Bob Seebohar, a friend of SKIN STRONG, recently posted something very interesting to facebook.

“Athletes are funny, aren’t they? They refuse to do a few minutes of prehabilitation exercise (specifically for the hips, deep abdominals and shoulder girdle…not to mention overall flexibility) each day because they don’t have time. But when an injury presents itself they not only wonder why they got injured but also now make time to do the exercises…mostly because that is all they can do.

Funny and sad. Daily prehab exercises can go a long way in injury prevention.”

Bob makes such a good point!  How many of us don’t have the time to fit in these important exercises into our training plan and then wonder why we get injured?  I have a feeling there are a lot of athletes reading this right now with a guilty grin on their face!

Bob has a ridiculous amount of experience to back up this e-book!  Why not give it a try and enjoy an injury free year?

Bob Seebohare is a Board Certified Specialist and former Director of Sports Nutrition at the University of Florida. He has also been a dietitian to the US Olympic team, and the US Olympic Triathlon team. Bob is an Ironman, has completed the Boston Marathon, and is a Leadman (he has completed all 6 of the Leadville Endurance events in 7 weeks). His blog Fuel4mance has made waves in the athletic community with great wisdom and information for athletes; including nutrition services, and performance testing.

Check out all that Fuel4mance has to offer at http://fuel4manceblog.blogspot.com/

Why not give that special Father with a great pack of SKIN STRONG products and support an amazing cause that helps men everywhere.  Buy Winter’s Favorites product pack and we will give 20% to Team Winter.  (Product pack includes SLATHER tube, DUST, & Sun SCREEN lotion)

Winter Vinecki lost her father in 2009 to prostate cancer.  Now at the age of 13, Winter travels around speaking and racing for prostate cancer awareness.  She races triathlons, is running a marathon is 7 continents, and maintains a 4.0 GPA.  She has accomplished more at her young age than most adults!

We are proud to call Winter friend and support her in her great cause!

Find out more about Winter on her website: teamwinter.org

For even more Father’s Day Gift ideas check this out.

We want to hear from you!  How are you planning to treat the Father in your life special this year?

As a company with many cyclist, we are acutely aware of the danger that cars on the road present. Something that caught our attention this week was the low awareness of the danger that animals, particularly loose dogs, present to cyclists. If you type “Dog and Cyclist” into a Google search, you will find a myriad of You-Tube videos depicting dogs attacking cyclists, in one case “25 dogs attack a cyclists”. Within that Google search there are many articles, on various cycling sites, discussing the dangers of loose Dogs and Cycling.

In one article, “Cycling Around Aggressive Dogs“, Neil Bezdek from Bicycling.com discusses the problem of loose canines, and offers “A few tips for dealing with pushy pooches when you’re out riding”. Citing that each and every state poses a different threat to cyclist, Bezdek states, the Southeast “has dogs… [interrupting every workout].. looking for a quick meal”. Bezdek reveals that within his cycling community, some people have resorted to carrying pepper spray, or even carrying special “canine-repelling sirens”. For those of us that refuse to resort to such measures, Bezdek offers 5 steps to facing off with you canine oppressor. First, Don’t Panic, as Bezdek points out, “This is the No 1 Rule for safe cycling”. Second, Anticipate, which can be difficult to do with a dog. Third, Identify the Prey in a group ride. Fourth, Be the Aggressor, and Fifth, Warn Drivers to the potential of a loose animal. While Bezdek makes some great suggestions, sometimes things don’t quite work out as planned, and unfortunately cyclist do get injured.

Here in Northwest Arkansas, our cycling community has had quite a few experiences with loose dogs. Most recently, a close friend of SKIN STRONG, Adam Socia, experienced a separated shoulder, fractured collar bone, and separated rib after a large dog caught up with him. Here is a picture from that accident…

Gruesome as it may be, it is a reality that many cyclists and runners face daily. Hopefully, dog owners will begin to keep their dogs on leashes or behind fences. However, until a day comes when every dog is restrained, cyclist and runners need to prepare themselves for the possibility of encountering a loose dog.

If you would like to share your loose dog story, leave a comment below. We would love to hear from you!

Also, check out the SKIN STRONG online store to stock up on SLATHER!

There are several reasons for shopping at local businesses. Some of the following may grab your attention are as follows:

 

-Local stores require comparatively little infrastructure and make more efficient use of public services relative to the internet, big box stores and strip shopping malls. 

 

-Locally owned businesses create more jobs locally and tend to provide better wages and benefits than chains or the internet do.

 

-Your dollars spent in locally-owned businesses have three times the impact  on your community as dollars spent at national chains and internet. When shopping locally, you simultaneously create jobs, fund more city services through sales tax, invest in neighborhood improvement and promote community development.

 

-Local ownership means that important decisions are made locally by people who live in the community and who will feel the impacts of those decisions.

 

Not only are the above reasons great reasons to spend your money in locally owned, independent specialty stores like Rush Running Company, but the owners, Mike and Alison Rush, have been running in Northwest Arkansas for decades. They’re more devoted to the community because they’re a part of the community. They truly care more about getting people into the sport that they love than the amount of money they take home each day. As wild as that sounds, it’s absolutely true. As soon as you walk through the door and experience the world class customer service that the Rush family and their employees provide, you will be impressed.

Keep a Runnin

 

Mike Rush

Rush Running Company

We are so grateful to the panel of Mom’s who had the very tough job of picking the winner from a huge stack of inspiring amazing Moms!

Congratulations Patricia Beazer!

Patricia is my wife and the amazing mother of our 5 children she is turning 41 this month. 5 years ago she decided that she did not want our children to fight the same battle with obesity that her and I both battle. In the past three years ahem has worked hard everyday to change everything that our family and children eat and these changes have included her losing over 120 lbs.

In addition to the weight loss she also prepared for and competed in Florida ironman in November 2012. She felt it was important for our children to see the race because they all shared a part in the preparation for ironman so we traveled with the entire family to watch their mother as she reaches the goal that she involved everyone in preparing for. She also felt it was important that the entire family including herself volunteer at ironman and everyone got involved in various roles during the race. The list of amazing things she does as a stay at home mother is much longer than the above, she runs a free nutrition and running club for elementary age students, she started a cross country running program for a high school that did not have one for our daughter as she entered high school. She organizes a large kids marathon as a volunteer to promote walking and running for families and children of all ages. The Cardston Kids Marathon is just going into its fifth year and it is run by her with no monetary benefit, just the benefit of over 1500 in a town of 3000 participating in a healthy living event. She also works as a mentor with local schools for teenagers to work towards a healthy lifestyle including food and exercise.

I could go on, but my children are the luckiest kids in the world to have a mother who spends her time to take car of everything at home, acting as PTA chair, doing laundry, teaching the kids to manage health, money, fitness and school. It seems to me that this prize would be the icing on the cake for her, she would enjoy nothing more than another ironman experience. We worked and save for a year to prepare for our last ironman trip and she believes it might be her only ironman experience. I would love to see her get what she deserves. For the past 17 years she has worked at her full time/ overtime / every minute job of Mother. Her kids call her IRONMOM.

Have a message for Patricia?

Check out her blog http://ironmomme.blogspot.com/

Almost two years ago after completing my 4th Ironman, my wife and I met the great folks at Eliptigo at Interbike in Vegas. My wife sought them out after her ART dr recommended it to her during a visit for a knee injury and was a big fan, and wanted one immediately…

I scoffed… “Why would I want to ride one of them? Sure they are sort of cool, but if I am going to do anything on wheels, I plan on sitting on a saddle. An Eliptigo was not for me.” I also said, “This is a fad, it will pass, I don’t  think it will take root.” I was wrong… BIG TIME! I recently turned 46 and if I want to continue in the sport of triathlon I have to find an alternative to running 35-40 miles a week. The knees and hips can’t take it, but I am not prepared to be put out to pasture just yet! That reality set in over the last 12 months, and the idea of getting “run time” in on an Eliptigo started to make a lot of sense.

So I recently bought 2 Eliptigos, one for me and one for my lovely wife. (By the way, she has shown a lot of class not rubbing my nose in my 180′ change of mind.) Eliptigo is a lot tougher work out than it looks, don’t be fooled. It is a serious cardio workout and works the upper body when running doesn’t. I have equipped it with serious lights and am able to hit the road before the sun comes up, which is no different than the old run only schedule.

Eliptigo is not a fad, it is the read deal. My Orthopedic Doctor owns one… he is in his mid 30′s. Also, a friend and former 2:40 hr marathon runner owns one, he is doing a 100 mile race on his this weekend. My Eliptigo has extended my triathlon and running life, and that is a big deal for me. I am a big fan! The folks at Eliptigo are terrific, check them out online @ www.Eliptico.com

P.S. Anyone reading this in NW Arkansas is welcome to come and take mine out for a spin…

To My Wife… Sorry you were right!

Have an Elliptigo story?  We’d love to hear it!

The Boston Marathon bombings shocked the world on Monday. The bombings injured many, and sadly killed several people. The team at Skin Strong sends out our thoughts and prayers to those affected by the tragedy.

Officials and participants from the Oklahoma City Memorial Marathon have decided to honor the Boston bombing victims at this years race.

The OKC Memorial Marathon began in 2001 to honor the memory of those affected by the Oklahoma City Bombing, that occurred on April 19 1995. This horrific act killed 168 people and injured 800. This year will mark the 18th anniversary of the massacre.

Andrea Miles, a participant in the OKC Memorial Marathon, has come up with a unique way of supporting the victims of the Boston bombing during her race. According to an article by Stephanie Kuzdym in NEWS OK, Miles is going to wear red socks, in honor of the Boston Red Sox, and is asking everyone to join her. Several local Oklahoma stores, including Fleet Feet Tulsa, have special ordered red socks for the occasion. If you would like more information about this event, please visit NEWS OK.com.

Oklahoma City Memorial Marathon officials have also decided to remember the Boston bombing, by honoring the survivors. According to Runners World.com, Boston Marathon participants who were unable to complete their marathon can enter the OKC Marathon for no fee. OKC Marathon Officials have stated that participants are welcome to begin where the left off, or run the entire marathon, if they please. The Oklahoma City Memorial Marathon is a Boston qualifying event.

barnezy.com

The Oklahoma City Memorial Marathon website says that “The memorial marathon is not about running, it’s about life”.

So many people have celebrate life and made efforts to support the victims of the Boston bombing over the past week. If you would like any information on how you can help please visit nbcnews.com. Let Skin Strong know how you plan on helping, and connect with us on Facebook and Twitter.

Most people would never dream of running 50 miles unless being chased by a pack of rabid wolves.

Gus Lloyd is not like most people, he is an ultrarunner.  Gus is the host of the morning radio show Seize the Day on Sirius XM’s The Catholic Channel.  What motivated Gus to join the growing group of ultrarunners?  We interviewed Gus to find out.

Gus pictured on right

What motivated you to get into ultra running?

A lot of things, really. I’ve been part of the same running group for over 10 years. After doing lots of marathons and half marathons, a few of us gravitated towards trail running. If you love the outdoors, nothing beats trail running. I always feel close to God when I’m out in nature. Plus, trail running is generally easier on the body. I’ve had back problems most of my life, and not pounding pavement held great allure for me.

Were there any obstacles that you had to overcome during training?

Actually, I’ve broken or sprained my ankles five times in the last eight years. So frustrating! For three straight years I blew out an ankle two weeks before a race that I had trained really hard for. So my biggest obstacle has been having to start over again and again.

What were the highlights of race day?

The whole day of my 50-miler was a highlight! I got to run with two of my best friends, both experienced ultra runners. They really helped me with my nutrition and hydration. We started with a 5 mile starter loop, then did three – fifteen mile loops. Before the race I was really nervous about starting that last lap. I thought I would be struggling. But when the time came, I was bouncing around and excited to get out there and finish this thing off!

Best advice for someone thinking about running an ultra marathon

Do it! Especially if you’ve done some of the bigger road marathons, I think you’ll find the solitude of the trails very beneficial for your interior life. If possible, hook up with a group of experienced ultra runners. They’re all super nice people, and very helpful and supportive.

What’s your next big goal?

I think I’d like to do a 100k next. I doubt that I’ll ever try to tackle the 100 mile distance, but now that I’ve done a 50-miler, 100k (62 miles) seems very doable. My overriding goals are to stay fit, have fun and enjoy the camaraderie of running into my old age!

Find out more about Gus Lloyd at his website: http://guslloyd.com/

If you plan on trying an ultramarathon, don’t forget your SKIN EQUIPMENT!

Tomorrow people from around the world are grabbing their pillows and heading out the door to celebrate International Pillow Fight day. Some of these ” Pillow Parties” are in the form of a flash mob, and some “Pillow Parties” are in the form of a scheduled fun day for kids.

 (Courtesy of Through.Canalblog.com)

The team at Skin Strong was particularly excited about this! We did some research to find out exactly how we could commemorate this special day, and get a good work out in as well.

According to espn.go.com, celebrity trainer and former strength and conditioning coach for the NFL’s Tampa Bay Buccaneers, Jay Cardiello, has created an entire “travel” workout using only hotel pillows as props. According to the article, the pillows provide instability, which is good for inner core strengthening. Having a strong core is very important to maintaining physical health. Strengthening your core can help flatten your abs, as well as prevent lower back injures by supporting the spine. Core training will not only help you look the way you want, but it also helps to build physical stability as well.  Jay Cardiello’s work out is effective, and uses a readily available household item. With your own pillow you can develop a strong core! The article also brings up a great point for why pillows are particularly beneficial… Post workout naptime!!!

With International Pillow Fight Day rapidly approaching, we encourage everyone to get out, grab a pillow, and get to work! You will have a strong core, feel great, and have a ton of fun doing it! (not to mention the spontaneous pillow fight that might occur afterward!)

 (Courtesy of Amusingplanet.com)

P.S. Don’t for to get SLIK’ed, SLATHER’ed, DUST’ed, and SCREEN’ed!!

Check out PillowFightDay.com to find out where a Pillow Party is near you!

If you want to know more information about Jay Cardiello’s core work out check out Espn.go .