Running with the Rebels at Reggae Marathon

Love running?  Love the beach?  Combine the two with the Reggae Rebels at Reggae Marathon this December 2 in Negril, Jamaica.

Through a mutual friend and runner, I was introduced to Bonnie Fowler over 5 years ago.  Bonnie is one of those truly selfless people who is more interested in seeing others succeed.  She's deeply involved in the running community east of Toronto and promotes and runs numerous events and activities for runners throughout the year.  One of the highlights is the Reggae Marathon, a race event she's passionate about...she's been going with a group for over 5 years with a group she calls Reggae Rebels.  Bonnie takes care of everything.  And I mean everything! 

If you love running while enjoying a great beach vacation, here is more information along with how to contact Bonnie:  Reggae Rebels at Reggae Marathon

Until next time...
ThatRunninGuy

Accelerating Change In Car Shopping

The changes in car shopping continue to accelerate.  It's driven by technology of course and younger consumers entering their car buying years.  'Millennials' have different transportation needs; it's even been noted that they don't share the same aspiration to vehicle ownership as earlier generations.  Different needs combined with technology means the car buying process continues its rapid change.  Here's how to keep the pedal to the metal.

Chris M Morales

chris.morales@bell.net
@ChrisMoralesTO

647 393 3855

The opinions expressed on this blog are my own and are not associated with any other group or organization

 

Solving the Mystery

My Specialist and I will be solving the mystery today shortly after 4:15 pm.  That's when we find out why I've been stuck in 2nd running gear for the past 4 months.  It can't happen soon enough!

I'm optimistic.  I expect that after all the tests we'll have reached the root cause of the condition that has plagued my running.  I want to hear good news, 'Eureka...mystery solved!" I don't want to hear, "We need to do more tests".  Nope, I'm not really prepared for that.

One of my running friends thinks this mystery can be solved through diet...that it's a dietary imbalance.  I'd love for him to be right.  That's an easy fix unless he says absolutely cut out salty snacks!  I've moved to popcorn and it would suck if I have to give that up too. 

Through it all I've managed to keep running.  One adjustment I've made recently has been a move to the track for speed repeats.  I've added hill repeats as well.  It seems I'm OK to go hard for a minute or so followed by a recovery walk.  I'm good with that.  The increased intensity does push up my metabolism quite a bit.  Hey...maybe I'll become a late sprinter!

Because of all this stop-and-start running since last fall, I didn't buy any new winter running gear.  I cobbled together totally uncoordinated fleece tops with brightly coloured wind pants for a totally unattractive look.  I know how one looks doesn't help with speed but I feel ugly.  Is ugly a feeling?

Yeah, I'm looking forward to solving the running mystery today.  Stay tuned...

Until next time...
ThatRunninGuy

Headlights: The Distinctive Face of New Vehicle Branding

The eyes have it...the last great bastion of new car and truck design.

At the Toronto Auto Show this past February I was struck by the plethora of headlight designs on display.  The Designers responsible for the 'eyes' seem to have the most influential jobs in the auto industry today.  And with LED lights and high-intensity projector beam lighting technology, they've thrown off the shackles.  What a way to brand a vehicle especially now with so many look-a-like designs in Cars, SUV's and even Trucks.

Some are narrow like the slits of a wild jungle cat, others are big and bold like a wide-eyed child on Christmas morning.  They are all distinctive and that's the point.  I'm partial to two:  The new Volvo and the Mustang.  Both are aggressive and a little sinister...I love them!   I wonder how many new vehicle buyers choose a new vehicle based on it's headlight design?

Chris M Morales

chris.morales@bell.net
@ChrisMoralesTO

647 393 3855

The opinions expressed on this blog are my own and are not associated with any other group or organization

 

Love the new Running Shoes

I love my new running shoes.  It's a transient feeling I know but for now I love putting them on and heading out for a run.

These new running shoes, the New Balance N2 1080 v5 model, were comfortable from the start.  I picked them up at the Running Room Outlet Store significantly reduced since they were last year's model.  They fit comfortably right out of the box.  Size 10 1/2 with a wide toe box and nice arch support.  It only took a few minutes of walking around the store in them to seal the sale.  

The other impressive feature were the 'Stretchy Laces'.  Yes, there was some give in the laces which made lacing and unlacing them a breeze.  They fit snugly but 'gave' a little bit under impact.  I was anxious to go running.

The out-sole of these New Balance running shoes is an interesting grid pattern.  I'm anticipating good traction in the snow and on the trails. If the weather forecast is accurate and we get the blast of snow that is predicted this week, they'll be snow tested soon. 

First impressions out on the road on my first run: It took a while to get used to the more cushioned mid-sole.  My other running shoes, Puma's, also a favourite, have as much support but much less cushioning. Once I settled in though, it was a smooth ride. A small point: On impact, it was definitely noisier than other shoes I've run in.  Of course this could be a function of my slogging pace...time will tell.   It's going to be interesting going back and forth between these New Balance and Puma running shoes.  For now though, I'm enjoying my time in these new running shoes.

Until next time...
ThatRunninGuy

How to use Social Media to sell Cars

"Social Media is great for promoting my involvement in the Community...it doesn't work for selling cars".  If I had a Dime for every time I've heard that...

How do you use Social Media to sell cars?  Back to basics. The Dictionary definition of 'Social Media':  Forms of electronic communication (as websites for social networking and micro-blogging) through which users create online communities to share information, ideas, personal messages, and other content. 

'Users create online communities to share information'.  Essentially it's people talking about their experience with your product or service...spreading the word about their personal experience.  To leverage the power of this socialization, understand the conversation then participate in with content that is of interest to the particular community.  

This chart expands upon that basic tenet with some other ways Auto Dealers can use Social Media to sell cars

Chris M Morales

chris.morales@bell.net
@ChrisMoralesTO

647 393 3855

The opinions expressed on this blog are my own and are not associated with any other group or organization

 

Running in the Cold

Running in the cold is exhilarating but it takes a special amount of motivation to get out of a warm bed, pull on layers of running gear and head out in the dark.  Or a special kind of stupid!  My running friends salute my determination;  my non-running friends think I'm crazy.  Either way, I love running in the cold.

It's been an up and down winter in Southern Ontario.  This past weekend in Toronto was cold:  Minus double digits with wind chills significantly colder.  Even though I have a complete base layer with fleece jacket, hat and gloves, the first kilometer or so is 'uncomfortable'.  Actually it's more like, "What the hell am I doing running in this cold?"  But unless it's really windy, I warm up and settle in to a reasonably comfortable run.

Whoever invented modern base layer running underwear has a special place in the heart's of all outdoor winter runners.  The magic of this base layer is that it wicks moisture away from the skin without feeling cold.  You have to keep running to keep it working. I generally end my runs close to home so the brisk walk doesn't cause any undue discomfort. 

Minus 12 C is my current limit though...back in the day I went our for a run in downtown Regina in mid-February.  It was minus 40 C with a wind chill estimated to be down around minus 50 C.  I never warmed up at all in the first km but pressed on for another km or so.  Then it became unbearable. Wisely I turned back. It was a glorious feeling to step into the warm hotel lobby let me tell you!  I don't think I'll do that again. 

This past weekend could be the final cold snap in Southern Ontario.  Approaching mid-March and we have well above 0 C temps in the forecast. We can always get nasty surprises though so the cold weather running gear won't be put away just yet.

Until next time...
ThatRunninGuy

Did he really say that?

What did he just say? Did he really say that?  I can't believe he said that?  Must have been his inner voice.

"My thoughts are in parallel with yours" is the classic response in a corporate meeting room when you've not follow along with the discussion.  Smirks from fellow team members who wished they had thought of it; frowns from seniors who know you one-upped someone.  It's a witty retort..."Why couldn't I have thought of that?"

I couldn't have put this together without the help of my Advertising Agency friends and associates.  All still work in the business and wish to remain anonymous.  You know who you are!

Since this book was published I've received numerous emails and text messages asking when the follow up will be coming out.  And that's where you can help.  Send me the one liners and crazy things that you hear and if you want credit when Part II gets published.
 

Chris M Morales

chris.morales@bell.net
@ChrisMoralesTO

647 393 3855

The opinions expressed on this blog are my own and are not associated with any other group or organization