Save your dough...



The hair-pre cut

The hair-post cut



I made a decision at the end of spring to cut my hair. It wasn't a tough decision. Hair grows and if I wanted long hair again, I could just grow it. I cut it into a little bob and I love the cut!! I did not consider that I may not like to wear my hair curly. After a couple of times of wearing my mini afro, I decided that I preferred my hair straightened. I have been natural (no chemicals in my hair at all) for about 6 years so keeping my hair straight is a feat. Especially in the summer and with working out. I saw an advertisement for the "Save Your Do" wrap by Nicole Ari Parker and was curious. They claimed that the wrap would "wick away moisture from your hair, allow heat to escape, and when properly applied keep hair pressed down during a workout". I figured I could at least give it a try. The reviews that I read were all glowing. I was excited and dropped 29.95 plus tax to get my hands on this wrap for my hair.  My first use was on a bike ride. I choose a bike ride because I sweat less riding the bike than I do running. I went on a 6 mile/30 minute bike ride. When I returned home, my hair was drenched.  Hair style could not be salvaged. Had to do a wash-n-go. Check it out down below. I am definetly NOT a fan. Obviously, you can try this for yourself. In my opinion, it is not worth the money. You can save your dough and not buy the "Save Your Do"!!

After the "Save Your Do" bike ride
YIKES!

 

Fear of running

I took a break from writing this summer to enjoy The Joes and the season. I also took a break from running. I took this break because I have been afraid. I ran a couple of times this summer but no long runs at all. I ran a total of about 12 miles!!! My longest run this summer was about 3 miles and I struggled. I got fully dressed a couple of times and even thought that I would run more but when it came time to actually run, I chose to ride the bike or to hit the gym. I only figured out just recently that I was afraid. So…what am I afraid of?

I am afraid that I am old and will hurt myself. 38 feels a lot different than 26. When I was 26, I hurt my left foot at work. I was sent to an MD at the hospital where I was employed. After testing, I was diagnosed with arthritis in my foot. I didn’t care one bit. I didn’t take it seriously. I never got the prescription filled for the medication that was prescribed. I left the office and ignored everything that was said to me that day. I was 26!!! Who has arthritis at 26? Last year, after an injury to my right foot and repeated complaints of numbness and pain, testing revealed that I had arthritis in my right foot as well. This time I took it seriously. The MD said that staying active was a great way to fight it. So I kept running. I was still experiencing numbness and pain at times. This scared me and left me wondering whether or not I was going to permanently injure myself. My running times began to suffer. Where I was once able to run a half marathon without stopping once to walk, I was walking during 3 mile runs. I felt horrible about that.

I am also afraid of failing. I began to fear that my pace times would never improve. I want to be faster. Over time, I expected that my times should improve. I dreaded running and seeing those times taunting me. I wanted to see improvement. Over the 6 months prior to my running hiatus, I had only seen my pace per mile increase. People had invited me to run with them. I politely avoided these invitations. I disappeared. Last week I felt a renewed drive to run. I got dressed and ready for a run a few times last week but ended up biking or hitting the gym. On Sunday, the last day of my workout week, I was determined that this should be the week to re-start. I decided to run my street. One time up and down is a little over half a mile. I set a goal to run 3 miles. I ran that first mile in 9:38. The next mile was 10:15. The third mile was 11:29. I walked a portion of the 3rd mile. Positives: 1. I can still run a mile in under 10 minutes. 2. I am still in good shape. 3. I had no pain during this run. Negatives: I walked during a 3 mile run. I now have to set new running goals taking into account my lack of running over the summer. At this point, I need to work back up to my continuous 3 miles. So…If anyone is interested in running with a turtle. Let me know. I think I’m ready to get back on the road…