Under the Influenster: Dr. Scholl's® For Her Active Series® Part 2

I run.  I don't run fast.  I don't run far.  But I enjoy it.  Unfortunately I've had some trouble with foot and leg pain during and after my runs lately.  


As I mentioned in my previous post and the video above, the Dr. Scholl's website is currently offering a $4 off coupon for your purchase.  They are available at Target, Walmart, CVS, and many other retailers.

Dr. Scholl's Active Series replacement insoles are also available on Amazon with a "Subscribe & Save" option.  You save either 5% or 15%, depending on your number of subscriptions, and have your products delivered to you at a frequency of your choice.  You could have them delivered at an interval of your choice.  I'd choose every six months as a reminder to switch out my old insoles. 

Make sure to read and watch my first impressions of the Dr. Scholl's Active Series replacement insoles too.

*This post contains lots of affiliate links.

I received this product complimentary from Influenster for testing purposes.

Under the Influenster: Dr. Scholl's® For Her Active Series® Part 1

Influenster has done it again.  They've introduced me to a great product that I might not have considered otherwise: Dr. Scholl's Active Series  replacement insoles.

These are my first impressions upon opening the package.  Please excuse my proximity to the camera.  I should either make more videos to improve my skill, or never make a video again.




I am impressed by the level of cushioning in Dr. Scholl's Active Series replacement insole, especially as compared to the original insoles.   I'm very happy with my Asics running shoes, so it never occurred to me that my feet and legs could be even more comfortable during a run.  I predict that these insoles could also extend the life of a pair of running shoes by compensating for any loss of cushioning over time.

The price is reasonable (around $20 msrp) and the quality seems good.  Dr. Scholl's offers a satisfaction guarantee, so if you're not satisfied you can receive a replacement or refund.

About the only downside I've noticed so far is that they only come up to a size 11 in the women's model.  I'm set because I wear an 11, but any women with larger feet could check out the men's options.  It annoys me to wear shoe products meant for men, but perhaps other women have fewer hang-ups.  Or perhaps a man will read this and find insole solutions too.

If you're interested in trying these out, the Dr. Scholl's website is currently offering a $4 off coupon for your purchase.  I'm going to buy a second pair to try in my non-athletic shoes.  They are available at Target, Walmart, CVS, and many other retailers.

Dr. Scholl's Active Series replacement insoles are also available on Amazon, and you can get them with a "Subscribe & Save" option.  That way the insoles would be delivered to you periodically, and you save either 5% or 15%, depending on your number of subscriptions.  You could have them delivered at an interval of your choice.  I'd choose every six months as a reminder to switch out my old insoles.

Make sure to read more about my first walk and run with these insoles soon (spoiler alert: pretty cool)!

*This post contains lots of affiliate links.

I received this product complimentary from Influenster for testing purposes.

Zombies, Run! Review

Image Credit: ZombiesRunGame.com

I am always looking for ways to motivate myself to continue exercising, and I have a strong interest in science fiction.  That's why I was immediately interested when I heard about the Android app Zombies, Run!  (It's also available for iPhone and Windows Phone.)

Zombies, Run! is an interactive game in which you gather supplies and outrun hordes of zombies to help your fellow humans survive.  The game uses either GPS or accelerometer data to track your speed and distance.

 It requires no input from the user during the workout, and mixes your music playlist with an interesting story line and mission status updates for a fun experience.  I like most anything that distracts me from my workouts.  After your workout is over you can play the game and use the supplies you gathered on your run to improve the human compound.

I tried it for the first time, and it was great.  Today I used it for a walk, not a run.  I like that you can use it for walking as well as running.  It kind of reminds me of the old computer adventure games like Zork because it uses the world's most powerful graphics processor... the human imagination.  (Ok, I stole the graphics processor line from the Big Bang Theory, but it's so true.)  Comparing it to Zork is a huge compliment in my book.

The one big downside of this app is the price.  The regular price is $7.99 which is why I didn't buy it when I first saw it a few months ago.  I'm not much for spending money on apps when there are so many good free ones.  I finally purchased it yesterday because for a limited time the game is just $3.99 on the Google Play store.  The 5k Training version of the app is only $1.99 right now.  (I didn't check iTunes or the Windows Phone store.)

I highly recommend Zombies, Run! if you have a smart phone and would like a fun, interactive fitness game.  It might even be worth its normal $7.99 price...  Maybe...

* I was not compensated for this review.  All opinions are my own.

The Best Around (Unless Leopard Becomes Available)

My new shoe loves, the ASICS Women's Gel-Neo33 Running Shoe arrived last night.  I am very impressed with the lightning-fast shipping since I just ordered them Tuesday night.

See, matchy matchy, no makeup,
sleepy face.

Visually they are everything I wanted them to be.  They are so beautiful to me that I did something I never do.  I planned my workout outfit in advance to coordinate with my shoes.  Usually I wear whatever is on top of the pile to work out.

I've been jogging with my mom, and she was sick this morning.  Some days I would have used that as an excuse to skip the gym, but today I was on a mission to try out these shoes.

My first impression of the ASICS in action is great.  I'm very happy with the stability, cushioning, and sole flexibility.   I managed to look up from my feet long enough that I didn't run into any walls.

I'll jog in these for a few weeks and, if I'm still happy, I'll probably order another pair.  Finding this pair was such a hassle that it would be nice to know I am set for a while.

Stephen mentioned last night that he was surprised I didn't get leopard print running shoes.  Attention all shoe companies: please make leopard print running shoes.  I will buy a lifetime supply.

My Running Sole Mates

I've been jogging regularly again since June, and my running shoes have about run out.  I've been dreading shopping for running shoes because running is not something that comes easily to me.  I have started to enjoy it.  I have started to love it.  But the specter of injury hangs over me and I want to do everything I can to continue to be able to jog and have fun doing it.

I had a wish list for my ideal pair:

1. Available in size 11.5.  It is even harder for me to find running shoes that regular ones because I need a half size larger.  
2. Cushioned.  I am somewhat massive, and it's not fair to my joints if I pound the pavement in shoes that don't give them any relief.
3. Stability.  I over-pronate, especially with my right foot.  It throws off the alignment of my ankles and makes my knees hurt if my shoes don't give me enough support.
4. Colorful.  Dammit, I want colorful shoes.  
5. Women's.  I have been forced to buy men's running shoes too many times because women's ones didn't come in my size.  Now I live in the age of internet.  Never again.
6. On sale.  You've read this blog before, right?

After making an endless pilgrimage to what seemed like every shoe store in the greater metro area, I still had not found what I was looking for, then I remembered bullet number five above and hit the web.  Within a few minutes I located these beauties on Amazon.

Image Credit: Amazon
These are some sharp shoes.

Image Credit: Amazon
This is what it will look like
if I'm about to run you over.

Image Credit: Amazon
This is what it will look like
if I have just run you over.

ASICS calls them the Gel-Neo33 Running Shoe.  I am pleased to call them mine.  

They come with a 60 day satisfaction guarantee, so I wasn't quite as apprehensive about buying running shoes on the internet.  

I have jogged in ASICS for the past few years, and (because I'm a dork) I love that the name is derived from the Latin phrase "anima sana in corpore sano" meaning a sound mind in a sound body.  That's what I'm going for.

The shipping policies page says most orders arrive in three to five business days.  My toes can hardly wait.

June Recap

Happy Monday people of the interwebs.  This is the best I've felt on a Monday in a long time.  I attribute the happy feelings to a number of factors.  

1. I made a large and difficult decision last week, and I feel good about it.  (Ooooo, mysterious.)
2. I have worked out hard for the week and a half and consistently for the past two months.
3. I am wore a neon, safety-colored tank to jog this morning.  

Yes, the neon made me happy.  It also made me feel safer as I plodded around the neighborhood in the early morning hours.  Sleepy motorists have no excuse to run me over.  

I felt so great after my jog this morning that I took a photo.  Apparently this is it what I actually look like after a jog.  After I saw what I look like (as opposed to how I felt), I almost didn't post this photo.  Then I decided I have nothing to be ashamed of.  Yes, I look sweaty and lumpy, but I just finished jogging.  If you have snarky thoughts about my sweaty lumpiness, you can keep them to yourself.

That pretty much sums up my June.  My weight loss was stalled, but I was so much more active than I have been lately. I had a few very stressful weeks at work, but I stayed up with my fitness and added in some more once the chaos calmed down.

I've been loving my weight bench (weight lifting has long been my favorite fitness activity).

I added in jogging and now I am in week two of the Couch to 5K running plan.

I am going to continue these activities into July and beyond, even though my July Challenge is shoe-related.  I will continue to post occasional updates about fitness because I'm worth it.  

Heavy Lifting

With all of my various houseplants, it's almost like workout out in the jungle.  

I did something exciting and frightening last night.  I finally set up my weight bench.  I have no excuse to avoid the heavy lifting that I have long loved.  Weight lifting has been my thing since middle school.  I like being strong.  I like being able to lift heavy objects.  Three years ago I could leg press three times my body weight.  Now that my legs are weaker and my mass is greater the thought of that is a bit scary, but I'm taking baby steps.

This morning I had a great workout.  Did the numbers stack up to my past?  No.  Not even close.  But that doesn't matter.  I put in the work.  It felt good.  I'll go back tomorrow.  I'm worth it.

I guess my take home message is find what you love to honor your body and do it.  I can't wait for the DOMS.

Two Weeks on the Beach

It has been over two weeks since I decided to tackle some of my issues head on, including my excess weight.  It has gone pretty well, with just a few hiccups along the way.  I am kind of amazed that I have cut out grains and starchy veggies for two weeks.  I never thought I would want to do that.

Chicken with mixed beans, cheese, salsa, tomatoes and cilantro
with a side of cucumber salad.  It was tasty.  

I've been eating lots of vegetables, lean protein, legumes and dairy, as well as some fruits and nuts.  I've walked with Gadget and my mom every morning (except for yesterday- it was pouring rain).    I've lost three pounds.  I'm happy with that.

I've also scheduled a long-overdue dentist appointment, massage and hair cut using the magical powers of to-do lists.  Huzzah!

May: Because I'm Worth It

This is not a post about L'Oreal (though I love L'Oreal Infallible LipColour).  This is a post about how I haven't been taking care of myself.  It is a long post, and if you're only interested in the style component of this blog, check out some of my favorites.

“Out of our beliefs are born deeds; out of our deeds we form habits; out of our habits grows our character; and on our character we build our destiny.”~Henry Hancock 

As I alluded yesterday, I've been thinking a lot about the way habits drive my life.  I am not satisfied with the destiny I have been building, so the time has come to re-examine the deeds and habits that are shaping my path.

For me, the basis of any habit is planning (or lack thereof).  This may be is letting my geek flag fly, but I enjoy planning.  I feel more secure when I have a plan.  As Stephen recently pointed out, I even like planning about planning.  I like it when my life is sorted into lists and schedules.  I don't like things being up in the air.  

The problem with life for the past couple years is that it has laughed at my planning.  I have gone from a regimented single gal who got up every morning at 5 to lift weights, to engaged, planning a wedding, getting married, moving across country, family crises, health problems and more.  Eventually (probably about a year ago), I threw up my hands and stopped trying to plan.  This was bad for me.  I need a new way to plan.  

Part of this is about weight.  I have gained around 60 pounds in the past three years.  I hate admitting it to myself, so I'm not sure why I'm telling the interwebs.  It doesn't affect my value as a person, but it has affected the way I experience the world.  

Image Credit:
Amazon.com

I am tackling the terrible D word: diet.  I have dabbled here and there in the past couple years, but I haven't devoted myself to it.  Now is that time.  I don't give particular credence to named diets, but I am going to try The South Beach Diet Supercharged.  Not because I think it is magical or the only way, but because I want something to help me break out of my sugar/carb comfort food rut, I don't feel like counting anything and I like structure and rules .  (Geek flag still flying.)  This way the "rules" are already set and all I have to do is follow them.

The next step is exercise.  I know I love exercise.  I really do, but since I haven't been doing much lately I am starting small.  My friend Beth recently completed a 30 days of biking challenge, and I am using her as inspiration for my own 30 days of walking challenge.  Walking is about the easiest form of exercise there is, and it is as portable as my own two feet.  Check the Daily Mile widget in the sidebar to the right to check my progress.  

“First we make our habits, then our habits make us.” ~Charles C. Noble

My notebook: where the magic happens.

So here is my planning plan:  I have a handy notebook that will be my primary planning repository.  I have a sheet at the beginning of each week where I will put to do lists for the week.  They are categorized as high priority, low priority, and @ some point.  Pretty much everything goes on a list: from diet and exercise to transferring my old 401k to making appointments to crafting and reading.  I like writing things down.  I like checking things off.  That's just how much mind functions best.  I have tried various apps for my phone, but they just don't work as well for me as pen and paper.

This isn't going to become a diet blog or a fitness blog, but I am continuing the mission expressed in my blog manifesto:

Challenge Yourself.  Live Beautifully.  Love Your Life.

I will have some updates about my challenge progress interspersed with my regular style and creative posts.

At the end of the month I hope (and plan) to be on a firmer footing.  I plan to be feeling better, be more organized and be ready to take the next steps on this journey called existence.  Wish me luck.

Weekend Recap: Spinning & Pioneers

Yesterday I tried something new, something exciting, something scary.  I tried spinning.  I'd been wanting to get together with a friend, but our schedules didn't mesh well during the week.  She suggested that we meet at the Spinning Gallery for a morning class.  

When I told Stephen that I was going to a spinning class, he asked whether I needed a spinning wheel to do it.  He was thinking of this kind of spinning...  

A different kind of spinning.
Image Credit: Wikipedia

To his credit, his mom does that kind of spinning, so I understand where the communication breakdown happened.

Spinning: It didn't kill me!

I had never tried spinning, and it was pretty brutal.  It was simultaneously the quickest and longest 45 minute exercise class ever.  By 5 minutes in the end of class I was soaked in sweat and gasping for breath.  The music and the instructor's enthusiasm buoyed me through, even if I didn't adjust the resistance as much as he commanded.

Image Credit: Beth's Facebook

I've been struggling with insomnia, stress, illness and other non-fun things lately, so it has been hard to get the motivation to exercise.  I seriously considered backing out at the last minute, but then I saw this post on a friend's facebook page.  I want to be where the magic happens, and part of the purpose of this blog is to push me out of my comfort zone.   Thank you, Ashley, for helping give me a nudge.

Yesterday Stephen and I had some friends over and got in touch with our pioneer side.  I made fresh mozzarella cheese and pita bread, and the guys started a fresh batch of beer.  The cheese and bread were both delicious, and we shall see how the beer turns out in about six weeks.  I used this recipe for the cheese.  

Cheese: Started

Cheese: Finished

Beer on the boil.

 I hope you had a wonderful weekend, tried new things and stepped out of your comfort zone!

Yoga Love

Remember how I said I was going to do yoga weekly as part of my February Self Love Challenge?  Ha.  I did it last night for the first time this month.  I had to bribe myself with this week's episode of RuPaul's Drag Race.  No drag before yoga.  Ok, I'll do yoga.

I did a very quick little program from cable's free section of OnDemand.  It was Relaxing Stretch with the surprisingly un-prickly Tonya Nettles.  (Har har.)  It was easy.  It was stretchy.  It wasn't even yoga.  It was Pilates.  Luckily I make the rules here, so it still counts.  I think I'll try this one tonight.  Also tonight I'll take Gadget on a training walk.



I don't think I've ever been as sedentary as I've been lately, and I can feel effects on my mind and body.  I have been having ongoing problems with insomnia and exhaustion that have made it harder than ever to exercise.  Or eat wholesome foods.  Or do much of anything else.  That is not an excuse, just a hurdle to clear.  I am doing what I can to feel better.  That includes wholesome foods, exercise, a light therapy box, and more.

After watching the album infomercial challenge on this week's Drag Race, maybe I need to buy some RuPaul MP3s to motivate me.
Maybe I need to set my alarm to play this song when it's time to get up and work out.

Back on Track

Nom nom nom

I am a lapsed Weight Watcher.  I was eating healthy and exercising like a maniac until early November when I got The Fever That Wouldn't Go Away.  During TFTWGA I kept losing weight because I felt too sick to eat, but I also felt too sick to exercise or really do much at all.  Now I'm feeling a little better.  I don't know if I still have the fever.  I haven't taken my temperature in a few days.  Last I checked it was still there, but I can ignore it in its current state.

I am ready for my clothes and tall boots to fit better.  I am ready to have the energy and strength that comes with regular exercise.  I love myself the way I am, and losing weight will not make me a better person, just a fitter one.

Lucky for me I enjoy healthy eating and exercising... I just enjoy birthday cake and cheese covered everything too.  I'm working to strike a balance.

So this morning I am back to counting my PointsPlus and logging my food and exercise.  Not because I have to, but because I want to seize the opportunity to take better care of myself.  And I've got to get into those peacock pants.

5:00 A.M. Boot-y Call

Nothing good happens at 4:50 am.

I went back to my boot camp fitness class this morning.  I had perfect attendance for my first 6-week session, but last session I was derailed by my persistent fever issues.  I haven't been to boot camp in the past 3 weeks.  Needless to say, morning came really early today.

I even managed to beat or tie my test results from last session.
Push-ups: 9 full
Plank hold: 1 m 17 s
Mile run: 12m 1s

Last session my stats were:
Push-ups: 9 full
Plank hold: 1m 11s
Mile run: 12m 54s

It is amazing how much better I feel when I get out and exercise in the morning.  Gadget appreciates it too since he gets a longer walk on days I do boot camp.

Breakfast of champions

Since I was all healthy this morning, can I have cake for breakfast?  It's a post birthday tradition.