Commuting/Adventure Running

Happy Friday!

How about something fun today?

Fun running/adventure running/running commute.

So the other day I did something I hadn't done before.

Well, sort of.

I ran to the gym, and to the store, and then home.

It was a SHORT running adventure/commute, but a good one none the less.
Hey you gotta start somewhere,

And a great way to do a taper run :)

I've ran to places before instead of driving, but never where I had to wear a backpack. It was a nice day and I needed to run on top of my other workouts so it seemed like a fun idea. I wanted to bike & swim at the gym so I had to pack my suit, goggles, towel, hair brush, swim cap, lap counter and water bottle at bare minimum. So I dug out my Camelbak hiking backpack. I packed my gear and made sure to wear something running that I would be okay spinning in as well (that way I didn't have to pack something else to wear).

A few years ago I read 50/50 about Dean Karnazes. It's about his journey to running 50 marathons in 50 states in 50 days (overachiever, I know...right?). Actually I really liked the book and took a lot of things from it. Where I am going with this though, is I remember at one point him talking about how he will just go for adventures running with his backpack. Bring his phone and wallet and that way if his wife or kids need him to pick up something at the grocery store he could. I remember thinking, running is MY time NOT errand time. But now looking back, I'm like well there might be something to that.

So when I packed my bag I threw in my phone and ID (even though I had my RoadID on my wrist), I also threw in some cash and my debit card just in case (this will come in handy later). I even took a plastic Wegmans water bottle (empty) put it in my bag knowing I could fill it up at gym, but it wouldn't weigh me down on the way there. I remember thinking, Dean would be proud.

 I got the pack on, made sure straps were adjusted and ready to go. 

I did text Hollie and told her what I was doing, that way someone knew my plan.

Sorry for the craptastic pictures, best I could do....and yes I am not wearing matching socks, that's normal for me though.

I got myself ready, took some ENERGYbits, 

chugged some good old H2O and I was ready.

Pre-commuting/adventure run.

 I quickly found out that the backpack was seriously going to affect my form. I wasn't worried about pace, but I worried how comfortable this was going to be. The pack didn't bother me at first, other than the fact that I knew people must be staring at me because I felt like I was running very awkwardly. Kind of like this....

Okay anyways. I ran the 3.72 miles to the gym in 30:15 (8:07 pace) which was surprising considering it felt MUCH slower. My only issue on the way there, was that one of the backpack straps kept riding up and rubbing against my neck. But I made it.

When I got to the gym I quickly signed in, and went to change into my swim suit. I got in the pool (for the first time in a few weeks...I've been slacking...please feel free to yell at me about this), and I felt good. Laps went by smooth and steady paced...then...my goggle strap snapped. $%&@. And that was that. This one had snapped before and I had already jerry-rigged it once so I knew I couldn't do that again. So my 1500 yard swim went to 500 yard swim with the snap of a strap.

I said whatever, and changed back into my other clothes and hit the spin bike. Jamming to my tunes and keeping my cadence high. I'm trying to coast less outside so I wanted to focus on keeping my feet always moving on the spin bike and getting used to that cadence more. The spin bike is good tool for getting used to high cadence.

 I was getting my sweat on....then a man in a pink Hollister shirt got on the bike next to me. Dude really? See that blue post it on his screen...it had TWO words on it. Weights & cycle. He couldn't remember those TWO words or the order they went in? Anyways. He proceeded to furiously spin and shake his sweaty mop head of hair everywhere for 30 seconds then stop and cough trying to catch his breath. I amused myself by watching him try and do this for a while.

This is the best I could get. Haha. 

 Okay, enough about meat heads. I did 60 minutes on the bike (22.9 miles) and was ready to head home. I grabbed my stuff and walked outside to find it sprinkling rain (my favorite!) it felt so good and refreshing, unfortunately it only lasted a few minutes. My legs were not moving quick and my backpack was still bugging my neck but I put one foot in front of the other and loosened up as I went. I had to pass Fleet Feet on the way home. I remembered that it was "Diva Day" (Women's specials and sales) and was planning on going later, but I figured "why not" so I stopped running and went in the store. (Run from Gym to FF was 2 miles in 16:29[8:15 ave.]).

Had a nice chat with the fella's in Fleet feet. One of the guys noticed my spiffy Kinvara 4's and asked me how I liked them. I said...well this is my 7th pair of Kinvara's so what do you think? He laughed and I proceeded to tell him how much I love these shoes and how well they have worked for me. Nice people there, I tell ya. Of course I had to buy something while I was in there (duh). So I got a nice new shirt and even bought myself a new pair of socks for the marathon next weekend. (I'll actually wear matching socks for the race, only because they didn't have these in 2 different colors for me to get...true story).

So I put my stuff in my backpack and continued home. 1.71 miles in 13:32 (7:54 pace). I was happy to finish stronger than I started, especially considering there was a swim and bike in the middle.

I know this was a short running commute/adventure but it was a good experience. I really liked running around and not having to fight traffic to get places. Like I said, I have run places before but not where I needed a backpack. If I were to do this again, I'd need a running backpack that won't give me a literal 'redneck'. I do like the concept though, it was a great way to get a workout in and run errands. I live close enough to so many things that I could see myself doing this more often if I had the right gear for it.

This was a fun and different way to get a run in. Planning fun routes is a good way to get runs in and not be so monotonous. Normally my 'fun runs' are runs with friends (thank goodness I get to run with Hollie all weekend!!!), but I feel like I could make more fun routes for solo runs if I do them this way. This was also a really good way to break up the boredom of taper running.

I wanna try doing a longer version of this sometime, maybe just spend a day running around and seeing how far I can get. No, this doesn't mean I want to do an Ultra ANYTIME soon. I just want a damn adventure :)

Do you do running commutes?

Have you ever used a running backpack?

(If so, any suggestions for good ones?)

Oh, and in case you need a pick-me-up, watch this video about 2 Boston brothers who were separated after the bombing (both lost limbs) and reunited weeks later. Amazing. #BostonStrong

Video here

ENERGYbits

As a runner/athlete I have tried MANY different forms of fuel over the years.

You name it, I have probably tried it.

Gels, blocks, beans, juices, all of it. 

Some worked, and some didn't.

I can't say I didn't have success with some of these, 

but I can say I didn't have CONSISTENT success. 

I would find something that worked well,

but sometimes gave me horrible side effects.

(We have ALL seen that uber embarassing photo of the runner who...

had some digestive issues in a race.)

2 years ago I actually ran my first marathon with no fuel

(except on course water/electrolyte fluid) 

because I was so afraid of bad side effects of the gels I had been using.

I also found some fuels that didn't have the side effects, 

but didn't give me the boost I was looking for with my energy.

This left me looking for something more natural,

 that could give me the boost; without the 'issues'.

Here's where ENERGYbits come in.

I was given the chance to try these, and was beyond excited!

Quick Facts about ENERGYbits

-All Natural made from 100% Spirulina Algae 

-They're grown & harvested: not made in a lab and over processed

-It's NOT a supplement its FOOD.

-There is only ONE ingredient (algae), can't say that about gels, blocks and beans!

-Highest concentration of protein in one little serving

-Improve mental & physical energy/endurance

-Over 40 nutrients (and only one calorie) per 'bit' 

Look at all those nutrients!!! 

Over the last few weeks I have used ENERGYbits multiple times 

I wanted to make sure I really tested them before I did a review.

I used them before short runs and long, and even during some races.

I also used them in some non-athletic situations to see if they made any difference.

I'll be the first one to say I was skeptical at first.

How can something with so few calories really make that much of a difference?

Some things I noticed while trying bits...

-Increase in energy level: without side effects or a crash later

-You can chew OR swallow them.

 If you chew them your mouth will turn green until you drink some water.

I preferred to swallow them like pills to avoid green mouth, 

and because it's just easier.

Swallowing without chewing also avoids the taste, 

algae is an acquired taste for sure.

-I mixed them in my Greek yogurt a few times 

 (like your mom hiding medicine in your applesauce...only WAY better)

Great way to start the morning, with a little boost, 

or for protein recovery after a workout!

-I need to find an efficient way to take them DURING a workout. 

Very easy before hand, just pour them in your hand and swallow with a bunch of water, kind of hard to handle a bunch of them while running though (maybe that is just my lack of coordination?)

Convenient tin shown with actual bits.

-The handy little tin, fits just about anywhere. 

Super easy to throw in my purse, or gym bag or wherever!

-Drink lot's of water with bits, for many reasons 

but this is good because it helps you stay hydrated and get the energy you need!

I've told you before how much I have going on in my life. 

Working 2 jobs, 

training for marathons and a Half-Ironman,

Studying for my Series 7 exam (for my main job),

Studying for my ACE Certified Personal Trainer Exam,

Planning our wedding 

Trying to live my life!!

ENERGYbits have helped me in so many ways: 

from pre/post workout fuel,

to helping me stay focused while studying

(I'm horrible at focusing!!)

and even just a good boost in the morning before a long day.

With so much going on,

it's nice to have a fuel/nutrient source I can count on!

Pro's

-Energy without side effects or a crash

-Beyond healthy, low calorie & high in nutrients...can't beat it.

-Tin is small and fits just about anywhere.

-Kick in quickly: this can be key when you need them right before a workout, 

or when fatigue sets in quick.

-Eat them however you want, swallow like a pill, mix in with food, chew like candy!

-Smaller company with great customer service out of Boston, MA

-100% organic and all natural!

Con's

-A little difficult to eat mid-run (again, this might just be me!)

-Green mouth if you chew..but this can be solved easily by drinking water right after, 

or just swallow them without chewing!

-Price is a little more per serving than I'd spend on some other fuels, 

but I think it's worth it for something that is all natural and more healthy than traditional fuels.

Pricing

Bits are sold in bulk: a bag of 1000 to be exact.
Price: $115.00 per bag
YES that sounds like a lot, but let's break that down....

$115/1000= roughly $0.11/bit

Recommended serving before activity is 30 bits.

30 bits x $0.11/bit = $3.30

Here's the thing though, how much are you paying for protein bars or other fuels? Bars,Gels and blocks can be anywhere from $1-4 each. So why not spend a little over $3 and get something NATURAL that has more nutrients than most of those other choices?

BOSTONSTRONG

Wanna know something amazing?

If you use the code BOSTONSTRONG in coupon box at checkout...

ENERGYbits will give you a 10% discount ($11.50/bag!)

BUT there is MORE...when you do that...

ENERGYbits will donate $26.20 

from EACH BAG SOLD 

to the ONE FUND for Boston.

This is their way of helping athletes

"GO THE DISTANCE"

From ENERGYbits website

Wanna know how serious I am about these little things?

ENERGYbits will be my fuel

 for the Cleveland Marathon on May 19th.

I've told you the last few days, taper has started to get to me.

with so much going on and taper madness setting in, 

it's nice to know that I have my fuel decided

and it's something natural that I can count on.

Now just need to order some more and get them here before next weekend!

Have you ever tried ENERGYbits?

How much, on average do you spend per serving 

of your favorite fuel?

Some ways to get in touch with BITS!

http://www.energybits.com/

https://www.facebook.com/energybits?fref=ts

https://twitter.com/ENERGYbits

Disclaimer: I was given ENERGYbits to try for free, but all opinions expressed are my own. 

What's up Wednesday 5/8

Thank goodness it's Wednesday...only a few more days till the weekend! 

This weekend is going to be so much fun!

[shenanagins with Hollie]

What's up with Marathon training?

Crappy Good old taper time.

Did you see my Acronym for TAPER yesterday? 

Well you should because Emily Blunt made a guest appearance.

Physically I feel...OK right now.

Calves are sore, but I'm stretching them a lot, 

and basically living in compression socks.

That is actually one of my goals right now, stretch more.

I'm horrible about it... I was super proud last night though...

I stretched on the stairs after my run last night forever for 10-15 minutes, AND stretched for 20 minutes later on. My muscles are thanking me for it today.

What else is going on with marathon training? WEATHER CHECKING.

I'm still outside the 10 day weather report but doesn't mean I can't stalk Cleveland.

Still 2 days out from marathon day (May 19th) showing up.
Personally, if it is going to be anything over 65-70 I want a little mist or rain.
I'm not acclimating to the heat well this year, so I really don't want a hot race day.

What's up with Triathlon training?

Short story: I've been slacking on it, but I AM getting in the pool today.

Mentally I just need the marathon to be done,

so I can put 100% focus on tri-stuff.

What's up with my nutrition?

I've been obsessed with salads lately.

And nachos with fresh salsa.

Hell, I have even been adding fresh salsa to my salads.

What's up with Work?

Still doing both jobs but have been doing much less at the restaurant.

2 days of doubles this week. BOO.

As for my Series 7 studying, its going well.

I'm really getting the hang of it and that makes me happy.

There is a TON of material but I've been working hard at it. 

I'll be registering for my exam and hopefully be taking it by the end of the summer.

Good news is I passed my background check 

No drug background, no DUI's, no felony charges and no misdemeanor convictions.

Biggest thing they look for is fraud background

(Lie about it, and you'll get barred by the N.Y.S.E. funny how that works?ha.)

What's up with my ACE education?

This has had to take a back seat to my studying for Series 7 stuff, BUT I have been reading the material and working through it just not as much as I would like right now.

What's up with Wedding plans?

We are pretty sure we found the reception venue we want.

I love love love it :) 

Just waiting to see finalized pricing.

Small world, also found out someone I know well works there, and has major pull.

He has a TON of connections which can help us get more of what we want, 

without breaking the bank!

This is what the place will look like in the fall (our wedding is Fall of next year)
It's on Keuka Lake. The Ceremony will also be on the lake, but at Garrett Chapel.

What's up with my adorable nephew?

His head is what's up.
This little man is already amazingly strong.
Pretty sure he has been doing Pee-wee-90x 

What's up with your life right now?

Anything new and exciting?

Lessons from the T.A.P.E.R.

Cleveland Marathon is less than 2 weeks away. 

Where the hell did this year go?

I feel like just yesterday I was like

"Hey what are we doing for New Years?"

Okay, anyways.

This is not my first marathon, 

therefore not my first taper experience. 

Each one was a little different,

& each one taught me something new.

Quick recap of my taper experience...

and then my little present to you...

a T.A.P.E.R Acronym :) ENJOY!

Marathon #1 Taper (March 2011)

3 weeks of very little running, 

and lots of eating.

I had no clue what I was doing for this, 

literally flying by the seat of my pants.

Mentally I was just tired and nervous.

Lesson: It was my first marathon, too many lessons to name.

Marathon #2 Taper (September 2011)

Raced a half 2 weeks prior, shouldn't have done that.

Then a solid 2 weeks of light exercise.

Carb-loading was decent I suppose,

but still really had NO clue what I was doing.

I went into this race very unprepared mentally,

crappy support system didn't help.

Lesson: Don't be around people who make you cry a lot during taper,

 and especially on race morning.

Marathon #3 Taper (November 2011)

Decent taper, cut back for about 1.5 weeks. 

Got sick in last week or so,

I remember taking Mucinex like it was my job.

Mentally I felt good though, 

taper/vacation/marathon was mentally what I need to 

escape the problems I was dealing with in my personal life.

Lesson: Do what YOU need to do. 

Taking care of yourself isn't selfish, it's NECESSARY.

Marathon #4 Taper (November 2012)

Tapered very well for this one. 

Worked out, but kept it clean and easy.

Kept myself busy enough not to freak out.

 I played it very smart the few weeks leading up to the race,

and it paid off big time.

Oh, and getting engaged a week prior to the marathon....

makes for a really happy, less stressful taper.

Highly recommend it. Tell your boyfriend.

Lesson: Distract yourself, and surround yourself with positive things.

 A happy taper can make a happy racer.

Marathon #5 Taper (right meow)

Plan is to continue working out/running like I have been.

No real taper this time,

this 26.2 isn't a goal race...& to be honest, 

I haven't been training hard enough this time around, 

to really need a full blown taper.

This week I'll go forward as planned, 

next week I'll cut back about halfway through.

My current taper problem: Checking the weather.

This is the first 26.2 race I am going into, 

that has a serious chance of being stupidly hot.

Let the praying to mother nature begin.

Lesson:  Not sure yet. Let's hope the lesson isn't 

"maybe I should have actually trained this time"

And without further ado...

my take on the infamous TAPER...

T-Take time for yourself, mainly because no one is going to want to be around your cranky exercise deprived self. Alone time will help you relax & reflect.

A-Appear calm and collected like a duck on the water. 

Kicking like hell underneath to stay afloat. 

P-Pray. Even if you aren't religious.

What you really pray for: not tripping and falling, not letting that girl pass you at the finish, finishing with clean underpants, don't let them see me cry, a tank to follow me and push me through the wall, a nice person to pause my Garmin if I collapse, mother nature can visit this lady another day, Jupiter(Weather God) please keep the temps above 40 and below 70, is that too much to ask?

E-Eat Carbohydrates, lots of them. 

Don't let Emily Blunt make you feel guilty.

R- Reduce...Reduce...Reduce...

Reduce your mileage 

Reduce your exercise frequency

Reduce your intake of crap foods

(but DONT make too many drastic diet changes in last week, 

your body will be thrown out of whack and you will hate your life on race day.)

Reduce the bullshit in your life.

(I can't tell you how serious I am about this, this is more important than carb loading, seriously...get rid of the drama and the stress and toxic people. You need to go into the race with a clear mind, not worry about other people or anything but yourself)

What's your take on TAPER?

For those of you tapering for your first marathon, what are your thoughts fears?

For those who have done this before, what advice do you have/what have you learned?

Good, Bad & Yummy 5/3-5/5

Oh what a "normal" weekend it was.

Okay, well...kind of.

Friday

Work at Office

Ran some errands

Ran 6.8 miles in the heat

Friday evening dinner/drinks with friends.

Saturday

Painted the guest room/my office

Ran 13.5 miles

Dinner/Movie at home 

Sunday

Morning run: 5 solo, 11 more with Jen

Ice bath, and lots of foam rolling

Ran some errands

Worked on setting up the guest room/my office

Dinner/relaxing 

Onward to the GB&Y.

The Good

*Friday was first 'shirtless' run of the year, bring on the sunny weather

*It was great to have dinner/drinks with friends Friday night. 

I've realized the benefit of surrounding yourself with good people 

who have your interest at heart and not just their own. 

Surround yourself with people who make you better,

not the ones who bring you down.

*36.3 miles run in 3 days, and I feel better today than I did before the weekend.

*The guest room/office is all painted, 

just need to move everything in, and decorate!

*13 days until Cleveland Marathon, the wait is finally almost over.

Marathon #5 will be under my belt before you know it.

The Bad

*My arms are sore from painting and moving stuff all weekend.

Short girl problems: ladder isn't tall enough and neither am I....lots of reaching.

*On Saturday nights run I was cut off by a cyclist 

and hit my head on a branch and cut my leg.

That man better hope I don't see him again..(he didn't even stop)

You can see the cut that goes all the way across my leg.
It's not deep but it's super sensitive.
I'm being a baby about it, but I don't care.

* I definitely experienced some Post-Long-Run-Blues yesterday. I was very cranky, sore, tired, and just not in the mood for ANYTHING. So I took some time for myself, relaxed a bit, stepped back from things and gave myself time to decompress. I don't normally get it same day as long run, but since I ran longer Saturday night, and then Sunday morning...it hit me sooner. 

The Yummy

*Friday night I had my favorite... GUINNESS :)

that definitely gets filed under yummy!

*Saturday lunch

Spinach/Arugala salad with grilled chicken, fresh salsa, and feta cheese.
Yummy, healthy, and fantastic. Trifecta.

 *Sunday Dinner

I see no shame in posting how I refueled after Saturday/Sunday's long runs.
Last night John went and picked up dinner for us.
Fish fry, chilli cheese fries and mac&cheese...
I'm not ashamed of this delicious goodness that's horrible for me.
It's not like I eat it all the time.

This week is going to be a busy one for sure, 

but I have great things to look forward to this coming weekend.

 So let's just home Monday-Friday goes by fast!!!

How was your weekend?

What's your favorite 'unhealthy' or 'healthy' 

way to refuel after a long run?

The Runners 'normal'

There was that one time I informed you that no one who works in the resturant bizzzz get's excited about Friday...

I'd like to retract that statement, at least for myself. 

I've cut back my hours at the restaurant lately, 

between the office, training, studying, and life....

there just wasn't enough time. 

Much easier to justify now that my 'job' at the office, 

turned into a money maker career.

What does this mean?

I don't have to spend every Friday working 16-20 hours. 

I occasionally work a Friday if they need me to,

if I don't have something going on that weekend.

But lets be real, its flippin' race season.

Nobody has time for extra work during race season.

Somehow I managed to finagle getting tonight off, 

even though I don't have a race or anything this weekend. 

Wait...

hold the mother flippin' phone...

No work (except during the day today), 

and no traveling or racing??

A normal weekend??!!?!?!

And then it hit me...

What do normal people do on a weekend?

mow the lawn?

clean the house?

maybe go grab dinner?

grocery shop?

watch cartoons?

Hmm...

Here's what my normal weekend is going to look like

roughly 40+ miles of running in 3 days

add in a bike ride or 2 [assuming I get my tire fixed today]

Swimming laps at least once 

Remodeling/painting the guestroom/my office (so excited!)

Drinks with friends tonight who are in town from VT(yes!)

Spending roughly 2 combined hours stretching/foam rolling

Runner shopping (it's like grocery shopping, but more carbs & epsom salts)

Possibly going to Imagine RIT with the H2B, his sister, her man and our nephew

Going to watch a kiddo's triathlon to cheer on friends daughter

Most likely work on some wedding planning...

I guess this is normal?

Okay, I get it...

normal for me...

is not so normal.

I'm actually really excited for this weekend.

No time schedule on when I need to do things.

Can do what I want, when I want.

Can bum in crappy clothes while painting/remodeling

(and not feel guilty)

Can enjoy a drink tonight with friends, instead of serving drinks.

Can spend time with my man :)

I think this is what the doctor ordered.

Oh, by the way...

Last night we went and saw the premier of

Iron Man 3

with this leading stud:

I thought it was a great movie, 

actually my favorite of the IM movies.

Lots of action, and fighting, 

and RDJ looking fierce.

What do you deem a "normal" weekend?

As runners, do we have our own sense of 'normal'?

Anyone racing or running long this weekend?

Bike rides & babies

Happy Thursday!

Officially over the hump for the week...maybe?

I feel like the 2nd half of the week is always busier for me!

Tuesday night went for a bike ride around Conesus Lake,

which is in my hometown. 

I have run around this lake many times for training, 

but it's a great ride too, mild rolling hills & great views!

18.5 miles in the 70 degree sunshine, I was happy girl.

Start/Finish at one of the parks on the water

Post ride happy girl!

I was happy girl after the ride,
then went to stay at my parents for the night.
Then my dad was looking at my bike,
and pointed out I had a flat.
Must have happened at the end because I didn't notice.
I figured I needed to just change the tube,
until I found a sharp rock had punctured my tire too.
I was less than pleased to see this.
New tube and new tire....$$$
Oh well, at least it didn't happen during a race.

 Made some dinner at my parents that night:

Spinach salad with Sauteed garlic zuchini, mandarin oranges and feta :)
No dressing necessary!

I had the day off yesterday, 

no work

no emails

no phone calls

no blogging

no scheduling...

nothing.

Was up early and on the road by 7 with my mom...

All for a VERY good reason.

[Just a heads up, there are going to be LOTS of baby pictures today]

I spent my day with this little man:

My nephew Alden Alexander <3 

 My mom and I drove to Elmira for the day

 to hang out with my sister and her little man.

Hung out at the house, went to lunch and relaxed some more!

Kept myself occupied playing Risk while he slept on me....

My little peanut :)

I spent the day snuggling with him,
playing tummy time with him,
changing him,
helping feed him...
and taking lots of pictures of him.

Pure innocence 

Okay, I know I know, lots of baby pictures.

I love my little nephew,

my sister is lucky to get all her time with him, 

(and I am lucky I get to sleep more than she does).

Anyways.

Remember that time I told you about my living situation?

Well 5 is down to 4, which means....

I FINALLY have my space for my stuff!!!

Last night I got home, and spackled some holes.

No Hollie, not hoes, HOLES (in the wall).

(btw. that conversation totally made my morning.)

I am redoing one of the rooms in the house.

It needed some SERIOUS cleaning.

John was also seriously impressed with my spackeling skills.

No more swiss cheese walls!

Can't wait to paint & decorate this weekend!

Once I get the room painted and redone this weekend, 

Laura-cave/office/guest room will be all ready!!! :)

Today started off right...

Therapy & Starbucks.

(really doesn't get much better.)

Working all day

then home to run,

then dinner with John, our friend and her daughter:)

And tonight...

IRONMAN 3 premier with the boys!

It's going to be a good day :)

Oh & today Alden is 1 month!

Happy day to my little nephew!

What have you been up to last few days??

Have you ever punctured your road bike tire so bad that you needed to replace it (and not just the tube)?

And for road bike riders...Do you think it's worth it to go to a higher priced tire (that claim to be more durable)?