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Monday, April 22, 2013
Saturday, April 6, 2013
The Chocoholic Frolic
Everything came together again nicely for today's run. I got a great night's sleep, and because it was a late start, I didn't have to rush out the door this morning despite the long drive to get there.
But, conditions were far from perfect, which always makes it interesting.
The good news is that it didn't rain. Actually, that was probably the best news ever because the temperatures were hovering at just around almost unbearable for a run that could have turned out much worse. I was going to hike back to my car after I picked up my packet to drop off my coat, but I'm glad I didn't because I needed that coat up until last minute. I found the pacer table and started chatting with them...then they offered me the space to keep my coat with their gear. I just felt very unprepared for this run for some reason. But I really shouldn't say "unprepared". Rather, I didn't take it seriously. So I guess the led me to think I was unprepared. To tell you the truth, I spent most of the time wondering if I should exchange my small tech-top for a medium because it looked a bit too short. Funny how these things can occupy every corner of one's tiny mind.
The run was around a frozen pond. I don't think this helped the "feels like" temperature. The 5K-ers did one lap. We had to do two. And, I started out way too fast. I fell in behind the 44-minute pacer, as the next pacer was the 47-minute guy. And I waited at the start line with two friendly gals who were looking to finish faster than 45-minutes. Of course, they were both in their 30s so I quickly started to feel very out of place and questioning my 45-minute goal.
I knew immediately after I started and hit the first hill that I wouldn't be able to keep up this pace for the entire 6-miles. But instead of scaling back, I attempted to settle in and convince myself that I could actually pull this off. But there was this other hill at mile 3. It was short-lived but as steep as three flights of stairs. I handled it well the first time, but the second time it about killed me. At mile 4.5, I developed a sharp side stitch which almost made me pull back entirely. But the 47-minute pace guy came up beside me and said, "You're almost done. You are doing great! Don't let me pass you!" So I sped up and refocused. But the damage was already done. He passed me with about a tenth of a mile left. And I sputtered into the finish chute.
I swear, though, that I ran this much faster than the Polar Dash. But there were hills on this run, and the wind was brutal as I headed south twice on each round. It slowed me down.
What did I learn? You really can't compare one race time to another unless it is the same course and the same conditions. Considering the hills and the wind with this one, I need to be proud of what I accomplished. And I need to pat myself on the back for a great run. It was, after all.
And I got a medal. And a really nice shirt...and some chocolate. (And found a sweet young girl to take my photo for me in front of the sign!)
Did you run today? How did it go?
But, conditions were far from perfect, which always makes it interesting.
The good news is that it didn't rain. Actually, that was probably the best news ever because the temperatures were hovering at just around almost unbearable for a run that could have turned out much worse. I was going to hike back to my car after I picked up my packet to drop off my coat, but I'm glad I didn't because I needed that coat up until last minute. I found the pacer table and started chatting with them...then they offered me the space to keep my coat with their gear. I just felt very unprepared for this run for some reason. But I really shouldn't say "unprepared". Rather, I didn't take it seriously. So I guess the led me to think I was unprepared. To tell you the truth, I spent most of the time wondering if I should exchange my small tech-top for a medium because it looked a bit too short. Funny how these things can occupy every corner of one's tiny mind.
The run was around a frozen pond. I don't think this helped the "feels like" temperature. The 5K-ers did one lap. We had to do two. And, I started out way too fast. I fell in behind the 44-minute pacer, as the next pacer was the 47-minute guy. And I waited at the start line with two friendly gals who were looking to finish faster than 45-minutes. Of course, they were both in their 30s so I quickly started to feel very out of place and questioning my 45-minute goal.
I knew immediately after I started and hit the first hill that I wouldn't be able to keep up this pace for the entire 6-miles. But instead of scaling back, I attempted to settle in and convince myself that I could actually pull this off. But there was this other hill at mile 3. It was short-lived but as steep as three flights of stairs. I handled it well the first time, but the second time it about killed me. At mile 4.5, I developed a sharp side stitch which almost made me pull back entirely. But the 47-minute pace guy came up beside me and said, "You're almost done. You are doing great! Don't let me pass you!" So I sped up and refocused. But the damage was already done. He passed me with about a tenth of a mile left. And I sputtered into the finish chute.
I swear, though, that I ran this much faster than the Polar Dash. But there were hills on this run, and the wind was brutal as I headed south twice on each round. It slowed me down.
What did I learn? You really can't compare one race time to another unless it is the same course and the same conditions. Considering the hills and the wind with this one, I need to be proud of what I accomplished. And I need to pat myself on the back for a great run. It was, after all.
And I got a medal. And a really nice shirt...and some chocolate. (And found a sweet young girl to take my photo for me in front of the sign!)
Did you run today? How did it go?
Friday, April 5, 2013
A Mophie, A Tune Belt, and A Girl's Best Friend
So, I bought myself a Mophie, after much trepidation. There have been so many questionable reviews about the device, I wasn't quite sure what to do. But, I was interested to find out that the reason being is that they are easily counterfeited. Therefore, if your Mophie doesn't work, it probably isn't a real Mophie.
It's a cute thing, though, and it really does work. It is an external iPhone charger that seconds as a protective cover. Although, I can't tell you how protective it is since I haven't actually dropped it on the ground to test it. But I can tell you that when fully charged, you get a full day out of your iPhone, while running just about every program you have. This is a good thing.
Now, had I known it came in pink...I would have waited and bought it online. But, my husband was making me impatient, as patient as I was being to wait and buy one, as he is a techno geek and I think he was sick of me talking about it so much. So, he just insisted I get it the last time we were in Best Buy.
As luck would have it, or not have it, the first one I bought did not work. Coincidence? I'm not sure, but thank goodness I got it at Best Buy and the guy behind the service desk was an iPhone expert. He assured me there was something wrong with it. Plus, my screen saver appeared to be too thick to support a proper connection, so he suggested I change that after we exchanged the device.
Unfortunately for me, the Mophie prevents my iPhone from fitting in my arm sleeve. It juts out just enough, that if I were running in a downpour, it is safe to say my iPhone would be rendered useless.
This clearly will not do. So, I went on the hunt for a new arm band.
Searching Amazon led me to this beauty. It is designed for the larger Android phones, and it just so happens that it will fit a Mophie encased iPhone. It is called a Tune Belt. Granted it is larger, and you would think more cumbersome, but in actuality, it is a pretty nice arm unit!
The closure on my former arm unit was a snap clasp which I kind of liked. I did have to put a safety pin on it, however, to keep it from sliding to a larger position as I ran. It really wasn't a big deal. It also gets very sweaty in the summertime.
The new Tune Belt has a Velcro closure and an arm strap that is just the right size for me. Usually I have trouble with the Velcro closures because they just don't make them small enough.
The old arm unit does allow a hole for the earphone jack at the top. The Tune Belt does not. However, if you were to wear the Tune Belt upside down, or put your phone in upside down, the problem would be solved because there are three air vents at the bottom of the Tune Belt. I assume this is for the speakers. But, if I'm not mistaken, the new iPhone 5 has the earphone jack at the bottom. So perhaps this isn't a design flaw.
So, that is my long distance running tip of the day for the Gadget hound.
I have a run tomorrow at 9:30am. It is the Chocoholic Frolic 10K and it is promising to be wet and cold. How lovely! But, there will be chocolate afterwards, instead of bagels. Almost as good...if not better. As long as it is dark chocolate, I'll be happy as a clam.
My goal is 45:00. That would be a minute faster than my PR in the Polar Dash. They will have pacers there, so I think I may have a fighting chance...but for the weather. Wish me luck. And if you are on Facebook, be sure to send me lots of encouragement!! I'll need it!
Are you running any races this weekend?
It's a cute thing, though, and it really does work. It is an external iPhone charger that seconds as a protective cover. Although, I can't tell you how protective it is since I haven't actually dropped it on the ground to test it. But I can tell you that when fully charged, you get a full day out of your iPhone, while running just about every program you have. This is a good thing.
Now, had I known it came in pink...I would have waited and bought it online. But, my husband was making me impatient, as patient as I was being to wait and buy one, as he is a techno geek and I think he was sick of me talking about it so much. So, he just insisted I get it the last time we were in Best Buy.
As luck would have it, or not have it, the first one I bought did not work. Coincidence? I'm not sure, but thank goodness I got it at Best Buy and the guy behind the service desk was an iPhone expert. He assured me there was something wrong with it. Plus, my screen saver appeared to be too thick to support a proper connection, so he suggested I change that after we exchanged the device.
 |
| iPhone 4S and my white Mophie |
I ended up with the white Mophie to match my white phone. And, since it is the Kavouras way to buy the most expensive version of whatever it is you are getting, I opted for the Mophie Juice Pack Plus. Because Plus is always better.
The Mophie does add a bit of heft to the iPhone, but it is in a good way. It makes it a bit longer, and a bit heavier. But it also keeps your iPhone fully charged if you turn it on right away. Or, you can wait until your phone gets down to the critical 20% before you utilize the Mophie. Either way, it easily gives you another 8 hours of battery life.
This clearly will not do. So, I went on the hunt for a new arm band.
Searching Amazon led me to this beauty. It is designed for the larger Android phones, and it just so happens that it will fit a Mophie encased iPhone. It is called a Tune Belt. Granted it is larger, and you would think more cumbersome, but in actuality, it is a pretty nice arm unit!
The closure on my former arm unit was a snap clasp which I kind of liked. I did have to put a safety pin on it, however, to keep it from sliding to a larger position as I ran. It really wasn't a big deal. It also gets very sweaty in the summertime.
The new Tune Belt has a Velcro closure and an arm strap that is just the right size for me. Usually I have trouble with the Velcro closures because they just don't make them small enough.
The old arm unit does allow a hole for the earphone jack at the top. The Tune Belt does not. However, if you were to wear the Tune Belt upside down, or put your phone in upside down, the problem would be solved because there are three air vents at the bottom of the Tune Belt. I assume this is for the speakers. But, if I'm not mistaken, the new iPhone 5 has the earphone jack at the bottom. So perhaps this isn't a design flaw.
Not that it matters to me, because I use Bluetooth Wireless Headphones most often than not, anyway.
The top closure just allows you to tuck the phone in safe and sound.
I ran with both the Mophie and the new Tune Belt the other day and I was quite pleased. My phone stayed at 100% the entire run. It was a 7-miler, so it took about an hour. Plus, I was running Runmeter, my music, and a secondary running program that I am beta-testing. The arm unit itself was very comfortable and stayed in place. I'll be interested to see how it fares in the summertime.
The Tune Belt I found on Amazon, if you are interested, for under $20. You do want to make sure you get the larger one for use with an OtterBox. It will not fit in the smaller $16.50 version. The Mophie itself set me back $99 for the extra strength Juice Pack Plus. The less intense version will be about $20 less. (Be sure to buy it from a dealer you trust. There are many counterfeit ones on Amazon.) But I have already gotten so much use out of it. There is nothing more useless than a battery drained iPhone. Trust me. This is a must have if you don't have access to a phone charging station during the day. Or if you are a long distance runner looking to have a charged phone with you at all times.
So, that is my long distance running tip of the day for the Gadget hound.
I have a run tomorrow at 9:30am. It is the Chocoholic Frolic 10K and it is promising to be wet and cold. How lovely! But, there will be chocolate afterwards, instead of bagels. Almost as good...if not better. As long as it is dark chocolate, I'll be happy as a clam.
My goal is 45:00. That would be a minute faster than my PR in the Polar Dash. They will have pacers there, so I think I may have a fighting chance...but for the weather. Wish me luck. And if you are on Facebook, be sure to send me lots of encouragement!! I'll need it!
Are you running any races this weekend?
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