Chick Chat: How Do You Hydrate?

April 18, 2014 by beewhobabbles

With warmer temperatures approaching (for some of us, at least. Ahem.), I decided to round up the chicks to discuss how we stay hydrated- on long runs, during a race and everything in between.

BEC:

I’ve tried different hydration aids when I’m out doing a longer walk or run. The chewy ones (GU Chomps, Clif Shot Blocks, PowerBar Energy Chews) are fine. They sit well in my stomach. I don’t know that I feel more hydrated, but they’re not unpleasant. I assume as I conquer longer times/distances, these will come in handy. However the gels are just not my cup of tea. The taste isn’t always the issue, it’s more the sweetness and texture.

But mostly, I’m a straight up water girl when it comes to hydration. It’s funny, I don’t love water. I know all the benefits, but it’s an effort for me to just sip away while I’m at my desk all day. But once I’m working out, I drink ALL the water.

JESS:

I hydrate with good old H2O before runs and races. Strangely enough, I am obsessed with reusable water bottles and finding the cutest one (I like to accessorize, what can I say?) so I have a few different SIGG bottles that I rotate depending on my mood. And, honestly, my outfit.

MER:

My standard drink when I go out to a restaurant is always water with lime so one could say that I’m a water fan. Therefore, hydrating before a race ain’t no thang for me! I don’t really have to remind myself to chug, chug, chug because it’s something that I do regularly.

I have a handheld water bottle that I’ve used exactly ZERO times while racing. Yeah, that’s right. I purchased it, put it in the drawer and pull it out occasionally for a training run but haven’t actually held it during a race. Instead I rely on the water stations and the good volunteers along my route. Thankfully, I’ve never experienced dehydration during any of the half marathons I’ve done.

However, now that I’ll be running a full in the Fall, I’ve started considering the options for a hydration pack. I’m not sure it’s necessary, given that I’m not running for time and the water stations give me an opportunity to slow down and sip from a cup (which I pinch so I can walk at the same time) but might help the flow of my running if I can keep chugging along!

VIC:

My hydration hinges on a the given season and can vary widely. That’s right, I don’t hydrate the same when I run in the snow and subzero wind chills as I do in sweltering 90-degree heat. Throughout the year I try to hydrate well during the work day, as I guzzle water at my desk. I fail miserably at this task when on assignment without access to a bathroom. What goes in must come out and that’s not happening while covering a murder trial or police standoff.

On my long runs year round, I bust out my FuelBelt. It’s old and cranky and has four little bottles (so I can fill some with Gatorade and fill others with water.) But it works. And if it ain’t broke…. I don’t use it as much in the winter, as I can squeak by with a handheld when its really cold. Plus, it often freezes anyway and is like carrying a block of ice.

On shorter runs (5 miles to 9-10 miles) in the spring, I use my Amphipod handheld water bottle. It carries less water than the belt, but that’s not a bad thing. I don’t really want to strap on the belt for a mid-length run.

I typically drink maybe a ½ bottle to a bottle of water before I head out the door for a run. (And I make sure to hit the restroom before I start running so I’m not incredibly uncomfortable the entire time.)

Once I finish a run, I head straight for the water – or low calorie Gatorade (G2-purple.) Sometimes I drink nuun instead, but I am typically too impatient to wait for the nuun tablet to dissolve before drinking so I reserve my nuun for non-running hydration.

BROOKE:

During long runs, I carry water with me. I’ve gone through a few different water bottles- my amphipod, which I loved, and a Natahn quickdraw, which leaked a lot and was thrown into the recycling bin after the Princess half in February. Since then, I’ve used my son’s Klean Kanteen bottle, which is okay but somewhat annoying to carry and not really big enough since it’s meant for a child and not for running. I’ve been researching water bottles and based on Sara’s recommendation, I have a new one to try- so I’ll let you know how that works out soon.

It’s hot and humid in Florida most of the year, and I’m prone to exercise headaches after long runs (10 miles or more) if I don’t hydrate enough. For races, I drink coconut water the day before and the morning of the race. I alternate with water (that I carry) and whatever electrolyte beverage is given every few aid stations. This has worked well for me during my last two races. I follow the race with a nuun tablet because it’s easy to carry with me. I don’t drink quite as much for regular weekend runs but I follow a similar routine, only I finish with coconut water again instead of a nuun tablet. I like it plain, but the Zico chocolate flavor is a nice treat.

How do you hydrate? Any water bottle favorites? What about electrolytes? It’s time for a Friday chat!

On the Boardwalk, Out in the Sun

April 7, 2014 by scootadoot

A half marathon with a dash of pageantry, Starbucks, and shenanigans. This is the Atlantic City April Fools Half Marathon, in pictures.

Hands on hips, smiles on lips. Miss Demeanor, Miss Chief, Miss Print, Miss Behavin’, Miss Fit, Miss Creant, Miss Placed (not pictured – Miss Ing)

Anne and Bec

Vic and Brooke show off their pageant waves.

“Oh, we have to run? We thought we were here just to look pretty.”

And they’re off!

Selfies were texted.

Who loves running? THIS GIRL.

Blue skies! #blessed

Meanwhile... in Starbucks and Shenanigans news, Bec and Jess were chatting.

Meanwhile… in Starbucks and Shenanigans news, Bec and Jess (Miss Ing) were chatting.

Mer bringing it back to the old school.

Cam putting the “fool” in April Fools.

Anne finishing strong!

In true Atlantic City fashion, Cam’s crowning was VERY dramatic.

Cam and Jess have an “in person” Chick Chat.

There would be more words with this post, however… wine.

What did YOU do this weekend? Did you win a crown? What would your pageant name be?

Finding Balance on the Scale

April 3, 2014 by writeitdownjess

The scale and I have been having a disagreement lately. I get on it in the morning and it gives me a number I don’t like. I give it a look, eat my way through the day, and then get back on it at night. It still gives me a number I don’t like. Rinse and repeat for the past two months. That number really isn’t budging. It’s frustrating. It’s irritating. It’s disappointing, even.

I’ve been slender for my entire life. Before I had Bug, my metabolism was epic. If I gained a couple pounds and was unhappy about it, all I had to do was cut back on my calories for a few days and I’d settle back into my happy zone. I ate what I wanted for the most part. Didn’t have to exercise all that much to maintain a slim, not-too-squishy build. I had a flat stomach! And guess what? I still complained about my weight. I still looked in the mirror and thought “hmm. Not good enough.”

So maybe the problem isn’t my weight. Maybe my real problem is that I am never satisfied with my body. This body, which has carried me through 31 years of life and given me a crazy-amazing kid and kept me healthy, is still a disappointment to me. And I think it’s okay to feel uncomfortable when your weight creeps up to a higher number than you’re used to, or want. But the fact that I weigh myself, on average, 2 to 3 times a day sets off alarm bells in my head. It puts me in the danger zone. It means that I hear words like “thigh gap” and “ideal build” and think that my body, for everything it’s done for me, isn’t good enough. That my body, when it’s not perfect, makes me somehow less than. It’s not true, but it feels true.

I think about how I, a fairly reasonable adult who has the maturity to understand on some intellectual level that my weight and how I look doesn’t define who I am as a human being, struggle with this problem on a daily basis and I’m a little befuddled. I have thighs that jiggle. I’ve got a booty on me (look out, JLo, I’m coming for you). My stomach is soft and I have to hike up my jeans when I sit down so my little pooch doesn’t flap over my waistband. I’m carrying around 10 extra pounds that I’d love to take a hike. But that doesn’t mean that I’m not a rad person. I totally get that, and yet I don’t. I look in the mirror and think “ugh.”

Then and now (this was not fun to post).

Then and now (this is not fun to post).

This is not just my struggle. I love and hate that I’m not alone thinking these things. And I’m using Scoot as my diary today because I think that speaking these fearful thoughts out loud gives them less power. Also, I’m not going to turn down a pep talk or a “me, too” from you wonderful, kind readers.

I am working on living a healthier life. I hope that by default that sort of squashes the argument between me and my scale; I hate when we fight. But I know at the end of the day, the argument is really one-sided. It’s just giving me the facts. I’m the one who’s skewing them. I’m the one who’s making them uglier than they need to be.

Anyone else out there who feels the way I do? Or do you have some advice for me? Let’s talk it out in the comments.

Slowin’ My Roll

March 27, 2014 by writeitdownjess

The other day I had some extra time before work, so I decided to go for a run along Crissy Field. Which, by the way, is easily one of the most idyllic runs in San Francisco.

I mean, seriously.

Seriously.

At any rate, I fired up my RunKeeper app to keep track of my distance and pace. I decided to do a mix of running and walking since I’m trying to ease myself back into running (it’s been a while). Once I was warmed up and jogging, I decided to check my pace and was really surprised at what I saw.

I was running a 9:45 minute mile. Say wha?!

Now, I will admit that when I was running on the regular, I was averaging at around 10:30 per mile. But I did notice that if I wasn’t paying attention and really pacing myself, I would speed it up to a sub-10 minute mile. The problem with that is I 100% cannot sustain that pace. My body is like “hey, actually this is effing hard and if you don’t slow your roll soon I am going to cramp so hard on you.”

I am, of course, thinking ahead to the Disneyland Half in August and how I will need to sustain a reasonable pace for 13.1 miles (that sound you hear is me crying a little bit, thinking of running that many miles). I know for a fact that my reasonable pace is NOT sub-10 minutes. However, my body just seems to automatically click into that faster pace when I go for runs.

So, this is where I ask you, wonderfully informative and smart Scoot readers, for your advice on the matter. How do I force myself to slow down? My goal is an 11-minute mile, which I think – or maybe HOPE – is sustainable throughout the half in August.

Help! Give me some tips on how to slow my roll in the comments. And tell me what your ideal pace is while you’re at it.

iTunes Gift Card Giveaway Winner

March 13, 2014 by writeitdownjess

Gather ’round, friends! After a super fun giveaway, a winner for the $25 iTunes gift card – of which you said you would buy music, apps, audiobooks, and other fun things – has been chosen!

Who is this lucky person?

Wait for it.

Wait…for…it

Are you still waiting?

Our winner is Dancing2Running, aka Kathryn! We hope you enjoy your songs, books, movies, TV shows, apps…whatever you end up snagging with your $25.

P.S. I had so much fun with this one, don’t be surprised if you see another giveaway pop up in the future. In the meantime, let me know in the comments what kind of playlist you’d like to see next!

See Jess Run: Volume 2…and a giveaway!

March 4, 2014 by writeitdownjess

A couple months ago, I told you all about my plans to run the Disneyland Half Marathon. I also included my running playlist, which was almost more exciting for me than announcing my big plans.

Now, one thing you should know about me (I know I say this a lot): I am obsessed with music. I’ve probably told you all this, but it’s true and bears repeating. Music is what motivates me most when I’m exercising – more than getting in shape, more than burning calories, more than the promise of slimmer thighs and a tighter booty. I can’t work out without music. If I don’t bring my iPod with me to run – or whatever – I might as well go home because that workout is going to suck.

At any rate, since I had so much fun creating my first playlist, I wanted to bring it back with a fresh new playlist and something fun for you all…more on that in just a bit.

I’m going to theme it up for this one, and maybe future ones if you’re into it! This playlist’s theme is all about 90s music. I think that decade of music is just about the ultimate: Foo Fighters. Nirvana. Blink 182 and Nada Surf and Biggie and 2Pac and Salt-n-Pepa AND…

Maybe you just want to listen to the playlist:

[8tracks width=”300″ height=”250″ playops=”” url=”http://8tracks.com/mixes/3559601″]

Hopefully this playlist has gotten you all jazzed up for a playlist you’d like to make. And to help you along with that, we’re going to be giving one of you a $25 iTunes gift card! Just click the picture below to enter!

Giveaway ends March 11th, so get to entering!

What kind of playlist will you put together if you win the iTunes gift card? What kind of playlist do you want to see me do next time? Do you want there to be a next time? Tell me in the comments!

Random Picture Post: Jess Edition

February 27, 2014 by writeitdownjess

I was so in love with Brooke’s post last week that I decided to rip it off and do the same thing. I am a random person at heart, so this is right up my alley. You can often find me wandering around with things in my hand while I’m doing another thing while thinking about five million OTHER things.

I don’t think I had a point to that entire paragraph, but that fits in nicely with this post.

First thing: last Friday was an epic mail day for me. One thing you should know about me is that I get really excited about checking the mail. Don’t ask me why, because 9 times out of 10 my mailbox is filled with bills and junk mail. But the possibility of it is so exciting!

Anyway, Mister Postman didn’t disappoint. I hit the jackpot with my latest Stitch Fix and three of my weekly magazines. Earlier last week, I got my latest Birchbox shipment. Pretty amazing, right?! Another thing you should know about me: I love to shop, but I’m extremely lazy. Anything that delivers me awesome or pretty things right to my door is an automatic obsession.

Hello, Stitch Fix!

Hello, Birchbox!

Hellooooo, gossip mags (don’t judge).

So, Stitch Fix is this awesome service where you get sent a box of fun clothing, jewelry and accessories each month that fit your style, based on a survey you fill out prior to your first shipment. When you get your Fix, you have three days to try everything on, decide if you like it, and keep the stuff you love. Whatever you don’t like, you send back. This month I kept an adorable zip-up cardigan and the PERFECT pair of skinny jeans. The other items – a sweater, a messenger bag (the absolute last thing I need), and a gauzy blouse – all went back to the Stitch Fix office! So fun. Thanks to my best friend, Ali, for signing me up as a Christmas present!

Birchbox is a more well-known service where you sign up, then get makeup, skincare, haircare, and other beauty-related products every month. They’re always sample-sized so you can try it out and decide if you like what they’re selling. I’m especially obsessed with this one, because I love love love trying out new beauty products. Thanks to my other best friend, Anna, for signing me up for that one! I have great friends.

In other news, while the rest of the country was freezing, we had some epically beautiful weather here in California. The whole fam took a trip to Crissy Field and frolicked a bit. Bug even dipped his toes in the water! Super cute.

I said, brrrr….actually it’s not that bad.

Bug was 100% obsessed with the dog’s Chuck It.

On the food front: last week, my co-workers and I discovered a food truck called Me So Hungry. I love that there are so many food trucks carrying so many delicious meals inside their wheels. They are crazy popular here and I was shocked – SHOCKED – when we came across Me So Hungry and it didn’t have a line around the block.

The food. Is. Incredible. I got the Flyin’ Hawaiian Sliders, which have chicken, crispy Maui onions, and chipotle aioli on them. I also got sweet potato fries, which were garnished with garlic and parmesan cheese.

Yeah.

Just take my money and put this food in my mouth.

On a related note, I started the South Beach diet, phase 1 this week. The no carb thing is not my favorite thing by a long shot. I think that carb rage is real. I want pasta. I want bread. But I’ve already lost a couple pounds, so I guess that’s okay.

Related to running: I went to this great running shop called A Runner’s Mind and had my stride evaluated so I could find the perfect pair of shoes. I absolutely adore my Nike Lunarglides, but I figure since I’m going to be running the half in August, I might need to find a different shoe that offers a little more cushion and support.

Enter the Saucony Ride 6! I tried them on, along with a few others that I can no longer remember, and absolutely loved the feel of them. So cushy. So comfy. They only had an unattractive color option in the store, so I ordered the berry/coral/blue ones and am just waiting impatiently for them to get shipped to the store.

Finally, I made a quick trip to my favorite card store here in the city, the adorably named Avant Card. They have the best – and wittiest! – selection of greeting cards there. I could honestly spend hours there. I picked up this one because I loved the message. I decided I would buy it and just keep it for myself because everything written there are things I want to remember. But I am happy to share it with you all, too!

TGI-almost Friday, everyone!

Do you subscribe to any fun mail-order services? Love gossip mags? Have experience with South Beach or the Saucony Rides? How’s your week going? Talk to me in the comments!

Recipe Box: Crock Pot Salsa Chicken

February 20, 2014 by writeitdownjess

You guys!

I did it. I cooked a meal and I didn’t burn anything and the smoke alarm didn’t go off (I didn’t even have to disconnect it!) and the house smelled good and it turned out REALLY, REALLY WELL. I can’t tell you how shocked my entire family was. Mister Jess had even brought home an emergency back-up meal, even though he said it wasn’t. “Oh, mashed potatoes totally go with salsa chicken! And since I was there, I picked up an entree and a baguette and some veggies, too.”

Right. Well, we all ate and enjoyed this delicious crock pot meal, so now I offer it up to you, dear Scoot a Doot readers. It’s so, so easy and really versatile and requires about two seconds-worth of effort.

Let me know what you think!

Prep time – like, 2 minutes

Cook time – 6-8 hours on low setting

Serves – 4 good eaters with leftovers

Ingredients

4 skinless chicken breasts, frozen
1 or 2 jars of salsa (I used 2)
1 bag of frozen corn (canned corn is fine too)
1 can black beans
1 packet of taco seasoning
1 block of cream cheese
Optional: 1/2 cup of cilantro, chopped

Pour salsa into the crock pot, followed by the taco seasoning. Once that is in, stick your chicken breasts in. I immersed the chicken into the salsa and covered the top of the chicken with it so the flavor would really soak up.

Cover your breasts!

Set your crock pot to low heat and then fuggedaboutit. Your house will soon fill with spicy deliciousness, though, so you may end up checking the crock pot every hour and wishing you could eat it right then. That was my process.

Are you ready yet? Now are you ready? How about now?

About 30 minutes before your time is up, add in the black beans, corn and cream cheese. I found that I needed to break up the cream cheese a little bit a few minutes after I put it in, and then about 15 minutes later. It didn’t want to melt on its own.

Almost there…

Serve over tortilla chips for nachos (what we did), or use as the filling for tacos, enchiladas or burritos. Easy peasy! Yum yum!

The final product!

FYI, I did not add cilantro because I think it’s the devil’s spice, but some people like it so you may find that it adds a little something to your version.

This recipe is:

Ch-ch-changes

February 7, 2014 by writeitdownjess

I’m a fan of routine. I like it. I crave it, even. Most of the things in my life have been there for years and years, have integrated themselves into my day-to-day so that they’re second nature. I hardly have to think about it. I’ve been very, very comfortable.

But for me, comfortable turned into safe. I told myself when 2014 rolled around that I would shake things up, that I would put myself out there and make decisions that would challenge my status quo. I was hoping that some opportunity would come along that would force me to be decidedly uncomfortable.

That opportunity did come along in the form of a job offer and yesterday was my last day at the company I’ve called my second home for nine years. For lack of a better phrase, I grew up there. I was fresh out of the gates of college when I started there. I got engaged while I was there, got married, had a kid. Ticked away my 20s and welcomed my 30s there. I worked – and became great friends – with some of the most incredible, smart, funny, talented people there.

It was a really, really good place to grow up. It was not an easy place to leave, but sometimes the things that aren’t easy are the things we need in order to keep growing. It’s easy to be comfortable. It feels nice to know what your next step is, what your minutes look like every day, exactly how your time is filled. But there is also a real exhilaration that comes along with forcing yourself into a new normal.

The end of an era in my comfy seat (with a great view).

I’m sharing this with all of you because sometimes we all need a nudge to be brave and get out there, to blaze a new path, even if it means getting a little bit burned along the way. That’s how we learn and grow. If you’re thinking about doing that thing you’re scared of, intrigued by, itching to do but not really sure about because it’s kind of uncomfy, I say do it. Let it scare you and overwhelm you and then do it anyway, because you’ll be amazed at your bravery and it will just spur you to do something else. It will turn into an avalanche of discomfort and bravery! That sounds fun, right? I promise it is. And it’ll be worth it.

2014 is turning into a year of newness and change for me: a new job, a new haircut (okay, fine, that’s a little superficial, but hello, it was like six inches), a half marathon on the books for August. I’m excited – and scared, if I’m being honest, which I always try to be with all of you – to see what other new things will come my way. I can’t wait.

What new things do you have on the books for this year? Is there something you’ve been wanting to try but haven’t yet? Have I spurred you into action?? Talk to me in the comments.

Jumbo Double Dare (no, that’s not a typo)

January 30, 2014 by Meridith

When my Pooks was little, he refused to call Dumbo anything but Jumbo, because calling someone Dumbo is just plain mean.

So, while the rest of the people running on August 30th and 31st will be completing runDisney’s Dumbo Double Dare Challenge, I’ll be completing the Jumbo Double Dare Challenge. I’m sure runDisney will modify my shirts and medals for me, right? (Just don’t play Baby Mine or there will be tears.)

Of course, it’s always better with a friend or two and I’m super stoked that I’ll be running with my California girls, Jess and Cam. Oh, if you could only see the group text that was happening on Tuesday during registration. Wait! You can…

There was a lot of flailing going on previous to this portion of the message but I'll spare you that part.

There was a lot of flailing going on previous to this portion of the texts but I’ll spare you that part. You’re welcome.

I’m sure that I drove both of them crazy with my emails and texts leading up to registration, too. After all, I knew from previous years that Disneyland races tend to fill up quickly. And sure enough, this year was no exception! You can see above that only a half hour after registration opened, the Dumbo Double Dare was already at 85% capacity and quickly filled soon after. There is no time to hesitate with these races!

How amazing are these medals?!

Cameroo and I have run Disneyland together before at the 2013 Tinker Bell half so it was naturally the next step to try a challenge. This will be our first runDisney challenge and the most logical step for us, with the 10k on Saturday and half marathon on Sunday, equaling 19.3 glorious miles.

It will be Jess’ first half marathon ever! Like any good bossy friend, I’ve already been giving her tips. I know that she delights in getting emails of running thoughts at random times.

Wondering what I’ve told her thus far? Here are a few tried and true nuggets of wisdom. What can I say, I’m a giver!

1. Run a 10k race (or longer if so desired) prior to June 1. This way she will be able to provide the timed event for her pace and will be placed in the proper corral.

From the registration email: “If you did not provide proof of time at the point of registration or acquire it after you have registered, then email this information to disneysports@trackshack.com before June 1, 2014 to have your start corral placement changed.”

2. Follow Jeff Galloway’s plan provided by the world class Olympian athlete on the runDisney website. Currently, the plans from 2013 are still on the site but it’s really easy to take them and apply them to 2014. How easy? Well, I took the half plan and am following it for the April 6th half that I’m training for! (And so is Cam because we are running together and I sent her the dates/plan. See? Bossy.)

Click for the link to the beginner plan. Running less than 6 months? This one is for you!

Furthermore, there is a training plan specifically for the Dumbo Double Dare which you can check out here.

That’s basically all I’ve sent so far so I guess you all get off easy. Jess and Cam? Not so much.

209 days to go! Let’s talk runDisney! Who will we see at the Jumbo Double Dare (or, the Dumbo Double Dare)? Brooke and Vic will be at the Glass Slipper Challenge in February – who will be at that?

Special thanks to Anya for the pictures from her 2013 Dumbo Double Dare recap!

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