tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-22217834134403574802024-02-18T17:41:24.540-08:00Partnership for ChangeNews, events and information from the experts at Partnership for ChangeAnonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16982600333479042378noreply@blogger.comBlogger60125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2221783413440357480.post-50124807062046497382016-07-08T08:24:00.000-07:002016-07-08T08:24:39.549-07:00Silence Is Not GoldenThis country is in an uproar. People are hurting. We live in a hashtag nation, and it can be dizzying when your Facebook and Twitter feeds are full of them. #SocialMedia has made our world smaller. "There is nothing new under the sun." What we are now seeing in rapid-fire succession are things that have always happened, it just took us months or years to hear about it. It is also nothing new to the poor and minorities who have lived under this level of fear for generations. <a href="https://www.facebook.com/hashtag/socialmedia?source=feed_text&story_id=10209849146448013"></a><br /><a href="https://www.facebook.com/hashtag/socialmedia?source=feed_text&story_id=10209849146448013"><br /></a>But this is why the #alllivesmatter #bluelivesmatter #policelivesmatter people need to just take a seat. Of course all lives matter. That is a given. Of course they do. What these other "movements" and hashtags do is to, intentionally or not, attempt to silence the grief and outrage minorities feel when they are treated unfairly. #blacklivesmatter doesn't mean ONLY black lives matter. It means black lives ALSO matter. More importantly, it means that there is a collective sense that they feel their lives DON'T matter to the police or even to society at large. It is a call, a cry, to truly acknowledge that their lives matter TOO. In it's essence, #blacklivesmatter actually means #alllivesmatter. <br /><br />You can be both <a href="https://www.facebook.com/hashtag/propolice?source=feed_text&story_id=10209849146448013">#ProPolice</a> and <a href="https://www.facebook.com/hashtag/antipolicemisconduct?source=feed_text&story_id=10209849146448013">#AntiPoliceMisconduct</a>. You can be Pro-Police & <a href="https://www.facebook.com/hashtag/prominority?source=feed_text&story_id=10209849146448013">#ProMinority</a>. You can, gasp, be #BlackLivesMatter AND #PoliceLivesMatter. These are not mutually exclusive, at least they shouldn't be.<div>
<br />It's time to acknowledge that #policemisconduct exists. It helps no one for police departments to close ranks and fail to acknowledge its existence. Bad apples need to be actively rooted out. Don't close ranks, open them up to scrutiny. Real change is needed, but real change only comes from the inside-out. Real change will occur only when ALL of the good officers, which I choose to believe out-number the bad apples, wake up to and acknowledge the misconduct around them and stand up to their friends, their partners, their brothers-in-arms and say "it stops with me." Only then will we see real change. I'm sorry if that means you have to report your best friend, your partner, your brother-in-arms, because if you don't report the problem, you are part of the problem.<br /><br />This is the same school of thought that the Catholic church used for years to deny and cover up the pedophilia by the priesthood. This is the same school of thought that blames a woman for being raped. This has to stop. <br /><br />And yes, many of these victims of violence and police misconduct had a criminal background. So what. We are SUPPOSED to have a presumption of innocence in our courts. Well, whether that truly exists or not can be debated, but you have to actually get to court alive to even enter that part of the discussion. Protecting the civil rights of the accused is exactly what protects the rights of all of us from living in a #policestate.<div>
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For the rest of us. Wake up. Stop denying that a real problem exists in our country. Hold each other accountable. Stop blaming the victims. Don't try and silence or minimize the pain experienced by those affected, even remotely, by these actions. Don't try and silence or minimize the fear experienced by people who feel they are a potential target. Peacefully protest. Start with yourself. Look inside and root out your own issues. Do this every day. </div>
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Acknowledge. Empathize. Act.<br /><a href="https://www.facebook.com/hashtag/prominority?source=feed_text&story_id=10209849146448013"><br /></a><a href="https://www.facebook.com/hashtag/prayforourcountry?source=feed_text&story_id=10209849146448013">#PrayForOurCountry</a>.</div>
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Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16982600333479042378noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2221783413440357480.post-58566148615556753582016-03-15T20:23:00.001-07:002016-03-15T20:23:20.310-07:00Wired Coast: Is Cash Still King?Whether for business or personal, vendor or customer, there are many options to make and receive payments. Surf on over to <a href="http://wiredcoast.blogspot.com/2016/03/is-cash-still-king.html?spref=bl">Wired Coast: Is Cash Still King?</a>: How are you getting paid? We're not quite at a cashless society, but many of us no longer carry cash or even write checks, except for on...Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16982600333479042378noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2221783413440357480.post-67444248895893457892015-08-07T12:18:00.000-07:002015-08-08T16:23:03.405-07:00The Modern Yard Sale, or... Is Craigslist dead?<div class="MsoNormal">
The yard sale has evolved over the years. It still exists in
its classic sense, and if you’re up for it, is still the quickest way to get
rid of a large amount of your unwanted items. However, it’s a lot of work. You
have to individually price each item; set a specific date; advertise – in the
paper, with flyers, on social media; haul everything out; and staff the event.
Kudos if you also serve refreshments, as they also increase your sales.<o:p></o:p></div>
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For apartment dwellers and those of us who are just
overwhelmed with the whole concept of such an event, there are a plethora of
options. There was your local paper, and maybe a pennysaver (or small town version of it) for print classifieds. Success was always hit or miss with these, and with the internet, the print versions are a dying breed. </div>
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For internet sales, it all started with EBay. Remember when EBay was all brand new and
your go-to site for getting rid of your items. You can list them, either for
auction, reserve-auction (set your minimum bid), or buy-it-now. You list the
item and wait for it to sell. Yes, you pay a commission, but you have a
worldwide market (if you so wish to sell internationally). You will have to deal with shipping, as it is
unlikely you will connect with a local buyer.
You can charge those costs to the buyer, but you will still have to
factor in your time and decide if it’s worth it to you.<o:p></o:p></div>
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Then came Craigslist. Free. Local. No commissions. Your
bare-bones internet classified site. For years it became the next go-to site
for just about anything to buy, sell, trade, get a job, or even a (scary)
hookup. Craigslist is great, in that you can anonymize your email address, and
if you’re careful enough to meet in public and perhaps use things like google
voice to protect your personal phone number, can be fairly safe. Then it became
riddled with scammers. Offers to pay you a substantial amount to ship the item,
just send them your personal information, take a check, and wait for your account
to be hacked. Or the endless offers to trade for tattoos or other things you
have no desire for when all you want to do is get rid of your stuff. It’s
tedious. But it’s still a good alternative in many markets, but lately not a
primary one.<o:p></o:p></div>
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Kijiji, EBay’s version of Craigslist is also an interesting
option, though admittedly I haven’t investigated that one. I mention it because
it’s there, and if you’ve used it please feel free to comment with your
experience. I may give it a shot and update this later, but for now it’s worth
at least a cursory mention.<o:p></o:p></div>
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Ok, step up with Facebook, which has numerous, to say the
least, online yard sale groups. You post in the group and everyone sees your
posts. There are SO.MANY.GROUPS. The private groups are closed or secret, the
public groups still require you to be accepted, but it’s a fairly simple
process. It started out with your basic posts, and new items will show up in
your news feed and you comment and private message the seller to purchase. They’ve
included a “selling” feature now in these groups, ostensibly to make things
easier. Whichever option you use (“for sale” or general posting), members will
comment or message you to purchase. This is a decent feature as you have a
basic idea of who you are dealing with. Most of them are community based, so
you may even recognize your neighbor. You can also screen-shot their profile
page and send it to a friend before meeting with someone (just in case).<o:p></o:p></div>
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The response rate on the Facebook groups was very good when
they first started out, and in some markets it still can be. Facebooks newest
acquisition, Instagram, has been a budding venue for private sales and boutique
shops. It’s still in it’s infancy for this type of thing, but if you have a lot
of local followers, you can certainly post your items and people can respond. I’ve
sold a few items that way, but my followers are not primarily local, your
mileage may vary.<o:p></o:p></div>
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But enter now the apps. Close5, Wallapop, OfferUp just to
name a few. With these apps you will post directly and most of them have
options to enter private conversations so that your meet-up location or contact
information is kept private between buyer and seller. They are location-based,
so you can post and search within a defined radius of your current location.
Often the search feature is limited to your current location and the
pre-determined radius you search (generally 5-20 miles), but I’ve noticed a new
feature that you can post either your current location, or enter a different
one, when setting up your post. That’s convenient if, for some reason, you
decide to post something when you’re out on vacation or just out of your
neighborhood. They offer good search features for buyers, simple posting
features for sellers, and instant notifications so that your buyer’s messages
don’t get lost in your spam trap (a la Craigslist anonymized emails) or that
mysterious “others” folder (Facebook). The notifications aren’t perfect, so
check the app periodically as one might be there and you didn’t get the visual
or audio prompt. The posting is simple and straightforward. You can literally
post an item as fast as you can take a picture. Easy-peasy.<o:p></o:p></div>
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My personal experience is that these new apps offer faster
responses and I’ve, quite frankly, made far more sales through the apps than
the Facebook or Craigslist posts. Be prepared to haggle though, some apps, I’ve
noticed, have a higher propensity for hagglers than others. Now this could be
location-based as well. I will have to update this after my move. And the
scammers are entering the apps as well. I’ve already encountered one on
Wallapop, though so far that’s the only one.<o:p></o:p></div>
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I have bought and sold many items on EBay, Craigslist and
Facebook groups. My experience has been varied, but generally quite pleasant. I’ve
never had a difficulty, and for the longest while, items sold fairly rapidly.
After noticing a significant slow down of responses, I downloaded Close5 a few
months ago and I had a sale in the first 5 minutes. No kidding. And they picked
it up within the hour. Most of my items have sold through Close5 recently,
though I keep the postings live on all of the above-mentioned sites (except
EBay, I’m taking a break from them for now). <o:p></o:p></div>
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I recently downloaded Wallapop, and had offers the first day.
Insulting low-ball offers, but offers nonetheless. Oh, and that scammer. So
far, Wallapop is a nice app, but in my current market, I’ve only received a
bunch of really low-ball offers (less than half the price I’ve posted it). Now
I post my items a <i>little</i> high because
I know I will get offers for less, and everyone wants a bargain so if I come
down a bit, we’re both happy. But offers of $15 for a $50 item – yeah right. <o:p></o:p></div>
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OfferUp is my latest download, and within the first hour I
had 2 sales pending pickup. The offers came it a bit low, but not as insulting
as the Wallapop offers, so I accepted. <o:p></o:p></div>
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Now my current order of preference for resale is this:<o:p></o:p></div>
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<b>Close5</b> – Simple, easy to use, up to 4 photos per item, good response
rate. It’s #1 for me because of the response rate, not the specific app
features. Reason is, you can’t enter private conversation mode until after you’ve
accepted the offer – and then your item is off-market, so if it falls though
you have to re-list. Re-listing is a one-click procedure, but you may have lost
a potential sale dealing with someone who flaked on you. Also, editing your
post is sketchy. You can edit the text at any time, but you can’t edit photos –
you’re stuck with whatever you put up. All comments are public, and you can’t
delete them once you’ve hit ‘send’.<o:p></o:p></div>
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<b>OfferUp</b> – Simple, easy to use, only one photo per item, conversations are
private, accepting an offer doesn’t take your item off-line. You can have
multiple private conversations on a single item. Nice ka-ching sound when you
have a message. Once an offer is made, it shows up with the picture of the best offer (visible, I believe, only to you), so you can still keep it listed as you ponder your offers. You can also use the web version, this one I've noticed has a fully functional web interface, while the others are app-centric.<o:p></o:p></div>
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<b>Wallapop</b> - Simple, easy to use, up to 4 photos per item. Editing your
post is simple, and you can edit either the photos or the text. Biggest
complaint I have at the moment is the low-ballers and scammers. The jury is
still out on this one, but I’m still using it for now.<o:p></o:p></div>
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<b>Facebook Groups</b> – Facebook is flooded with these, and their algorithms
are ever-changing, so sometimes you see things and sometimes you don’t. It’s
still a good place to cross-post your items, but I wouldn’t count on it to sell
items quickly.<o:p></o:p></div>
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<b>Craigslist</b> – Oh Craigslist, still the go-to for many people, especially
in large markets. If you’re in a small town you will have difficulty finding
buyers and sellers. Many will post in the one for the nearest metro center, and
if you’re in between a few, you’ll have to go ahead and post in a few of them.
#smalltownproblems. Just keep checking your spam folder. <o:p></o:p></div>
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For all of these: Meet in a public place (hard to do with large items,
but you get the idea). Preferably meet during daytime hours. Never give out your personal information. Consider
getting a google voice number or some other private phone number for
texting/calling.<o:p></o:p></div>
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Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16982600333479042378noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2221783413440357480.post-57063479399534388612015-07-21T11:44:00.000-07:002015-07-21T11:44:16.248-07:00Employee vs Business Owner Mentality<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: Helvetica Neue, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><b><u>Employee or Business Owner - Which are you?</u></b></span></div>
<span style="font-family: Helvetica Neue, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: Helvetica Neue, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Honestly, the vast majority of us fall somewhere in between, but there is a distinct difference. In our entrepreneurial society, many people want to own their own business, but do they truly have the mentality for it? If you do, you have that mentality whether you are working for yourself or working for someone else. I hear it said all the time, "it would be different if it were my own business." I doubt that.</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Helvetica Neue, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: Helvetica Neue, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><u>Here are some classic traits of an Employee Mentality:</u></span><br />
<ul style="font-size: 16px; line-height: 24px;">
<li style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: Open Sans, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">I work for a paycheck - period</span><span style="font-family: Helvetica Neue, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">.</span></li>
<li style="font-family: 'Open Sans', Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; text-align: left;">I do not give more than I have to, otherwise the company will take advantage of me.</li>
<li style="font-family: 'Open Sans', Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; text-align: left;">They are lucky to have me.</li>
<li style="font-family: 'Open Sans', Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; text-align: left;">They owe me because I work here; because they need me; because I'm better qualified; because, because, because, because, because...</li>
<li style="font-family: 'Open Sans', Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; text-align: left;">I only do what is in my job description.</li>
<li style="font-family: 'Open Sans', Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; text-align: left;">I only work the hours assigned. I will work overtime only when it suits me (and when I need the extra money).</li>
<li style="font-family: 'Open Sans', Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; text-align: left;">I do not like change. We've always done (or we tried that before) and there's no reason to change.</li>
</ul>
<div>
<span style="font-family: Open Sans, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><span style="line-height: 24px;"><u>Now look at the traits of a Business Owner Mentality</u></span></span></div>
<div>
<ul style="font-family: 'Open Sans', Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: 16px; line-height: 24px;">
<li style="text-align: left;">I work for the good of the business.</li>
<li style="text-align: left;">I give everything I have in order to grow the company.</li>
<li style="text-align: left;">I am lucky to have this opportunity.</li>
<li style="text-align: left;">I only receive the benefits of my effort, if I want more I have to work for it.</li>
<li style="text-align: left;">I do what is needed, regardless of my job description.</li>
<li style="text-align: left;">I work the hours necessary to complete the task, even if the overtime is an inconvenience.</li>
<li style="text-align: left;">I am open to change. I think outside the box and consider all options, whether we've tried it before or not, traditional or not, I am always looking to improve. </li>
</ul>
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<span style="font-family: Open Sans, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><span style="line-height: 24px;">Now, we all want and need our paycheck, and we are all working for that but for the employee, that is where it begins and ends. For the business owner, the money is the reward, not the substance. It is the end result of countless hours of effort, often uncompensated effort.</span></span></div>
</div>
<div>
<span style="font-family: Open Sans, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><span style="line-height: 24px;"><br /></span></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Open Sans, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><span style="line-height: 24px;">Are you willing to do what it takes to grow your business? Great! </span></span></div>
<div>
<span style="font-family: Open Sans, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><span style="line-height: 24px;"><br /></span></span></div>
<div>
<span style="font-family: Open Sans, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><span style="line-height: 24px;">Are you still working for someone else? Hone those skills where you are, because if you're going to start your own business, it's better to take those fully developed skills into your new venture rather than try and flex those weak muscles when you branch out on your own.</span></span></div>
<div>
<span style="font-family: Open Sans, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><span style="line-height: 24px;"><br /></span></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Open Sans, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><span style="line-height: 24px;">Never plan to have your own business? Have an "Owner" mentality anyway, you will be the most valued employee in the company. Rewards follow. </span></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Open Sans, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><span style="line-height: 24px;"><br /></span></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Open Sans, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><span style="line-height: 24px;"><br /></span></span></div>
Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16982600333479042378noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2221783413440357480.post-12200243652052054192015-03-31T09:23:00.001-07:002015-03-31T09:23:09.505-07:00New Balance 1080v3 Review So, I waited until I retired these to do a review. This isn't a comprehensive review, but it does cover my overall impressions and comparisons about this particular shoe.<br />
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I keep trying to have a couple of different brands in my rotation, and <a href="http://www.newbalance.com/">New Balance</a> is, mostly, US made so I was feeling very patriotic and bought these on my last trip to <a href="http://www.roadrunnersports.com/" target="_blank">Roadrunner Sports</a>. I also have another pair of New Balance 1400s in my rotation, more on those another time.<br />
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First off, on the my initial treadmill run at the store I noticed that the shoe had great cushioning, comparable to what I expect from my Brooks Glycerin, and even better than I experienced with the Asics Gel Nimbus 13, at first blush that is. I really need the cushioning as I primarily run on pavement, so my shoes take quite a bit of abuse and without significant cushioning, so would my joints.<br />
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I have been running in my <a href="http://brooksrunning.com/" target="_blank">Brooks Glycerin 9s</a> for some time now, and they have been my absolute favorites, easily beating out Nike & Asics.<br />
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These shoes have decent ventilation, and remain comfortable throughout my regular 3-5 mile runs. I didn't use them for anything longer. The mesh upper breathes well, though not as well as Brooks, but still it's fine.<br />
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They also have a decent heel drop, which is important for me as it helps with my arch support and weak ankles. Not too high, but just enough for the support I need.<br />
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On the treadmill, they were amazing and the midsole was both comfortably cushioned and responsive. On pavement, well, a bit less so, but the cushioning was great and absorbed a good amount of the shock from running on pavement. <br />
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No heel slippage for me on these, so no need for the runner's knot I had to use for my Asics. A small thing, but a welcome change. The laces are a bit long, so that does require a double know just to keep from tripping over them down the road.<br />
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The insole is comfortable enough and the shoe is sufficiently supportive that I can run with or without my orthotics for the first few miles, but that required a change later on.<br />
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Honestly I really wanted to love these shoes. I love the company's commitment to domestic products and I like a lot of things about them. However, they just don't stand up to my mileage test.<br />
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For the first 200 miles, they were just great! The cushioning remained strong and I had no complaints. From 200-300 miles, things started to slowly feel different. The cushioning was there, but not great. As an older runner, who primarily runs on pavement, I tend to notice this fairly quickly. Still, they held up well all the way to 300 miles. That said, in a neutral plus shoe, I have a commitment to getting 500 miles...I'm determined that way.<br />
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At 350 miles I had to make some changes, and replaced out my orthotics with the standard insole, which honestly made a difference for the next 50 or so miles. I added a sports gel insert to ride above that to get from 400-500 miles. I was committed to getting the 500 miles, and it can be done, I just had to be a bit more creative.<br />
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Honestly, 500 miles is hard for any shoe, especially if you primarily run on concrete. Still, I can get there easier with Brooks than any other shoe I've tried so far.<br />
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When all is said and done, The New Balance 1080v3 is a fine shoe. The cushioning and support is good, and it holds up just fine all the way to 350 miles. After that, if you have a commitment to getting up to 500 miles, you will need to be creative about it. All in all I like them better than Asics (even though I got to 400 before having to get creative with them) but not better than Brooks.<br />
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Can't wait to test out the Glycerin 11s and , oh I don't know, maybe some Saucony or Newtons on the next round...Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16982600333479042378noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2221783413440357480.post-76705001547967478592015-03-24T15:36:00.001-07:002015-03-24T15:36:20.325-07:00Rebranding ProgressThanks everyone for sticking with us during this rebranding process! Wired Coast, and you can read about it <a href="http://wiredcoast.blogspot.com/">here</a>, will now have it's own blog and this one will return to our original focus that involves Micro-Enterprise Support, Legal, Non-Profits, and Health & Fitness. Wow, that's more than enough for one little blog!<br />
<br />
To help you navigate, this main page will have all of your Health & Fitness related posts, as well as wonderful posts from some of our guest authors!<br />
<br />
The pages listed include our Non Profit Division and Legal Division. You will find specific posts related to those divisions over there. Micro-Enterprise will be featured here until it needs it's own page.<br />
<br />
Thanks again for all your patience as we continue to grow!Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16982600333479042378noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2221783413440357480.post-43300293179000921362015-03-10T08:48:00.005-07:002015-03-10T09:48:14.671-07:00New DirectionsFrom these last few posts, you can see I'm slowly rolling out my latest venture, <a href="http://www.wiredcoast.com/">Wired Coast.</a><br />
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Wired Coast offers unique upcycled and repurposed items, starting with jewelry, that includes wire wrapped beach stones, wire wrapped seashells, wine cork jewelry, and uniquely fabulous creations from Nespresso capsules.<br />
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Products are rolled out slowly, and will be announced on our social media sites prior to being listed on Etsy. You can shop the Etsy site from the sidebar or the link below. Additional products are rolled out on the Square Store (link below) as well.<br />
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Like Wired Coast on <a href="http://facebook.com/wiredcoast">Facebook</a> for updates and contests.<br />
Check out <a href="http://instagram.com/wired_coast">Instagram</a> for a like & share contest to win a free wine cork keychain.<br />
Get real-time updates on new product listings on <a href="http://twitter.com/wiredcoast">Twitte</a>r<br />
Surf around the always fabulous <a href="http://pinterest.com/wiredcoast">Pinterest</a> for listings and a peek into what inspires me<br />
Check out our ever-developing <a href="http://wiredcoast.com/">Website</a> & sign up for our newsletter for exclusive specials & coupon codes.<br />
Go see items exclusive to the <a href="http://mkt.com/wiredcoast">Square Store</a>, which also includes inventory close out and resale items.<br />
And of course, our main storefront is right here on <a href="http://wiredcoast.etsy.com/">Etsy</a><br />
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<i>Consulting Services and Micro-Enterprise support are still offered over at <a href="http://partnershipforchange.org/">Partnership for Change</a>, and please contact me there for consulting services or partnership opportunities. </i>Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16982600333479042378noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2221783413440357480.post-55922240506340856762015-02-14T08:05:00.000-08:002015-02-14T08:05:04.008-08:00Nespresso Collection<div class="separator" style="clear: both;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi47aX6waAf0TjHw68TTbqPyhadpSp5_reuqKnziB_iSVhDYiHFaGGxhHuEGo4ysDxnF-h-sLkyuffjh6Vf3KhUaFboxwZEUC7JrssIZ3zimwATA5U7XyBkNKPORfDx9UMJbPJtiICYTzqs/s640/blogger-image-1211572145.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi47aX6waAf0TjHw68TTbqPyhadpSp5_reuqKnziB_iSVhDYiHFaGGxhHuEGo4ysDxnF-h-sLkyuffjh6Vf3KhUaFboxwZEUC7JrssIZ3zimwATA5U7XyBkNKPORfDx9UMJbPJtiICYTzqs/s640/blogger-image-1211572145.jpg" /></a></div>
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The Nespresso Collection is a line of jewelry created from repurposed Nespresso capsules for the fashion-forward, environmentally conscious and is available now at the <a href="http://wiredcoast.etsy.com/" target="_blank">Etsy</a> store.<br />
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<a href="http://facebook.com/wiredcoast">Facebook</a> and <a href="http://instagram.com/Wired_Coast">Instagram</a><br />
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Check out Facebook and Instagram for early previews, contests & specials. </div>
Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16982600333479042378noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2221783413440357480.post-37614111107670644612015-01-22T14:02:00.001-08:002015-01-24T19:19:49.273-08:00Seashell CollectionThe seashell collection is now available at http://wiredcoast.etsy.com/<br />
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Here's a little preview but surf over & check out other items!</div>
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There's still 9 days left in the "All About You" Jewelry Contest! You'll find all the details at http://Facebook.com/Wiredcoast/</div>
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Plenty of time to enter, vote & win!</div>
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Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16982600333479042378noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2221783413440357480.post-32731057202879628102015-01-09T15:27:00.001-08:002015-01-24T19:20:11.445-08:00Introductory CollectionThe Introductory Collection from Wired Coast is now available for sale exclusively at the WIN store in Chestertown, MD. For details on this store and the non profit it supports, surf over to http://shopnifty.com<br />
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Happy Shopping!</div>
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Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16982600333479042378noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2221783413440357480.post-43113527108383753172015-01-01T20:25:00.001-08:002015-01-24T19:19:15.859-08:00"All About You" Jewelry Contest<div>
"All About You" Jewelry Contest:</div>
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Here's what you can win: a handmade ring from the Coronado Collection. It's all about you, so if you win, you get to pick the ring. Swing over to http://WiredCoast.Etsy.com for sizes and descriptions.</div>
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Here are the rules:</div>
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1) Like this page: <a href="http://facebook.com/wiredcoast" target="_blank">Wired Coast</a></div>
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2) Post a selfie. </div>
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3) Share the <a href="http://facebook.com/wiredcoast" target="_blank">Wired Coast</a> page. </div>
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4) Ask your friends to like the page and vote for your pic</div>
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5) The pic with the most votes wins.</div>
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***Optional: Join and Share the event associated with it***</div>
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Contest extended through January! Plenty of time to enter and win!</div>
Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16982600333479042378noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2221783413440357480.post-2093315813001525542015-01-01T08:32:00.000-08:002015-01-01T08:32:08.314-08:00Happy New Year!Happy New Year!<br />
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We will hear and say that all day today, and likely for the rest of the week. While, in truth, it's just another day, for most, it's a time of introspection, reflection, goal setting and the oh-so-(in)famous resolutions. Oh, every day is a new start, and we could make life changes at any time, but there seems to be something about changing the year on the calendar that makes us want to reflect and dig our heels in. Gym memberships will rise. People will flock in and either sign up or start using those memberships they let sit for most of the previous year. People will start diets, quit smoking, resolve to spend more time with family and less time at work. Any number of "resolutions" with the goal of becoming the person we want to be.<br />
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Unfortunately, for many these resolutions will fall by the way-side before the end of the month. For some, before the end of the week. Sometimes because it's not a goal, but merely a wish. If you're making resolutions today, change them to goals. Make a plan. Write it down. Tell people about it. Begin execution. Hold yourself accountable. Find someone, or a few someones, to help hold you accountable. Let 2015 be your best year yet!<br />
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What are your goals for this year? How will you make it happen?<br />
<br />Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16982600333479042378noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2221783413440357480.post-26787203927387297442014-11-28T10:39:00.002-08:002014-12-30T07:27:42.493-08:00News and UpdatesUPDATE: Check out the updated review of Web Storefronts.<br />
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Ebates has a new referral bonus and a $10,000 sweepstakes. <a href="http://www.ebates.com/rf.do?referrerid=WWieh1xVH6EOEh%2FhTXjFAg%3D%3D&eeid=26471" target="_blank">Click here</a> to sign up and shop at your usual stores and get cash back for everything you buy for the holidays and all year long.<br />
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You will notice an Ebates link on the front page. I've heard about them for quite awhile and just decided to give it a try. This year on Black Friday they are offering Double Cash Back. If you're inclined to shop online, click on the link and give it a try. It's free and you could get a little extra shopping money:<br />
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<a href="http://www.ebates.com/rf.do?referrerid=WWieh1xVH6EOEh%2FhTXjFAg%3D%3D" target="_blank"><img alt="Ebates Coupons and Cash Back" border="0" src="http://www.ebates.com/referral/2012/global_files/images/ebates_logo.png" height="31" width="171" /></a><br />
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Here's another unique one that caught me by surprise. A Bank offering a Black Friday Special? Sure is: <a href="https://home.capitalone360.com/referafriend?save=HDDrT6MqJX%24F" target="_blank">CapitolOne360</a> has Referral Specials, New Account Specials and lots more going on over there. How about opening an account and getting some cash back! Hurry, it's only available for 4 days. </div>
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2014 will mark the end of our partnership with Avon. You will notice that the link to the storefront is gone. While they are a great company, it is just no longer the best fit for our purposes. If you love their products, and I do love some of them, please contact a local representative and help support their efforts. Upcoming partnerships and business expansions will be announced as they develop. </div>
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There are lots of specials out there today. Be safe.</div>
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Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16982600333479042378noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2221783413440357480.post-22986495486309030842014-10-29T15:14:00.003-07:002015-03-25T07:06:19.849-07:00Selling Online: Web Storefronts UPDATEDThere are lots of online store options now. Some free, some not-so-free. I like free, so I will be checking out a few of them over the next few months. Stay tuned for updates.<br />
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I do limited credit card transactions, so I'm using the PayPal Here and Square Card Reader apps for the few sales that require it. <b><u>Square</u></b> has launched a free online store, well, not completely free since it's subject to their 2.75% transaction fee for all sales, but free enough. <b>Etsy</b> also has a similar pay-as-you-go deal. I'll give them a shot later on.<br />
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For now, I'm starting out with Square and will provide an update as things go along.<br />
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Setup was fairly simple, and categories are easy to establish. Photos are easy to upload, and it seems straightforward enough. You can set taxable and nontaxable items, I've even uploaded some yard sale items just because.<br />
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You can customize your web address, and there are promotional links for each item that you post and a nice script to enter on your website. For now, I'll just give you the direct link: <span style="background-color: white; color: #292f33; font-family: 'Helvetica Neue', Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 14px; line-height: 18px;"> <a href="http://mkt.com/wiredcoast/">http://mkt.com/wiredcoast/</a></span><br />
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Square has a new promotional offer, sign up through a referral link and get the first $1,000 in transactions free. Much like Dropbox's free space for referrals, both parties will get the free transaction bonus, so if you want to try Square for your online or offline business, click <a href="https://squareup.com/i/F8508016" target="_blank">here</a> and get some free transactions.<br />
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Square has limited web analytics, and less SEO optimization apparently as I have seen very little traffic, despite my use of social media promotions. I used the same promotions for my Etsy store and had significant traffic. Well, significant compared to the limited traffic on Square. I started with different content on Square, but that doesn't really account for the drastic difference in traffic. I'll keep plugging away at it, but for now, Etsy wins in the marketing department.<br />
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UPDATE 1/24/15: Square also doesn't really allow for digital downloads. You can set up an item so that you can email or send a link to another site for downloading, but you can't do an "instant download", at least not yet.<br />
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<b><u>Etsy</u></b> has a new app for managing your store. Now, I haven't opened my Etsy store yet, but it looks promising. For now you can't create a store with the app, but you can manage one. Looks like store creation in the app is a "coming soon" feature. With many people using phones & tablets for their primary internet experience, that will be a positive change in their app and burgeoning web presence.<br />
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I did open an Etsy shop, which was super easy. Once you open the shop by listing a single item, you can then add to or manage existing listings through the app. Since most of my photos were on my phone, this worked great! Etsy has a powerful search engine and great web stats as part of their service. I've noticed significant web traffic that outpaced my own social media promotion. This is a great way to get your products noticed! No sales yet, but lots of interest...and it's been less than a month. Take a look here: <a href="http://wirecoast.etsy.com/">http://wirecoast.etsy.com/</a><br />
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UPDATE 1/24/15: Etsy allows for digital downloads, which is completely awesome! The 20c listing fee applies to the listing no matter whether you list it to sell one item or 1,000. The listing will need to be renewed when you sell out of the quantity you list or in 4 months, whichever is first. You will also incur an new 20c re-listing fee every time something sells (if you are selling multiples under a single listing). So, in essence, what you are saving by listing multiples under a single heading is the listing fee for unsold items. That's a help if things stay on your site for awhile before selling out.<br />
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Keep checking this page for updates as I work on this and other sitesAnonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16982600333479042378noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2221783413440357480.post-29543147774804648482014-10-03T14:37:00.001-07:002014-10-03T14:37:43.443-07:00Casino Gambling<span class="Apple-style-span" style="border-collapse: separate; border-spacing: 0px;"><span style="font-family: Times New Roman, serif;"><i>Some truly relevant insights on gambling from contributing author Tucker Hoog. </i></span></span><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="border-collapse: separate; border-spacing: 0px; font-family: Helvetica;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Times New Roman', serif; font-size: 16px;"><br /></span></span>
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="border-collapse: separate; border-spacing: 0px; font-family: Helvetica;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Times New Roman', serif; font-size: 16px;"><i>[Addresee's name withheld]</i></span></span><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="border-collapse: separate; border-spacing: 0px; font-family: Helvetica;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Times New Roman', serif; font-size: 16px;"><br />My name is Tucker Hoog. I called the UCLA Gambling Studies Program today to try and get answers to two questions and they told me I should e-mail you. I’m very interested in casinos, what people say about them, and how people view them. I’m sure I’m not going to say anything you don’t already know, and I can go on about this stuff forever, so please bare with me.<br /><br />My first question is are casinos comparable to bars? I see many people say things like “Much like the alcoholic has to live in a world filled with bars and liquor stores, the gambling addict has to find a way to maintain control in a world of casinos and race tracks.” Steven Hart, who used to be President of the Illinois Council on Problem Gambling said that. Other people say “casinos don’t cause gambling addiction anymore than a bar creates alcoholics.” I know there are addicts in both a bar and a casino. But a bar doesn’t do anything to encourage alcoholics (other than happy hour). A casino will send offers for free play, hotel rooms, and food. They actively reward you for playing longer and with more money. A bar does not give you anything for drinking more beers in a shorter time frame. A bar doesn’t make outrageous claims with their advertisements like casinos do by saying how many millions they have paid out or “you can’t lose.” The most a bar promises is a fun night at a cost. The casinos present themselves as life changing, harmless, almost free entertainment and it’s ironic that they’ve cost so many people so much. I’ve seen many people get thrown out of a casino and to my knowledge the casino is never investigated. After a few fights happen in a bar that bar is shut down for a time period. I feel like bars are socially acceptable. So when people compare casinos to bars they are trying to push casinos as a socially acceptable form of entertainment. People are also addicted to nicotine, caffeine, heroin, and cocaine, but casinos are never compared to those industries. I understand that people get addicted to both but we treat alcohol and casinos very differently as a society.<br /><br />My second question is is there anything inherently dangerous about casinos? As a society we make it common knowledge that alcohol, tobacco, drugs, too much sugar, too many calories, etc, comes with risks. The substance is dangerous, and the user needs to be informed. Every alcohol and tobacco container comes with a health warning. Food is labeled with nutritional information. Casinos, on the other hand, are always assumed to be safe and the user is assumed to be dangerous. There is no product information in casinos. There are no warnings. They list the signs and symptoms of being a problem gambler and put a big “IF” in front of that list and ask the sick person to self diagnose. No alcohol or tobacco product lists the signs and symptoms of drinking too much or cancer or liver disease. The casinos don’t even put that list on the product. It’s usually at the entrance and exit to a casino.<br /><br />Thank you for taking the time to read and consider what I wrote. Anything you say would be greatly appreciated. Thank you for the work you do at the UCLA Gambling Studies Program.<br /><br />V/R<br /><br />Tucker C. Hoog </span></span>Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16982600333479042378noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2221783413440357480.post-10150355948277245452014-08-07T16:19:00.001-07:002014-08-07T16:34:23.405-07:00Review: Nike Studio WrapsI've seen the <a href="http://store.nike.com/us/en_us/pw/womens-studio-classes-training-shoes/7ptZc7qZbrkZ9hk?cp=usns_kw_AL!1778!3!43360653662!e!!g!nike%20studio%20wrap" target="_blank">Nike Studio Wrap</a> for awhile now, and I have to say I've been intrigued since they first came out. I always do my Pilates, Barre, Yoga & PiYo workouts barefoot, and I like it that way and understand the benefits, but these shoes are just adorable and I've been wanting to try them so I finally carted myself down to the Nike Outlet Store and picked up the full 3-piece set, called The Wrap Pack.<br />
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<u><b>Style:</b></u><b> </b>First off, they are just cute. You can wear them any number of ways, and none of them are a bad look. The options at the outlet were minimal, so I went with the basic black. Always a classic, so I'm sure I'll get plenty of use out of them.<br />
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<u><b>Comfort:</b></u><b> </b>Well, comfort is subjective, and also subject to use. For just wearing around the house, they are quite comfortable. For sports-specific use, I have varying levels of comfort and suitability opinions. The piece in between my toes bothers me for certain things, but I'm not a fan of toe socks, vibrams, or anything else wedged in between my toes. That's a personal preference, your opinion may vary wildly based upon whether this bothers you or not.<br />
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<u><b>Gym Use:</b></u> I didn't feel there was sufficient support for use at the gym. Not for weight training or even for the elliptical. I made it through my workout just fine, but I just didn't feel it was suited for that. Now, to be fair, that's not the target market, but I wanted to give it a try nonetheless.<br />
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<u><b>Home Workout:</b></u><b> </b>For this I tried home-based step aerobics, some dance aerobics, resistance band exercises and general bodyweight work. Either the wrap with the outer sole, or any combination you're comfortable with, works great for these workouts. My step (The Firm Wave) is a little hard on bare feet, so the outer sole, with or without the inner wrap, was a welcome change. I just don't like wearing shoes for home workouts in general, even though I sometimes need them, so these really filled the gap. Enough support without being bulky.<br />
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<u><b>Pilates, Yoga & Barre:</b></u><b> </b>For Pilates, I primarily do mat work and the occasional Pilates Chair. For Yoga, it's your basic moves at home and not in a studio setting or hot yoga (well, at least not yet anyway). Barre work is using a home Fluidity barre, but I think this experience would translate well to a studio barre class. For this I used just the basic wrap (and sometimes the ribbons) and I found it to work quite well. There's enough traction to help hold a pose without adding to any bulk. It's completely flexible, comfortable and doesn't bother me too much. I like barefoot as well or better just because of the whole thing-between-my-toes issue, but if you're not home and don't want to be completely barefoot, they're a great choice. If you just want your feet to look all cute and complete an outfit - also a good choice. The outer sole for going to and from a studio is a really nice feature too. <br />
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<b><u>PiYo:</u> </b>As a PiYo instructor, this was the reason I purchased them. PiYo is a unique format utilizing Pilates & Yoga-inspired moves with other bodyweight exercises for total strength & flexibility conditioning. Now you would think that my experience using these for the other types of workouts would be similar, but not really. PiYo is unique, and you move through the various poses rather quickly, which is why I just did not care for these shoes for PiYo. The first half of the lesson, they're fine. From the warm-up through to the Power section, either the wraps alone or even using the outer sole works just fine. There's a lot of standing work, lunges, things like that where they work very well. But once we move into the Flow section, even sooner on certain lessons, where there's a lot of movement through low lunges, warrior poses and such, there's a little too much traction which slows me down, and then it starts to pull in between my toes and I want to rip them off and throw them across the room...which I did. Now if toe socks and toe shoes are your thing, or at least don't irritate the living daylights out of you, you may love these for PiYo as well. I didn't.<br />
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<b><u>Everyday:</u></b> These shoes do have a practical component as well. The outer flat is functional for daily casual wear. You can even throw them in your purse for walking commutes. I plan on wearing them on my next flight, which hopefully means less drama with TSA. Maybe they won't make me take off the inner wrap during screening. One can hope anyway. Why would I wear a studio wrap for air travel? Oh why not! Like I said, they're cute!<br />
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<u><b>Sizing:</b></u> Here is where it gets difficult, and where I think you would benefit from a trip to a store to go try them on, especially if you are anywhere in between their rather broad sizing categories. For example, I wear a 7 in street shoes, 8 in running shoes. Now their small goes from 6-7.5, Medium 7.5-9. Since I fall right in the middle, and many of you might, a trip to the store, if one is close, is wise. I ended up purchasing the size 8 Wrap Pack and that translated to a Medium in the inner wrap. The small is tight, but not horribly so, and the medium is fine, and at the end of a long day my feet might appreciate the 8, though to be honest the 7.5 outer would've been fine it just wasn't an option with the Medium inner wrap. If they stretch out, as some have said, it could be an issue, but for now and for me, I recommend going with your running shoe size or at least sizing up 1/2 size from your street shoe. Of course, I recommend going into a store and trying them on and comparing if you are in between. Even if you don't purchase in the store, it's still good to go and be certain which size to order so that you aren't playing return-roulette trying to find your perfect fit.<br />
<br />
<u><b>Price:</b></u> The Wrap alone will run you anywhere from $30-$60 depending on where you
can find them and which color selection you choose. The Wrap Pack is
$50 at the Outlet for whatever they have in stock, and varying prices on
websites that go all the way up to $160 for the Premium Wrap Pack on
Nike's site. I picked mine up at the Outlet store for the not-so-bargain price of $49.95. Well, it is quite the bargain to the I-can't-believe-it price of $160 on the Nike website (granted that's for the premium leather version but still. Honestly, I think Nike took a page from Lululemon and others who think that those of us who take mind/body classes are missing that part of our mind that deals with practical finances, but hey, they are cute :)<br />
<br />
<u><b>ETC:</b></u> I wish there were more mix & match options. For now you can only buy the inner Wrap or the full set (Wrap Pack). It would be nice to be able to purchase additional ribbons or outer soles separately so that you can change up your style without having to purchase multiple sets. I'm not a huge fan of these shoes, but for more options I could become one. Hey Nike, did you hear that? <br />
<br />Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16982600333479042378noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2221783413440357480.post-85210021142891303412014-03-16T12:21:00.000-07:002014-03-16T12:21:00.100-07:00Take Care of Yourself<div class="MsoNormal">
<i>By contributing author </i><i><a href="http://stefaniestolinskyphd.com/" target="_blank">Stefanie Stolinsky, Ph.D</a></i></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<i><br /></i></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
We are at least partly responsible for our own health. So
many things can go wrong that are out of our control; diseases that no one has
been able to help or cure, accidents we didn’t see coming, betrayals we didn’t
see coming. But we need to do what we can to prevent it all.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Like gambling, where you get only one
chance to bet or scrape for a card (in “21”), we can’t afford to make mistakes
that cannot be taken back.</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="mso-tab-count: 1;"> </span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
My
brother died three weeks ago. We weren’t close and I saw him and spoke to him
maybe once or twice a year.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Long
ago, my brother decided to leave whatever family he had and join the Church of
Scientology where he found not only new friends, but also made them his family.</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="mso-tab-count: 1;"> </span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
When
he got sick, fifteen months ago with terminal Stage four prostate cancer, he
never called me, his only sister, to tell me, to ask my advice (my husband is
an oncologist/hematologist with boards in both), he decided to work it his
way.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Not that that would have
changed anything at all, but he knew that something that serious should be
treated aggressively.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Instead, he
decided on only “natural” ingredients and decried Kaiser’s attempt to treat him
with by-the-book medications. Instead, he took off for Europe and “alternative”
therapy which consisted of Oxygen therapy.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>He lost two months of medicine doing that, and decided,
apparently, all this is from a third person---his friend and confidante at
Scientology---to explore Europe, noteably Austria.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>He had a wonderful time, met wonderful people and really
enriched his life.</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="mso-tab-count: 1;"> </span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
When
he got home, he finally gave in to American medicine and his PSA plummeted from
395 (a huge figure) to 1, a figure my husband found hard to believe, but
nevertheless is in the files.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>My
brother was hopeful that he could lick the illness now and had told a friend he
planned to spend the year exercising and eating right and curing himself.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>The next few days, the metastases in
his brain invaded a blood vessel and he was dead.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>It is important to get your annual PSA and your mammogram
(each year or year and a half).</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="mso-tab-count: 1;"> </span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
My
brother lived a very happy and exciting life with the Scientologists, even
though it is not a belief of mine. They happened to be a great support for him.
He traveled in his work for them and was a very important member of their
publications department. He gave himself a life and enjoyed it.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Still, I think it is important to take
care of your health in any and every way you can.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Making sure you see doctors and dentists regularly and
getting whatever tests we do have to stem the tide of serious illness.</div>
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<span style="mso-tab-count: 1;"> </span></div>
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Maybe
this would have happened anyway in exactly the way it happened, but maybe he
would have bought himself much more time by going the normal route of accepted
medical treatment. Maybe going around Austria and Hungary was the most exciting
and positive thing a seriously ill person could do rather than suffering the
exhaustion and depression of chemotherapy. But informed consent and a clear
understanding of what you can do to extend your life is the best way you can
give back to God and to yourself.</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
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<i>*****Stefanie Stolinsky, Ph.D. is a licensed clinical and
forensic psychologist with a private practice in Beverly Hills.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>She specializes in treating and
evaluating trauma, adults sexually, physically and emotionally abused as
children, and PTSD as well as evaluating neuropsychological functioning.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>She is an international speaker and has
taught training seminars in overcoming the aftereffects of child abuse. She has
also taught licensing examinations to candidates for both marriage, family and
child counseling and for the psychology licenses.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Dr. Stolinsky is a QME who evaluates workers’ comp cases
including depression, anxiety, traumatic brain injury and personal
injuries.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Her book, <a href="http://stefaniestolinskyphd.com/act-it-out/" target="_blank">ACT IT OUT</a>: 25
Acting Exercises to Heal from Childhood Abuse,” was first published by New
Harbinger Publications, Inc. and was a best seller for nine years.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Recently, a second edition of the book
was published by Praeclarus Press.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>In it, Dr. Stolinsky describes her unique method, developed at UCLA, for
working with the aftereffects of child abuse. In this therapy she helps
survivors combine acting exercises with psychodynamic psychotherapy to help
them overcome the aftereffects of abuse.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>Dr. Stolinsky lives with her husband in Los Angeles.</i></div>
Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16982600333479042378noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2221783413440357480.post-22393061295774609862014-03-01T13:10:00.000-08:002014-03-01T13:46:09.269-08:00Running App Review<span style="font-family: Verdana, Geneva, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">I previously compared Nike+GPS and Runkeeper and I'll include an update of those 2 apps. I've also tested the free version of Runmeter and Runtastic. I have been running with 2 apps (big battery drain) so that I can compare apps against each other. That, and Nike won't let me import anything and I'm not ready to give that app up just yet.</span><br>
<span style="font-family: Verdana, Geneva, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Android options are still beyond my experience, but assuming the core features are about the same, this is my experience.</span><br>
<br>
<div style="font-family: Helvetica;">
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Verdana, Geneva, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><br></span></div>
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Verdana, Geneva, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Helvetica;"><a href="http://nikerunning.com/">Nike+GPS</a> ($1.99) vs <a href="http://runkeper.com/">Runkeeper</a> (Free) vs <a href="http://www.runmeter.com/" target="_blank">Runmeter</a> (Free or $4.99 Pro Upgrade) vs <a href="http://www.runtastic.com/" target="_blank">Runtastic</a> (Free version or $4.99 Pro version)</span></span><br>
<div style="font-family: Helvetica;">
<br></div>
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Verdana, Geneva, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"></span><br>
<div style="font-family: Helvetica;">
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Verdana, Geneva, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Nike+GPS is available from the apple store for $1.99. It will coordinate with the Nike+iPod program if you've been using that application so all your runs will be available on your account. </span></div>
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Verdana, Geneva, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"></span><br>
<div style="font-family: Helvetica;">
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Verdana, Geneva, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><br></span></div>
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Verdana, Geneva, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">
</span>
<br>
<div>
<div style="font-family: Helvetica;">
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Verdana, Geneva, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Runkeeper is free from the apple store, and there is an Elite subscription for $19.99/year that gives you access to additional features such as advanced reporting & feedback options, discounts on fitness classes and live broadcasting of your runs.</span></div>
<div style="font-family: Helvetica;">
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Verdana, Geneva, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><br></span>
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Verdana, Geneva, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><b>Runmeter</b> now has a free version and a PRO upgrade for $4.99.</span></div>
<div style="font-family: Helvetica;">
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Verdana, Geneva, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">The free version is a highly stripped down version and, quite frankly, barely worth mentioning in a review, but I'll share a bit of my disappointing experience with this app.</span></div>
<div style="font-family: Helvetica;">
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Verdana, Geneva, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><br></span>
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Verdana, Geneva, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">There are tons of features, and I direct you to click on the link above and check it out. It's iPhone-centric, so no companion website. It also offers lots of connected social media features, and integration into iCal, which is the one feature that is missing from all these other apps.</span></div>
<div style="font-family: Helvetica;">
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Verdana, Geneva, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><br></span>
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Verdana, Geneva, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">I was so excited to see it had a free version and hopped right on it, but was deeply disappointed in what was available for free. Every time I went to try a feature, it was greyed out and only available in the PRO version. No audio cues, no integrated music, no sharing. It did allow me to save to my calendar - woohoo! At least they could offer a free 30-day option for the paid version, that would allow a true assessment of features. Unless and until a free trial of the pro version becomes available, I'm staying away from this one.</span></div>
<div style="font-family: Helvetica;">
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Verdana, Geneva, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><br></span>
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Verdana, Geneva, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><b>Runtastic</b> has a free and paid upgrade version for $4.99 as well.</span></div>
<div style="font-family: Helvetica;">
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Verdana, Geneva, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">I have to say, the free version is just as limited and annoying as Runmeter's free version, but with less features I'd care to pay for in an upgrade. Again with no audio cues, no integrated music, blah blah. There is some sharing with apps such as MyFitnessPal and social media sharing. There's also a companion website to track runs and download your data (nice if you want to import it elsewhere). </span></div>
<div style="font-family: Helvetica;">
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Verdana, Geneva, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><br></span>
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Verdana, Geneva, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">The GPS was a bit more accurate than Nike's, and allowed me to calibrate my Nike runs so that they're now virtually identical. That said, because of the stripped down functionality I nearly deleted it, then I got a coupon for a free upgrade - yay!</span></div>
<div style="font-family: Helvetica;">
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Verdana, Geneva, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><br></span>
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Verdana, Geneva, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">The paid version allows for all the features I've come to expect, such as audio cues, integrated music, training plans. There's also a live tracking option with cheers that I was excited to check out. I run alone very early in the morning and somewhere in the back of my mind I find it comforting that someone can track my last known location.</span></div>
<div style="font-family: Helvetica;">
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Verdana, Geneva, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><br></span>
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Verdana, Geneva, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">That said, I did find the live tracking disappointing. The 'cheering' is someone speaking something like 'I Like It' or whatever that I can barely hear when someone 'likes' your post. Maybe it tells me who said it, I can't tell because not only is it barely audible, but it's in such a muffled and creepy tone that the first time it happened I grabbed my mace, looked around, and kicked my run into high gear for a bit...NOT the type of motivation I'm seeking on an early morning run that's for sure! I wondered if it was a one-time glitch, so I tried the live tracking again - nope, that's actually the way it is. No thanks, I turned that off :(</span></div>
<div style="font-family: Helvetica;">
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Verdana, Geneva, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><br></span>
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Verdana, Geneva, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Nike+ offers actual cheers when someone likes the post. Wish I knew who was cheering, I have to wait until the end of my run to see, but still, better than creepy scare-cheers...eeek!</span></div>
<div style="font-family: Helvetica;">
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Verdana, Geneva, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><br></span>
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Verdana, Geneva, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Also, if you post the live tracking to your feed and then post at the end of your run, it's 2 separate posts. Nike will merge your start/finish posts into one, which I prefer..</span></div>
<div style="font-family: Helvetica;">
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Verdana, Geneva, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><br></span>
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Verdana, Geneva, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">If you're into using a companion website, this one has far more features than any of the others. You can see who's running/cycling/whatever in real time around the world, or near you. Pretty cool if you want to find new virtual friends, or stumble upon one of your actual friends that you didn't know used the app. Otherwise, it's not something I ever use.</span></div>
<div style="font-family: Helvetica;">
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Verdana, Geneva, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><br></span>
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Verdana, Geneva, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">You can also track multiple activities manually and still have them shared with other apps and keep a complete training history in your app - I like that. No integration into iCal, that's a Runmeter-only feature it seems, and one that would put this app over the top for me.</span></div>
<div style="font-family: Helvetica;">
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Verdana, Geneva, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><br></span></div>
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Verdana, Geneva, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><b style="font-family: Helvetica;">Runkeeper </b><span style="font-family: Helvetica;">has made some impressive updates. A slicker look, which is fine, but </span>the</span><span style="font-family: Helvetica;"> real update that makes all the difference for me is the ability to track more activities within the app. I'm still looking for that one app to track all of my fitness activities, and Runkeeper is getting there. Runtastic allows me to enter different activities and choose the name for them, Runkeeper has an 'other' for that, but I wish I could enter my own title. I teach PiYo and do other activities that aren't on the list. Runtastic still wins out on customization, but Runkeeper is getting there.</span><br>
<div style="font-family: Helvetica;">
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Verdana, Geneva, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><br></span></div>
</div>
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Verdana, Geneva, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">
</span>
<div style="font-family: Helvetica;">
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Verdana, Geneva, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><u>Community:</u></span></div>
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Verdana, Geneva, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">
<div style="font-family: Helvetica;">
<br></div>
<div style="font-family: Helvetica;">
The Nike website also has some nice features such as moving to different levels based on total mileage and some positive reinforcement messages from athletes.</div>
<div style="font-family: Helvetica;">
<br></div>
<div style="font-family: Helvetica;">
Nike also has the ability to receive 'cheers' from your facebook fans, a nice little feature if you're competing in a run, or if you just want some kudos on your every day run. This feature is only available as part of the Elite subscription in Runkeeper.</div>
<div style="font-family: Helvetica;">
<br></div>
<div style="font-family: Helvetica;">
<u>Features:</u></div>
<div style="font-family: Helvetica;">
Runkeeper is the hands down winner on total feature set. You can track various activities and you have several feedback options. Personally, I like having feedbacks at both mileage and timing intervals. Nike only allows one or the other.</div>
<div style="font-family: Helvetica;">
<br></div>
<div style="font-family: Helvetica;">
Nike+ also integrates with sites like dailymile, which is a really nice feature if you're using that site as it will import all your runs with ease.</div>
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The gps function is weaker on the iPod Touch than on the iPhone, and Nike+ has a built-in accelerometer that helps compensate for weak gps signals, and also allows you to use the app with some degree of accuracy on treadmill runs as well.</div>
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Runkeeper will integrate with certain heartrate monitors while the Nike+gps app currently does not (though the Nike+iPod (another free app) will and as said before, you can switch back and forth between apps and still save all your runs). </div>
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Nike will loop your chosen playlist if your run goes longer than the music you selected while Runkeeper will not, and there is no option to re-start the music. If your activity exceeds your playlist in Runkeeper, you'll have to manually go back into music and make a selection.<br>
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<u>Playing well with others</u><br>
Importing/Exporting your activity:<br>
Runtastic and Runkeeper will allow you to import/export your runs. You can also log additional activities in both.<br>
Nike is so proprietary that you can only record runs and can neither import nor export without a third-party hack.<br>
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LoseIt will sync your activities with Nike+ and Runkeeper. MyFitnessPal will sync with Runtastic and Nike+. </div>
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<u>Recommendations</u>:</div>
</span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Verdana, Geneva, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><div style="font-family: Helvetica;">
If you live in an area with spotty gps, you're only wanting to track runs &/or walks, you want to use a single app for your indoor treadmill runs as well (or primarily indoor runs), or if you use the iPod touch, then Nike+gps is a hands-down winner.</div>
</span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Verdana, Geneva, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Verdana, Geneva, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Verdana, Geneva, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><div style="font-family: Helvetica;">
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If you like tracking multiple activities, prefer more feedback options, and are using an iPhone in an area with decent gps coverage, then Runkeeper is a must-have. Runtastic would be a close third.</div>
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</span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Helvetica;"><u>Shoetracker</u>:</span><br>
<span style="font-family: Helvetica;">Available in Nike+, an additional app will pull Runkeeper runs to monitor shoes. </span><br>
<span style="font-family: Helvetica;">Runmeter and Runtastic - nope, not available.</span>Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16982600333479042378noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2221783413440357480.post-79590384557452745562013-09-14T10:27:00.000-07:002014-07-15T05:05:25.175-07:00Coming Soon...PiYo Strength<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<b>San Diego PiYo Strength Classes </b></div>
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<b>UPDATE:</b> Classes will be offered in the Chula Vista area soon</div>
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Dates, Times and Locations to be announced.</div>
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First class always free!</div>
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Space is limited, pre-register to receive advance notice of dates/locations and to reserve your slot. </div>
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Private lessons available anywhere via Skype or Google Hangouts! </div>
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Individual, Group, Corporate and Package Pricing available.</div>
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Pre-registration options:</div>
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<ul><ul><ul>
<li style="text-align: left;">Comment below (all comments are moderated, so your contact information will remain private)</li>
<li style="text-align: left;">Go to <a href="https://www.facebook.com/partners4change" target="_blank">Facebook</a> and comment or send a PM</li>
<li style="text-align: left;">Go to <a href="http://www.partnershipforchange.org/Health.html" target="_blank">Partnership for Change</a> and contact via phone or email</li>
</ul>
</ul>
</ul>
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<br />Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16982600333479042378noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2221783413440357480.post-43529305315496831282013-01-01T21:44:00.001-08:002013-09-15T07:56:28.011-07:00ObservationsThe end of ones life erases all that is before it. What is seen, the view from others, is decidedly one-dimensional. But we are not one-dimensional, we are multi-faceted, a mosaic that can only be appreciated by one who cares to look both at the beauty from a distance and the intricacies of closer inspection.<br />
<br />
Understanding evades those who, by reason of disinterest or disaffection, fail to look deeper. The loss is shared, they know not what they have missed, nor even what they have caused. <br />
<br />
In sadness and forgiveness we move forward, ever hopeful to cross paths with one who, with openness of heart and spirit, chooses to see.Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16982600333479042378noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2221783413440357480.post-4431855175320015712012-10-14T08:06:00.001-07:002012-10-18T06:03:03.816-07:00Cross-training with Yoga<span style="font-family: 'Helvetica Neue', Arial, Helvetica, FreeSans, sans-serif; font-size: 14px; line-height: 18px; text-align: left;">I am developing a real appreciation for my yoga workouts. Truthfully, I'm more of a weights and pilates girl, but I have done some yoga in the past. Not regularly mind you, but I have had some experience with it.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Helvetica Neue, Arial, Helvetica, FreeSans, sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: 14px; line-height: 18px;">Recently my doctor told me to add yoga to my regular workouts. Now, I have a fairly intense routine and I wasn't sure how or where I would find the extra time to work that in, but ok...it's not the worst doctor's order I've been given, so I decided to comply...this time. Then, another issue develops and I'm told to that I have to hold off running (and any other intense cardio) for at least a week or two. I am NOT a happy camper.</span></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Helvetica Neue, Arial, Helvetica, FreeSans, sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: 14px; line-height: 18px;">So, in place of a 'real' workout, I'm doing yoga, which quite honestly just doesn't feel challenging at all. Well, at least for the level I am at...<i>I've taken a look at some of the advanced poses and wonder if I'll ever have the balance and coordination for that, but that's a whole different discussion.</i> </span></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Helvetica Neue, Arial, Helvetica, FreeSans, sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: 14px; line-height: 18px;">I'm used to being reduced to a drenched, trembling kitten on the gym floor after a strength training session. And running, well, same thing. Even focused pilates provides more intensity than I experience on these beginner and intermediate poses that I'm doing. </span></span><span style="font-family: 'Helvetica Neue', Arial, Helvetica, FreeSans, sans-serif; font-size: 14px; line-height: 18px;">The stretching, I'm used to and I recognize the benefits immediately. The balance aspect, I can see I could use some work on. </span><span style="font-family: Helvetica Neue, Arial, Helvetica, FreeSans, sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: 14px; line-height: 18px;">I sometimes feel like I've done nothing at all, yet</span></span><span style="font-family: 'Helvetica Neue', Arial, Helvetica, FreeSans, sans-serif; font-size: 14px; line-height: 18px;"> the next day I find that I wake up with pleasantly sore muscles that I didn't realize were getting such a good workout. </span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Helvetica Neue, Arial, Helvetica, FreeSans, sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: 14px; line-height: 18px;">If you're looking to add yoga into your workout, and I can now highly recommend it as part of effective cross-training, there are many options. Lots of places have classes, and those are great for having someone guide you through the poses, as it's not always that intuitive a process. I'm not a class-person, rarely do I enjoy that environment, so I've investigated other options. DVD's and YouTube videos abound, and you can probably find something you really like there. </span></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Helvetica Neue, Arial, Helvetica, FreeSans, sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: 14px; line-height: 18px;"><iframe bordercolor="#000000" frameborder="0" height="200" hspace="0" marginheight="0" marginwidth="0" scrolling="no" src="http://ad.doubleclick.net/adi/N7433.148119.BLOGGEREN/B6533671.763;sz=200x200;ord=[timestamp]?;lid=41000000026530730;pid=43040;usg=AFHzDLscEQDs-kPGC1m5a9Diw2JEGSgtug;adurl=http%253A%252F%252Fwww.abt.com%252Fproduct%252F43040%252FNintendo-WIIFITPLUS.html;pubid=542262;imgsrc=http%3A%2F%2Fcontent.abt.com%2Fmedia%2Fimages%2Fproducts%2FBDP_Images%2Fbig_wiifitplus.jpg;width=200;height=157" vspace="0" width="200"></iframe><br /></span></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Helvetica Neue, Arial, Helvetica, FreeSans, sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: 14px; line-height: 18px;">I started with the </span></span><span style="font-family: 'Helvetica Neue', Arial, Helvetica, FreeSans, sans-serif; font-size: 14px; line-height: 18px;">Wii Fit yoga poses, a surprisingly effective tool and the balance board sensors will actually help you keep your center of balance correct and provide you the individualized assistance you need for some of the more basic poses.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: 'Helvetica Neue', Arial, Helvetica, FreeSans, sans-serif; font-size: 14px; line-height: 18px;"><iframe bordercolor="#000000" frameborder="0" height="200" hspace="0" marginheight="0" marginwidth="0" scrolling="no" src="http://ad.doubleclick.net/adi/N7433.148119.BLOGGEREN/B6534896.2315;sz=200x200;ord=[timestamp]?;lid=41000000000342669;pid=1064487;usg=AFHzDLuxuO0TfTdZi_NyYEQQzL3_3YaffQ;adurl=http%253A%252F%252Fwww.kohls.com%252Fupgrade%252Fwebstore%252Fproduct_page.jsp%253FPRODUCT%25253C%25253Eprd_id%253D845524892930431%2526mr%253AtrackingCode%253D3182DE96-D679-E111-9D2A-001517B188A2%2526mr%253AreferralID%253DNA;pubid=542262;imgsrc=http%3A%2F%2Fmedia.kohls.com.edgesuite.net%2Fis%2Fimage%2Fkohls%2F1064487%3Fwid%3D500%26hei%3D500%26op_sharpen%3D1;width=200;height=200" vspace="0" width="200"></iframe> <iframe bordercolor="#000000" frameborder="0" height="200" hspace="0" marginheight="0" marginwidth="0" scrolling="no" src="http://ad.doubleclick.net/adi/N7433.148119.BLOGGEREN/B6533671.764;sz=200x200;ord=[timestamp]?;lid=41000000026530730;pid=52749;usg=AFHzDLuA9BeqJ0WM9BFP6rONgJbV6xpF5w;adurl=http%253A%252F%252Fwww.abt.com%252Fproduct%252F52749%252FApple-MC940ZMA.html;pubid=542262;imgsrc=http%3A%2F%2Fcontent.abt.com%2Fmedia%2Fimages%2Fproducts%2FBDP_Images%2Fbig_MC940ZMA.jpg;width=126;height=200" vspace="0" width="200"></iframe></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: 'Helvetica Neue', Arial, Helvetica, FreeSans, sans-serif; font-size: 14px; line-height: 18px;">There are also some pretty great apps for your iPhone or iPad that are free or have a minimal cost, and some of them have pretty good instructions. They're pretty great for travel to keep you on track.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Helvetica Neue, Arial, Helvetica, FreeSans, sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: 14px; line-height: 18px;">This is all very nice, and I will keep this as part of my regular workout program...yet still, I can't wait to get back on the road again.</span></span></div>
Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16982600333479042378noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2221783413440357480.post-44896829721235057682012-09-03T21:07:00.000-07:002012-09-04T06:11:50.321-07:00Try Something NewI'm a big proponent of switching up your workout. You have to make changes every 4-6 weeks to keep progressing. I'm as likely as the next person to fall into a rut, especially if it's a workout routine that has worked well for me. When I find something like that, my idea of switching things up goes easily to increasing weight, height, or reps. That's somewhat sufficient, but certainly not optimal.<br />
<br />
I have to say that I sometimes get bored with my routine, but not as often as most. I do a 6am workout before work and the routine portion of it is helpful and changing things can sometimes mess with my timing. Variety is a good thing, but so is getting to work on time ;)<br />
<br />
Nevertheless, change has become necessary for me. A recent trip to the Doctor confirmed what I pretty much was afraid of, that I had developed plantar fasciitis. Not that it had mistaken my attention - not being able to walk in the mornings, and being in pain throughout the day didn't really escape my attention, I was just in a bit of denial hoping that it was more an issue of over-training and needing to work on my form. Now this Doctor thinks that means to stop running for 4 - 6 weeks in order to allow everything to heal properly. Can I just tell you, that is <b>not</b> gonna happen! I have cut my mileage and days in half and will keep it at that while incorporating a dedicated stretching and massage routine as well as working on more of a fore-foot strike (which does actually seem to help). But stop running - no dear, I don't hardly think so!<br />
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He did actually order me to incorporate yoga into my routine. I think he doesn't understand how much stretching is in Pilates, which I already do a considerable amount of in addition to my weight training, but ok, I'll give it a try.<br />
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I have tried Yoga before, and I like it just fine, though I do prefer Pilates. Adding something new to an already intense workout plan is a challenge, and I haven't decided if this means I get to replace something or if this is an addition. Time will tell. For now, it's an addition.<br />
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Every time you make a change, your body will start to give you some pretty dramatic responses. Yoga doesn't burn a significant amount of calories, but the balance and stretching portion are valuable and I can already see some benefits. I noticed a considerable difference in the accessory muscle development when I changed my Pilates routine from mat work to chair work. I'm looking forward to a similar benefit by the addition of the yoga circuit.<br />
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For those of you who haven't tried it yet, and want to incorporate Yoga into your home workout program, I highly recommend the Wii Fit.<br />
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<iframe bordercolor="#000000" frameborder="0" height="200" hspace="0" marginheight="0" marginwidth="0" scrolling="no" src="http://ad.doubleclick.net/adi/N7433.148119.BLOGGEREN/B6533671.732;sz=200x200;ord=[timestamp]?;lid=41000000026530730;pid=43040;usg=AFHzDLsxg5xJA4_XxQ8OiuGsqFbeRHDBHw;adurl=http%253A%252F%252Fwww.abt.com%252Fproduct%252F43040%252FNintendo-WII-FIT-PLUS.html;pubid=542262;imgsrc=http%3A%2F%2Fcontent.abt.com%2Fmedia%2Fimages%2Fproducts%2FBDP_Images%2Fbig_wiifitplus.jpg;width=200;height=157" vspace="0" width="200"></iframe><br />
Yoga is balance based, and without proper instruction the poses can be difficult. The Wii Fit does a great job of guiding you through the poses, and the balance board is pretty amazing for sensing body positioning. I've had difficulties with the rechargeable battery pack. It's not very 'green' but I say stick with your standard alkaline batteries, you'll have less trouble. Stupid rechargeable pack misses most of my steps, push ups, and assorted other things that makes me look like a total slacker. Seriously, if I do 50 push ups and it tells me I did 7, what the heck is that about! and forget step aerobics, it thinks I'm in a coma half of the time. Now I already know what I can do, but I don't like having an inaccurate record, even if no one sees it but me (except cartoon-trainer-guy)....ok, I'm a <i>little</i> competitive. BTW, it will also affect what 'challenges' are unlocked (or not) if you don't have an accurate count.<br />
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Try something new, you will see some great results, and I'll keep you posted on mine ;)Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16982600333479042378noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2221783413440357480.post-299623001730681122012-08-25T20:33:00.002-07:002012-08-25T20:33:48.923-07:00On Love<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 13px; line-height: 18px;">Love does not live in warm feelings or pretty words. It is not found there.</span><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 13px; line-height: 18px;"><br /></span>
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 13px; line-height: 18px;">These serve as mere reminders of love on dark and lonely days. Reminders as much to ourselves as to those who have captured our heart. </span><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 13px; line-height: 18px;"><br /></span>
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 13px; line-height: 18px;">They are the soil and fertilizer by which true love may take root, but it's substance is found in the sacrifice that is made for the object of our heart's desire. </span><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 13px; line-height: 18px;"><br /></span>
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 13px; line-height: 18px;">Love is proved right by her actions. </span><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 13px; line-height: 18px;"><br /></span>
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 13px; line-height: 18px;">Everything else is sound and fury...signifying nothing.</span>Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16982600333479042378noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2221783413440357480.post-71113241799675706762012-07-29T07:12:00.002-07:002013-08-13T06:44:23.779-07:00Asics Gel Nimbus 13 v. Brooks Glycerin 9So, I waited awhile because I wanted to give these two a real chance to see which one I preferred. After my trip to <a href="http://www.roadrunnersports.com/" target="_blank">Roadrunner Sports</a> I ended up narrowing my choice down to these two, and it was a close one! They are both fantastic shoes with great cushioning, which I really need. I used to run on a mix of pavement, grass, dirt and even the occasional treadmill but now I run primarily on pavement, so my shoes take quite a bit of abuse and without significant cushioning, so would my joints.<br />
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I have been running in my <a href="http://brooksrunning.com/" target="_blank">Brooks Glycerin 8s</a> for some time now, and they have been my absolute favorites, easily beating out my first <a href="http://nikerunning.com/" target="_blank">Nike Zoom Equalon 4s</a>. I have loved my Brooks but did want to try a few others out, you know, just for variety and to be sure I wasn't missing an even better ride ;)<br />
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I had tried so many (read previous reviews for that day trip to the store), but I had heard great things about Asics from other runners, so I was intrigued and really wanted to try them. After numerous test runs in the store, the <a href="http://asics.com/" target="_blank">Asics Gel Nimbus 13</a> and Brooks Glycerin 9 were in a dead heat and decided I would eventually get them both for my next rotation, though that day I left with just the Asics because, well, I was just going for something different. They are both responsive and comfortable shoes, with great cushioning for running on pavement. I've since put about 100 miles on each of them, so I think I can safely review them.<br />
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<b>First the <a href="http://asics.com/" target="_blank">Asics Gel Nimbus 13</a> seen below (which is exactly the one's I left with). Cute as they can be :)</b><br />
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<iframe bordercolor="#000000" frameborder="0" height="200" hspace="0" marginheight="0" marginwidth="0" scrolling="no" src="http://ad.doubleclick.net/adi/N7433.148119.BLOGGEREN/B6532333.2328;sz=200x200;ord=[timestamp]?;lid=41000000025255752;pid=5148034-EC1258933-9.5M;usg=AFHzDLulV9Wy-X2_yFk1o6F4GjHXZnegQQ;adurl=http%253A%252F%252Fwww.shoes.com%252FShopping%252Fproductdetails.aspx%253Fcatalog%25255Fname%253Dweb%2526pg%253D5148034%2526p%253DEC1258933;pubid=542262;imgsrc=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.shoes.com%2Fproductimages%2Fshoes_iaec1258933.jpg;width=200;height=200" vspace="0" width="200"></iframe><br />
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One of the reasons I wanted to try the Asics is that many runners I know with high arches find them to be then best for them, and since I do have high arches, I figured I should give them a try. <br />
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These shoes have decent ventilation, and remain comfortable throughout my regular 3-5 mile runs. The mesh upper breathes well, though I had gotten used to my Glycerin 8s where I could actually feel the breeze through my toe-sies ;), not so with these but no sweaty feet so that's ok.<br />
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They also have a nice heel drop, which is important for me as it helps with my arch support and weak ankles. Not too high, but just enough for the support I need.<br />
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On the treadmill, they were amazing and the midsole was so responsive I felt propelled forward. On pavement, well, a bit less so, but the cushioning is great and absorbs a good amount of the shock from running on pavement. I sometimes feel like the cushioning absorbs a bit more energy than it should and could have a bit more return on the energy, but all-in-all it's a comfortable ride.<br />
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I did notice a bit of heel slippage after the first few runs, but a runner's knot helped with that. I had hoped that after a few more runs I could go back to my standard lacing, but no such luck. With the runner's knot I don't have any more heel slippage, just takes that extra step in the morning that I don't particularly care for at 6am, but it's a minor thing. If you have very small ankles, you should keep that in mind.<br />
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The insole is comfortable enough and the shoe is sufficiently supportive that I can run with or without my orthotics. For the first 80 miles or so I ran without my orthotics, now I'm using them again (but that's because I'm nursing an overuse injury that's not shoe-related).<br />
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Overall it's a comfortable shoe, and I'm glad I purchased them. I will give the 14s a test run in about 300 or so miles, but they are my 2nd favorite shoe. It was neck and neck for a bit, but for the reasons set out below, Brooks is still the best shoe for me.<br />
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<b>Next up, <a href="http://www.brooksrunning.com/" target="_blank">Brooks Glycerin 9</a>. This is my current favorite ride, the color is cerise, which matches pinks and reds equally well (if that matters to you...)</b><br />
<iframe bordercolor="#000000" frameborder="0" height="200" hspace="0" marginheight="0" marginwidth="0" scrolling="no" src="http://ad.doubleclick.net/adi/N7433.148119.BLOGGEREN/B6535109.539;sz=200x200;ord=[timestamp]?;lid=41000000005617196;pid=1740123;usg=AFHzDLt4ySUI3v69px8zayxEAMrkuXzsDw;adurl=http%253A%252F%252Fwww.finishline.com%252Fstore%252Fcatalog%252Fproduct.jsp%253FproductId%253Dprod676863%2526BROOKS%253D%2526003%253D17163257%2526010%253D676863;pubid=542262;imgsrc=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.finishline.com%2Fstore%2Fimages%2Fproducts%2Fxl1200911b668.jpg;width=200;height=200" vspace="0" width="200"></iframe><br />
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My favorite shoes in my last rotation between Nike and Brooks were my Brooks Glycerin 8s. After reading numerous reviews and test-running in the store, they never disappointed. For that reason alone, I pretty much figured I'd end up with the 9s, and I was right.<br />
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I don't notice a significant difference between the 8s and 9s, though the reviews seem to indicate a bit more support for the midsole in the 9s.<br />
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Subjectively there seems to be a bit less ventilation than in the 8s, but moreso than the Asics. I like the mesh upper and appreciate the increased ventilation, for no other reason than it just feels good.<br />
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The heel drop is just about right, providing the comfort and support I need. I'd actually be ok with an a slightly higher heel profile, but this is sufficiently supportive for my needs The Glycerin 9 is a bit lighter than the 8, not substantially so, but any decrease in weight without sacrificing cushioning is appreciated.<br />
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I have no heel slippage in the Glycerins with my standard lacing, so no need for any runner's knot. The laces are short, so no double-knotting for security, but after hundreds of miles on 2 pairs of Glycerins, they've never come undone so I guess they got something right in the the lace department and no need for extra long laces.<br />
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The midsole is responsive with good energy return, even on concrete. I notice a slightly higher return energy from the Brooks than the Asics. It's not a huge difference, but it's enough to increase my pace slightly - always a good thing. The DNA on the 9s runs the entire length of the mid-sole, which may be the reason for the better energy return. That's the marketing speech, I have no idea what that means but I do know a responsive shoe when I run in one, and this one doesn't disappoint. Again, on the treadmill, it's very noticeable but on concrete everything suffers.<br />
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With these as well, the insole is comfortable and sufficiently supportive that I can run with or without my orthotics. As with the Asics, the first 80 miles I ran without, now back to using them (again, for reasons not connected at all with the shoes). The standard insole is far more comfortable in the 9s than the 8s. Honestly, the 8s insole seemed to be made with the intention that you <i>weren't</i> going to use it, it almost seemed like an after-thought. Not so with the 9s, it's comfortable enough to be of real value in the shoe. I like the option of running with or without orthotics as well as having a choice as to whether or not I use a standard insole or replace it with something else.<br />
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<b><i>Overall, the shoes are very similar and you can't go wrong with either one, but the heel slippage on the Asics and the slightly reduced energy return cause the Brooks to edge out as my favorite. </i></b><br />
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Can't wait to test out the Glycerin 10s and Asics 14s. I see they reduced the heel drop in the Asics 14, so it's looking like I will be a Brooks girl in the next rotation as well - but I'm willing to test them both to confirm ;)Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16982600333479042378noreply@blogger.com8tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2221783413440357480.post-81458424842017212642012-06-05T18:59:00.000-07:002012-06-05T21:04:11.337-07:00Nike, Asics and Mizuno Running Shoe Mini-ReviewsI had stated in my review of <a href="http://www.roadrunnersports.com/" target="_blank">RoadRunner Sports</a> that I had tested at the following shoes: NikeFree, Nike Zoom Vomero, Mizuno Wave Rider, Mizuno Wave Creation, Brooks PureConnect, Brooks Glycerin 9, Asics Gel Cumulus 14, Asics Gel Nimbus 13.<br />
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In my last post I reviewed the two minimalist shoes, NikeFree and Brooks PureConnect. The Brooks beat out the Nike for me, so it's time to move on. Here I'm going to do a cursory review of all but my final two choices because none of the others really stood out, despite the considerable effort I put into giving them all a fair shot at being my new favorite shoes. Excuse the ads, but I do think a visual is quite nice when discussing shoes.<br />
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<iframe bordercolor="#000000" frameborder="0" height="200" hspace="0" marginheight="0" marginwidth="0" scrolling="no" src="http://ad.doubleclick.net/adi/N7433.148119.BLOGGEREN/B6535109.613;sz=200x200;ord=[timestamp]?;lid=41000000005617196;pid=1776649;usg=AFHzDLtOyDgGTtLVlBnic7uAxWWDQ2Rg7Q;adurl=http%253A%252F%252Fwww.finishline.com%252Fstore%252Fcatalog%252Fproduct.jsp%253FproductId%253Dprod689710%2526NIKE%253D%2526003%253D17163257%2526010%253D689710;pubid=542262;imgsrc=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.finishline.com%2Fstore%2Fimages%2Fproducts%2Fxl443809148.jpg;width=200;height=200" vspace="0" width="200"></iframe><br />
Nike Zoom Vomero: Again, really wanted to like these as I do like the Nike brand, but they were unimpressive. Not even as comfortable as my Equalon 4s and certainly not a major contender in my selections. Comfortable fit with a decent toe box, no heel slippage, but I couldn't detect a bit of cushioning or support and certainly not very responsive. Opinions vary, but mine is that they just aren't what I'm looking for. They were cute, have the sensor pocket (though I use a gps system), love the 'just do it' brand, but can't find a shoe that will hold up to my little 20 mile/week runs. Disappointed.<br />
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<iframe bordercolor="#000000" frameborder="0" height="200" hspace="0" marginheight="0" marginwidth="0" scrolling="no" src="http://ad.doubleclick.net/adi/N7433.148119.BLOGGEREN/B6534815.462;sz=200x200;ord=[timestamp]?;lid=41000000026662683;pid=1023527-18836-6.5M;usg=AFHzDLuHRL1BnPVF-qPVE-3UYttkei9cow;adurl=http%253A%252F%252Fwww.famousfootwear.com%252FShopping%252Fproductdetails.aspx%253Fcatalog%25255Fname%253Dweb%2526pg%253D1023527%2526p%253D18836;pubid=542262;imgsrc=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.famousfootwear.com%2Fproductimages%2Fshoes_ia18836.jpg;width=200;height=200" vspace="0" width="200"></iframe><br />
Asics Gel Cumulus 14: an ok ride, comfortable and responsive enough. They certainly beat out the Nike's but just not quite what I was looking for. Not enough cushioning for me but a decent shoe if it works for you. Decent toe box, ok in the cushion and response, no noticeable heel slippage. They just don't compare to the Gel Nimbus 13 (a review for next time). Still, Asics is a quality shoe, and worth anyone's time to try.<br />
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<iframe bordercolor="#000000" frameborder="0" height="200" hspace="0" marginheight="0" marginwidth="0" scrolling="no" src="http://ad.doubleclick.net/adi/N7433.148119.BLOGGEREN/B6532333.2278;sz=200x200;ord=[timestamp]?;lid=41000000025255752;pid=5168108-EC1294562-7.5M;usg=AFHzDLtKUXjnbEWuNHvO2UXmVTQ1zgs9kQ;adurl=http%253A%252F%252Fwww.shoes.com%252FShopping%252Fproductdetails.aspx%253Fcatalog%25255Fname%253Dweb%2526pg%253D5168108%2526p%253DEC1294562;pubid=542262;imgsrc=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.shoes.com%2Fproductimages%2Fshoes_iaec1294562.jpg;width=200;height=200" vspace="0" width="200"></iframe><br />
Mizunos: Tried the Wave Rider and Wave Creation. Have to say that the Mizunos were a new experience. They are a nice, responsive shoe with decent cushioning and the rocking motion from the sole gives a nice subtle forward-motion that's kinda fun. The Wave Creation, despite it's heavier size, won out for me as it had a bit more of a responsiveness to it and more cushioning. The fit was comfortable and seemed to have decent enough ventilation and a roomy fit without being too big (read: no heel slippage)<br />
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I do have to say, they are now my third-favorite shoe, and I wouldn't return them if given to me. I liked them fine and they were a strong contender, but I just didn't see myself putting these into my rotation for the next 500 miles. That said, I will continue to test future versions and see if they move up into my favorite slot.<br />
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<iframe bordercolor="#000000" frameborder="0" height="200" hspace="0" marginheight="0" marginwidth="0" scrolling="no" src="http://ad.doubleclick.net/adi/N7433.148119.BLOGGEREN/B6532333.2296;sz=200x200;ord=[timestamp]?;lid=41000000025255752;pid=5152977-EC1267314-6.0W;usg=AFHzDLviL_SsTNNj7JZGx7_KTaG_uEmnIA;adurl=http%253A%252F%252Fwww.shoes.com%252FShopping%252Fproductdetails.aspx%253Fcatalog%25255Fname%253Dweb%2526pg%253D5152977%2526p%253DEC1267314;pubid=542262;imgsrc=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.shoes.com%2Fproductimages%2Fshoes_iaec1267314.jpg;width=200;height=200" vspace="0" width="200"></iframe> vs <iframe bordercolor="#000000" frameborder="0" height="200" hspace="0" marginheight="0" marginwidth="0" scrolling="no" src="http://ad.doubleclick.net/adi/N7433.148119.BLOGGEREN/B6532333.2288;sz=200x200;ord=[timestamp]?;lid=41000000025255752;pid=5148034-EC1258933-6.0M;usg=AFHzDLslxmnvVN6D-NedahV1kPiFYMY5fg;adurl=http%253A%252F%252Fwww.shoes.com%252FShopping%252Fproductdetails.aspx%253Fcatalog%25255Fname%253Dweb%2526pg%253D5148034%2526p%253DEC1258933;pubid=542262;imgsrc=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.shoes.com%2Fproductimages%2Fshoes_iaec1258933.jpg;width=200;height=200" vspace="0" width="200"></iframe><br />
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Two hours of testing and the final two were the Brooks Glycerin 9 and Asics Gel Nimbus 13. I'll take those head-to-head next time, but I can tell you this much: these are my top two favorites. It was a difficult decision, guess which one I went home with???<br />
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114119616182701355145Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16982600333479042378noreply@blogger.com1