Category: Lifestyle

There’s a joke that I always see going around social media that says something along the lines of “How do you know someone is a runner?” and the punchline is “wait a few seconds, they’ll let you know.”

I won’t even try to argue, as this fact is often true.

Most runners are so fanatical about our sport, that we will be the first to tell you alllll about running if you take the time to ask.

Or sometimes, even if you don’t ask.

While most of us have careers and families that don’t involve running, our passion for the sport runs so deep that we like to talk about running, read about running, watch documentaries about running, even cover our cars with running stickers…anything to display our enthusiasm for the hobby we love.

So if you are wondering what sort of gift to get for the runner in your life this holiday season, the answer is pretty simple: something running related.

The trick, however, is finding something unique that they don’t already have. You see, in addition to talking about all things running, we also like to shop for all things running. When it comes to the necessities: shoes, shorts, socks, water bottles, technology…we’ve got it already covered.

But there are a ton of fantastic, thoughtful, and unique gifts out there for runners; items that we’d love to have, but are unlikely to buy for ourselves…because we’d rather spend our money on more shoes, gels, or race registrations. Here are a few ideas:

Medal Display

Does your runner have all of their hard earned medals stuffed into a drawer or a shoebox? Or are they hanging haphazardly on a doorknob or curtain rod? Why not get them a unique, or even custom, medal holder or display. The options are limitless to match the personality of your runner or the interior decor of their home. From laser cut hangers made from metal to crafty hand painted, wood options…and everything in between, there is something for everyone. Check out Allied Medal Hangers, or the popular craft website Etsy for some ideas.

Turn our Bibs into Something Cool

You know those wrinkled pieces of paper we pin to our shirts or shorts before each race? Each one holds a memory, and chances are, your runner has a box or drawer full of them somewhere. But many creative individuals have come up with ideas on how to display those bibs. From custom made handbags, to coasters, to framed artwork, the internet is full of ideas and suggestions.

Jewelry

From commemorating accomplishments, providing motivation, to simply declaring our love for the sport, there are a number of handmade jewelry items out there designed specifically for runners. They range from affordable, workout friendly options, all the way to designer pieces with precious metals and jewels, and everything in between. Check out Momentum Jewelry for their sweat ready Motivate wraps, or Endure Jewelry Co. for something with a little more “bling”.

Box Subscription

At some point in the last few years, subscription boxes have become all the rage. The concept is this: you subscribe to a box with a theme that appeals to you and every month you receive a box full of samples that relate to that theme. The idea is that you get to try a wide variety of new products, without having to commit to a standard full-size item. Of course, the running world is no exception! Subscription boxes like StrideBox and RunnerBox send a monthly package to subscribers full of things like endurance fuels and snacks, electrolyte drinks, anti-blister cream, headbands, electronics, and any other type of accessory that may appeal to runners. Give your runner a gift subscription, and they will continue to receive the gift all year long!

Framed race photo

Every now and then someone actually captures a GOOD race photo and not one that looks like we are minutes from passing out, throwing up, or worse. Yet we are often hesitant to buy them for ourselves because they can be pricey. Did your runner recently set a PR, run a bucket list race, or some other awesome accomplishment? Why not check out the event’s website for race photos, search for your runner, and purchase a print.

Voucher for a Race Registration

When in doubt? Ask us what race we are really hoping to run next year…and buy or contribute to our race entry! Sure it may not be a surprise, and it might feel slightly impersonal, but your support of our running and racing is much appreciated.

Riding a bike is one of the best ways to start leading a healthier lifestyle. Not only is it a great way to get some exercise, it forces you to go outside where the fresh air and warm sunshine can do wonders for your overall sense of well-being. On top of that, cycling is good for the environment and just so happens to be a lot of fun too.

But getting started in the sport can be a bit daunting for a beginner, as picking out the right bike can sometimes be a confusing affair. With so many options to choose from today, where does one even start? Here are some helpful hints to get you up and riding as soon as possible.

What Kind of Riding Do You Want to Do?

One of the first questions you’ll need to ask yourself is what kind of riding you’d most like to try. If you want to stay on paved streets and go fast, a road bike will be what you’re looking for. If you want to leave the pavement behind and hit some local trails instead, a mountain bike will be your best bet. Want to do a little of both? Then you’ll be shopping for a hybrid bike. On the other hand, if you’d like to use your new bike as a way to commute to and from work, that will open other possibilities. And if you’d just prefer to casually ride around the neighborhood, a good cruiser bike could be the answer. The point is, you can narrow down your options for the bikes are right for you simply by thinking about the style of cycling that you are most interested in.

What’s Your Budget?

Perhaps the most important factor in deciding which bike is best suited for your needs is how much money you have to spend. Bikes can range in price from as little as $100 to more than $10,000, depending on the quality of their components, style of frame, and design. Most of us won’t see the benefit from riding a top of the line bike, but it will be evident right away if you’re riding a piece of junk. Think about how much you want to spend ahead of time and then head out to your local bike shop to see which models fall into your price range.

What Size Bike Do You Need?

A lot of first-time buyers don’t realize it, but most models of bikes actually come in a variety of sizes. This makes a lot of sense when you think about it because riders come in a lot of different sizes too. In order to find the correct size for you, consult with the staff at your local bike shop. They’ll be invaluable in helping you get on a properly sized bike, and getting the proper fit. That includes adjusting the seat so that you get the most comfortable ride.

Take a Test Ride

Once you’ve determined the style of riding you’re interested in, set your budget level, and determined the size of your bike, the next step is to take a test ride or two to discover which model you actually like the best. Most bike shops will be happy to let you take a few bikes out for a spin, as that will ultimately be the deciding factor of which one is actually right for you. As you ride, test the gears and brakes to make sure they operate smoothly and responsibly. Consider your position in the saddle. Do you have to stretch to reach the handlebars? How comfortable is the seat? How smooth is the overall ride? Then compare one bike to another to help narrow down the choices.

Shop Around

Unless you find a bike that is simply perfect for you immediately, don’t be afraid to shop around a bit. Most bike shops carry different brands, and you may discover another model at a different store that fits your needs more closely. You’ll also get a better sense of the various prices for a bike and may even find a better deal. Whenever possible, stick to dedicated bike shops though, as you’ll find the staff is far more knowledgeable about the products, not to mention more dedicated to helping you find the one that is right for you.

Buying a bike is an investment, not just in money, but time too. If you plan to get serious about cycling, your bike has to be comfortable and fun to ride, so take your time in finding the one that is best suited for you. In the long run, that will determine how much you actually enjoy the sport, and ultimately how successful you are at achieving your fitness goals

Research has shown that only 5 to 10 percent of all cancer cases are attributable to genetic defects and the remaining 90 to 95 percent of cases are in fact preventable. That means that changes in your diet, exercise, and environment can make a big impact in staving off cancer in the years to come. And the best place to start reducing your risk is in your home.

1. Start In the Kitchen

Your diet makes a huge difference when it comes to your risk of cancer. After all, it’s your daily medicine, three times a day, every day.

-Choose Organic

A big yet simple first step is to avoid potentially carcinogenic pesticide residues found on conventionally grown produce and choose organic whenever possible. If buying organic across the board is a bit too much for your budget, avoid fruits and vegetables that are the most heavily sprayed with pesticides by avoiding the Environmental Working Group’s Dirty Dozen list of fruits and vegetables.

-Avoid Processed Foods

Avoid dangerous additives found in processed foods like artificial colors, artificial flavors, preservatives and unpronounceable mystery ingredients. Avoid canned foods, especially those that contain BPA. Fresh foods, especially cruciferous vegetables, also contain more cancer-fighting phytochemicals.

-Reduce Your Meat Intake

Eating too much meat has also been shown to cause cancer. And processed meats like salami, hot dogs, and bacon were found to be even worse. A recent report from the World Health Organization found that eating less than 2 ounces of processed meat daily increased the risk of colorectal cancer by 18 percent.

-Ditch the Plastic Containers

Finally, ditch the plastic and eat out of glass and ceramic. Plastic is made with a laundry list of chemicals, many of which are endocrine disruptors that can potentially cause cancer.

-Drink Filtered Water

Avoid toxic chemicals, heavy metals, and endocrine disruptors by filtering your water. Reverse osmosis filtration vastly reduces the number of carcinogens found in your water. Solid block carbon filters also remove the bad stuff.

2. Clean Up Your Personal Care Products

Your beauty cabinet can have a huge impact on your health. After diet, your personal care routine is the next easiest place to reduce your exposure to chemicals found in everyday consumer products. Choose makeup and personal care products like shampoo, conditioner, soap, body lotion, anti-aging products, and deodorant that don’t contain potential carcinogens like parabens, phthalates, and oxybenzone. The easiest way to make sure you’re buying the cleanest products possible is to download EWG’s Skin Deep Guide to cosmetics. Simply bring it with you to the store and run the barcode on your smartphone. The guide will rate the product so you know exactly what you’re getting.

3. Ditch Toxic Cleaning Products and Make Your Own

The chemicals found in cleaning products aren’t heavily regulated so it’s difficult to know exactly what’s in them (the label doesn’t tell the whole story because of ‘proprietary formulas’) and what poisons you’re exposed to when used. Everyday cleaning products may contain the carcinogen1,4-dioxane or even release small levels of the cancer-causing agent, formaldehyde. And when you send these chemicals down the drain, they further pollute our waterways and environment. Even cleaners that claim to be safe may not be. Scrub down your tub with a mixture of half white vinegar and half baking soda. Make an all purpose cleaner with half white vinegar and half water with the addition of 5 drops of lemon essential oil. White vinegar is also great for cleaning mirrors.

4. Use Natural Materials in Your Home

A home filled with natural building materials is best. Choose solid wood floors and furniture instead of cheaper versions made with pressed wood, particleboard, and plywood, which can contain formaldehyde. Additionally, avoid flame retardants by choosing natural and organic mattresses. Flame retardants have been linked to a host of serious health problems like thyroid issues, learning and memory problems, lower IQ, early puberty and even cancer. Avoid polyvinyl chloride (PVC) plastics found in vinyl flooring, siding, packaging material, door and window frames, wrapping film, hoses, insulation, weather stripping, swimming pool liners, molding, floor mats, carpeting, exercise equipment and more. Short term and long term exposure to PVC, which is made from vinyl chloride, is associated with some serious health issues like liver damage and yes, cancer.

5. Clean the Air

Even if you choose natural building materials and furniture, there could be some hidden toxins off-gassing in your home. That’s why it’s important to keep your air clean. Open up the windows to let in the fresh air, and keep live plants around the house like aloe vera, spider plants, Gerber daisies, and chrysanthemums to help clean the air (and they are beautiful too). Additionally, avoid aerosol sprays and synthetic candles that contain phthalates, another potential carcinogen.

While this list may be intimidating at first, by crossing off one item at a time, you can do a whole lot to reduce you and your family’s risk of cancer.

Most people consider cycling a seasonal sport; fun to do during the warmer months, but once the temperatures start to drop they put away their bikes for the year. But you don’t have to stop riding just because winter arrives. In fact, with your bike properly winterized, and the right clothing in your closet, you can continue riding all year long. Here’s what you’ll need to stay warm in the saddle during the colder months.

Start with the Base Layers

As with any outdoor winter activity the key to staying warm starts with good base layers. These are the articles of clothing that sit closest to the skin, and should quickly wick moisture away from the body. This will help to keep you dry, which in turn means you’ll be warmer too. Look for form-fitting base layers made of merino wool, and avoid wearing any cotton clothes. When cotton gets wet and cold, it can lead to trouble.

Add a Fleece Layer

Your next layer of clothing should be a fleece pullover that can provide an extra level of insulation from the cold. It will work in conjunction with your base layers, allowing moisture to escape, but trapping pockets of warm air close to the body. It also has the added benefit of giving you the option to pull it off if you begin to get too hot. Once you start riding your body will no doubt warm up considerably, and you’ll want to have some flexibility out on the road.

Protection From Wind and Snow

Finally, wrap your body in outer layers that offer protection from the wind and snow. A waterproof and wind resistant shell jacket will do the trick, allowing you to stay well protected from the elements, and warm and dry, as you ride.

Keep Your Extremities Warm Too!

In addition to keeping the rest of your body well protected from the cold, you’ll need to keep your hands, feet, and head warm too. That means wearing gloves that are specifically made for the winter (water and windproof) that still allow you to operate your bike’s gears and brakes safely. You’ll also want to wear a wool stocking cap or cycling beanie under your helmet so your head doesn’t get cold. And on days when temperatures are especially low, a balaclava may be in order to help protect your face too.

Footwear can be a bit trickier, as clipless cycling shoes are not often designed for foul weather. Invest in a pair that is a half-size larger than you normally would use so you can wear thicker, warmer socks. You may also need a pair of waterproof cycling overshoes to help keep your feet warm and dry as well, particularly if you ride in wet conditions. And if you don’t happen to use clipless pedals on your bike, any winter shoe paired with warm socks, that sill allows you to pedal properly, will do.

Winterize Your Bike

While cold weather in and of itself isn’t especially bad for your bike, the moisture, snow, grit, and mud that come along with winter can be hard on its drive train. You’ll need to clean the gears and chain frequently if you expect to keep your ride in top condition. Alternatively, you may want to consider switching to a fixed-gear bike for your winter commutes. Those bikes have a single gear, and fewer moving parts, which makes them easier to maintain. Some bikes also have internal gear hubs as well, which keeps those sensitive parts safe from winter grime.

Light Up Your Life

Winter days are short, and darkness comes early. If you want to ride safely during that season, you’ll need lights on both the front and back of your bike. This will keep you more visible and allow you to see obstacles in the road too. Modern cycling lights are small, lightweight, and very bright, which makes them the perfect companion for evening rides at any time of the year.

Don’t Forget Your Tires

Mountain bike tires are well suited for riding in winter conditions, but with their slick, narrow tires, road bikes can be at a disadvantage. You may want to swap out your traditional tires with ones that provide a bit more grip, and no matter which type of bike you ride, reduce the air pressure to provide a better grip on the road. During the winter months, the pavement will often be wet and slick, if not downright icy. That can be a recipe for disaster, so take the necessary steps to avoid a crash.

When properly prepared for winter, you’ll find you can ride outdoors all season long. Just be extra cautious when cycling in extreme weather, avoid icy roads whenever possible, and stay safe by making yourself more visible. Winter cycling can be just as fun and rewarding as any other time of the year, with a few added challenges to keep things interesting.

Trevor Pedersen is only 8 years old, but he knows what he wants to be: a soldier. Now, thanks to the generosity of his uncle’s U.S. Army regiment, he’s living his dream.

The young boy from Heber, Utah, has been obsessed with the Army as long as his family can remember. Unfortunately, Trevor also suffers from a very rare medical condition called primary familial brain calcification (PFBC). The Pedersens spent three years trying to figure out why Trevor was growing weaker, until a doctor finally diagnosed him with PFBC.

The disease causes calcium deposits to grow on the brain, disrupting signals to the body. It keeps parts of his body from functioning properly, meaning Trevor won’t be able to enlist in the military. 

“It’s hard to describe because it is so rare,” Jackie Pedersen, Trevor’s mom, told local news station KSL. “There’s so little known about it. There are only 70 families in the world that are documented right now having it.”

When Trevor’s Uncle Erik found out about the diagnosis, he knew he had to do something for the little soldier. He offered to fly Trevor and his father to Germany, where he was stationed with the U.S. Army. Talk about going above and beyond!

“He couldn’t believe it,” Trevor’s father, Jason Pedersen, told KSL. “He was so happy. It was a moment of pride I’ve never felt before.”

Trevor got to spend three days as a soldier with the 1st Squadron, 2nd Cavalry Regiment. During his time in Germany, Trevor flew in a helicopter, stood in formation with the regiment, and took part in the Cavalry Spur Ride.

The Spur Ride is an arduous 12-mile training exercise, and it’s no small task for even the most elite soldiers. However, Trevor was undaunted by the hike. 

“As we got going, mile one, mile two, his body started to react. His leg started cramping. You could see his footprints dragging into the sand where he was forcing himself to walk,” Jason said. 

With 400 yards to go, Trevor started to cry and broke down. 

“The soldiers behind him would not stop encouraging him,” Jason said. “Right when he was about to give up, he looked over to the hill and at the finish line saw soldiers standing up and cheering Trevor on and chanting his name.”

Thanks to the encouragement of the soldiers, Trevor finished the Spur Ride. For his effort, the regiment awarded Trevor a pair of silver spurs and made him an honorary member of the 2nd Cavalry Regiment. His parents noted that he really learned a lesson in perseverance.

“I was a soldier for the past three days,” Trevor said. “That was cool, probably cooler than anything I’ve done.” 

Trevor and the soldiers taught each other what it truly means to be “Army Strong.”

“I got to see something I would never get to see, and I got to do some things I never thought I would get to do,” Trevor said.

More than 60% of American homes have a dishwasher. Items such as dishwashers have become standard amenities in homes built in the 2000’s compared to only 46% of homes having a dishwasher in the 1960’s.

The debate over whether hand washing dishes is more energy and cost efficient than using a dishwasher has been ongoing for years. The conversation changes drastically when talking about dishwashers made after 1994. The reason being, a dishwasher made before 1994 wastes more than 10 gallons of water per cycle. A new, efficient dishwasher will save about 1,600 gallons of water over its lifetime. On average, newer dishwashers account for about 1.4% of our indoor water usage, which is a relatively small percentage.

According to a German study, A European Comparison of Cleaning Dishes by Hand, it took about 27 gallons of water to clean 12 place settings of dishes. A new EnergyStar Certified dishwasher will use less than 5.5 gallons of water per load.

If a dishwasher is your dishwashing method of choice it’s time to stop rinsing your dishes before putting them into the dishwasher. Rinsing dishes prior to loading is counterproductive and ends up using much more water than needed. Newer dishwashers get the dishes just as clean, if not cleaner, than washing the dishes by hand and use significantly less water. It’s time for the rinsing to stop, but the scraping must continue. The old food does need to be scraped off, but this can be done without the water running.

Today’s dishwashers use less than half as much energy and water as those made before 1994.

New dishwashers also come equipped with a yellow EnergyGuide label produced by the U.S. Department of Energy. The label estimates the amount of energy in kilowatt-hours (kWh) that each model consumes, provides an estimate of its yearly operating cost and compares it with the energy use of similar models. This is a great tool for consumers in the market for a new dishwasher.

Investing in an energy efficient dishwasher, as well as other efficient appliances, is a simple way to do your part to combat climate change. Through human activity we are continually releasing greenhouse gasses into the environment. By improving energy efficiency through the use of a newer, efficient dishwasher, we are helping to reduce air pollution and its impact on climate change.

There’s one big caveat to loading everything in the dishwasher. Never put anything plastic in the dishwasher. Repeated wear and tear on plastic, including running plastic through the dishwasher, could cause BPA, Phthalates and other chemicals to leach out of the plastic when heated.

Hormone-disrupting chemicals leach from almost all plastics, even BPA-free plastics. Heating the plastic (stressing it) may cause more leaching of the chemicals.

Take the time to wash all plastic including lids, dishes and cups by hand. Everything else can and should go into the dishwasher. In the long run, you’ll save water, time and money.