Reviews | 30 Something Mother Runner

New Running Reads: The Cool Impossible

Posted on May 7, 2013 Written by Jessica Morrison Leave a Comment

I just finished a great new running read: The Cool Impossible. Written by Eric Orton, running coach to Chris McDougall of Born to Run fame, is an easy and very practical running book on how to stay injury free while achieving new PRs.

I have read quite a few books on running, running technique, training plans, etc. and I have to say that Eric’s book is very easy to read and follow. His advice is solid and well-supported.

For those of you who are familiar with Born to Run, you will enjoy Chris McDougall’s foreword to The Cool Impossible. Facing a potentially treacherous run through the Copper Canyons of Mexico, McDougall was coached by Eric Orton and successfully completed the 50 mile race.

Orton writes as though he is coaching you personally, guiding you as he would one of his many clients looking to push themselves for better athletic performance,

I enjoyed how The Cool Impossible covers all aspects of running performance including strength, diet, performance training, etc. It’s a comprehensive guide for improving your training, complete with suggested plans at the end of the book.

Whether you are looking to run more efficiently or just PR at your next race, Eric Orton’s The Cool Impossible is definitely a worthwhile read!

30 Something Mother Runner received a copy of The Cool Impossible for the purpose of this review. All opinions are 100% my own!

Filed Under: Reviews, Training Tagged: Cool Impossible

Favorite Things Friday

Posted on March 1, 2013 Written by Jessica Morrison 2 Comments

I recently got my hands on a few things that I would like to share with you guys. They are little things I have gotten that make life easier or bring enjoyment in some other fashion, so why not share?!

The first is this neat little syringe for giving medicine to babies/toddlers. If you’re like me, you’ve had to give medicine more times than you can remember. Sometimes it’s a pain in the a$$ to measure out the exact amount (without air bubbles of course!).

True Easy Syringe

The True Easy Syringe lets you measure an accurate dose each time. You just twist the top to the dosage you need and draw it in—it doesn’t get much easier than that! You can buy them at most drug stores and grocery stores for about $4.99.

I am also enjoying the Sportline Quick Adjust Suspension Cross Trainer. I have mentioned a few times how I don’t usually do strength training when I am at the gym, since I barely have time to squeeze in a run during my babysitting time.

I have taken some TRX classes before, and this piece of equipment follows the same concept. I like that I can do it at home when I have a few minutes to spare. I can work out all of my major muscle groups in a short time span. It’s easy to use and comes with an instructional sheet and DVD!

Sportline Quick Adjust Suspension Trainer

30 Something Mother Runner received a sample of each product to evaluate.

Filed Under: Reviews

Gourmet Mac n’ Cheese

Posted on February 7, 2013 Written by Jessica Morrison 2 Comments

Earlier this week I received a mac n’ cheese kit from Smith’s Country Cheese in Winchendon, MA. I LOVE macaroni and cheese (as do the kids of course!), so I couldn’t wait to try it out. Smith’s promised me a gourmet mac n’ cheese, and boy did they deliver!

I made the meal for my family and my father-in-law, who is a foodie and gourmet cook. My father-in-law really liked this cheese and the recipe. Score one for me! Winking smile The husband and kids also enjoyed it tremendously.

It’s no secret that I love supporting local business, so I was more than happy to try Smith’s Country Cheese. I think the mac n’ cheese kit would make a great housewarming, hostess, or even new baby gift! The smoked gouda definitely separates it from your ordinary macaroni and cheese.

Each kit comes with a 1/2 pound each of smoked gouda and sharp cheddar, a box of elbow macaroni, and a recipe for their mac n’ cheese. The kits are $18.99 plus shipping charges, and you can find more details by clicking HERE.

Running related: yesterday was an off day since I did 7 miles (8:07 pace) Tuesday and will do 6 today. I really want to get in a run tomorrow morning before we get this behemoth of a snow storm Friday afternoon into Saturday.

There are widely varying projected totals for the Cape (we are always the wild card!), so who knows what we will get?! I’d like to at least feel like I got a run in before I’m stuck inside for a day or so!

Filed Under: Family, Reviews Tagged: gourmet macaroni and cheese

Cardio for Yesterday=Playing in the Snow with the Boys!

Posted on January 23, 2013 Written by Jessica Morrison Leave a Comment

So we didn’t exactly get as much snow as I (and I’m sure a lot of other people hoped!). We probably got about 3 inches total. It was still beautiful this morning, but I was looking for a little more snow for building snowmen, forts, etc.

This snow was pretty light and fluffy, but we still managed to have some fun running around the backyard and shoveling the driveway. I love the way everything looks in the snow before it gets slushy and dirty!

After snow play time, we came inside for some peppermint hot chocolate. I felt like such a Betty Crocker mom! Winking smile Seriously, the hot chocolate I bought at Whole Foods is called Silly Cow Farms hot chocolate. It is DELECTABLE!

The boys are big fans, and I like that it’s from Vermont and all natural! It’s a little pricier, but worth it and it comes in a really cute little glass milk bottle (see pic).

One of the other things I thought about while outside with the boys yesterday was how bright and sunny it was. Being the stickler I am about sun safety, I got to try out a great product called Baby Ganics Smooth Moves. It’s a daily moisturizing lotion that is fragrance free and has an SPF of 15.

I love that the lotion is mineral-based and contains NO paba, parabens, phthalates, nanoparticles, or retinyl palmitate. It is sometimes hard to find skin care products without these nasty ingredients!

If you want to check out BabyGanics Smooth Moves for yourself, you can find them at Babies R Us, Buy BuyBaby, Amazon.com and Diapers.com (the product retails for about $8.99 for the 12 oz bottle).

I received a sample bottle of BabyGanics Smooth Moves lotion to try out! All opinions and feedback are 100% my own.

Filed Under: Family, Reviews Tagged: snow

Running Quick Errands with Kids is Never “Quick”

Posted on December 17, 2012 Written by Jessica Morrison Leave a Comment

One of the things learned after having kids is that it is nearly impossible to go on a “quick” errand. Inevitably one of the boys will fall asleep in the car on the way there or one has a melt down because we can’t buy a toy at the store or maybe it just gets tiring schlepping my two and a half-year old in and out of the car seat. Winking smile

Although it’s impossible to not run errands during the week, I usually try to do them when my older son is in preschool and I just have the younger one with me. Most of the time this works out, and I even have time to grab a coffee pick me up!

I have also resorted to ordering more things online. Getting something I need at a lower price and with free shipping always works for me—this definitely applies for the holiday season as well!

If you are in a last-minute crunch for getting some gifts this holiday season, or maybe just some “gifts” for yourself, check out the P&G e-store. There are some great bundles available now that include free samples and products in addition to FREE shipping for orders over $25!

One of the great ideas for one of the men on your shopping list is the Smooth Style Bundle. For $19.99, you can get:

Gillette Fusion ProGlide 3-in-1 Styler
Gillette Fusion ProGlide Clear Shave Gel – 5.9 oz
Bonus 1 year subscription to Details. Special code provided in your order shipment, redeemable at www.details.com/holiday. Offer expires 3/31/13.

Additionally, you can use the following code for 15% off your first order at the P&G e-store: A9Z-MN5-KY3-ISA.

If you want to order some other household items or products for yourself, there are great bundles on Olay products and home cleaning products including Bounty paper towels, Cascade, Gain, and many more!

Have you finished all of your holiday shopping yet?

Filed Under: Family, Reviews

My Running Christmas List – 2012

Posted on December 5, 2012 Written by Jessica Morrison 1 Comment

I have finally finished compiling my running Christmas list for this year.

Skirt Sports Toasty Mitts Arm Warmers – Umm- genius in my book! Since I have Raynaud’s (results in poor circulation in my hands and feet), I need to focus on keeping my hands warm when the temperature starts dropping. I love my Brooks Adapt Running Gloves, but these definitely caught my eye. I love arm sleeves because I sweat A LOT! I tried them out last weekend on a long run and I loved them! I actually wore them under a half zip instead of wearing a jacket. Skirt Sports gear is always well made and they think of all the little details. One of the arm warmers has a pocket for phone, keys, GU, etc. and there are little silicone skirt sports icons to keep them in place on your upper arm.
Saucony Drylete Ponytail Headband ViZiPro- Sometimes it’s chilly enough to freeze your ears, but you still want the ability to get rid of some heat through your head. Enter the headband—with a ponytail hole, it’s perfect in my book!
Yaktrax Pro—I never got these last year, but I meant to! Since I will be running outside a lot more this winter, I really hope Santa brings them for me!
Nathan Sprint 10 oz Handheld—Sometimes (especially in colder weather) I want to bring along some water, but I don’t need the 20 oz. quick draw or my belt—this would be perfect. I think it would also be great for a 5K race!
Brooks Women’s Infiniti Tight II—Along with the Yaktrax Pro, these warm weather tights are tops on my list of winter running needs. Running along the water in the winter can get quite nippy. I need some nice warm tights!
Running bibs display with mantra: Running On The Wall—I am not big on displaying my medals , but I keep all of my race bibs. I like to write my times on the back and my age place, etc. Hopefully the hubs will get this as one of my Christmas gifts. I like that you can choose the paint color and/or personalize it!
Marathon Chick Skirt by Skirt Sports—This is pretty much the only skirt I run in any more. It’s so comfortable and without the compression shorts (it has spankies instead), I don’t get any chafing on long runs. I LOVE them and would like another one.
GU Energy Gel– I have been loving the Chocolate Outrage, Mint Chocolate, and Vanilla Bean! Just had the vanilla last weekend, and it reminded me of vanilla pudding!

What’s on YOUR running Christmas list??

Skirt Sports provided 30 Something Mother Runner with a pair or Toasty Mitts Arm Warmers, so I could try them out and share my opinions with you.

Filed Under: Gear, Reviews Tagged: Christmas List 2012

Mother Runners Should Definitely Check Out These Undies!

Posted on November 28, 2012 Written by Jessica Morrison 8 Comments

I discovered Dear Kate underwear at BlogHer and immediately thought how useful they would be for a mother runner. Chances are, if you have been pregnant, you have experienced stress incontinence/discharge/period overflow. If this is TMI, feel free not to read on! Winking smile

When I was pregnant with my second son, I remember kneeling over the toilet simultaneously vomiting and peeing my pants—not a pretty sight! That was my first introduction to stress urinary incontinence or SUI. I could have used some Dear Kates back then!

Fast forward several years, and a local women’s start-up called Dear Kate has created a line of super comfy, stylish, AND leak-proof underwear! I tried out a pair of the Leading Lady bikini mini, and they were so comfy! They were very breathable and flattering.

Thankfully I no longer suffer from SUI, but I have all confidence they would be my best friend if I did! The underwear line sports three different layers: a leak resistant outer layer and two wicking inner layers. The Dear Kate underwear come in five different styles: bikini, hipster, cheeky,thong, and high-rise.

All styles are currently available for pre-order (shipping December 5 shipping). The sizing runs a little small. I usually wear a size 5 in underwear, but they recommended I try a medium—which was perfect. They would make a great stocking stuffer! Winking smile Visit their website HERE and connect with them on Facebook and Twitter. You can use the code “motherrunner” at checkout for $10 off through December 31!

I received a pair of underwear from Dear Kate for the purpose of this review. All opinions and writing are 100% my own.

Filed Under: Gear, Reviews Tagged: Dear Kate, running underwear

Holiday Reading for the Kids!

Posted on November 20, 2012 Written by Jessica Morrison Leave a Comment

About a month ago, I ordered The Reading Lesson: Teach Your Child to Read in 20 Easy Lessons from Amazon. My 4 year old is really into his books (he’s a total book nerd like I used to be!). I decided to test the waters of learning how to read to see if he was interested.

I like the Reading Lesson because they focus on a couple of consonants and a vowel for each lesson, and they include fun short stories in each lesson that keeps the kids interested. We do anywhere from one page to several pages on any given day.

As soon as James tells me he’s tired or shows me he’s done we stop and pick up the next day. He has been having a lot of fun with this book and has started to sound out words when we are out and about.

I tend to splurge on books for the kids, and I don’t feel the least bit bad about it! We do have some holiday favorites and some new ones that we have tried out for the season.

I really like the Burton the Scarecrow – Friendship Tales from the Farm Series by V.A. Boeholt. We got to try out the first book in this series, and both James and Collin loved it! Each book has a nice little section at the back that serves as a resource guide for parents and educators. It includes a glossary, reader/listener tips, activity ideas, and suggestions for additional online resources and the illustrations are BEAUTIFUL!

A few years ago, we received A Very Marley Christmas by John Grogan, which is another adorable holiday story (especially if you love Marley!). The story is cute and James asks us to reader it over and over again, even when it’s not Christmas!

I have always loved Jan Brett’s books (and so do the boys!). We have v4, and it’s a perennial favorite. It’s a whimsical story about returning home where you belong, and the illustrations are GORGEOUS as usual!

I still have a copy of the Night Before Christmas by Clement Clarke Moore from the year I was born—thanks Aunt Diana (one of my loyal readers!) and Uncle Barney! It has beautiful Tasha Tudor illustrations. We read it every Christmas Eve.

Another book we got to review that was very cute was Last Night I Had a Laughmare by J.E. Laufer. We have always struggled with bedtime (as does everyone around the holidays!), so any book that makes it more fun and pleasurable is a win-win in my book! This book is silly and rhymes a la Dr. Seuss. Your kids will love the silliness—and hopefully go to bed! Smile

What are YOUR favorite holiday books?

Filed Under: Reviews

Looking for a Local Polar Express?

Posted on November 9, 2012 Written by Jessica Morrison 1 Comment

If you are looking for a fun semi-local (or if you are on the Cape—local!) Polar Express, look no further! The Cape Cod Central Railway is running a Polar Express! Here is their description of the experience:

The Polar Express comes to life this holiday season as the Cape Cod Central Railway rolls out of the station bound for the “North Pole!” Come early and climb aboard with your family to cozy-up and enjoy our festively decorated vintage train cars.

Dancing chefs deliver hot chocolate and a cookie to each guest to savor while music from the Polar Express movie plays en route to the North Pole. Make sure to have your tickets handy, because your conductor will be by shortly to punch each child’s ticket.

Before arriving at the North Pole, the iconic book, The Polar Express is read as your Chef turns the pages to share the beautiful illustrations in the original book. With the station far away, The Polar Express magically arrives at the outskirts of Santa’s North Pole village, where Santa Claus himself and his elves joyously welcome the train!

As you stay comfortably settled and warm in your seat, Santa and his helper elf board the train! During the return trip, Santa will greet each child with his signature holiday spirit and the first gift of Christmas: a bell cut from his sleigh. It is said that only children and those who still believe can actually hear the bell ring.

Join in the singing as your Chef or Conductor lead Christmas caroling on the 30-minute return trip. For those wanting the magic to last or to do a little Christmas shopping, visit our gift shop in the station for special Polar Express gifts and merchandise.

Children are encouraged to wear their pajamas; adults who still believe have been known to wear them too!

All Aboard the Polar Express is coming to the Cape Cod Central Railway, visit http://www.capetrain.com/ or call 888-797-7245 to climb aboard.

I will be taking the boys in early December. They love the Polar Express and so do I. Bring on the holidays!

I am receiving four tickets to the Polar Express on the Cape Cod Central Railway in exchange for posting this information. Hope to see you there!

Filed Under: Reviews, Travel Tagged: Polar Express

It’s Like Pandora for Wine!

Posted on November 6, 2012 Written by Jessica Morrison Leave a Comment

Through a blogging connection, I came across a very cool new start-up that is like a Pandora service, but for wine. I like wine. A LOT. The idea of having an online service that could help me expand my wine horizons was very intriguing—GAME ON!

When you sing in to Likelii, you are prompted with three questions to gain a better understand of which wine you usually drink everyday, for special occasions, etc. Likelii will then give you a comprehensive list of wines that you might enjoy based on your input. You can sort the results by price, alphabet, varietal, and region.

I love chardonnay, so I put in my choices and you can see a screenshot of some of the recommendations I received in the picture to the right.

If you aren’t sure where to start or don’t have specific choices to input, don’t worry—there’s a button for you too! You can just click on the little “I” button under the “Get Recommendations.” Smile

One of the things I like about this service is that all of the wines are not super expensive. I have looked at other online wine-buying services in the past, and I have found that they usually provide you with results that are all top dollar. That doesn’t work out for my single income stay-at-home mom budget! Winking smile

So whether you are looking for a cabernet to serve at home with a weekday dinner or a more expensive merlot to bring to a hostess for dinner, you will get some great recommendations from Likelii! To make it even better, you can get FREE SHIPPING on all orders over $100. Let the holiday shopping begin! Winking smile Click HERE to check out their web site!

Likelii provided 30 Something Mother Runner with a gift certificate in exchange for trying out the web site and writing this review. All opinions are 100% my own. Now off to buy more wine!

Filed Under: Reviews Tagged: wine.