Pebble and RunKeeper Review

Check out the end for an update from my 2nd Pebble/RunKeeper Run...

I think part of the reason why I was able to get into running was because I was able to download a C25K program on my iPhone.  Almost every single run I've been on, I've had my trusty iPhone with me.  Yes, part of it is for personal safety, part of it is for having music and part of it is so I can collect as much data from my run as possible.  When I ordered the Pebble on Kickstarter, I was thrilled since they were already talking about RunKeeper working with the Pebble.  Last December, I switched to using RunKeeper, and found it's a slick app for tracking your runs, shoes (love this function!) and makes it easier to review all of your stats (the engineer in me loves that!).  The app and the website are both very stable (which I can't say for some other free running apps I've used in the past...)


Since I wanted the red Pebble, I had to wait until this month to get my watch.  The red was totally worth the wait!  The color has a depth due to the clear coat over the whole watch face, which really makes it looks a bit slicker than the black Pebble my husband has.  The black Pebble has that serious air to it, while red is a bit more fun and flashy.  We both got the right color! :)

I will say, I was little worried about the size of the Pebble's face.  I knew it was going to be on the large size, to accommodate the required screen real estate.  But I have "girly wrists", so I was worried it was going to look or feel cumbersome.  I have to say, they got the screen size perfect, it's big enough for long winded texts, but small enough that it doesn't stick out past my wrist.

It is surprisingly awkward to take a photo of your own wrist!

Zombie Gallbladder

Strictly speaking, this isn't a running related post.  But since I use my body to run (imagine that!), it's related.

I started running after a "gallbladder-less gallbladder attack" (for that whole story, check out this post).  In response, I ate better, ran and stayed healthy.  Until...

There always seems to be an "until..." doesn't there?

Leading up my vacation in Peru last November, I started eating a little less healthy.  I gain a few (like 5) pounds, which in the scheme of things isn't too bad.  I ate well on vacation, then the holidays hit.  I was feeling great, so I wasn't watching my fat intake.  But, oddly enough, I was feeling fine.  Occasionally, I'd have a twinge when I was dehydrated, but a glass of water and I was fine.

Then came Tuesday.  Mid-sentence, it hit.  That ice pick through the lower corner of my right shoulder blade.  Another gallbladder attack from my "Zombie Gallbladder".  Ok, it's a wake up call, I need to eat better, right?  Wednesday through Friday, I mostly did, until the ice cream Friday night (the proceeds went to the PTO).  Saturday morning, I'm in pain again, and throwing up, while trying to get two boys out the door for 2 baseball games and swim lessons.  Not the best morning.

I'm angry at myself for letting it get this far.  I'm upset that it means my diet will never be "normal" again (well, American normal, and I need to remind myself that no one's diet really should be "American normal").  I'm frustrated that I've got that dull ache under my shoulder, and I'm tired and my whole GI system is wonky.  I'm annoyed that it means that at least for the rest of the month, I'm back on making "meal variations" since Hubby must have meat at every meal.

I'm also a little peeved that the minor surgery 2 years ago to widen the exit of the common bile duct didn't work.  Or maybe it did, and the bile stones are that big already?