Tools of the Trade

So i am learning what it is going to take to really do this. In case anyone out there(if there is anyone out there reading) needs a few ideas, I thought I would make a list of what is helping me so far.
First we have Weight Watchers. I have done the program before several years ago. I had some success with the old program but I have never actually done it by going to meetings. I started it online a while back but I didn't really stick to it as much as I should. I am hoping that the weekly weigh-in at the meetings will hold me accountable and help me do better. I really like the new program. It handles food very differently than it has in the past


I hate water but I'm supposed to drink it. A while back I tried several different things. I picked up a bottle of propel one day and actually enjoyed it. Then I found out they made a powder and that made it much easier. I love this stuff. Unfortunately they recently changed it so that it has no calories(because apparently 10 was too many... stupid people) So now it doesn't taste as good. But it is still better than plain water. (And I bought the last case of the regular kind at walmart so for now I still have the good stuff.)


This is a new found love for the same reason as the propel. In the past I have been trying to drink more water but still drinking coke a lot too. I am trying to cut back on the coke because it racks up a lot of points per day. This stuff is great because it is a liquid and it is easy to add to a glass of water that you don't know how many ounces it holds. you just squirt it, taste it and add more if it needs it. It offers a lot more flavor and no calories.


Now for running tools. This is a screen shot for the handy runner app on my droid. It is the app that links to runningahead.com. Both services are free and it is a very easy way to track workouts. It uses my phones gps feature to track my course and pace. Once I am done, it automatically uploads to the RA website where you can see your course on a map and view a graph of your pace. It is just a really good way to look at your progress.

Click picture for vibram's website

Now for my running shoes. I talked about shoes a while back and my struggle to find some that worked. I also said that I already had the right shoes I just didn't realize it. Well, here they are. Mac and I purchased a pair of vibrams for each of us last year. He got a pair that is an all around model, great for hiking, running, or whatever you want to do. Mine are specifically made for running. Vibrams take a little while to get used to since they stretch your toes out and don't have as much padding as regular shoes. They are designed to be as minimal as possible to allow your foot to be in a more natural, barefoot position yet protected from the elements. I hate shoes. I wear them as little as possible so I thought these would be great. But I was scared. I know that if I am standing on hard surfaces for long periods my feet hurt simply because of my weight. I was afraid to actually run in these shoes for that reason too. I then had so many issues with the wrong shoes that I decided to try my vibrams out. I was happy and a little shocked when they worked out great. I had no pain and they felt great. I know they aren't for everyone but i love them.

Click picture for tech4o's site

This is the tech4o accelerator. It is a pedometer that tracks distance, speed, calories burned and steps taken. It also has timer, stopwatch and a lot of other cool features.

So that is my list so far. I'm sure there will be so many other tips and tricks I learn along the way.