Friday Finds

I found a lot of interesting fitness/health related articles this week.
1. The Greatist offers 30 Convincing Reasons to Start Running Now. They had me at “Hello”.

2. Everyday Health touts one of my tried and true methods for getting fitter faster: Interval Training.

3. Those guys at Fitsugar are suggesting my personality traits may be making me fat – umm gluttony maybe?! Oh no, it is my “eating personality”. Uh oh – they point out 8 (bad) “eating personality” traits and the only ones I DON’T have are “pop girl” and “veggie hater” (Molly helpfully points out that maybe I have “multiple eating personality disorder”! Maybe so, Molly!). They then “helpfully” tell me “acknowledging it is the first step in overcoming the hurdle.” Well…”hello, my name is Erica and I am a “bottomless pit, grazer, sweet tooth, carb queen, condimenter BUT I am being more mindful about it.” Not my most helpful find, but amusing.

4. Maybe my friends at Mind Body Green can be more helpful with my acknowledged eating deficits with some more tips for fighting the sugar habit!

And on to other news…
5. I mentioned that I love to fill out surveys and sweepstakes to see if I ever win anything (still no – not even Bethenny’s book!) Our friends at Brooks are offering a chance to win a pair of Brooks shoes of your choice or a grand prize: $500 worth of Brooks shoes and apparel to answer this quick survey:

Try it! Maybe one of us will win! (or NOT!)

And of course a few DEALS:
5. I was sent some discount codes for the crazy overpriced but fun Competitor Rock and Roll series races from Map My Run. MapMyRUN has teamed with the Rock ‘n’ Roll Marathon Series to offer you discounted access to 2012 events across the country. For 72 Hours only, Save $15 on Rock ‘n’ Roll San Diego, Rock ‘n’ Roll Seattle or XSport Fitness Rock ‘n’ Roll Chicago. Use Online Code*: MAP to SAVE $15. Expires 5/12. Also, Not ready for the start line yet? Save $10 on any other event in the Rock ‘n’ Roll Series lineup. Don’t delay, this offer is valid for 72 hours only! SAVE $10 Online Code: MAP10 Expires 5/12. (In the spirit of full disclosure, I am not a fan of these races because they are so expensive but people love them so save some $$ people!)

6. Don’t forget- Daily Candy Deals is offering a $25 credit in June for any $50 deal purchased before May 13th. You can do national offers online or local offers in major cities. Buy a gift, get a gift. I have not purchased anything yet from this deal – although many things are tempting – have you?

7. I love Open Table for convenience for making dinner reservation (and their rewards program.) I was interested when Savored came online with a new twist to charge a small fee for the reservation and then get 30% off the bill. I was interested but not compelled to try it. I guess other people agreed. So Savored has relaunched with free reservations in Atlanta, Boston, Chicago, Denver, Los Angeles, Miami, NYC, Philadelphia, San Francisco and DC. I imagine you have to book in advance or last minute and maybe go at funny times (the discounts vary based on time and day of the week). I for one will check it out- why not? will you try it?

8. Have you seen the site Bidding for Good? My friend runs an auction for her children’s school (Agazziz Elementary) and she uses this site every year for a terrific online auction. Special bonus this year, you can score a $150 gift card to my favorite family photographer Pam Lagger! Click on Pam’s awesome photo here to go to the auction.
and find her in the Photos section. They also have Corepower Yoga and Helios Pilates among other awesome Chicago stuff for grabs. Lots of great Chicagoland goods to snag for a good cause!

9. Last thing for today… I have been helping a few friends with hotel deals and found some great ones at hotels.com, Jetsetter, Quikbook.com and American Express Travel this week. Sad but true, deal finding is almost as much fun for me as going! Maybe that is because I was stuck at Laguardia for 4 hours. That could take the will to travel away from anyone.

That’s it from here! Happy Friday! Off to redeem my awesome deal at Canyon Ranch Miami!!!