Monday, February 4, 2013

The Thrifty Ginger

Sometimes I amaze even myself, and one such occurrence happened Friday. Usually Dick's Sporting Goods is not known for good deals, and you are lucky to get out of there without spending 60 dollars on a shirt. This was not the case on Friday, and I am still shocked! I immediately hit the clearance racks, which are usually picked over and worthless. This time though, I got all the following items for about $60:











I have already used most of these on runs already. The Koppen long sleeve tech shirts are amazing! I got two of those for $9 each, and they are very comfortable and warm. I threw the yellow north face pullover on top, and I was perfectly comfortable in around 28 degree temps. The Koppen hat was $5 and I am super happy with it. All these cold weather clothes breathe while still keeping my cozy. The pullover was only $20... For North Face... What!? The Saucony run shorts were actually the most expensive, but I needed new ones now that my Under Armor shorts are falling apart. To sum up, I am now a Koppen fan for cold weather gear! Definitely take time to hit up those clearance racks folks! The women's selection was pitiful, which is a reversal of the norm at most stores, but that may just be my store.


Moving on, I came across this little tool by GNC to calculate how much protein you need. I would say it is pretty broad, but it might help you. I would just do a Google search for it if you are interested. I found out that I probably need to add more protein to my diet because I do so much lifting and cross training on top of just running. Part of this addition may be the addition of quinoa to my diet. I picked up a good sizes bag of the stuff at Sam's Club of all places, and it is even organic. I just need to figure out what I want to do with it. Quinoa is a good natural and organic source of protein, so that is a win! Maybe I can figure out a way to add it to my daily lunch, which is generally big on veggies and low on protein.


Funny Story Alert: Now that I said that, you won't find it funny, but I sure do. I have had this story for days now, but I keep forgetting to mention it. Recently I used this picture in a post for motivation:


I then mentioned how much I wanted to high five someone on a run. Well, guess what? Well? Okay, I will tell you. I high fived someone! Now, here is the thing, there are not many runners out and about around me, so I haven't had many opportunities, so I had been waiting for my opportunity. This came in the way of an older lady, and she had no idea what to make of it! She undoubtedly thought I was crazy, but felt bad for me and did it anyways. I was totally juiced for the rest of my run! I am guessing the experience was a bit like this for the woman though:


Training Stuff:

I continue to pluck away at my runs, and I am feeling great. I went on my long run yesterday, and it was easily the easiest 9.1 miles I have ever done. I feel like my whole body is strong now, so it takes punishment and recovery so much better.


I do really want my distance runs to be closer to 8:30 pacing, but I did have a lot of hills on that course, especially at the beginning. Also, on a side note, MapMyRun updated, so I was finally able to see all my splits! This new version is really phenomenal for a free app! If you don't have a garmin, or even if you do, get on this!

Another note, I had my first Gu ever on that run, and it was totally nasty. I promised myself that I would do my long runs just like I will do my marathons, so I brought fuel, and I strapped on a full Camelbak. I am just glad I had all that water to wash down the grossness! It did a good job though, and it made the second half the run easier. I will write a full review of the Camelbak in a few weeks, but I like it so far! I hated carrying a water bottle!


Beyond running, and almost as important, is my devotion to the gym and cross training. If carrying that big ass Christmas tree box is cross training, you can include that into my training log! I did do any gym over the weekend, but I went there today and hit it hard. I did the following Workout Of The Day:


I also included 30 reps of dead lifts at 155 pounds, 55 extra push-ups, 50 reps each on two back machines, 30 box jumps on a 24 inch box, side and front planks and 30 pull-ups.

I am happy with this one, and I am feeling the burn! My back is good sore from the dead lifts, and I love the challenge of power cleans! I also looked like a total but on those box jumps because I almost died several times - I am not coordinated enough! I am loving the new exercises and determination these workouts are giving me on my gym days!

Short Movie Review: Silver Linings Playbook:

I won't go too into this because I am not a movie blog, but this is a bit of a runner movie. I think we (runners) would all see a little of ourselves in both of the main characters. I know I saw a ton of myself in Bradley Cooper's character, and that was both scary and enlightening. To sum it up, the main characters are both suffering from mental illnesses, and they use running and eventually dancing to help them cope. These two things help unite both characters. I know running certainly helps me stay sane on a much lesser scale!

I really enjoyed the movie though because it was heartfelt but humorous at the same time. I love movies that take a potentially serious theme and make it appropriately funny.

Questions:

How was your Super Bowl experience? Good food? Good drink? Win any money?

Doing any challenges in February? If so, which ones?

What is your favorite cold weather gear?

- Posted using BlogPress from my iPad

35 comments:

  1. Way to go on your good deals and your long run! Are there any fun Feb challenges I should know about? I need an excuse to get on Twitter on a regular basis. But my miles won't be nearly the same as in Jan...

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    1. I am doing #fitfebruary which is just about doing push-ups every day. I am not doing anything running related.

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  2. No cold weather, and no Superbowl parties out here in Singapore, so I shall blithely ignore your questions, and instead expound on quinoa. Quinoa is a beautiful food, for so many reasons (you're already on top of the nutritional ones). It can also be eaten at any meal.

    I cook up a whole bunch at once (be careful, it expands a LOT during cooking!) and keep it in the fridge. Some of my favorite prep methods:

    1. With milk or yogurt, and fruit and nuts on top. (perfect breakfast)
    2. With olive oil & lemon juice, topped with tomatoes, cukes, and feta cheese. And maybe some leftover chicken, if there's any hanging out in the fridge.
    3. As a rice substitute: under chili, or eggs, or stir fries, or meat...

    It's very, very versatile, and delicious. Once you start experimenting with it, you'll find a million places for it!! Good luck. :)

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    1. I've definitely heard it as a rice substitute, so that is possible. I should just cook a bunch up like you said, and then I can play around with it. I just like to keep things simple.

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  3. Ooh I'm excited about the Camelbak review!

    How ironic that I watched the Silver Linings Playbook this weekend! I generally fall asleep during romantic comedies (I know I'm a weird girl) but this one was actually entertaining. I loved how they went for runs together :P

    Oh my! Your workouts make me feel so weak :( Do try planks ;)

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    1. Lifting, like running, is so relative. At the gym I am just a mid-range guy in terms of strength and ability, but in the rest of the world, I am flippin' jacked, haha.

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    2. haha! I totally agree with you! I think it's like that with almost everything whether it's science, work, or school.

      Still feels good to think you're flippin' jacked :P

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    3. Psh, my arms are considered a wonder of the world! Jk

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  4. Great job on your long run! It's so awesome to feel the effects of all of your hard work!

    That's so funny that you high-fived an older lady on your run the other day. I haven't had a chance to high-five anyone on a regular run, but it definitely amps me up during races when someone sticks out their hand for a high-five!

    Also, I love Quinoa. I went through a phase of bringing it every day for lunch for about a month. Some of my coworkers had a running joke that I have a side job in a Quinoa factory.

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    1. Do you actually work at a quinoa factory? Can I get free food? Haha.

      Yeah, good long runs mean you are doing something right! I had a dream last night that I was slow, and I was not happy this morning! I will use that as added motivation today.

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  5. I'm colour obsessed - love that first shirt! GREAT finds!
    I most definitely need to add more protein in my diet. Thank you for the reminder actually because I think I've been really slacking :S

    Man, the Gu was nasty eh?? I think I'm leaning towards using more "real" foods as fuel - raisins, nuts, fruits..something like that. hmm.
    I'm planking and push-uping eveyday for Feb!!

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    1. Thanks, I am happy with them. There weren't exactly choices, so I am glad I liked the colors!

      Yeah, I am going to try various things to eat on runs as time goes in. This was just a trial run, and I have one more Gu flavor to try. I will always update on this kind of thing because my blog is such a running record of my exploits.

      Happy birthday again!

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  6. Great shopping:)
    My superbowl answers came from this guy on twitter, you know;) I think he is know as Tyler! :)
    I love my sweaters, gloves and caps(If that is a gear?)
    I want to do atleast four 5K's this month. I wish I could just do them in a day LOL.

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    1. 3.1 miles is a great training distance, so keep it up!

      Like I said, I am full if useless football knowledge! Haha

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  7. Those are some awesome deals you found! I think that's always exciting.

    I don't like Gu's either. But I have heard you just have to get used to the consistency. Various gels have different consistencies/tastes too, so you might just want to try a different brand.

    I use chews instead, but also enjoy eating Power Bars. I think if you have your backpack you might be able to bring more real food along.

    Superbowl experience = awesome! Good food (pulled pork, ribs, chicken wings, brussel sprouts, guacamole, potatoes), and won $20!

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    1. I used chews for Tough Mudder, and I was happy with that, so maybe I will go back to it. I do have plenty of room in my camelbak, so I have options!

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  8. Yay for new running attire AND a high five!! I really want to do that now but I do imagine the possibility of totally freaking someone out while attempting to do this. Just my luck, I'll ruin someone's day by accidentally hitting them on the arm while running by bahaha :)

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    1. I think people are freaked out at first, and then they realize how flippin' awesome it is! I would avoid injuring them though!

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    2. Shoot me your link if you read this:

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  9. Totally cool that you can see your splits on the MapMyRun app!! That is a very neat feature! I will check it out :-)

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  10. That's so awesome you high fived an old lady - I've been thinking about it since you posted last.

    Also, I love Dick's Sporting Goods, that's all :)

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    1. Combine Dick's and Best Buy, and I would be a happy camper. I could walk around for hours.

      I was nervous she would reject my high five, but she loved it in the end.

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  11. Great job on the long run and the clothing deals! I love to check out Dick's but rarely buy anything because of the price. I am so cheap!!

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    1. Clearance racks made it cheaper than Target (said in a French accent)! I love Target stuff, but if I can get legit brands, bet your ass that I am on that!

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  12. I am so proud of you for high fiving - I love doing it. LOL... most people look at me like I am crazy but I am.. AND try the GU chomps they are so much better then GU - that junk is NASTY. I like the watermelon flavored GU Chomps. I use them on my longer runs too - but honestly on race days I don't use ANY. I am trying to really find my niche for pre-run fueling - still working on it AND look at you all thrifty and stuff - WTG!! We love sales:)

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    1. I try to fuel before runs too, but if I am running longer than an hour, I gotta make sure I have stuff to fall back on.

      I can see you being a wide-eyed-crazy-high-fiver! I would still give it back though!

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  13. I love it so much when you go into a store expecting to spend too much on one item and get loads instead! $60 for all that is not bad at all. Also, I love quinoa! Got a few recipes using it on my blog, so check those out if you get a chance :)

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    1. I may have to check that out. Right now I am just adding it to my oatmeal with chia seeds. I should do something with it for lunch so I get a little extra protein at that point in the day.

      Deals are the only way I have any running gear, so you are soooo right.

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  14. I love a good deal! Yipee! Good for you!

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    1. Oh, and way to go with the high fiving. It makes it even better than it was an older lady. haha!

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    2. Haha, like I said, only limited people out in the cold! I will have more choices when the fair weather runners come back out ;)

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  15. Awesome deals! I love getting deals on exercise clothes, they are so expensive and it's just so pleasing to get a discount.

    What flavor Gu did you have? Did you do the gel? I like the gels because it goes down fast but you have to like the flavor.
    Try another one and see if you like it better next time.

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    1. I have one more to try, and then I will have to reevaluate. I am not sure what the last one was, but I was not a fan! ;) I did like the ease of use, but I had to wash it down a few times, which, during a marathon, could be crucial hydration down the road.

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  16. I would have totally high fived you on your run. That is, if you are cool with high fiving a slow jogger instead of a runner.

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