November 04, 2019

The Best $50 I've Ever Spent

Ugh, I am still having problems with my energy, and it's driving me crazy. Sometimes I feel totally fine and others I feel dead to the world. I think stress has a lot to do with it, but now that things are settling down, hopefully I will see some consistency.

I did my run yesterday to finish off week five of my 3-3-3 running plan. My weeks are from Monday through Sunday, so I waited until the last day, but I got it done. Ideally, I'd like to do Monday, Wednesday, and Friday.

So, even though I ran yesterday, I decided to get back to my regular M-W-F schedule today. Very unlike me! However, I perked up a little in the afternoon, and decided I might as well get it done before my energy was zapped again.

I chose to run on the treadmill today. I really should go outside to run, because it's perfect fall weather! But I feel a sort of comfort from staying in and doing the 'mill.

The only real problem with that is that I can't see my progress (or lack of) over time. My Garmin and treadmill read two different sets of data and it's frustrating. The timer on the treadmill is off (for example, 1:00 minute in "real time" may say "1:02" on the treadmill). Since time is constant, I know that the treadmill's timer is off. The Garmin's timer is correct.

The distance on the treadmill versus the Garmin is different though (mainly based on the motion of my left arm, which is where I wear my watch). The Garmin doesn't really register the changes in speed when going from 4.4 to 4.6 mph, for example. It barely even recognizes big changes such as 4.2 to 5.0 mph! Today, I decided to give the old foot pod a try and see if that was more accurate.

That was a big fail. The Garmin (from the foot pod) read that I was "running" at 3.3 mph, when the treadmill was set at 4.5 mph! I only wore the foot pod for a mile, and then after I took it off, the pace was still wonky. The only semi-accurate mile was the final one.

The treadmill was at 4.4 mph - 4.6 mph for nearly the entire 3 miles. The foot pod didn't register that at all. Which made my average pace completely wrong.


Today's run was just frustrating. I want to be able to see progress, but to do that, I'd have to consistently run outside. So, I'm going to aim to run outside at least once a week to see if I can spot any noticeable changes.



Anyway, to the point of this post. I hate to even write about this, because it's going to sound like one big advertisement (or at least a sponsored post). This is NOT a sponsored post--I just bought something that I am so excited about I'm dying to share.

When Jerry and I got married and bought our house, my mom gave me her very durable, good quality vacuum cleaner... that belonged to HER mother before she passed away. In other words, it was very very (very) old. However, because of the quality of it and it still worked very well, there was no real reason for us to get a new one.

Last week, I realized I'd run out of bags for the vacuum. I hate buying bags for it, because they are $20 a pack. With two cats and a dog, the bags fill up more quickly than I'd like. Just for the heck of it, I decided to look at vacuum cleaners on Amazon instead of buying new bags.

Because we switched to hard floors throughout the house (we have carpet in the bedrooms and a large area rug in the living room, as well as a couple of small rugs in the kitchen), we don't need a super fancy vacuum. I didn't want to spend a fortune on one--just something that would do the job.

I found a deal on one by Black & Decker for $49.99 (regular 79.99, but Amazon has it listed as a limited deal right now). You can find it here (Amazon affiliate link--it just means if you buy it through the link, I may get a small commission for referring you. But like I said, this isn't a sponsored post and I'm getting nothing for raving about it!).

I love Amazon's new next-day shipping, because I literally got it less than 24 hours after I ordered it! It had very good reviews, so I was really excited to try it out. First, I decided to do the orange area rug. I had just vacuumed it the day before, so it wasn't too dirty.

The vacuum is super easy to use and I had it ready to go in no time. The second I turned it on, I knew I was in love. I can't even describe the suction power on that thing! It made my rug look brand new--it even pulled up the spots that were matted from walking on it.

And--this is both horrifying and SO satisfying at the same time--just look at what two minutes of vacuuming the rug pulled up! *cringe*


Can you believe it?! I was so excited that I actually took pictures to send to Jerry and my mom 😂

Then I did a quick job of Eli's room, Noah's room, and my room, respectively. I emptied the canister after each room, and LOOK AT ALL THE DUST. This is AFTER I vacuumed the day before. I was so stunned.





I realize that $50 is cheap for a vacuum, but even if this thing only lasts a year, it'll be worth it. I was going to spend $20 on the bags for our other vacuum anyway.

Anyways, I realize this sounds like a big ad, so I'll just let the pictures speak for themselves. But if you're looking for a vacuum, I am in love with this one. (It even comes with an attachment for furniture, particularly for pet hair!)




By the way, any suggestions for fast-paced very action-packed shows to watch while I'm on the treadmill? Sadly, I've probably watched everything you will suggest, hahaha. But I need something to make me excited about hopping on the treadmill for a run!


37 comments:

  1. We have an old vacuum cleaner too, maybe it's time for a new one! I can't believe the dust you got out. We've recently had our carpet replaced so it'd be good to ensure it's super clean.

    For TV recommendations have you seen Killing Eve? It's awesome. Better Than Us is also great but it's Russian subtitled so probably not good for the treadmill (it has English dub but honestly subtitled is so much better). Disenchanted is funny, and I liked Euphoria despite it's epic drama moments.

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    1. I've never heard of either of those, but I will check them out. The subtitles for Better Than Us would probably be better for when I'm not running, but I'm always looking for new stuff to watch, so thanks for the suggestions!

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  2. Have you watched Jack Ryan? I'm not usually an action movie/show person but I love Jack Ryan and the new season just came out (on Prime). Also like the Americans but it's not very actiony all the time.

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    1. I actually have watched The Americans for the last few runs on the treadmill--I thought I'd love it, but it's too slow-paced for the 'mill, which is why I'm looking for something new. Good call! I will check out Jack Ryan--lots of people have suggested it!

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  3. The timers on the treadmills at my gym are off, I always use the timer on my phone to make sure I'm accurate. The treadmill timers are a few seconds fast, but it adds up! So I just hit start on the treadmill, and start the timer on my phone at the same time. I never use my Garmin on the treadmill, personally. Maybe doing something like that would help your frustration?

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    1. I use my Garmin mainly for my heart rate, but I really wish that I could figure out an accurate way to use it on the treadmill for distance! I've been trying for years, and it's never worked out ;) So I may just use the timer and heart rate from the Garmin and the distance from the treadmill.

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  4. Wentworth!!! You can find it on Netflix. It's one of my most favorite shows. It's an Australian show so they all have accents. It's about a women's prison but nothing like OITNB.

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    1. Wentworth sounds familiar, but I don't think I've ever seen it. I will definitely add it to the list!

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  5. Thanks for sharing this! I ALWAYS prefer a real person's review of stuff I might need to buy. And I don't think you sounded like an ad at all. My husband is loving Jack Ryan right now. I haven't seen it though.

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    1. I always like to read "real" reviews, too. I haven't had the vacuum long, so I can't attest to how durable it is, but so far, I LOVE it! Several people have suggested Jack Ryan, so I think I'll give that a try today (or tomorrow, if I procrastinate, haha) on the treadmill.

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  6. Is there a way you can recalibrate your garmin? I have a newer Vivoactive. When I run on the treadmill and hit stop on the workout, I can adjust the distance to match the treadmill. (Can't change the timer) Sometimes mine is spot on with a gym treadmill but other times its off as much as .07 in 1 mile.

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    1. I'm sure a newer Garmin would probably help, but I LOVE mine and I don't want to change it! All the new ones are "activity trackers" but I'm partial to a regular old running watch. Jerry has a Vivoactive, so maybe I'll try it just to see how it compares to mine!

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  7. I just finished binge watching the new Amazon series Jack Ryan. I had no idea Jim from the Office could play that role, but it is REALLY good.

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    1. I've never seen The Office, but so many people have been recommending Jack Ryan--I'm going to give that a try today!

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  8. BLINDSPOT! My go-to show for the treadmill. It's NBC (streaming on Hulu). Every episode is chasing down a bad guy, so it's always action-packed! Cheers on your running progress and making it a habit! :)

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    1. I've never heard of Blindspot, but I am definitely going to add it to my list--thanks for the suggestion!

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    2. This is what I was going to recommend. The only problem is that I find myself holding my breath while watching it sometimes - not sure how conducive that is to running :)

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  9. Replies
    1. You will not regret it! I actually love vacuuming now, because it's fun to see how much dust it picks up, hahaha.

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  10. Holy.shit That thing sucks! Excuse me while I go buy a vacuum I don't need, lol!

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    1. I know! I'm surprised it didn't pull all the carpet fibers right out of the floor--that's how much suction it has, hahaha. I thought I'd have to spend a fortune to get a good vacuum, but this one is awesome!

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    2. We just bought a house that has a central vacuum system, have you ever heard of that?! It all looks daunting and intimidating. My husband got it out last night to show me how it works. I'd kinda just assume have this one ;-)

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    3. I've heard of it, but it sounds so intimidating... and expensive! But probably very convenient and more fun, haha.

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  11. Ever watch Supernatural? I like it for the hunky guys, but I especially liked the first four or five seasons....kind of a "monster of the week" with sometimes a story arc. Overall, a brother/buddy show though.

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    1. Sounds interesting! I'm going to check it out. I don't typically like anything supernatural, but if it's something that can get me through 40+ minutes on the treadmill, I'm willing to try anything! ;)

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  12. Have you watched Wentworth? I looove that show!

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    1. I haven't, but someone else suggested that as well, so I'm going to add it to my list! Thanks :)

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    1. I hope this is a TV how and not an insult? Hahaha! ;)

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  14. Stumptown!!! you can watch it on hulu...there is only a couple episodes. but I know your love for Portland, OR. (I am from the Willamette valley-1hr south of PDX) and its set and filmed in Portland. Action packed!

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    1. I'm surprised how many shows and movies are filmed in Portland (or that area). I watch a few that are. I love seeing it on TV! I'll have to add Stumptown to the list. Thanks!

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  15. I have bought two of those vacuums - gave my old one to my DIL. The vacuum is light and so easy to even do the stairs. I am always fascinated by how much dog hair it picks up (when I vacuum once a week). You could knit a sweater with it! We have a husky/beagle and she sheds ALOT! Love my Black & Decker :)

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    1. Isn't it crazy how much suction it has?! I absolutely love it. I wish I'd bought a new vacuum years (decades! haha) ago.

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  16. I had to write and thank you for the vacuum recommendation!! My old one just broke when I read this post and I ordered the Black & Decker one - and I completely agree, best $50 I've ever spent! I have a chow that sheds like crazy, and the amount of hair it was able to vacuum was mind-blowing, even having read your post before using it.

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    1. I'm so glad! (Joey is half-chow, and I know the shedding--he sheds more than the hair from when we had FOUR cats). I'm glad that you are loving the vacuum!

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  17. I recently got a Stryd pod that syncs well with my Garmin, I have not tried it on the treadmill yet, but I did try it on an outside run with the GPS turned off, and it was extremely accurate. It is very pricy, but who doesn't like an early Christmas present?
    I am more of a podcast or audiobook guy for the treadmill, so I can't help you too much there. I do like to watch soccer games while on the treadmill, they never stop, and the clock is in constant motion, so it makes it somewhat easy to figure or adjust your pace. No commercials either, unlike football Americano.

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  18. i love killing eve, and orphan black, and Hannah

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