Cheap fixes

I saw these presented by regular everyday people on the Dr. Oz show and since they pertain to issues we may experience in our striding and summer season, I thought I should share them with you.

Blisters - 
The guest on the show said to rub deodorant (like a solid deodorant stick) on the part of the shoe that is rubbing.  WHAT?!?  She said it can work on heels, toes, arches, doesn't matter where the blister forms - just rub the deodorant on that part of the shoe.  She also said that it can help running shoes as well as dress shoes including heels.

Now from my experience....if you get a blister there is a really healthy and effective way to get rid of it.  Do  NOT pop it because the bubble of skin is protecting the damaged under skin.  A nurse practitioner shared this strategy with me and you absolutely have to believe me that it works - let the blister get as much air as possible.  Don't wear socks or shoes for as much of a day, evening, or night as you can - the air will dry out the blister and promote healing of the damaged skin.

If you get blisters from walking/running, I suggest that you first try changing the kind of socks you wear.  Talk with a running specialist at running store (i.e. 3 Rivers Running Store) about the vast array of socks that are available.  Just when you think socks are socks - nope, there's hundreds of kinds of socks.  Take it from me -it's essential that you find the sock that WORKS FOR YOU.  I personally ran in toe socks, but my running partner swore by smartwool socks while my other running buddy only wore the 2 layer socks.  Try a variety of socks and don't lose hope - you'll find the right one for  you.

After a great training session, you may want to celebrate with a cook out - here's some cool tips...
Mosquitoes -
Again, from a guest on the Dr. Oz show, cut a lime in half and put about a dozen cloves in each side.   Place these around your table and patio to ward off mosquitoes.  This natural solution is safe for pets and children and also smells nice.

Out for a training session in the woods - I suggest rubbing down with a Bounce dryer sheet.  You can even tuck a sheet into the back of your shirt, shorts, or hat for added protection.  This prevents the chemicals found in common repellants from being sprayed on your body and into the environment.

Cleaning the grill - 
I saw this demonstration on the Dr. Oz show and it was amazing - cut an onion in half  and then scrub the grill using the cut surfaces of the onion.  Really scrub it to see the juices of the onion froth into action removing burned on residue.  

Just a few tips to make your summer less stressful!

Need to carry things?

Check out the "gadgets & stuff" page to see information about the 2 gadgets I discussed at tonight's training - the Roo Pouch and the SPI belt.  The SPI belt can be purchased online or in most specialty running stores.  The Roo Pouch is a small company started by one woman and their product can be purchased online or at the select race expo.  The website information for each company is located on the "gadgets & stuff" page.

Road ID

As a result of the interest generated from tonight's 'educational' topic, identification, I have updated the "gadgets & stuff' tab at the top of the blog to provide detailed information about the Road ID. Check it out to learn more!

See you next week at the corner of Elm & Bennett at 5:30.  It's still not too late to join - just show up and we'll get you registered. 

Striders tonight!

See you at the white bridge parking lot at 5:30 p.m. TONIGHT.  Still want to join?  Come tonight.  You can print off the registration forms by clicking the "registration" tab at the top of this blog and you can get a copy of the schedule by clicking "schedule".  The other tabs have helpful information about program weather policies, safety suggestions, as well as training information.  Looking forward to a MUCH COOLER training session tonight.  See you then!

Summer Striders has started - but it's not too late to join us!

Yesterday evening featured beautiful weather and a group of wonderful women for our introductory session of Summer Striders 2015.  If you didn't make it last night but still want to join us - it's not too late.  Simply join us next Wednesday at 5:30 p.m. - at the white bridge parking lot!  You can print the registration forms off (click on this blog's Registration tab) and bring them to the session along with your $10 cash registration fee.  We would love to have you, your friends, your family, your neighbors, and your co-workers join us.  The more the merrier!!!  See you Wednesday at 5:30!