Conceal Carry Options - Fitness Edition

It's pretty obvious these days that I'm kind of into fitness.  I love lifting, but I pulled the ultimate in goobertastic great ideas, and signed up for a 5k the first weekend of bow season in Oklahoma.  Yup, I might have just committed a cardinal sin.  I'm always bitching, moaning, and whining when people get married during deer season, but my crazy butt signed up for a 5k during deer season?  I've lost it, but I do have every intention of making it back to the stand for an evening hunt.  

Signing up for a 5k means I have to start running outside.  Running outside means I have to find a way to carry while not having a heat stroke, and not having random pistol shaped bruises from a holster bouncing around.  I haven't found the perfect option yet, but thanks to Oklahoma law I don't have to worry about concealment as much as I used to.  However I prefer to conceal carry over open carry, since I want the element of surprise on my side.  I've created a "want to test out" list that I wanted to share with my readers and see if anyone had any expert opinions out there.

Undertech Undercover Women's Ultimate Compression Shorts

Obviously carrying a full size pistol in these shorts while attempting to run might not be in your best interest, I think these would be pretty awesome with a smaller gun (I.E. a SIG SAUER P238 Lady).  Just not sure how comfy it would be in the lower back area.

Flashbang - The Marilyn

I have expressed my skeptical thoughts on the original Flashbang here.  However the Marilyn seems like a better fit for running.  Secured inside the bra it would move less, but still might need some home-made engineering for comfort, and to try to keep sweat off your precious carry weapon.  It would also stay out of the way of heart rate monitors like it's predecessor (the original Flashbang).

CrossBreed Holsters - Modular Belly Band

Currently my bodyguard (aka The Hubs) is running with me, and he's using a similar belly band to carry his smaller carry weapon. It seems to work well for him, but I hate the jarring that would come from carrying a gun strapped like a corset to my waist.  The belly band he uses is handy in the fact he can store his phone, keys & ID in it as well.

So all you fitness gurus out there, if you do carry how do you do it safely & comfortably while getting out and being active?  I know The Hubs won't always be able to run with me, and I will not run outside alone without a gun.  So I'm left with trying to find the best option for me, and my carry weapon of choice.

Wilderness Athlete Green Infusion Review

I have a confession to make.  I'm an absolutely horrible vegetable eater.  I'm not sure if it's the green color, the texture or what, but veggies usually just don't suit my palate.  I can handle a salad, but eating grilled zucchini just isn't my thing.  I'm totally cool with fruits, hello my sugary sweet little friends, but their green counterparts, I'll pass.  I know that this is a horrible horrible way to live.  I mean my body needs the fuel of clean wholesome veggies, so I started searching for options besides consuming the weird green little things.  Then I ran along this super awesome company called Wilderness Athlete.  It's made for hunters, and sportsman who also enjoy living a fit & healthy lifestyle to go along with their active lifestyle.  I started browsing their selection of goods, and BINGO.

Wilderness Athlete - Green Infusion

There she lay, the answer to all my vegetable issues.  Something I could drink, or shoot like a shot of green grainy whiskey, or something I could mix in my protein shake.  I ordered it up, and it arrived in a box overflowing with packing peanuts.  I swear those little things multiply in the box in transit, but I digress.  I started by mixing this with my BSN - Lean Dessert Vanilla with a few pineapples thrown in the mix.  While it looked utterly disgusting, it actually didn't taste too bad.  The pineapple flavor hides most things I've learned.  I've also tried it with my BSN - Lean Dessert Chocolate Pudding, which was still pretty chocolatey, but again it looked even more disgusting than the vanilla, so if you have an issue with eating/drinking weird looking things you might not enjoy it.   You can mix it with water, but I'm not that brave, or desperate, though I feel like the flavor probably wouldn't be so bad I couldn't drink it.  If you like vegetables, you would probably like the flavor, but I'm still not over my distaste for vegetables.  It mixed in very well in a shaker cup (aka mason jar), and of course mixed really well in with my protein in a blender.  I know this isn't a total replacement for eating some green leafy things each day, but if I've had a bad day and haven't eaten any I think this will help me more than not having anything "green" that day.  It's pack with "super greens," "super fruits," and a "WA herbal power blend," so I feel better knowing I've consumed some of the all important super foods each day that I take this.  I think this would be great for hunters in camp who may not get their full servings of vegetables, for those with little kids who struggle to eat enough veggies (mix it in chocolate milk and put it in a non-translucent cup), and it's even great for those of us who are struggling to overcome our unhealthy relationship with vegetables.  

***Wilderness Athlete has no idea who I am.  I just like THIS product and what they stand for.  Can't wait to give some of their other products a try once I run out of my current ones.

Sunless Tanner Reviews

Bikini season, vacation season, and lake season are all approaching, so while everyone is out there scrambling to get fit, some of us are wondering how in the heck we are not going to blind people while rocking our swim wear?  I used to lay in tanning bed and torture myself tan.  I have since reformed my habits, and realize it's not worth the risk of skin cancer.  I've been on the hunt for the perfect fake tan ever since.  I have found a few items that work pretty darn well, and there are a few I would still like to try.

(Image from here)

Fake Bake - Original

I have used this for the past several years with great results.  It's very easy to apply, as long as you use gloves, and you can see anywhere you have missed.  Downside is the fact you can't really go anywhere  once you have applied this and before you shower otherwise you might really scare people.  With back to back (two nights in a row) application I can usually stretch this pretty well at least a week.  It's a nice glowing tan, that's not orange or too dark.

(Image from here)

Fake Bake - Extreme

Since I loved the original so much I thought I should give this a try.  I honestly love the color this gives me, however it dries much faster than the original, so you've got to know what your doing and do quick work.  I have applied this one night, and followed it with the Original, and got a great color, and the original hid my streaky spots.  It wouldn't have streaked if I had really been prepared for how fast it dried.  This also doesn't leave you as dirty brown as the other does before you shower.  You could maybe survive a fast food drive through wearing this, and not be utterly humiliated and goofy looking.  Overall I love both the Original and Extreme and will continue to use both, and I feel confident buying any type of Fake Bake product.

If you are looking to reform your tanning bed, or sun worshipping habit, I suggest starting with Fake Bake.  It will make the loss of your real tan a little more bearable, and it's a pretty low maintenance product.  It works great even for us fair skinned girls, keeps us from getting the oompa loompa look!  So slather on some Fake Bake, throw on your bikini and get out and enjoy the summer, unless you are in Oklahoma like me, then keep your coat handy, because it's still cold.

***Fake Bake has no idea who I am, nor do they care I'm sure.  I was not paid for this post I just love their stuff!

Sun Safety

In most parts of the country, not bipolar Oklahoma, it's getting to be that time.  The sun is shining, the temperatures are rising, and all my fellow outdoorsmen & women are headed out to chase some sort of finned creature, or enjoy a few beverages on the water.  With the beautiful weather, and warm sun comes a silent and sometimes enjoyable danger, tanning, or for my fellow gingers out there scalding.  While tanning makes you look extra fiiine, it doesn't make your skin look extra fine as you advance in age, and it ups your risk of skin cancer.   Being a near relative of the Michelin man when it comes to white-ness, I've found some pretty fool proof ways to stay out of the lobster zone.

A Reel Lady's Sun Rule #1: Cover Up.

It's the cold hard truth, covering up does more for your skin than anything.  While it's not attractive, or common in some areas (hello Oklahoma), to be caught covered up like a bank robber in the middle of the heat, it's practical.

This is my usual attire for outdoors activities in the summer.  The buff hanging around my neck is generally pulled up to my sunglasses, and they have even started making SPF protection gloves, which I totally want.  I cover up with Columbia Women's PFG clothing.   While pants and a floppy hat would offer me more protection, I hate wearing pants and getting wet, and I look like a doofus in a floppy hat. So no matter if we are kayaking or whatever I take sunscreen with me to reapply after contact with water, or every few hours.

A Reel Lady's Sun Rule #2: SUNSCREEN USE IT.

Okay, if you must wear a bikini, or whatever.  Use common sense and use sunscreen.  It doesn't matter if you get tan and don't burn or not, you are still damaging your skin.  You can't just apply it in the morning either, if you are sweating, getting water on you etc, you have to re-apply.  While re-applying in the middle of your 8 hour charter may not look really cool, it's totally worth it, and you might even throw your guide some sunscreen too.  I promise they'll most likely appreciate it, and your skin will appreciate you for slathering on the sunscreen.

A Reel Lady's Sun Rule #3: Apply Sunscreen EVERYWHERE

Your ears, your nose, your forehead, your hands, and feet all need sunscreen.  I wear makeup with SPF 15 in it every day, but when I'm out in major sun (fishing, kayaking, etc), I apply face sunscreen to my face, ears, and neck, and slather the rest of myself in regular sunscreen.  That's all before I start getting dressed.  When we're out I apply it to any part of me that could possibly see the sun, even if I have a hat on I put sunscreen on my face.  You can never be too careful, in my opinion, but I'm no doctor.

In the end, use your head.  Even if you think you are "burn proof," try to take care of your skin, because being burnt sucks, and it does irreversible damage to the biggest organ of your body.  I might be over sensitive to the issue thanks to my fair skin, but even the most tan folks I know (my husband) can still burn.

Why am I Driven to Hunt?

As a hunter, the goal in mind is to take an animal that will feed my husband and I nutritious, wholesome, organic protein.  While some people see this as cruel and barbaric, I am proud to say I know where the meat I consume comes from.  

People always ask me what I find so darn fun about hunting.  Well among the laundry list of things, one of the greatest things, besides the yummy food portion, is the challenge of a hunt.  The one animal that really gets my heart to pounding out of my chest is a mature whitetail deer.  A mature whitetail deer, buck or doe, is one of the wiliest creatures on earth I believe.  Growing up a rifle hunter, I knew the challenge that was getting within rifle range of a nice mature whitetail deer, but becoming a bow hunter taught me a whole new lesson on a challenge.  However there is no sweeter reward than having a mature deer in range, even if you don't shoot it.  To know you, as a hunter, possess the ability to get within 30yds (in my case, since I don't feel comfortable past that with a bow in hand) of a smart, weary animal is success in itself in my mind.  

(This was during rifle season, from a ground blind.  She was about 15yds away, and had no idea I was there)

Secondly, possessing the ability to calm your nerves, your pounding heart, and the adrenaline coursing through your veins to draw a bow in the most ninja like stealthiest fashion possible to take a shot at a mature animal is tough.  That rush though is incomparable to anything else I've ever experienced in life (granted I have never bun-jee jumped or went sky diving).   Some people get their rushes from fast cars, shopping, or extreme sports, some of us get them 15' in a tree, in usually the crappiest weather of the year at daybreak, or at dusk.  There is no place that calms my soul, or gives me an adrenaline rush like a tree stand.  

(My place of solace, and the place get my "high" from)

The last, but most long lasting part of hunting that drives me between seasons is the memories.  Each season brings a new lesson, a new challenge, and sometimes a new trophy to hang your hat on.  The memory is always relived as you feast on the glorious organic protein you harvested.  The memories from the season may also stay alive only in stories you share at hunting camp (or on a blog ;)), or from a photo you caught of the sun setting over your favorite place on earth, or it may be a beautiful piece of artwork done by the only taxidermist you trust. 

This year I was lucky enough to get a few of the latter, beautiful pieces of artwork from great memories, and I'm not sure I ever shared my bow buck, since it was finished with all my readers, and we just got my black powder buck back and I wanted to share his awesomeness with everyone.

My bow buck in it's completed form.  Thanks to Jana Waller of Skullbound TV for making my first ever archery buck the most beautiful european mount I've ever seen.  That is a memory, accomplishment, and milestone in my life that thanks to Jana is beautiful enough to share with everyone as art.

My surprise black powder buck that the taxidermist literally brought back to life with his work.  This is exactly how I saw this buck the entire time I watched him before I took my shot.  I honestly cannot be happier with how he turned out.  A perfect representation of a wild evening in the field, and a buck we had no record of before I saw him and took a shot.

Thoughts & Prayers

I feel as if I've been neglecting the blog quite a bit lately.  I have a bundle of excuses, but I doubt anyone really cares about my excuses.  I can say I will vow to get back to it this week, but today I'm keeping it short and simple.

I am appalled by the events that unfolded in Boston today.  As a fitness lover, and runner, though I do not race, my heart hurts for the running community, as well as all the support personnel, and emergency responders.  The things all of these people have seen today will be images they can never erase from their memory.  I pray all those searching and worried about loved ones are able to connect with them, and find out they are safe.  I hope each and every reader remembers to include all of those involved in the Boston Marathon Bombing in their prayers.

Off-Season Fun or Too Much Tinkering?

Unfortunately for all my hunter friends and I, it is the dreaded or very welcomed off season.  We'll get a short month for spring turkey season here in OK, which is fast upon us, but besides that we're not hunting anything.  Instead of hunting, we are of course preparing for next season.  What exactly does preparing for next season consist of?

Currently archery equipment wise we are preparing for a 2014 Maine black bear hunt, so we'll have all this deer season to test out our set ups on whitetail.  We've both changed arrow rests to QAD Ultra Rest HDX as our old rests were drop aways that raised as we drew our bows.  That resulted in one too many *tinks* of arrows off of the sides of our bows, and spooked deer.  We're also moving over to bigger peeps.  I shoot with a 1/8" peep on my bow now, but due to low light shooting conditions in ME, we're going bigger.  The Mr. has a 1/4" peep on his bow already and is driving tacks.  I'm thinking of doing a 1/4" transition peep once we get my bow sighted in.  We've both also changed broad heads (bye bye Rage), and I'll be shooting Ramcat broadheads this next season.  I'm also still working my hiney off to get my bow up to it's max 50lb draw weight.  I think I'm about 3lbs off that now.  All of the above, for you non hunters out there equals tons of time, effort & frustration.  Shooting a bow is very tedious and when you start tinkering with multiple things all at once it becomes a huge challenge.

We are also in the process of building "homemade nature blinds."  I love the real Nature Blinds, but no way can I or would I afford them.  We engineered our own approach, and have tackled the over growing cedar tree problem in our pastures  (Cedar trees suck up to 200 gallons of water a week, which is a precious commodity in our current state of affairs in OK).  Basically the only cost we have is fuel & bar oil for the chain saw, 6 t-posts per blind, and tie wire.  Oh and lots of sweat, a little blood, and quite a few scrapes too.  So far we are only on blind number one, but I think once we finish it the rest will go quicker since we know what we are doing now.  I'm also hoping we can help curb some of the cedar tree problem, and help out the pastureland.

We're also starting to reevaluate our gear.  What is old and wearing down, my belt for instance, and needs replaced.  Gloves with holes in the fingers are a common need to be replaced item in our house.  Currently we're trying to get our bow strings through the 2013 archery season then replace in January 2014 to get settled back in with the new before our Maine bear hunt.  We're also researching, and talking to people to see what gear we are going to need to take to Maine.  If any of you out there have suggestions for late August in Maine hunting let me know.  We booked this far in advance so we could have our stuff together by the time we went.

How do you spend your time off from hunting?  We're also planning on getting some fishing in, but will spend most of our time preparing too.  I personally am hoping we get all of the above done before Oklahoma becomes hades and is ridiculously hot this summer.  Dealing with blinds when it's 100+ degrees outside is possibly the worst torture in the world.