Monthly Archives: November 2011

RunKeeper App

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Since apparently I was really stupid blonde yesterday and left my running watch plugged into my work computer, I thought today would be a perfect day since I had no other choice to try out the RunKeeper App, which I had previously downloaded to my phone.

This is the app that I always recommend to those who are afraid to get OCD about running do not have a gps watch.  The app is FREE, which is my favorite part, plus it will download to all “app running” smart phones, not just the iPhone.    I had heard that this thing is a real battery killer but at 4am my phone usually has a full charge and is ready to go so I was hoping I could get a short run out of it for testing purposes. 

As most of you know by now, I frequently run in the dark, alone, on my very desolate, coyote ran roads.  Therefore, I rarely use an iPod due to safety issues.  This RunKeeper App is like the partner I’ve never had!  It talks to me and pretends to be my friend, just like the gps in my car……LOVE!   Although her voice wasn’t as snotty affluent sounding as Eve (my car gps), I was still pleased and will soon be thinking of a name for my new electronic partner……what do you think about Viki……like from Will Smith‘s I, Robot movie?   She, Viki(?), started me off with a very nice “Activity Started” type command/comment.  Then continued to update my progress periodically with distance/time/pace stats starting around the 0.4 mile mark.  

Overall, I was very pleased.  My favorite part by far was the audible/talking stats.  It was very helpful since it was dark and Viki kept spouting out my distance/pace.  When I run in the dark I have the tendency to be terrified run slower since vision, roads, wild animals, etc. are an issue.  I also don’t check my watch much because I am focused on the immediate dangers task at hand.  So it was nice to know my progression, or lack there of, even though I wasn’t actively seeking the information.  Since this run was short, the app didn’t affect my fully charged battery at all.  I also ran a known distance to verify the accuracy of the gps and was happy with that.  I will also note that it worked seamlessly from my spi-belt, I didn’t touch it at all except to start and stop the application.

Additional facts:  syncs with Garmin, info recorded on your phone plus an online account (no manual upload necessary), records gps route, pace/distance stats, plus an elevation chart.  Good stuff and it’s free, which is even better.  So if you are too cheap  relaxed to buy a gps watch, here is your product.  Not sure how much luck you will have with a 20 miler in the woods but hey, you get what you pay for sometimes its good to go unplugged.  

4.09 miles – 38:33 – stepped off the road 2x for cars, major fumbling getting the mammoth droid in and out of the spi-belt.

“Run”way Fashion – Capri pants from Athleta and a Mizuno Renegade Top with reflective accents for added visibility.  I rarely buy anything that doesn’t have multiple reflective logos/accents.   Be safe & smart!

Happy Running,                                                                                                                   Amanda – TooTallFritz

Hot Chocolate 15K (2011) – Race Review

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I find it difficult to take a race seriously which is focused on promoting chocolate or beer, or music for that fact.  However, the RAM racing series made a real effort this year to make this a serious race.  The updates for this year included a new course thru the city streets and a corral system to put the faster runners in a better position to well, run fast.  If you want to run fast then you don’t want to be on an overcrowded lake front path with 500 other people who are all attempting to squeeze thru two water-stop tables “together”.  As soon as I saw the updated course map, I knew this would be a great race for me and a few friends because 1) it would be serious enough for me and  2) it would be fun enough for them.  This was a win/win situation in my opinion:  chocolate, fun and good racing!

The pre-race is all about getting a few photos into position so that you can check your gear and get into the corrals on time.  Most races I run are very formal and I’ve learned the hard lesson that if you aren’t there early, you may be starting at the back!  Here are the ladies who were available for the pre-race group photo….Me, Gail R., Michelle N., Marti, Trisha D., and Nicki T.

After the group photo, we separated and dashed over to Grant Park.   I was immediately impressed with the number of volunteers standing around asking runners if they needed help.  In fact, one of these nice people pointed us toward gear check.  I had two 5K runners with me and their gear check was in a different location than the 15K but they also started the race before me so it wasn’t a problem to get their gear checked and get them to the start before I even had to think about my race.  My only complaint for the pre-race has nothing to do with RAM Racing or the Hot Chocolate Race itself but the poor conditions of Grant Park, which is still recovering from the destruction caused during the Lollapalooza Festival in early August.  Many areas of the park have been closed off since Lollapalooza but it appears they are trying to reopen it.  I would bet my ass hazard a guess that this was the first event, in this area of Grant Park since Lollapalooza.  The grassy areas were very SATURATED with water and mud.  There was “some” grass but definitely more mud and water.  In fact, people kept asking if it had rained the previous night.  RAM Racing did  attempt to combat the problem by putting down plywood to walk to/from 5K gear check but short of covering the entire field, it was useless.  I have gotten less muddy on soggy trail runs than I did just getting these ladies thru the 5K gear check.  Oh well, not the fault of race officials.  So we are off to the 5K start!  Photo Op for Nicki T. and I at the drop off. 

Gear check and the start were in close proximity, there were loads of volunteers to direct us, the port-o-pots where plentiful and things were seemingly organized and running on schedule.  However, due to unforseen circumstances, the race start had to be delayed due to a semi truck getting stuck under one of the overpasses on the race route.  The delay was approximately 15-20 minutes while emergency personnel attempted to clear the situation.  When they did start the 5K runners it was with a revised route to avoid the problem area and that also elongated their race.  In my opinion, there aren’t many good reasons to delay the start of a race while I am out there freezing my ass off on the start line but this was beyond their control.

The 15K gear check was not nearly as muddy, I dropped my gear and left to figure out where I needed to be for my corral.   The volunteers were a little confused at this point as to where I should be going since the 5K was still in staging, and they sent me in a general direction to search out a green sign.   I apparently messed it up but instead found my way close to the start and a “green sign” with my corral letter.  Then I saw the 15K runners start to move up and realized I wasn’t in the correct spot but fortunately, since it was loosely organized at this point, I was able to just jump in with the “B” corral, or what was supposed to be the “B” corral.  I noticed that we had a few extras as I saw several “O” people, a few “A”s, and lots of “C”s.    I was told by other runners that things were confusing and nobody really knew where they were supposed to be, so some just jumped in line like I did when they saw the runners start to move into staging.  I wasn’t real concerned at this point though as I was so close to the start, I knew it wasn’t going to make much of a difference. 

Once the gun went off, we all had to squeeze thru the start banner to cross the timing mat, which only covered half of the street.  I initially thought oh, crap! it would be a problem but it went smoothly and we were off and running very quickly.  Even though I saw walkers as soon as I passed the start line, they never really interfered with the majority of runners and everyone around me seemed to be running a good pace, regardless of the letter on their bib.  It wasn’t overcrowed and I really was able to run as fast as I wanted without too much traffic interference for most of the race.  Of course, it was busy thru the aid stations and on turns but other than that it went well.  Although I didn’t use any of the aid stations, it appeared that there was both water and Gatorade on both sides of the street in multiple places throughout the course.  I saw several spots for port-o-pots but was fortunate enough not to need one!  I did hear the potty lines were long but other than the marathon, I have always had an issue with lines at the on course potty locations.  All in all, I think it was a good race!  I think they did a good job with the updated course and am sure they will continue to improve the race in future years.  My impossible goal was to run 1:15 and I was on target all the way thru, even toward the end until I hit the Roosevelt Bridge, which EVERY race in Chicago runs so I was expecting it.  Well, I basically clawed my way up that bridge on my hands and knees…..it wasn’t pretty….can’t wait for those photos!  So the bridge took me out.  Congratulations Roosevelt Bridge, you claimed another victim.  I finished in 1:16:40 but was happy with the effort although angry with the bridge.

Post-Race, big thumbs up to the Ghirardelli Chocolate!  Very tasty!  They gave us hot chocolate and a chocolate fondue plate with a 1/2 banana, pretzel rod, 3 apple slices, 1 medium marshmallow and I may be missing something but not much.  It was very good but thankfully I had already ingested my AdvoCare Post Workout Recovery drink and a bagel that I had brought from home or I would have been starved and probably getting the shakes from not taking in enough calories.  I always bring what I need for my own recovery because I don’t want to be shaking and vomiting trust anyone to have what I need to recover properly.  After a hard run/workout  you need a  4:1 carb to protein ratio to properly recover and since I don’t like to count calories or numbers at all, I always do the Advocare Post Workout Recovery drink so I am sure to get what I need without worrying about how to make it happen.  I strongly encourage you to always take what you need to a race in terms of your own fuel and recovery products.  Don’t count on the race to have it for you.  You need to get in the recovery product within one hour of when you finish, faster if you can, then you can have some fun……which is exactly what Nicki T, myself and Kristina H. did after the race!

Note to self……avoid the port-o-pot back drop for the next photo.

Blue Moon!

I’d definitely run this race again.  It was fun, I thought the course was good, the corrals worked for me and I think it will just keep getting better.  And any day that I can get away from the kids out of the house and spend some time with my girls, plus run a good race is a WIN for me.  So I guess I’m in and I WILL RUN FOR CHOCOLATE!

“Run”way Fashion….let’s just say I had a whole lot of wardrobe malfunction going on during the race….Brooks Glycerin Diva Running Jacket was super cute and I’ve worn it for non-running purposes multiple times and love it but it kept riding up while I was running!  I also had on my Alo TooTallFritz.com shirt that RaceExpressions.com did for me and the jacket basically kept  grabbing the shirt and pulling that up too!  Then on the bottom, I stupidly opted out of wearing the CW-X Compression 3/4 tights because they were dirty and instead chose the SkirtSports Under the Skirt Capri Pants because they are soft, awesome feeling, and have pockets but apparently I need to downsize because they kept slipping and felt like they were falling down until I was about half way  thru the race and apparently my sweat kicked in to hold them in place.  These are really awesome pants, just don’t think I will race in them again unless I get a smaller size.

Did you race this weekend?  How was it?  Would you run a theme race like the Hot Chocolate, the Monster, or the Rock N Roll races, or do you avoid them like the plague for being too commercial?  I’d love to hear your thoughts!

Happy Running,                                                                                                            Amanda – TooTallFritz.com

Sunday Funday…..

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Mick and I picked up the kiddos from my  parents this afternoon and we’ve done absolutely nothing!  It feels cool to me with wind and light rain so slippers are a must!

Sunday Funday it is for us with movie and popcorn!

I hope you too are having a relaxing Sunday and enjoying what God has given you.

Cheers,                                                                                                                                                  Amanda – TooTallFritz

Race Mentality

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After the varying critiques on the Monster Dash, I have been thinking a lot about Race Mentality.   Some people race for fun or to go with their friends, they like a big party and crowds to propel them forward, while others race for time or as a measure of their fitness.  Think for one moment about the types of races on which you choose to spend your $$, and ultimately why you register.

For me, I like to race alot.  I like to run fast.  I always want to run faster and am frequently disappointed readjusting my goals to a faster pace than I can possibly run my fitness will allow.  The race is a reward for every time I haul my butt out of bed in the middle of the night early morning so that I can get a run in without disrupting the family (too much).  Race day is the day that is all about me.  I don’t need a crowd, or a partner standing beside me at the start line.  In fact, I would prefer not to have a partner/friend at the start unless we have the “run your own race” agreement.  If you’ve been racing with me over the years, you’ve heard me say it, particularly if you were once a newbie……. Run your own race.  You probably think I am a total bitch  really competitive but that isn’t the case.  My only competition is me because I’ll never be fast enough to win.  And I just want to encourage you to run THIS race for you, to compete against yourself for your own personal reasons and at your pace.  Please don’t wait for somebody else unless you specifically registered with the intent to be a pacer/helper.  Don’t hold back because it is comfortable, will hurt less or because you’re scared.  Push your limits.

Running fast takes big balls guts.  Put in your miles first so you have a good base and then go out there and run your heart out.  Be prepared, be focused and be confident that you can run faster than is really possible did the work to reach your goal.  If all else fails, put your name/website on your shirt so you will be ACCOUNTABLE for your race. 

And probably the best tip I can give is DON’T follow me.  I run off the start like somebody is going to pay me $$ for a good first mile performance……and then I crash and burn in the middle miles, then put in a half-assed attempt to pull it together at the end.  I’m not good at this, just overconfident hoping that today is going to be the day that I can “hang on” and pull out a good race.  This might be the day, you never know………

I’d like to thank Bob H. at RaceExpressions.com for getting this shirt together for me on the fly….so that I can be accountable and so that you might spot me and kick me in the ass encourage me thru the middle miles.   If you see me, YELL!  This is actually the third shirt RaceExpressions has created for me, using designs I have sent to them.  Great local company who really goes the extra mile to help out their customers.  Now, let’s just hope I can squeeze myself into it cuz it’s a “little” tighter than I would like snug .  Of course, now that the weather appears to be pretty cool, who knows if I will actually get to use it.

What is your Race Mentality?  Do you race for fun, to get good photos or have a good story to tell?  Do you do it for your friends?  Or do you run balls out hard like me and just try to hang on for as long as possible?

Happy Running!  Be proud that you are out there getting it done, regardless of what motivated you to do it in the first place, and know that I too am proud of you!

Amanda – TooTallFritz

Joint ProMotion Special

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AdvoCare’s Joint ProMotion is on special if you have any interest in glucosamine type products.  The special runs until December 6th!  If you haven’t used glucosamine previously, then it takes about 3 to 4 weeks to get into your system, start working and for a person to actually notice a difference.  This is not a product which yields overnight results. Joint ProMotion™

OVERVIEW

* November Product Spotlight *

  • Helps lubricate and protect joints*
  • Supports joint health*
  • Contributes to mobility and flexibility*
  • Aids in relieving occasional pain after exercise*
  • Contains glucosamine, MSM and other nutrients that support joint health*

Hot Chocolate 15K/5K (2011) Expo

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I went over to Union Station on Thursday to pick up the Hot Chocolate 15K/5K packets for myself and two friends.

This is a stolen stock photo from the net, and let’s just say that things aren’t quite as clean and neat serene in real life as they are in this photo.  I feel bad for those who drove down specifically to pick up the packets because half the streets in the CHI are tore up with “road construction” and the other half are overly congested due to detours and well, uh, road construction.  In fact, just walking there was hell a challenge.  Once I finally got inside Union Station, there was even more confusion as to where I needed to go to get the packets.  There weren’t any signs until I was further inside and headed in the right direction, thanks to a flower vendor.  If you had your bib number(s), then things looked to be very smooth but if you needed them to look up a bib then the process was lengthy and tedious as you waited in line for one of two gentlemen to look up the number on an iPad.  However, I was there at lunch so this was a high volume time and I’m sure was probably better before and after the lunch rush. 

Apparently they messed up all the majority of the Corral Assignments but the volunteers were readily available to take care of the situation and it actually went very well, seeing as I didn’t have a spreadsheet of previous race times in my purse like they expected.

The jackets look awesome, fit well and are flattering.  The sleeves are a bit short on Ms. TooTall but not obnoxious and nothing that would prevent me from wearing it.  Possibly the best event swag that I’ve ever received with a close second going to the 2008 Pleasant Prairie Triathlon in Pleasant Prairie (Kenosha), WI where I received a super soft pullover fleece.  Plus there was a jacket exchange in case you ordered the wrong size.  Other than that, the expo was very small with few vendors and only one lady handing out Ghirardelli Chocolate squares.  I was able to get one square for each of my girls! 

Once I was able to review the packet, I realized it was empty included only our bib, a Chicago Athlete magazine, a coupon for Ghirardelli Chocolate, a coupon for Run Away Multisport and a map of the race day set-up.  I am certainly glad I grabbed the chocolate squares!  That being said, usually 98% of the contents of a large packet/goodie bag is garbage advertisements so I would rather get a good freebie, like this jacket, then a bunch of stuff to haul home and throw out I didn’t need.

Which race do you think has the best expo and more importantly, what is the best race SWAG (Stuff We All Get) you have ever received? 

More later on the actual race!

Good Luck to all of you who are racing/running this weekend!  Get out there and Make IT Happen.

Cheers,                                                                                                                         Amanda – TooTallFritz

Did I Leave It on the Trail?

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Ever heard anyone say not to leave your best run on the trail/road?  Well after a hardish run on Monday, then another  harder than I would have liked  run last night, I now have  the perfect excuse concern that I will not be fully recovered by the Hot Chocolate Race on Saturday.  Let me introduce you to my fast friend, Susan D. from the Frankfort Running Club.  Yes, this is the same Susan D. who did the guest post on the Monster Dash yesterday.  Let’s hope she doesn’t block me as spammer  isn’t tired of me after so much interaction in one week! 

Sometimes  your partner is feeling good and well, you aren’t.  The “plan” was for a slow, easy pace but Susan was ready to RUN!  I tried to inconsipuously drop some rocks in her shoes to weigh her down remind her of the pace.  I also tried to throw a harness around her shoulders and let her drag me a hint by running a couple of steps behind her…… but alas, when a girl has fast feet, it is time to fly!  I just hope some of that speed and bounce rubbed off on me as I prepare for race day!  If not, then  I will TOTALLY blame her know to go at it easier before the next race!

We ran west on Old Plank Trail.  This is by far the trail that I run the most so I am very familiar with it.  I love this trail because it is very long, straight and flat.  If you are a non-ultra runner, then you mostly likely won’t run out of trail over the course of one run.  If you are a biker/triathlete then this is a good trail for you up to about the 1/2 Iron distance (round trip), then after that you will need to make some laps or maybe just go home cuz you’re crazy.  Even though its flat, it is still beautiful and generally has decent tree cover from the sun on those warm weather days.  Here are a few photos of our journey.

Thanks Susan for getting out there with me and making it happen.  Now please excuse me while I tend to my recovery.

5.05 miles – 47:14 – several stops for photos, road/car crossing stop x2

“Run”way Fashion – RunningSkirts.com RunLove Fleurs Triathlon Skirt – photo below is of the RunLove Fleurs print but my skirt doesn’t have the capri pants underneath. Image 12011 Sunburst Races (Notre Dame) 1/2 Marathon A4 shirt – I’ve received several A4 shirts this year and the ones that are women’s specific fit and feel really nice!  “Under the Skirt”, cuz you’re dying to know, is the  SkirtSports.com Hipster Briefs.  As for my recovery, Blue Moon Pumpkin Ale & CEP Compression calf sleeves.  LOVE the CEP sleeves!  I haven’t tried the full socks due to the Plantar Fasciitis issues and not wanting my heels compressed but I really love the sleeves.  I wear them around the house, sleep in them, wear them to work, etc.  Great product and since they aren’t “socks” I don’t worry about constantly washing them.  After the success I’ve had with the compression calf sleeves and the compression 3/4 tights, I would probably consider investing in a full length pair of compression tights for year round continuous, non-stop wear winter.

P.S…..after a night of sleeping in the CEP sleeves, I’m feeling good!  So let’s race! 

Who’s racing this weekend?  Where?

Cheers,                                                                                                                               Amanda – TooTallFritz

Monster Dash 1/2 Marathon (2011) – GUEST Race Review

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I have heard many mixed reviews on the Monster Dash in Chicago.  Some people have made comments about loving it and loving the course while others absolutely thought it was one of the most poorly run races in the CHI.  I have never personally ran the race as it is always on Halloween Weekend and my mommy/family duties always trump my own desires any other weekend plans.  Since I couldn’t personally run, I begged put out a request to my friends at the Frankfort Running Club for a Guest Review of the race.  They had a rather large group of runners who had been excitedly planning for the day forever for the last several weeks and I had hoped that somebody would help me out.  The following photos and review are from Susan D. of the Frankfort Running Club.  Thanks so much Susan for helping me out; I really appreciate it!   

Cheers,                                                                                                                         Amanda – TooTallFritz

Race Report by Susan D. – Frankfort Running Club

What could make for a better Saturday morning than waking up before dawn—after an anxious night of sleep — to take the 6:14 train into Chicago for the Monster Dash?  Hoping on the train with a motley crew of runners was the perfect way to start my weekend.  Our group consisted of both beginning and veteran runners, some as young as 6th grade (one of my former third grade students!) some as old as, well…me.  A few of us were doing the Monster Dash Half Marathon, and others were doing the 5K.  And yes, there were costumes involved.  I proudly rode the train with a keg of beer (costume of course, although there was some real beer involved!), as well as a tube of Preparation H, otherwise known as “The Official Ass Cream.”  I myself was not brave enough to wear a costume, but I was much inspired by the creativity of others!

Once we arrived in Chicago, it was a short walk to Grant Park, but a long, cold wait for the run to begin.  Along the way, we got several strange looks and many “thumbs up” for the tube of ass cream roaming the streets with us.  I was feeling a little lame that I showed up in a running skirt and Halloween shirt.  Plus the people wearing costumes looked warm and cozy!

When the run finally started, those of us doing the half marathon were separated from the 5K group.   The first few miles are always tedious.  Why do people get in the 9:00 pace group when they are going to start walking right in front of you at mile two?  So after some weaving and zigzagging, we were finally able to hit a rhythm at mile three.

Now this course wasn’t really flat and smooth.  There were a fair share of potholes, puddles, grassy surfaces, and inclines that we had to overcome, but three of us who trained together managed to stay together for the entire run.  During our practice runs, we kept a steady conversation, but not today.  There were a few sentences – maybe a few swear words – uttered here and there, but the focus was on…well, staying focused.  And it was getting warm.  Suddenly my Halloween t-shirt didn’t seem so lame.  Those costumes that looked so snuggly now looked suffocating.

At the 7 mile turnaround (good God, was it ever going to arrive?), the Ferris wheel at Navy Pier looked so far away.  By mile 10, I was starting to think about a tall frosty beer.  And I don’t really drink.  Costume watching kept me occupied for a while.  I could admire the creativity of the “Hooter Girls”/Guys that were running in front of me, but then I started to get angry that two guys in tight orange shorts both had a better butt than me.  So I worked up enough anger to pass them. 

The home stretch wasn’t too bad, and it was fun to be greeted at the finish by our friends who ran the 5K.  But wait…how come they got trick-or-treat candy at their water stops and we didn’t? 

We decided to catch a later train home and refuel at Kitty O’Shays.  The train ride home was filled with fun stories and new friendships, and nothing can beat that on a Saturday morning that started out dreary and dark, but ended up crisp and sunny.  And when I finally got home, I didn’t care how much they hurt my feet, but I put on my high heeled boots and went out to celebrate with a night on the town.  But ouch…my feet sure did hurt on Sunday morning!

Susan D.

TooTallFritz Readers – Please post your own experiences on the Monster in the comments section!  I’d  love to hear your thoughts as well! 

Thanks,                                                                                                                           Amanda – TooTallFritz

Make It Happen……

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I stole this from Facebook and felt the need to post it.  This is so true and so important for people to understand.  Just make it happen and don’t worry about your speed, or lack there of, or anyone else’s for that matter.  I love the Nike slogan, “Just Do It“, because it says the same thing.  Make it happen; Just Do It; Push YOUR limits!

Happy Running!                                                                                                                  Amanda – TooTallFritz

Halloween Hangover

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I must say that I enjoy Halloween but am happy to say good-bye to it for another year.  Each year it is a fight with the kiddos as to how much candy they can stuff into their faces before I notice convince me to let them eat.  And I must say that it is also a struggle for me in an attempt to not stuff my own face limit my consumption.  I think we did pretty well last night with the kiddos not getting too out of control and I had 3 fun size Almond Joys.  Now, we still have a GROCERY BAG of candy left in the house so we will see how it goes from here on out.

Prior to the Trick or Treat extravaganza, I made a last-ditch effort to pad my mileage close out the month properly.  I decided on a Midlothian Reservoir/Yankee Woods run that would be about 6 miles.  The Reservoir, with a connect to Yankee for 1 loop, plus return is slightly under 6  so I parked my car a bit further from the trailhead becasue I’m OCD so that I got in a few extra steps to make it a full 6.  The intent was for a quicker pace, speedy turnover type running without wearing myself out. 

Since these trails are somewhat secluded in parts, I grabbed my Wrist Saver pepper spray and I was off.  If you need a pepper spray, this one is AWESOME.  It velcros onto the wrist and doesn’t move!  I love it and also attach it to the jogging stroller and/or Aby’s bike when we are running/hiking as a family.  The watch is the Nike+ Sportwatch GPS, another great product for a very reasonable price.  I am of the opinion that all technology is somewhat disposable due to the constant updates and changes.  I refuse to pay a lot for something that will be obsolete before the end of the month.  One of my favorite things about the Nike+ watch is that they frequently update it thru the net.  You plug-in for a charge, or to upload a run, and get a message that a new upgrade is available.  I purchased the watch on the pre-order before it even hit the stores so got an “original”.   They have made SEVERAL updates via the net to add features that were requested by consumers.  I really appreciate this rather than them just putting out a newer and better model that turns my original into a dinosaur.

Midlothian Reservoir:

The Midlothian Reservoir section is pretty short, about a mile, then you need to run a path by Central Ave for about a 1/2 mile to get into Yankee.  Once you hit the Yankee sign, one loop is 3 miles and  you can fly right back to the Reservoir to your car!  Yankee  Woods:

6 miles – 52:15 –  several photo stops and a road crossing x2

“Run”way Fashion – Freebie Alert:  RunGirl shirt from Women’s Running Magazine.  Great Magazine!!  And they give a free shirt with a 2 year subscription.  I don’t wear a lot of freebies but this one fits perfectly!

CWX Compression 3/4 tights.  Yep still wearing them and love them EVEN more today but I need more pink shirts!   Frogger –  I looked and they do have 3/4 for men.  You might want to talk to Mel; I picked these up at Running for Kicks.

Cheers & TRY not to eat too much Halloween candy!                                                  Amanda – TooTallFritz