Cyclists are among the most dedicated and obsessive of all fitness fanatics. After all, they are often willing to spend hundreds—if not thousands—of dollars just to shave a few ounces from their bike and other gear in the hopes of riding just a little bit faster. If you happen to be able to relate to this sentiment, chances are you’re constantly on the lookout for ways that you can improve as a cyclist too. Here are five products that can help you achieve that goal.
CamelBak Rogue Hydration Pack ($70)
Staying hydrated is important for any highly aerobic outdoor activity, but there is only so much room on your bike to carry water bottles for those longer rides. Fortunately, CamelBak has made the Rogue hydration pack specifically for cyclists, allowing them to carry up to 2 liters of water on their backs. The pack serves as a good complement to traditional water bottles, helping to extend the rider’s range, particularly on very hot days. The Rogue also features pockets for carrying personal items such as a wallet or a smartphone and is trimmed out with reflective highlights that increase visibility in low light conditions.
Specialized S-Works Evade Helmet ($225)
Every cyclist knows that it isn’t just their bike that can provide a boost to their speed, but the other equipment they use as well. For example, the helmet you wear can actually make a difference in how fast and efficient you are out on the road. Lightweight and aerodynamically designed for peak performance, the new S-Works Evade helmet from Specialized has been proven to shave 46 seconds off a rider’s time over a distance of 25 miles. That may not seem like much, but in a sport where every second counts, it can make all the difference. And of course, the helmet won’t just help you ride faster, but it will help keep you safe too.
Garmin Forerunner 920XT ($450)
There are a lot of good options for wearable fitness trackers these days, but few can compare to the Garmin Forerunner 920XT, particularly for cyclists. This smart fitness watch is designed specifically for triathletes, which means it has features for running and swimming as well as cycling. A built-in heart rate monitor tracks performance during your rides, and the GPS functionality can track speed, distance, average pace, and other variables. It can also connect with your smartphone to provide alerts for texts, emails, and incoming calls. In short, it’s like wearing a powerful fitness computer on your wrist.
Recon Jet Smart Eyewear ($499)
The Recon Jet is smart eyewear (think Google Glass for cyclists and runners) that features a small (but crisp and vibrant) display that can provide a surprising amount of information to cyclists. For instance, it can tell you how fast you’re traveling, how far you’ve ridden, and how much power you are generating from the pedals. It features ANT+ compatibility to connect to heart rate monitors and other devices, and it will even pair with your smartphone to display text messages, alerts, and caller ID for incoming phone calls. It’ll even show you a map of your route, making it easier to navigate while riding. And as if that weren’t enough, the Jet also comes equipped with a camera that can take photos and videos of your ride.
Bkool Connect Sport Cycling Trainer ($650)
One of the downsides of cycling is that when the weather turns bad or temperatures drop, it becomes extremely challenging to ride outside. That’s why many serious cyclists have indoor trainers that allow them to hook up their bikes and ride them in the comfort of their own home. One of the best of these products comes from Bkool, which offers a high-tech trainer that is controlled by your home computer and can simulate the conditions of a ride nearly anywhere on the planet. Progress is charted on a map (or synced with a video where available) giving you something interesting to watch while you pedal. ANT+ compatibility connects the trainer to heart rate monitors for performance tracking over time, and you can even challenge other riders to virtual races with real-time pelotons forming to push one another just a bit harder. Cycling indoors might not be quite as good as a regular workout, but this trainer will at least give you some incentive to keep riding even when you can’t be outside.
Category: Lifestyle
Finding the perfect natural beauty routine means targeting the culprits that cause aging in the first place, including stress, sun damage, and dry skin. Routine self-care is essential to looking and feeling your best. Fortunately we’ve got a seven-step beauty routine that protects and restores beautiful skin.
1. Dry Brushing
Dry brushing not only helps exfoliate your skin, bringing new skin cells to the surface, it’s also beneficial to the lymphatic system. The lymphatic system is important to the body’s immune system because it transports lymph throughout the body and helps it naturally detoxify itself. Here’s how to get started dry brushing:
- Choose a dry brush made with natural bristles.
- Do it daily before you shower.
- Start at the feet and move up the legs, working in long smooth strokes.
- Always brush toward the heart, where the lymph drains.
- Move to the arms, again working in long strokes toward the heart.
- Finally, apply long strokes to the abdomen.
2. Abhyanga Massage
Abhyanga is an Ayurvedic self-massage that’s done with warm oil. It’s great for detoxifying the body, similar to dry brushing, but it’s also important for grounding the mind and reducing stress. If you have dry skin, it’s especially good for adding a layer of moisturizing protection before you bathe. Good choices when it comes to oil include coconut or sesame oil. Here’s how to do traditional Abhyanga massage:
- Take a small amount of warmed oil in your hands and rub it together. Start by massaging your scalp.
- Move on to your face, making circular motions over your forehead and temples, cheeks, and jawbone.
- Use long strokes to massage the front of the neck and the shoulders.
- Use long strokes to massage the limbs and then circular strokes to massage the joints.
- Massage the abdomen in a circular motion to promote movement of the bowel.
- Allow the oil to sink into the skin 5 minutes before bathing.
3. Cleanse Your Face
Once you get out of the shower, start your facial routine. Cleansing is crucial for removing built up makeup, dirt, or other particles that can settle on the skin. Choose a natural face cleanser that’s free of parabens, fragrance, triclosan, petroleum or mineral oils, and sodium lauryl sulfates. Use EWG’s Skin Deep Cosmetics Database to choose safe products. Spend time massaging the cleanser on your skin, working it into the forehead, delicately around the eyes, and along the jawbone, neck, and décolletage. Take your time and enjoy the process. Make it relaxing.
4. Use a Toner
Toners help bind moisture to your skin, which helps your moisturizer work better. Toner also helps control oil on the skin. For a great all-natural toner, use raw apple cider vinegar diluting it with double the amount of water. You can also choose a toner that contains effective natural ingredients like vitamins C and E, which are both potent antioxidants, and [linkbuilder id=”6711″ text=”witch hazel”], which is a natural astringent. Often toners that contain alcohol are too drying to the skin.
5. Add in a Homemade Avocado Mask
Once a week add in a deeply moisturizing homemade facial mask. Avocado has both vitamin E and healthy fats to smooth your skin, uncooked oats serve as a light exfoliant, and apple cider vinegar is a skin brightener. Here’s how to make it at home:
DIY Avocado Mask
- 1/2 avocado
- 1/4 cup uncooked rolled oats
- 1 Tbsp. apple cider vinegar
- 2 Tbsp. raw honey
Method
- Mash all the ingredients together in a small bowl and apply the mixture generously to your face.
- Let sit for 20 minutes.
- Rinse with warm water.
6. Moisturize Your Face
When it comes to skin maintenance, it’s important to have one product that you use in the morning that contains a broad spectrum SPF and another moisturizer to repair skin overnight. Moisturizers should be free of potentially toxic ingredients like parabens, fragrance, phthalates, sodium lauryl sulfate (SLS), and sodium laureth sulfate (SLES). Again, the best way to ensure you’re choosing safe products is by using EWG’s Skin Deep database.
7. Drink Eight Glasses of Water a Day
I know many will say this isn’t a necessary step in skincare, but I disagree (even some doctors say it doesn’t make a difference). I’m all about personal results. I’ve tested this theory of drinking eight glasses of water per day and not drinking the eight glasses. There is a distinct difference in my skin if I don’t drink enough water. When I’m not at the top of my water game, my skin becomes dry and fine lines start to appear. Ugh. So I drink up on a regular basis and have a normal water routine that I practice daily.
This simple, relaxing, and rejuvenating skincare routine will make your skin look and feel its best without expensive spa treatments. Give it a try! And if you wear any kind of cosmetics, be sure to choose clean products that don’t contain any of these harmful ingredients that can stress out your skin.
Now that the weather is finally beginning to warm up it’s time to start planning that first camping trip of the year. After all, what better time to be fully immersed in nature than when the leaves are budding, the flowers are blooming, and the wildlife is becoming more active too? But spring can also bring some unexpected challenges, which is why you should plan your outing carefully and be as prepared as possible when you set out for the backcountry. Here are a few tips to help make that process a little easier.
Check Your Gear Before You Go
Chances are your tent, backpack, sleeping bag, and other assorted camping gear have been in storage for most of the winter. That means that you may have forgotten the condition it was in when you last used it. Before leaving home, give all of your essential items a thorough examination to make sure they’re in working order. Repair or replace anything that isn’t in tip-top condition. Nothing ruins a camping trip faster than being unpleasantly surprised by gear that doesn’t perform up to your expectations. You can avoid that by inspecting all of your equipment ahead of time.
Watch the Weather Closely
Spring weather is notoriously fickle—wonderful one moment and incredibly bad the next. During the spring, temperatures can fluctuate wildly, and high winds, heavy rains, and other dangerous conditions can arrive at unexpected times. Before you leave on your camping trip, be sure to review the forecast so you know what you’re getting yourself into. If conditions look particularly bad, perhaps it is best to delay the outing for a few days while you wait for things to improve. If you do go, use a smartphone or other connected device to keep an eye on the forecast. That way you can avoid any unexpected surprises.
Dress in Layers
Because spring weather is so unpredictable, it is best to dress in layers. That way you can remove or add articles of clothing as needed. When the winds start howling, and the rain begins to fall, a wind and a waterproof jacket will prove very helpful as well. The bottom line is that during the spring, you’ll probably need to carry more clothing with you since it’ll be much harder to predict what you’ll need.
Don’t Forget Your Rainfly
Spring showers can be a common occurrence, but they don’t have to ruin your camping trip. Just remember to pack the rainfly for your tent; it could save you from some long, wet, uncomfortable nights. Pack a tarp to throw on the ground too; it’s is a cheap and easy way to prevent moisture from seeping through the floor of your tent.
Stay Hydrated
Just because spring weather can be cooler and wetter than other times of the year doesn’t mean that you don’t need to stay hydrated. Be sure to bring plenty of drinking water or have some method for treating water that you find in the backcountry (e.g., water filtration systems, iodine tablets, or something similar).
Be Prepared for Insects
Early spring typically means that insects aren’t a major concern, but as the season goes on they’ll begin to become more of a concern. Pack insect repellent to help keep the biting bugs at bay. They may not be out in large numbers just yet, but they can still be very annoying all the same.
Follow these handy tips to get your camping season off to a great start. With a bit of planning and preparation, it can be one of the best times of the year to be outdoors.
Home is where the heart is. As cheesy and clichéd as that sounds, our physical, mental, and spiritual selves are positively or negatively affected by our home’s ambiance. If your home doesn’t currently bring you joy, consider taking a few simple and economical steps to make your home a sanctuary.
1. Declutter
The laws of feng shui say that clutter in the home has a way of blocking energy. That’s why one of the first steps in turning your home into a welcoming place is removing all the clutter. Don’t stress yourself decluttering. Simply move from room to room, first cleaning off surfaces and then working on closets and drawers. Keep a bag in the corner of the room that you’re constantly filling with items for Goodwill. And once you’ve decluttered your home completely, avoid recluttering it with items that you don’t need. Consider setting a simple rule: every time you buy something, vow to get rid of something you don’t need.
2. Change the lighting
Let the light in during the day. Don’t be afraid to open doors and windows to enjoy all that natural light. Consider changing your light bulbs to a warmer light for when you turn them on at night. Cree’s LED bulbs provide warm light and they’re environmentally sustainable. Outfit sitting and living rooms with three points of light to expand the space visually. If you have dimmers in your home, make use of them to create an even warmer atmosphere.
3. Bring in nature
Plants can change a room’s vibe almost instantaneously. Want your sun deck to feel like the rainforest? Consider buying an elephant ear plant, an indoor palm tree, or a peace lily. Hanging ferns are gorgeously green and inexpensive. Plants like peace lilies, Boston ferns, ficus, and bamboo not only make your home more attractive and inviting, they also clean and purify the air.
4. Let it flow
Consider getting a small fountain to put someplace you spend a lot of time, like the bedroom. The sound of water creates a relaxing atmosphere. Fountains range in style, size, and price depending on what best fits your home. The sound of water has been proven to help you sleep because it promotes relaxation and blocks other less inviting sounds.
5. Consider scent
Smell is tied to our mood. That’s why you can change the entire ambience of your home just by adding some aromatherapy. Tuck a sachet of lavender under your pillow and place oil diffusers throughout your home. Add all-natural beeswax candles to get that warm glow without the toxicity of conventional scented candles, which can contain phthalates (a known endocrine disruptor) and lead-contaminated wicks.
6. Think area rugs
Wall-to-wall carpet or otherwise less than stellar flooring is really a bummer when it comes to enhancing your home’s decor. The best way to deal with yucky wall-to-wall carpet or otherwise dilapidated flooring is to place area rugs throughout your home. Area rugs don’t have to be expensive. You can find good deals at places that you might not expect, like Goodwill, ReStore, or yard and estate sales. You can even make your own DIY rug. It’s all about reducing and reusing. You can also distract from the floor by drawing the focal point away from it with a funky light fixture or by painting the room an interesting color. Make sure you choose paints that are free of volatile organic compounds (VOCs).
7. Think throws
Throw pillows and throw blankets can make quite a difference in the entire feel of your home without busting your budget. Update your couch, or hide the stain on that old wingback with a good throw pillow. A soft, serene blanket can make an old sofa seem all the more comfortable.
If your home leaves something to be desired it may be time for a few simple changes. You can make your home that much more pleasant and inviting just by adding a few thoughtful touches. Get rid of the junk, soften the lighting, clean up the air, and cover outdated pieces that are too expensive to replace. Once you’re done, you’ll be super excited to come home to your updated sanctuary.
When people first started talking about biofuels—especially bioethanol, which is made from plant material—they had grand plans. Biofuels were supposed to reduce our dependence on foreign oil, help fight climate change by producing fewer carbon emissions than fossil fuels, and reduce poverty in the developing world by providing employment for farmers. Unfortunately, a few decades into the biofuel revolution, many experts are saying that plant-based fuels aren’t living up to their promise. In fact there’s a growing body of evidence to suggest that they’re actually making things worse.
Here are just a few examples:
- Biofuels are taxing the world’s water resources by using massive amounts of water for irrigation. In many places (particularly in the Midwestern United States) that water is being taken from nonrenewable aquifers. The process of turning plants into fuel is also very water intensive.
- Because biofuels were billed as the magic cure-all for the world’s problems, land that previously had been used to provide food for humans is being diverted to biofuel production. With less land available for growing human food, there’s less of it available. That has driven up the price of food—particularly in developing countries. As a result, people who were already poor are being pushed further and further into poverty.
- It turns out that instead of reducing greenhouse gasses, biofuels pump just as much pollution into the air as oil and gas. In other words, the carbon footprint of biofuels is just as massive as that of fossil fuels.
That’s not a terribly optimistic scenario, is it? It’s true that corn and other crops aren’t working out as sources of cheap energy, but we shouldn’t give up on biofuels just yet. There’s one plant that may be able to live up to biofuel’s original hype—without falling into any of the traps we just discussed: prickly pear cactus. Sounds a little crazy, but here’s how it works.
First, cacti primarily grow on land where rainfall is unpredictable. Since food crops generally require regular rainfall, cacti won’t be competing with food crops. Currently about 18 percent of the world’s land could support cactus production but is not suitable for hardly any other crop.
Second, because cactus farming would use currently unusable land, it would provide income-producing agriculture jobs in many parts of the developing world where all the available arable land is already occupied. Aside from being able to thrive in the desert where it’s unbearably hot, prickly pear cactus also has the amazing ability to survive in below-freezing temperatures (as low as –15 degrees C/5 degrees F). That opens up even more unused land for possible cactus harvesting.
Third, cacti are different from most plants in the way they carry out photosynthesis. By hoarding water during the day, cacti need only about one-fifth of the water that traditional plants do. And to produce one unit of dry biomass (using that measure we can compare apples to apples, or more accurately, cactus to corn), cactus takes only one-tenth of the water that the usual plant-based biofuels do.
The next time someone offers you a great deal on some landlocked desert property, think twice before you turn it down. You might just miss out on the next big thing.
Did you know that the United States is one of world’s largest producers of trash? Trash is generated at an alarming rate of 1,609 pounds of trash per person per year. Over the past 30+ years the national recycling rate has headed in the right direction, with a reported rate of about 34.5 percent of households, but there’s still room for improvement.
There are so many reasons to recycle. Recycling allows us to reuse materials, which in turn conserves natural resources. It also saves water and energy, improves air and water quality, lowers pollution and greenhouse gas emissions, and preserves landfill space.
City and town recycling programs each have their own set of rules for preparing your recyclables before placing them in the recycle bin. Following your city or town’s guidelines is imperative, because facilities’ equipment and capacity vary widely from location to location.
Here are a few general guidelines to follow for recycling.
Glass
Glass bottles filled with liquid need to be emptied and preferably dried before being placed in your bin. It’s important in most communities to clean out containers and jars that contained food and grease. A simple trick to help with the cleanout process is to fill a jar with a small amount of water, place the lid back on and give it a few shakes. Once you dump the water out, the jar will be reasonably clean. This works especially well with jars used for pasta sauce.
There’s no need to remove labels on glass containers since the recycling process will take care of this.
Cardboard
To recycle cardboard it’s important to remove all other materials from inside the box, such as plastic wrap, polystyrene peanuts, and other packing materials. All cardboard boxes should be broken down before being placed in the recycle bin. Cardboard should be dry and free of food scraps.
Paper
There is a long list of paper products that can be recycled, including: magazines and catalogs, telephone books, direct mail, brochures, pamphlets, and booklets. Also recyclable are cereal, cake mix, and cracker boxes. Be sure to remove the liner and all food from boxes. Flatten the box before placing it in your recycle bin. Tissues and waxed and carbon paper are not recyclable.
Plastic
Check the bottom of the plastic container for the recycle triangle symbol to make sure the container is recyclable. Rinse plastic containers with water and crush, if possible, before adding to your recycle bin.
Not all locations require the rinsing of containers, but a problem can arise in areas that do require rinsing when the rinsing doesn’t happen. When recyclables are dirty their market value substantially decreases. This creates a vicious cycle because it reduces the amount of money the recycling service provider is able to earn, thereby decreasing the amount of money they are able to reinvest and improve their existing services.
It’s important when recycling to check the regulations at your local waste management facility before placing items in the recycle bin.
As the national recycling rate continues to rise, it’s crucial that we take the time to recycle properly to ensure that items don’t unnecessarily end up in the landfill.
Categories
Get Your Bike In Gear For Spring
Spring is a great time of year for cyclists. Not only is the weather warming up at long last, but it is time to break our bikes out of storage and head back out on the road or trail for some serious riding. Before you do, be sure to give your two-wheeled mode of transportation a good tune-up in preparation for the season ahead. Here are some things you should be doing to get your bike ready for spring.
Clean It Thoroughly
If your bike has been sitting around in the basement or garage for the winter, chances are it has accumulated a layer of dust and dirt. Before you set off on a ride, be sure to give it a thorough cleaning. Take a damp cloth and an old toothbrush and wipe down the entire bike, including the frame, brakes, derailleurs, and rims. Use a degreaser on the chainrings and cassette to make sure dirt and grime haven’t built up in those important parts.
Inspect It From End to End
Next, give the entire bike a good going-over to make sure that there are no obvious problems. Check the brake pads to ensure they are not showing too much wear—or, in the case of disc brakes, that the calipers are properly aligned. Take a look at the derailleurs to see if they are shifting properly and that the chain is moving freely through the different gears. Then take a wrench and go through the entire bike, tightening anything that might have come loose while you were riding last year. This will help the bike to feel like new again and could prevent mechanical failures that might lead to an accident.
Check the Tires
Give your tires a thorough inspection before you inflate them. Check to see if the tread is still healthy and keep your eyes peeled for any cuts in the rubber, particularly along the sidewalls. If you find anything amiss, replace the tires before riding. But if all looks well, inflate them to their proper PSI level and make sure they are holding air. The last thing you want is to have a flat on your first ride of the season.
Spin the Wheels
The tires aren’t the only thing you’ll want to inspect. Give the wheels on your bike a good spin to make sure they stay straight and stable while moving. If you find that they are wobbly in any way, you’ll probably want to have your local bike shop take a look at them. Most out-of-balance wheels can be fixed by adjusting the spokes, but leave it up to the professionals to get the job done right.
Lube Up the Chain
If you’re getting ready for your first ride of the year, chances are your chain is in serious need of some lubrication. Apply bike lube evenly to the chain while you slowly rotate the pedals in a counterclockwise fashion. This will keep your bike’s drivetrain operating smoothly and should make pedaling and shifting easier. It also helps to keep dirt and grime from clogging up these important parts.
Examine the Cables
Every bike has its fair share of cables, typically running from the brakes to the front and rear brake pads and between the gear shifters and the derailleurs. Over time, those cables can come loose, begin to fray, or even break altogether. This can lead to serious problems, which is why you should examine them completely before setting out on your first spring ride. Tighten any cables that may have come loose and replace those that are damaged.
Take Inventory of Your Repair Kit
If you ride with any regularity, chance are you carry a repair kit with you on the road. At the start of the spring season, take a peek inside that kit to make sure all of the items you need are still there. If you find certain parts or tools are missing, be sure to replace them before you hit the road for the first time. You definitely do not want to run into any mechanical problems while riding only to discover that you don’t have the tools you need to fix the issue.
One of the most useful and important things that you can carry with you when you travel is a well-stocked first aid kit. Not only does it provide easy access to some basic medical supplies, it is much more convenient to have those items close at hand instead of having to run to a drug store when you need something. But what exactly should you put in your travel medical kit? Here are the basics that every traveler should take with them when they hit the road.
Band-Aids
Probably the most important item to have in your first aid kit is a supply of Band-Aids. The iconic adhesive strip bandages are useful for a number of issues, including cuts, scrapes, insect bites, blisters, and more. Carry a variety of sizes to cover all of your needs.
Personal Medications
It should go without saying, but if you’re currently taking prescription medications for any kind of ailments or existing conditions be sure to pack them in your first aid kit. You’ll need them while you’re traveling, and it is much harder to obtain replacement drugs while you’re on the road, especially if you’re visiting a foreign country.
Antiseptic Wipes and Antibiotic Ointment
You’ll face the potential when traveling of being exposed to germs and bacteria that your body is not accustomed to encountering. This can lead to infection or illness, which is the last thing you need when you’re on the road. Antiseptic wipes and antibiotic ointments can help clean cuts and scrapes, killing dangerous germs in the process. This will help prevent an infection from ever getting started.
Basic Painkillers
Everyone gets headaches from time to time. Having basic painkillers such as ibuprofen or Tylenol on hand can help stave off minor aches and pains, allowing you to be more comfortable in the process. Depending on the situation, these simple medicines could actually play a vital role in how much you enjoy your trip.
Anti-Diarrheals
One of the most common ailments that we face when away from home is the dreaded “traveler’s tummy” aka “Montezuma’s Revenge” or “Delhi Belly.” If you have Immodium or a similar anti-diarrheal in your med kit you can get relief for this affliction quickly and get back on the road to recovery. This is one of those items that you hope you never need, but are so glad to have when you do.
Anti–Motion Sickness Medications
Many people suffer from motion sickness, but it isn’t something that they experience in their day-to-day lives. Instead, it is an affliction that often appears while people are traveling and find themselves on boats, buses, airplanes, and other modes of transportation that could potentially cause motion sickness. Having medications designed specifically to deal with this issue could save your entire vacation.
Blister Pads or Moleskin
While exploring a new location we usually end up spending a lot of time on our feet. This can lead to unexpected blisters, which can become extremely painful if left untreated. Blister pads or moleskin can help save your feet from unnecessary punishment and get you back to enjoying your vacation quickly.
Electrolyte Hydration Tablets
It is not uncommon for people to become dehydrated while taking part in an active excursion or visiting a warm, humid destination. This can lead to all kinds of issues, including dizziness, disorientation, and nausea. Electrolyte tablets can help overcome those issues and get the person back on the road to recovery.
Sleep Aids
Many people find that they have trouble sleeping when they are staying in hotels, hostels, or campsites. Carrying a mild sleep aid, such as Unisom, can help. These medications are designed to make you drowsy and fall asleep easier—something we can all appreciate at times.
Tools
Round out your travel first aid kit with a set of tools that could come in handy while you’re away from home. For instance, a thermometer is useful for diagnosing a fever; tweezers will allow you to remove splinters or insect stingers and clean debris from cuts and scrapes. Medical scissors are great for cutting bandages or tape. Safety pins have a number of uses too. Be sure to carry these items in your kit at all times. You’ll be glad you have them.
Categories
In Defense Of Race Distance Stickers
These days, everyone has an opinion on nearly every topic, and with the popularity of the internet, we all have a sounding board where we can share our opinions. Runners are clearly not immune to this phenomenon. As a result, we are constantly bombarded with people’s opinions about what we do and why we do it. One trending topic I’ve seen and heard a lot about lately is a topic so highly controversial, I hesitate to even write about it now. Are you ready for it?
Running stickers on the back of your car.
*Gasp* Oh the horror and strife these little stickers—declaring our accomplishments to the rest of the world in the form of numbers such as “13.1” or “26.2”—cause our non-running counterparts! What horrible, self-righteous people we must be to boastfully drive around town, rubbing our accomplishments in everyone else’s faces!
All right, maybe I’m being slightly (incredibly) over dramatic, but the complaints are legitimate: there was a Wall Street Journal article slamming people who display the stickers. Or check out this blog post that went viral and inspired a ton of open letters and blog post retorts. Both angrily call out runners as boastful and self-centered simply for posting these distance stickers on their cars.
Normally I would simply turn my head the other way regarding such a silly topic. But recently I had a client finish her very first half marathon, and she expressed some concern and shame over wanting to put a “13.1” sticker on the back of her car. I was saddened that she truly felt embarrassed by wanting to share her accomplishment with the world. So I told her the following, and I’m going to share it with you as well.
You’ve earned it. From a young age, we are all taught not to boast or brag about our accomplishments. But I personally believe there is a huge difference between bragging and being proud of the things we have worked hard for. Training for and racing a long distance run isn’t something just anyone could do. If they could, they would have by now, but as it stands, only a very small portion of the population has completed a half marathon, marathon, or beyond. You should be proud of such a feat!
Self expression. People put bumper stickers on their cars for nearly every topic imaginable. Politics. Sports. Declaring how much they love their German shepherd. Why can’t you put a sticker with a number on it—one that lets all other running enthusiasts know “Hey, I’m a runner too”? Frankly, out of all of the bumper stickers I’ve seen in my lifetime, an oval circle with the number “26.2” on it is probably the second least offensive kind, right behind the “my kid is an honor roll student” stickers.
You never know who you might inspire. People are always watching. A co-worker, neighbor, or some other acquaintance may see the sticker and strike up a conversation about running. Next thing you know, they are contemplating whether they could ever accomplish such a feat. Or maybe the complete stranger driving behind you has always been curious about running a half marathon, and seeing your sticker is the last tiny push they needed to sign up for that race. That sticker could change a life. That may sound far fetched, but I totally believe it is possible. You just never know.
Finally, this one may sound like it came straight from an elementary school playground, but…
Who cares what others think anyway? More often than not, the people who are the first to criticize are those who have some sort of insecurity themselves. The people who claim to be bothered or offended by your stickers are likely the ones who fear they could never do such a thing themselves. Or maybe they simply just don’t understand your love for running. Whatever the case, their opinions of running only affect your love for running and your accomplishments if you let them.
Don’t let them.
Run on, my friends. And don’t forget to add those stickers to your car so I can wave enthusiastically as I drive by.
Internet shopping: We all do it. In our current technologically “plugged in” world, it’s all too easy to hop on your laptop, search the web for your favorite style of running shoes, click “buy,” and have them show up on your doorstep 48 hours later. The convenience of making your running purchases online can’t be denied. But taking the extra time to visit and shop at your local running store can be far more beneficial than simply acquiring the running gear you need. Here are eight reasons why you should skip online shopping and visit your local running store instead.
1. Let’s get the obvious out of the way: By shopping at your local running store you are boosting your local community. Supporting locally owned shops helps create jobs for your neighbors and helps your community thrive.
2. Get to know the local running community. It’s so much more than a store full of new shoes; your local running store is the epicenter of running in your town. Learn about upcoming races, training programs, or volunteer opportunities. Meet a new running partner, learn about an unfamiliar trail, and score a pair of new shoes while you are at it.
3. Speaking of new shoes: A huge corporate website on the internet can’t look at your foot and determine what type of shoe would work best for you. Your friendly local running store staff, on the other hand, can. Further, you can ask any questions or discuss any concerns with an actual person instead of relying on an FAQ page or random internet shoe reviews.
4. Try a new endurance nutrition product! Many running stores have a variety of nutrition options for sale in single serving sizes, whereas ordering on the internet almost always results in bulk or boxed items. Bulk options are a huge commitment, especially if you don’t know if that product will work well for you.
5. Not sure what size shorts/compression sleeves/hydration pack you need? Save yourself the stress of guessing (and possibly having to return an item through the mail). Try them on at your local running store instead!
6. Find something you don’t actually need…but you want anyway. A new sparkly headband? How about a 13.1 sticker for your car? Or brightly colored socks? Impulse buys aren’t just for grocery store checkouts, and running store impulse buys are way more fun.
7. Get motivated! Feel like you’re in a training slump? Head to your local running store. Just being surrounded by other runners and shiny new running gear may put a spark in your sneakers and training motivation. At my local store, the owners have lined one wall with race bibs and race medals. Seeing all of those miles covered by local runners is enough to inspire me to push harder!
8. Let’s go back to reasons number one and number two: Supporting your local running store, in turn, helps support and grow your running community. Many running stores help sponsor local races and events. The more races and running events available, the more likely that outsiders and new runners will discover and join the running community. The more new runners that support the local running store, the greater opportunity for the store to sponsor more events. It’s the circle of running life!
I’ll be the first to admit that yes, internet shopping is much faster—and often less expensive—than going to a small, locally owned running store. But supporting your local store truly does benefit you as a runner. So the next time you need a new pair of running shoes or some electrolyte drink mix, skip the internet search and shop local instead!