weight loss)</em>\r\n\r\nIf you\'re interested in interviewing/featuring Darrell, please reach out at: Darrell (at) SoTHISIsFitness (dot) com.\r\n\r\n<strong><img class=\"alignright wp-image-264 size-medium\" src=\"http://50.87.248.94/~sothisj4/wp-content/uploads/2017/01/aof165-press-300x291.png\" alt=\"Athlete On Fire feature of So THIS Is Fitness\" width=\"300\" height=\"291\" />Athlete On Fire - Ep. 165 - 8/2/2016</strong>\r\n\r\nDarrell was invited on the Athlete On Fire podcast to talk about his story! They talked life on Cape Cod, weight loss, running, and what it takes to make a major transformation happen.\r\n\r\n<a href=\"http://www.athleteonfire.com\">Learn more at www.AthleteOnFire.com</a>\r\n\r\n<a href=\"http://athleteonfire.com/aof165-losing-100-pounds-running-100-miles/\">Find the blog post here.</a>\r\n\r\nand listen to the episode! (AOF #165)\r\n\r\n<hr width=\"60%\" />\r\n\r\n<b>Health Warrior - \"I Conquered 2014\" - </b><i><b>11/25/2014</b></i>\r\n\r\n<img class=\"alignright wp-image-258\" src=\"http://50.87.248.94/~sothisj4/wp-content/uploads/2017/01/hw-conquer-press-300x213.jpg\" alt=\"Health Warrior feature of So THIS Is Fitness\" width=\"300\" height=\"213\" />Health Warrior featured 6 athletes as part of their \"I Conquered 2014\" series, and they saw fit to include Darrell as one of them!\r\n\r\n<a href=\"http://www.healthwarrior.com/conquered-2014-darrell-mctague/\">Check out the post here</a>\r\n\r\n<a href=\"http://www.sothisisfitness.com/2014/01/ch-ch-ch-chia-health-warrior-chia-bar.html\">And check out the review of their Chia Bars here</a>\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n<hr width=\"60%\" />\r\n\r\n<b>The Huffingt<img class=\"alignright wp-image-257 size-medium\" src=\"http://50.87.248.94/~sothisj4/wp-content/uploads/2017/01/huffpostsuccess-300x285.jpg\" alt=\"Huff Post Health feature of So THIS Is Fitness\" width=\"300\" height=\"285\" />on Post - Healthy Living:\r\nHow A Pair Of Work Pants Inspired Darrell W. McTague To Lose 125 Lbs. - </b><b><i>5/19/2014</i></b>\r\n\r\nThe Huffington Post Healthy Living category featured Darrell\'s story - he shares how he gained the weight, his breaking point, and how he lost it.\r\n\r\n<a href=\"http://www.huffingtonpost.com/2014/05/19/i-lost-weight-darrell-mctague_n_5104908.html\">Read the HuffPost story here</a>\r\n\r\n<hr width=\"60%\" />\r\n\r\n<b><img class=\"alignright wp-image-255 size-medium\" src=\"http://50.87.248.94/~sothisj4/wp-content/uploads/2017/01/cognitea-feature-300x202.jpg\" alt=\"CogniTea &quot;I Can. I WILL.&quot; story featuring So THIS Is Fitness\" width=\"300\" height=\"202\" />CogniTea - \"I Can. I WILL. Story\" - </b><b><i>4/30/14</i></b>\r\n\r\nAlready the first athlete featured by and associated with CogniTea, Darrell was featured again as their first \"I Can. I WILL. Story\". Highlights include Darrell\'s story, his advice, and action steps to make your own change.\r\n\r\n<a href=\"http://cognitea.com/blogs/the-stories/13996861-introducing-darrell-mctague-i-can-i-will-story-of-the-month\">Read the story here</a>\r\n\r\n<hr width=\"60%\" />\r\n\r\n<b>Road Runner Sports - Spring 2014 Catalog / Inspiration Instigator</b>\r\n\r\n<i style=\"font-weight: bold;\">Spring 2014</i>\r\n\r\nIn Spring 2014 Road Runner Sports, a brick &amp; mortar / online running specialty store featured Darrell as part of their Spring 2014 catalog, sharing his story. Darrell was also featured as a part of Road Runner Sports\' \"Inspiration Instigator\" promotion.\r\n\r\n<a href=\"https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=BWcltCojY-M\">See the video here</a>\r\n\r\n<hr width=\"60%\" />\r\n\r\n<b><img class=\"alignright wp-image-256 size-medium\" src=\"http://50.87.248.94/~sothisj4/wp-content/uploads/2017/01/cognitea-feature2-300x192.jpg\" alt=\"CogniTea Feature of So THIS Is Fitness\" width=\"300\" height=\"192\" />CogniTea - \"How CogniTea helped Darrell run (his first) sub-2 hour 1/2 Marathon!\" - </b><b><i>2/26/14</i></b>\r\n\r\nCogniTea, a Boston-based startup bringing a new, brain-boosting tea to the world, featured Darrell as their first inspirational story. Darrell exemplified CogniTea\'s motto of \"I Can. I WILL.\" in his mentally tough personal victory - his first sub-2 hour half-marathon.\r\n\r\n<a href=\"http://cognitea.com/blogs/the-stories/12684025-see-how-cognitea-helped-darrell-mctague-run-a-sub-2-hour-1-2-marathon\">Read the story here</a>','Press and Media','','inherit','closed','closed','','251-revision-v1','','','2017-01-07 18:33:52','2017-01-07 23:33:52','',251,'http://50.87.248.94/~sothisj4/251-revision-v1/',0,'revision','',0),(268,1,'2017-01-07 18:49:13','2017-01-07 23:49:13','<span style=\"font-size: large;\"><b>I &lt;3 Hearing From You</b></span>\r\n\r\nReally, I love hearing from my readers, followers, and listeners.  If you\'d like to get in touch with me for anything Health/Fitness related please contact me at:\r\n\r\nDarrell (at) SoTHISIsFitness.com\r\n\r\nPlease be sure to mention in the subject line what your message is regarding. <strong>For anything podcast related</strong> please contact me at podcast (at) SoTHISIsFitness.com\r\n\r\nAlso - I am usually happy to do product reviews and trials - any requests for such can be directed to the above email. To see reviews I\'ve already done you can visit my <a href=\"http://www.sothisisfitness.com/search/label/Review+product\">\"Product Reviews\"</a> page. <b>Hot Tip: </b>People <u>love</u> giveaways. So do I. If you\'d be up for a giveaway with your product review...<i>bonus points.</i>','Contact','','publish','closed','closed','','contact','','','2017-01-07 18:49:13','2017-01-07 23:49:13','',0,'http://50.87.248.94/~sothisj4/?page_id=268',0,'page','',0),(269,1,'2017-01-07 18:49:13','2017-01-07 23:49:13','<span style=\"font-size: large;\"><b>I &lt;3 Hearing From You</b></span>\r\n\r\nReally, I love hearing from my readers, followers, and listeners.  If you\'d like to get in touch with me for anything Health/Fitness related please contact me at:\r\n\r\nDarrell (at) SoTHISIsFitness.com\r\n\r\nPlease be sure to mention in the subject line what your message is regarding. <strong>For anything podcast related</strong> please contact me at podcast (at) SoTHISIsFitness.com\r\n\r\nAlso - I am usually happy to do product reviews and trials - any requests for such can be directed to the above email. To see reviews I\'ve already done you can visit my <a href=\"http://www.sothisisfitness.com/search/label/Review+product\">\"Product Reviews\"</a> page. <b>Hot Tip: </b>People <u>love</u> giveaways. So do I. If you\'d be up for a giveaway with your product review...<i>bonus points.</i>','Contact','','inherit','closed','closed','','268-revision-v1','','','2017-01-07 18:49:13','2017-01-07 23:49:13','',268,'http://50.87.248.94/~sothisj4/268-revision-v1/',0,'revision','',0),(270,1,'2017-01-07 19:01:37','2017-01-08 00:01:37','<div style=\"margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin: 0in;\"><span style=\"font-family: Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: 21pt;\">SoTHISIsFitness.com Privacy Policy</span></div>\r\n<div style=\"margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin: 0in; text-align: justify;\"><span style=\"font-size: x-small;\">This privacy policy has been compiled to better serve those who are concerned with how their \'Personally identifiable information\' (PII) is being used online. PII, as used in US privacy law </span><span style=\"font-size: x-small;\">and information security, is information that can be used on its own or with other information to identify, contact, or locate a single person, or to identify an individual in context. Please read our privacy policy carefully to get a clear understanding of how we collect, use, protect or otherwise handle your Personally Identifiable Information in accordance with our website.</span></div>\r\n<div style=\"margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin: 0in; text-align: justify;\"></div>\r\n<div style=\"margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin: 0in; text-align: justify;\"><strong><span style=\"font-size: 11pt;\">What personal information do we collect from the people that visit our blog, website or app?</span></strong></div>\r\n<div style=\"margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin: 0in; text-align: justify;\"></div>\r\n<div style=\"margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin: 0in; text-align: justify;\"><span style=\"font-size: x-small;\">When ordering or registering on our site, as appropriate, you may be asked to enter your name, email address, mailing address, phone number or other details to help you with your experience.</span></div>\r\n<div style=\"margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin: 0in; text-align: justify;\"></div>\r\n<div style=\"margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin: 0in; text-align: justify;\"><strong><span style=\"font-size: 11pt;\">When do we collect information?</span></strong></div>\r\n<div style=\"margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin: 0in; text-align: justify;\"></div>\r\n<div style=\"margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin: 0in; text-align: justify;\"><span style=\"font-size: x-small;\">We collect information from you when you subscribe to a newsletter, respond to a survey or enter information on our site.</span></div>\r\n<div style=\"margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin: 0in; text-align: justify;\"></div>\r\n<div style=\"margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin: 0in; text-align: justify;\"><strong><span style=\"font-size: 11pt;\">How do we use your information?</span></strong></div>\r\n<div style=\"margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin: 0in; text-align: justify;\"></div>\r\n<div style=\"margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin: 0in; text-align: justify;\"><span style=\"font-size: x-small;\">We may use the information we collect from you when you register, make a purchase, sign up for our newsletter, respond to\r\na survey or marketing communication, surf the website, or use certain other site features in the following ways:</span></div>\r\n<div style=\"margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin: 0in; text-align: justify;\"><span style=\"font-size: x-small;\">    <strong>•</strong> To personalize user\'s experience and to allow us to deliver the type of content and product offerings in which you are most interested.</span></div>\r\n<div style=\"margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin: 0in; text-align: justify;\"><span style=\"font-size: x-small;\">    <strong>•</strong> To improve our website in order to better serve you.</span></div>\r\n<div style=\"margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin: 0in; text-align: justify;\"><span style=\"font-size: x-small;\">    <strong>•</strong> To administer a contest, promotion, survey or other site feature.</span></div>\r\n<div style=\"margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin: 0in; text-align: justify;\"><span style=\"font-size: x-small;\">    <strong>•</strong> To send periodic emails regarding your order or other products and services.</span></div>\r\n<div style=\"margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin: 0in; text-align: justify;\"></div>\r\n<div style=\"margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin: 0in; text-align: justify;\"><strong><span style=\"font-size: 11pt;\">How do we protect visitor information?</span></strong></div>\r\n<div style=\"margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin: 0in; text-align: justify;\"></div>\r\n<div style=\"margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin: 0in; text-align: justify;\"><span style=\"font-size: x-small;\">Our website is scanned on a regular basis for security holes and known vulnerabilities in order to make your visit to our site as safe as possible. </span><span style=\"font-size: x-small;\">We do not use an SSL certificate</span></div>\r\n<div style=\"margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin: 0in; text-align: justify;\"><span style=\"font-size: x-small;\">   <strong>•</strong> We only provide articles and information, and we never ask for personal or private information </span><span style=\"font-size: x-small;\">Information collected is expressly for use</span></div>\r\n<div style=\"margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin: 0in; text-align: justify;\"></div>\r\n<div style=\"margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin: 0in; text-align: justify;\"><strong><span style=\"font-size: 11pt;\">Do we use \'cookies\'?</span></strong></div>\r\n<div style=\"margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin: 0in; text-align: justify;\"></div>\r\n<div style=\"margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin: 0in; text-align: justify;\"><span style=\"font-size: x-small;\">Yes. Cookies are small files that a site or its service provider transfers to your computer\'s hard drive through your Web browser (if you allow) that enables the site\'s or service provider\'s systems to recognize your browser and capture and remember certain information. For instance, we use cookies to help us remember and process the items in your shopping cart. They are also used to help us understand your preferences based on previous or current site activity, which enables us to provide you with improved services. We also use cookies to help us compile aggregate data about site traffic and site interaction so that we can offer better site experiences and tools in the future.</span></div>\r\n<div style=\"margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin: 0in; text-align: justify;\"></div>\r\n<div style=\"margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin: 0in; text-align: justify;\"><strong><span style=\"font-size: 11pt;\">We use cookies to:</span></strong></div>\r\n<div style=\"margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin: 0in; text-align: justify;\"><span style=\"font-size: 11pt;\">  <strong>•</strong> Understand and save user\'s preferences for future visits.</span></div>\r\n<div style=\"margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin: 0in; text-align: justify;\"><span style=\"font-size: 11pt;\">  <strong>•</strong> Keep track of advertisements.</span></div>\r\n<div style=\"margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin: 0in; text-align: justify;\"><span style=\"font-size: 11pt;\">  <strong>•</strong> Compile aggregate data about site traffic and site interactions in order to offer better site experiences and tools in the future. We may also use trusted third party services that track this information on our behalf.</span></div>\r\n<div style=\"margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin: 0in; text-align: justify;\"></div>\r\n<div style=\"margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin: 0in; text-align: justify;\"><span style=\"font-size: 11pt;\">You can choose to have your computer warn you each time a cookie is being sent, or you can choose to turn off all cookies. You do this through your browser (like Internet Explorer) settings. Each browser is a little different, so look at your browser\'s Help menu to learn the correct way to modify your cookies.</span></div>\r\n<div style=\"margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin: 0in; text-align: justify;\"></div>\r\n<div style=\"margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin: 0in; text-align: justify;\"><span style=\"font-size: 11pt;\">If you disable cookies off, some features will be disabled It won\'t affect the users experience that make your site experience more efficient and some of our services will not function properly.</span></div>\r\n<div style=\"margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin: 0in; text-align: justify;\"></div>\r\n<div style=\"margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin: 0in; text-align: justify;\"><strong><span style=\"font-size: 11pt;\">Third Party Disclosure</span></strong></div>\r\n<div style=\"margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin: 0in; text-align: justify;\"></div>\r\n<div style=\"margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin: 0in; text-align: justify;\"><span style=\"font-size: x-small;\">We do not sell, trade, or otherwise transfer to outside parties your personally identifiable information unless we provide you with advance notice. This does not include website hosting partners and other parties who assist us in operating our website, conducting our business, or servicing you, so long as those parties agree to keep this information confidential. We may also release your information when we believe release is appropriate to comply with the law, enforce our site policies, or protect ours or others\' rights, property, or safety.</span></div>\r\n<div style=\"margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin: 0in; text-align: justify;\"></div>\r\n<div style=\"margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin: 0in; text-align: justify;\"><span style=\"font-size: x-small;\">However, non-personally identifiable visitor information may be provided to other parties for marketing, advertising, or other uses.</span></div>\r\n<div style=\"margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin: 0in; text-align: justify;\"></div>\r\n<div style=\"margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin: 0in; text-align: justify;\"><strong><span style=\"font-size: 11pt;\">Third party links</span></strong></div>\r\n<div style=\"margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin: 0in; text-align: justify;\"></div>\r\n<div style=\"margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin: 0in; text-align: justify;\"><span style=\"font-size: x-small;\">Occasionally, at our discretion, we may include or offer third party products or services on our website. These third party sites have separate and independent privacy policies. We therefore have no responsibility or liability for the content and activities of these linked sites. Nonetheless, we seek to protect the integrity of our site and welcome any feedback about these sites.</span></div>\r\n<div style=\"margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin: 0in; text-align: justify;\"></div>\r\n<div style=\"margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin: 0in; text-align: justify;\"><strong><span style=\"font-size: 11pt;\">Google</span></strong></div>\r\n<div style=\"margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin: 0in; text-align: justify;\"></div>\r\n<div style=\"margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin: 0in; text-align: justify;\"><span style=\"font-size: x-small;\">Google\'s advertising requirements can be summed up by Google\'s Advertising Principles. They are put in place to provide a positive experience for users.\r\nhttps://support.google.com/adwordspolicy/answer/1316548?hl=en </span><span style=\"font-size: x-small;\">We use Google AdSense Advertising on our website.</span></div>\r\n<div style=\"margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin: 0in; text-align: justify;\"><span style=\"font-size: x-small;\">Google, as a third party vendor, uses cookies to serve ads on our site. Google\'s use of the DART cookie enables it to serve ads to our users based on their visit to our site and other sites on the Internet. Users may opt out of the use of the DART cookie by visiting the Google ad and content network privacy policy.</span></div>\r\n<div style=\"margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin: 0in; text-align: justify;\"></div>\r\n<div style=\"margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin: 0in; text-align: justify;\"><span style=\"font-size: x-small;\"><strong>We have implemented the following:</strong></span></div>\r\n<div style=\"margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin: 0in; text-align: justify;\"><span style=\"font-size: x-small;\">      <strong>•</strong> Remarketing with Google AdSense</span></div>\r\n<div style=\"margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin: 0in; text-align: justify;\"><span style=\"font-size: x-small;\">      <strong>•</strong> Demographics and Interests Reporting</span></div>\r\n<div style=\"margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin: 0in; text-align: justify;\"></div>\r\n<div style=\"margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin: 0in; text-align: justify;\"><span style=\"font-size: x-small;\">We along with third-party vendors, such as Google use first-party cookies (such as the Google Analytics cookies) and third-party cookies (such as the DoubleClick cookie) or other third-party identifiers together to compile data regarding user interactions with ad impressions, and other ad service functions as they relate to our website.</span></div>\r\n<div style=\"margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin: 0in; text-align: justify;\"><span style=\"font-size: x-small;\"> </span></div>\r\n<div style=\"margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin: 0in; text-align: justify;\"><span style=\"font-size: x-small;\">Opting out:</span></div>\r\n<div style=\"margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin: 0in; text-align: justify;\"><span style=\"font-size: x-small;\">Users can set preferences for how Google advertises to you using the Google Ad Settings page. Alternatively, you can opt out by visiting the Network Advertising initiative opt out page or permanently using the Google Analytics Opt Out Browser add on.</span></div>\r\n<div style=\"margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin: 0in; text-align: justify;\"></div>\r\n<div style=\"margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin: 0in; text-align: justify;\"><strong><span style=\"font-size: 11pt;\">California Online Privacy Protection Act</span></strong></div>\r\n<div style=\"margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin: 0in; text-align: justify;\"></div>\r\n<div style=\"margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin: 0in; text-align: justify;\"><span style=\"font-size: x-small;\">CalOPPA is the first state law in the nation to require commercial websites and online services to post a privacy policy. The law\'s reach stretches well beyond California to require a person or company in the United States (and conceivably the world) that operates websites collecting personally identifiable information from California consumers to post a conspicuous privacy policy on its website stating exactly the information being collected and those individuals with whom it is being shared, and to comply with this policy. - See more at: http://consumercal.org/california-online-privacy-protection-act-caloppa/#sthash.0FdRbT51.dpuf</span></div>\r\n<div style=\"margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin: 0in; text-align: justify;\"><span style=\"font-size: x-small;\"> </span></div>\r\n<div style=\"margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin: 0in; text-align: justify;\"><span style=\"font-size: x-small;\"><strong>According to CalOPPA we agree to the following:</strong></span></div>\r\n<div style=\"margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin: 0in; text-align: justify;\"><span style=\"font-size: x-small;\">Users can visit our site anonymously </span><span style=\"font-size: x-small;\">Once this privacy policy is created, we will add a link to it on our home page, or as a minimum on the first significant page after entering our website. </span><span style=\"font-size: x-small;\">Our Privacy Policy link includes the word \'Privacy\', and can be easily be found on the page specified above.</span></div>\r\n<div style=\"margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin: 0in; text-align: justify;\"><span style=\"font-size: x-small;\">Users will be notified of any privacy policy changes:</span></div>\r\n<div style=\"margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin: 0in; text-align: justify;\"><span style=\"font-size: x-small;\">      <strong>•</strong> On our Privacy Policy Page</span></div>\r\n<div style=\"margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin: 0in; text-align: justify;\"></div>\r\n<div style=\"margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin: 0in; text-align: justify;\"><span style=\"font-size: x-small;\">Users are able to change their personal information:</span></div>\r\n<div style=\"margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin: 0in; text-align: justify;\"><span style=\"font-size: x-small;\">      <strong>•</strong> By emailing us</span></div>\r\n<div style=\"margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin: 0in; text-align: justify;\"></div>\r\n<div style=\"margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin: 0in; text-align: justify;\"><strong><span style=\"font-size: 11pt;\">How does our site handle do not track signals?</span></strong></div>\r\n<div style=\"margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin: 0in; text-align: justify;\"><span style=\"font-size: x-small;\">We honor do not track signals and do not track, plant cookies, or use advertising when a Do Not Track (DNT) browser mechanism is in place.</span></div>\r\n<div style=\"margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin: 0in; text-align: justify;\"></div>\r\n<div style=\"margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin: 0in; text-align: justify;\"><strong><span style=\"font-size: 11pt;\">Does our site allow third party behavioral tracking?</span></strong></div>\r\n<div style=\"margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin: 0in; text-align: justify;\"><span style=\"font-size: x-small;\">It\'s also important to note that we allow third party behavioral tracking</span></div>\r\n<div style=\"margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin: 0in; text-align: justify;\"></div>\r\n<div style=\"margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin: 0in; text-align: justify;\"><strong><span style=\"font-size: 11pt;\">COPPA (Children Online Privacy Protection Act)</span></strong></div>\r\n<div style=\"margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin: 0in; text-align: justify;\"></div>\r\n<div style=\"margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin: 0in; text-align: justify;\"><span style=\"font-size: x-small;\">When it comes to the collection of personal information from children under 13, the Children\'s Online Privacy Protection Act (COPPA) puts parents in control. The Federal Trade Commission, the nation\'s consumer protection agency, enforces the COPPA Rule, which spells out what operators of websites and online services must do to protect children\'s privacy and safety online. </span><span style=\"font-size: x-small;\">We do not specifically market to children under 13.</span></div>\r\n<div style=\"margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin: 0in; text-align: justify;\"></div>\r\n<div style=\"margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin: 0in; text-align: justify;\"><strong><span style=\"font-size: 11pt;\">Fair Information Practices</span></strong></div>\r\n<div style=\"margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin: 0in; text-align: justify;\"></div>\r\n<div style=\"margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin: 0in; text-align: justify;\"><span style=\"font-size: x-small;\">The Fair Information Practices Principles form the backbone of privacy law in the United States and the concepts they include have played a significant role in the development of data protection laws around the globe. Understanding the Fair Information Practice Principles and how they should be implemented is critical to comply with the various privacy laws that protect personal information.</span></div>\r\n<div style=\"margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin: 0in; text-align: justify;\"><span style=\"font-size: x-small;\"><strong>In order to be in line with Fair Information Practices we will take the following responsive action, should a data breach occur:</strong></span></div>\r\n<div style=\"margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin: 0in; text-align: justify;\"><span style=\"font-size: x-small;\">We will notify the users via email</span></div>\r\n<div style=\"margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin: 0in; text-align: justify;\"><span style=\"font-size: x-small;\">      <strong>•</strong> Within 7 business days</span></div>\r\n<div style=\"margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin: 0in; text-align: justify;\"><span style=\"font-size: x-small;\">We will notify the users via in site notification</span></div>\r\n<div style=\"margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin: 0in; text-align: justify;\"><span style=\"font-size: x-small;\">      <strong>•</strong> Within 7 business days</span></div>\r\n<div style=\"margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin: 0in; text-align: justify;\"></div>\r\n<div style=\"margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin: 0in; text-align: justify;\"><span style=\"font-size: x-small;\">We also agree to the individual redress principle, which requires that individuals have a right to pursue legally enforceable rights against data collectors and processors who fail to adhere to the law. This principle requires not only that individuals have enforceable rights against data users, but also that individuals have recourse to courts or a government agency to investigate and/or prosecute non-compliance by data processors.</span></div>\r\n<div style=\"margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin: 0in; text-align: justify;\"></div>\r\n<div style=\"margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin: 0in; text-align: justify;\"><strong><span style=\"font-size: 11pt;\">CAN SPAM Act</span></strong></div>\r\n<div style=\"margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin: 0in; text-align: justify;\"></div>\r\n<div style=\"margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin: 0in; text-align: justify;\"><span style=\"font-size: x-small;\">The CAN-SPAM Act is a law that sets the rules for commercial email, establishes requirements for commercial messages, gives recipients the right to have emails stopped from being sent to them, and spells out tough penalties for violations.</span></div>\r\n<div style=\"margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin: 0in; text-align: justify;\"><span style=\"font-size: x-small;\"><strong>We collect your email address in order to:</strong></span></div>\r\n<div style=\"margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin: 0in; text-align: justify;\"><span style=\"font-size: x-small;\">      <strong>•</strong> Send information, respond to inquiries, and/or other requests or questions.</span></div>\r\n<div style=\"margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin: 0in; text-align: justify;\"><span style=\"font-size: x-small;\">      <strong>•</strong> Market to our mailing list or continue to send emails to our clients after the original transaction has occurred</span></div>\r\n<div style=\"margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin: 0in; text-align: justify;\"><span style=\"font-size: x-small;\"><strong>To be accordance with CANSPAM we agree to the following:</strong></span></div>\r\n<div style=\"margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin: 0in; text-align: justify;\"><span style=\"font-size: x-small;\">      <strong>•</strong> NOT use false, or misleading subjects or email addresses</span></div>\r\n<div style=\"margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin: 0in; text-align: justify;\"><span style=\"font-size: x-small;\">      <strong>•</strong> Identify the message as an advertisement in some reasonable way</span></div>\r\n<div style=\"margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin: 0in; text-align: justify;\"><span style=\"font-size: x-small;\">      <strong>•</strong> Include the physical address of our business or site headquarters</span></div>\r\n<div style=\"margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin: 0in; text-align: justify;\"><span style=\"font-size: x-small;\">      <strong>•</strong> Monitor third party email marketing services for compliance, if one is used.</span></div>\r\n<div style=\"margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin: 0in; text-align: justify;\"><span style=\"font-size: x-small;\">      <strong>•</strong> Honor opt-out/unsubscribe requests quickly</span></div>\r\n<div style=\"margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin: 0in; text-align: justify;\"><span style=\"font-size: x-small;\">      <strong>•</strong> Allow users to unsubscribe by using the link at the bottom of each email</span><span style=\"font-size: x-small;\"><b>\r\n<strong>If at any time you would like to unsubscribe from receiving future emails, you can</strong></b></span></div>\r\n<div style=\"margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin: 0in; text-align: justify;\"><span style=\"font-size: x-small;\">      <strong>•</strong> Follow the instructions at the bottom of each email.</span></div>\r\n<div style=\"margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin: 0in; text-align: justify;\"></div>\r\n<div style=\"margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin: 0in; text-align: justify;\"><strong>Your acceptance of these terms</strong></div>\r\n<div style=\"margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin: 0in; text-align: justify;\"><span style=\"font-size: medium;\">      </span><span style=\"font-size: x-small;\"><strong>•</strong> By using this Site, you signify your acceptance of this policy. If you do not agree to this policy, please do not use our Site. Your continued use of the Site following the posting of changes to this policy will be deemed your acceptance of those changes.</span></div>\r\n<div style=\"margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin: 0in; text-align: justify;\"></div>\r\n<div style=\"margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin: 0in; text-align: justify;\"><strong><span style=\"font-size: 11pt;\">Contacting Us</span></strong></div>\r\n<div style=\"margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin: 0in; text-align: justify;\"></div>\r\n<div style=\"margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin: 0in; text-align: justify;\"><span style=\"font-size: x-small;\">If there are any questions regarding this privacy policy you may contact us using the information below.</span></div>\r\n<div style=\"margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin: 0in; text-align: justify;\"><span style=\"font-size: x-small;\">www.SoTHISIsFitness.com</span></div>\r\n<div style=\"margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin: 0in; text-align: justify;\"><span style=\"font-size: x-small;\">P.O. Box 128</span></div>\r\n<div style=\"margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin: 0in; text-align: justify;\"><span style=\"font-size: x-small;\">North Falmouth, </span><span style=\"font-size: x-small;\">Massachusetts </span><span style=\"font-size: x-small;\">02556</span></div>\r\n<div style=\"margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin: 0in; text-align: justify;\"><span style=\"font-size: x-small;\">USA</span></div>\r\n<div style=\"margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin: 0in; text-align: justify;\"><span style=\"font-size: x-small;\">Darrell@SoTHISIsFitness.com</span></div>\r\n<div style=\"margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin: 0in; text-align: justify;\"></div>\r\n<div style=\"margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin: 0in; text-align: justify;\"><span style=\"font-size: x-small;\">Last Edited on 2017-1-7</span></div>','Privacy','','publish','closed','closed','','privacy','','','2017-01-07 19:01:37','2017-01-08 00:01:37','',0,'http://50.87.248.94/~sothisj4/?page_id=270',0,'page','',0),(271,1,'2017-01-07 19:01:37','2017-01-08 00:01:37','<div style=\"margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin: 0in;\"><span style=\"font-family: Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: 21pt;\">SoTHISIsFitness.com Privacy Policy</span></div>\r\n<div style=\"margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin: 0in; text-align: justify;\"><span style=\"font-size: x-small;\">This privacy policy has been compiled to better serve those who are concerned with how their \'Personally identifiable information\' (PII) is being used online. PII, as used in US privacy law </span><span style=\"font-size: x-small;\">and information security, is information that can be used on its own or with other information to identify, contact, or locate a single person, or to identify an individual in context. Please read our privacy policy carefully to get a clear understanding of how we collect, use, protect or otherwise handle your Personally Identifiable Information in accordance with our website.</span></div>\r\n<div style=\"margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin: 0in; text-align: justify;\"></div>\r\n<div style=\"margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin: 0in; text-align: justify;\"><strong><span style=\"font-size: 11pt;\">What personal information do we collect from the people that visit our blog, website or app?</span></strong></div>\r\n<div style=\"margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin: 0in; text-align: justify;\"></div>\r\n<div style=\"margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin: 0in; text-align: justify;\"><span style=\"font-size: x-small;\">When ordering or registering on our site, as appropriate, you may be asked to enter your name, email address, mailing address, phone number or other details to help you with your experience.</span></div>\r\n<div style=\"margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin: 0in; text-align: justify;\"></div>\r\n<div style=\"margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin: 0in; text-align: justify;\"><strong><span style=\"font-size: 11pt;\">When do we collect information?</span></strong></div>\r\n<div style=\"margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin: 0in; text-align: justify;\"></div>\r\n<div style=\"margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin: 0in; text-align: justify;\"><span style=\"font-size: x-small;\">We collect information from you when you subscribe to a newsletter, respond to a survey or enter information on our site.</span></div>\r\n<div style=\"margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin: 0in; text-align: justify;\"></div>\r\n<div style=\"margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin: 0in; text-align: justify;\"><strong><span style=\"font-size: 11pt;\">How do we use your information?</span></strong></div>\r\n<div style=\"margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin: 0in; text-align: justify;\"></div>\r\n<div style=\"margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin: 0in; text-align: justify;\"><span style=\"font-size: x-small;\">We may use the information we collect from you when you register, make a purchase, sign up for our newsletter, respond to\r\na survey or marketing communication, surf the website, or use certain other site features in the following ways:</span></div>\r\n<div style=\"margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin: 0in; text-align: justify;\"><span style=\"font-size: x-small;\">    <strong>•</strong> To personalize user\'s experience and to allow us to deliver the type of content and product offerings in which you are most interested.</span></div>\r\n<div style=\"margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin: 0in; text-align: justify;\"><span style=\"font-size: x-small;\">    <strong>•</strong> To improve our website in order to better serve you.</span></div>\r\n<div style=\"margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin: 0in; text-align: justify;\"><span style=\"font-size: x-small;\">    <strong>•</strong> To administer a contest, promotion, survey or other site feature.</span></div>\r\n<div style=\"margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin: 0in; text-align: justify;\"><span style=\"font-size: x-small;\">    <strong>•</strong> To send periodic emails regarding your order or other products and services.</span></div>\r\n<div style=\"margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin: 0in; text-align: justify;\"></div>\r\n<div style=\"margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin: 0in; text-align: justify;\"><strong><span style=\"font-size: 11pt;\">How do we protect visitor information?</span></strong></div>\r\n<div style=\"margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin: 0in; text-align: justify;\"></div>\r\n<div style=\"margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin: 0in; text-align: justify;\"><span style=\"font-size: x-small;\">Our website is scanned on a regular basis for security holes and known vulnerabilities in order to make your visit to our site as safe as possible. </span><span style=\"font-size: x-small;\">We do not use an SSL certificate</span></div>\r\n<div style=\"margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin: 0in; text-align: justify;\"><span style=\"font-size: x-small;\">   <strong>•</strong> We only provide articles and information, and we never ask for personal or private information </span><span style=\"font-size: x-small;\">Information collected is expressly for use</span></div>\r\n<div style=\"margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin: 0in; text-align: justify;\"></div>\r\n<div style=\"margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin: 0in; text-align: justify;\"><strong><span style=\"font-size: 11pt;\">Do we use \'cookies\'?</span></strong></div>\r\n<div style=\"margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin: 0in; text-align: justify;\"></div>\r\n<div style=\"margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin: 0in; text-align: justify;\"><span style=\"font-size: x-small;\">Yes. Cookies are small files that a site or its service provider transfers to your computer\'s hard drive through your Web browser (if you allow) that enables the site\'s or service provider\'s systems to recognize your browser and capture and remember certain information. For instance, we use cookies to help us remember and process the items in your shopping cart. They are also used to help us understand your preferences based on previous or current site activity, which enables us to provide you with improved services. We also use cookies to help us compile aggregate data about site traffic and site interaction so that we can offer better site experiences and tools in the future.</span></div>\r\n<div style=\"margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin: 0in; text-align: justify;\"></div>\r\n<div style=\"margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin: 0in; text-align: justify;\"><strong><span style=\"font-size: 11pt;\">We use cookies to:</span></strong></div>\r\n<div style=\"margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin: 0in; text-align: justify;\"><span style=\"font-size: 11pt;\">  <strong>•</strong> Understand and save user\'s preferences for future visits.</span></div>\r\n<div style=\"margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin: 0in; text-align: justify;\"><span style=\"font-size: 11pt;\">  <strong>•</strong> Keep track of advertisements.</span></div>\r\n<div style=\"margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin: 0in; text-align: justify;\"><span style=\"font-size: 11pt;\">  <strong>•</strong> Compile aggregate data about site traffic and site interactions in order to offer better site experiences and tools in the future. We may also use trusted third party services that track this information on our behalf.</span></div>\r\n<div style=\"margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin: 0in; text-align: justify;\"></div>\r\n<div style=\"margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin: 0in; text-align: justify;\"><span style=\"font-size: 11pt;\">You can choose to have your computer warn you each time a cookie is being sent, or you can choose to turn off all cookies. You do this through your browser (like Internet Explorer) settings. Each browser is a little different, so look at your browser\'s Help menu to learn the correct way to modify your cookies.</span></div>\r\n<div style=\"margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin: 0in; text-align: justify;\"></div>\r\n<div style=\"margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin: 0in; text-align: justify;\"><span style=\"font-size: 11pt;\">If you disable cookies off, some features will be disabled It won\'t affect the users experience that make your site experience more efficient and some of our services will not function properly.</span></div>\r\n<div style=\"margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin: 0in; text-align: justify;\"></div>\r\n<div style=\"margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin: 0in; text-align: justify;\"><strong><span style=\"font-size: 11pt;\">Third Party Disclosure</span></strong></div>\r\n<div style=\"margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin: 0in; text-align: justify;\"></div>\r\n<div style=\"margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin: 0in; text-align: justify;\"><span style=\"font-size: x-small;\">We do not sell, trade, or otherwise transfer to outside parties your personally identifiable information unless we provide you with advance notice. This does not include website hosting partners and other parties who assist us in operating our website, conducting our business, or servicing you, so long as those parties agree to keep this information confidential. We may also release your information when we believe release is appropriate to comply with the law, enforce our site policies, or protect ours or others\' rights, property, or safety.</span></div>\r\n<div style=\"margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin: 0in; text-align: justify;\"></div>\r\n<div style=\"margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin: 0in; text-align: justify;\"><span style=\"font-size: x-small;\">However, non-personally identifiable visitor information may be provided to other parties for marketing, advertising, or other uses.</span></div>\r\n<div style=\"margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin: 0in; text-align: justify;\"></div>\r\n<div style=\"margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin: 0in; text-align: justify;\"><strong><span style=\"font-size: 11pt;\">Third party links</span></strong></div>\r\n<div style=\"margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin: 0in; text-align: justify;\"></div>\r\n<div style=\"margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin: 0in; text-align: justify;\"><span style=\"font-size: x-small;\">Occasionally, at our discretion, we may include or offer third party products or services on our website. These third party sites have separate and independent privacy policies. We therefore have no responsibility or liability for the content and activities of these linked sites. Nonetheless, we seek to protect the integrity of our site and welcome any feedback about these sites.</span></div>\r\n<div style=\"margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin: 0in; text-align: justify;\"></div>\r\n<div style=\"margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin: 0in; text-align: justify;\"><strong><span style=\"font-size: 11pt;\">Google</span></strong></div>\r\n<div style=\"margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin: 0in; text-align: justify;\"></div>\r\n<div style=\"margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin: 0in; text-align: justify;\"><span style=\"font-size: x-small;\">Google\'s advertising requirements can be summed up by Google\'s Advertising Principles. They are put in place to provide a positive experience for users.\r\nhttps://support.google.com/adwordspolicy/answer/1316548?hl=en </span><span style=\"font-size: x-small;\">We use Google AdSense Advertising on our website.</span></div>\r\n<div style=\"margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin: 0in; text-align: justify;\"><span style=\"font-size: x-small;\">Google, as a third party vendor, uses cookies to serve ads on our site. Google\'s use of the DART cookie enables it to serve ads to our users based on their visit to our site and other sites on the Internet. Users may opt out of the use of the DART cookie by visiting the Google ad and content network privacy policy.</span></div>\r\n<div style=\"margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin: 0in; text-align: justify;\"></div>\r\n<div style=\"margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin: 0in; text-align: justify;\"><span style=\"font-size: x-small;\"><strong>We have implemented the following:</strong></span></div>\r\n<div style=\"margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin: 0in; text-align: justify;\"><span style=\"font-size: x-small;\">      <strong>•</strong> Remarketing with Google AdSense</span></div>\r\n<div style=\"margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin: 0in; text-align: justify;\"><span style=\"font-size: x-small;\">      <strong>•</strong> Demographics and Interests Reporting</span></div>\r\n<div style=\"margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin: 0in; text-align: justify;\"></div>\r\n<div style=\"margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin: 0in; text-align: justify;\"><span style=\"font-size: x-small;\">We along with third-party vendors, such as Google use first-party cookies (such as the Google Analytics cookies) and third-party cookies (such as the DoubleClick cookie) or other third-party identifiers together to compile data regarding user interactions with ad impressions, and other ad service functions as they relate to our website.</span></div>\r\n<div style=\"margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin: 0in; text-align: justify;\"><span style=\"font-size: x-small;\"> </span></div>\r\n<div style=\"margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin: 0in; text-align: justify;\"><span style=\"font-size: x-small;\">Opting out:</span></div>\r\n<div style=\"margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin: 0in; text-align: justify;\"><span style=\"font-size: x-small;\">Users can set preferences for how Google advertises to you using the Google Ad Settings page. Alternatively, you can opt out by visiting the Network Advertising initiative opt out page or permanently using the Google Analytics Opt Out Browser add on.</span></div>\r\n<div style=\"margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin: 0in; text-align: justify;\"></div>\r\n<div style=\"margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin: 0in; text-align: justify;\"><strong><span style=\"font-size: 11pt;\">California Online Privacy Protection Act</span></strong></div>\r\n<div style=\"margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin: 0in; text-align: justify;\"></div>\r\n<div style=\"margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin: 0in; text-align: justify;\"><span style=\"font-size: x-small;\">CalOPPA is the first state law in the nation to require commercial websites and online services to post a privacy policy. The law\'s reach stretches well beyond California to require a person or company in the United States (and conceivably the world) that operates websites collecting personally identifiable information from California consumers to post a conspicuous privacy policy on its website stating exactly the information being collected and those individuals with whom it is being shared, and to comply with this policy. - See more at: http://consumercal.org/california-online-privacy-protection-act-caloppa/#sthash.0FdRbT51.dpuf</span></div>\r\n<div style=\"margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin: 0in; text-align: justify;\"><span style=\"font-size: x-small;\"> </span></div>\r\n<div style=\"margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin: 0in; text-align: justify;\"><span style=\"font-size: x-small;\"><strong>According to CalOPPA we agree to the following:</strong></span></div>\r\n<div style=\"margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin: 0in; text-align: justify;\"><span style=\"font-size: x-small;\">Users can visit our site anonymously </span><span style=\"font-size: x-small;\">Once this privacy policy is created, we will add a link to it on our home page, or as a minimum on the first significant page after entering our website. </span><span style=\"font-size: x-small;\">Our Privacy Policy link includes the word \'Privacy\', and can be easily be found on the page specified above.</span></div>\r\n<div style=\"margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin: 0in; text-align: justify;\"><span style=\"font-size: x-small;\">Users will be notified of any privacy policy changes:</span></div>\r\n<div style=\"margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin: 0in; text-align: justify;\"><span style=\"font-size: x-small;\">      <strong>•</strong> On our Privacy Policy Page</span></div>\r\n<div style=\"margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin: 0in; text-align: justify;\"></div>\r\n<div style=\"margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin: 0in; text-align: justify;\"><span style=\"font-size: x-small;\">Users are able to change their personal information:</span></div>\r\n<div style=\"margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin: 0in; text-align: justify;\"><span style=\"font-size: x-small;\">      <strong>•</strong> By emailing us</span></div>\r\n<div style=\"margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin: 0in; text-align: justify;\"></div>\r\n<div style=\"margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin: 0in; text-align: justify;\"><strong><span style=\"font-size: 11pt;\">How does our site handle do not track signals?</span></strong></div>\r\n<div style=\"margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin: 0in; text-align: justify;\"><span style=\"font-size: x-small;\">We honor do not track signals and do not track, plant cookies, or use advertising when a Do Not Track (DNT) browser mechanism is in place.</span></div>\r\n<div style=\"margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin: 0in; text-align: justify;\"></div>\r\n<div style=\"margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin: 0in; text-align: justify;\"><strong><span style=\"font-size: 11pt;\">Does our site allow third party behavioral tracking?</span></strong></div>\r\n<div style=\"margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin: 0in; text-align: justify;\"><span style=\"font-size: x-small;\">It\'s also important to note that we allow third party behavioral tracking</span></div>\r\n<div style=\"margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin: 0in; text-align: justify;\"></div>\r\n<div style=\"margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin: 0in; text-align: justify;\"><strong><span style=\"font-size: 11pt;\">COPPA (Children Online Privacy Protection Act)</span></strong></div>\r\n<div style=\"margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin: 0in; text-align: justify;\"></div>\r\n<div style=\"margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin: 0in; text-align: justify;\"><span style=\"font-size: x-small;\">When it comes to the collection of personal information from children under 13, the Children\'s Online Privacy Protection Act (COPPA) puts parents in control. The Federal Trade Commission, the nation\'s consumer protection agency, enforces the COPPA Rule, which spells out what operators of websites and online services must do to protect children\'s privacy and safety online. </span><span style=\"font-size: x-small;\">We do not specifically market to children under 13.</span></div>\r\n<div style=\"margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin: 0in; text-align: justify;\"></div>\r\n<div style=\"margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin: 0in; text-align: justify;\"><strong><span style=\"font-size: 11pt;\">Fair Information Practices</span></strong></div>\r\n<div style=\"margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin: 0in; text-align: justify;\"></div>\r\n<div style=\"margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin: 0in; text-align: justify;\"><span style=\"font-size: x-small;\">The Fair Information Practices Principles form the backbone of privacy law in the United States and the concepts they include have played a significant role in the development of data protection laws around the globe. Understanding the Fair Information Practice Principles and how they should be implemented is critical to comply with the various privacy laws that protect personal information.</span></div>\r\n<div style=\"margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin: 0in; text-align: justify;\"><span style=\"font-size: x-small;\"><strong>In order to be in line with Fair Information Practices we will take the following responsive action, should a data breach occur:</strong></span></div>\r\n<div style=\"margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin: 0in; text-align: justify;\"><span style=\"font-size: x-small;\">We will notify the users via email</span></div>\r\n<div style=\"margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin: 0in; text-align: justify;\"><span style=\"font-size: x-small;\">      <strong>•</strong> Within 7 business days</span></div>\r\n<div style=\"margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin: 0in; text-align: justify;\"><span style=\"font-size: x-small;\">We will notify the users via in site notification</span></div>\r\n<div style=\"margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin: 0in; text-align: justify;\"><span style=\"font-size: x-small;\">      <strong>•</strong> Within 7 business days</span></div>\r\n<div style=\"margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin: 0in; text-align: justify;\"></div>\r\n<div style=\"margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin: 0in; text-align: justify;\"><span style=\"font-size: x-small;\">We also agree to the individual redress principle, which requires that individuals have a right to pursue legally enforceable rights against data collectors and processors who fail to adhere to the law. This principle requires not only that individuals have enforceable rights against data users, but also that individuals have recourse to courts or a government agency to investigate and/or prosecute non-compliance by data processors.</span></div>\r\n<div style=\"margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin: 0in; text-align: justify;\"></div>\r\n<div style=\"margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin: 0in; text-align: justify;\"><strong><span style=\"font-size: 11pt;\">CAN SPAM Act</span></strong></div>\r\n<div style=\"margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin: 0in; text-align: justify;\"></div>\r\n<div style=\"margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin: 0in; text-align: justify;\"><span style=\"font-size: x-small;\">The CAN-SPAM Act is a law that sets the rules for commercial email, establishes requirements for commercial messages, gives recipients the right to have emails stopped from being sent to them, and spells out tough penalties for violations.</span></div>\r\n<div style=\"margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin: 0in; text-align: justify;\"><span style=\"font-size: x-small;\"><strong>We collect your email address in order to:</strong></span></div>\r\n<div style=\"margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin: 0in; text-align: justify;\"><span style=\"font-size: x-small;\">      <strong>•</strong> Send information, respond to inquiries, and/or other requests or questions.</span></div>\r\n<div style=\"margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin: 0in; text-align: justify;\"><span style=\"font-size: x-small;\">      <strong>•</strong> Market to our mailing list or continue to send emails to our clients after the original transaction has occurred</span></div>\r\n<div style=\"margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin: 0in; text-align: justify;\"><span style=\"font-size: x-small;\"><strong>To be accordance with CANSPAM we agree to the following:</strong></span></div>\r\n<div style=\"margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin: 0in; text-align: justify;\"><span style=\"font-size: x-small;\">      <strong>•</strong> NOT use false, or misleading subjects or email addresses</span></div>\r\n<div style=\"margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin: 0in; text-align: justify;\"><span style=\"font-size: x-small;\">      <strong>•</strong> Identify the message as an advertisement in some reasonable way</span></div>\r\n<div style=\"margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin: 0in; text-align: justify;\"><span style=\"font-size: x-small;\">      <strong>•</strong> Include the physical address of our business or site headquarters</span></div>\r\n<div style=\"margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin: 0in; text-align: justify;\"><span style=\"font-size: x-small;\">      <strong>•</strong> Monitor third party email marketing services for compliance, if one is used.</span></div>\r\n<div style=\"margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin: 0in; text-align: justify;\"><span style=\"font-size: x-small;\">      <strong>•</strong> Honor opt-out/unsubscribe requests quickly</span></div>\r\n<div style=\"margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin: 0in; text-align: justify;\"><span style=\"font-size: x-small;\">      <strong>•</strong> Allow users to unsubscribe by using the link at the bottom of each email</span><span style=\"font-size: x-small;\"><b>\r\n<strong>If at any time you would like to unsubscribe from receiving future emails, you can</strong></b></span></div>\r\n<div style=\"margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin: 0in; text-align: justify;\"><span style=\"font-size: x-small;\">      <strong>•</strong> Follow the instructions at the bottom of each email.</span></div>\r\n<div style=\"margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin: 0in; text-align: justify;\"></div>\r\n<div style=\"margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin: 0in; text-align: justify;\"><strong>Your acceptance of these terms</strong></div>\r\n<div style=\"margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin: 0in; text-align: justify;\"><span style=\"font-size: medium;\">      </span><span style=\"font-size: x-small;\"><strong>•</strong> By using this Site, you signify your acceptance of this policy. If you do not agree to this policy, please do not use our Site. Your continued use of the Site following the posting of changes to this policy will be deemed your acceptance of those changes.</span></div>\r\n<div style=\"margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin: 0in; text-align: justify;\"></div>\r\n<div style=\"margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin: 0in; text-align: justify;\"><strong><span style=\"font-size: 11pt;\">Contacting Us</span></strong></div>\r\n<div style=\"margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin: 0in; text-align: justify;\"></div>\r\n<div style=\"margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin: 0in; text-align: justify;\"><span style=\"font-size: x-small;\">If there are any questions regarding this privacy policy you may contact us using the information below.</span></div>\r\n<div style=\"margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin: 0in; text-align: justify;\"><span style=\"font-size: x-small;\">www.SoTHISIsFitness.com</span></div>\r\n<div style=\"margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin: 0in; text-align: justify;\"><span style=\"font-size: x-small;\">P.O. Box 128</span></div>\r\n<div style=\"margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin: 0in; text-align: justify;\"><span style=\"font-size: x-small;\">North Falmouth, </span><span style=\"font-size: x-small;\">Massachusetts </span><span style=\"font-size: x-small;\">02556</span></div>\r\n<div style=\"margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin: 0in; text-align: justify;\"><span style=\"font-size: x-small;\">USA</span></div>\r\n<div style=\"margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin: 0in; text-align: justify;\"><span style=\"font-size: x-small;\">Darrell@SoTHISIsFitness.com</span></div>\r\n<div style=\"margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin: 0in; text-align: justify;\"></div>\r\n<div style=\"margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin: 0in; text-align: justify;\"><span style=\"font-size: x-small;\">Last Edited on 2017-1-7</span></div>','Privacy','','inherit','closed','closed','','270-revision-v1','','','2017-01-07 19:01:37','2017-01-08 00:01:37','',270,'http://50.87.248.94/~sothisj4/270-revision-v1/',0,'revision','',0),(680,1,'2017-01-15 08:04:23','2017-01-15 13:04:23','At this point a lot of people have heard, seen or read <a href=\"http://sothisisfitness.com/meet-darrell/my-journey\" target=\"_blank\">my story</a> and asked me <b>how I did it</b>. How I got started? How I stayed motivated to keep going? Turns out, a lot of people ask me that question because <b>they want to know how THEY can do it too</b>.<br /><br />Well, here we are. The \"Get Up And GO\" Guide. This will break down everything you need to know, do, and remind yourself in order to...well... Get Up and GO! Let\'s dive right in - <br /><br />First Thing\'s First<b> - Get Out Of Your Own Way!</b><br /><b></b><br /><a name=\'more\'></a><b><br /></b><br /><div style=\"clear: both; text-align: center;\"><a href=\"http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-LH9jfUr-XhM/UgKqj7IHAOI/AAAAAAAABHE/CFvxtJCN2P8/s1600/stifstopsign.jpg\" style=\"clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;\"><img border=\"0\" src=\"http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-LH9jfUr-XhM/UgKqj7IHAOI/AAAAAAAABHE/CFvxtJCN2P8/s1600/stifstopsign.jpg\" /></a></div><b>YOU </b>are the only obstacle in your way. Nobody can<br />tell you that <b>you can\'t do it</b>. <b>Your voice</b> is the only voice that matters. You are <b>perfectly capable</b> of achieving your goals. So, <b>stop the excuses</b>, <b>do</b> what you need to do to be in a position to begin your journey...and <b>do it!</b> I could go on for hours, but that\'s about all there is to say in this part of the guide. I\'ve already talked about the <a href=\"http://www.sothisisfitness.com/2013/07/the-inconvenience-factor-accepting.html\" target=\"_blank\">\"I Don\'t Feel Like It Syndrome\"</a>, <a href=\"http://www.sothisisfitness.com/2013/07/defeating-demotivators-1-fear-monster.html\" target=\"_blank\">The Fear Monster</a>, <a href=\"http://www.sothisisfitness.com/2013/07/why-workouts-fail-1-napoleon-complex.html\" target=\"_blank\">The Napoleon Complex</a> and <a href=\"http://sothisisfitness.com/2013/07/conquer-the-truth-about-motivation.html\" target=\"_blank\">motivation itself</a>, so we\'ve covered a lot of the bases concerning why you might not have been doing anything - it\'s time to figure out what\'s been keeping you away from a better you and <b>beat it</b>. Those other articles might <br />help.<br /><br /><b>So What Are You Gonna Do Now?</b><br /><br /><div style=\"clear: both; text-align: center;\"><a href=\"http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-Meem0uxYX6U/UgPzfNL6fHI/AAAAAAAABHk/vf2fQbWEsgc/s1600/ok-now-what.jpg\" style=\"clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;\"><img border=\"0\" height=\"240\" src=\"http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-Meem0uxYX6U/UgPzfNL6fHI/AAAAAAAABHk/vf2fQbWEsgc/s320/ok-now-what.jpg\" width=\"320\" /></a></div><b>&nbsp; </b><br />No, really...assuming you\'re ready to do something, you have to know <b>what it is</b> you\'re gonna do! That means you need to have a goal envisioned in your mind. What is your goal - <b>what do you want</b> in the end? It\'s going to be a long road, and you need a road map to get there. So, figure it out!<br /><b> </b><br />Are you trying to burn fat and get lean (known in fitness world as \"cutting\") or get big and build muscle (\"bulking\")? What do you want to look like? What size do you want to be? What weight are you shooting for? Where do you want to be in a year? I know it seems far off, but if you set your ultimate goal now you can figure out your plan and set little, more immediately attainable goals to achieve along the way. Trust me - little victories along the path to the Promised Land can do a lot more for you than you can appreciate right now.<br /><br /><b>OK, </b>So you know where you want to go - <b>How Do You Get There?</b><br /><br />This is the part where you have to choose your starting point - what you\'re actually going to do to start losing/gaining weight. This can be a big decision, and it IS an important one.&nbsp;<b> </b>Megan (my fiancee) and I were between two programs - P90X and INSANITY. We were familiar with the two from word of mouth, internet ads, and tv infomercials. We had a rough idea of what we were in for and what the two were like. In the end, the differences we were deciding between were:<br /><br />P90X - requires some equipment, allows lots of modification of moves, well-rounded program<br />Insanity - requires NO equipment, doesn\'t really allow much modification (or any at all), cardio HELL. <br /><br />We decided, in the end, to do P90X first. Frankly, <b>I\'m glad we did</b>. For what we were looking to do it was a good starting point. It allowed us to ease into things modifying moves and achieving little victories, still getting the full workout done instead of failing after one or two full-out intense reps. It allowed us to <b>feel good</b> about our achievements and see our <b>progress</b> as we went along. <b>Yes,</b> we would\'ve seen progress in INSANITY too, but the fact we couldn\'t go balls-to-the-wall and get more than a couple reps might have discouraged us from finishing the program. Doint P90X also helped us build a base of muscle and shed some initial weight (read: a LOT of weight) that helped make INSANITY suck a whole lot less.<br /><br />In the end, <b>we made the right choice for us</b>. Maybe the other choice would\'ve worked for you. That\'s probably the toughest part - in the end, <b>you have to make the call.</b> Look into your available options and choose what you think is going to serve you best. P90X allowed my 300 lb out-of-shape self to struggle for 10 pushups on my knees and still complete the workout. Progress is progress -<br /><br /><div style=\"clear: both; text-align: center;\"><a href=\"http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-kLDUQomQlGk/UgRhkwa-zqI/AAAAAAAABH0/llsPETZ427c/s1600/dead-last-finish-meme.jpg\" style=\"margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;\"><img border=\"0\" height=\"200\" src=\"http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-kLDUQomQlGk/UgRhkwa-zqI/AAAAAAAABH0/llsPETZ427c/s400/dead-last-finish-meme.jpg\" width=\"400\" /></a></div>Because let\'s be honest - you\'re already lapping the guy still sitting on the couch.<br /><br />Once you figure out what you\'re doing, you need <b>the tools for success</b>.<br /><br /><b>What are The Tools For Success?</b><br /><br />Generally, whatever the program you\'re doing calls for! If you\'re going to do a program like P90X that requires equipment, <u><b>you need that equipment!</b></u> Things like resistance bands, pull-up bars, push-up stands, yoga mats, etc can be found at stores like Marshalls, T.J. Maxx, Wal-Mart, or your favorite sporting goods store. I got my resistance band set for about $12, same with some nice push-up stands. Yoga mat was about $12 for a nice one and yoga block was $5 (worth it). Trust me,<b> the equipment</b> <b>is worth the investment</b>. Don\'t let a few extra bucks scare you away - it\'s worth it for your health, fitness and enjoyment. I\'d happily invest that $50 again to add enjoyable years onto my life. If you\'re going a little more hardcore with something like P90X2 or Body Beast, you\'ve probably already done some workout programs and have built up a collection of equipment already. <b>Don\'t choose a program simply because of a lack of required equipment</b>. I almost made that mistake, and if I had, I might have gotten discouraged and quit INSANITY, and I never would\'ve gotten in shape and started running.<br /><br /><div style=\"clear: both; text-align: center;\"><a href=\"http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-RAPp4HY0GyQ/UgRt0lGoo_I/AAAAAAAABIk/MWs3CFqF70I/s1600/IMG_20130730_103135_867.jpg\" style=\"clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;\"><img border=\"0\" height=\"360\" src=\"http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-RAPp4HY0GyQ/UgRt0lGoo_I/AAAAAAAABIk/MWs3CFqF70I/s640/IMG_20130730_103135_867.jpg\" width=\"640\" /></a></div><br />If the program you\'re doing has worksheets, trust me...<b>print them and use them. </b>I WISH I had printed and used the P90X worksheets - I\'d LOVE to see how far I\'ve come since then. Not only that, but the worksheets help you stay on track, remember what weight/how many reps you did last time, and <b>continue to steadily improve</b>. I thought I knew better. Guess what? <b>I didn\'t.</b><b> </b>I\'ve come so far that now, in Body Beast, not only did I use worksheets, but I found better worksheets online and modified them to suit my needs. <b>USE THE WORKSHEETS</b>. You\'ll thank yourself later.<br /><br /><b>Before and After Pictures &amp; Measurements are HUGELY Important!</b><br /><br /><div style=\"clear: both; text-align: center;\"><b><a href=\"http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-U7bfQ1zYljU/UgRmPd603xI/AAAAAAAABIE/a9_wxDme9Sk/s1600/885308_10101200011174872_1745072204_o.jpg\" style=\"margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;\"><img border=\"0\" height=\"377\" src=\"http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-U7bfQ1zYljU/UgRmPd603xI/AAAAAAAABIE/a9_wxDme9Sk/s640/885308_10101200011174872_1745072204_o.jpg\" width=\"640\" /></a></b></div><br />Seriously, if you take one piece of advice, take this - <b>DO THE BEFORE AND AFTERS!</b> You have no idea how sorry I almost was...I waited until Day 6 of P90X to do before pictures.&nbsp;<b> </b>I was<i><b> so ashamed</b></i> of my body and <u>disgusted</u> with how I looked<b> I didn\'t even want to do before pictures</b>. <b>I wanted to forget all about it</b>. I am SO glad I finally did the before pictures. I can see how far I\'ve come! I can appreciate my achievements! It\'s such a great feeling and now that I\'m so much more fit people look at the before and can\'t believe it. (you can see all the <a href=\"http://sothisisfitness.com/meet-darrell/my-journey\" target=\"_blank\">before &amp; afters here</a>) I <b>wish </b>I had taken measurements before. The only one I have is my waist size, and that\'s not entirely accurate. It was likely bigger than I think. <br /><b>Take Pictures, take your measurements, document your journey. Fit-&amp;-Healthy You WILL thank yourself. </b><br /><br /><b>Once you do that, it\'s GO TIME</b><br /><br /><b>SO, </b>You\'ve got direction, you\'ve got a program, you\'ve got the tools and you\'ve taken the pics/measurements. Presumably, you have a <b>suitable space</b> to do your workout. Anywhere you can do your workout, use your equipment, not disturb others (too much) and not be disturbed by others will do. <b>Don\'t worry about people watching you</b> <b>- let the hater\'s hate. </b>I would think anyone that could see you in your workout space would be someone close to you, and I would hope someone that close wouldn\'t judge you. <br /><br /><b>NOW that we\'ve moved on from the haters - </b>Get your fit test done (if there is one). Some programs, such as P90X, have a fit test you do before and after the program, whereas other programs like INSANITY have a fit test that is part of the regular schedule. Whatever the case, DO IT. Again, <b>you\'ll thank yourself later</b>. <br /><br /><b>This Is The Easy Part</b><br /><br />Not to rip a line from Nike or anything...but...well...Just Do It! You\'ve got everything you need. Just. Freaking. <b>DO IT! </b>If you need motivation along the way, just think about where you came from, where you want to be, and how much you don\'t want to look like that before picture again. Think about how good it feels to finish a workout and have that little success under your belt. Think of how good it feels to see yourself shrinking week to week, see your clothes fitting looser, needing to go shopping to buy new ones. Think of your loved ones and how you\'d like to be around a little longer for them, or how you\'d like to look better for them. If you\'re like I was, think of <b>how much it sucks to get winded going up one flight of stairs</b>. Everyone has that one little nugget of <i>something</i> that will kick their butt into gear no matter how much the workout sucks, how much you\'re swearing at Tony Horton or Shaun T through the TV, or how much you REALLY just <i>don\'t </i>want to get out of bed and go work out this morning.<br /><br /><b>If you need a little outside help</b> keeping yourself accountable, be a part of a group designed for just such a purpose. There are many on Facebook, many in real life (with real people!) too. Enough people reached out to me talking about inspiration and asking for advice that I went and made one. If you want, you can become a part of it&nbsp;<a href=\"https://www.facebook.com/groups/sothisisfitness/\" target=\"_blank\">here</a>. I\'ve been a part of one for a while and I can tell you it was definitely a great motivator on the days I needed it. Other days, it\'s a great place to learn something or help motivate others. <b>Maybe having a workout partner </b>is what you need. I know having my fiancee there beside me every day doing the workout with me was a big deal. <b>I tried harder</b>. For her and for me. If she could do it, I could do it. If I could do it, she could do it. We were a <b>team</b>. Once we got to the end of Week 1 Day 6 we looked at each other and said \"If we can get through the first week, we can get through the whole thing.\" - and we did. <br /><br /><b>Fight off those last little excuses </b>that creep into your mind! Don\'t try to fool yourself and say you don\'t have time: no matter how long you work, how screwed up your hours, how awful your schedule, remember: <br /><br /><div style=\"clear: both; text-align: center;\"><a href=\"http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-MxsTZj6guyg/UgRq8Uu1ZEI/AAAAAAAABIY/tTzzOSFUWF4/s1600/too-busy.jpg\" style=\"margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;\"><img border=\"0\" height=\"240\" src=\"http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-MxsTZj6guyg/UgRq8Uu1ZEI/AAAAAAAABIY/tTzzOSFUWF4/s320/too-busy.jpg\" width=\"320\" /></a></div><div style=\"clear: both; text-align: left;\"><br /></div><div style=\"clear: both; text-align: left;\">Think you<b> can\'t do it? </b>It\'s just<b> too hard </b>and you\'re <b>too out of shape?</b></div><div style=\"clear: both; text-align: left;\"><br /></div><div style=\"clear: both; text-align: center;\"><a href=\"http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-isFEI803Hzc/UgRxlKyUZzI/AAAAAAAABI0/QiEz6h3NlAI/s1600/no-excuses.jpg\" style=\"margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;\"><img border=\"0\" height=\"320\" src=\"http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-isFEI803Hzc/UgRxlKyUZzI/AAAAAAAABI0/QiEz6h3NlAI/s320/no-excuses.jpg\" width=\"310\" /></a></div><div style=\"clear: both; text-align: left;\"><br /></div><div style=\"clear: both; text-align: left;\">So <b>get to it, Nancy. <u>You got this. </u></b></div><div style=\"clear: both; text-align: left;\"><br /></div><b> </b>','The \"Get Up And GO\" Guide','','inherit','closed','closed','','120-revision-v1','','','2017-01-15 08:04:23','2017-01-15 13:04:23','',120,'http://sothisisfitness.com/2017/01/120-revision-v1.html',0,'revision','',0),(277,1,'2017-01-08 08:48:42','2017-01-08 13:48:42','','podcast [ID: 90a1af8uay]','','publish','closed','closed','','podcast-2','','','2017-01-08 08:48:42','2017-01-08 13:48:42','',0,'http://50.87.248.94/~sothisj4/pt_view/podcast-2/',0,'pt_view','',0),(278,1,'2017-01-08 09:44:06','2017-01-08 14:44:06','','Podcast show notes','','publish','closed','closed','','278-2','','','2017-01-08 09:54:39','2017-01-08 14:54:39','',0,'http://50.87.248.94/~sothisj4/?post_type=rttpg&#038;p=278',0,'rttpg','',0),(925,1,'2017-02-10 00:08:01','2017-02-10 05:08:01','<h2>\"It\'s not enough\".</h2>\r\nWe get told, every single day, that \"it\'s not enough\". The \"it\" may vary, and the person telling us that \"it\'s not enough\" varies too. The point remains the same. We don\'t measure up. We are not yet satisfactory. IT is not yet satisfactory. Maybe that \"it\" is \"the amount of time we have in a day\". Maybe that \"it\" is \"how pretty you are\". \"It\" could be any number of things.\r\n\r\nThere are some very important things to consider. On this lovely snow day, I took a moment to stop, smell the (snow-covered) roses, and really think about all of this. It\'s not an easy thing to talk about... but I\'m good at talking. And I\'ve been there... just like with all of this stuff... it\'s nice to get something off my chest that I\'ve dealt with for so long. <!--more-->\r\n<h2><strong>Podcast Episode 24 delves into the issue of \"It\'s not enough\"</strong></h2>\r\nDiscussion in this episode will include:\r\n<ul>\r\n 	<li>Snow days, and \"taking a break\"</li>\r\n 	<li>Time Management &amp; Prioritization</li>\r\n 	<li>The February \"What\'s In The Box?\"</li>\r\n 	<li>Being \"not pretty enough\", \"not good enough\" and just generally... \"not enough\"</li>\r\n 	<li>When being \"not enough\" is ok, and how to tell the difference</li>\r\n</ul>\r\nIt\'s a long talk. It\'s a tough talk. You\'ll find, I\'m sure... it\'s worth it. Below you\'ll find the link to the resources and sponsors mentioned in this episode.\r\n<h3><strong>Episode 24 Resources</strong></h3>\r\n<a href=\"http://sothisisfitness.com/time-management-planner\">Find the Time Management / Weekly Planner sheet here</a>\r\n\r\n<a href=\"http://sothisisfitness.com/2013/09/making-it-work-time-management.html\">Find the original \"Time Management - Making It Work\" blog post here</a>\r\n<h3><strong>Listen to the So THIS Is Fitness Podcast</strong></h3>\r\nTo listen, you can either use the player below OR browse the following links:\r\n<ul>\r\n 	<li><a href=\"https://itunes.apple.com/us/podcast/so-this-is-fitness/id1185769801?mt=2&amp;ls=1\">Subscribe On iTunes</a></li>\r\n 	<li><a href=\"http://subscribeonandroid.com/sothisisfitness.libsyn.com/rss\">Subscribe On Android</a></li>\r\n 	<li><a href=\"http://www.sothisisfitness.libsyn.com/rss\">Subscribe via RSS</a></li>\r\n</ul>\r\n<h3><strong>Support the show by supporting our sponsors!</strong></h3>\r\n<a href=\"http://www.foolproofbrewing.com\">Visit Foolproof Brewing Company\'s website</a>\r\n\r\n<a href=\"http://www.hopheadevents.com\">Visit the Hophead Events website</a>\r\n\r\n<a href=\"http://www.runtruenorth.com\">Visit the True North Running Co. website</a>\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n<iframe style=\"border: none;\" src=\"//html5-player.libsyn.com/embed/episode/id/5072134/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/0fe92b/\" width=\"500\" height=\"90\" scrolling=\"no\" allowfullscreen=\"allowfullscreen\"></iframe>','Podcast Episode 24 - \"It\'s Not Enough\"','','inherit','closed','closed','','918-revision-v1','','','2017-02-10 00:08:01','2017-02-10 05:08:01','',918,'http://sothisisfitness.com/2017/02/918-revision-v1.html',0,'revision','',0),(282,1,'2017-01-08 10:39:14','2017-01-08 15:39:14','<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://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...&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://50.87.248.94/~sothisj4/?p=36\" 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://50.87.248.94/~sothisj4/?p=36\" 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','','','2017-01-08 10:39:14','2017-01-08 15:39:14','',16,'http://50.87.248.94/~sothisj4/16-revision-v1/',0,'revision','',0),(283,1,'2017-01-08 10:39:30','2017-01-08 15:39:30','<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://50.87.248.94/~sothisj4/?p=21\" 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','','','2017-01-08 10:39:30','2017-01-08 15:39:30','',20,'http://50.87.248.94/~sothisj4/20-revision-v1/',0,'revision','',0),(284,1,'2017-01-08 10:39:46','2017-01-08 15:39:46','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://50.87.248.94/~sothisj4/?p=28\" 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','','','2017-01-08 10:39:46','2017-01-08 15:39:46','',22,'http://50.87.248.94/~sothisj4/22-revision-v1/',0,'revision','',0),(285,1,'2017-01-08 10:40:13','2017-01-08 15:40:13','<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-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','','inherit','closed','closed','','26-revision-v1','','','2017-01-08 10:40:13','2017-01-08 15:40:13','',26,'http://50.87.248.94/~sothisj4/26-revision-v1/',0,'revision','',0),(286,1,'2017-01-08 10:43:20','2017-01-08 15:43:20','<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','','inherit','closed','closed','','28-revision-v1','','','2017-01-08 10:43:20','2017-01-08 15:43:20','',28,'http://50.87.248.94/~sothisj4/28-revision-v1/',0,'revision','',0),(287,1,'2017-01-08 10:43:53','2017-01-08 15:43:53','<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://www.sothisisfitness.com/2014/11/5-keys-to-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','','inherit','closed','closed','','32-revision-v1','','','2017-01-08 10:43:53','2017-01-08 15:43:53','',32,'http://50.87.248.94/~sothisj4/32-revision-v1/',0,'revision','',0),(288,1,'2017-01-08 10:44:15','2017-01-08 15:44:15','<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://www.sothisisfitness.com/2014/10/Beast2014.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://www.sothisisfitness.com/2014/11/5-keys-to-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 <a href=\"https://www.facebook.com/spartanrace/videos/10153031586476861/\" target=\"_blank\">they owned their mistake.</a> 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','','','2017-01-08 10:44:15','2017-01-08 15:44:15','',34,'http://50.87.248.94/~sothisj4/34-revision-v1/',0,'revision','',0),(289,1,'2017-01-08 10:45:35','2017-01-08 15:45:35','<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://www.sothisisfitness.com/2014/10/Beast2014.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...','','inherit','closed','closed','','35-revision-v1','','','2017-01-08 10:45:35','2017-01-08 15:45:35','',35,'http://50.87.248.94/~sothisj4/35-revision-v1/',0,'revision','',0),(290,1,'2017-01-08 10:45:52','2017-01-08 15:45:52','<span style=\"font-size: large;\"><b>We\'ve been cheated and lied to.</b></span><br /><br /><i>\"How?\"</i> - you ask? <i>\"Who has lied to us, and what have we been cheated of?\"</i><br /><br /><div style=\"clear: both; text-align: center;\"></div><div style=\"clear: both; text-align: center;\"><a href=\"http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-VHYWma3VYag/VcGFFdya-SI/AAAAAAAAdhc/CJ_siAjccQQ/s1600/IMG_20150804_072109854.jpg\" style=\"clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;\"><img border=\"0\" height=\"200\" src=\"http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-VHYWma3VYag/VcGFFdya-SI/AAAAAAAAdhc/CJ_siAjccQQ/s200/IMG_20150804_072109854.jpg\" width=\"191\" /></a></div><b>Our coffee.</b><br /><br />We have been <u>living in ignorance</u>. <b>But NO MORE!</b> My friends<b> -&nbsp;</b><i style=\"font-weight: bold;\">I HAVE GREAT NEWS!</i><br /><br />Coffee does not have to be bitter and offensive. Coffee <i>does not need </i>to be<i> <b>drowned</b></i>&nbsp;in cream and sugar to be palatable! <b><i>What if I told you</i>&nbsp;</b>that&nbsp;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>?<br /><br /><b>Puroast has changed the game.&nbsp;</b>Prepare to have your mind blown.<br /><br /><a name=\'more\'></a><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><div><i><br /></i><span style=\"font-size: large;\"><b>I\'m still in disbelief.</b></span><br /><br />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.<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/-XbI2DccsAYs/VcGHH-8yGeI/AAAAAAAAdho/n3wCs1AxAeo/s1600/coffee-sugar-cream.jpg\" style=\"clear: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;\"><img border=\"0\" height=\"212\" src=\"http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-XbI2DccsAYs/VcGHH-8yGeI/AAAAAAAAdho/n3wCs1AxAeo/s320/coffee-sugar-cream.jpg\" width=\"320\" /></a></td></tr><tr><td style=\"text-align: center;\">Photo from \"Thehandthatfeeds.com\"</td></tr></tbody></table><br /><b>Little did I know...</b>the coffee companies were counting on that learning experience.<br /><br />We 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><br /><br /><span style=\"font-size: large;\"><b>Coffee is not meant to be this way.</b></span><br /><br /><b>Before we dive in,&nbsp;</b>let\'s be clear: we\'re talking about COFFEE here - No, that machi-frappa-lata-thing is NOT coffee. It is a&nbsp;<i>confection</i>. And, likely,&nbsp;<a href=\"http://www.livestrong.com/article/559348-whats-really-inside-your-starbucks-caramel-frappuccino/\"><i>horrible for you</i>.</a><br /><br /><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>&nbsp;<b>Puroast Coffee Co.</b> is roasting their coffee like the growers do...and the difference is <i>astonishing</i>.<br /><br /><span style=\"font-size: large;\"><b>Can coffee <i>really</i>&nbsp;be <i>that good?</i></b></span><br /><br /><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>&nbsp;coffee I had ever tasted. I didn\'t even need sugar! I didn\'t figure out until afterwards...<b>what I sampled&nbsp;was <u>espresso</u></b><i style=\"font-weight: bold;\">. </i><i>So then I tried their coffee.</i><br /><br /><span style=\"font-size: large;\"><b>The flavor was unreal.</b></span><br /><br />As 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.&nbsp;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>&nbsp;It is simply <i>the best coffee I have ever tasted</i>...and that\'s WITHOUT SUGAR. No additives!&nbsp;There\'s no terrible aftertaste, either. <b>I have yet to find the \"gotcha\".&nbsp;</b><br /><div style=\"clear: both; text-align: center;\"><a href=\"http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-XAVEBzzG9rU/VcGMtk7taeI/AAAAAAAAdiI/Z6vTUR1q7xA/s1600/IMG_20150801_093842126.jpg\" style=\"margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;\"><img border=\"0\" height=\"180\" src=\"http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-XAVEBzzG9rU/VcGMtk7taeI/AAAAAAAAdiI/Z6vTUR1q7xA/s320/IMG_20150801_093842126.jpg\" width=\"320\" /></a></div><span style=\"font-size: large;\"><b>How is this possible?</b></span><br /><br /><b>It\'s all about the roast.</b><br /><b><br /></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.<br /><br /><b>The problem is...America is cheap.</b><br /><br />All 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><br /><br />By 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. <br /><b><br />This acid production</b>&nbsp;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.<br /><br />Presumably, coffee companies use this roasting method because it\'s fast and cheap. <b>Welcome to America.</b>&nbsp;This, however, is not how coffee was <i>meant</i> to be roasted.<br /><br /><span style=\"font-size: large;\"><b>This is where Puroast is different.</b></span><br /><br /><div style=\"clear: both; text-align: center;\"><a href=\"http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-ttVA9vk_JlU/VcGKShjtpMI/AAAAAAAAdh8/LJoxkoKcJFU/s1600/IMG_20150804_072508192.jpg\" style=\"clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;\"><img border=\"0\" height=\"320\" src=\"http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-ttVA9vk_JlU/VcGKShjtpMI/AAAAAAAAdh8/LJoxkoKcJFU/s320/IMG_20150804_072508192.jpg\" width=\"180\" /></a></div>Puroast coffee is roasted the way coffee <i>should </i>be roasted - slowly and carefully, with love and respect for the bean. <br /><br /><b>Seriously, though.&nbsp;</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.<br /><br />As 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.<br /><br /><b>So let me get this straight...</b><br /><b><br /></b><b>Not only</b>&nbsp;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><br /><br /><span style=\"font-size: large;\"><b>How did they figure this out?</b></span><br /><br />Kerry was not always a coffee man. As a matter of fact...when this all started...<i>he didn\'t even like coffee!</i>&nbsp;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><br /><br /><span style=\"font-size: large;\"><b>So it\'s probably crazy expensive</b></span><br /><div style=\"clear: both; text-align: center;\"><a href=\"http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-CKyhiAJmKmc/VcGEFUP_70I/AAAAAAAAdhU/jO2Gk8SocpQ/s1600/Screenshot_2015-08-04-07-36-06.png\" style=\"margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;\"><img border=\"0\" height=\"320\" src=\"http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-CKyhiAJmKmc/VcGEFUP_70I/AAAAAAAAdhU/jO2Gk8SocpQ/s320/Screenshot_2015-08-04-07-36-06.png\" width=\"180\" /></a></div><b>Nope.</b><br /><b><br /></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...<br /><br /><span style=\"font-size: large;\"><b>What does this MEAN?</b></span><br /><br />It 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>&nbsp;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.<br /><br />It 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><br /><br />It MEANS that <b>I can have coffee on race-day morning</b>&nbsp;and not worry I\'ll have to find a port-o-potty mid-race.<br /><br />IT MEANS that the coffee with all these benefits costs <b>the same or less than </b>the crap we\'ve been drinking all along.<br /><br /><i style=\"font-weight: bold;\">Pinch me.</i><br /><br />I know its tough to wrap your head around. You\'ll get there.<br /><br />As a health nut, fitness fanatic, obstacle racer and marathoner...this excites me endlessly.<br /><br /><b>Rating: 5 stars. 5 sugar-free, delicious stars.</b><br /><br /><div style=\"clear: both; text-align: center;\"></div><div style=\"clear: both; text-align: center;\"></div><div style=\"clear: both; text-align: center;\"><a href=\"http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-VQPgdFFAWZk/VbIpLujhCOI/AAAAAAAAdas/ibvw0TdBMog/s1600/shut-up-and-take-my-money.jpg\" style=\"margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;\"><img border=\"0\" height=\"200\" src=\"http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-VQPgdFFAWZk/VbIpLujhCOI/AAAAAAAAdas/ibvw0TdBMog/s320/shut-up-and-take-my-money.jpg\" width=\"320\" /></a></div><br />If you truly like COFFEE and you\'re drinking anything other than Puroast Coffee...you\'re either ignorant, don\'t care, or <i>incredibly</i>&nbsp;brand-loyal. Either way...you\'re wrong.<br /><br />Your coffee mug deserves better. <u>So do you.</u>&nbsp;Run, don\'t walk. <b>Go get Puroast.</b></div>','Coffee...The Way It\'s MEANT To Be | Puroast Review','','inherit','closed','closed','','36-revision-v1','','','2017-01-08 10:45:52','2017-01-08 15:45:52','',36,'http://50.87.248.94/~sothisj4/36-revision-v1/',0,'revision','',0),(291,1,'2017-01-08 10:47:24','2017-01-08 15:47:24','<b><u><span style=\"font-size: x-large;\">Chocolate Designed For Fitness</span></u></b><br /><br /><div style=\"clear: both; text-align: center;\"><a href=\"http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-6XFbxfa3RLU/VbDZiQOcVZI/AAAAAAAAdXo/X-KFPKZ1vxA/s1600/PhotoGrid_1437652826783.jpg\" style=\"clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;\"><img border=\"0\" height=\"204\" src=\"http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-6XFbxfa3RLU/VbDZiQOcVZI/AAAAAAAAdXo/X-KFPKZ1vxA/s320/PhotoGrid_1437652826783.jpg\" width=\"320\" /></a></div><b>Do I have your attention now?</b><br /><br />Not all performance fuels are created equally...and nearly NONE of them are <i>chocolate</i>.<br /><br />I am absolutely IN LOVE with Perfect Fuel Chocolate. The co-founders have taken a great idea, tested it, evolved it, and now? Well...<br /><br />Somehow 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\" :)<br /><br /><a name=\'more\'></a><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><br /><br /><span style=\"font-size: large;\"><b>My inner child is doing backflips...</b></span><br /><br />Fueling 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>.&nbsp;&nbsp;<b><i>Until Perfect Fuel.</i></b><br /><br />Perfect Fuel has tapped into something downright <i style=\"font-weight: bold;\">magical</i>&nbsp;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.<br /><br /><span style=\"font-size: large;\"><b>So what\'s the big idea?</b></span><br /><br /><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><br /><i><br /></i><b>OK, that\'s great</b>...but how exactly does this work?<br /><br /><span style=\"font-size: large;\"><b>First, what is it? What\'s in it?</b></span><br /><br /><a href=\"http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-Gpyb7xFSXoU/VbDnmOH5JuI/AAAAAAAAdYE/67LzFuDbod0/s1600/PhotoGrid_1437651901551.jpg\" style=\"clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;\"><img border=\"0\" height=\"320\" src=\"http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-Gpyb7xFSXoU/VbDnmOH5JuI/AAAAAAAAdYE/67LzFuDbod0/s320/PhotoGrid_1437651901551.jpg\" width=\"320\" /></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.<br /><br /><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.<br /><br /><span style=\"font-size: large;\"><b>Nutrition? Health Benefits? This is <i>chocolate</i>...</b></span><br /><br /><b>Yes. Chocolate can be healthy, too.&nbsp;</b><br /><br /><a href=\"http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-56d326jhySA/VbIstMBx0VI/AAAAAAAAdbY/N4VgFZ1GgLM/s1600/PhotoGrid_1437739838094.jpg\" style=\"clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;\"><img border=\"0\" height=\"320\" src=\"http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-56d326jhySA/VbIstMBx0VI/AAAAAAAAdbY/N4VgFZ1GgLM/s320/PhotoGrid_1437739838094.jpg\" width=\"320\" /></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.<br /><br />If 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>.<br /><br />In 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.<br /><br />For more detail, again, <a href=\"http://www.perfectfuel.com/benefits/\">check out their site</a>&nbsp;(there are links to articles and stuff).<br /><br /><span style=\"font-size: large;\"><b>Does it taste good?</b></span><br /><br /><div style=\"clear: both; text-align: center;\"><a href=\"http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-AgmAPrz_X-0/VbDkaU0XRLI/AAAAAAAAdX4/dFXtb_HAD2o/s1600/PhotoGrid_1437651713496.jpg\" style=\"clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;\"><img border=\"0\" height=\"320\" src=\"http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-AgmAPrz_X-0/VbDkaU0XRLI/AAAAAAAAdX4/dFXtb_HAD2o/s320/PhotoGrid_1437651713496.jpg\" width=\"320\" /></a></div><b>You do understand it\'s <i>chocolate</i>, right?</b><br /><br />In 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.<br /><br /><div style=\"clear: both; text-align: center;\"><a href=\"http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-kVIvSDRpZSc/VbIlU1oZZ9I/AAAAAAAAdac/hTOlumi0O1w/s1600/IMG_20150723_073428792.jpg\" style=\"clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;\"><img border=\"0\" height=\"200\" src=\"http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-kVIvSDRpZSc/VbIlU1oZZ9I/AAAAAAAAdac/hTOlumi0O1w/s200/IMG_20150723_073428792.jpg\" width=\"140\" /></a></div>The 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.<br /><br />The CHIA FLAVOR...oh lord...it might be ousting the original ginseng as my new favorite. <b>CALL ME CRAZY</b>&nbsp;- 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...<br /><br /><b><span style=\"font-size: large;\"><br /></span></b><b><span style=\"font-size: large;\">Hey, it looks prettier now, too!</span></b><br /><b><br /></b><div style=\"clear: both; text-align: center;\"><a href=\"http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-4Pn6tLkqy_E/VbIyMerVq0I/AAAAAAAAdb8/N_PvyPkEYKQ/s1600/PhotoGrid_1437741318125.jpg\" style=\"clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;\"><img border=\"0\" height=\"265\" src=\"http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-4Pn6tLkqy_E/VbIyMerVq0I/AAAAAAAAdb8/N_PvyPkEYKQ/s320/PhotoGrid_1437741318125.jpg\" width=\"320\" /></a></div><b>Aw shucks, thanks for noticing.</b>&nbsp;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)!<br /><br /><span style=\"font-size: large;\"><b>OK, bottom line...how much and is this worth my time/money?</b></span><br /><br /><b>Not much, and \"Um, have you been paying attention?\"</b><br /><br />Whether 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.<br /><div style=\"clear: both; text-align: center;\"><a href=\"http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-VQPgdFFAWZk/VbIpLujhCOI/AAAAAAAAdao/lCDrl7uwiFY/s1600/shut-up-and-take-my-money.jpg\" style=\"margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;\"><img border=\"0\" height=\"200\" src=\"http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-VQPgdFFAWZk/VbIpLujhCOI/AAAAAAAAdao/lCDrl7uwiFY/s320/shut-up-and-take-my-money.jpg\" width=\"320\" /></a></div>Is 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.<br /><br />I 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.<br /><br /><b>Rating: 5 stars. 5 stars <i>all day long</i>. I\'d give it an unofficial 6th if that wasn\'t cheating.</b><br /><br />Bottom line? <b>It\'s freaking CHOCOLATE. </b>And it\'s <b>good for you.</b>&nbsp;<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','','','2017-01-08 10:47:24','2017-01-08 15:47:24','',37,'http://50.87.248.94/~sothisj4/37-revision-v1/',0,'revision','',0),(292,1,'2017-01-08 10:47:54','2017-01-08 15:47:54','<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','','inherit','closed','closed','','38-revision-v1','','','2017-01-08 10:47:54','2017-01-08 15:47:54','',38,'http://50.87.248.94/~sothisj4/38-revision-v1/',0,'revision','',0),(293,1,'2017-01-08 10:48:18','2017-01-08 15:48:18','<span style=\"font-size: large;\"><b><i>\"When something bad happens, you have three choices.&nbsp;</i></b></span><br /><a href=\"http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-cUQ_l28FrUM/VQn_JivmPCI/AAAAAAAAXj0/4BbCSN1s9mw/s1600/modified%2Bbattlefrog.jpg\" style=\"clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;\"><img border=\"0\" src=\"http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-cUQ_l28FrUM/VQn_JivmPCI/AAAAAAAAXj0/4BbCSN1s9mw/s1600/modified%2Bbattlefrog.jpg\" height=\"272\" width=\"320\" /></a><b><i>You can let it define you, let it destroy you, or you can let it strengthen you.\"</i></b><br /><b><i><br /></i></b><b>Something interesting is happening</b>&nbsp;in the OCR world right now: <a href=\"http://www.battlefrogseries.com/\">BattleFrog</a> (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.<br /><br />What will ultimately be the death or rebirth of BattleFrog as an OCR series is unfolding <b>right now</b>&nbsp;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><br /><br />Now that the dust is beginning to settle...<b>let\'s take a look.</b><br /><a name=\'more\'></a><br /><span style=\"font-size: large;\"><b>BattleFrog brought something refreshing to OCR.</b></span><br /><br />They 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>. 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.<br /><br /><b>How did they go about that?</b><br /><b><br /></b><i>They tried to cover all the bases.&nbsp;</i><br /><a href=\"http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-j0yOPVNFZTw/VQouuyYLfCI/AAAAAAAAXko/kHqwNk2QMyk/s1600/LegendsInTheMaking_BF.jpg\" style=\"clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;\"><img border=\"0\" src=\"http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-j0yOPVNFZTw/VQouuyYLfCI/AAAAAAAAXko/kHqwNk2QMyk/s1600/LegendsInTheMaking_BF.jpg\" height=\"320\" width=\"320\" /></a>-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>&nbsp;Sunday races at <i>all</i>&nbsp;of their events. Even Spartan Race doesn\'t <i>always </i>do that. (they did cut that partway through last year)<br />-They <b>executed well</b>&nbsp;- US Navy SEALS design their courses and they have staff that takes their jobs seriously.<br />-According to all accounts thus far -<b> they put on one hell of a race</b>.<br />-There are live SEAL demonstrations on event day. Why? Because #America.<br />-They <b>played well with others</b>&nbsp;(something I wish Spartan would learn how to do) as part of the #OCRUnited movement.<br />-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.<br /><br />By all accounts...<b>they were doing it right.</b><br /><b><br /></b><span style=\"font-size: large;\"><b>So what happened?</b></span><br /><b><br /></b><b>They made some major changes</b>&nbsp;within the last few weeks.<br /><b><br /></b><b>For one</b>, the Sunday races were dropped from the schedule. <b><u>Across the board.</u>&nbsp;</b>After their Houston event (happening March 28th) this is official, meaning <u>no</u>&nbsp;BattleFrog events after March are happening on Sundays this year.<br /><br /><a href=\"http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-Ao5HjmWCmmY/VQostDopURI/AAAAAAAAXkE/gS0-K0u3sME/s1600/battlefrog-pittsburgh-map.jpg\" style=\"clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;\"><img border=\"0\" src=\"http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-Ao5HjmWCmmY/VQostDopURI/AAAAAAAAXkE/gS0-K0u3sME/s1600/battlefrog-pittsburgh-map.jpg\" height=\"246\" width=\"320\" /></a>An equally major change...<b>The race format was altered substantially.</b>&nbsp;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.&nbsp;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).<br /><br /><span style=\"font-size: large;\"><b>Why the changes, anyway?</b></span><br /><br />I think it\'s easy enough to figure out, but some \"inside rumblings\" go a long way to confirm it - sustainability and cost. <br /><br />Sunday 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.<br /><br />The race format itself:&nbsp;<b>A new 8K course</b>&nbsp;will replace both the&nbsp;15K and 5K...this one\'s a mixed bag. <b>Cost -&nbsp;</b>Having two separate courses with their own separate obstacles is <i>significantly</i>&nbsp;more costly than having one course.<br /><br /><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>&nbsp;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.<br /><br /><b>What does this mean for the future of BattleFrog?</b>&nbsp;If all goes well...more (and better) locations at a lower cost? That\'s easy...<i>more BattleFrog</i>.<br /><br /><div style=\"clear: both; text-align: center;\"><a href=\"http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-aOt92SnPQug/VQotLnZsOmI/AAAAAAAAXkM/DCZ92qLtBDY/s1600/10269541_765231210161710_4975062894693287738_n.jpg\" style=\"margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;\"><img border=\"0\" src=\"http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-aOt92SnPQug/VQotLnZsOmI/AAAAAAAAXkM/DCZ92qLtBDY/s1600/10269541_765231210161710_4975062894693287738_n.jpg\" height=\"145\" width=\"400\" /></a></div><br /><span style=\"font-size: large;\"><b>But of course, people are pissed</b></span><br /><br />There 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).<br /><br />The 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.<br /><br /><b style=\"font-size: x-large;\">How did BattleFrog handle these changes?</b><br /><br /><a href=\"http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-h707ArfAKjI/VQounjBcQ-I/AAAAAAAAXkg/6-GrEUUAG9k/s1600/80Percent_BF.jpg\" style=\"clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;\"><img border=\"0\" src=\"http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-h707ArfAKjI/VQounjBcQ-I/AAAAAAAAXkg/6-GrEUUAG9k/s1600/80Percent_BF.jpg\" height=\"320\" width=\"320\" /></a><b>There was an AWFUL lot of frustration and questions...&nbsp;</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.<br /><br />Once official word from BattleFrog HQ was released, however, staff members took to social media to ensure they would follow through on promises made, including:<br /><br />-Those who had registered for Sunday races were offered full refunds or transfers to Saturday events<br />-Those who had registered for the 15K course were offered a number of options, including refund options<br />-Those who had bought a season pass are being given a 50% refund<br /><br /><i>(BattleFrog has hinted that they may also take some case-by-case situations too)</i><br /><br /><span style=\"font-size: large;\"><b>So what now?</b></span><br /><br />This could go one of two ways:<br /><br />1.) 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.<br /><br />2.) BattleFrog HQ handles this like a champ, they put on some excellent races, and people get over their pissed-off-ness.<br /><a href=\"http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-s-kCHluR9uc/VQouG0gJbnI/AAAAAAAAXkY/2FGQ7FmC99U/s1600/NothingGreat_ComesEasy.jpg\" style=\"clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;\"><img border=\"0\" src=\"http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-s-kCHluR9uc/VQouG0gJbnI/AAAAAAAAXkY/2FGQ7FmC99U/s1600/NothingGreat_ComesEasy.jpg\" height=\"320\" width=\"320\" /></a><br /><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.&nbsp;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.&nbsp;</b><br /><br />A Field Team member said it best - chalk this up to growing pains.<br /><br />One 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.<br /><div style=\"clear: both; text-align: center;\"><a href=\"http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-6FaEHhTgaRQ/VQo1orJqkYI/AAAAAAAAXk4/AMGCEaUT3nU/s1600/updated%2BBFNE%2Bflyer.jpg\" style=\"clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;\"><img border=\"0\" src=\"http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-6FaEHhTgaRQ/VQo1orJqkYI/AAAAAAAAXk4/AMGCEaUT3nU/s1600/updated%2BBFNE%2Bflyer.jpg\" height=\"320\" width=\"232\" /></a></div><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><b>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.&nbsp;</b><br /><b><br /></b><br /><b><br /></b><b><br /></b><b><br /></b><b><br /></b><b><br /></b><br /><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','','','2017-01-08 10:48:18','2017-01-08 15:48:18','',41,'http://50.87.248.94/~sothisj4/41-revision-v1/',0,'revision','',0),(294,1,'2017-01-08 10:48:41','2017-01-08 15:48:41','<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://www.sothisisfitness.com/2014/11/5-keys-to-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','','inherit','closed','closed','','43-revision-v1','','','2017-01-08 10:48:41','2017-01-08 15:48:41','',43,'http://50.87.248.94/~sothisj4/43-revision-v1/',0,'revision','',0),(295,1,'2017-01-08 10:49:57','2017-01-08 15:49:57','<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! <a href=\"http://www.sothisisfitness.com/p/beachbody-coach.html\">Maybe I can even help (and I\'d be happy to!)!</a>&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','','','2017-01-08 10:49:57','2017-01-08 15:49:57','',44,'http://50.87.248.94/~sothisj4/44-revision-v1/',0,'revision','',0),(296,1,'2017-01-08 10:50:24','2017-01-08 15:50:24','<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://www.sothisisfitness.com/2014/12/its-easierto-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','','inherit','closed','closed','','45-revision-v1','','','2017-01-08 10:50:24','2017-01-08 15:50:24','',45,'http://50.87.248.94/~sothisj4/45-revision-v1/',0,'revision','',0),(297,1,'2017-01-08 10:50:50','2017-01-08 15:50:50','<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?','','inherit','closed','closed','','46-revision-v1','','','2017-01-08 10:50:50','2017-01-08 15:50:50','',46,'http://50.87.248.94/~sothisj4/46-revision-v1/',0,'revision','',0),(298,1,'2017-01-08 10:51:34','2017-01-08 15:51:34','<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 <a href=\"http://www.sothisisfitness.com/p/races_29.html\">run a lot of races</a>&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','','','2017-01-08 10:51:34','2017-01-08 15:51:34','',49,'http://50.87.248.94/~sothisj4/49-revision-v1/',0,'revision','',0),(299,1,'2017-01-08 10:52:57','2017-01-08 15:52:57','<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','','inherit','closed','closed','','50-revision-v1','','','2017-01-08 10:52:57','2017-01-08 15:52:57','',50,'http://50.87.248.94/~sothisj4/50-revision-v1/',0,'revision','',0),(300,1,'2017-01-08 10:53:21','2017-01-08 15:53:21','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','','inherit','closed','closed','','51-revision-v1','','','2017-01-08 10:53:21','2017-01-08 15:53:21','',51,'http://50.87.248.94/~sothisj4/51-revision-v1/',0,'revision','',0),(301,1,'2017-01-08 10:53:40','2017-01-08 15:53:40','<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://www.sothisisfitness.com/2014/10/Beast2014.html\">including The Beast</a>...yikes!). By the time it was all said and done I had registered or otherwise committed for <a href=\"http://www.sothisisfitness.com/p/races_29.html\">37 races</a>, 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','','','2017-01-08 10:53:40','2017-01-08 15:53:40','',52,'http://50.87.248.94/~sothisj4/52-revision-v1/',0,'revision','',0),(302,1,'2017-01-08 10:54:07','2017-01-08 15:54:07','<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.','','inherit','closed','closed','','53-revision-v1','','','2017-01-08 10:54:07','2017-01-08 15:54:07','',53,'http://50.87.248.94/~sothisj4/53-revision-v1/',0,'revision','',0),(303,1,'2017-01-08 10:54:24','2017-01-08 15:54:24','<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','','inherit','closed','closed','','54-revision-v1','','','2017-01-08 10:54:24','2017-01-08 15:54:24','',54,'http://50.87.248.94/~sothisj4/54-revision-v1/',0,'revision','',0),(304,1,'2017-01-08 10:54:40','2017-01-08 15:54:40','<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','','inherit','closed','closed','','55-revision-v1','','','2017-01-08 10:54:40','2017-01-08 15:54:40','',55,'http://50.87.248.94/~sothisj4/55-revision-v1/',0,'revision','',0),(305,1,'2017-01-08 10:55:06','2017-01-08 15:55:06','<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.','','inherit','closed','closed','','56-revision-v1','','','2017-01-08 10:55:06','2017-01-08 15:55:06','',56,'http://50.87.248.94/~sothisj4/56-revision-v1/',0,'revision','',0),(306,1,'2017-01-08 10:55:27','2017-01-08 15:55:27','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','','inherit','closed','closed','','57-revision-v1','','','2017-01-08 10:55:27','2017-01-08 15:55:27','',57,'http://50.87.248.94/~sothisj4/57-revision-v1/',0,'revision','',0),(307,1,'2017-01-08 10:55:44','2017-01-08 15:55:44','In our modern, advanced, intelligent society, I\'m <b>shocked</b>&nbsp;to see that we\'re still so susceptible to fear-mongering and mass ignorance. I\'m sure we all know...<br /><blockquote>\"Those who fail to learn from history are doomed to repeat it.\"</blockquote><b>We have been wrong before.</b>&nbsp;We believed the Earth was flat. We believed cigarettes were healthy. We believed diet soda was <i>actually a healthy alternative</i> to regular soda. Today, we seem to believe \"GMO\'s\" are creating un-killable man-eating weeds, turning our soil toxic, and poisoning our children turning them into mutants.<br /><br /><b><span style=\"font-size: large;\">My question is:</span> </b>Do you<b> know </b>why you<b> hate \"GMO\'s\"?</b> Do you even <b>know what they are?</b>&nbsp;<i><u>Really?</u> </i>If you use your noggin for a minute and try to see through the mob-mentality hysterics...I\'m sure you\'ll be surprised.<br /><br /><b>Let me clear something up right now:</b>&nbsp;I\'m <b>not</b> Pro-GMO. I\'m <b>not</b> Anti-GMO. <u>I\'m Anti-Ignorance.</u><br /><div style=\"clear: both; text-align: center;\"><u><a href=\"http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-Q1T3YejlVA8/VEyEBRrgCXI/AAAAAAAAK2Q/s9Rf1U__NxM/s1600/gmomg.jpg\" style=\"margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;\"><img border=\"0\" src=\"http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-Q1T3YejlVA8/VEyEBRrgCXI/AAAAAAAAK2Q/s9Rf1U__NxM/s1600/gmomg.jpg\" height=\"320\" width=\"320\" /></a></u></div><br /><div style=\"clear: both; text-align: center;\"></div><div style=\"clear: both; text-align: left;\"><b>Get Educated. </b>Let me teach you a few things...</div><a name=\'more\'></a><b><br /></b><b>I really can\'t stand all the nonsense I see on Facebook.</b>&nbsp;I see people blindly re-posting all kinds of anti-GMO propaganda (yeah, I used that word) and I can\'t help but think... <i>do you even KNOW what you\'re saying by sharing/re-posting that?</i><br /><div style=\"clear: both; text-align: center;\"><a href=\"http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-vDs_S80JcYc/VEnlTbITrgI/AAAAAAAAK00/7rgtuvPZfjU/s1600/meme4.png\" style=\"margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;\"><img border=\"0\" src=\"http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-vDs_S80JcYc/VEnlTbITrgI/AAAAAAAAK00/7rgtuvPZfjU/s1600/meme4.png\" height=\"320\" width=\"320\" /></a></div><div style=\"clear: both; text-align: left;\">Fear-mongering, scare tactics, and a gross misunderstanding/lack of <b>actual</b>&nbsp;<i>facts</i>&nbsp;has skewed things to the point where there\'s a veritable <b>war</b>&nbsp;on GMO\'s...and we may very well look back on it with immense regret. <b>I\'m going to do my best not to ramble. </b>Let\'s take this step by step.</div><br /><b><span style=\"font-size: large;\">First...What IS a \"GMO\", anyway?</span></b><br /><div style=\"clear: both; text-align: left;\"><b><br /></b></div><div style=\"clear: both; text-align: left;\"><b>Farmers face a lot of challenges. </b>Pests, drought, weather, and much more can lead to low crop yields. Farmers have to overcome it all - after all, <i>we\'re counting on them to feed us</i>. Well, people realized that many organisms possessed qualities that would be IMMENSELY helpful in our crops to combat these very problems - hence, GM seeds.&nbsp;<b>GMO</b>&nbsp;stands for \"Genetically Modified Organism\". Basically, scientists take a gene from an organism with the desired trait and put it into the DNA of the seeds of a crop farmers grow, like corn or potatoes.&nbsp;</div><div style=\"clear: both; text-align: left;\"><br /></div><div style=\"clear: both; text-align: left;\"><a href=\"http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-Mae0EMZLc8s/VEnkY_b_XYI/AAAAAAAAK0o/GELLyQJuWSk/s1600/corn_img.png\" style=\"clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;\"><img border=\"0\" src=\"http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-Mae0EMZLc8s/VEnkY_b_XYI/AAAAAAAAK0o/GELLyQJuWSk/s1600/corn_img.png\" /></a><b>Example: </b><a href=\"http://www2.ca.uky.edu/entomology/entfacts/ef130.asp\">BT Corn</a>. BT stands for <i>Bacillus Thuringiensis.</i><i>&nbsp;</i>Corn has MAJOR pest issues - pests that are killed by a toxin BT produces. Essentially, introducing specific BT genes into corn made the corn <i>produce that toxin</i>.&nbsp;<b>That\'s right</b>, <a href=\"http://www.ext.colostate.edu/pubs/crops/00707.html\">toxic to <i>specific </i>pests</a>&nbsp;(mostly),&nbsp;not ALL insects, not animals, not humans.<br /><br />There\'s also GM crops that are&nbsp;<b>drought-tolerant</b>&nbsp;and,&nbsp;more famously, <b>resistant to pesticide.</b>&nbsp;They\'re even working on being able to fortify foods with additional vitamins they don\'t normally have! If executed properly, something like that could solve a lot of problems around the world.</div><div style=\"clear: both; text-align: left;\"><br /></div><div style=\"clear: both; text-align: left;\"><b><span style=\"font-size: large;\">Ok...but...<i>they\'re bad!</i>...right?&nbsp;</span></b></div><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://1.bp.blogspot.com/-yuyNOJBSyjo/VEnkOfa5qcI/AAAAAAAAK0g/NWjDXg81qdg/s1600/bill-nye-meme-1.jpg\" style=\"margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;\"><img border=\"0\" src=\"http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-yuyNOJBSyjo/VEnkOfa5qcI/AAAAAAAAK0g/NWjDXg81qdg/s1600/bill-nye-meme-1.jpg\" height=\"248\" width=\"320\" /></a></td></tr><tr><td style=\"text-align: center;\">science AND research</td></tr></tbody></table><div style=\"clear: both; text-align: left;\"><b>Says who? </b>When I surf the internet and read all of the top results on GMO, Monsanto, and why everything to do with this topic is \"Bad\"...I see a lot of misinformation, scare tactics, and enough fear-inspiring trust-destroying buzzword combinations to make your head spin. There is a troubling lack of facts and peer-reviewed research associated with every claim I see that GMO\'s are bad/evil/destroying the world. See <a href=\"http://www.responsibletechnology.org/10-Reasons-to-Avoid-GMOs\">this</a>, <a href=\"http://www.nongmoproject.org/learn-more/\">this</a>, and&nbsp;<a href=\"http://www.organicauthority.com/foodie-buzz/eight-reasons-gmos-are-bad-for-you.html\">this</a> as examples.</div><b><br /><span style=\"font-size: large;\">What claims are \"they\" making?</span></b><br /><div style=\"clear: both; text-align: left;\"><b><br /></b></div><div style=\"clear: both; text-align: left;\"><b>-GMO Corn caused tumors in rats</b></div><blockquote style=\"clear: both; text-align: left;\">There were so many issues with this \"study\", and it is&nbsp;<a href=\"http://www.forbes.com/sites/stevensalzberg/2012/09/24/does-genetically-modified-corn-cause-cancer-a-flawed-study/\" style=\"font-weight: bold;\">completely debunked,</a>&nbsp;yet&nbsp;<a href=\"http://www.motherearthnews.com/natural-health/gmo-safety-zmgz13amzsto.aspx#axzz3H2L5KIKJ\">anti-GMO groups are still harping on it as fact</a>&nbsp;(yes, that was published well after retraction). Another anti-GMO site claimed GMO\'s<a href=\"http://naturalsociety.com/genetically-modified-foods/\"> caused liver/kidney damage</a>...but the \"review\" cited <a href=\"http://www.enveurope.com/content/23/1/10\">said itself that the tests were not sufficient to prove anything conclusive.</a></blockquote><div style=\"clear: both; text-align: left;\">-<b>Farmers are being sued when GMO pollen blows into their crops</b></div><blockquote style=\"clear: both; text-align: left;\"><b>This is a big twisting of the truth. </b>There are famous cases this is based on (see <a href=\"http://decisions.fct-cf.gc.ca/en/2001/2001fct256/2001fct256.html\">this</a>, <a href=\"http://decisions.fca-caf.gc.ca/en/2002/2002fca309/2002fca309.html\">this</a> and <a href=\"http://scc.lexum.org/decisia-scc-csc/scc-csc/scc-csc/en/item/2147/index.do?r=AAAAAQAJc2NobWVpc2VyAAAAAAE\">this</a>). There are far less cases being brought up and going to court than many anti-GMO activist groups would lead you to believe. They\'re going after people violating patent law by saving/replanting seeds, not wind-blown pollen.</blockquote><div style=\"clear: both; text-align: left;\"><b>-GMO Seed-sellers are \"controlling and manipulating farmers\"</b></div><blockquote style=\"clear: both; text-align: left;\"><a href=\"http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-FWSaeEknnUY/VExkXOFZC5I/AAAAAAAAK1Y/OBiyIdaPyfw/s1600/Handcuffed_hands_(line_drawing).jpg\" style=\"clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;\"><img border=\"0\" src=\"http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-FWSaeEknnUY/VExkXOFZC5I/AAAAAAAAK1Y/OBiyIdaPyfw/s1600/Handcuffed_hands_(line_drawing).jpg\" height=\"128\" width=\"200\" /></a><b>Not quite.</b> These Genetically Modified seeds are, essentially, akin to a software developer creating a new program, or an artist painting a new picture - they retain the rights to profit from their new creation. The scientist may not have created \"seeds\", but they DID create seeds that have extra genes built-in. Copyright, trademark, and patent apply, even if it seems strange. The farmer agreed to these terms when they bought the seed. <b>Nobody held a gun to their head</b>&nbsp;- it was a choice.</blockquote><div style=\"clear: both; text-align: left;\"><b>-Monsanto et al are selling sterile \"Terminator seeds\"</b></div><blockquote style=\"clear: both; text-align: left;\">While it\'s true \"Terminator seeds\" (which do not grow back the next year) do exist, GM Companies have never actually put them to market. (that I know of)</blockquote><div style=\"clear: both; text-align: left;\"><b>-GMO crops are creating unstoppable pesticide-resistant super-weeds and super-pests</b></div><blockquote style=\"clear: both; text-align: left;\">Pests and weeds are going to evolve and become resistant to our efforts just like the flu virus morphs and changes every year to resist the flu vaccine...but you don\'t see pitchforks and torches outside your local clinic or pharmacy, do you?</blockquote><div style=\"clear: both; text-align: left;\"><b>-Pesticides are destroying good soil, rendering it forever useless without GMO seeds</b></div><div style=\"clear: both; text-align: left;\"><b>-There\'s collateral damage as a result of \"Roundup-Ready\" crops.</b></div><div style=\"clear: both; text-align: left;\"><br /></div><div style=\"clear: both; text-align: left;\">The list goes on. These are just some of the many allegations being made. I\'m not here to refute them all, but I simply <b>had</b>&nbsp;to point out&nbsp;that some are, in fact, <b>incredibly false</b>.</div><div style=\"clear: both; text-align: left;\"><br /></div><div style=\"clear: both; text-align: left;\"><b><span style=\"font-size: large;\">\"Label it! I HAVE A RIGHT TO KNOW!\"</span></b></div><div style=\"clear: both; text-align: left;\"><br /></div><div style=\"clear: both; text-align: left;\"><a href=\"http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-aZtOSc5jZUs/VExle-SrlPI/AAAAAAAAK1k/xDcXBAx3I9E/s1600/poison%2Blabel.jpg\" style=\"clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;\"><img border=\"0\" src=\"http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-aZtOSc5jZUs/VExle-SrlPI/AAAAAAAAK1k/xDcXBAx3I9E/s1600/poison%2Blabel.jpg\" /></a>This whole \"gmo\" labeling thing is such a huge deal right now...there are GMO labeling measures being fought for around the country...and food/drink/agriculture companies are pouring millions of dollars into the fight to squash it. <b>Why?</b></div><br /><b>Mandatory labeling accomplishes nothing.</b><br /><br />Labels are great - they allow us to have more information and, thus, make informed decisions. Sorry to break it to you, but <b>Mandatory GMO Labeling </b>wouldn\'t help us make <a href=\"http://www.ext.colostate.edu/pubs/foodnut/09371.html\">any kind of decision we can\'t already make</a>. <b>People say they want to know</b>&nbsp;so they can know what they\'re putting in their bodies. <b>They want to know </b>so they can avoid foods they don\'t want. <b>They want labeling because...they WANT it!</b>&nbsp;And <b>other countries have it</b>, so why shouldn\'t <b>WE</b>?!<br /><br /><b>Know what ELSE other countries have? <u>Communism.</u></b><br /><br />Seriously, though - every argument FOR mandatory labeling I see is a lot of demands, a lot of ignorance, a lot of \"I THINK I know what\'s up\" and little or no fact / REAL good reason. Current U.S. Law requires labeling on new foods that have significant nutritional or allergenic characteristic, and the FDA has judged that, so far, there is no danger, health risk, or reduced nutritional value from GM foods. There are many \"Certified Organic\" and \"non-GMO certified\" foods labeled as such. So...all those \"informed choices\" you want to make? <b>You already can.</b><br /><div style=\"clear: both; text-align: left;\"><br /></div><div style=\"clear: both; text-align: left;\"><b>On the flip side,</b> all the arguments I see <b>against</b>&nbsp;mandatory labeling <a href=\"http://www.ext.colostate.edu/pubs/foodnut/09371.html\">are based upon facts, research, and <i>real </i>reasons</a>. There would be a lot of cost involved in such an endeavor. Mandatory labeling hasn\'t exactly gone like a dream in other countries. Customers ALREADY have choices (as I said above). My favorite reason - mandatory labeling would imply some kind of health risk - you don\'t need to be a genius to imagine how <i>that </i>would pan out...it\'d be like slapping on a <b>poison label.</b></div><br /><b><span style=\"font-size: large;\">There IS positive potential for GM foods</span></b><br /><div style=\"clear: both; text-align: center;\"><a href=\"http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-kijVfPI_Cjw/VEx-noufnpI/AAAAAAAAK2A/ynqp5hDdLVY/s1600/GLOBE_DetailMap2.png\" style=\"margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;\"><img border=\"0\" src=\"http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-kijVfPI_Cjw/VEx-noufnpI/AAAAAAAAK2A/ynqp5hDdLVY/s1600/GLOBE_DetailMap2.png\" height=\"158\" width=\"320\" /></a></div><div style=\"clear: both; text-align: left;\"><b>I\'m no expert, </b>but given the technology GM foods could solve a lot of problems. Better pest resistance and less reliance on pesticides could mean it\'d be less expensive for farmers to...<i>farm</i>. Less crop loss due to pests means more people get fed. Genetic Engineering could lead to larger fruits and vegetables, feeding more people. Vitamin enrichment could solve critical vitamin deficiencies in other parts of the world. Drought-resistance could mean crops could be grown in far more places - <b>more people get fed.</b>&nbsp;All in all, GM foods could be a big part of the fight against world hunger and feeding an ever-increasing world population.</div><br /><b>And if we freak out and squash GMO\'s...we\'ll only have ourselves to blame</b>.<br /><br /><b><span style=\"font-size: large;\">TRUTH IS - We\'ve been doing this for centuries&nbsp;</span></b><br /><div style=\"clear: both; text-align: left;\"><br /></div><div style=\"clear: both; text-align: left;\"><b>Maybe not the same way</b>, but farmers have been \"messing with\" your food for a very long time. How do you think broccolini exists? Farmers have been doing their own (more crude and unpredictable) genetic modification for a very long time. Cross-breeding, selective breeding/planting, etc. <b>This is not a new idea</b>, just a new method. Why, all of a sudden, are we upset?</div><div style=\"clear: both; text-align: left;\"><br /></div><div style=\"clear: both; text-align: left;\"><span style=\"font-size: large;\">Again, let me be clear</span> - I am <b>not</b>&nbsp;pro-GMO. I am <b>not</b>&nbsp;anti-GMO. I\'m simply remaining open-minded. I\'m forming my opinion and making my decisions based on <b>fact</b>, not fear. I\'m certainly <b>not</b>&nbsp;blindly following what everyone else tells me about GMO\'s. If YOU would like to be educated and sound a whole lot smarter when you talk about GMO\'s, you can visit any of these sites/read any of these studies:</div><br /><a href=\"http://www.scientificamerican.com/article/study-linking-genetically-modified-corn-to-cancer/\">http://www.scientificamerican.com/article/study-linking-genetically-modified-corn-to-cancer/</a><br /><a href=\"http://www.forbes.com/sites/stevensalzberg/2012/09/24/does-genetically-modified-corn-cause-cancer-a-flawed-study/\">http://www.forbes.com/sites/stevensalzberg/2012/09/24/does-genetically-modified-corn-cause-cancer-a-flawed-study/</a><br /><div style=\"clear: both; text-align: left;\"><a href=\"http://www.scientificamerican.com/article/can-we-trust-monsanto-with-our-food/\">http://www.scientificamerican.com/article/can-we-trust-monsanto-with-our-food/</a></div><a href=\"http://modernfarmer.com/2014/03/monsantos-good-bad-pr-problem/\">http://modernfarmer.com/2014/03/monsantos-good-bad-pr-problem/</a><br /><div style=\"clear: both; text-align: left;\"><a href=\"http://genera.biofortified.org/viewall.php\">http://genera.biofortified.org/viewall.php</a></div><a href=\"http://www.forbes.com/sites/jonentine/2014/09/17/the-debate-about-gmo-safety-is-over-thanks-to-a-new-trillion-meal-study/\">http://www.forbes.com/sites/jonentine/2014/09/17/the-debate-about-gmo-safety-is-over-thanks-to-a-new-trillion-meal-study/</a><br /><a href=\"http://www.popsci.com/article/science/core-truths-10-common-gmo-claims-debunked\">http://www.popsci.com/article/science/core-truths-10-common-gmo-claims-debunked</a><br /><a href=\"http://gmoanswers.com/\">http://gmoanswers.com/</a><br /><a href=\"http://www.geneticliteracyproject.org/2014/09/10/19-year-study-of-trillions-of-meals-shows-ge-crops-do-not-harm-food-producing-animals-humans/\">http://www.geneticliteracyproject.org/2014/09/10/19-year-study-of-trillions-of-meals-shows-ge-crops-do-not-harm-food-producing-animals-humans/</a><br /><a href=\"http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC2408621/\">http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC2408621/</a><br /><a href=\"http://www.fda.gov/ForConsumers/ConsumerUpdates/ucm352067.htm\">http://www.fda.gov/ForConsumers/ConsumerUpdates/ucm352067.htm</a><br /><a href=\"http://www.geneticliteracyproject.org/2014/09/10/19-year-study-of-trillions-of-meals-shows-ge-crops-do-not-harm-food-producing-animals-humans/\">http://www.geneticliteracyproject.org/2014/09/10/19-year-study-of-trillions-of-meals-shows-ge-crops-do-not-harm-food-producing-animals-humans/</a><br /><a href=\"http://ec.europa.eu/research/biosociety/pdf/a_decade_of_eu-funded_gmo_research.pdf\">http://ec.europa.eu/research/biosociety/pdf/a_decade_of_eu-funded_gmo_research.pdf</a><br /><div style=\"clear: both; text-align: left;\"><b>Please - be educated. </b>Know what you\'re talking about before you join a fight that could have major global impact later on. Be open, learn something, and contribute something meaningful to the discussion :).</div>','GMOMG! - Educate Yourself.','','inherit','closed','closed','','59-revision-v1','','','2017-01-08 10:55:44','2017-01-08 15:55:44','',59,'http://50.87.248.94/~sothisj4/59-revision-v1/',0,'revision','',0),