Monday, December 31, 2012

Instead Softcup, You are my friend.

Instead Softcup, You are my friend.



Consider yourself warned: 
This post is all about my period, and running, and running with my period, as well as playing rugby, going to work, and attending fun social gatherings, all with my period. If you are a woman and you are active, you want to read ahead.  Men, it’s your choice!  


The legal-ish mumbo jumbo:
A while back I was given the opportunity to review the Instead Softcup and I jumped at it!  I’m being compensated for this review with free products and one race reimbursement (up to $125).  But the opinions are 100% all mine.  And this is my first time reviewing a product so bear with me!

Why am I excited?   
Well, I’ve been half-assedly (I’m sure that’s a word) attempting to be more environmentally conscious.  I asked my “resident environment expert” (ie, a friend in grad school for environmental studies) what would be better for the environment than non-applicator tampons?  She mentioned this cup idea which at first I thought was a little too environmentally conscious for me.  So I said thanks for the info and moved on.  But I’ve always been a little curious…. And really, what woman passes up a product that can make being active with your period easier?  So, curiosity got the best of me. 

You want me to put that where?








www.softcup.com



Talk about getting in touch with yourself!  Tampons were hard enough!  Now you want me to properly situate this device in my hoo-ha?  You’ve got to be kidding me!!  But alas, the directions were perfect!  The key for me, just like the directions state, was to be seated (toilet) and while placing the cup in, focus on going “down and back”.  Whoa, whoa, whoa… Was that too fast?  Let’s slow it down.

Where? What?
The Softcup is inserted internally and sits around the cervix.  It collects, rather than absorbs.  There are no strings dangling about.  You can safely wear the Softcup for up to 12 hours (dependent on flow of course).  I found it helpful to be familiar with kegel exercises for both proper placement and removal.  (Every woman should become familiar with kegels if they aren’t already.)  Insertion is similar to other ring shaped contraceptive devices.  I have experimented with the Softcup for over 6 months.  It has definitely taken me some time to get comfortable with placement.  But after the first few cycles, I feel like I have a good idea of good placement vs. bad.

The Ebb and Flow…
I was ecstatic the first day I got my period after receiving my samples of Softcup to try.  Typically, I start light and build up to one, maybe two, heavy flow days and then it trickles down over the next 3-4.  I was ready to put Softcup to the test!

Light days- I give this product 5/5 stars for light days!!  I absolutely LOVE it!!  There’s no need to change it every time I use the bathroom and one cup lasted me a full work day (8-10 hours) plus a few hours into the evening.  Typically, I would come home, shower, insert a new one and be good for most of the next day.  I admit to abusing the 12 hour rule and going well over that at least once every cycle.  I experienced no ill side effects!  There are some stats on the Softcup website about numbers sold and TSS (Toxic Shock Syndrome).  I’ll just say that the risk is less than nominal with Softcup.  (Knock on wood, but I’ve never had issues with TSS and I’ve left a tampon in for longer than advised as well.)

And I have never leaked on light days!  Running on light days has also been successful.  Although I can’t really pinpoint any differences between tampons and Softcup when running, I definitely appreciate the Softcup for swimming and triathlons.   It was super easy to handle pit stops before a race as well as no discomfort for biking and no soggy wet string to cause irritation when running!  I also had no issues while playing a dynamic sport such as rugby.  The Softcup felt great because I didn’t feel it at all! 

Heavy days- This is where the Softcup and I start to have some issues and I give 3.75/5 stars (4 is too many, 3.5 not enough).  I have one really heavy flow day.  As much as I LOVE the Softcup, I definitely notice some leaking on my heavy days.  HOWEVER, the info packet that comes with the product does let you know to expect some leaking when you are using the bathroom based on the muscles being used to evacuate said waste.  I’ve been experimenting with Softcup for 6+ months (have purchased two more boxes on my own).  I’ve noticed that, just like with tampons, on my heavy days I need to be more cognizant of changing my product frequently.  When I change frequently, the leaking is minimal and yes, only when I’m using the bathroom.  (More frequently = 2 cups in one day. For the most part, one gets me through the day.)

Speaking of using the bathroom…
One of my favorite features about the Softcup is that you can leave it in regardless of #1 or #2 in the bathroom.  That’s right!  It’s internal so it isn’t affected by either method of waste removal!  I drink A LOT of coffee so I pee A LOT.  It’s uncomfortable to have to change a tampon 5 times a day on a light day.  Softcup gets 4.5/5 stars for bathroom use losing half a star for messiness on heavy days! 

BLOOD! Not for the squeamish…
If just the mention of blood makes you feel ill, then the Softcup isn’t for you.  But as a woman, if blood makes you squeamish, I HAVE to know how you handle your monthly.   Blood doesn’t bother me.  But changing my Softcup on a heavy flow day kinda does.  It’s messy.  I’ve worked out some different techniques to minimize mess (grabbing under the lip of the cup rather than over).  My go-to method of changing/removal on heavy days is to use a rubber (latex, like the doctor uses, not rubber, like for dishes) glove.  I totally stole that idea from another woman and highly encourage you to steal it from me!  It drastically and dramatically decreases the mess factor.  At home, the mess factor isn’t so bad to deal with but if you find yourself in a public restroom, the mess factor is SERIOUS business.  A latex (or non-latex) glove is the answer.  Using a gloved hand, pull out the full cup.  Using the non-gloved hand, wrap the full cup in the glove for easy disposal.  (Just take the glove off so it ends up inside out, with the mess contained inside… or outside… but inside… Get it?)  The latex glove has saved me some rather icky situations in the bathroom stall. 

My first Softcup race…
The key for anyone trying this product for the first time is to practice on training days.  Just like any new product, don’t test it on race day.  Oooops…
Biggest mistake of my life was trying this product at a Ragnar Relay in May.  (Ragnar Relay is a 24-36 hour, 200 mile, overnight relay race.)  Trying to navigate the Softcup in a Porta-John, with only a head lamp for light, was not easy.  It was 1 o’clock in the morning and I was running with people I met only hours earlier.  Explaining to them why I might need to randomly stop at McDonald’s in the middle of the night just didn’t seem possible.  So I dealt with heavy leakage and I was thankful that I could change my clothes often.  I had no idea how to dispose of my full cup and I regrettably admit that it fell into the abyss of the Porta John tank. 

The Environmental Issue…
Like I mentioned earlier, I was also looking to do my part to help the environment.  My only complaint about the Instead Softcup is that is still produces waste that ends up in a landfill.  I was hoping for a reusable cup that wouldn’t get tossed at the end of the day.  But alas, there is such a product!  I haven’t tried the Resuable Softcup yet, but it is my next adventure!  In the meantime, I read a suggestion, albeit kinda gross, that mentions rinsing the Softcup and reinserting.  I have tried this in a pinch and it works but in my experience a wet Softcup is more susceptible to leaking. 

“V” for Victory…
Overall, the product gets two thumbs up from this runner, triathlete, rugby player, full time employee, and even the lazy slacker in me.  I’m glad I gave it several menstrual cycles to prove its worthiness and for me to get accustomed to using it.  On my light days, I don’t know I have my period.  On my heavy days, I’m not forced to skip a work out.  It’s easy to use and more environmentally friendly than the alternatives.  The only negative would be the occasional leakage.  The positives far outweigh the one negative in my opinion.

Tuesday, October 9, 2012

Where Has The Fat Gone- How time flies...

Talk about inconsistent blog postings!!  January was my last entry?!?!  Where is the "nudge" button?  Well here I am and I'm back baby!!

Weight- Hovers around 200 lbs.  Latest trend?  Down 2 lbs.

Races since last entry?  Around 10?  Hard to remember at this time...

Miles covered?  Countless...

Motivation? Restored!

Training for?  NYC MARATHON baby!!!  Then a Ragnar Relay and capping off November with the Philly marathon.  Marathon Maniacs, here I come!!!


Friday, January 20, 2012

Ok, Now What?

So 20 lbs have been lost and I find myself at a plateau of sorts.  It’s time to get serious and keep this journey moving in the right direction.  Ok, so now what?

Well, it’s going to be all about nutrition.  The problem is that there is a PLETHORA of information out there about what to eat, what not to eat, when to eat the good stuff, how much bad stuff is ok, what you should never, ever eat and what’s ok here and there.  Plus, let’s also consider how much training is getting done.  (Really, 2000 yards in a pool leaves a person VERY hungry so what can I eat after that?) 

Gotta keep the fuel tanks full but not over full… 

And it’s more than carbs, proteins and fats.  What about vitamins and minerals?  And what about all the conflicting information out there?  (I read comments on an article about losing 10 lbs.  Article says “drink skim milk instead of whole” and comment said something like “drink whole milk because skim milk lacks the full benefits of whole milk”.  Well, who is right?!?!  Very frustrating…) 

Perhaps I need to post the nutrition blogs like I was supposed to a few months ago… Ok, that gives me something to do on Sunday…

For now, it’s going to be more fruits and veggies during the day and more water consumed.  And breakfast will be eaten (in some form) in the morning.  That’s a good (and easy) start!    

Tuesday, December 27, 2011

The Best Laid Plans

Well, you know what they say about the “best laid plans”…

How many times have you heard that in your life?  I’ve heard it plenty of times and for the most part, it hasn’t ever bothered me to hear it.  You make a plan so you have some framework to reference on your path.  Then you change and re-work the plan so it jives with your life.  Well, my plan was to lose some weight, (ok a lot of weight), run a marathon, then train and complete an Ironman triathlon.  Well, I lost some weight (25 lbs. and counting), I ran a(nother) half marathon and there’s no IM in my future.  I mean, in my 2012 future.  2012 was supposed to be IM year.  But it costs about $500 to register, plus my bike needs serious upgrades (my bike is 20 years old- seriously).  I just don’t have the finances to make this happen (yet, I’m signed up for a Ragnar in AZ and Bay to Breakers in CA- so it’s not like I’m living in a box). 

So here I am, thinking about my running/racing/triathlon future.  I was going to join a gym, but haven’t.  I was going to research new bikes, but haven’t.  I was going to take the month of December off but… oh, wait, I DID do that!  (But I have soooo much “off time guilt” it’s causing me much anxiety.)

The main reason I’m writing right now is to let everyone know that I have decided there will not be an Ironman for me this coming year.  That’s ok and all, because I’m just re-working the plan.  There WILL BE an Ironman for me someday. 

Just need to work it into the plan…

So, what’s the plan?  Well, THAT’S the problem.  I have no plan…

Monday, November 21, 2011

My Philadelphia Half Marathon

The first five miles...

Lately I have been breaking my running down into increments of 5 miles.  Either at the reservoir or on the boardwalk or tackling 13.1 miles it's all about each segment of 5 miles.  Usually it takes me about an hour to run that far and in the morning that usually coincides with a very important bathroom break.  And no matter what, the first 5 miles are usually the worst.  
This time, however, it was the first mile that was the WORST.  I didn't even get 1/2 mile in before I had to stop and fix my iPod.  (Learn from this... Just use the lock feature from the beginning...)  I started running and the volume sky rocketed into my ears!  I couldn't get it back down so I had to stop, adjust, get it back in the stupid back pocket and continue on.  I took off like a bat out of hell too in an effort to make up lost time and attempt to catch Paul whom I told, "Just go ahead!"  
It also dawned on me, during mile 1, that my ever important bathroom break was upon me.  But it's mile 1!!  I still have time.... Oh that hurts!  My belly was not happy.  But I just couldn't bring myself to stop and wait on line so I kept going.  I was miserable and beginning to change my plans of finishing for time and even finishing at all.  I did not feel well.  
I skipped bathroom stop #2 as well because of the line.  I had decided, "the next bathroom should have less people... just stop at that one..." but the line was 10 people deep so I forged on.  (Stubbornness does not help in this situation.)  Running up Front St. I was begging to see anyone I could connect with on the sidelines and request to use their bathroom.  It didn't work out.  I considered using the diner on South St. but something inside said, "just keep going".  I ended up having to walk on South a bit.  I can honestly say I haven't felt this bad in a race in a long time.  Nothing was going according to plan.  I was becoming defeated when the water stop around mile 5 appeared as a beacon.  “Ok.  Water!  There HAS to be another row of Porta Johns here.  WHERE ARE THEY? You HAVE to stop at this bathroom!!  THERE!!”  I don’t usually talk about using the bathroom in any great detail so I’ll just say it was the happiest I have ever been to see a row of Johnny-On-The-Spots and 1 person in front of me. 
I was now ready to continue my quest of a 2:30:00 half marathon.  Let me just get some hand sanitizer like any good, semi-germ-phobic person.  “Oh, that’s sticky… THAT’S NOT HAND SANITIZER!! THAT’S SOAP!!”  The phrase that goes with the acronym, AYFKM, was repeatedly going through my head as I ran back to the water station to rinse. 
On the plus side, I was feeling MUCH better now. 

And then my iPod died…

I hit Chestnut St. with renewed energy.  I was back!!  I was going to destroy the next 8 miles and hit my goal time.  One of my Jersey Girl’s song choices came on.  I thought it was going to be “Click, Click, Boom!” by Saliva.  (This is one bad ass song BTW.)  However, it was actually Linkin Park’s “Runaway”.  Followed up by Rob Zombie’s “Never Gonna Stop”, Florence and the Machine’s “Dog Days Are Over” and Metallica’s “Master of Puppets” and I was rolling.  People lined the street, all cheering for the runners.  “Go Jersey Girl!!”  I was passing 11th, 12th, & 13th streets.  This is my old neighborhood!  I’m feeling good.  “Go Jersey Girl!!”  I hit the bridge into west Philly.  And then silence in my ears.  “Maybe there’s just some dead air after that last song… Or maybe I can’t hear the music lead up to the next song…” I was thinking in my head.  But a minute goes by and I find myself reaching back to the pocket for my iPod.  I get it and the screen is frozen at the beginning of The Rolling Stones “Sympathy for the Devil”.  I begin pressing all sorts of buttons.  I’m holding them for 3 seconds, then 6 seconds and finally for what seems like forever.  (And I’m pressing with all my might now since harder equals better, right?)  It won’t even shut off.  Just stuck at the beginning of a song… Tantalizing me… I looked for the all-powerful “reset” button.  I couldn’t find it and officially gave up on the iPod.  But giving up on the iPod pretty much meant giving up on my goal time as I realized I was 98% relying on my music to get me through.  Epic iPod fail. 

My Garmin…

It seemed my Garmin was .1 - .2 mile off of the race course flags.  That was just annoying.  But I did, and do, love knowing my pace.  I knew what I needed to average to hit my goal and the Garmin kept me on track.  But I hit “lap” instead of stop at the bathroom break.  I hit “start” to keep going before I realized I had soap in my hands and had to hit “lap” again after rinsing and apparently, since it’s set to “lap” every mile, it just picks up from where it is and every mile will tell you the “lap” time.  I had to reset it around mile 7, and then realized I was confused so I reset it and restarted at the mile 8 flag.  It still seemed “off” though.  This is something that just needs some learning and practicing though.  An easy fix.
The Knees, The Toes, The Pain and Only 2 Miles to go…
Knowing you only have 2 miles left in a 13.1 mile race is a strange feeling.  Because it’s 2 miiiiilesssss… But, only 2 miles!! And really, maybe 25-30 minutes of running after 2 hours?  No sweat right?!?!
But my knees hurt worse with each step, my toes are numb (and painful) and I’m questioning ever doing a race longer than a 5k ever again in my life.  But I’m SO, NOT going to WALK!!  Lincoln Drive is curved in this area before the Art Museum.  I have to run on the center lines, using the raised paint to act as a metatarsal lift.  Weird, I know.  But it seems to work.  I rotate my legs so my feet are landing in an upward slant.  Again, weird, I know.  But it works.  And it takes my mind off the knee pain.  I know I need to move faster to make any kind PR.  So, I do. 

The kick…

I don’t know where my kick comes from but at the end of every race, I have “kick”.  I’m dead tired and don’t want to run anymore but I finish with, in my opinion, amazing speed.  Maybe I just want to be done sooner than later.  I don’t know.  But I kick.  And I finish!  The clock reads 3:03:??.  I know I was about  23 minutes off that time so I figure I PR’d at 2:40 (confirmed later). 

The End…

I don’t know how I felt at the end of the race.  Good about the PR but disappointed about missing my goal.  Even now I just don’t know what to say about it.  I feel good today, albeit a little sore.  But… Another story for another blog… 

Happy Running!!  J

Monday, October 3, 2011

Updates 10.3.11

So here I am, 10 weeks into this journey and 13 lbs. lighter!!  Woo Hoo!!  Not really going as fast as I wanted but I’m still happy seeing progress every week. 

Things should pick up now too since I just started a job and I’m on my feet, running around all day.  It’s awesome! 

I also need to up my training for the marathon.  My longest run so far has been 10 miles and my training is NOT consistent.  It’s time to make the commitment to the goal of finishing my first marathon. 

And dropping this weight once and for all! 

Food-  I have been focusing on making better, healthier choices but there’s a 5 Guys right next door to my Road Runner.  And a Chipotle across the parking lot!  But there’s also a SaladWorks and Subway too.  And I started bringing my lunch as well.  Need to shop on off days and be prepared with a variety of lunches because turkey sandwiches every day gets boring real quick.  I have been working on eating something in the morning, a “lunch” on my break and a light dinner.  I’ve been trying to avoid soda and beer but this past week I had a few of each.  I do find myself drinking water more every day and substituting it for soda.  I still need to reach out to the dietician. 

Mental- I am approved for 8 free visits and am reading a book to decide which practitioner is my best option.  I’m off tomorrow and will dedicate some time to this area. 

Those are my biggest obstacles right now.  I’m working on them every day. 

Because there ain’t no mountain high enough! Ain’t no valley low enough! To keep me from my goals! (Thanks Marvin Gaye for the borrowed lyrics!!)  

Wednesday, August 10, 2011

The Power of Positive Thinking


A few things bring me to this blog today… The 90/10 rule, PetSmart training, and a quote from my high school track coach. 

Life is 10% of what happens and 90% of how you react to it.  (Charles Swindoll)  Think about that.  It’s so true.  We all have a CHOICE to feel and act as we do.  When the going gets tough, you can choose to give up, keep going, or piss and moan about it.  What do YOU do?  When I was in high school, one of the boy’s high school basketball coaches spoke to us one time and he used that quote.  It really struck home and I was glad to be reminded of it yesterday. 

My dogs are not leashed trained.  They pull, jump on people, bark at everything, go nuts when they see other dogs, etc, etc.  I’m embarrassed when I walk them, and hope I don’t see anyone, because they are so bad.  But guess what?  They haven’t been trained well enough to walk on the leash.  So I laugh at myself when I get SO angry with them.  PetSmart teaches you to only reward good behavior and ignore bad behavior.  So again, when I am yelling at them for barking or chewing on something I start to laugh.  I even have said, “NO! Stop it!  Why don’t you understand me?  Oh wait, because you are a dog and have no clue what the big scary monster lady is saying to you.  All you know is she’s crazy and yelling at you and you are scared.  You don’t understand that I’m trying to stop you from chewing up a (insert several expensive or unsafe for dogs to chew item here).”  It’s not easy to ONLY be positive when training a dog.  I might have anger issues too though…

Finally, Coach Wilson once said, “I don’t know why you guys are so stressed out.  Life is short and you aren’t going to get out of it alive anyway, so you might as well enjoy it while you can.”  Or something like that.  But again, so stinking true!

I can tell you, that in my life, I FEEL better when I am thinking positively.  I’m not a failure!  Yeah, I have been unsuccessful here and there, but so has everyone else.  So try it out… Fix every negative thing that happens with a positive thought about it.  It’s hard, but in the end, you’ll feel better for trying. 

Have a great day!