Apr 30 2016
George’s Place

George’s Place (Cape May)

George’s Place falls into the gray areas of dines. Is it a diner? A restaurant? There are many conflicting opinions about it. A couple of weeks ago my husband and I flew down to Cape May.  While walking around in Cape May, we realized we were hungry.  George’s Place has been on my to-do list for a while.  Guy from Food Network recently and loved it.  Spoiler: it’s worth going too.

George’s Place Atmosphere: B
Georges Place is located on the corner in Cape May.  Cape Mat downtown is cute with plenty of local shops and restaurants. To be honest, there is not a lot to indicate the restaurant is there.  In fact, we walked right by twice before realizing it was there.

georges place cape may
Image via Cape May Times

The inside of George’s Place is clean, and there are about ten seats.  I like it because despite George’s Place being small, you aren’t sitting on top of anyone.  In some diners and restaurants, you feel as though you are dining with ten strangers.

George’s Place Service: A
The waitress at George’s Place was extremely friendly.  After ordering, I decided I wanted extra pita bread, and she was more than accommodating.

George’s Place Food: A
George’s Place menu has breakfast, lunch and dinner. However, they close from 3-5.  They are well known for their breakfast specialties like their waffles, hash browns, and french toast. I want to go back sometime for breakfast.

Their menu is strictly Greek Specialties.  Greek food is one of my favorite choices at a diner so I was excited to try it out.

We chose the “hummos sampler”  It came with four types of hummus.  I’m not typically a hummus fan, but each flavor was delicious.  Since the pita bread was so good, I decided to order more with my meal.

Georges Place Cape May

George’s place specializes in Greek Food, and that’s all they have.  I ordered the lamb chops which came with orzo and a side Greek salad.  The lamb chops were cooked to perfection.  The Orzo was cooked in a thick Greek flavored sauce which was tasty. The side salad was bigger than the size of many entree salads I’ve ordered.  Very few meals have left me as full as this one.

Georges Place Cape May

Georges Place Cape May

George’s Place Price: $$
For the appetizer and lamb chops, the price was $30. The meal was well worth it, and the quality of food is the best I’ve had for a while. It’s important to note, George’s Place is a cash-only restaurant.  There are several ATMs in Cape May located nearby.

Would I come back/Summary of George’s Place (Cape May):
Georges Place is one of my top five diners, and I’ll be back next time in Cape May. If you are ever in Cape May or take the Lewes Ferry, I suggest making the stop.

ETA: I’ve been back to George’s Place several times and always had a pleasant meal.

Overall:
Atmosphere: B
Service: A
Coffee: N/A (I know shocking I did not get any)
Food: A
Price: $15-25
Overall: A

You can see all of the reviews here.

Questions for you:
Have you ever been to a restaurant on the food network?
Do you like lamb chops?

Hollie 2 Comments
Apr 29 2016
Training: Finally Feeling Good
Long time no talk right?

I haven’t posted as much on Fridays lately but I thought with a race this weekend, I thought I would update on my foot and personal life.

saucony a6 me run

A photo of me holding shoes must mean I’m back again right? 

After stopping my run two Sundays ago (because of pain above my 3-4rd metatarsal), I was positive I had a stress fracture or at least a reaction.  What else is up there?  There is lots of bone and a few nerves and muscles that connect.  The pain felt similar to the precursor of when I had my 2nd metatarsal fracture.

By Tuesday, I was in Dr. Kemonosh’s office.  My mentality was “if they could do deep tissue work, it couldn’t possibly be a fracture, right?”  One of his associates, Craig, did various tests including bending my toes and feeling each bone.  He was pretty sure nothing was broken but he told me to get an X-ray to be sure.  I wanted to know too!

In my opinion, injuries are awful but not knowing kind of injury is worse.  The x-ray came out clean.  Long story short, I had a pinched nerve between my toes from wearing too small of racing shoes and possibly too small/tight of socks.  It’s embarrassing considering I work at a running store and know my foot size but since removing them out of the equation I’ve been fine.  I’ll have to purchase bigger racing shoes.

So what is coming up?

Last year, I gutted out Broad Street and it was the first time for a few months I felt good.  For my newer readers, I ran the Phoenix full marathon and finished with an injury to my butt, hips and hamstring.  I got married, went on a honeymoon and came back at the end of April.  The ART and rest allowed my muscle issue to sort itself out.  I ran Broad Street 20 seconds slower than when I was in my ultimate fitness in 2014.  Moving on, this April I ended on a good note again.

I must like the end of April! 

So 300 words later, where am I now?

My foot is back to normal, and I am going to race Broad Street.  Since I’ve been resting the last two weeks, I’m not sure how this race will go.  I don’t feel “well rested, tapered and recovered,” I feel like my legs forgot what running is.  Since I’m able to run healthy and be motivated to run again, I don’t have any complaints.

That’s all I have.  My parents, as well as my inlaws, are both coming into town to also race Broad Street, so I’m excited to see them again.  It’s going to be a busy but fun weekend.

Posts from the week:
How to Train with Your Significant Other and Strengthen Your Marriage
5 Secrets to Buying Running Shoes
Saucony Kinvara 7 Review
Blogger’s Guilt

Thanks for stopping by!

Questions for you:
What are your weekend plans?
Have you ever had a foot issue?

I don’t play around with pain in the feet. There isn’t a lot down there and since I run on my toes, my metatarsals take more impact than I would like.

Hollie 22 Comments
Apr 28 2016
Bloggers Guilt

As bloggers, we often find guilt of not creating content daily.  Or when we have an off day, it shows through the blog.  Tone can often be misjudged through text and sometimes posts don’t come out as anticipated.

Bloggers Guilt

For running blogs like myself, my blog is a chronicle of my own running, training, and personal life.  It’s filled with the highs of PRs and the lows of bad races or injuries.

But it’s not a full picture of my life.  A blog is not the complete picture of anyone’s life, and it shouldn’t be.

This past month I’ve been in a funk.  It’s included a lot of things such as my personal life, running and blogging.  Thinking out loud, it started around the time of my hamstring injury and continued into a downward spiral from there.  

I found myself asking:

What will I blog about when I’m injured?

What if I skip blogging for weeks?

What if my blog becomes boring and whiny because I’m injured yet again?

Why does it even matter?  No one wakes up thinking: “the first thing I want to do is read blogs.”  If you do, that’s a whole different topic of unhealthy behavior.

Unlike elite athletes, celebrities or professional bloggers, I’m not making a living from LOLZ blog.  My life and means to survive do not come from blogging.  Like any blogger I find myself fearing the lack of content, being “too boring” or criticism for how I’ve chosen to live life.  Just like the comparison trap, it’s something self-inflicted.

My times aren’t going to win the US anything.

My reviews of shoes or diners won’t make or break a company.

And my blog probably isn’t going to provide you any medical advice.

My blog is just a chronicle of my life, the good, the bad and the ugly (like when I thought bangs were a good idea or dyed my hair blonde).

I chose to put my blog and life online, at the end of the day I’m just an ordinary, average person.  Putting anything online opens you up for feedback both positive and negative.

So what’s the point of this post?

It’s a reminder to myself, to anyone that at the end of the day, blogging is blogging.  Your life does not revolve around a single hobby, whether it’s blogging, running or something else.  It’s important not put all of your eggs in one basket.  Comparing yourself to anyone (including yourself) isn’t going to get you anywhere.

Questions for you:
Bloggers: Do you ever feel bloggers guilt?
What is the last thing you felt guilty about?

Hollie 50 Comments
Apr 27 2016
Saucony Kinvara 7 Review

Saucony Kinvara 7 Review

It seems like just yesterday, I was reviewing the Saucony Kinvara 6, but then again, I was a little late in reviewing the shoe.  Throughout the last few months, the Saucony Kinvara 6 has been a great shoe for me.  The timing worked out to streamline into a new model, the Saucony Kinvara 7.

Saucony Kinvara 7 Review

Saucony Kinvara 7. Overview:

The Saucony Kinvara is a neutral lightweight shoe with a 4mm drop.  The Saucony Kinvara 7 is one of Saucony’s most popular shoes because it’s able to cover a broad range of training from races to volume and long runs.  The update from the Saucony Kinvara 6 to the Saucony Kinvara 7 includes significant changes in the cushioning system as well as the fit of the shoe.

Saucony Kinvara 7 Fit:

I noticed the Saucony Kinvara 6 was more narrow than I hoped and the upper to the Saucony Kinvara 7 fits similarly.  I usually wear a size 9.5 wide or 10, and I fit into a size 10.  I do wish there was a wide option.  The upper of the Saucony Kinvara 7 now uses “flex film” which helps to lock the feet in place as well as having wicking properties.  The lacing system remails reasonably similar. My feet haven’t felt uncomfortable running in the shoe and the fit works for me.  My only wish is more volume to accommodate better wide feet.

Saucony Kinvara 7 Review

Saucony Kinvara 7 Ride:

The ride of the Saucony Kinvara 7 is much different than the Saucony Kinvara 6.  However, the difference isn’t a bad thing. While it’s still more lightweight than a traditional trainer, the Kinvara 7 is more of a shoe.  Kinvara loyalists will notice that the Kinvara has more energy return as well as ground contact. In general, the Kinvara is much more lightweight, responsive, ride.

Saucony Kinvara 7 Review

The new Saucony Kinvara 7 now uses an everun heel insert and EVA foam to keep the shoe cushioned. The Saucony Kinvara 7is the first of the Kinvara line to integrate everun. Similar to the Saucony Triumph, the Everrun lasts longer than traditional foam.   The Saucony Kinvara 7 has the Everrun built directly into the heel instead of spread throughout the shoe. It’s also a denser cushioning, so it feels like “more of a shoe.”

For someone who prefers the firm everrun in the Triumph, I like the update.  The Saucony Kinvara 7 has taken over a new more “trainer like” feel and able to go long distance.  It’s much more bouncy and responsive than the previous model.  Plus together with the flex outsole, you have more traction.

Saucony Kinvara 7 Review

Cost: $110 (it did rise in price by $10 this model)

Saucony Kinvara 7 Pros:

  • The Everrun makes it more durable
  • It has more cushioning which benefits most runners

Saucony Kinvara 7 Cons:

  • Increase in cost
  • The updates are significant and it does fit and feel different

Recommended for anyone who likes a lightweight neutral trainer. It is also a great speed work and racing shoe.

So do I like it? 

Personally, I like the extra cushioning of the Saucony Kinvara 7.  I like to run in higher cushioned shoes, and the Saucony Kinvara 6 had a little less cushioning than I would prefer.  I enjoy using the Kinvara for race warmups/cooldowns and occasionally midweek runs.

Saucony Kinvara 7 Review

Current Shoe Rotation:
Saucony Kinvara 7 (for shorter runs)
Saucony Triumph ISO 2 (primary shoe)
Adidas Energy Boost 3

Questions for you:
Do you like more cushion in your running shoes? Have you tried the Saucony Kinvara 7? 

Hollie 17 Comments
Apr 25 2016
Five Secrets about Buying Running Shoes

Five Secrets about Buying Running Shoes

Working in a specialty running store, I get to learn a lot about running, in general, new products and of course running shoes.  When I began working at the run specialty store, I knew the shoe I liked but not much else.  Like anyone, I went through the whole process of getting my foot remeasured; my gait analyzed, and my (now) coworker brought out some shoes that worked well for me.  To my shock, my feet were wide and had grown.

Run specialty employees will take time to get to know you run, if you heel strike or strike at the front, what you are training for, if you prefer a certain heel to toe drop, they get to know everything. They won’t let you choose a shoe off the wall “because it looks good”.

There are plenty of fascinating facts about running shoes that you might not know.  Working in a run specialty store, they are now common knowledge for me, but I thought I would share.

For instance, there is a lifespan of a running shoe. Most running shoes last between 300- 500 miles, but minimalist shoes and racing flats last less time. Trail running shoes often last longer, and the cheapest running shoes are none and go barefoot running (I kid…somewhat).

Five Secrets about Buying Running Shoes

Your Feet Change and Grow:
When your feet are measured, many people are shocked to find their feet have grown. Your arches can collapse as you age, and therefore, your feet can get longer or wider. Every person’s feet are different, and no two feet are the same. Some people have high arches, low arches, flat feet, wide feet, but everyone is different.

Plus everyone has a different running style, so your pair of running shoes must accommodate that.

Woman your feet change after pregnancy.  No one cares about your foot size, but get what is most comfortable.

Running Shoes are not Meant for Lateral Motion:
This includes side to side motion, tennis, etc.  Running shoes aren’t reinforced on the sides and using them for lateral movement can break them down much faster.  They are comfortable to do so, but a pair of shoes will wear out more quickly.

Putting your  Shoes in the Dryer Ruins Them:
Running shoe technology, such as gel can break down when heated.  Eventually, a shoe will get dirty, so don’t wash and dry it.  Spray it with a hose if you must.

Socks are Normally the Cause of Blisters:
Most people believe the shoe causes the blister, but it’s usually a sock that has cotton in it. If the bottom of your foot or your arch is getting blisters, that is typically a sign of socks.

Shoes Don’t Have a Break-in Period:
A running shoe shouldn’t have a break-in period unless it’s too small.  Shoes should feel good in the store. Do you see a trend here?  Most people buy their running shoes too small and have to “break them in,” or they have to stretch.  If you purchase the correct size, they won’t do that.  You should be able to wiggle your toes before a run, during a run, and after a run.

That’s because the shoe fits.  Don’t buy shoes if it doesn’t feel right. Cushioned shoes should also feel good; you shouldn’t need to get used to how a brand cushions your feet.

Other related articles:
There is No Perfect Running Shoe
Why Running Shoe Reviews are (Mostly) Worthless
There is No Perfect Running Shoe

Finally, have you subscribed to the LOLZletter? It’s a free newsletter that comes out each Monday. In the newsletter, I share running industry trends and things relevant to the sport. ,

Questions for you:
What is something interesting you’ve learned about running shoes?
What is one running shoe you’ve tried, but realized it wasn’t for you?

Hollie 32 Comments
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