Just Muscles

Gear questions often pop up: what do I like, what do I use, what do I wear.

Here’s one answer: I’m a huge fan of sunnies as a sporty girl. 🦩🩷

They are fun (well priced! colorful!irreverently & whimsically named!) and functional (stay on your face even when you crash snowboarding and so far haven’t broken in crashes, as well as running so many miles in all sorts of weather!) and fashionable.

Check out, for instance, this new frame style called the PopG.

I wore them to the hardware store and the clerk loved them so much I had him try them on … and he loved them even more after that.

I love them also because my dad and I have had a (friendly) flamingo 🦩 war of sorts for probably 30 years. Goodr’s mascot is a flamingo named Carl
and that makes me love them all that much more.

Have you tried them? Be sure to store them in the fabric case they come with to protect the polarized lens (great for water glare and shadows on the trail!).

RUN goodr

Working on smiles (neck tightness!) everyday!

This fabulous guy didn’t know he had a habit of tilting his head to the side and pulling that shoulder up.

He’s had bouts of Bell’s Palsy before where the face muscles don’t work…but as we get that upper back to loosen up his smile literally and figuratively gets bigger!

So excited for you Wayne!

Thank you for sharing your smile progress with the world 😊

How’s your neck feeling?

⚠️ This summary is for informational & educational purposes only and should not substitute for medical advice. Please seek the advice of your physician before starting any exercise program.


Just Muscles

Nourishing Excellence by Holly Morello is a prime example of what you can do to optimize your health, and I’m super proud of all she’s accomplished. I’m also happy to help when she needs it!

How running is healing…for me.

A lot of folks in the wellness space dis running & suggest ditching cardio for optimal health. I used to think this too. Now I say, context matters. You can still run & optimize your health by training smarter, not harder. If you want to run, find a coach/practitioner/trainer who will enthusiastically support you to do what you are passionate about.

I am super diligent about fueling & hydrating adequately - my nutrition is top notch. I prioritize sleep & practice what I call, “radical recovery.” I strength train to help me build & maintain my muscles so I can tackle hills & sprint to the finish line. My weekly mix includes easy runs, a track workout, 1 long run, cross training, & a full rest day (or 2). I listen to my body. I consult .coleman27 (of Just Muscles) if I’m feeling a ni**le.

With those foundations in place, below are some other healing benefits.

Vitamin D from the sun (& much of the year most of my skin is exposed since I normally wear shorts & tanks)!

Forest bathing (I regularly run on forest trails) - spending time in a forest can reduce stress, anxiety, depression, & anger; strengthen the immune system; improve sleep, cardiovascular & metabolic health; & boost overall well-being. [Source: Forest Bathing: How Trees Can Help You Find Health and Happiness by Dr. Qing Li]

Fresh air!

Brain boost - My brain feels better when I run! [“...regular running raises dopamine activity in the brain & may protect nerve cells from damage. In addition, past research has tied exercise-driven boosts in the dopamine-triggering chemical called brain-derived neurotrophic factor (BDNF) & in dopamine levels to improvements in learning & memory. “- https://scitechdaily.com/scientists-discover-a-key-reason-why-running-boosts-brain-health/]

Mood boost - the runner’s high…especially when running with friends, which creates joy.

Built in regular therapy - Solo runs are good for clearing one’s head, problem solving, & coming up with ideas. Running with others creates strong bonds & studies even show that socializing & supporting one another in recovery actually enhances recovery!

What does running do for you?