Check received on August 11th for $43.72!  It was this week last year that I reported that I would be getting a new butt courtesy of Reebok Runtones, tennis shoes that increase glute usage through “micro instability.”  Did I ever really think that my entire body would change because of a pair of shoes?  No.  But, I thought that maybe the rocky bottoms would increase some micro muscle movement below the calves.  Failing that, they are a good, comfortable pair of shoes that I enjoy wearing.   Since I have had these shoes for over a year, I can sum up my review as follows:

To begin with, these shoes are really comfortable; however I only wear them for running errands, shopping, etc, not distance running.  I have been fitted for running shoes recently and was directed toward a pair to correct overpronation.  As it turns out, the Reebok Runtones feel comfortable to me because they also correct my overpronation.

That being said, my second main point is that I trip in these shoes a lot.  The micro-instability air pods get caught at random times on uneven surfaces.  Sometimes my missteps are minor, such as some random skid-stops on carpet, but other times I trip pretty badly.  One time I was walking to my mailbox and as I stepped where the driveway meets the sidewalk, I found myself launched up and into a forward somersault.  By all estimations, I should have landed on my face, but I came down hard on a hand and shoulder and avoided a head/face collision altogether.  I immediately jumped back up since I was so surprised and confused by the fall.  I quickly looked around as if someone was playing a joke on me.  If my neighbors had surveillance cameras, I want a slo-mo review of the event immediately.

Previous posts:

Update: Reebok is issuing Refunds on Runtones

Reebok is issuing refunds on Runtones

I’m getting a new butt!

Q2:  Horses, Guns, and Golf 

How have I lived my entire life in the greater Hunt Valley area without trying horses, guns and golf?!  Since I have been wanting to do these adventures for years, they were high priority items included in the creation of my 2012 list.  I am delighted to report that over the last three months, I was able to make some pretty prominent strike-throughs on my list.  Remember, what get’s measured, get’s done.

Horseback Riding:  I invited myself along on a friend’s last minute horseback riding adventure.  She had found a local riding stable, Misty Manor, who offer guided group tours in one-hour increments.  We paid $25/hour to bump along a scenic mostly wooded state park trail.  I was a little nervous until I realized that my horse knew the way and I did not have to do anything except occasionally end his snack breaks.  The place seems a little disorganized to work with, although I would return and I would recommend the place to others who want to try horseback riding or return after a number of years out of the saddle. Continue reading →

Part One:  I heart Skaneateles!

As I write, I am sipping on a Noiret wine, a red that boasts a delicious pepper and berry flavor.  The pepper flavor comes from the Noiret grape, a hybrid grape that was developed by Cornell University and released in 2006.  If I had known that I could have designed wine grapes at college, my life would be completely different.    

I fell in love with Noiret wine on my first Finger Lakes trip in 2010.  That year, we brought home a few bottles of Anyela’s 2008 Noiret and soon after the bottles were empty we started craving that peppery flavor.  Because you cannot buy most of the Finger Lakes wine varieties in our area, I debated making an impulsive day trip and I also debated having a case shipped to family friend in a wine-friendly state, but I ultimately waited until we made the trip this past weekend.  Anyela’s Vineyards was first on our itinerary and we immediately requested the Noiret.  We were served the 2010 Noiret, which was a little more citrusy than the 2008 vintage and unfortunately, not quite as delicious.  We engaged in a long dialogue during our tasting and found out that the 2010 was not regarded to be as tasty as the 2008, but they are hopeful about the 2011.  It all has to do with weather and we all know how “normal” that has been lately.

Anyela's Tasting Room

Before we left Anyela’s Vineyards, I asked our tasting host about which wineries he would recommend.  Anyela is one of the few wineries on Skaneateles Lake; however the other lakes, especially the Seneca Lake, have in excess of 30 wineries to explore.  Since it would be quite a challenge to stop at every winery, I would rather take the advice of a local expert to point out the places that are not to miss.  In the following, I will reveal my experiences, tips and suggestions.  I hope that you can make the trip soon! Continue reading →