Bandanna Running & Walking

TELEPHONE ETIQUETTE AND TABLE DECORUM . . .

admin — Mon, 30 Jan 2012 05:00:18 +0000

We still maintain a home telephone as well as cell phones (up to four depending on whose is missing) in our house. Despite the economical benefits of converting to only cell phones, I like the stability of a home telephone/number. However, the kids would/will tell you that we never actually answer the home telephone. In fact, I typically go days without checking messages because I either cannot remember the code, or because I think if anyone really needs to get a hold of me they will call my cell number. It all makes perfect sense to me. I did happen to check messages this past week, however, and listened to a rather long message that was not actually for anyone in our house. The message was from a woman who thought she was leaving a message for her friend Carol who had apparently invited her to an outing/luncheon. The woman was very appreciative for the invite, but was calling to let Carol know that she had taken a laxative earlier in the day and that it would probably not be a good idea to leave the house. She went on to give further details about ALL of the possible side affects of the laxative which, in my objective/curiously horrified opinion, reinforced that she was doing Carol a big favor. It is perhaps unfortunate that Carol did not have a cell phone and/or that she never likely received this message. I felt a little helpless as I pictured an empty chair at Carol’s luncheon. I then started to ponder what this might have looked like in a text message: “Drst Crl . . . wl nt b @ lnch 2dy b/c tk lax & wl b n rrm indef! Cheers!

I try hard to reinforce good telephone etiquette in our house. Cell phones have added several additional elements/dimensions to my telephone etiquette list. Generally, I think it is a good idea to talk on the telephone (cell or otherwise) without your feet in the air, without a large mouth full of food, without pretending that it is a microphone or military weapon, with at least an audible voice, and generally, by responding with more than a grunt and/or a sigh. Not that these methods are preferred in direct person-to-person communication, but they absolutely make telephone communication more of a challenge. Last weeks message has added an additional element to my telephone etiquette list: Omit any details related to using the restroom while talking on the telephone and/or while leaving a message . . . especially when responding to a luncheon invitation.

In addition to good telephone etiquette, we also try to reinforce a level of decorum in our/a/the dining room. Some of the telephone and dining room rules overlap: No talking with your mouth full, no eating with your feet in the air and no pretending the silverware is a microphone or military weapon. Some additional rules include (in no particular order) no hats or superhero costumes, no elbows on the table, keep all four legs of the chair(s) on the ground, and no belching and/or passing things other than condiments that rhyme with mass . . . loudly. Although (at a glance) it may not seem to be an inordinate number of rules, they do take a level of vigilance to reinforce. We also seem to be adding more rules than we are dropping from the list. We have recently added: No laughing so hard that you quit breathing and lose all control of your body . . . and mind. I have to admit, this one can be tricky . . . even for the rule enforcers. It is not easy to keep a straight face while enforcing the no laughing hysterically in the decorum of the dining room rule. So . . . like the ambassador of good etiquette that I am, I told everyone about Carol’s luncheon message outside the decorum of the dining room.

Shannon Harris

CONFESSIONS, CONUNDRUMS & CONCLUSIONS . . .

admin — Mon, 23 Jan 2012 04:34:51 +0000

I think about a lot of things while running . . .“What shall I make for dinner?” “Did I wear deodorant this morning?” “Will my next Peet’s coffee order arrive before I run out?” “Why are the mail boxes in some parts of Boise so much larger than others . . . do the people that live in the houses associated with these mailboxes generally get bigger mail?” On the list of things I love about running, experiencing random thoughts (such as the above) probably come/comes in second place to actually being done running. That, perhaps, is a confession and conundrum all in one . . . especially coming from someone who married into the specialty running business. Confession: Often, my favorite part of a run is being done. Conundrum: Being done with a run can often be . . . well . . . fun.

I have never been concerned with my running pace . . . a/k/a s-l-o-w. Imagine the intimidation factor, then, upon meeting Mr. Harris and learning about his less than s-l-o-w running career/background. We agreed early on that when we ran/run together, that he would s-l-o-w down, and I would speed up. Confession: There has been more slowing down than speeding up. Fortunately, I do other things really well . . . I can drink more coffee (caffeinated of course), than he will ever be able to measure/match (s-l-o-w or otherwise); I can parallel park better than he can, and I’m pretty sure I could take him in a cow milking contest.

Confession: My running speed, or lack thereof, is perhaps one of the reasons I prefer to participate in non-local running events. If I do participate in a local event, I will try hard to opt out of the timing chip/device. Fortunately, we have a lot of younger kids in our house that I can easily argue a need to accompany. Trouble will ensue as they outgrow my pace (soon). Some of you know that the NYC Marathon is my favorite of all runs/events. Mr. Harris and I were married in NYC just prior (one day) to running the Marathon in 2008. We try to go back each year. I joke (sort of) that if you run/ran the Marathon too fast, you miss the true grandeur of the largest spectator sport in the world . . . not to mention the vast cultural experience. I am in disbelief every time Mr. Harris tells me he had his day of pace and personal bests. Conundrum: Fifth Avenue will always make me think of shopping. 5th Avenue will always remind Mr. Harris of the 5th Avenue Mile. The first year we ran the NYC Marathon together, Mr. Harris took off at Mile 6 and waited for/four hours at Mile 25 and ½ so we could finish together. Confession: I did not know whether to be mortified, or to feel like the luckiest girl in the world. Conclusion: I felt like the luckiest girl in the world. Further Conclusion: At the end of the day/event, it can be about many things . . . speed, distance, a personal best, perseverance, a really great pair of running shoes or . . . a yellow bandanna!

Shannon Harris

ETTA JAMES/JOHNNY OTIS WEEKEND AT BANDANNA . . .

admin — Sat, 21 Jan 2012 19:59:21 +0000

This was a sad week for rhythm and blues. Perhaps not many of you know T.Rex is a BIG fan of rhythm and blues. In an effort to help T.Rex through a difficult time, we are playing non-stop Etta, Johnny-inspired and close contemporary tunes at Bandanna this weekend. Please join us for some great listening . . .

Additionally, as part of our tribute, we asked staff to select a shoe they felt came/comes close to capturing the spirit and soul of Etta’s voice. They selected the “Inspire” by Mizuno. This weekend through January 25th (in honor of Etta’s Birthday, January 25th), we will be offering the Inspire 7 at $73.00. This is a soulful offering on Mizuno’s best-selling stability shoe.

Currently playing . . . “Stormy Weather”

IDEAS, IDEAL & SUGAR-FREE LOLLIPOPS . . .

admin — Mon, 16 Jan 2012 00:04:12 +0000

Depending on your age, health and objectivity, you might argue that sugar-free lollipops are/were a bad idea. They are certainly less than ideal if taste is your aim, and if (even subconsciously) the only reason you would think of putting a stick-shaped piece of cardboard in your mouth is/was because of the concentration of sugar on the end.

I sometimes have great ideas (even/often subconsciously). I sometimes wish I would pursue them. One such idea is expanding/updating the “slow” lane. We need a “doing everything but focusing on driving” lane. This could include texting, telephoning, putting on makeup, eating breakfast, shaving, etc. It could be perfect . . . Insurance Companies and Law Enforcement professionals could focus on other claims/crime, as use of the “anything goes” lane would truly mean anything goes . . . “I am not responsible and/or paying much attention at the present time, nor am I holding anyone else responsible . . . now where is my lip color?!”

I do believe I had the good fortune to meet the ideal 90+ year old this past week. A run a day truly must keep extinction away. This remarkable individual came into Bandanna with her daughter to get some new walking shoes. She commented that she really misses running, and that she finally stopped at age 87. I asked her how old she is now (not subconsciously . . . and with a high level of admiration), and she offered that she is 94. I then asked how old she was when she started running, and she indicated she was in her early 40’s. WOW! Gael . . . you truly are an inspiration and an ideal (defined as a model of perfection or beauty in my Webster’s).

I keep thinking about Gael, and wondered while waiting for results of the third strep test of the week last week how many doctor visits, strep (and other) tests, and truly great ideas someone has by the time they reach the age of 94. I was likely still wondering about this (subconsciously) while at the pharmacy counter inquiring about a gallon-sized jug of antibiotic. While the pharmacist may have missed that I was absolutely serious about a gallon-sized portion, she did not miss the opportunity to offer Molly a “feel-better-soon” lollipop. The thank you had barely left Molly’s sore throat when she EXCLAIMED (not subconsciously, and after reading the wrapper), “Hey, this lollipop is sugar-free!” I quickly realized it is a good idea to have the waiting area for the line at the pharmacy several feet back from the counter. I may have consciously said something parental to Molly. I did not leave with a gallon of antibiotic, but I still think it could be a good idea. I drove home in the slow lane thinking about Gael and wishing we could go for a run together. Molly’s lollipop is still in the back seat of the car . . . unwrapped. The antibiotic is gone . . . as is the sore throat.

Shannon Harris

FEEDBACK AND FEED . . .

admin — Mon, 09 Jan 2012 03:16:56 +0000

Thank so many of you for the positive feedback to last weeks post . . . Reflections, Realizations & Resolutions. I invited at least one of our kids to read the post (after-the-fact) and did not receive such positive comments. Note to Self: Always anticipate mostly negative and/or painfully honest feedback from offspring. In the event such offspring had a point, I would like to clarify a couple of items from last weeks post as follows: Mr. H is, in fact, Mr. Rich Harris. And . . . the names of offspring in last weeks post should have been identified with a disclaimer such as . . . names and events may have been changed for purposes of this post, and may not accurately reflect the actual names and feelings/sentiments of those being represented. It is interesting that inviting such feedback (from my own offspring/kids) can bring such honesty, yet when asked very direct questions such as, “Who broke my favorite coffee mug?” or, “Who put the peanut butter sandwich in the CD player?” you would think they were learned in Navy Seal level evasion and confidentiality.

I am big on family dinners. Fortunately, I love to cook, and most of our household of eight loves to eat. Unfortunately, one of us is a vegetarian (me). This is typically not an issue. I will draw the line at cutting up whole chickens, and I doubt you’ll ever find me fishing in the lobster tank at the local grocer. I prefer non-organic everything . . . I prefer the chicken breasts as large as I can buy them, tomatoes the size of small non-organic watermelon and the tastiest coffee beans that pesticides and bleaching can produce. More often than not, dinner reviews are positive (aside from the repetitive, “please get your elbows off the table,” and “you may want to consider using that napkin instead of your sister’s placemat.”), and leftovers are rarely an option. Occasionally, however, I will labor over what I think is going to be a fantastic dinner, and it will elicit the same sort of painfully honest response as mentioned above (last weeks post). There is safety in numbers, however. And kids seem to have a secret “alert/protection” code when it comes to identifying foreign food that has the potential to collide with taste buds possibly impacted by too much refined sugar. “Thanks for dinner, Mom . . . did I mention that despite telling you for the past three hours that I am starving, I’m not really hungry anymore?” “How much of this do I have to eat to get dessert?” “No offense Mom, but can we never have this again?” Last night was one such painfully honest dinner/night. How bad can hot ham and cheese sandwiches be with a drizzle of mustard, butter and onion? I even left out the poppy seeds because I wanted to avoid possible references to bird food. Now we do have lots of leftovers, and I cannot help but wonder as I write this how to transform a lot of ham and cheese and rolls into something other than ham and cheese and rolls. Perhaps I’ll leave out the drizzle . . . or, perhaps they need just the right amount of vegetarian drizzle. As Molly (may or may not be an alias) would (and has) said, “Can I be full now?”

Shannon Harris

REFLECTIONS, REALIZATIONS & RESOLUTIONS . . .

admin — Sun, 01 Jan 2012 23:42:17 +0000

HAPPY 2012! I am so glad to be entering an even numbered year. For whatever reason, I am not a fan of odd numbers. I recognize they are necessary in all things mathematical, but even numbers work better for me. Given that confession, some of you may wonder why I picked an odd numbered year to leave an amazing career in the Federal Judiciary and become part owner of a specialty running store/business (2011). I guess my focus was more about quality of life, and wanting to be moving in the same direction as my husband (Mr. H) and our blended family of eight (even number) every day.

The last twelve months has/have gone faster than words can describe. In reflecting on the year, I can honestly say I must be the luckiest person in the entire world of both even and odd numbers. I have never enjoyed doing something as much as I enjoy being a business partner with my husband (Mr. H), and being a parent to six wonderful kids. Even or odd, there is absolutely no number you can place on finding what you love and figuring out a way to do it.

Family, friends and former colleagues frequently ask how things are going and/or if I am still happy selling shoes. I have yet to answer this question in a way that adequately captures all that I think and feel about selling shoes. I have loved pieces of all of the positions (jobs) I have had the privilege of holding. Along the way, I have met and worked with some absolutely brilliant legal minds, and some wonderfully creative and talented professionals/individuals. Without taking away from these positions and/or individuals, I can honestly say that I have never done anything more rewarding than selling shoes. It is likely less about shoes than about meeting and going into business with the most honest, genuine and good person around (Mr. H). I finally feel like I am making a difference, both in the lives of others, and in my own. It is wonderful to do something entirely genuine that has the potential to help people along the way. Good, old fashioned small business/commerce. It took me less than twelve months to come up with the phrase, “A Pair of Shoes Can Change Your Life!” From time to time, I modify the phrase to include . . . and possibly a cute outfit or accessory!

Listed below is/are an even number of funny reflections/realizations/resolutions from the past twelve months and . . . for the future. Enjoy and Happy New Year!

Reflections/Realizations/Resolutions from the Past Twelve Months and . . . for the Future

2 . . . Reflection: While learning to “open” the store, Mr. H explained his process for opening and closing the cash registers. Part of this “training” included Mr. H’s strong opinion that the money did not need to face in the same direction and that he thinks it crazy and a waste of time when people spend time worrying about such things. Eeeek! Who would have thought this should have been part of a going-into-business-together-pre-screening-interview/plan. Those of you that know me somewhat well likely know that if I have loaded the dishwasher, all of the spoons will be together, knives, forks, etc. I feel similarly about bills facing the same direction. We have compromised . . . sort of. When I open, you can bet all the bills will be facing the same direction. And . . . when the deposit is off at the bank, you can bet I blame it on the staff person who feels the bills do not need to face in the same direction.

4 . . . Realization: Women really do not like to admit they have big feet. Shortly after meeting Mr. H, he offered to get me a new pair of running shoes. I told him what size I thought I needed. After some difficult questions/answers (“yes, I have black toenails from time-to-time”), I became the reluctant recipient of a pair of running shoes one and a half size(s) larger than those I had been wearing for years! This awkward experience/realization has actually helped me help others with similar shoe size issues. Now, when someone tells me they think they are an 8 to 8.5, I start with the higher number and work up. Yes, a pair of shoes can change your life, but the right size shoe can certainly increase the positive experience/impact!

6 . . . Realization: People will pay lots of money to get muddy, AND generally would rather give away muddy shoes than take them home and wash them. For two years now, Bandanna has been a sponsor of the local “Dirty Dash” mud run at Bogus Basin. The first year (2010), Mr. H and I were absolutely amazed at the “mud run phenomenon.” After witnessing the hundreds of pair(s) of shoes that were left behind, we decided with a bit of effort we could give the discarded shoes renewed life and new homes. In 2011, our sponsorship included (with the amazing efforts of the Boise Rescue Mission), collecting, transporting and cleaning over 600 pair of shoes for donation. WOW! Despite being in the public service sector for many years, I cannot tell you how good it felt/feels to be part of something so easy, muddy, rewarding and full circle. The Dirty Dash will be back for two days in August, 2012 . . . plenty of time for you to start planning on shoes to donate!

8 & 10 . . . Realization & Resolution: It is very difficult to feminize (classily) a T.Rex. One of our goals for 2011 was to introduce a female version of T.Rex. We are still working on . . . her. I sort of thought all she would need was a few long eyelashes, some pink Nikes and a few polka dots. Turns out it takes a bit more than a few accessories to feminize (classily) such a large presence. We are close, however. This/she remains a resolution for 2012.

12 . . . Resolution: Bandanna’s new website. Assuming the company that is constructing our new website does not fire us for taking soooo long to craft content, we should have our new website up and running by late January or early February, 2012! We are extremely excited for this new addition. We will be anxious for your feedback and thoughts. Our Race Calendar will be converted and upgraded also, so please continue to email us any local races you would like added and/or any updates that we may be missing and/or have missed.

14 . . . Realization: People like getting stuff for FREE! I cannot honestly say that I used to be one of these people . . . I have always been a bit selective about FREE stuff. I’m all for FREE if we are talking about GOOD coffee or stuff I will actually use again. I recently tossed a lot of those FREE dental floss dinosaurs. I never actually witnessed any of our kids using them on their teeth. I actually think they may have been part of a battle with some army men and a fleet of Hot Wheels. I also tossed several miscellaneous pens and lip balms . . . the sort of stuff you get at vendor tables at local events. Bandanna will often have a table at local running events that we sponsor. I am always amazed at the number of people and/or kids that come by and ask what we are giving away for FREE! At one recent event, someone asked if they could have our display items . . . colored bandannas and very nice shoes. Going forward . . . temporary T.Rex (male and female) tattoos could be FREE . . . and/or really bad legal advice from four 9 year olds.

16 . . . Resolution: This writing/article/piece represents the kickoff to a weekly column that I will be writing/posting on our website. My hope is to share a bit about the inside world of Bandanna, and the unique and sometimes humorous lives of the owners (Mr. H and myself) and our six amazing kids . . . Charlie, Keegan, Cullen, Bryn, Molly and Max. Here’s wishing you all fantastic things in 2012 (even number)!

Shannon Harris

HAPPY NEW YEAR!

admin — Thu, 29 Dec 2011 02:21:43 +0000

Wishing you all a happy, safe and wonderful New Year! Thank you all for your support throughout the year. It has been wonderful catching up with many of you these past few weeks as we quickly moved from Thanksgiving to the New Year. Our immediate goal for 2012 is our new website! We are extremely excited to flip the on switch and hear your feedback. Due to popular demand, we will be updating our race calendar for 2012 as much as possible in an effort to post/convert dates during our transition. If you are involved in a race/event, and notice incorrect and/or inaccurate information, please give us a shout @ 208.386.9017. Additionally, if you have a race and/or event you would like to add to our calendar, please call or email shannon@bandannarunning.com. We would love to add/include your event on our calendar!

Here’s to a fantastic 2012!

Rich & Shannon Harris
Owners

BANDANNA’S ANNUAL HOLIDAY SALE . . .

admin — Tue, 29 Nov 2011 17:38:02 +0000

JOIN US . . .
On Thursday, December 1st, from 10:00 a.m. to 9:00 p.m. for our Annual Holiday Sale! Bandanna’s awesome staff will be waiting to assist with all of your Holiday needs/wants/wish lists.

30% Off All Apparel
20% Off All Accessories
10% Off All Shoes

AND . . . in addition to great savings, we will have LOTS of Shannon’s homemade Holiday cookies, music, cheer & FREE gift wrapping!

Hope to see you all on the 1st!

HAPPY AND SAFE HOLIDAYS!
Rich & Shannon Harris
Bandanna Running & Walking
208.386.9017

BANDANNA and the Y Team Up . . .

admin — Tue, 18 Oct 2011 17:34:12 +0000

BANDANNA and the Y have joined together in hopes of creating a healthier community! As loyal Y advocates, BANDANNA staff members are excited to assist the Y in reaching out to those who need some of the amazing programs the Y offers such as Diabetes Prevention, Wellness for Life, Trim Kids, Teen P.H.I.T. and LIVESTRONG (at the YMCA)! And . . . because BANDANNA believes so strongly in the Y philosophies AND that “a pair of shoes can change your life,” BANDANNA will contribute 5% of Y Member purchases back to the Y as well as offering a 10% discount to Y Staff Members and participants in/of the above mentioned programs.

Let’s do great things together! BANDANNA and the Y will be kicking-off this community partnership on Saturday, October 22nd from 12:00 to 2:00 p.m. with an Open House @ BANDANNA. We will also have a special presentation around 1:00 p.m. on the 22nd that you will not want to miss! We are located at the corner of 5th & Main in Downtown Boise. Hope to see you on Saturday!

Bandanna’s Not-So-Spendy FALL Event!

admin — Thu, 13 Oct 2011 19:33:52 +0000

Please read the version below that appeals to you:

Rich’s Version: STUFF IS ON SALE AT BANDANNA! Join us on Saturday and Sunday (10.15 & 10.16) for BIG savings on shoes. We will have shoes on $25 tables/$50 tables and 20% – 40% OFF discontinued shoes (including Asics GT 2160 & 2160 Trail that will be discontinued soon)! 40% off select Summer shirts! STUFF IS ON SALE AT BANDANNA AND YOU DO NOT WANT TO MISS OUT!

Shannon’s Version:

HAPPY OCTOBER/FALL!

Plan to join us this Saturday, October 15th and Sunday, October 16th for special FALL savings on a number of AWESOME items/products. Look for great deals on our leaf-covered patio under the dino tents! ALL of our discontinued shoe models will/should be on sale, as well as FUN random items great for personal use and/or gift-giving. ALL XC Spikes will be 30% off in order to make room for TRACK & FIELD Spikes which will start arriving next month!

FREE HOT APPLE CIDER and a few FUN/FALL PRIZES TOO! We will try to make the Apple Cider just the right temperature so it does not leave those little bumps on your tongue for weeks. Hope to see you on Saturday or Sunday or BOTH! With the right amount of juggling, you could run Barber to Boise, eat some pancakes and make Bandanna part of your post-race enjoyment/recovery/weekend.

Listed below are a few of the items/products/brands we will have available (while supplies last) at this event:

Adidas
Asics
Brooks
Mizuno
New Balance
Nike
Saucony
Vibram
Select Kids’ Shoes
Select Men’s Clothing
Select Women’s Clothing

Note: This is NOT a substitute for our Annual Holiday Sale which will happen in early December.

Rich & Shannon Harris
Bandanna Running & Walking

Saturday Hours: 10 to 5
Sunday Hours: Noon to 5