Which Apps do you use the most? My favorites for iPhone

I have an iPhone now. My first smartphone was a Droid, but it fell out of my back pocket (why I put it there in the first place, I still have no idea) and into a toilet. It was fried. Verizon had just come out with the iPhone at that time, so that's what I got to replace the Droid. I love it. I have downloaded TONS of apps, but really on use a select few on a regular basis. Here is a list of my favs                        

1. PANDORARADIO I love this app and use it all the time. I'm listening to Rockin' Holidays Radio right now and also had it on for my morning run. The Queens and Beatles stations I made probably get the most use, but I also like my lullaby station to relax to at night.
2. STITCHER RADIO This one I found not too long ago and it's great. I created stations for all of the NPR shows I like such as FreshAir and Wait, Wait Don't tell Me. I also have a station of running podcasts like Another Mother Runner Radio and Slow Runners Club. I still haven't quite figured out how to add a station to an existing list, but i'm working on it.
3. RUNKEEPER  I always run with my iPhone because I use it instead of my ipod now. Since I have it with me anyway, I have stopped running with my Garmin watch (anyone want a slightly use one?) and use this app. I can set it up to coach me along as I run and give audio cues with things like miles completed and/or pace per mile. I can also have it be silent (I did that this morning) and just track my course using GPS technology. Once my run is over, I can post the results to their website, twitter, or Facebook. I can also type in notes about how the run went. 
4. FOURSQUARE This is just fun and I like being the mayor of my gym! I don't check in EVERYWHERE I go, that would just get annoying. 
5. URBANSPOON  I have used this app practically every time I am in NYC. It doesn't do me a whole lot of good in rural NJ, but in the city I can find store, restaurants, whatever - with reviews. It's really cool.
6. ALLRECIPES  This is absolute the best recipe app out there. I have been using it for years. I will go grocery shopping, see a piece of meat that looks good, and use the app to find a recipe. The reviews are terrific as well. Many, many meals in my kitchen have come from here. 

So, those are my regular go to apps.  Some of the apps I downloaded and thought I would use a lot, I really don't - Facebook is the best example. I like to go on Facebook from my laptop, but not my phone. I also don't use the Fandango app a lot.  I'd love to hear some of your favorites! Please feel free to comment. =)

Today's workout: 11 mile run/jog (crisp, sunny morning with Christmas music - it was a fantastic run!) 20 minutes of yoga/stretching.  F&V for HBBC   Total points today: 13

The Daily Supplement Regimen ... What do you take?

I am not, nor do I claim to be a nutrition specialist. I do, however, try my best to stay informed about what various supplements are for and why I should take them. Here is my current daily regimen along with the purpose of each. I have been taking these supplements for about 3 years now. I gave the doctor my list and she said it's all good. Please feel free to post your routine or comment on mine!

Calcium Citrate with Vitamin D - 1260mg daily

This is the actual brand that I use

I take this to prevent osteoporosis. The recommended intake of calcium is between 1000 and 1500 mg per day. I take calcium citrate instead of caltrate because it doesn't need to be taken with meals. 

B Complex - 1 tablet daily

I initially purchased this because our chiropractor had recommended it for my son. It is supposed to be good for healing wounds and children with ADHD. I ended up taking it when I read this: What is Vitamin B Complex?  Just scroll down to the part where it talks about athletic performance. Apparently Vitamin B is needed to produce energy from carbohydrates.

Vitamin E - 4000 iu daily

I really take this one because it has been a habit since I was a kid. I remember someone once telling me that vitamin E was good for your skin. According to the label, it is also promotes hears and immune health. According to this Mayo Clinic Article, the jury is still out on the benefits.

Glucosomine Chondroitin (1 tablet twice a day)

I take this for my joints.  Being a runner (and an older one at that), this is really important. I should be taking these three times a day, but I always forget!

Purity Products - Omega 3 Plus C & D  (2 gels daily),  Co - Q Max Daily with resveratrol (2 gels daily), & Vitamin C&D Super Immune Formula

I got turned on to Purity Products a few years ago when I heard a radio ad for the Co-Q-Max with Resveratrol.

Co-Q Daily with Resveratrol

• Supports the Health of the Cardiovascular and Circulatory Systems*
• Supports Healthy Energy Levels*
• Supports Healthy Brain Function*

Omega-3 Plus Vitamin C & D

• Heart and Cardiovascular Health*
• Brain Health and Cognitive Function*
• Immune System Function*

Vitamin C & D Super Formula

• Maintains a Healthy Immune System*
• Cardiovascular Support*
• Supports Skin Health*

Today's Workout:  4 mile run and Buff Yoga class - 7 points    Fruits and Veggies - 1 point 

Total HBBC points: 8

Today's Workout - That's all Folks!

I am finally able to sit down and relax a little after work, extra help, grocery shopping, gym, and dinner.  So all I am posting for today is my workout.

Today's workout: spin class - 6 points  Fruits and Veggies - 1 point  Total points for HBBC:  7 points

Why am I so afraid of cycling outside?

I run - that's what I love to do. I have been asked several times if I have ever considered training for a triathalon. The answer is a very quick - NO.  Why not you ask?  Well, I am petrified to ride a bike in the road. I know that sounds crazy, but it's true. I have no problem running in the road. The way I see it is that if a car comes at me, I can jump out of the way. Where exactly am I going with a bike? Also, on a bike I can't see what's coming since I'd be going in the same direction as the cars. This whole fear is something that I really need to get over. I guess it's no different than being afraid of spiders or small spaces. I should just get out there one day and do it to conquer this absurd fear. My plea here is for some help! Please tell me why I shouldn't be scared and how awesome triathalons are.  I'd love to hear from some cycling enthusiasts. Maybe that would help.  Thanks in advance =)

Today's Workout:  6.1 mile run and Cardio Barre + F&V  Total Points for HBBC:  13.1

Does spinning make your thighs bulky?

The first day back to work after 4 days off is always tough. One nice thing is that the students are usually tired and not as rambunctious because they aren't used to waking up so early.

I was full of energy today, though and made it to my spin class tonight. Tough, long hills!  This may sound silly, but I have always had this fear that spinning will make my legs bulky.  Years ago, I searched for information about this and found it to be untrue, but I still can't help thinking that when I am chugging up those heavy hills, I am doing nothing but making my thighs huge!  Any feedback would be much appreciated.  Luckily, I only take 2 spin classes a week. I love the music and the cardio workout I get from them.

Today's workout: spin class 1 hour - 6 points  F&V - 1 point Total points for HBBC: 7

Why I like (and dislike) running on a treadmill

Last year I purchased a Nordic Track Elite 9500 PRO treadmill for my house.  Here's why I like running on a treadmill:  

1. I am a big baby when it's cold outside. Something is up with the circulation in my fingers, so whenever I run outside in the cold, my fingers turn really white when I get home and they hurt!
2. The treadmill allows me to adjust the incline. My treadmill will even decline 3%.  I live in a very hilly area and sometimes I just don't want to run up and down steep hills.  I actually have to drive almost 1/2 an hour in order to find a nice long, flat trail.
3. This treadmill has WiFi and iFit so I can create my own maps anywhere in the world and then run the routes using Google Maps.  It is really cool to run up the coast of Africa virtually. 

4. Time is tight.  I like TV.  Since I don't have a lot of time to watch TV, having the treadmill kills two birds with one stone. I can run while I watch =)  As a side note, here are my favorite shows: Criminal Minds, Revenge, NCIS (LA too), Once Upon A Time, and X Factor.  I do watch others, but those are my favs.

The cons of the treadmill for me:

1. Running on a treadmill can get boring. I actually find that I run faster on the treadmill at the gym than I do at home. This is probably due to two things: A. I listen to music at the gym instead of watching TV  B. There are other people at the gym which ends up being a motivator
2. Breathing fresh air is really invigorating and I miss that with my treadmill runs.

Other than that, I really do enjoy using my treadmill or those at the gym.

Here are some links to articles/video related to this topic:  

Video about interval training on the treadmill:

The 20 minute treadmill walk/run workout                                                                 
4 great treadmill workouts     

5 treadmill workouts in an hour or less    

A whole bunch of stuff about treadmill workouts

Running hills on the treadmill

Today's workout:  early morning 90 minute yoga class 4.5 points, F & V - 1 points  Total points for HBBC today 5.5