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Preparing for a Half Marathon

Preparing for a Half Marathon http://brianrayhack.net/preparing-for-a-half-marathon/ One of the most important factors that a person should consider when training for a half marathon is putting in enough miles each week to get their body used to running for a long time. Beginners should start at around 10 to 15 miles per week, gradually increasing to a maximum of 25 to 30 miles during the week. For experienced runners, the goal is to reach a peak of 40 or more miles per week. These are some of the lessons that apply to running any distance. I came across some great half-marathon tips.   Run for a reason  Getting into the training phase for a long-distance race can be daunting, even if you have a few of these under your belt. Before you start training, you must ask yourself why you’re doing it. This will allow you to identify the main reason behind your desire to run and provide yourself with the necessary motivation to reach your goal. We all have different reasons for running. Some of these include wanting to try something new, raising money for a good cause, setting a personal best, or remembering a loved one. Regardless of why you choose to run, ensure you always remind yourself of the finish line.   Train for at least 13 weeks It may seem unorthodox to allow yourself to train for every mile of a race, but at least for 13 weeks, you can build up your long run, key workouts, and weekly mileage without getting stale. This is also enough time to ensure you’re staying motivated. For instance, if you start out with a long run of around 4 or 5 miles, adding a little over a mile to your week’s long run will help you reach the goal of covering the distance on the race day.  For experienced runners, a 13-week training block that includes race-specific workouts and gradual increases in mileage can help you reach your goal of setting a new personal best. After you’re in shape, you can start reducing your training program to around ten weeks for the next race.   Find a shoe that works for you There are so many different types of running shoes that you can choose from. How do you know which one is right for you? Ask a running expert, and they’ll tell you which shoe is most comfortable for you.  We’ve got you covered, as we’ll guide you through the process of finding the ideal pair of running shoes based on your specific needs and experience. Recruit a marathon training partner One of the most important factors you should consider when training for a long-distance race is having a training partner. This will allow you to keep track of your progress and keep you motivated. They’ll also be there to support you on race day, share their experiences, and celebrate with you after the race. If you’re not motivated by the thought of running alone, consider getting a training partner instead. Having someone else to work with can help you get up and leave the door. If you want to improve your time, start by finding a partner who is faster than you.   Study the course Before the race, you must know the course’s conditions, such as its hilly or flat, and potential wind conditions. This will allow you to plan ahead and avoid getting caught by surprise. A general wouldn’t go into battle without knowing the plans for the next move, and a runner shouldn’t train without knowing the details of the course that will be used for the event. Try to study the details of the race course in advance of the race so that you can incorporate those elements into your key workouts. The post Preparing for a Half Marathon first appeared on Brian Rayhack | Hobbies. https://ifttt.com/images/no_image_card.png via Brian Rayhack | Hobbies http://brianrayhack.net August 08, 2023 at 09:13AM

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The Benefits of a Roth IRA Savings

The Benefits of a Roth IRA Savings http://brianrayhack.com/the-benefits-of-a-roth-ira-savings/ A Roth IRA is a type of retirement account that allows people to withdraw tax-free money from their accounts. A Roth has various benefits, such as its ability to grow tax-free. Roth IRAs are versatile and can provide people with tax-efficient retirement savings. If you are not currently a Roth IRA owner, here are some reasons why starting one is a good idea.   You get tax-free growth A Roth IRA allows people to avoid taxes on the money they invest. This eliminates the worry of having to report investment earnings on their taxes. Unlike other retirement accounts, Roth IRAs do not have to be held in a bank or other financial institution.   You can take tax-free withdrawals in retirement Individuals at least 59 1/2 years old and who have owned a Roth account for at least five years can withdraw without paying taxes or penalties. In retirement, your income will not be affected by a lump-sum withdrawal. This benefit is important because your income will affect your taxes, including those related to Social Security and Medicare Part D premiums.   You decide when, if, and how to take withdrawals A Roth IRA does not have a minimum distribution requirement. It allows people to withdraw early without paying taxes or penalties on their contributed money. However, if you are under 5912, you may be subject to penalties and taxes on the earnings that you withdraw. It’s generally better to contribute to a Roth IRA and let its returns work for you rather than take distributions from it.   You may qualify for additional tax credits Individuals who contribute to a retirement fund or a type of retirement account such as a Roth IRA are eligible for the Credit for Savings Contribution. The amount that you’ve contributed and your adjusted gross income are the factors that determine whether or not you can qualify.   Your beneficiaries won’t be taxed Your beneficiaries will not have to take distributions from your Roth IRA as long as the account has been open for at least five years. This means that they won’t have to pay taxes on the money they withdraw. Please contact your financial advisor if you have any questions about this process.   Choose from a wide variety of investment options Roth IRAs also provide an extensive selection of investment options. For instance, you can choose from a variety of low-cost exchange-traded funds and mutual funds offered by companies such as The Vanguard Group.   You should keep in mind that you can still contribute to a Roth IRA for as long as you like. Even if you need to take distributions, you’re still contributing to this type of retirement account to ensure that you have enough money for retirement. The post The Benefits of a Roth IRA Savings first appeared on Brian Rayhack | Professional Overview. https://ifttt.com/images/no_image_card.png via Brian Rayhack | Professional Overview http://brianrayhack.com June 13, 2023 at 10:52PM

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What Makes Tesla Standout

What Makes Tesla Standout http://brianrayhack.net/what-makes-tesla-standout/ The rapid growth of the electric vehicle market is due to various factors. Some of these include the new regulations that affect vehicle emissions and safety, as well as the increasing expectations of electric cars from customers. Tesla Motors’ unique business model is also partly responsible for the mainstream acceptance of electric cars.   Elon Musk founded Tesla with the goal of creating a mass-market electric vehicle that would be affordable and sustainable. Through this business model, he was able to achieve this goal.   Tesla’s First Product Tesla’s unique approach to establishing itself in the market was also responsible for its success. Instead of mass-producing and selling a car that would be easily accessible, the company focused on creating a compelling vehicle that would attract more buyers.   In a post on the company’s website, Elon Musk stated that it would have been impossible for Tesla to mass-produce its first car. The company had only one technology and needed help to scale its operations. Instead, it focused on developing a sports car that would be more competitive with the gasoline alternatives.   The Next Stage Tesla’s business model was reinforced after it delivered its first car to the market. It involves selling and servicing its electric vehicles and charging them.   Direct Sales Unlike other car brands, Tesla does not have a franchise network. Instead, it has its own global network of showrooms and galleries. These are mostly located in urban areas.   Tesla believes that its sales channel can help speed up the development of its products. It also provides a better customer experience by allowing the company to interact directly with its potential customers. Unlike other car dealerships, Tesla’s galleries and stores do not have conflicts of interest.   Home Services In certain areas, Tesla employs mobile service support, also known as Tesla Rangers. These individuals can be located remotely and provide service on a case-by-case basis. Through the Model S, which can wirelessly upload data, the company’s technicians can fix various issues without actually touching the car.   The Supercharger Network In order to speed up the adoption of electric cars, Tesla has built its own network of 30,000+ superchargers. These facilities are designed to provide drivers with a convenient and cheaper way to recharge their cars.   Although Tesla did not create the electric car, it has a successful business model that it uses to bring the vehicles to the market. One of the company’s main strategies was to build a network of charging facilities. This strategy was designed to help solve one of the biggest obstacles to the adoption of electric automobiles: the lack of availability of fuel. The post What Makes Tesla Standout first appeared on Brian Rayhack | Hobbies. https://ifttt.com/images/no_image_card.png via Brian Rayhack | Hobbies http://brianrayhack.net June 14, 2023 at 05:11AM

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Tips for Raising a Kitten

Tips for Raising a Kitten http://brianrayhack.net/tips-for-raising-a-kitten/ Taking in a kitten can provide you and your feline with an opportunity to bond and learn from one another, though it may also come with some challenges. Besides being trained to use a litter box, your new kitten will also need vaccinations and a healthy diet to stay safe and happy. Here are some basic steps that will help you raise a kitten so that it can thrive in a secure and nurturing environment.   Choosing a New Kitten  Choosing the right kitten for you can be a big decision, as it will determine how well you will raise it and how it will adapt to life in your home. Although a friendly kitten can initially become an outgoing adult cat, more timid felines can develop into confident adults through proper socialization.   Kitten-Proof Your Home Before you bring home a new kitten: Make sure that your home is secure. This includes keeping all of the small items out of the way, such as poisonous plants and insect traps. Close the toilet seat lid and the kitchen cabinets. In order to prevent your feline from getting stuck, block various small spaces around the house.   Cover the Basics Young cats require a safe environment to feel at ease. This can be achieved by enclosing them in a cardboard box or cat bed. During their first year, cats need extra calories and protein from kitten-formulated food. You should also ensure that the food you feed them is just for them. Training your feline to use the litter box can begin as soon as you have placed them in the box after eating or sleeping. They’ll be quick learners, so it can be a couple of practice sessions. Having a well-designed litter box can help them avoid getting stuck in the box. Punishing or punishing a kitten for not using the litter box correctly is never a good idea. You should also provide them with a scratching post to protect their fur and prevent damage to their furniture.   Prepare Your Other Pets Before bringing a new kitten home, ensure the other pets are in good health. If there is another cat living in the house, it’s essential to know how to introduce them to the new feline.  Puppies must be given blankets or towels that one of them has already used, and they should be allowed to scent each other to establish their connection. Let them run around with their toys, using the same food bowls and litter box while keeping them separated.   Get the First Checkup You should contact your veterinarian as soon as possible after your feline arrives to let them know it is your new pet. Having a list of questions can also help you during the appointment. You should also speak with your veterinarian about having your feline spayed or neutered to prevent overpopulation and health issues. Although it’s generally recommended for cats to be spaying or neutered at around eight weeks of age, it’s up to you and your veterinarian to decide which is best for the animal.   Provide Comfort While You’re Away Before you leave, secure the cat in one room and provide them with a litterbox, food, water, and a scratching post. You can also turn on a light or add a nightlight if you are away all evening. Certain sounds can help a cat feel at ease, such as talking radio or light music.   These steps will help you get your kitten used to living in a new home and other new situations. They can develop into confident adult cats by giving them love and support. The post Tips for Raising a Kitten first appeared on Brian Rayhack | Hobbies. https://ifttt.com/images/no_image_card.png via Brian Rayhack | Hobbies http://brianrayhack.net June 08, 2023 at 09:10AM

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Building a Strong Customer Relationship

Building a Strong Customer Relationship http://brianrayhack.com/building-a-strong-customer-relationship/ A business can grow over time, but it can also have a huge drop in value and a huge swing in its direction. The difference is how they approach building relationships with their customers. Building strong customer relationships is very important for a business. According to a survey, 79% of consumers want brands to show they care about them before they purchase anything. This is why businesses that are focused on building strong relationships are more likely to retain their customers. Before a business can start building strong relationships, it must consider the various factors affecting its customers’ behavior. This includes the interactions that happen throughout the customer journey. In order to achieve this, businesses should focus on developing a comprehensive strategy for building strong relationships.   From a marketing standpoint, building long-term relationships is a great idea. It allows you to anticipate your customers’ needs and improve your business’s efficiency. A study conducted by InContact revealed that most consumers are satisfied with a proactive service approach. Having a good support system is also very important for businesses to create a good impression and exceed their customers’ expectations.    Personalize customer relationships  Being satisfied and happy are two of the most important factors businesses consider when building strong relationships. Having a personal connection with their customers is also very important to maintain a long-term relationship. A study conducted by the marketing firm, Monetate, revealed that almost 80% of organizations have a personalized strategy. Personalization can help a business increase its revenue and improve its customer retention. Unfortunately, many marketers have developed segmentation strategies instead of implementing a personalized approach.   Understand customer psychology Customer service psychology is a field of study that focuses on the importance of providing a good customer experience. It involves understanding your customers’ needs and developing a personalized approach to addressing them. Through customer psychology, businesses can improve the quality of their interactions by understanding their customers’ behavior and emotions.   Prioritize customer experience A good customer experience is very important for businesses to maintain a long-term relationship with their customers. According to a study, businesses that provide a superior experience are able to increase their revenue by 5.7 times. Being able to build strong relationships is very important for businesses as it can help them retain their customers and increase their lifetime value. Having a good relationship can also help them attract new customers. Being able to deliver a consistent and happy experience across the entire customer lifecycle is also very important for businesses to retain their customers.   Instill customer service etiquette  According to a survey, 62% of consumers have already stopped doing business with companies that provide poor customer service. This shows that integrating customer service etiquette into every aspect of a business can help strengthen relationships.   Building strong relationships is a top priority for businesses all around the world. If you plan to improve brand engagement, give your customers reasons to connect with you. The post Building a Strong Customer Relationship first appeared on Brian Rayhack | Professional Overview. https://ifttt.com/images/no_image_card.png via Brian Rayhack | Professional Overview http://brianrayhack.com June 07, 2023 at 10:50PM

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Midwestern Daydreams

Some photos made driving along the backroads of Iowa.

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Autumn Gold, Lake McBride, Iowa. October 2020. 

Photo credit @satashiiphotography

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Humphrey Bogart.

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Black cats waiting to be auditioned for a horror film, 1961.

Photograph by Ralph Crane.

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Small kittens appreciation post ♡

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Bedtime. 

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bubbl 🫧

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