Month: December 2018

Weather Tools by NWS

On December 14, 2018

Thank you, National Weather Service, your tools are very beneficial for an outdoor runner! Screenshot from 2018-12-14 04-07-54

I often post the weather summary image to share what my run was dealing with outside that day, but there are several other tools I use to help determine what to wear and which route to take, plus how I may need to adjust based on forecast conditions.

Consider this chart data:

Screenshot from 2018-12-14 04-04-36

When I first saw this chart it was overwhelming and a bit confusing, now it’s like a breath of fresh air. Why? Because it tells a story. It’s like a psychic telling the present and future. While this data cannot be 100% accurate to my 10-mile radius, it certainly provides data with a greater than 80% probability.

Getting the 10,000-foot view (or more). I like these radar/satellite maps as they provide a perspective of what is happening around the area and what is coming. Place the map in a “loop,” and you get a sense for the direction of weather pattern travel.

I have two outdoor thermometers reporting the temps from the North and South sides of my home. I use these as a local cross-check to the online NWS reports. However, I live in a suburban area with houses around me, this can create a vast temperature and windchill variation versus the open fields when I get out of town. It’s all part of being prepared!

Winter skin issues

By ps401t3

On December 12, 2018

In Blog

Corn Huskers Lotion is my favorite. Why – because it helps relieve the irritation of dry weather skin and has a minimalist scent. Screenshot from 2018-12-12 14-09-18

I know I’m not the only one who has dry skin when the cold weather sets in. Combined with the additional hand washing during the winter cold and flu season, the hands can get a bit irritated.

Hands, feet, even my nose gets rough in the winter weather. Elbows and knees, shin and toes too! Yes, my nose… if you run outdoors, I think you’ll agree, you need a handkerchief or towel to keep up with the condensation while running. The recurring wiping can really dry the skin. Again, the Corn Huskers is mild enough to help even there.

Screenshot from 2018-12-12 14-11-32 With my best efforts to maintain and/or revitalize the skin, I still have the occasional skin-split around a fingernail (cracked fingertips). If you’ve ever had these, you know how much they can hurt and impede ordinary tasks!

I use one of the “liquid bandage” products for these cracks. The product provides a layer of protection and doesn’t wash off quickly, plus I believe it helps speed up the healing process by reducing the open exposure.

Yes, it stings a little going on, but no more than bumping the split on something just one time.

Garmin tracker use

By Jerry Schotz

On December 9, 2018

In Blog

A brief personal review of the Garmin Forerunner 10 and 25.

Since Christmas 2015 I’ve been running with a Garmin Forerunner 10. During those 1070+ days, it has worked well. However, there were a few quirks. The only real problem the watch has is that it occasionally goes blank and basically needs a reboot which happens when attached to the USB cable. This problem has become a bit more frequent and prompting me to consider a replacement, just in case.

The Garmin Forerunner 25 arrived on December 6th and went into service on Friday the 7th.

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A few things that jumped out at me about the 25 were the band and the larger display.

The band is replaceable like a watch where the 10 was a molded unit. I cannot say I like the band better than the 10, just that it is different. The molded band on the 10 made it a comfortable fit and easier to manage. 20181209_091248

Fortunately, the button functions are basically the same between the models, which makes upgrading a lot easier.

The 25 obviously has additional features like Bluetooth and an activity/step tracker built-in.

I use my Garmin Vivofit 2 for tracking my steps, I prefer the low profile of the Vivofit. Vivifit2

This is where I’m still figuring out the 25. I have disabled the activity tracking features on the device and in the connect software, yet it keeps recording steps along with my run, so it looks like I’ve done a lot more steps than I do.

Two features on the 25 that I am enjoying is that the display is easier to read while running and that the battery life seems to be significantly better. The battery life on the 10 looked like it may not make a full marathon at my pace.

The 25 also includes some new stats in Connect. Cadence and Dynamics have been added to the activity details. The data is interesting, and I’ll see if I use it.

Overall, I’m enjoying the 25, even after just a few days of use. I plan on using the 10 as my backup device.

You’re slim, why count calories?

By Jerry Schotz

On December 6, 2018

In Blog

Screenshot from 2018-12-06 09-50-44

People watch us. Over time they may be curious enough to ask some questions as to what makes you tick.

Most people in my acquaintance did not know me when I had a 38″+ waist and was around 230 pounds. When or if they hear I run a lot often the conversation turns to my habits. Some have found it strange that I track my calories after losing the weight so many years ago.

I do record my food, and my Garmin tools document my exercise. When I say I track my calories, it’s more superficial than scientific. I know folks who are into the macro-nutrients, proteins, carbs, various fat sources, etc. I think those are great, but they bore me to sleep.

I am in health-maintenance mode, where I want to remain healthy to do battle against the forces of time and environment. The better prepared the soldier, generally, the more success in fighting.

I saw a doctor posted an article on LinkedIn called “Health: One Measure to Rule Them All” where he explores so many elements of our healthy living. A few quotes from his article:

We do not routinely direct our collective will at the true, root causes of our decline.

Even despite the terrible toll of opioids, depression, despair, and suicide- diet is the single leading cause of premature death in America today.

Keep fighting the good fight!

Cemetery Runs

By Jerry Schotz

On December 4, 2018

In Blog

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It may seem odd to some, but I like running through cemeteries. I find them peaceful and reflective.

I cannot read most of the headstones as I run past in the dim light of the early morn. Yet, the solitude is thought-provoking. No matter what my days have been of late, I’m reminded that I’m on this side of the sod with opportunities galore. I am grateful for the blessing of being able to run through the final resting place of so many.

I wonder about the lives once lived now represented by a stone marker. I see the flags on certain holidays and know someone served their country, I observe the flowers or solar-lights placed by someone who remembers “when.” Regardless of sons or daughters, mothers or fathers, farmers or factory workers, old or young, I am thankful for those who had gone before us and did their part in the world in their time.

As I exit the cemetery and enter back into the land of the living, I am grateful and blessed to run another day.