Good-bye (for Now)

Hello everyone!

It's been a good long while since I posted anything on this blog and this time I have a really great reason (not an excuse as usual). For about 6 months I actively searched for a new job doing research in my field of interest (medical research/drug discovery). Then, by God's grace, I got a job offer from a very great employer, Southern Research Institute. I took the job and will be starting next week!!!

However, taking the job meant moving from Knoxville,TN to Birmingham, AL. Below you can see my journey:

Needless to say, I've been busy the past few months looking for a new place to live and moving to said new place, so I haven't had the time to write anything interesting or useful. Upon further reflection, I don't think I will have any time to write much of anything now either as I will probably need to focus all my time on my new job. That is why this post will be my last blog at least for a little while. When and if I do return, however, it will probably be under a new heading and possibly a new email address. 

I just wanted to take the time to thank everyone who read or viewed my blog. It really meant a lot to me that people read my work and appreciated it. Hopefully, once things calm down,  I will have time (and a proper WIFI connection) to post more blogs specifically what it is like to be "all VOL in AL". 

Thanks again and God bless!! :)

Running: The Benefits

Hello again! It seems like I haven’t written in a while, but I have been busy writing elsewhere. Applying for jobs and finishing up publications takes a lot of work!

Anyway, today I’m going to continue the focus on running by sharing some benefits of running that you may or may not have heard. Of course, I’m sure there are lots that I've forgotten, so as always I love feedback! 

Running: The Benefits

• Studies have shown the health benefits of running to be tremendous, reducing your chances of everything from the common cold to many types of cancer. Moreover, it is said to be among the best aerobic exercises for physical conditioning of your heart and lungs as running helps ensure the efficient flow of blood and oxygen throughout the body.  
• Running, for many, is also a great stress-reliever. I personally tend to stress out before, during and after running, but I’m not ever normal!  Additionally, it may help to relieve mild depression as studies show that healthy adults who exercise regularly are generally happier than those who don't.
• Many people run because they like to socialize and be part of a running community. Running clubs and charity training groups give people the opportunity to meet and train with other people and hopefully, form friendships. Some runners even participate in local events or travel to race destinations with their running buddies.
• Running helps you improve your fitness, endurance and stamina all while increasing bone density. Back off osteoporosis!
• Last, but at least (in my opinion) is running for weight loss. As one of the most vigorous exercises out there, running is an extremely efficient way to burn calories and drop pounds; average is about 100 calories per mile for a 150-pound person (find an exercise calculator to estimate for your weight). Running helps to build muscle mass too causing your resting metabolic rate to increase allowing you to burn more calories faster.

I know it was short, but hopefully sweet! Below is another great resource I found that lists running benefits. 

Are You a Runner?

Hello again! Today I’m going to continue the focus on running by expounding on the different classifications of running. I would say that most if not all runners don’t fit just one category, but at different times can be one or the other. Read more and see if you agree or disagree. As always I love feedback!  

The definition of running can vary depending on who you ask. Some people see it as a sport, others transportation, or for those like me, only something they'd do if they were being chased by elephants or wanted to lose weight for a wedding!

Another question that may be asked when the topic of running arises is, “Do you run or do you jog?”  Well, what's the difference? Most people would say that jogging is just a slow form of running. Others believe your motivation is the key to defining yourself as a runner. I think that if you enjoy running enough to run, you're a runner regardless of how fast you are or if you just started running. Would I classify myself as a runner? No. I don’t do it near often enough, nor do I actually enjoy the process of running.  If anything, I would be a disgruntle runner who is very slow, but can go for a long time :)

I have also learned that running can be classified by types of running. These below are the forms I found for most runners and more information can be found about running and its classifications at Active.com, Runner’s World, etc. 

Casual Running

The majority of runners run casually for the physical as well as the social and mental benefits of running. You don't need any fancy equipment, it's inexpensive, and you can do it almost anywhere.

Treadmill Running

A great alternative to running outside, treadmill running is usually easier than outdoor running and can be gentler on your joints. Most treadmills allow runners to change their pace, incline, and resistance so they can simulate outdoor running and vary their workouts to prevent boredom. Moreover, given access to a treadmill, this can be done regardless of the weather conditions. I fall into this category for many reasons, none of which have to do with weather, but that’s a topic for another day!

Race Running

Some runners enjoy the thrill and competition of participating in races. Most people enter races not to win, but to set a personal goal and achieve it. While I have participated in many 5K races, I haven’t actually trained for the events. I have debated many times to train for a race only if I could run around Disneyland dressed as a princess! May be that can be my goal for the summer?  

Trail Running

For those who love to enjoy the great outdoors, trail running is an option. Trail running usually takes place on hiking trails of varying terrain, so runners may find themselves sidestepping roots, scrambling up rocks, running through streams, or traversing up steep hills.  If you like that, great for you! I’ll get my scenery from the TV monitor in front of my treadmill; watching Game of Thrones will working out is motivation enough for me :)

Thanks for reading! In the next update, I will cover the benefits of running and much more. Have a great day :)

Need some new running gear? Check out these items!

A Time to Celebrate My Active Self

Hello again! It’s been a long while since I last updated my blog and discussed my goal to start running. Well, I am pleased to say that I have been running and working out more often and am also happy to report that I've lost 12 pounds as a result!!

To mark my achievement and to get some new workout clothes, my friend joined me in participating in another Old Navy Sample Share. In case you haven’t read any of my previous blog entries about sample shares, I will tell you a bit about what we do.  I’m a member of Crowdtap, “a collaborative marketing platform which allows marketers from a variety of brands ranging from Old Navy to McCormick’s GrillMates, to unlock real value by partnering with their most engaged consumers.”  The consumers benefit too by testing and rating new products. Members can also pass the love along by contributing to their favorite charity!

One of my favorite participating brands is Old Navy. I have had the privilege to take part in many sample shares, three of which have been specifically for active wear.  For the sample share, I and my guest were given coupons for the products to be sampled, an active top and bottom. This was a really great deal! I was pleasantly surprised when my receipt stated that I had saved over $70.00 and not once did I have to open my wallet!  Below are some pictures of our spoils :)

Later this week, I hope to write again, this time focusing a bit more on running and to share what I've learned during my research on the topic. As always, thanks so much for reading and I would love to hear about what’s going on in the lives of the readers (almost 1000's views!!!!!!!!!). 

  

Have a great Memorial Day Weekend!

The Best Things in Life are Tees

It’s that time of year again when Old Navy asks selected Style Council members to participate in a sample share. This time, my friend and I sampled the Women’s Best Tees in 2 styles: vintage and perfect. 

My free tees. The pink is vintage style, while the red is perfect.

I’m very familiar with Old Navy tees as my closet is full of them, but I was super excited about to get more as I need smaller sizes. It may not be reflected on the scale yet, but I know I’m toning up and losing fat. The last time I purchased tees at Old Navy I bought an XXL. This time, I came home with an L and that fits comfortably! Also, the last pair of pants I modeled for Old Navy was a Sweetheart shaped size 22 and this time I showcased a size 18 in the Rock Star cut! I’m not where I want to be yet, but every day I’m getting closer :)

August 2011: size XXL shirt, size 22 pant

April 2013: size L shirt, size 18 pant

The important stuff:

Our Old Navy store (Washington Pike, Knoxville, TN) was very well stocked and the sales staff was helpful in answering questions.  They were very surprised to see our Style Council vouchers as they hadn't seen them before; I guess there aren't many of us in East Tennessee.

My friend and I had a great time mixing and matching different looks with our tees. We were able to create several looks based around a simple basic tee. My favorite look of the day on me was a ¾ length sleeve coral tee paired with a colorful scarf and a pair of black Rock Star pants (picture above). I really loved the soft feel of the tee and the stretchiness of the pant.  Pelagie’s best look (in my opinion) was what I called PhD prep! She paired her jeans with a floral button-down top layered under a basic white tee.  To complete the outfit, she added a cropped denim jacket (picture below)!

Perfect PhD Prep!

My only complaint (and it really isn't a complaint) is the choice of only 2 styles of tee. Many of the tees we found didn't fit into one of these categories, so we could get those with our vouchers.  I specifically had to ask the associates which tees qualified and which ones didn't.

Overall, we had a great time shopping! I can’t wait until the next sample share. I could really use a new pair of pants (hint, hint)!

My Next Challenge

Hello again and happy day after Easter! I hope everyone enjoyed the last series of blog posts.  For the next month or so (maybe longer depending on how things go) I've decided to focus my posts on running and the benefits/pitfalls of running. Now, I’m not a runner by any means, so I’m challenging myself to become one.  I did a few calculations (and you can too with any online exercise calculator) about running.  At my current weight, if I ran/jogged for 1 hour I could burn 885 calories! That’s a lot more than I burn now during my normal exercise routine. Running/jogging for just 15 minutes a day I can still burn up to 221 calories!

Getting started will be the hardest part, so I did some research about that too. Here are a few tips that I was able to gather from a multitude of running experts.

• Weight training--specifically the quads and core; a definite must-do for runners.  I will share my routine in another post.
• Take shorter strides as that makes running feel easier. As such, you should be able to run faster and longer.
• Breathe correctly. Most runners follow a 2-2 breathing pattern: two steps while breathing in, then 2 steps while breathing out. You can also try 3-2 breathing.  3 steps while breathing in, then out for 2 steps. Figure out what works best for you.
• Eat more. You’ll get fatigued much quicker without adequate calories. You don’t have to tell me twice!
• Stretching. Do a run warm-up for about 5-10 minutes, and then stop to stretch. Also, don’t forget to stretch again after your run. Doing both helps prevent injuries, and who doesn’t need to stretch more?
• Follow the 10% rule. Only increase your distance by 10% each week. If you increase your speed quickly you are really prone to an injury. There have been multiple studies done proving that you are less prone to injury increasing your mileage by 10% each week.
• Start slow, and then pick up the pace as you warm-up.
• Wear the right shoes. This, I think is the most important tip. Go to a running store for your shoes. They’ll point you in the right direction.  I went to the store and consulted Runner’s World magazine for the best shoes. For me, the best pair was Nike Lunarglide 4! Ask the experts and try on your selection before you leave the store! You have to be comfortable or you will be miserable! 

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I can’t wait to start this new challenge! Stay tuned for what I know will be both fun and fitful! 

Here I Go!

Reaching the Finish Line

So, I Googled "finish line" images and this was the first result. That's me after my first AHA Heart Walk!

Well, my roll came to a halt on Thursday. I felt better when I woke up that morning, so I decided to workout. Bad idea.  I’m pretty sure I spent more time in the gym coughing than actually exercising. As such, I've been recovering; breathing treatments are now my best friend. While I haven’t hit the gym again this week, I have tried to be active by enduring some spring cleaning. My house now smells lemony fresh and bleach-y clean! The last few tips will be general ones that can easier be incorporated into your daily routine.  Read, and hopefully, enjoy!

42. Abandon your car. Walk or bike to work for a slimming commute. This is easier said than done if you live in a suburb like I do.  In those cases, try to park far away so that you have to walk to your work place. This tip really became a necessity parking at the University of Tennessee as the closest parking spots there are still 15 minutes away from everything!  This tip works well when shopping too :)

43. Eat breakfast. Those who enjoy a morning meal have been shown over and over to be slimmer than breakfast skippers.  This makes sense if you really think about it; you fast all night as you sleep. When you awake in the morning, your body is hungry and needs fuel. If you skip breakfast, by the time lunch comes you are ravenous.  Then, you tend to overeat. The later you eat, the less likely you are to work off those calories with daily activities and exercise.

44. Love a cow.  A report recently cited yogurt as a food most identified with maintaining a healthy weight.  You could try yogurt for breakfast paired with some granola and fruit, or blend it up for a quick smoothie. Also, drink more milk! Low-fat dairy consumption seems to speed weight loss. There are many healthy components to dairy foods one being CLA or conjugated linoleic acid. Many reports expound on the benefits of CLA (especially my senior thesis on the subject)!

45. Weigh in daily. For some, the scale is a bummer and a distraction for many. Others however like the daily feedback and accountability. I tend to forget this one just as much as I forget to update my blog. I like to schedule my weigh-ins just like anything else.  Try it, and see if you lose weight. Either way, do what works best for you :)