Apps She Buys: RunKeeper

So if you haven't noticed, I'm on a bit of a running kick lately.  
While I run, I use an app called RunKeeper to track my runs. I LOVE it!
It does everything I need it to do and more.

It's not just for running though. It comes in handy while hiking, biking, walking, skiing, snowboarding, and anything else you want to log your activity on.

It uses the GPS in your phone to track your route, time how fast you go,

I even use it for when I'm at the gym on the treadmill or the elliptical. While the GPS features doesn't help much for this, the app allows me to manually enter my information so I can still keep it logged.

RunKeeper has you register an account so that it can help track your activities. To register, you can visit their website at: http://runkeeper.com/ or do it right on the app. 

Compatible with the iPhone and Android.
Price: FREE.

Where to get it:
Apple: App Store
Android: Android App Market

Website: http://runkeeper.com/

While they used to have 2 versions, a lite and a pro version, they have combined it into just one great app and made it free. Even if they did charge, I would happily pay.

Salt Lake Running Company Running & Training Group

Photo by Flickr user mikebaird

I mentioned that I was a recent convert to running.

I spontaneously signed up for a 5K back in the fall and trained for 2 weeks and went for it.

I enjoyed it so much that when I saw an ad for a Half Marathon training group through Salt Lake Running Company, I signed up.


Yes, I know it's crazy to go from nothing, to a 5K, to a half marathon.
I did it though.
Not only did I finish, I shaved off a minute on my personal pace.
I enjoyed it so much, I have signed up for a full marathon and will start training very soon.

The training group through Salt Lake Running Company was a huge help. Since my friends either don't run or they just finished running the Boston Marathon I needed to find someone more in my skill level to run with.

For $49, I received a 12-week training schedule, weekly runs with a group, a nice shirt, and weekly tips and tricks on everything from nutrition, stretching, and how to deal with pre-race jitters. I was able to go at my own pace and found others in my same skill range.  Paying for the training group also made it so I was committed and accountable. The training was meant to get us ready for the Salt Lake Half Marathon and it did just that.

To get ready for fall races, may I recommend their running training group programs, starting up May 16th. They have one for half marathons and another for full marathons. You can find out more information and sign up on their website at: http://saltlakerunningco.com.

If you're not in Utah, I'm sure there are similar running and training groups in your area. If you've been wanting to take your running and training to the next level, these groups can help. Go ahead, do it! You will be so proud of yourself as you cross that finish line!
Happy Training & Happy Running!

My Running Tunes

Photo by Aaron Armono

I'm a recent convert to running. 

I've decided that the music I listen to while running makes a huge difference and I'm always on the lookout for upbeat songs that help me keep going. 

That said, here's my current top 10 running songs that kicked me off in my very first half marathon:

(The links will take you to Amazon.com where you can hear a sample of each song)

Paint It, Black by the Rolling Stones
Basketcase by Green Day
I Gotta Feeling by The Black Eyed Peas
Into The Night by Santana featuring Chad Kroeger
Message In A Bottle by The Police
Dynamite by Taio Cruz
Higher by Taio Cruz
DJ Got Us Fallin' In Love by Usher featuring Pitbull
Jai Ho by A.R. Rahman from the Slumdog Millionaire soundtrack
Thnks fr th Mmrs (Thanks for the Memories) by Fall Out Boy

I'd love to hear what your top ten running songs are. Please share.

Skullcandy Ink'd earbuds

Photo by Paul Frank

If you haven't discovered skullcandy headphones, you are truly missing out.

The default white ones that came with my ipod just sucked. They hurt, they would fall out of my ears, and the sound just wasn't cutting it.

While browsing at FYE, I stumbled across Skullcandy's Ink'd earbuds. They had some on clearance and I thought, what the heck, I'll give them a go. My friends, I have never looked back.

Features I Love:
Comfort - They actually fit. This was the first thing I noticed. I can wear them all day long and they never hurt. They have silicon gel buds that form to your ear. Genius.
Noise Cancellation - They work wonders. Never have I been able to tune the world out better.
Stay Put - They don't fall out when I walk, run, or dance like a fool in my living room.
Sound - My tunes have never sounded better.
Cool - They just look cool. Several colors and styles to choose from.
Durable - I'm rough on them and my first pair lasted about a year.

Skullcandy headphones not only make you look good, they sound great. The Ink'd earbuds are just the beginning. They have other options that just keep getting better and better.

Price: Normally $19.99

Deals:
RetailMeNot.com has a coupon code for skullcandy that is 40% off your entire purchase on their online store. Type in "whatisbrown" at check out and you'll be good to go. Not sure how long this will last, so check it out.

Amazon.com: $10.75 - $12.00.
Best Buy: $12.99

 

Forked Up Figurines

About a year ago, my little brother started a little company called, "Forked Up Art." Here he sells silverware people creations that he has welded and bended by hand.

He makes little figurines out of spoons, forks, and knives. He uses a few other objects to complete the creations when needed, but he mostly sticks to the basics.

These unique pieces are sure to start fun conversations, I know they have for me. Some of them are even quite practical, such as the Salt and Pepper Shaker Guys or Pencil Cup Holder. You can get all of his designs with either a spoon or fork head.


To browse through all of his clever designs go to ForkedUpArt.com


You may see him at an art show this summer if you happen to live in the western United States. He likes to visit, Utah, Arizona, and California, so keep an eye out for sure. He also sells his stuff through his website, as well as through Etsy. He also ships Internationally.

My favorites Forked Up pieces are:
-> iFork - iPhone holder
-> Business Card Holder
-> The Guzzler (not shown)
-> Rock On! (not shown)

Prices range from: $24.99 and up. 

For fun give-a-ways, check out his Facebook page. Check back here too, because I always have a few of his guys around that I love to share.

My Energy Drink of Choice - 5-Hour Energy

5-Hour Energy - Pomegranate

Hello friends.
Are you tired, run-down, and listless?
Do you poop out at parties?
The answer to all your problems is in this little bottle...

Sound familiar?
All you "I Love Lucy" fans should recognize that from Lucy's Vitameatavegamin episode.

Seriously though folks, this little energy shot rocks my world.

It's not carbonated.
It's sugar free and not loaded with calories. 
It has just the right amount of caffeine, mixed with the right amount of Vitamin B which makes it lasts longer and you don't get the normal caffeine or sugar crash.

I drink half a bottle in the morning, the other half about the time 2:00 rolls around, and that'll do me.

It kicks in within minutes and I feel more alert and energetic. 
Unlike other caffeine drinks, this one doesn't make me feel jittery.
My flavor of choice is Pomegranate, though the Berry isn't bad either.

Sweet Deals
Amazon has by far the best deal I've found. You can buy a pack of $12 for $20.79 plus a few bucks for shipping. That works out to be about $1.73 + shipping.

They do have a deal where you can subscribe and have it shipped at regular intervals. This option is $17.67 and saves you an additional 15% and free shipping. Price per bottle works out to be about $1.47.

Costco and Sam's Club members can buy it in bulk making the price per bottle below $2.00.
Walmart sells the regular in a 2-pack for about $4.50, so around $2.25 per bottle.

The Extra Strength version, also sold in a 2-pack, runs around $5.20, so around $2.60 per bottle.

Expect to pay $3 or $4 at gas stations or convenience stores. Though if you have to decide between this or a soft drink, go with the 5-Hour Energy. The energy boost lasts a lot longer, so definitely more bang for your buck.

For more information on different flavors, what's all in it, and decaf versions, please check out 5-Hour Energy's website.

Be smart though, people. Moderation in all things.
If you don't react well to caffeine then this isn't for you.
If you are looking for something that will help you be more alert and less tired and are used to drinking caffeine, then I'd say give it a try.

As Lucy might say...So why don't you join all the thousands of happy, peppy, people and get a great big bottle of 5-Hour Energy tomorrow!

The purse I travel with - The Bayliss by Overland Equipment

Overland Equipment - Bayliss bag

This is the best organizer bag. Ever.
 
A few years ago, I was leaving on a trip to Africa and needed a purse or bag that was small, but versatile and durable.  After lots of searching for just the right one, I stumbled upon the Bayliss bag by Overland Equipment that seemed like it would be perfect. It worked out better than I could have hoped for.

It worked great not only for my Africa trip, but for several trips since then. It's the perfect size to hold and organize my point and shoot camera, phone, passport, mp3 player, as well as all the other little things I seem to need.

It's also the bag I take while running around town and shopping. Somebody always seems to stop me and ask where I got it because it is the perfect size.  I love that I can sling it across my body and just go. Mine is about 3 years old and still going strong. 

This little organizer bag has 3 compartments:

Bayliss - Middle section

• The front is a flap-over that is ideal for pens and small pieces of paper.  There's also a small zip pocket which I use for coins. The flap-over has a convenient magnetic closure. 
• The middle section is a double zip closure and opens down the sides. It has credit card slots, and pockets that work well for my phone, mp3 player, and passport.
• The back section is the largest and holds my keys and point and shoot camera. It has a single zip closure.

I'm not into big purses. I don't like to carry that much with me, but I realize that I can't or shouldn't fit everything into my pockets. This bag makes it so I can go wallet-free! For those of you who feel the same, this bag does the trick.

These bags are worth every penny. They are very well made and will last a long time. For more photos and color choices, please check out their website.

Sweet Deals:
Overland Equipment sends out a monthly newsletter with specials on their bags. Sign up for their newsletter on their website or Facebook fan page. They also run fun contests on Facebook where you could win the Bayliss or one of their other wonderful bags. So check them out!