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August 18, 2008 5:00 AM by Melanie M. Valerio | COMMENTS
So, a friend of a friend was telling me about a cleanse that she recently tried. Not a cleanser like Clearsil or Clorox but a nutritional cleanse. Now I've gone thru a somewhat strict fast before and one other cleanse but these were both from a book and with products YOU purchase, shakes YOU make and food YOU cook. This cleanse is something completely new to me. It's from a company called Blueprint Cleanse.

And their slogan could not be more truthful: We Think. You Drink. Read on to discover more about this innovative cleanse. My goal is to take you thru my upcoming 5-day cleanse starting today Monday August 18th.
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August 15, 2008 12:36 PM by Melanie M. Valerio | COMMENTS
Stretching. Hmmm. Never been into it, honestly. Never cared to swim down when I was competing, never liked a warm-up run when I was running. (Do as I say, not as I do). But stretching? Never had time. Honestly. BUT...I believe I am coming of age to stretch. And if I knew then what I know now....
You get the picture. I have recently fell in luv with stretching. Why? Well, I am personally trying to un-buldge a disc in my back at L-4 / L-5. And I have to say it's working. I stretch for about 20 minutes a day and it's helping to relieve the pressure in my back. Mostly pelvis area stretching, legs and lower back of course.
Instead of just watching TV-get on the floor and start stretching. Before you know it "Fashion Runway" will be half over and you'll be all lose and ready for the runway elimination.
S - T -R - E - T - C - H .
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August 13, 2008 5:21 AM by Melanie M. Valerio | COMMENTS
I have a new idea that's a take on the somewhat new trend of running in skirts.
Tutus.
I think it's an even more feminine way to play up workout gear. Doesn't have to be pink but a black drifit corset (with support) and different colored tutus would be fabulous!
Think Project Runway.
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August 11, 2008 5:11 AM by Melanie M. Valerio | COMMENTS
So here's a funny story I told a friend over the weekend. And it just goes to show training with a group does have benefits you may not even notice.
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August 8, 2008 10:07 AM by Melanie M. Valerio | COMMENTS
08.08.08
Opening ceremonies for the Olympics.
I get asked all the time what I think about this and what I think about that regarding the Olympics, female athletes who don't quite look like females anymore, and on and on. What do I know? I came from the "Play Fair" era of sports. Said so in a frame on the wall of my high school pool. I've lived it everyday of my life. Still do. Yes, I've been in the ready room and I've seen what goes on. I never known so many people to develop asthma out of the blue. My nephew has asthma and you can definitely tell every hour of the day-not just when he's in a ready room preparing to compete. But he's only seven and is still having problems with freestyle vs. breaststroke. (No pill or inhaler for that yet). And let me just say the "ready room" is like Vegas. What happens in the "ready room" stays in the ready room. I am definitely not here to point fingers or lay blame on anyone I've swam against in the past.
I am however very skeptical of a few female athletes who to be very honest DO NOT LOOK LIKE FEMALES! I mean come on. Everyone loved Marion Jones 12 years ago. I was there. I remember. I saw her. And now? I don't feel bad for Marion Jones, I feel bad for all the kids who looked up to her. What are they to think now that she's in prison? There are too many arguments and sides to take in this debate. Which I am definitely not going to get into. Not on 08.08.08. Today starts an exciting two weeks. I hope everyone enjoys watching the Olympics but please don't believe everything you see and read. And on that note, I just read an interesting article in The Economist that I think is worth posting.
You have to admit the Olympic stories (both good and bad) sure beat a bunch a news stories about people getting married on some stoopid date!

GO USA!
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August 6, 2008 8:57 AM by Melanie M. Valerio | COMMENTS
Just spelling Poughkeepsie is a tough one. But training there while traveling this summer can be beautiful (and tough if you want it).
I checked in with Jeanne Roth who is one of the TIMEX Multi-Sport Team athletes. Jeanne lives and trains throughout the hills and valleys of Poughkeepsie and the surrounding areas. Let's see where exactly she swims, bikes and runs... Oh and Jeanne really did go from "Fat To FIt". In 1998 she was 165 pounds, is now averaging 145 and with Ironman training hovers around 140!
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August 5, 2008 6:31 AM by Melanie M. Valerio | COMMENTS
Ever try freezing your blueberries? Not as in "freezing your blueberries off", just freezing fresh blueberries.
Here's a tip: freeze your fresh blueberries in the summer then add to hot oatmeal. THey taste great and will cool your oatmeal for a refreshing twist on breakfast.
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July 31, 2008 9:48 AM by Melanie M. Valerio | COMMENTS
Well I discovered a great new line at no other than TARGET.
SOAP & GLORY.
And one of their best products to rid your face of heavy grime and sunblock after exercising is "Scrub Your Nose In It" facial scrub.
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July 30, 2008 8:04 AM by Melanie M. Valerio | COMMENTS
In case what you've got going isn't quite doing it for you. Perhaps you should try the BEAD DIET / ACCU-WEIGHT-LOSS PROGRAM. A sort of abacus diet if you will. I guess it could work. No weird-er than a cabbage soup diet, cookie diet or grapefruit diet so why not?
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July 28, 2008 8:00 PM by Melanie M. Valerio | COMMENTS

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July 25, 2008 12:23 PM by Melanie M. Valerio | COMMENTS
White Tea is gaining popularity in the United States due in
part to the numerous health benefits, although this exceptional tea is somewhat
limited. FUZE has found a supplier that has enough production so they can now
offer the desired healthy white tea to consumers nationwide.
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July 23, 2008 12:04 PM by Melanie M. Valerio | COMMENTS
"Athletes who have been forced to compromise with inferior skincare offerings now have an array of innovative, high-performance products, engineered by athletes, to meet their needs. MISSION Product will revolutionize how athletes hydrate, nourish, restore and protect their skin, whether they're an Olympic hopeful, a running enthusiast or even a weekend warrior." -Josh Shaw, MISSION Founder and President. With the world's most accomplished athletes on board: Steve Nash, Amanda Beard, Mia Hamm, Gretchen Bleiler, Charlie Engle and Hunter Kemper, MISSION skincare products destined for nothing but the top of the podium.

I've personally tested each product over the past two weeks and although I was a bit skeptical about skincare for both men and women I honestly have to admit they're GREAT! Read on to see which were my favorites and where to find MISSION Product in your area.
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July 20, 2008 3:08 PM by Melanie M. Valerio | COMMENTS
Having to rotate different shoes these days?
Blisters getting you down?
Never fear-here are some basic "home remedy" type answers on how to deal with blisters during the summer months.
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July 13, 2008 10:40 PM by Melanie M. Valerio | COMMENTS
Are the following cities ranked as the top FITTEST or FATEST cities for 2008?
1. San Francisco
2. Seattle
3. Boston
4. Washington, D.C.
5. Atlanta
6. Philadelphia
7. Chicago
8. Dallas/Fort Worth
9. New York City
10. Miami/Fort Lauderdale
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July 13, 2008 10:31 PM by Melanie M. Valerio | COMMENTS
Running is always easier with a partner. But finding a jogging partner with the same amount of commitment as you is pretty tough – too often both the flesh and the spirit are weak.
One partner that won't let you down is your faithful dog. Usually ready, willing and able to help you shed that holiday weight you may have packed on, or to help you maintain the physique you've sweated so much for.
However, before you grab your running shoes and his leash, there are a few things you'll want to remember.
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July 13, 2008 10:17 PM by Melanie M. Valerio | COMMENTS
Pilates was created in the 1920s by the physical trainer Joseph Pilates (1880-1967) for the purpose of rehabilitation. Some of the first people treated by Pilates were soldiers returning from war. Since the 1920s, the basic tenets that Joseph Pilates set down have been preserved, and to this day, even with some modifications, the Pilates remains true to its origins. Any activity that expands your fitness choices is worth the effort, and if you think you need variety to stay motivated, then give it a try!
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July 12, 2008 10:38 AM by Melanie M. Valerio | COMMENTS
Thirsty these days? Well with the onset of hot and or humid weather it's time to up your water intake. And it could be for reasons that you never even thought of.
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July 9, 2008 12:16 PM by Melanie M. Valerio | COMMENTS
Ever want a personal trainer in your pocket to bring to the gym? Well now you can-or virtually can I guess. Soon gone are the days when exercise enthusiasts filled their ears with Surrender, Run To The Hills and Hit Me With Your Best Shot. Now many exercisers are listening to their trainer or watching exactly how to use their weight machine all with the click of a wheel or push of a button.
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July 7, 2008 7:29 PM by Melanie M. Valerio | COMMENTS
Annoyed with blisters yet this summer?
Well here's one of my favorite running socks and they're made out of wool-well smart wool.
So get smart and check them out.
Smartwool Women's Running Ultra-Light Micro
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July 3, 2008 5:26 PM by Melanie M. Valerio | COMMENTS
How do you care for your joints? Here's four basic tips:
Manage your weight
Every extra pound puts four times the stress on your knees and other weight bearing joints. The good part is that even a small amount of weight loss will give your knees relief.
Stretch
Stretching isn't just for workouts. Take breaks throughout the day, including at your office, to get re-energized. Range-of-motion exercises are a good way to keep your muscles and ligaments flexible and strong.
Use good technique
When sitting, standing, and especially when lifting, using proper technique will prevent fatigue and injury.
Be supplement savvy
Glucosamine, a dietary supplement, has been shown to help improve joint function and mobility. Some studies suggest that it may contribute to cartilage repair. Chondroitin, the major component of cartilage tissue is available as a supplement and often combined with glucosamine.
Here's also a great easy to access product that will help with joint care and tastes great too.
Joint Juice