Super Bowl vs PGA TOUR Props

BetDSI has four interesting cross sports props for this weekend’s Superbowl/Waste Management Phoenix Open and Sunday’s Super Bowl. ... Read more.

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Naughty Fred: Being Bad Never Felt So Good

As you're no doubt tired of hearing by now, I've made a New Year's resolution to only ride Ol' Piney in 2018:

Of course, because I'm a semi-professional bike blogger (and also because I'm full of it), in making the resolution I allowed myself to ride test bikes--such as this exotic wooden Fred Sled:

(YES THE GODDAMN BRAKE PADS ARE TOED IN)

Nevertheless, it was only a matter of time before I cracked like a counterfeit Specialized:

(Oh, wait, that's a real one.)

And if you suspected I wouldn't make it through January without dipping into my vast bike supply then you were correct, because yesterday I went for a ride on the Ritte Rust Bucket:

Doing so felt really good for two reasons:

A) I felt delightfully naughty, like a kid sneaking bacon in Hebrew school;

2) Unlike the Renovo it's my bike, dammit!

Indeed, with regard to that second reason, I'm tempted to say it was like slipping on a pair of old blue jeans.  However, I'm loath to use such a cliché, so instead I'll say it was like slipping on a pair of old underpants--but clean ones, and with plenty of life left in the elastic.  See, as fun as it is to ride a fancy road bike with push-button shifting (and it is fun, that Renovo is a blast) there's nothing like going back to a bicycle you've been breaking in for years.  No smooth, unwrapped crabon bar tops here, just the reassuring roundness of aluminum tubes wrapped in worn tape.

Even the mechanical shifting was a pleasure:

(Rivendell's new mechanical shifting group.)

To be honest, I've been finding myself liking this Di2 stuff more and more, and on my last ride with it I even caught myself wondering if I could ever go back to analog.  Well, I'm pleased to report that I can go back, and as addicting as it is to shift with a tap of the button and a little "zewp" sound, the moving of an actual lever followed by the "gerthunk" of the chain finding its cog remains both satisfying and timeless. 

Also, while the Renovo is an absolute joy to ride, adn while it put me back in touch with my inner Fred, I have to say it felt really good to get back onto a scuzzy bike again:

In fact the desire to ride a scuzzy road bike is ultimately what did me in.  See, this is what it was like yesterday:

And even though I don't want to coddle or spoil the Renovo I also didn't particularly feel like riding a bike with crabon rims, 23mm tires, and tight clearances in those conditions.  (It's just not a confidence-inspiring combination in foul weather.)  As for Ol' Piney, it was too warm and sloppy to ride offroad, and as for riding it on the road...well, you know, I'd have to ride it like this:

Ugh.

Plus I still haven't fixed that broken spoke:

Meanwhile, there's the trusty old Rust Bucket with it's metal wheels and slightly wider tires just waiting to be ridden, and all that stands between me and a brisk jaunt down to Central Park is slapping on those quickie fenders.

So I did it, and I regret nothing--well, almost nothing, since I did manage to slip and fall on some wet wood:

You know those falls where your front wheel goes out from under you and the bike just slams you to the ground in a way that only skinny-tired bikes with drop bars can?

It was one of those.

And look, you can see exactly the path my ass took when I wiped out:

If you think about it, it's ironic that in avoiding the wood bike in favor of something more surefooted I ended up getting taken out by some wood.

Of course, as per the terms of my resolution, I must now run three (3) miles to atone for my transgression.  However, my ass hurts now and I don't know if I can.  Riding, however, is not a problem, and at this rate I can see myself digging a marathon-sized hole for myself in a matter of weeks.

What I'm saying is I've made a huge mistake.

Anyway, despite all this I do still plan to make good see all this through...at least until such time as I come up with a decent excuse for bailing.

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TPC Michigan Golf Course Review

TPC Michigan Golf Course Review TPC Michigan Grade: A Teacher’s Comments: A true championship course. ... Read more.

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Adidas Golf Men’s Gore-TEX Full Zip Jacket

    Adidas Golf Men’s Gore-TEX Full Zip Jacket Features: GORE-TEX 2-layer front and back ... Read more.

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This Title Has A Pressure-Relieving [ ] Cutout In The MIddle!

Remember when it seemed like you couldn't go a day without reading a news story about how cycling purées your genitals into a state of total uselessness?  Well, my latest Outside column is about how that's a load of crap:

Hey, I'm not saying bad fit or technique can't cause extreme crotchal discomfort, but I am saying that the idea that we're all pedaling ourselves into complete asexuality is a conspiracy to keep people off bicycles--or to sell saddles with cutouts in them, I can't decide which.

Sort of like how helmet-shaming is a conspiracy to keep people off bicycles--or to sell more helmets, I can't decide which.

Also, a couple years back I took a family vacation to Californy, during which I borrowed a Marin Gestalt:

In addition to setting me up with the bike, Chris from Marin also outlined a delightful route for me, which happened to pass by a lovely little bakery.  Well, I recently received an email from him letting me know this happened:

At least six patrons suffered minor injuries after a car crashed Sunday afternoon into the popular Wild Flour Bread bakery in Freestone, the CHP said.

The crash involving a silver BMW hatchback was reported just after 12:30 p.m. The driver, who wasn’t identified, was pulling into a parking spot when he hit the accelerator instead of the brake and plowed into the Bohemian Highway bakery, CHP Sgt. Eric Iverson said.

“It was full of patrons,” he said.

You know how it is.  One minute you're making a mid-ride fuel stop, and the next you're picking glass out of your scone:

Fortunately, nobody's more helpful than cyclists:

Though I'm sure a lie about swerving to avoid one will be instrumental in the driver's defense.

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Waste Management Phoenix Open Preview – 2018

Waste Management Phoenix Open Preview Dates: January 29 – February 4, 2018 Where: Scottsdale, Arizona ... Read more.

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All The World’s A Links – Golf Cartoon From 1913

Here’s a fun golf related cartoon from 1913. It appeared first in American Golfer, and ... Read more.

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Maybank Championship Winners and History

Maybank Championship Winners and History The Maybank Championship is the successor to the Malaysian Open. ... Read more.

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Gut Health, Why Calories Aren’t an Accurate Measurement of Nutrition & Intuitive Living in an Office Job with Victoria Myers

Gut Health, Why Calories Aren’t an Accurate Measurement of Nutrition & Intuitive Living in an Office Job with Victoria Myers

Today’s podcast I sit down with Victoria Myers who is a Registered Dietitian specializing in hormonal and gut health. She’s one half of the dynamic duo behind Nourishing Minds Nutrition and the Nourishing Women Podcast. Vicotria and Meg are traditional eaters and untraditional dietitians. Through their practice, they empower women to find peace with food, heal digestion & regulate hormones.

I loved this conversation so much. Victoria is such a wealth of knowledge and she shares it with compassion. I love her approach to health, wellness, and healing. This episode is perfect for anyone who is struggling with gut issues and especially if they’ve previously struggled with disordered eating. We also dive into developing hobbies outside of food, living intuitively when you work in an office and have less flexibility and so much more. I didn’t want this episode to end. Like with so many of my guests, I so dearly wish we were neighbors because I’m pretty sure we’d be FAST friends.

We Talk About:

• Victoria’s story – how she got into the work she’s doing now as a dietitian with a private practice
• What her husband taught Victoria about intuitive eating
• Misconceptions about gut health
• Where to start when you know you have gut health issues
• The connections between SIBO and disordered eating
• Why food is a part of your health, but not all of your health
• When an elimination diet isn’t right to heal (when it’s right and when it might not help)
• Why holistic health CAN be part of intuitive eating
• Finding a middle ground between wellness and realness #wellnesswithoutobsession
• Why calories aren’t a complete measurement of nutrition
• Why dieting causes our bodies to gain weight in the long-term
• Why binging and restricting go hand in hand
• Why stopping restricting is the key to stopping binging
• Why food is an awesome part of your life but not the only part of your life
• Other practices outside of food that support the healing journey
• How to deal with losing your “healthy” identity
• How slowing down can create more time
• You have to choose to slow down
• Fears about intuitive eating
• Dealing with weight gain
• Body acceptance versus self-love
• Intuitive living within a 9-5
• make meal prep fun – bring options for enough food throughout the day
• If you work out in the morning make sure you’re still prioritizing sleep

Connect with Victoria

• Victoria’s Blog
• Instagram
• Podcast
• Calorie Podcast Episodes – part 1 part 2

Listen to the Episode:

On the Computer

On Itunes

GET INVOLVED

Hang out with the Joy Squad on Facebook for your daily dose of health, wellness, and joy-filled conversation. (and you’ll get sneak peeks of new things coming to the blog and podcast first)

WANT TO BE A HERO?

If you love the show and want to support it in some way, leave a review on iTunes. It helps get the show in front of new people.

SHARE YOUR STRUGGLE & WIN

get featured on the show by sharing your struggle & win for the week – email them to me georgie [at] init4thelongrun.com with the subject line “struggle and win”

 

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Cleveland Golf Huntington Beach Putter 6

  Cleveland Golf Huntington Beach Putter 6 With Center Shaft and Oversized Grip New from ... Read more.

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Mental Mondays: Choose The Right Golf Ball

We live in the golden age of the golf ball. Breakthroughs in design, materials and ... Read more.

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Freds Like US

All great empires fall eventually, undone by unsustainable expansion, rebellion, or their own hubris:

(Dickus's inability to quell the unruly mob at Brian's crucifixion signaled the beginning of the end of the Roman empire.)

Given this, it was only a matter of time until the United States would meet a similar fate.  But what would be the final bolt in the faceplate?  The Trump administration?  The opioid epidemic?  A sudden realization among cats that they outnumber us and can overpower us at any time?

Hardly.

No, in the end, the history books will talk of how what was once the greatest democracy the world had ever seen was ultimately brought down by Freds:

Sensitive information about the location and staffing of military bases and spy outposts around the world has been revealed by a fitness tracking company.

The details were released by Strava in a data visualisation map that shows all the activity tracked by users of its app, which allows people to record their exercise and share it with others.

The map, released in November 2017, shows every single activity ever uploaded to Strava – more than 3 trillion individual GPS data points, according to the company. The app can be used on various devices including smartphones and fitness trackers like Fitbit to see popular running routes in major cities, or spot individuals in more remote areas who have unusual exercise patterns.

Those of us old enough to remember the Cold War were raised on tales of espionage in which spies monitored each other's movements by means of tracking devices.  Now, it turns out we're all just wearing the tracking devices ourselves.  Whereas once an operative might have had to crawl under a car and affix some sort of magnetic homing beacon, now all they have to do is give their subject a crabon road bike, making that Cipollini video from some years back oddly prescient:

Even more incredibly, you may be able to thank Freds for finally proving the existence of aliens:

Outside direct conflict zones, potentially sensitive information can still be gleaned. For instance, a map of Homey Airport, Nevada – the US Air Force base commonly known as Area 51 – records a lone cyclist taking a ride from the base along the west edge of Groom Lake, marked on the heatmap by a thin red line.

Some of the photos on that guy's feed are super creepy:

It's common knowledge among conspiracy Freds that the US government has identified an alloy from a downed alien spacecraft that will yield frames of heretofore unimaginable lateral strength and vertical compliance.  As it turns out however, the aliens themselves are total retrogrouches, which is why Grant Petersen has a secret government contract to design a lug that will work with this interstellar tubing.

And you thought the Strava heat map was only good for finding those secret mountain bike spots.

Speaking of riding all-terrain bicycles, last Friday I headed out on Ol' Piney, which is of course the only bike I'll be riding this year (apart from the wooden bike, and the Yuba I'm testing, and...):

Being utterly self-absorbed I don't help maintain the trails I ride, so I figure the very least I can do is stay off of them when they're muddy.  We've had some warm days recently, but Friday was cold, so I knew things should be as firm as Cipollini's abdomen.  Unfortunately others had not been so considerate, and the trails were covered with frozen ruts, rendering them as bumpy and craggy as, well, Cipollini's abdomen:

It seems fairly simple to me: when you get a freakishly warm day in January go for a road ride, and when it's really cold out go for a mountain bike ride where you'll stay warm and protected from the wind.  Unfortunately the fair-weather mountain bros don't see it that way and the more scrupulous among us have to ride over their mess.  Then on my way home, I came across this:

Presumably on a warmer day this savvy driver ventured onto the trail when it was nice and soft thanks to all that melted snow and got stuck:

This particular trail happens to be a state park, and of course motor vehicles are not allowed on it, but I'm sure he was on urgent park business for the city of Yonkers:

Looks like he's got some violations in the City of New York as well:

And hey, whaddya know, that speeding violation was in front of my kid's school.

Prick.

I may have to go back there and see if I can ride Ol' Piney over it.

Finally, you'll be pleased to know the Yuba Supermarché continues to be fun for the whole family:

Kiddie seats are great, but if you've got the space to store a barge like this there's nothing more convenient than letting your kids hop in and out of a large box.

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Waste Management Phoenix Open Winners and History

The Phoenix Open dates back to 1932 and 1933, when it was known as the ... Read more.

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Cleveland Golf Launcher CBX Irons – 2018

  Cleveland Golf Launcher CBX Irons – 2018 New for 2018 from Cleveland Golf are ... Read more.

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RET007: Rich Carey owns 20 rental properties DEBT FREE. Here’s how he did it…

When I was at FinCon 2017, I had the good fortune of meeting a guy named Rich Carey.

Rich has a unique story, because he has managed to build up a rental portfolio of 20 properties, without any debt…

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STARS OF THE ALBION: 5th International Performing Arts Festival & Competition in London

The period from February to April is always a busy one for adjudicators (or music judges). Many music festivals (often those affiliated to BIFF, or the British and International Federation of Festivals) take place at this time, as well as other competitions organised by musicians far and wide.

One such event is the Stars of the Albion, which is an international performing arts festival and competition. It’s an annual event, uniting young talented musicians and dancers from across the world. The project forms a unique bridge connecting different cultures and, in particular, that of Russia and Great Britain. It aims to provide valuable opportunities for young emerging artists to perform, learn, communicate and develop.

Organised and promoted by Musica Nova Academy of Music, which was founded and is owned by Russian singer, pianist and educator Evgenia Terentieva (pictured, second from the left, with some former winners). This bilingual establishment (situated just around the corner from King’s Cross station, on Crommer Street), combines the British and Russian principles of teaching. It’s held under the Patronage of the World Association of Performing Arts (WAPA) and is supported by the Rossotrudnichestvo, the Russian cultural centre in the UK.

This is the 5th performing arts festival & competition, and it will be held from the 16 – 18 February 2018 in London (primarily at the Mission of Rossotrudnichestvo (Russia House in the UK) at 37 Kensington High Street, London W8 5ED).

The competition consists of two rounds. The first one has been based on video recordings (either on DVD or YouTube), and the second round is open to the public and held at the concert hall of the Russian Cultural centre, and at the Musica Nova Academy. Forty soloists and fifteen ensembles or groups will be selected to come to London to participate in the second round. Participants come from Great Britain, France, USA, Malta, Cyprus, Russia, Bulgaria, Latvia, Ukraine, Armenia, Georgia and Ghana to take part in the competition.

This is my third year on the panel of judges at this competition and it has always been a fascinating day spent with colleagues and fellow judges, hearing a complete mixture of music and dance. Last year I was one of four judges for the piano and strings section and the standard of playing was generally high.

Anyone can attend this event. The awards ceremony and gala concert will take place on Sunday 18th February at the Rudolf Steiner Theatre in Central London. You can also attend the opening ceremony on Friday 16th February, which features performances of previous winners and some of the adjudication panel (at the Mission of Rossotrudnichestvo in Kensington High Street).

The classes include the following disciplines;

• Singing (classical, contemporary, folk)
• Instrumental playing (solo and ensemble)
• Dance (ballet, modern, historical dance, street-dance)

(as well as classes in music theatre, fringe theatre, one man show, performance in fine art, and performance in photography).

Age category: Children from 6 years old to adults, no age limit.

Applications deadline: 1 February 2018

For ticket sales & reservations call: +44 (0) 7832341745 | +44 (0) 207 8330502

Visit www.starsofthealbion.org.uk for more information

Send a message to: info@starsofthealbion.org.uk

Tickets online at: http://www.eventbrite.co.uk

 

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Tiger’s Record At Torrey Pines / The Farmer’s Insurance Open

Tiger’s record at Torrey Pines / The Farmers Insurance Open is nothing short of remarkable. ... Read more.

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Joey D On Dynamic Golf Stretching

In this video for #FitnessFriday, Coach Joey D demonstrates how to do dynamic golf stretching ... Read more.

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Golf Ball Pen Stand

  Golf Ball Pen Stand Ridiculous Golf Item of the Week

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The Burns Supper – January 25

The Burns Supper is celebrated on Robert Burns’ birthday: January 25. Long before I played ... Read more.

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For Burns Night: Glenmorangie Original Review

Glenmorangie Original Review Glenmorangie Original Grade: B+ Teacher’s Comments: A lovely sipping Scotch Burns Night ... Read more.

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Scotch Cocktail For Burns Night: The Rusty Nail

January 25th is “Burns Night,” in which the birth of Scotland’s poet laureate Robert Burns ... Read more.

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WHAT?! Here Are 40 Amazing Real Estate Facts That Will Shock You

Think you know everything about real estate?

I'm about to prove you wrong.

There are some pretty bizarre, funny, ridiculous and interesting things that have happened in the real estate world.

If you're looking for something fun to talk about …

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Hauling In The Cargo Bike

Back in December, subsequent to my Outside column about how driving your kids to school sucks, a PR person contacted me and asked if I'd like to try a Yuba cargo bike.  Attached were photos of flannel-clad people happily hauling their human children, like this one:

Naturally I replied in the affirmative, and the models that came up were the Spicy Curry:

And the Supermarché:

I'd been itching to try an electric cargo bike since I live in the New York City hill country, and so exited was I to partake of a loaner that I failed to carefully read the specifications on both bikes.  In short, I assumed both bikes had electric assists, and so I ended up accepting the Supermarché.

Anyway, recently I got word that the bike was ready for me, and so I headed out to 718 Cyclery in Brooklyn to pick it up:

718 is an interesting shop.  Not only did they organize that fat bike race in Queens I rode awhile back:

But they also sell both Rivendell and Jones, as well as all manner of mixed-terrain, gravelly, au courant bicycles:

Grant Petersen and Jeff Jones are my two favorite single-minded bicycle designers, and any shop that offers bikes from both is alright with me.

And so it was that yesterday I headed out to 718 by subway to pick up the Supermarché.  It's well over an hour by subway from my manse on the mainland to that part of Brooklyn, which is something I once would have dreaded, but as a parent of seventeen (17) children I now relish such journeys as I can just sit there and listen to music without children pestering me for Goldfish crackers every ten seconds.  (Someone really needs to invent a Golfish feedback you can strap to your child's face.)  Given this, I arrived at 718 with a spring in my step, and you'd think I'd just undergone a spa treatment and not a subterranean train journey on plastic seats.  And there it was:

This was when I realized the bicycle didn't have an electric assist.

I was disappointed for two (2) reasons: 1) After years of child-schlepping I'm about ready for some goddamn help; and B) I had a 20-mile ride back to the Bronx ahead of me.  More specifically, I had to be home to meet my son's schoolbus and I'd been banking on that electronic tailwind to ensure my punctuality.

Given the above, I briefly considered declining the bike.  However, after taking a quick spin around the block I found the ride quality to be considerably more spry than I'd expected, and so I threw my backpack into the bamboo box (a $250 add-on if you're wondering) and off I went.

At this point, I should share with you my box bike riding credentials up to this point.  My first experience with a bakfiets was back in 2011 when my family and I went to Amsterdam and I borrowed one from WorkCycles:

It was on that trip that the pie plates fell from my eyes and I went Full Smug.  I even wrote a book about it:



That video, incidentally, represents my second experience with a bakfiets.  See, we shot it in San Francisco and I had to pedal that goddamn thing all over town for two days.  Real actors get a trailer, whereas bike bloggers have to transport their own crops, as well as the equipment.

Anyway, despite its superficial resemblance to the bikes above the Yuba is different in a crucial way.  While the full-on Dutch style bakfiets has roller brakes, internal gearing, and a chain case, the Yuba has mountain bike hydraulic disc brakes, derailleurs, and an exposed chain.  (It also doesn't have a wheel lock, though there are tabs for one that you can buy from Yuba.)

Basically, the advantages of this drivetrain arrangement are as follows:

• Wide range of gears
• Easier to maintain
• Probably lighter

The disadvantages are:

• Exposed drivetrains are less friendly to toddlers and trousers
• The bike can't live outside for long periods of time

That second point in particular means the Yuba is sort of a non-starter if you don't have indoor storage for it, and overall the Yuba is more of a "sports cargo bike" than a full-on Euro-style smugness flotilla--which is not a bad thing at all as long as you've got a place to keep it.  Certainly if you're coming from a recreational cycling background you'll appreciate the bike's sporting nature as it rides more like what you're used to, and you can also configure it in various ways that don't involve having a big tub up front:

 

In other words, it's a cargo bike for Americans.

As for riding it in the city, like any large bike you're not exactly weaving through any traffic jams:

And bike lane encroachments are that much more infuriating:

However, when you've got the full lane the bike's very pleasant to ride:

There are a few things you've got to get used to when riding a big bike with a box on the front though.  For one thing, there are lots of question:

Most common questions you get on a cargo bike with a wooden box on the front:
3) How much did it cost?
2) Did you make that?
1) Can I hop in?

— Bike Snob NYC (@bikesnobnyc) January 24, 2018

For another, you've got to remember to stop early at lights so you don't encroach on the crosswalk with your giant proboscis:

Also, while you grow accustomed to it quickly, those first few slow-speed turns feel really weird.  (This is true of every long front-loader I've ridden.)

And of course parking it's a little more involved than leaning it against a pole and throwing a u-lock on it, but if you've ever dealt with a motorcycle it's no biggie:

I didn't even miss the lack of an electric motor--until I realized that if I kept futzing around I was going to miss my kid's schoolbus.  So I headed over to the West Side Greenway and engaged the afterburners:

Unfortunately, due to a meteorological phenomenon I don't really understand, there is always--always--a headwind on the Greenway no matter which way you're heading.  Furthermore, the phenomenon doesn't affect everyone, because when you're flailing into a headwind as I was, your artisanal bamboo box failing to cut through it like a paper knife through a day-old steak, the oncoming Freds are sailing with the wind at their backs with that smugly delusional expression you wear when you think you're actually fast.

It was getting dicey there for awhile, but I put my head down and hammered.  I worried for awhile that I was going to have to lock the bike up and jump in an Uber or something, but with considerable effort I made all my splits: the Fairway at 2:00, the GWB at 2:20, and so on.  By Dyckman Street I was fairly confident I had it in the bag, and even briefly contemplated stopping in the bike shop for some brake pads:

But I know all to well the dangers of putting your arms up early, plus I still had the little rise at Seaman and Cumming to contend with:

In the end though I made it to the bus stop with a few extra minutes to catch my breath, and in case you're wondering YOU'RE GODDAMN RIGHT I STRAVA'D IT:

I put the hammer down like a contractor when the check bounces.

Of course, it's only been a day, but I'm pleased to report the bike's already a big hit with the kids.  Here's a shot from the passenger area:

We're gonna make some sick edits.



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Plumb Bob Golf Rap Video

The cooolest rap video ever: Plumb Bob. It’s a promotion for Palm Beach National. Looks ... Read more.

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20 Simple Ways to Create Joy Every Day

20 Simple Ways to Create Joy Every Day

The final question I ask every guest on the Chasing Joy Podcast is “what is something that’s bringing you joy lately?” The answers always leave me beaming as we close out the show. The most wonderful part is the answers are never crazy, elaborate or expensive. The things that bring most people joy are often the smallest pleasures.

A couple weeks ago, someone in the Joy Squad (the private Facebook group for readers and podcast listeners) mentioned they had fallen into a rut and didn’t know what was bringing them joy. I loved and so appreciated the realness and honesty in that post because I know for a fact she’s not the only one out there who is struggling to spark joy in her life. I was there myself for years and for a long time, I didn’t even realize it. As someone who easily falls into a routine, I can go for months on autopilot without recognizing that I’m not happy.

Her post has had me thinking for weeks about the big and small ways that myself and the joyful folks around me, spark joy in their life on a regular basis. So today I’ve compiled X simple ways to spark joy. Most of these are free and things you can do on a daily basis.

What I love about joy is that it attracts more of what you love and desire into your life. You might be in a place where it’s hard to fathom feeling better, and I totally get that. The only thing I’d ask is for you to start small and trust that momentum will build. Hope and gratitude may sound simple, but those two forces can bring about so much powerful change. I hope these ideas spark some joy, hope, and gratitude for you.

I hope you find ways to be joyful on the reg even amidst the unavoidable challenges that will happen in your life. Being able to create joy when you need it is something you’ll be able to use your entire life.

Appreciate

In my humble opinion, the act of appreciating is one of the most powerful tools for turning your mindset around. (it also has the power to turn a good day into an amazing day.) It’s free. You can do it anywhere. For a second, for an hour.

You can appreciate the delicious coffee you’re drinking, the amazing people in your life, where you live, your safety, your dog, the sun shining, how good it feels to go for a walk, you get the point, it’s your life, appreciate the crap out of it. Bonus points if you speak your appreciation aloud. Being that person in a group who’s excited and grateful is totally magnetic.

Make something

This is my personal favorite. Seriously. If I’m having a tough day, using my hands to create something is a guaranteed way to make me feel better. Sometimes I share that with the interwebs, one of my friends or Chris and sometimes I make stuff just for the pleasure of creation. Fun fact: what you make doesn’t have to even be that good! The process of making it can be just fun, a little challenging and rewarding in itself, don’t get hung up on being “good at it.” In the converse, I feel myself getting restless and creatively cramped if I’m not making anything for too long.

Learn a new skill

We are put on this planet to expand and grow as humans. Stagnation can be one of most frustrating and joy sucking feelings. Whether you’re learning a new skill that can help you with your career, relationships, health, or just learning for the pleasure of growth it’s all good. You can go as simple as reading an interesting book in an area you’d like to grow or dive into a class to get that student experience. Totes up to you. I promise you’ll feel like a brainy badass.

Connect with your people

As an introvert, I sometimes forget just how amazingly life-giving spending time with people can be. After a coffee date with a girlfriend, a walk with my mom, a family gathering or a date with my fiancé I feel like my insides have been given a big hug. I mean, what is life if not for relationships? Make it a goal to connect with someone who lifts you up in some way at least once a week. Let the joy ensue!

Cultivate a Hobby

Folks with hobbies are more plan and simple more interesting happy humans. I know side hustles are all the rage right now, but your hobby doesn’t have to be anything more than something that brings you joy. Maybe it’s hiking, weight lifting, knitting, painting, reading, cooking, ice fishing, building model trains…. you get it… it doesn’t matter, just cultivate it! It’s nice to have a mix of hobbies that are social and independent. That way you can spark joy in multiple many ways. It’s a joy fiesta over here!

Go outside

Funny how a little nature can go a LONG way in the whole “feeling good” department. Fresh air, movement, a lil sunshine, so simple, so powerful. You don’t have to become an “outdoorsy person” to reap the benefits of just getting outside on the regular.

Listen to music

Damn is this one powerful. Ever hear a sad Adele song and want to cry over the long-lost lover you never had? *me every time* It works in the other direction too. Finding music that lifts you up, or even that can just connect and relate to the emotion you’re feeling and want to feel is amazing. It’s a kind of communication that just hits the soul. I’m one of those crazies you’ll see JAMMING in their car because it makes me feel so good.

Meet someone new

Guys, I’m super awk so meeting new people is a real effort. However, when I do it I feel really great. Back to that whole “the universe is expanding and so are we as humans” thing, I think meeting new people help you expand. Every person has a full life and so many cool stories. You may not be BFFs but just hearing a new perspective and connecting with a new human is totally rad and will probably either bring you lots of joy or at least help you practice those meeting new people skills.

Go on an adventure (big or small)

Whether it’s going to a new coffee shop in the next town (or block) over or taking a trip to a new country adventure is everywhere. Having a spirit of adventure can help you find joy and newness in your everyday life too. No need to drop everything and become a travel blogger. Anyone who says they’ve found out every cool place in their town is a total liar. Try a new adventure once a week and see how your world opens up.

Reach out to an old friend

So uhhh yeah I’m the WORST long distance friend ever. So I feel majorly good when I get my act together and just text my friends from college to say hi and just let them know I miss them and am thinking about them. It’s a major mood lift for me and I have a hunch you’ll feel the same.

Volunteer

Everyone can find a cause they believe in. Really. Zero excuses on this one. Once you connect to that thing see if there’s a local chapter or aspect that you can donate your time (or resources) to. All I can say is I’ve never heard of anyone who’s felt worse after volunteering…

Observe your environment

Ever get stuck in your own head (me, all the time.) Sometimes when I want to feel better I just focus on all the things that aren’t me or my life. People watching, smelling the air, listening to what’s going on, seeing how cool the light looks when it hits a window. The simple act of observing our environment is a fun way to remind you that your life and problems feel big on the inside but are just a lil puzzle piece to this amazing world we’re in. Time feels so much richer when we can notice what’s going on.

Play with a dog (or cat, or hedgehog or whatever animal you can)

Dogs are physical manifestations of joy. I know they can be a HANDFUL to take care of but damn do they remind you how to be happy in the moment. I’m happy literally just thinking about dogs.

Do something you’re afraid of

Want a serious joy hit and confidence booster? Think about something you’ve been afraid to do (not like, eat a spider but like, asking for a raise or going to a new workout class you’re nervous about) and just go for it. It will probably feel kind of awkward in the moment and you might think you’re crazy for doing it, but after you’ll feel pretty invincible, talk about a joyful feeling.

Move in a way that feels amazing

I’ve kind of ditched the word “exercise” from my vocab because it feels so forced. Instead, movement feels like a flippin’ celebration. Think about how your body would like to move today. Maybe it’s a bike ride, a walk, a run, a fun workout class with that cutie instructor, a lil sexy time, some yoga… no rules, just feelin’ good.

Leave a big ass tip

I’m not saying to spend your last dime or anything but I can tell you it feels really wonderful to leave a big ‘ol tip once and a while. I’m a believer that money is just another source of energy. Before you roll your eyes just try it. Maybe at a coffee shop leave 2 bucks instead of the change and watch your day magically unfold.

Pick or buy fresh flowers

It’s hard not to be happy with a bunch of fresh flowers. Get an amazing bouquet from a florist, snag some beauties at the grocery store or just pick some wildflowers if you can find ‘em.

Smell something amazing

Candles, essential oils, fresh air, fresh fruit, your bae, doesn’t matter what your sent source is, just find it and sniff it! For me, smells can seriously put me in such a better mood whether I’m trying to relax or feel invigorated or get in the mood

Find something that makes you laugh (and watch/listen to it often)

Ok, so laughter is definitely not the best medicine in all medical cases, however, it is a great soul medicine. I think it’s a powerful thing to know your sense of humor and fill your life with things that tickle that fancy. For me, I’m only an Office episode away from feeling better 99% of the time.

That human touch

Hugs, high fives, kisses, back rubs, other rubs whatever it is, with whoever (consensually) it is, I have a good feeling it will lift you up. Especially if physical touch is one of your 5 love languages.

Share the Joy

Give it a Shot

I hope you try one or three or 16 of these tools to create a little joy in your daily life. If you do please let me know either on this post or message me on Instagram @inti4thelongrunblog

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