What to do with retired running shoes

May 24, 2013 by vfreile

If your house is anything like mine, piles of running shoes are everywhere.

You have retired sneakers too worn out to run in, but great for yard work. There’s the castaway stash, which never quite felt right, but you can’t bring yourself to ditch.

Then there’s the complete reject pile, only good for activities like beach combing or boating. Ya know, where you will barely use said dead sneakers.

Ultimately, you use ’em one last time at a mud run, or donate the shoes at running expo. Or, you toss them in the bin.

Here’s a new organization we have proudly partnered with – Kindrunner.com

May we introduce you to Kindrunner! The scooters are proud to partner with the fab folks at Kindrunner, where patrons can trade in old, used running shoes for new shoes.

Runners receive “Kindness Cash Rewards” for every old pair they send in. The old shoes are then shipped to donation charity partners, including Soles 4 Souls, to assist people in need. That’s right, your discarded sneakers get a second life outside your closet or a landfill.

Kindrunner will officially launch on June 1. So we will have more details on how you can participate and join the movement then.

In the meantime, check out Kindrunner.com, as they are currently holding a contest to giveaway free running shoes for you and a partner for one year. Sign me up!

In the meantime, here they are online!

– Facebook: http://facebook.com/kindrunner
– Twitter: https://twitter.com/beAkindrunner
– Instagram: http://instagram.com/beakindrunner
– Youtube: http://www.youtube.com/user/Kindrunner

What do you do with your old running shoes? Tell us in the comments.

Running naked

May 20, 2013 by vfreile

I ran naked this weekend and it felt great.

Now don’t get the wrong idea. I wasn’t in my birthday suit!! Inspired in part by blooming, aromatic flowers in my community and my friend Cori, I decided to run watch-free this weekend.

Let me explain.

Spring finally arrived here in Rochester, NY, which means the lilacs are in bloom. Rochester’s climate is ideal for lilacs, and my county’s oldest park has more than 500 varieties and 1,200 lilac bushes on the slope in Highland Park. They smell amazing!

Lilacs in bloom! Pic by Chick Vic

When I headed out the door for a run this week, I found myself stopping repeatedly to smell the flowers. That’s right. I literally paused at each and every lilac bush along my route and shoved my nose into the buds.

After several 3-ish-mile loops on my road this week, I realized:
1. I really do love the scent of lilacs
2. I enjoyed pausing mid-run for a fun reason
3. I often out too much pressure on myself mid-run, to run on pace and not stop.

So. I decided Saturday morning to add another fun factor. I left my Garmin on the nightstand and went for a run.

Ahhh! I felt free! I ran until I felt like walking. Then I walked a for about a minute and continued on my way. I turned off on a side street I had never ventured down before. Then I stopped at another lilac bush and drank in the scent. By the time I got home, thoughts were whirling in my head.

What if I run my Sunday morning 10k race without my Garmin? How nice would that be? Heck – I could stop and smell the lilacs for the Lilac 10k!

So I did. When I headed out the door Sunday, I left my Garmin behind. A few running pals saw I was sans watch and offered to tell me the pace as we ran.

“No need,” I responded. “I’m going without a watch.”

“What?!” Running pal Ray answered. “No. That’s nuts. That would drive me crazy.”

Normally it would drive me mad as well. But not this week!

We reached Highland Park early since much of our group was running the 5k AND the 10k. Since I registered for the race Tuesday, I was fine running a mere 6.2 miles through Rochester and adjacent suburb Brighton. While the others ran, several of us explored lilac hill.

Soon enough, the rest of the crew was back and we lined up to race. Much of our group ran as part of Team Red, White and Blue, a group running to raise support and awareness for our veterans.

Meet Mike, team organizer, who ran Sunday with an American flag.

I took off with Traci and Ray. And boy was the crowd thick! We weaved and bobbed for the first mile. Lots of people were running the popular 10k! Soon enough, we turned our first corner and hit our stride. Ray found his rhythm and pulled away. About a mile later, Traci moved ahead as well.

I cheered them along and settled in for my second half of the course, I ran through neighborhoods, up and down hills and smiled at cheering residents and fans. I thanked officers and volunteers as I ran along he course.

Soon enough, I rounded my last turn, pushed myself up a hill and set my sights on the finish line.

I spotted the clock as I crossed in the Low 59s. Instinctively, I looked at my wrist for my own time. Ha! No watch!

Overall, the experiment was a success. Yes, I started out too fast by keeping up with Ray. But would I have done the same if I’d worn my watch? Probably. Would knowing my pace change my race plan? Doubtful.

But I led the event and I actually liked not knowing how I fared. It was sort of like playing the lottery.

Last night, I finally looked up my race time – 58.16 – which over a minute slower than my 10K PR. I was completely fine with my showing and loved running naked.

I will admit, I don’t plan to run without my Garmin for a big race, but running naked was a nice change of pace.

From left: Katie, Traci, Ray, Vic and Aaron post-race.

Have you run without a watch or Garmin recently? Are you a slave to your pacesetter? What’s the silliest things you’ve done mid-run? Tell us in the comments!

Runners – they’re everywhere!

May 18, 2013 by Meridith

While at Kohl’s this morning, I saw a guy in a Broad Street Run shirt. Naturally, I had to approach him.

I mean, right? This is natural. Everyone does this. And if you don’t, you totally should. (Similar to the runner’s wave. If you don’t know about it, check out Ashley at RatherBeRunnin’s post.)

Approaching other runners while in a non-running setting can be a bit tricky.

Bound: Bounding up to them like a puppy off-leash for the first time is an option, but the potential to scare them off is high. I usually only bound if I know the person and they are already well aware of my brand of crazy.

Direct approach: Less scary than the Bound for the recipient. Simply walk up a person and say “Love the Broad Street Run – it was my first time running this year. Have you run it more than once?”

Sidle: The word sidle is a bit off-putting because I always picture a shady person in a trench coat sliding up next to you and offering some illegal substance.

However, in this case, it’s running and so it takes on a more casual, less Shady McShadester connotation.

Find them in an aisle. Ideally, aim for one that’s not, like, underwear or Imodium. “So, hey, I see you were at Broad Street on May 5^th. Funnily enough, so was I.” (As were 39,998 others. It’s actually not that rare – I’ve seen three people wearing these shirts in the past three days.)

Mutual wearing: The best is when you’re wearing the same shirt at the same time and place. Serendipitous!

There’s that mutual recognition: you both look at the other person’s shirt, look down at your own shirt and then say something witty like “Nice shirt, where’d you get it?”

It’s absolutely glorious.

During an event: Okay, so this is a bit different because obviously at race events, you’re going to see race shirts of races past. However, I got super excited (it doesn’t take much, you’ve probably figured this out by now) during Broad Street when I saw a cheering guy on the median wearing one of these:

I felt like he was there specifically for me. As I got my high five from him I yelled out something like “Yeah, AC April Fools!” Because I’m limited to four or five word sentences while I’m running. But we totally would have been besties were I not in the middle of a race. I’m sure of it.

When I was younger, my mom talked to everyone. At the supermarket (aka the “stupidmarket” as we so brilliantly called it) she chatted it up with the people at the deli counter, in the aisles, on the checkout line – everyone. I was mortified. Do you know that person? “No,” she’d reply more often than not. “I’m just being friendly.”

Pooks is not nearly as timid as I was when I was a kid; when I approach a runner and he’s with me, he’ll chime in with his thoughts. As we walk away, he always asks if I knew the person. And I can say, with great authority, “Well, of course! We ran a race together.”

Am I missing any ways to approach a runner? Have any fun stories to share?

A little bit of this…

May 14, 2013 by vfreile

I’m the first to admit it. I love sample packs. Some might even say I collect them. There’s something about trying new products that you never even knew existed.

After all, that’s how I found my hot iron gel.

Lately, I’ve been hearing rumblings about niche sample boxes. They’re actually a new spin on an old classic, sort of like your modern wine, cheese or beer-of-the-month club, but with a bit more packaged flair.

Today’s specialty boxes feature samples in just about every genre – from beauty products to vitamins to canine treats.

So when I heard about StrideBox, a sample boxes filled with running accessories, gear and snacks last month, I was intrigued. My friend Cori had previously purchased (and loved) the box. She assured me I wouldn’t be disappointed by the product inside.

I plunked down my money ($15 per month) and ordered the May box. Two weeks later, a cardboard box stuffed with products any runner would desire arrived in my mailbox.

I danced a jig after I brought the box into my house. Really, I tore it open, eyed the contents and swirled in a circle, box in arms. There wasn’t one item I didn’t want to try inside.

Here’s what I found inside the May StrideBox:

My StrideBox!

The Klitch – a clip that attaches your (sometimes dirty) sneakers to the outside of your gym bag. Nifty and handy.

Honey Stinger Energy Chews – fuel for a long run. My running partner Gary swears by these when he ups his distance. I’ve been meaning to try them and now I will – in cherry cola flavor.

VFuel endurance gel – I’m always looking for a new gel! I’m traditionally a GU girl, but will always try new gels.

Betty Lou’s Just Great Stuff bar – the name alone wins me over. This is a vegan, gluten free, organic recovery snack bar. While I’m not on a restricted diet, I appreciate that there are fuel options for athletes dealing with this hurdle. Note: I just ate it and it was rather tasty!

Bonk Breaker Bites – a peanut butter and jelly flavored energy bar. I scarfed this mini bar down on day 1. Delicious!

Perfect Fit protein powder– vanilla (my flavor!) vegan protein powder. I’ll be trying this in my next banana berry smoothie.

Sports Beans – carbs and electrolytes in a jelly bean. Yes please! I’ve had these before, but only in rather odd-flavored sample packs received with race swag.

Clean Ethics Bottle Bright – water bottle cleaner tablet. My fuel belt is in dire need of this product.

Pro-Tec Athletics Blister Bands – I totally could’ve used this item last week, right after my 10-mile race. But I can always use these after future longer races.

The catch? You don’t know what you’ll be getting before the box arrives. That said, you know that when you sign up and pay for your box. That’s part of the allure. In turn, you receive a box full of goodies which is akin to digging into your stocking Christmas morning!

I should note, my StrideBox purchase was my second attempt in as many months in the subscription box craze. My first box came from a different company and I wasn’t impressed with its contents. But I learned from that experience. I later realized that I wasn’t completely interested in the products I was signing up for, just the idea of the sample box.

My advice? When selecting a subscription box, make sure you’re in love with the genre or you will never use the enclosed items.

According to StrideBox, the idea is to help runners try new products without having to commit to large purchases or the legwork of finding those products.

Each box also comes with an online shopping and price guide, to help you find the (and purchase) the products you’ve tested.

Or, if you’re obsessed with samples like me, you can simply wait for your next box to arrive!

Have you tried any type of subscription box? What did you think? What sort of samples would you want delivered to your door? Have you later purchased items you first tested in a subscription box?

It’s About to Get Ridiculous Up in Here

May 14, 2013 by camoozle

Belly Flop Drop. Tarzan Swing. 40 Bounces to Freedom. No, these are the latest dance crazes. They’re obstacles, just 3 of the many from the Ridiculous Obstacle Course 5K I participated in the race this past Saturday. I’ve ran in mud. I’ve climbed hills. I’ve ran tires. But I’ve never ran a muck like this before.

When I signed up for the race, all I knew was there were trampolines. I don’t know about you, but I love trampolines. And anything that incorporates day-glo wear with trampolines is my kind of activity. My friend Amy signed up with me and enthusiastically sported our vibrant tie-dye in an effort to stand out.

Unfortunately, we were ill-prepared. There were teams of minions, brides, prom dresses, zombies; pretty much any and every costume you could think of. I was shocked to see so many runners looking so, well, ridiculous. Had I known, I’m sure my propensity for ridiculousness would have reigned supreme. Next time, ROC, next time…

The race was located at the Del Mar Fairgrounds in San Diego. We were signed up for the 11 am start time and were herded into the starting gate. Yep, the very gates used for the horse races. We had to wait a bit, they were letting runners go in small groups to lessen the wait time at the obstacles. Even though I had thoroughly sunblocked, I was already feeling the heat on my shoulders. It was dusty and hot and I was looking forward to those water obstacles.

The Wrecking Ball, the Inflatable Water Slide and the Moon Bounce.

The first obstacle we hit was Tunnel Vision, which is exactly what it sounds like, a tunnel. Out of the tunnel, we came to 40 Bounces to Freedom, a series of trampolines that escalated in height. You had to jump down and across the tramp to a high platform, getting higher and higher until you came to the end. The only way to get down was to slide down a pole, which I had never done before. And kind of freaked me out. But it was either down or back through the traffic and there was no going back now.

We ran on. Amy, my ridiculously fast friend, sprinted off ahead but I hung back with the group. We hopped some hurdles and scaled a gigantic mountain of dirt and then it was time to slide. For the obstacle named Cool Runnings, we had to grab an inner tube and run it up a hill, then proceed to slide down a water slide.

After the refreshing little dip, we had to run some more. We climbed more walls. I attempted to cross some monkey bars and cross a muddy pool on a rope swing. I failed at both. I was ready for more water by the time I got to the Aqua Drag. Basically, it’s a four-way slip and slide. You run as fast as you can and then dive onto this inflatable water slide, hoping to make it to the end. I neglected to build up enough speed and I hesitated, which resulted in a less than spectacular display. I got stuck on the slide about halfway down and had to inchworm my way to the end. Thankfully, I destroyed any documented evidence of this fiasco.

It seemed like we ran a lot in the beginning, but about halfway, the obstacles started piling up. And we started having to wait. After the longest tire run of my life, we ran up a ramp over the race track and into the Moon Bounce. It’s a bouncer for adults. The world’s largest, in fact. After bouncing across, we had to stand in line for the Wrecking Ball. The obstacle consisted of barrels strung across a pool of water. You had to cross the barrel bridge and avoid the two huge rubber balls that were flying around your head. I made it about halfway before I bailed. The last obstacle was the World’s Largest Inflatable Water Slide. I climbed to the top, where they scanned my timing chip before sending me down the slide. Best way to cross a finish line ever.

Not only was the race itself totally epic, but the after-party was amazing. Lots of vendors, with all kinds of food and drinks. Many products available for sample. And a soapy hose down for those who needed it.

The Salmon Ladder. These two were trying to win a free race entry.

Alpha Warrior: The Salmon Ladder.

We met up with Amy at the Alpha Warrior exhibit and then it was time to get our free beer and do a little dancing. Amy had placed 3rd in the women’s division for our time slot and had to pick up her awesome medal. We people watched some more, ate a delicious artichoke on a stick, and were able to see all the best costume winners. My vote goes to the couple who dressed up as Indiana Jones and the Boulder.

Registration for the Orange County race opens on May 15th and I’m seriously considering running this again. It was a blast, like being on a giant playground. And I want another shot at that ridiculous costume contest!

Would you participate in a race like the Ridiculous Obstacle Challenge? What would your costume be?

To the Moms, With Love

May 12, 2013 by scootadoot

Little Jess with her momma.

Jess with her bug.

Vic with her sissy, Alicia, and mom.

Vic and mom at Niagara Falls.

Meri and the Berries.

Mer’s mom with Pooks.

Aunt Toria with Littleberry.

Brooke with her mom and her first born.

Pregnant Brooke and her girls.

Brooke’s mom-in-law and little dude.

Cam and her kiddos.

Cam and her mom.

Bec and her boy.

Bec and her girl.

Bec’s mom, Bec, Bec’s dude, and Bec’s sibs.

We are daughters.

We are moms.

We are aunts.

We are friends.

We are sisters.

We are family.

Happy Mother’s Day from Scoot a Doot.

Race Shirt Superlatives

May 11, 2013 by Meridith

Who doesn’t love a good race shirt?

I wear them to the gym, to Target, basically everywhere I can get away with it. They’ve become a staple of my wardrobe because they’re included with the race registration (hi, I paid for it, I want to wear it!) and because that means less shopping for me (and I’m lazy and don’t like to shop).

For the record, I’ve gone so far as Googling for recaps to see what other people say about the fit and sizing of shirts. Yes, I’m that serious.

Without further ado, here are some of my favorites. And not so favorites. Don’t worry, I’ll tell you why!

Oldie But Goodie

This is the back (because it has the hand print that always inspires “You’ve got a dirty hand print on your shirt” comments) but the front is similar, sans date and place, so you get the idea. My very first race shirt, it’s the oldster of the group. The shirt is a Merrell tech-t and I’m a fan because of the quality and fit. Two very important factors!

Mas o Menos

The good: It’s from my first half marathon. And the word “princess” is on it, which is very fitting for me.

The not so good: Well, it’s white. And I definitely got caught in the rain in it. Spring Break wet t-shirt contest, anyone?

Itsy Bitsy Teeny Weeny

I wanted so very badly to like this shirt. After all, I dressed up like Katniss from the Hunger Games and ran with some of my favorite people for this race. However, the shirt is small. Not like, a little small… a lot small. I wear it on the treadmill occasionally but never outside of the house.

To be fair, the race coordinators did say that the shirts ran small. So rather than ordering a medium, I went with the large.

No dice. Win some, lose some!

Double Vision

These Brooks tech shirts from the Haddonfield Adrenaline 5k are LOUD and I like them like that.

I wear these when I’m running, especially in the early morning hours. My trainer encourages us to do the “Wawa run” – a run to the nearest Wawa store and back, about a 1.65 loop on a busy road.

I want people to see me (and avoid becoming road kill). With these shirts, there’s no missing me.

Don’t Call It a Tech-T (I’m still earwormed from Bec’s post.)

Runners of the Broad Street Run had the option to upgrade to a tech-t for an additional cost but I personally am a big fan of this cotton t-shirt. They run slightly large but it’s a good quality shirt (Hanes) and I appreciate the fact that the sponsors are kept to the sleeves of the shirt.

This is the baby of my shirts, only a week old. Isn’t it cute?

I don’t usually wear t-shirts to work out in so it won’t be used for that but you ~~might~~ will find me wandering Target or the grocery store in it. In fact, I’m sporting this one today.

Baby, It’s Cold Outside

Friends, meet my favorite long-sleeved race shirt (these are much more rare than the short-sleeved t-shirt, which makes sense). This ranks up there as one of my best races I’ve done so I think that there’s a certain amount of sentimental value that comes along with this shirt.

It has sponsors all over the back but when a run is held as a fundraising event, I have no issues with that.

Miss Congeniality

This shirt wins top honors in my closet! It’s a ladies Brooks tech-t and I love both the fit and the feel. There are no sponsors on this shirt; it has a nice, clean look and it’s from the City of Brotherly Love.

I keep waiting for another race shirt to come along and steal my heart but so far, this one is it for me.

Also, it looks like blue is a popular race shirt color, eh?

When my family asked me what I wanted for Mother’s Day, I told them another race t-shirt. Kidding! But I did request that we run a 5k together (I really and truly did) and they agreed.

I’ll be getting another cotton t-shirt tomorrow, matching with Dude and Pooks (we’ll be so cool). (Don’t worry, we won’t wear it at the 5k.)

Littleberry has to sit this one out because a) he’s four and wouldn’t be down for 3.1 miles and b) he broke his foot about a week ago. But no worries, I’ll get my fair share of him, too!

Happy almost Mother’s Day to all the moms out there. And the Aunts. And the Grandmas. And the “Aunts” who let my children dump all their toys on the floor and play “volcano”.

How are you spending Mother’s Day? What’s your favorite race shirt? Bonus points if you post a picture in the comments (I don’t even know if you can do that!).

Philadelphia Chocolate Tours Giveaway

May 9, 2013 by scootadoot

Back in March, Chicks Vic and Mer treated themselves to a Philadelphia Chocolate Tour after running a 5k.

Mayhaps you remember reading about the snowy run and the delicious tour in Philly. Despite the weather, we had chocolate and when we have chocolate, we are happy campers!

Om nom nom!

The good people of the Philadelphia Chocolate Tours thought that our readers would enjoy checking out the sights and tastes of Philly and generously offered up two gift certificates for free walking tours. (See, that’s sort of work out related. Plus, there’s health benefits associated with chocolate!)

Since we know that chocolate is always better with a friend, we’re keeping the pair together.

Who could resist?

Grab your bestie, grab your significant other, grab a group and split the difference of the remaining tours, grab a stranger (just make sure they’re consenting to all this grabbing) and try your luck at our Scoot a Doot Philadelphia Chocolate Tours giveaway! Encourage them to sign up, too, and increase your chances – woohoo!

This giveaway starts today, May 9th, and goes until midnight on May 14th.

What’s your favorite type of chocolate? And do you consider white chocolate to be chocolate? This is a very pressing matter!

Click the pic to enter!

This giveaway is for a pair of gift certificates for the Philadelphia Chocolate Tours. You are responsible for getting to and from the event. If awarded the winner, we will require your mailing address so we may send you the gift certificates. You are responsible for contacting Philadelphia Chocolate Tours to set up your tour date, based on availability.

The Color Run Giveaway Winner

May 9, 2013 by scootadoot

Are you ready to paint the town blue, pink, yellow, green, and purple? We’ve got coupon codes for a few lucky locations. Snag, share, and save!

August 31, 2013 event in Englishtown, NJ – use the code: COLORSCOOT1
June 29, 2013 event in Pomona, CA – use the code: COLORSCOOT2
October 19, 2013 event in Charlotte, NC – use the code: COLORSCOOT3
July 20, 2013 event in Columbus, OH – use the code: COLORSCOOT4

Okay, now that we’ve shared those, let’s not wait any longer!

The winner for the Scoot a Doot’s The Color Run giveaway is…

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(We really hope that you pressed play for that. It really brings a little something extra to the post!)

Congratulations Mary! The Scoot a Doot chicks salute you. We’ll be contacting you via email to get you all set up to participate in any Color Run that isn’t sold out. Additionally, we’re offering you an opportunity to write a guest post about your experience for Scoot a Doot! Rock on!

Keep Calm and Hog On: Scoot a Doot’s Jog ‘n Hog winner!

May 7, 2013 by scootadoot

We found this little piggy after the Broad Street Run!

You might have noticed from our blog, Facebook, and tweets that we are super excited for the Jog ‘n Hog this summer. When you combine two of our favorite things (running and ice cream), you just know it’s going to be a good time!

Team Scoot a Doot is currently fifteen strong and we’re proud to announce our 16th team member.

A big congratulations to Linda! She’s the winner of our Jog ‘n Hog giveaway.

Linda, we salute you! Start your training: jog around the neighborhood and then treat yourself to some ice cream!

If you want to join Team Scoot a Doot or create your own, scoot on over to the Jog ‘n Hog registration page.

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