I Need All the Help I Can Get

I let Lucky out this morning and was greeted by this:

How can your day not be good when it starts out that way?

"When you arise in the morning, think of what a precious privilege it is to be alive - to breathe, to think, to enjoy, to love." Marcus Aurelius

I put the few stragglers into the dishwasher, started the coffee, took out the recycling and fed the guinea pig and the three-legged dog. I grabbed the Denver Post and Longmont Times Call from the driveway and filled a huge cup with ice water. I went to the cabinet and grabbed these:

Taking these is just a part of my morning routine, much like dumping a cup of half and half into my coffee and dropping a few kids at the pool. I don’t think about it much. But, today I was wondering: Does everyone take similar supplements? Are these doing anything for me?

I take them because I am supposed to take them, but it’s not like I see any difference in my day to day energy if I don’t. I just take them because I figure they fill in the blanks when my diet isn’t up to snuff and they provide me with preventative stuff over the long term. I am almost 45 years old for God’s sake. I need all the help I can get.

Right now I take:

1. Women’s One by Rainbow Light ($17.99 for 90): This is chock full of good stuff including probiotics, B complex, and lots of nourishing things:

2. Food Based Calcium by Rainbow Light ($12.99 for 90): 1,000 mg calcium, 1,000 IU vitamin D, 500 mg magnesium (2 caplets). After two stress fractures, I found that while my bone density was good, it was deteriorating with age. I have to be careful to get enough calcium (and vitamin D which helps with absorption). I find I don’t get enough in my normal diet (although I do drink a lot of chocolate milk), so I have need to supplement. It’s also important to do weight bearing exercise to build stronger bones.

I hear that food-based calcium is better for you because it is not manufactured, it is the real deal, the same as if you were eating yogurt or eating collard greens. I buy all my Rainbow Light products through Walgreens.com because I found they are much cheaper there than at Whole Foods and other places.

3. Move Free ($24.99 for 160): This contains glucosamine, chondroitn, Uniflex (an antioxidant) and joint fluid to keep joints lubed and strong. I got this bottle at Costco.

4. Fish Oil ($9.99 for 150 soft gels): I take the Nature Made brand because it is burp-less. Other brands make me burp up fish taste all day and it makes me sick. I hear you can also freeze them and that helps. I take one 1,000 mg pill. Supposedly this will help me not get coronary heart disease. Fingers crossed.

Keep in mind, taking supplements is just part of the equation. If you eat junk food and watch the Real Housewives all day, supplements will not save you. You will just be out of shape, overweight and have really high levels of vitamin B2.

What, if any, supplements to you take and why?

I’m off to do some hill work and then yoga…hoping the gas is minimal.

SUAR

PS: Don’t forget to check out my STORE page. Sale ends Monday.

New Shut Up + Run Stuff & Giveaway

Now it’s time for some FUN! It is not yet Black Friday, but it is certainly Black Monday here on SUAR.

Need some more glitz for your tree? (Just FYI, this is not a round bulb. It is a flat 3” circle).

                        Front                                                                                                         Back

How about a kick ass iPhone case?

Maybe you want some glitz for yourself (rhinestones, that is):

And, introducing…the new SUAR long sleeve v-neck tech shirt. It is hard to tell from the picture, but the RUN is in either purple or blue camouflage.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

I’m showing you theses shots to give you a better idea about real life color (the purple is more subdued than in the above shot):

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

And of course, the short sleeve tech is still available:

This sale will go for one week only from November 21-November 28. That way I can be sure to have all items to you well before Christmas. Go to the STORE page to order.

Prices and sizing charts can be found on the STORE page.

Just to point out that the SUAR shirt can travel well, check out Zuhairah in Malaysia! She just finished the Penang International Bridge Half Marathon!

I’d like to give a huge shout out to Family Fan Club who has done all of my printing and helped with the designs! Go check them out if you are thinking of doing any customized stuff for yourself.

I have one SUAR iPhone case to give away courtesy of Family Fan Club!! If you want to enter, just leave me a comment telling me what your Thanksgiving plans are. I’ll pick a winner at random on Thursday.

Happy shopping! If you have questions, email me at beth@shutupandrun.net.

SUAR

Family Fan Club Giveaway–Win An SUAR Shirt!

You know when you decide to do something like fix a leaky faucet it seems like a no-brainer? I’ll tighten up this, I’ll replace that, then voila! DONE.

What I’ve realized after 44 long years is that no undertaking is straightforward or easy. There are always unexpected twists and turns, barriers, rules you didn’t know about.

Such was the case when I decided to create and sell Shut Up + Run shirts. I figured creating a logo and slapping it on a shirt would be no big deal. Long story short, the learning curve was much curvier than I expected.

Fortunately, my good friends at Nuf Said Advertising helped with the logo and did an awesome job. Then there was the business of printing the shirts. That’s where Family Fan Club came in. Paul and Kim, the masterminds behind FFC, contacted me after finding my blog. They thought we could work together and they were right.

I’ve appreciated FFC’s reliability, promptness, attention to detail and creative energy. They’ve navigated me through this confusing world of apparel design/printing and helped me understand some tricks of the trade. If you are looking to print shirts for your son’s baseball team, your own blog, or a fundraising cause, Family Fan Club can help out.

Don’t get me wrong, there have been some glitches, but that comes with the territory. I think you test the true nature of someone you do business with when there are issues that need to be addressed. Do they show up and make things right? Do they work with you to solve the problem? If so, that’s who you want to work with. FFC always did this for me.

That said, here is some cool stuff FFC does/offers:

• Logo design (they did the logo for my Burn Out tee in about 5 minutes)
• Printing technique that dyes the fabric. This means no interference with wicking properties of the garment, no cracking, no fading, vibrant colors, unlimited colors
• 100's of designs that can be personalized and customized including cotton t-shirts, decals and water bottles
• FFC prints YOUR custom designs. 
• FFC hosts stores and handles all the fulfillment. Design owner is paid without any hassles! As an example, check out the store page for The Rock On Foundation to benefit Dylan Flinchum who has recently been diagnosed with metachromatic leukodystrophy, a genetic disorder.

FFC would like to give away an item to 2 winners!

If you win, choose any SUAR item you’d like:

Or, any FFC design you’d like (these are my personal favorites):

This one should say “SUAR’s Best Friend” but whatever.

Or, create your very own!

For every “50 likes” on Facebook, FFC will add another winner, so get “liking” and increase your odds!

To Enter:

• Visit Family Fan Club's website and tell me what you like +1 entry
• "Like" Family Fan Club on Facebook HERE + 1 entry
• "Follow" Family Fan Club on twitter HERE  + 1 entry
• Twat, FB or blog about this giveaway +1 entry

Two winners will be selected at random (or several depending on the # of Facebook likes) on Friday, October 28.

Special bonus! For the next two weeks, save $10 when spending $50 (SUAR10) at FFC.

Good luck!

Fine print: Family Fan Club provided the giveaway items in exchange for my review and for hosting the giveaway.

Need Some Syrup With Those Pancakes?

When I was injured for months last fall and winter and all I wanted to do was run, I had a real love/hate relationship with running blogs, books and magazines. When I read them it pissed me off that I couldn’t run and made me want to do it more. I was jealous when I saw runners on the street and sometimes leaned out my car window and threw slushies at them (like on Glee).

The flip side of it was that I loved reading blogs, books and magazines related to running because it kept my head in the game. And, no matter how shitty I felt, I knew that one day I would run again. Reading other people’s experiences with running, even when I couldn't, made me excited for the day when I could lace of my shoes and be back out there.

So, for those of you who are injured right now, keep the faith. It will return. It will be there waiting for you.

These days I am on a good, non-injured stretch. I was GIDDY about my run today. I could not wait to get out there. How is it possible to be made so happy by something??

I got up early and got the kids situated, then got ready to head out the door for six miles. I thought about wearing my new cheetah slippers, but decided against it and settled for my grape scented Brookes Adrenaline.

Between episodes of licking himself silly, the dog watched with his one eye.I know it must feel good to be able to lick yourself in certain places, but it is plain gross if you ask me.

 

Some people do not want to be photographed in the morning.

It was a fabulous run. Every minute. Except for one thing that upsets me to no end. If you read this blog enough, you know this issue plagues me.

I don’t eat too much before I run due to stomach issues (half a bagel). I always try to clear the pipes before I leave and today was no exception. Yet, I was not a mile into the run before there was a turd honking for the right of way and I had to clench the next five miles.

At mile 4.5 I almost stopped at a friend’s house to beg her to use her bathroom. But, you know how it is. You have friends close enough who don’t question it if you bust into their house and make a bee-line to crap in their toilet. That is different than more of an acquaintance friend. You can’t exactly knock on the door and say, “Excuse me, can I please drop a load then be on my way?” So, since this friend was the acquaintance type friend, I did not stop and continued home.

After I got out of the bathroom, Ken said, “Are you okay? Like did you lose control on your run?” No, I did not, but it was close and no one likes to clench for 50 minutes.

Then, I went for my mammogram. I brought some syrup because who does not like syrup with their pancakes. The technician said, “Oh I saw you coming and got out my smallest device.” Yeah, thanks.

I was horrified to watch my boobs be reduced to 1/2” flapjacks. To top it off, the technician and I had this exchange:

Tech:  “Did you lose weight since last year?”

Me: “No, I don’t think so. Why?”

Tech: “Well, it’s just that your breast are thinner, smaller than last year.”

Smaller? Is that possible? ARE YOU F&CKING KIDDING ME? My weight has not changed, which can only mean that the weight I lost in my boobs that I could not afford to lose just went somewhere else like my ass or thumb.

Oh, well. That’s what padded bras and tissues are for.

Do you read running blogs, etc when you are injured? Does it help/hurt you?

Does your GI system give you fits when you run? How do you handle it?

How was your last mammogram? Are you boobs shrinking with age? Mine used to be much bigger. In college I think I was actually a full B.

SUAR

PS: Get your SUAR shirts HERE.

Shut Up + Run Shirts Are Back!

Many of you have asked when I’d be selling shirts again. NOW is the time!!

In advance, sorry for the crappy pictures. If I was more photogenic, had a decent camera and my family members were a bunch of professional photographers, things might be different.

I’ve mixed things up a bit this time. I brought back the women’s tech tee because that was very popular last time.

This time it is by New Balance, not ALO. It is crew neck with hot pink lettering, and two turquoise runners on the side. The one I have on is a small. It fits well on me but being that I have no chest, I could probably do an XS (my chest is about 32-33” to give you an idea of sizing). Sizing is on the shop page and are pretty spot on.

Sorry, that bit of glare about the “+” sign is the flash reflection! You don’t have to pay extra for that.

This shirt sells for $29.99 plus shipping.

I have added a 100% cotton women’s long sleeved black tee by Bella. It says “shut up + run” in white rhinestones. Who knew I was so FANCY. Really nice! I can’t wait to wear mine when it gets a bit cooler. This is perfect for every day, casual wear with a pair of jeans. Again, the one I am wearing in the picture is a small.

This shirt sells for $34.99 plus shipping.

I am bringing back the women’s Burn Out shirt by Bella. The same one offered before. This is a comfy, soft shirt with a a cool “shut up + run” design. It will fade when you wash it because this is the nature of the Burn Out. Gives it that “used up” and worn feeling (in case you always wanted to be a prostitute but never made it). These shirts are supposed to fit kind of snug, so if you prefer a looser fit, size up. I wear a small.

This shirt sells for $32.99 plus shipping.

I’m also selling hats and visors by Headsweats. There are two varieties. A black visor that says “shut up + run” in white and a white hat that says “shut up + RUN” in bright pink. I ran in the black visor yesterday. It is wicking and light weight with a stretchy band across the back. They are one size fits all.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

The hat and visor are priced the same at $24.99 plus shipping.

Lastly, I’ve got stickers for your fancy cars. Either a 5'” x 4” Shut up + RUN in color or a black/white 6” x 4” oval SUAR sticker.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Stickers go for $3.00 each with free shipping.

I am working on a long sleeved tech shirt by New Balance. It will be in “shock pink” with white lettering. I think you will LOVE it. Hopefully I can add that to the mix very soon. It will be around $35 or so.

Thanks to Family Fan Club for helping me talk through designs, getting the shirts, doing all the printing and putting up with me!

There you have it. Now GO SHOPPING by clicking the “STORE” tab at the top of this page! I will take orders for ten days and then start fulfillment, so it will be about 2-3 weeks before you get your goods.

Only 105 days until Christmas. Just sayin’.

SUAR

SUAR “Oops” Tech Shirts for Cheap–Sorry SOLD OUT!!

During the last round of printing SUAR women’s tech shirts, there were a few shirts that did not make the cut because the runner on the side seam didn’t print correctly. The mistake was very minor, but slightly noticeable so I didn’t want to sell them full price.

Therefore, I’ve got a few shirts to sell for cheap that have this “mistake” on the seam. Here is what the typical “oops” shirt it looks like:

The front and back of the shirt are not affected and look like this:

 

 

If you would like an “oops” shirt, I am selling them for $18 (originally $34.99) + $5 shipping.

I have: ALL SOLD OUT!!!!!!

1 x-small
2 smalls
5 mediums

Here is the sizing/item info for Alo shirts. If anything, shirts might run a tad big:

I will take the first people to email me their request for the shirt(s). Indicate the size and number wanted. I will invoice you through Paypal for $18 per shirt plus $5 shipping (if you order more than one, shipping is still $5) and send out the shirt tomorrow.

I’ll be selling the next round of women’s tech tees in a week or so. Might also add in some Shut Up and Run visors from Headsweats and a hoodie. Stay tuned!

beth@shutupandrun.net

SUAR

PS: International shipping is $7.

Shirt Update

For those of you who ordered Burn Out Tees or Men’s Tech, they were shipped yesterday. If you ordered a Women’s Tech, they are being printed tomorrow and will ship early next week. Shipping will take 2 to 5 days.

Thank you for your patience.  You will have them soon and you will love them!!! Please email me directly with questions or concerns at beth@shutupandrun.net.

Thanks,

SUAR

Stuff People Say

“Life will suck if you are always wishing you’re doing something else.
Life will rock if you realize you’re already doing the best thing ever.” 
- Leo from Zen Habits (one of the best blogs out there!)

Is it just me, or do you go through your days having interesting little interactions with people? Some people you know, some you don’t. Some exchanges are funny, some are sad or touching, and some just leave you scratching your head. This week I’ve had some pretty precious and priceless ones come my way.

Setting: The grocery store, two days ago

Cashier: That lady who just bought groceries is going to New York City! Can you believe it? New York City!!
Me: Yeah, that’s pretty cool. (but not caring too much)
Cashier: I mean, did you hear me? She is going to New York City! That is crazy, man!
Me: (wondering if this guy has ever left the grocery store): Yeah, that’s pretty cool.
Cashier: I mean, I just don’t know if I could handle New York City with all that craziness. I have seen all of the “Home Alone” movies, so I know what it is like.
What I think in my head but don’t say: YES! Because “Home Alone” is the most accurate depiction of real life in NYC I can think of. Because everyone who lives in NYC is a ten year old boy who is mistakenly left alone by his parents and who puts on aftershave and scares away robbers with boobie traps.

Setting: My Ford Explorer, this morning (because a lot of exchanges go down in the car)

Me: God, I don’t’ know what my problem is. Running just gives me gas. I bet I farted 90 times on my run today.
Emma (daughter, 10): Really? Did you just fart? I don’t smell it.
Me: Matter of time. (locking the windows because I am that type of mom)
Emma: Oh, yeah, here it comes. Ewww. Egg salad. I had egg salad once at grandma’s. It was good. It was egg whites and yolks.
What I think in my head but don’t say: At least she smells my farts and still eats egg salad.

Setting: Wahoo’s Fish Taco with my two girlfriends, last night

Friend1: I’d like the chicken bowl
Cashier: White or black beans?
Friend1: White
Cashier: Brown or white rice?
Friend1: White (I’m beginning to think she’s racist)
Cashier: Do you like it wet?
What I think in my head but don’t say: That’s what she said.

Setting: Sitting on Emma’s bed at night, two days ago

Emma: Mom, can you remember to call my piano teacher to tell her I won’t be there Saturday?
Me: Yep, I’ll do it. I’ll also let Katie know you’ll be at her house at 1 pm. tomorrow.
Emma: Mom, thank you for just taking care of everything and making things go just right.
What I think in my head but don’t say: Seriously? Did my offspring just say that? could all of these years of martyrdom and pulling my hair out really be worth it after all?

Setting: Grocery Store, five days ago

Me: (wearing Bolder Boulder 10K shirt)
Person bagging my groceries (PBMG): Did you run that race?
Me: Yep (And I’ll tell you about a time I ran with Dean or when I ran the Boston Marathon if you want, all you have to do is ask. Did I mention I’m training for a half ironman?).
PBMG: Here’s what I don’t get. Like, why would you want to do that? Why would anyone want to do that?
What I think in my head but don’t say: Why would anyone want to bag groceries?

 

What’s an interesting interaction you’ve had this week?

Would you buy a “Sneak In?” I would not simply because I do not know anyone in jail right now.

Brown or white rice? I’m brown all the way.

Do you ever think things in your head you don’t say? Yes. About 9,541 times per day.

SUAR

PS: If your ordered a Burn Out tee or men’s tech tee, they are being mailed today and should take 2-5 days (except international). The tech tees will go out next week and will also take 2-5 days to ship. I’ll let you know the day those are mailed.

“Secret Thing”

Suffice it to say everyone has a secret thing (ST) they want to do. Are dying to do. Something that completely deviates from who they are in their “real” life. For some it may be being a clown in the circus, for others it might involve open pole night at the local strip club.

My secret thing involves dancing, preferably on “Dancing with the Stars.” They really need a blogger presence on that show. If you have ever seen me dance then you are lying on the floor right now laughing your ass off about now.

I have no rhythm. I cannot remember steps. My body does not move smoothly through the motions. I have the white-woman’s overbite going like nobody’s business.

In college I had no clue how limited I was in the dance world, so I actually auditioned to be a “Dukette” – a team of amazing and swift dancers who perform at basketball games, festivals, etc. (Okay, those of you who went to JMU, stop laughing). I got cut before the music even started and I’m not kidding. This was also the same year I tried out for the rugby team and I’m not kidding about that either. And my major in college was undeclared, i.e., I have no eff’ing idea what to do. I was one lost soul. Still kind of am.

I am believer that if we put our wishes out into the universe they will come true. Okay, that’s a bunch of shit, but I figure it can’t hurt.

Turns out my dancing wishes have come true and I’ve been invited to be part of a flash mob. I cannot disclose details or I would have to castrate you, but it is happening soon and I will be part of it. My daughter, Emma, has begged to do a flash mob since we saw the one with the Black Eyed Peas on Oprah (you cannot watch this without smiling or getting a boner). This conversation has occurred at least 99 times:

Emma: Mom, can we PLEASE plan a flash mob?

Me: No. I am runner, not a dancer.

The good news is, I did not have to plan or choreograph. I  was invited (probably because I am such a good dancer). Emma and I went to a rehearsal yesterday. I loved every minute of it, but lets just say that while my “running man” needs some work (that God for Youtube), I’m really good at pretending to look sexy while wiping sweat off my head (this is a move in the dancing world). 

The flash mob will occur in the next week or so and it will be videotaped for me to share with you. I am living the dream over here.

Shirts:

Today is the final day to pre-order shirts. I will be putting in another order, but not for about a month or so. If you order a shirt now, it will be mailed around July 17.

To see shirts, visit this page and then go to the “store” page to pre-order online.

Okay, going to take it easy to rest up for my big TEST this afternoon.

Do you have a secret thing (ST)? Have you been able to live it out?

Ever been part of a flash mob?

SUAR

Get Your Shut Up and Run Shirts!

SHIRTS ARE HERE!!*

There are three types available

*Please do not let the dorkiness of the models and their poses distract you from how cool the shirts are

1. Women’s tech/performance tee – $34.99

The print has a distressed look because runners are tough and go through a lot and sometimes get distressed and cry.

When looking at the price keep in mind that not all tech shirts are created equal.   This is a high quality tech shirt from Alo or New Balance (I’m still deciding on the brand).  It is 100% polyester. It is available only in white (for now), with a crew neck. Print is reddish/pink with a turquoise runner on the side, running from the back of the shirt around to the front.

Sizing: XS, S, M, L, XL.

2. Women’s casual, every day burn out tee – $32.99

I LOVE this shirt. It is perfect for wearing to the grocery store, to drinks with the girls or to drive your kids to the 15th baseball game or piano lesson of the day. It is the softest cotton/poly mix with a feminine fit and capped sleeves.  The brand is Bella.

It comes in S, M, L, XL.

3. Men’s tech/performance tee -  $37.99 

This is 100% polyester from Alo with contrast stitching. Back panel is in gray.

Comes in XS, S, M, L, XL.

I am now taking pre-orders for the shirts.

These are just the preliminary shirts. There will be more designs and styles offered in the future.

Please note that when ordering on the “store” page the colors lo0k more vibrant than they really are. The true colors are represented by the pictures in this post.

Shout outs! Thanks to Nuf Said Advertising for their help with the logo stuff. Shirts are being printed by Family Fan Club, a local business specializing in custom apparel and gifts.

If you want to order a shirt please go to the “store” tab at the top of this page. I will take pre-orders for the next ten days and then will have the shirts printed, to be available as soon as possible (do not know the exact date, but will let you know when I do). All shirts have a $5.00 shipping charge.

Please contact me directly for international orders.

Happy shopping!

SUAR