STARS: Preparing For Your First Race

Spring race season is beginning for many runners: novice and experienced. For many, that race is the Cooper River Bridge Run in Charleston, SC. It's a fine race for all levels.

First off, you need the proper equipment.  Basics first, then other extras as your training and preferences see fit. Have a good pair of running shoes. These need not break the bank, but brands such as Asics, Brooks, and Hokas have been popular among runners. You also want comfortable running gear. If you're already actively working out, you more than likely have this stuff already. Comfortable socks, shirts, shorts and even caps.

Then there's the extras. Music works for some folks and not so well for others. Making a nice investment in wireless earphones can be a huge help. Having a fanny pack is a huge help for items such as your phone, keys, wallet, etc. You can also buy a holder for your phone that fits on your wrist or arm. I'm not a fan personally of that. Next, you can choose to use one of the many running apps on your phone such as RunKeeper, Nike Running or Strava. Or you can utilize the fitness portion of your smartwatch or Garmin or Fitbit device.  Also, if you run in the dark, have headlamps, reflective clothing and even bands.

You generally want to start training for a race at least two months in advance, especially a 5K or a 10K. Start slowly, running a couple of miles at a time. Have your route carefully mapped out and run at a time where traffic is light and the weather isn't so cold or hot. You want to ensure you're capable of running the distance of your upcoming race. Build up to your desired level and maintain it.

Next, practice nuances and scenarios. Race morning can be crazy and you want to set a certain routine (this includes even the layering of your clothing) so when the day comes, all you need to focus on is running the race, being safe and having fun.

So hit the pavement or trail and happy running!

STARS: Preparing/Deciding If You Can Take A Cruise

Many of you know how high I am on cruises. To me, they are the ultimate vacation,  as they embody so many different aspects of a vacation.

While deciding if you can take a cruise, there are some aspects to look at.

First, your budget/wallet. See if you can afford to go. Many are as low as $400, some on into the 1,000s. Look at the price, especially if you're going solo, and start there.

Next, see when the dates are and how much time off from work you have to use. You may need to use more than a week so look at the dates carefully.

Also, plan carefully if it's hurricane season (end of August-end of October). Yes boats direct around storms and the prices are lower, but risk versus reward must be measured.

The next part will be getting all of your intangibles ready such as your passport, your long form birth certificate, travel arrangements unless they are included and monies for extra.
Really it boils down to a money and a time thing.

Therefore, if everything lines up properly, go for it! You literally only live once and it could be a great experience for you. It's all about planning, really, from start to finish. 

STARS: How SAT proctors control academic scandals

These college admissions scandals have been a hot button topic this week. For me, the SAT scores have been more suspect than anything. I have served as an SAT and LSAT proctor on the side for 5 years now.

I'm sure new training will be released to deal with the ongoing scandal and bad press but our current security measures makes it very difficult to falsify your identity or results.

First of all, students's IDs are checked at the entrance to the testing center and when they enter their classrooms. They must have valid photo identification(school IDs count and of course passports, anything issued by the DMV, etc). The pictures must also match the person and the admission ticket that the College Board issues to them. The student must have these tools in place before they are allowed to take the test and they must have them in a timely matter. Failure to do so results in them not being able to take the exam.

Also, once inside, any electronics other than an acceptable calculator are confiscated until the end of the test. Bathroom breaks can be taken during the test but they must not talk to anyone and have to have their admissions ticket and ID with them at all times. They aren't even allowed food nor beverage except during their administered breaks. 

Parents and no one else is permitted inside the testing center once testing begins. I have had to gatekeep against several parents who show up at noon to pick up their child, but they may not finish until 1pm.

The tests are sealed and packaged until the day of testing and each student has a different test. Same sections, but different tests. Proctors are also trained to watch subtle and creative signs of cheating.

Therefore, throughout my 5 years, if the center is at fault, it is a rogue center and one with zero integrity. I'm blessed to say my center has a zero tolerance policy regarding cheating and falsifying test scores.

This will be a saga and a scenario watched more closely in the future. Few will still slip through the cracks, but it is on the testing center and administrators to ensure that the students are receiving the fairest treatment and scores.

STARS: Prepping to Lose Weight, Even If Only a Few Pounds

Every now and then I fall off the wagon. I have gained as little as 5 lbs and as high as 80 lbs.

The intensity of each process may vary, but the actual processes are the same.

I decide which methods of diet and exercise I wish to utilize. Do I want to cut carbs? Will I allow myself sweets? Am I counting calories? How many days/week am I working out?

Currently, in accordance with Lent, I am cutting out carbs and sugars, including even many fruits. I am also working out no less than 5 days/week, at least 3 of those will involve running/heavy cardio. These routines will be modified monthly to avoid plateauing.

Additionally, I am increasing my protein intake, including different types of meat, pork, chicken, etc. I am also trying not to eat too late. I have learned my body and have experiences how I metabolize food so I know what does work for me.

Currently doing this, I am down 10 pounds and am shooting for 2-5 pounds a week. Every lb lost is an accomplishment and I will continue to weigh in weekly and monitor my food and beverage intake and physical activity.

STARS: Becoming a Blogger

I figured this was a good topic to start this new series with.

I have been blogging for nearly 9 years with worldwide views in the 100,000 range. This has spawned another blog related to my overall business and my writing career.

I have always been adept at starting and engaging healthy discussions and conversations with good, thought provoking topics.  Many told me I should blog. I put it off but then decided in April 2010 to give it a shot.

Blogger was the popular platform at that time, especially since I have a gmail account. During these days, I had to do them from my laptop as they weren't readily available on a smartphone. Well I came up with some topics and ideas and went from there.

I would blog up to once/week and at times have blogged up to twice/week. Many would love these, comment and share them. They of course would start further conversations and discussions.

9 years later, I would have never guessed that blogging would still be a thing. It fortunately is and I blog twice/week, on here and on www.imjustdrew.com. I also occasionally vlog on Facebook and YouTube and am currently working on my second book. 

Blogging is one of my biggest ways for stress relief and to express myself.  Nearly 500 blog posts later, it still remains strong for me.

Now what do I have planned for year 10? We will have to see!