A Good Workout Needs Good Support

Okay, I meant to post this before work, but because of unexpected events and the fact that I was too busy watching news coverage of the incredibly horrifying event in Colorado, I wasn’t able to get this posted so now here it is. My heart and thoughts go out to everyone effected by the tragedy that took place while most of us were sleeping.

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Lately, my workouts have been going really well. Okay, I guess aside from those few in the past couple of weeks when I really should have just stayed in bed and slept an extra hour because I didn’t get enough sleep, but decided to go anyway. I’ve been trying a few new strength exercises and because the Danny, at the front desk, is so cool, once in a while I’ll hit the gym for 40minutes or so then leave my water bottle at the front desk and head out for a quick run up to my hill for a few repeats and then back to the gym to grab my water bottle. Unfortunately I haven’t lost any lbs, but that seems to be par for the course for me. I’m still working at building my strength and endurance. Two things I think we’re always working on as long as we are working out. Right?

A few weeks ago I was given the opportunity to try out Zensah’s sports bra. Last year I bought a top from the company and wear it often – it’s so light it almost feels like I’m wearing air. Because I’ve been really happy with the top and I’ve heard great things about the company’s compression socks, I decided to give it a try. I think we all know that a sports bra can make or break a workout.  It should be supportive and comfortable, bonus if it’s cute. Personally, I think that a sports bra is a great one if I don’t even really notice its there. I have a few older ones in my drawer that I just don’t get rid of for some reason, but I really should throw them out cause they’ve stretched out and don’t really do their job anymore. Full disclosure, until recently the only sports bras I had in my drawer were C9 from Target. Since I don’t need much support, I don’t usually have to worry about the bra I buy. I’ve heard of the trouble some women runners have with them, but I never have to worry about it not being supportive enough. I was curious about Zensah’s sports bra because it’s from a company known for compression gear. I don’t need compression, so was it going to be too much for me?

So, I gave it a try. Yes, black. I know there are 10 colors to choose from and I really need more colors in my running drawer, but I still got black. Maybe it’s because I’m a New Yorker.

The first thing I noticed was that there are no seams and no tag; two things that can get really annoying during a long, hot run, so I was very glad to see this bra didn’t have them. No risk of chafing here! The fabric is incredibly soft, another good sign. The back is really cool, how the fabric is tucked. I’ve worn it a few times now, in really hot conditions, and it was still comfortable and didn’t get sticky. I do feel like it there’s a little more compression action going on than someone my size needs and the straps are angled in a little higher on my shoulders than I really prefer, but that won’t keep me from wearing this. It really is a super comfortable sports bra and is now in my regular rotation! I’d definitely recommend this one if you’re looking to try something new.

Thanks to Zensah for letting me try out this sports bra. Full disclosure – Zensah provided me with the item to try and review but I was not otherwise compensated for this post.

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Woody and I head to Michigan tomorrow morning for the week! I’m almost done packing and even with two pairs of running shoes and another pair of sneakers, I actually have extra room in my suitcase! I love summer packing! I’ve been smiling like a crazy person all day whenever anyone has asked about my vacation. We get to start the week catching up with my sister, her husband and their two adorable kids, and we’ll end the week boating with my parents. With a lot of fun and relaxing in between. No cell service at the cottage pretty much guarantees that next week is going to be a good one!

• Have you tried Zensah’s sports bra or one of their other products?
• What makes a great sports bra for you?
• How are you spending your weekend?

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Today’s workout -

• 45min elliptical
• 2x10 upright row
• 2x10 hammer curl
• 12 push-ups
• 100 ab exercises
• 2x15 side twists (ea side)
• 1x50sec plank
• Stretching

Larabar Strikes Again

Really, how do they keep coming up with great recipes? It seems like they just keep pumping out new flavors.

Last week, on a particularly crazy and stressful day, I received a fantastic surprise package in the mail! A little box filled with delicious goodness.

Larabar had sent me a few bars of their new flavor – Chocolate Chip Cherry Torte. I love chocolate and I love cherries, so I was immediately curious and had high hopes for this new flavor. The cherry pie flavor is one of my favorite, but it’s quite tart and sometimes it’s a little too tart so I was a little worried it would be the same with this one.

I was wrong, it was delicious! The chocolate and cherry flavors are really well balanced, making it a nice indulgent treat with all the simple goodness that we’re used to from Larabar.

I have not tried all of the Larabar flavors, mostly because some of them just have too many calories for me – boarding on meal replacement – so I stick to those that are around 190 or 200 calories. Sometimes I’ll splurge on a day I’ve done a particularly long run or hard workout and have a peanut butter chocolate chip bar that has 220 cals. The Chocolate Chip Cherry Torte comes in a little high in fat at 12 grams and sugar with 23grams, but on the relatively low side of the calories scale at 190.

The ingredients are simple – dates, almonds, cashews, unsweetened cherries, chocolate chips (Fair Trade certified), and a little sea salt. See, it is possible to have great tasting packaged food without all the extra, unnecessary ingredients that are impossible to even pronounce. Now, only if they’d use Michigan cherries!

With all this in mind, I’m pretty sure I’ll be having this one again in the near future.

Thanks for the deliciousness, Larabar! I’m hooked!

• Do you have a favorite Larabar flavor?
• What’s your go-to snack?

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Today’s workout -

• 40min stationary bike
• 2x20 seated row
• 2x18 lat pull down
• 2x20 upright row
• 2x16 back extension
• stretching
• ab exercises

Finding the Right Running Gear

For a while now I've been looking for a tank to wear for runs and gym workouts that is body skimming but not too tight. It's been a long search because everything I find is super clingy and does not look good on my body. So, back a few weeks ago when Grace and I went to the NYC Running Show, I was on the hunt.

I tried on a top from Adidas that Grace has and loves. Didn't work for me. The few others I saw were not what I was looking for. Then, we hit the Zensah booth. You know, the company known for their compression socks. Well, turns out not only do they have socks, arm warmers and sjports bras, they also have racerback tanks for women!!

The fabric was so light and soft, and seems loose enough, so I tried one on. And fell in love.

It seemed to fit the bill perfectly. Body skimming but not too tight. Lightweight, moisture wicking fabric and a longer length so it won't have to fuss with pulling it down when running. I had to buy it. At $44.00, it was a little bit pricey, but it worked out well with the discounts I had at the show!

Okay, so I don't take great pictures, especially first thing in the morning, but trust me, this top is cute and comfortable. I can't wait to wear it out for a run...once I'm running again!

• Do you have a favorite go-to piece of workout gear?
• How do you take advantage of beautiful Spring days when you work indoors all day?

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Today's workout -
20min elliptical
6min arm bike
150 crunches
2x20 cable pushdown
2x15 weighted side bends
2x15 leg extension
stretching
foam roller

Sportswear Review: GoGirl Sport

Back in December Susan, from Go Girl Sports, contacted me to see if I'd like to try out a piece of the workout wear from their line. I took a look at their website and thought they had some interesting designs and to give it a try. Specifically, the Vortex v-neck top.

About the top (from the site): designed to maximize both form and function. Stylish contrast stitching adds a subtle touch of flair to our white performance T. Mesh panels provide superior ventilation and an added touch of style. Seams are sewn flat and offset from areas that are prone to chafe. Moisture wicking fabric ensures you'll stay cool while working up a sweat.

Sporting the Vortex V pre-workout and still looking sleepy!

Initial thoughts: the weight of the top is pretty good and the fabric felt really soft and like the good moisture wicking pieces I have. The big logo on the back near the neckline is a bit large, but the overall design is pretty nice. Somehow in my decision making I didn't realize how sheer a lot of the top is. See the right side of the top below the pink line? That's all mesh! It's also like this around the back a bit and on the left shoulder. It's a bit more revealing (especially at the tummy) than I normally go for. Thus, I opted to give this a try when I was working out in the gym in our building since it usually isn't too busy.

Thoughts after wearing: The top was really comfortable and didn't bother me at all while I was running on the treadmill, on the elliptical or stretching and lifting weights. When I wasn't super-focused on my workout, I was still a little self conscious about the sheer fabric but I understand how they would help with breathability in hot weather. I definitely didn't get too hot like I sometimes do when working out indoors wearing a short sleeve top. I did like the v-neck design as crew necks often bother me during workouts. Overall I liked the top and will definitely wear it again. I may take it with me to Florida this weekend to try out when I go running outdoors (since it will be warm enough that I won't have to wear 3 layers!).

Thoughts about Go Girl Sports: The company, based in Arizona, was started by two friends, who are both athletes and passionate runners, went live two years ago but has been their work for four years. Right now, I think the offerings are pretty limited in design, but they are planning to add shorts and capris this year. I'd love to see a few more styles of tops, too, as right now there is only one tank and the back is completely sheer. I did notice, as I was writing this, that they've added more colors from when I picked out the top, so that's really great to see. I do love that they're making comfortable workout wear and that they're doing what they love. So I wish them tons of luck and I hope you'll check out their Facebook page HERE.

If you're interested in trying out some of their gear, GoGirl Sport is offering you a 20% discount with this code: 20SHEGO.

On a different running note, if you're looking for a great way to spend your evening, Hood to Coast is in theaters across the country for a one-night-only screening. It's an inspiring new documentary that follows four teams with various levels of athletic ability on their epic journey to conquer the world’s largest relay race. After the documentary, a panel of expert runners, Olympians and running world giants will discuss their experiences participating in the Hood to Coast relay. Panelists include Mary Decker Slaney, Bart Yasso, Kenny Moore, Bob Foote, Director Christoph Baaden, and others. Go HERE for more info on the film and check HERE for tickets.

Are you going?
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today's workout -
4mi run
.6mi warm-up/cool down
3x10 bicep curls
3x10 leg press
2x40sec planks
stretching

Cold Weather Gear Review

Quite a while ago Adam ran an awesome giveaway on his blog I Am Boring; the prize was a $50 gift card to Road Runner Sports! Two reasons why I should not have entered: they don't have a store nearby (although they do have a pretty good website) and I was injured an not running at the time (although I was looking forward to running again). Fate being as it is, I did win. I'd go to the website and try to figure out what to get, but as the weeks went by and I still couldn't run, I didn't want to get anything not knowing if it would be for the right season.

A few weeks ago I finally made my choice and ordered something - the RRS Pro Velocity Thermo Tight, because I didn't have any good pants to wear while running in cold weather. They arrived the day after Thanksgiving and felt amazing. They seemed warm and soft, but when I tried them on, they were too big. Definitely not compressive like they are supposed to be. When I called about an exchange I was informed that this style was discontinued and they were all out of the size I needed. Needless to say, I was a bit disappointed. The associate I was speaking with helped me pick another pair, although I knew they wouldn't be as good for cold weather, but I'd give them a try.

The other pair, the RSS Velocity Tight, arrived last week and Saturday was my first chance to try it. They definitely fit better, but they were not going to be as warm. The pants are made from a fabric that's good at pulling moisture from the skin, there are a few reflective details, a pocket in the back, and 'flatlock seams.' I bundled up and headed out. It was about 34' during my run and my legs were definitely a bit chilly, but they felt really good. I had no issues with the tights at all and really loved the mesh in the back of the knees, although it probably doesn't help with the warmth issue. Still, overall I really liked the pants but they won't be warm enough when it gets much below 30'.

I do have a new favorite when it comes to cold weather running. The Under Armour Tech Longsleeve T. I have two of them and I love them! They are so comfortable and just the right weight. The tops are perfect for me in anything 40's and below. I sometimes wear a short sleeve top over them and sometimes a jacket when it's really cool, but they lay perfectly, don't ride up and don't bunch up either. Ever. They're really cute too, so it would be easy to wear these out and about. Apparently it comes in 9 colors, so it seems I have quite a few more to get! It's interesting because as I'm reading the description on the website for the first time, it says that the 'heatgear' technology that the top is made with makes it good for extremely warm weather. Odd, since it's long sleeve and I love it for cold weather. I really can't imagine wearing it in hot weather, but hey, maybe someone else could! Under Armour has really expanded their line of sports apparel for women and I definitely plan on adding more to my of it to my running wardrobe!

please excuse the pic, it was post-run

check out the ankle zipper and mesh at the knee

What is your favorite piece of cold weather gear?
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today's workout -
None. Early to work today so it's my rest day.