10 Funny Conversations Between a Runner and His Spouse
Randene Rant! If You Don’t Have Something Nice to Say, Be Quiet!
My Two Dads
Stick to the Process to get the Results
Randene Rant! SHAME Airline! SHAME!
I am officially throwing the bullshit flag on the airlines. In my line of work I travel a lot, and I can tell you right now, in almost any other business, if the customers were treated the way that the airlines treat them, there would be no business.
When someone books a flight, and flying is not cheap, I can assure you that the airlines charge your credit card within seconds. You PAID for that ticket immediately. And you would think that since you paid for said ticket, you would be guaranteed a seat on the plane. But that is not the case. I am sure that you have seen footage on-line of passengers being pulled off of flights by security, or members of families being asked to leave the flight but the rest of their family can remain if they so choose.
Why is this possible? It’s possible because airlines can overbook flights by a certain percentage to make sure that the flights are full despite cancellations. I get it, flying a jet costs a lot of money and the airlines need to stay profitable to stay in business, BUT when this practice blows up in their face, they need to handle these situations much better. After all, who is the customer? Who paid for a ticket that they now are being told is irrelevant?
During the process of taking care of the jaded customer, the airlines should do everything in their power to make things right. Hotels, meals, free airfare, etc. The recent incident with the man they pulled off the flight and broke his teeth and his nose in the process, is a perfect example. EVERYTHING we do is being recorded these days, so it is absolutely mind boggling that this stuff happens, but I digress. When that video hit the internet, the airline went from shelling out a couple a thousand dollars to get someone to come off that flight voluntarily and HAPPILY, to a company that asked that gentleman what size check he would like?
If you recall, immediately after the incident, the man’s lawyer and daughter went on TV and lambasted the airline in question, and a few days later they were on TV saying how wonderfully the airline handled the unfortunate situation. Let me translate, “They wrote us a big ass check! I mean BIG!” Sound like they were a penny smart and a pound foolish to me.
So airlines, here is my message to you. If you are going to play the overbooking game, when you lose, make it an opportunity to shine and make some customer very happy with a free ticket anywhere in the USA or something similar. And train your employees specifically for this type of situation, because they are the face of your company and they are being recorded. If you don’t take heed to what your customers are trying to tell you, I see some more big checks being issued in the near future.
By the way, for the 99% of the flight attendants that I have met and have taken extremely good care of me, I salute you and thank you from the bottom of my heart!
Keep putting one foot in front of the other. PEACE! Joe the Runner
I hope that this post and this blog helps you achieve your dreams! To receive new post notifications, newsletters, and post previews, please SUBSCRIBE!
For behind the scenes photos and comments on my training and personal life, follow me on Instagram: joe_the_runner Strava: Joe Randene
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Randene Rants! Jogging in Place Guy
Toolbag: noun: a sturdy bag used by a worker to hold his or her tools
Collins English Dictionary. Copyright © HarperCollins Publishers
Toolbag: noun: That guy who jogs in place waiting for the light to turn green
Joe the Runner Dictionary.
Unless you are Nelson Mandela locked away on Robben Island, I cannot think of one good reason to run in place. You all know what I am talking about! That guy (or girl), who is waiting for the light to turn green so they can run across the street. But instead of just standing there sweating and huffing and puffing, they jog in place. Like this is going to keep their heart rate elevated or keep them loose or something?
I WAS that guy, and my friend, Running Brother Dave, wait for it… from England, said to me one run “Fella, what the hell are you doing? You look like an idiot.” And he was right! It accomplished nothing except to give people in the cars at the light something to take pictures of and put up on Facebook! Plus I guarantee that the caption wasn’t “Awesome looking running in place dude at light.” It was probably something like “Really? What does this guy think he’s doing? What… a… TOOLBAG!”
So I stopped. And I am no longer THAT guy. Honestly I have pretty thick skin, so I don’t really care what other people think of me, but why make it easy for them! Just kidding, I don’t care what other people think of me, but I do care what I think of me, and I don’t want to be “jogging in place guy.” I don’t have time to sign all of the autographs…
Keep putting one foot in front of the other. PEACE! Joe the Runner
I hope that this post and this blog helps you achieve your dreams! To receive new post notifications, newsletters, and post previews, please SUBSCRIBE!
For behind the scenes photos and comments on my training and personal life, follow me on Instagram: joe_the_runner Strava: Joe Randene
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Why the Fitbit Community Runs – In Their Words
Ok weirdoes, I asked the Fitbit Running Community to post why they run, and I received comments from the insane to the mundane! They were all awesome, over 60 in total. So I categorized them and picked out a few gems. Some will make you chuckle and some will make you realize that we are all in this thing together. Peace. Joe the Runner
Escape! Not Mental, Literal!!! 8 People
Do these people know something we don’t know?
ava l.: “I run as if I’m being chased by a serial killer only to get home and jump in to my warm, safe, cozy bed.”
Anna F.: “Because I’m too pretty for prison.”
Stacy V.: “I run because the mountain lions are moving in to our neighborhood. Let someone else be their snack!”
lovndonuts: “How else will I get away from the zombies?!” (Based on your name, I think donuts may be another reason to run!)
Brandon P.: “Survival rule #1: Cardio!” Zombieland reference!!! Cool.
Matt L.: “Because zombies eat those who can’t run… or the ones that I “trip”. #zombierunapp”
Josh T.: “I run so it will be hard for the cops to catch me.”
Therapy/Alone Time/Medical 21 People
This is very interesting because many people discussed managing their anxiety through running, and an upcoming profile that I am working on, the person said the same thing. So there seems to be something here in regards to running and managing depression and anxiety.
Lori W.: “I run because I have asthma and when I didn’t run I would get a walking pneumonia twice a year. Now I don’t! And I’m addicted!”
AmandaaPanda: “I run for me, because it’s the best anti-anxiety medicine I know of, because everyone in my family has high blood pressure and/or diabetes and I want better than that for myself. I think a better question would be: Why wouldn’t I run?”
Simone M.: “Because doctors said I would never walk… 27 miles a week now.”
Sarah H.: “Because I’m a kindergarten teacher, a wife, and a mother of 2. And I am bat s*#% crazy by the end of the day! The running is great stress relief and keeps my mood in check!”
Erica W.: “I run because it’s the only time alone I have to myself. Mother of 4, wife, full time job etc. Let’s face it, love my Famdamily, but the truth is that they follow me EVERYWHERE always need something!!!!! Now one wants to follow me when I run… so I guess reality is-is that I am running from them (totally kidding)!!! It’s my stress relief and I can wear cute clothes and still drink wine.”
Samantha R.: “I run so I don’t have to be reminded of all the stresses at home. I run because I literally don’t think about anything at all except breathing. I run because I love exercise. I run because I like my body better when I’m in shape.”
Kaitlin: “I run because I’m a better me on days I run. Seriously, I am intolerable when I can’t run.”
Amanda W.: “I run because my dad died at 54 from his 12th heart attack and my mom is about to have open heart surgery. I run to keep my heart and body healthy.”
Jason M.: “I walk!! I have lost 20 lbs, I can actually breathe again and I feel good about myself, which is a little scary right now, LOL. I see everyone posting their runs and how good they feel about it; it excites me. I am ready to start running, to quit smoking, etc.”
Mary R.: “Anti-anxiety medicine.”
Role Models/Inspire 7 People
Natasha S.: “I run so my daughter knows she can do anything if she really wants it!!!”
Josh C.: “I always thought my dad was Superman. I run so my kids will think I am!”
Summer C.: “I run for the runner’s high and also because I have 5 kids. I want to be athletic again and inspire my kids! It feels good to set personal goals and ACHIEVE them!”
Sharon !.: “I started running because my 7 year old wanted to run a 5k. We started training together and I’ve been enjoying running so much with him, I’ve started running by myself so I can challenge myself as much as I challenge him. At 46 years old, I’ve surprised myself.”
Candy N.: “I run because my teenage daughters need to see that there is more to life than going to work and coming home.”
Emmanuel P.: “I’m running for the benefit of everyone living today, maybe seeing my fat ass plugging away at it will make some people realize that they can do it too.”
Ron T.: “I run to stay in shape, relax while I listen to scripture and/or music, inspire others that it’s never too late to press beyond your perceived limits (joined a gym for the first time at 58, first HM at 60 and will run my first Marathon at 61). Also to raise money for clean water wells and sanitation training Africa through Team World Vision.” Side note here, Ron is one of my favorite Fitbit peeps! He is just so positive and awesome!
Food/Beer/Weight Loss/Weight Management 15 People
Julie F.: “I run because when I was 85 lbs heavier I could barely walk around the block, and I’m never going back there again!”
Ken D.: “I run so I can eat like a 17 year old boy. And so I can keep up with the young kids in my old man adult hockey league.”
Melissa: “I run because when I have grandchildren I want to be able to chase and play with them. Also because I love to eat.”
EricaMcC: “At first it was weight loss… but now it is for sanity… who am I kidding? Today it was for Oreos and wine haha. Most days for nachos and long runs are set for burgers!!!”
Appreciation/Fun/Challenge 14 People
Joe H.: “Because I can.”
Zef A.: “Because I was invited to sing with the Prague Symphony Orchestra in November and I need to have all of the confidence, strength, and stamina I can muster.”
Shreya M.: “I run because it’s a good habit that I want to get in to. It’s healthy and my routine has changed drastically (in a good way).”
Devin G.: “I run because I love it. Simple.”
Shawn C.: “I run so I can brag a bit that I am a 45 year old, out of shape dad, that can do a 10 mile race.”
Daria: “I do it because when I run, I feel so close to God, close enough to him to see heaven. And because the scenery is absolutely beautiful.”
Jen S.: “I run because of the euphoric feeling I get of accomplishment by the fat girl that lives in my mind!!!”
A League of Their Own
Ericka: “It’s my stress relief and also keeps my German Shepherd/Rottweiler’s energy at a tolerable level.”
This may be the best reason to run…
KEaster1: “I run to the table when dinner is ready… does that count?” YES IT DOES!
The post was a little longer then usual, but I wanted to share a lot of the answers with you. There were so many more, so if I didn’t put yours out there, sorry! I was running out of space… You are all amazing, and I thank you all for the replies. INCREASE THE PEACE! Joe the Runner
I hope that this post and this blog helps you achieve your dreams! To receive new post notifications, newsletters, and post previews, please SUBSCRIBE!
For behind the scenes photos and comments on my training and personal life, follow me on Instagram: joe_the_runner Strava: Joe Randene
Questions, comments, feedback? Please leave them in the comments section BELOW and we can have a discussion!
The Fine Line Between Positive Body Image and Fitness
This is a very difficult topic to dance around, and I had real reservations about posting it, because like the title implies, there is a delicate balancing act here, and it could go either way. Ultimately I decided that it was better to post this and then, if there was a discussion, facilitate it. I hope that the article is taken in the vain that it is meant and that if a discussion ensues, it is a compassionate and adult one. Peace. Joe the Runner.
As a father trying to raise four young women in this world, I understand how hard it is to instill confidence in them. I want them all to be strong, pursue their dreams, and above all else, love themselves and be happy. You try and do what you can. You tell them how beautiful and amazing they are; support them unconditionally in sports, dance, academics, and whatever else comes up. But the world we live in today makes it a very difficult job. Media highlights unrealistic body images that are airbrushed and enhanced, and it is way too easy for people to treat each other disgracefully behind the anonymity of a keyboard. It’s all very frustrating at times!
So I understand when I see people who applaud others for showing off their bodies regardless of the size or the shape. People come in different sizes, and we should never shame or abuse other people, but as a father I also have to look at the other side of the coin. In other words, yes I want my daughters to love themselves despite any flaws they may have, but I also need to have a conversation with them about living a healthy life style.
What I am trying to say is that there are consequences to obesity, and while we should always approach people with love and caring, it is irresponsible to not discuss the fact that obesity can lead to heart disease, high blood pressure, diabetes, and many other medical calamities that you would not want someone you love to have to deal with. I believe that we need to shift the topic of body image to living a healthy lifestyle. I don’t want my girls to be thin so that they look good, I want them to eat healthy and exercise and let their bodies respond. If that means that some of my girls are a little curvy, or a little thin, or a little whatever, as long as they are healthy and happy, then I am happy. I know thin people who are unhealthy due to poor lifestyle choices and slightly overweight people who are healthy due to good lifestyle choices.
We have gotten to a point where we are so politically correct that we are afraid to discuss topics like adults and that has virtually eliminated the “pragmatic middle”. Society shouldn’t be focused on thigh gaps and rib cages and in an attempt to highlight that, embrace a lifestyle that may be equally unhealthy, such as being overweight. It seems that it is always the two extremes. The conversation that we should be having is this. “Life is a journey and no one is perfect. Be kind to yourself and love yourself, and constantly try to improve. Don’t obsess over your weight and your looks, but don’t ignore them either. Not for the superficial reason of looking good in a bathing suit, but for the physical reason of living a healthy life style and feeling good.”
My girls, and all of their friends, are beautiful, strong, young women. I wouldn’t want any of them to ever be ridiculed or bullied by anyone; ever. In a way, I feel like I’ve been a father to all of them at one point or another. What I’d like to see for all of them, is that they eat REAL food, not processed, and get some exercise four to five times a week, so they can minimize the risk of diabetes, high blood pressure, and heart disease. Be happy, and love yourselves as much as we parents love you… You’re perfect just the way you are.
I hope that this post and this blog helps you achieve your dreams! To receive new post notifications, newsletters, and post previews, please SUBSCRIBE!
For behind the scenes photos and comments on my training and personal life, follow me on Instagram: joe_the_runner Strava: Joe Randene
Questions, comments, feedback? Please leave them in the comments section BELOW and we can have a discussion!
5 Great Reasons to Schedule Rest Days
Body
We put our bodies through a lot. A typical week, if I am training for a marathon, might look like this: 45 miles, 1500 push-ups, and 4000 feet of vertical climbing. Taking a rest day allows our bodies to recover and rebuild those muscles that we are always tearing down. It also helps with niggles, soreness, and injury prevention which all help to make us better runners!
Mind
It’s often overlooked, but all of the training we do takes a toll on our minds too. There is always the stress of fitting our workout in around obligations and then, when we are working out, we’re thinking about form, cadence, speed, etc. A complete day of not running gives our minds time to relax and reflect on what we are doing with our training, providing us with the opportunity to make adjustments in an objective way. Then when we go out for our run the next day, we can attack it with a fresh mind!
Time
Scheduled rest days are the perfect opportunity to catch up on errands or spend time with family. The days that we train can be very busy with our normal lives and running being squeezed in to windows of time that include work and other commitments. On rest days, I will literally schedule a date with my wife or some time with my kids.
Taking Care of Yourself
If you’re like me, the first thing that I give up on if I get too busy is doing the small things that will help me prevent injury and feel better in general. Things like light core work and foam rolling. Scheduled rest days are great opportunities to get a great session of foam rolling in or maybe even some yoga.
Guilt Free Recovery
This may be the best reason of all to schedule rest. Since it’s absolutely necessary, I make it a part of my training plan, therefore I don’t feel any guilt when I take them. I’m not sure who said it, but there is a saying that goes something like this “You know you caught the (running) bug when you have to be disciplined to take a day off.” That pretty much says it all.
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Questions, comments, feedback? Please leave them in the comments section BELOW and we can have a discussion!
Get Six Pack Abs in Only 90 Seconds a Day!?
If you saw that headline and thought that I really was going to tell you how to get six pack abs in 90 seconds a day, I apologize. No; I take that back, I don’t apologize. The people out there who write crap like that should apologize, because they are lying to you. Don’t get me wrong, those six pack abs do exist, and the people who possess them normally work very hard for them, so I tip my hat to them, but they are not getting them in 90 seconds a day.
They eat strict diets, perform cardio and most likely lift weights. Maybe they only do 90 seconds of crunches everyday, but when you add in the rest of their routine… you see what I mean? It is NOT 90 seconds. But that’s marketing folks. A headline like “Work Your Ass Off and Eat a Strict Diet” doesn’t get the people to click does it?
So what am I on about then? Well, I wrote this blog because I do not have six pack abs. And that’s not my goal. Being someone who lost 130 pounds, I am just a normal middle aged married with children dude with a gnarly beard who is trying to maintain a healthy lifestyle and help other people do the same. And what I bring to the table, in MY opinion, is I can relate to you.
Never having owned a six pack, other then the beer type, I am definitely more “dad bod” guy then “model bod” guy and that is ok. I look pretty good, but I feel great. What I am trying to accomplish, is I want to be the voice of reason amidst all of these crazy bullshit headlines like “These Foods will Help You Burn Fat” or “Get a Great Workout in 7 Minutes a Day.” My message is more like this: “You can do this. It won’t always be easy, but with a little change in your perspective and consistent application of some straight forward nutrition and exercise principles, you can do this. And if you’d like, I am here to support you.”
How do I plan on gaining your trust and building credibility? Simple, look at my blog. It is basically my life for the last three years and it chronicles my journey from OBESE middle aged man, to a guy who has run an ultra-marathon. You can follow me on Strava and Instagram and see my daily training AND when I am on vacation and chow down on some ice cream! I also highlight other ordinary people who have achieved extraordinary things, so you will have other REAL life examples of people who have TRANSFORMED.
I am not knocking people who are in amazing shape and who have always been in shape, they are doing the right stuff, but what I am saying is that they cannot offer the same perspective to you as other people who have struggled with their weight over an entire lifetime. When you are hitting a difficult patch or have fallen off the wagon, do you want to talk to someone who has always been in good shape, or someone who has fought the same demons and won?
Here is the best part, the price for all of this support, advice, inspiration, and love! A grand total of ZERO dollars. Why? Because I want to help people achieve their goals. I want people to see that they are capable of more than they think. My vision for this blog is that we develop a community of people who are communicating and helping each other in a more meaningful way then two or three lines on Facebook or Instagram. I want to have a space where we can really dig in to stuff. I want to continue to profile people who have done extraordinary things in their life so we can all learn and be inspired. I want to create a space where there is truth and positivity instead of bullshit and the constant drone of negativity that we are being spoon fed everyday. Will you help me? Peace. Joe the Runner
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For behind the scenes photos and comments on my training and personal life, follow me on Instagram: joe_the_runner
Questions, comments, feedback? Please leave them in the comments section BELOW and we can have a discussion!