I need a hat...

It occurred to me while I was on my run this morning that I desperately need a hat. The burn in my ears that fades to complete numbness only to return to burn upon entering the warmth of my apartment is not something I will miss. It needs to be remedied immediately except for one tiny hiccup in said remedy.

I haven't a CLUE what kind of headgear to purchase. Generally hats make my head itch. Add sweat into the mix and I spend a majority of the run scratching. But a hat is necessary as the rumor I've been hearing since I ran track in high school is that much of our warmth escapes through our heads and hands. Gee...I cannot for the life of me imagine why. Oh wait, I'm covered everywhere else.

So I'm looking to you bloggy world. I need suggestions- include why you like the headgear, cost and where I can get it. Leave it in the comments section. Mainly because I need some validation that someone besides Fruitfly and Barbie and Kristin are reading the blog.

Also, I am assuming none of you read unless it is blogs since not a single person has entered to win the book Real Fitness Real Nutrition. First off, for shame. Reading books is very important. Second, is it too complicated because I'm making you EMAIL me instead of commenting? Okay then, you may leave comments on why you should win the book below along with your suggestions for head coverings. One person will win the book for the most creative, funny or bring the readers to tears comment. Another person will win a yet to be announced prize for the winning suggestion of which headgear I should purchase.

In effect, I am BRIBING you to put comments on my blog so I feel your love. Tis the season so hop on it.

And Remember: No one has ever drowned in their own sweat

I am pretty excited to be doing the review I am about to do for a number of reasons:

1. I don't do enough reviews

2. I happen to know the author and it gives me an enormous amount of pleasure to see what he's done with this book

3. I have a reviewed sense of motivation just in time for the holidays

Today I sat down and read Real Fitness Real Nutrition by fit2dmax founder Maxim Nazaire, CSCS. I know Max from Team Challenge as the past two sessions he has been one of the coaches. He is incredibly motivational, positive, energetic and intelligent. It makes for a great combination and one that I think really shines through in his book.

"Hollywood Results with a Brooklyn Approach"

I think Brooklyn and I think of someone who has lived life. They've been thrown more than a few curveballs- made some great decisions as well as some terrible ones. No matter what they have faith and they work hard. The Hollywood side of it seems to be quick results. Fabulous results. Put the two together and you have a hell of result.

The thing that struck me about the book is it is a quick read. Too many times, books about getting healthy are laden with shit I quite frankly don't understand or give a damn about. I want to open this book and get a basic understanding of my health and an easy to follow approach to wellness. Maxim delivers in 146 pages without insulting your intelligence or making you feel like you need to google every other word to understand what he is saying. And many times with longer books, by the time you're done (if you even finish it) you've forgotten half of what you read. You'll read this and want to start making changes immediately!

It is a no nonsense approach that tells you what you need to know. It is a book that equips you with the knowledge you need with a dose of reality and a healthy serving of encouragement. He's not going to coddle you; nor, will he beat you down. Instead he'll give it to you straight. Then after he's told you like it is...well, the ball is in your court.

The best part of this book (aside from the awesome workouts included as well as diagrams in the back and resources to hit up when you need it) is that it's a journey to wellness. Not just physical wellness. A lot of the ideas in the book can and should be applied to every day life. It is a true testament to positive thinking and hard work.

So, in honor of the upcoming new year I'm giving away a copy of Real Fitness Real Nutrition to one lucky reader! The entries are simple: email me at fromfat2fab2009@gmail.com with the reasons why this book should be yours. Make sure they're well thought out because I'm going to post them on the blog and let the readers help me decide who wants/needs it most! Entries can be turned in through December 25th at midnight. On December 26th I'll reveal the winner. Make sure you include your address in the email so I can ship the book to you before the start of the new year and a new you!