Fits Do Fitness Class Reviews: On to Week 2

By Jessie

I ended week 1 of bootcamp with a Hot Power Fusion class at Corepower with David K. The D-man joined me, which was lovely, and the class was a great stretch for sore muscles after a week of bootcamp.

Saturday morning's session ran from 7-8 am, and consisted of 1/2 hour of yoga sculpt, and the second 1/2 hour of "Real Ryder" spin.

Real Ryder bikes are made to simulate true biking, allowing you to lean to both sides

"With ordinary stationary bikes, you just sit and don't engage your core. The RealRyder® gives you a stationary bike ride that's anything but stationary.

• Engage more muscles than you would on a traditional indoor bike
• Work your core more than you would on a regular indoor bike
• Burn more calories
• Overcome boredom with a more fun and dynamic riding experience

Since this was my first time on a Real Ryder, it felt pretty awkward. I felt like my handlebars were wobbling WAY too much, and I was working really hard to control them. However, I started to get the hang of it, and by the end, I was sweating and enjoying myself. I can't say that I LOVED the Real Ryder, but I would definitely give it another shot to see if I get a little more accustomed to it.

After the hour of bootcamp, my bootcamp compadre and I zipped over to the Calhoun Beach Club for a 7 mile run with the club. By the end of the two workouts, I was ready to hop in a hot shower, curl up on the couch, and take a nap....what a week it was!

Yesterday, was a complete (complete!) rest day, and today (Monday) was more circuits.

1. BOSU ball mountain climbers
2. Exercise band rows with squats
3. Tricep dips and pushups
4. Stability ball overhead pass from feet to hands with crunch
5. Cone sprints!
6. Ballast ball lunges with side moon pose
7. TRX pullups
8. Jump rope
9. Jumping jacks with alternating legs
10. Hammer curls with cone foot taps

Example #1

Example #2

I felt pretty good after a full day of rest- so good that I upped my second workout to a 7 mile run (whereas last week, I was usually so tired by the second workout that I only did 3-4 miles)...I guess a day of rest goes a long way! Or maybe I am getting stronger!

And with that comment on rest, I leave you with this:

Fundamental Fit: A Sunday Afternoon Stroll

By: LL
The most fundamental of all fits - the walk, or stroll - is often times not a part of my fitness routine. Not because I do not think about it, rather it is not efficient; it takes too much time to burn the same amount of calories as you can running, biking, etc. in shorter time. A stroll is something reserved for older adults, right? Wrong. As I was reminded yesterday, a stroll can be good physically and, more importantly, mentally.

Yesterday was my day "off" of fitness, so I wasn't planning to do much of anything active. But with the weather as beautiful as it was, I couldn't pass up my husband's suggestion that we go for a walk -  a nice Sunday afternoon stroll. And, I cannot tell you how nice it was! We never neared brisk, rather walked slowly, enjoying the scenery, the sunshine, and the conversation. It was wonderful, and after the hectic work schedules that the two of us have recently had, it was such a mind relief to relax, slow down, and enjoy.

When we finally returned home, we realized just how long we had been gone - but it didn't feel like more than an hour. And to be honest, my legs were just the slightest bit sore. I believe that it was the inclines and, given the fact that I RARELY walk that slow, I was engaging muscles that do not often get used as they were - similar to when you slow down reps when lifting or doing pushups/squats - maybe not?

Either way, it was a great experience and I definitely recommend revisiting this fundamental fit - at least once a month - which can help the mind/body connection and still is fitness, even if you aren't breaking a sweat.

Outfit Details:
- Patagonia Re-Tool Snap-T Pullover
- Ralph Lauren Button Down
- Citizen of Humanity Jeans
- Ray Ban Sunglasses
- Pearl Studs (gifted)

Finalize My Fit: Stella and Dot Party

By Jessie

Last week, a friend hosted a Stella and Dot party at her beautiful home, with beautiful jewelry to peruse and plenty of wine and tasty treats. (FYI, the friend is the lovely writer of Denim and Ink - go check out her blog!)

I had heard a lot about Stella and Dot. LL often says she uses their pieces for inspiration for her necklaces. However, this was my first time at one of the trunk shows.

I was in love! There were so many cute necklaces, rings, bracelets, and earrings. I could picture all the fun ways I could use the accessories to liven up my current wardrobe.

The hard part is that the necklaces are a little pricier than the ones I get from LL (i.e. free from LL,  versus average price of $100 at Stella and Dot).

Also, I know my husband will read this and state for the 100th time, "You have too many necklaces"...which might be true.  I suppose my necklace hangers are a little full...

(Necklace hangers are handmade by my dad, as LL wrote about here - don't you think he should sell them on Etsy?) Here's what one looks like empty:

Okay, so maybe I do have too many necklaces...But I couldn't resist one particular necklace from Stella and Dot. It was my favorite color (blue), and the other ladies agreed that it was very me, and I should definitely get it- (such bad influences my friends are, aren't they?)

So I took the plunge and purchased this Bahari Necklace

"Three strands of mixed semi-precious dyed jade and acrylic stones drape from shiny 12k gold plated handmade brass chain links and metallic thread"

I'm excited for it to arrive, and can't wait to incorporate it into my attire. Perhaps styled as below, in the warmer months?

Or maybe it will work with this wrapped rushed tee I recently purchased at Anthropologie? 

Red and blue are always a good pair.

I think I can find lots of ways to incorporate the Bahari necklace. 

I'm excited to "finalize my fit" with this new piece!

One other upside to this post?I was inspired to go through all my necklaces....yikes!

And I set aside some I haven't worn in a few years for an upcoming fashion swap that I hope to host in the spring...now the hangers look a little more organized, don't you think?

                                   

Fits Do Fitness Class Reviews: Bootcamp Stops for No One!

By: Cool J
I survived bootcamp day 4 and 5, though I can't say the same for all my cohorts (see below).

Day 4 was rather uneventful, with more circuits focused on strength. My body is sore all over, yet I am starting to feel stronger and see results, at least a little bit!

Day 4 Circuits:

1. Sumo squat with twist on BOSU ball
2. Staggered pushups with side planks
3. Off center stability ball with Roman Twists
4. Ballast ball with skull crushers
5. TRX airplane with single leg squat
6. Lunge with medicine ball with sidekick
7. Plank with dumbbell back raises
8. Horse squat with upright rows
9. Walking lunge with bicip curl
10. Exercise band lat pulldown

Example #1:

Example #4:

Example #9



My second workout was running again, but it paid off! Every time you do the second workout, you put your name in a drawing and today I won some China Gel (kind of like Ben-Gay I guess?)

Day 5 was cardio focused circuits again:

1. Alternating split leg lunge jumps with Ballast ball with twist
2. Cone jumps (again!)
3. Exercise band back rows (fast as you can!)
4. Heisman/knee raises on the step
5. Eagle leg/arm crunches
6. BOSU ball squats with biceip curls
7. Stability ball hamstring curl
8. TRX squat jumps
9. Ab twists with medicine ball
10. Mountain climbers

Today seemed to go quickly (which was great, as I did drink a little wine last night at book club and was worried how I would feel this morning! You know how that is!)

Unfortunately, a fellow bootcamper fell off the step on Exercise #4. It appeared that she may have sprained her ankle. I'm assuming that all the Corepower teachers have first aid training, and I thought that they handled the situation very well. A few of the teachers stopped to help her, while the other kept us going on the circuits. In fact, we still made it through 4 rounds of the circuits with time for extra core work and a cool down at the end. Bootcamp stops for no one!

Functional Fit: Jean Jacket & Skinny Jeans

By: LL
As I try to remix my closet and plan a few new spring purchases (like a bright pair of jeans) that would compliment what I already own, I decided to bring in my staple denim jacket and combine it with a fun pair of skinny jeans, and a few other pieces similar to what I already own (with a few upgrades of course. i.e., the Tory Burch flats).

The right side shows an outfit perfect for Thursday night cocktails with friends. The left side shows a more casual look, perfect for running errands around town on a Saturday afternoon. And there are many other ways to style these jeans and the denim jacket - both of which in this scenario are quite the bargain, with a combined price tage of $60 from H&M.

The Basics:

1. Denim Jacket - H&M, $29.95

2. Green Jeans - H&M $24.95

Friendly Cocktails:

3. Yellow Chiffon Top - Forever 21, $19.95

4. Green Necklace - Anthropologie, $49

5. Black Skinny Belt - J. Crew, $35

6. Black Clutch - Hobo International, $68

7. Leopard Booties - Nine West, $79.99

Running Errands:

8. Striped T-Shirt with Shoulder Detail - Dorthey Perkins, $28

9. Red Stachel - Modcloth, $134.99

10. Two-Tone Braided Bracelet - Renaldo, $95

11. Two-Tone Feather Cuff - Fire & Ice, $360

12. Ballet Flats - Tory Burch, $225

As we all prepare ourselves for spring and begin throwing a fit over a variety of new styles, a good way to save money and make smart purchasing decisions is to find pieces that are functional in your existing wardrobe. A good rule of thumb is to create at least 4 looks with a piece before you purchase it. If you cannot see yourself wearing an item with more than 2 things in your closet, then that piece probably is completely unpractical in terms of wearability or not your true style. Plan your spring purchases to compliment your wardrobe, not complicate it.

Fits Do Fitness Class Reviews: Corepower Bootcamp Day 2 + 3

By Jessie

As a follow-up to my review of Corepower Bootcamp Day 1, below I review days 2 and 3:

DAY 2:
Day 2 was more circuits, but this time they were more focused on strength with less cardio. Therefore, we did each circuit for 1.5 minutes for two sets, and one "turbo" 45 second set. It didn't feel quite as intense without all the cardio, but I can definitely feel it in my arms now. We also had time today for a stretch and cool down, which was helpful.


Circuits:

1. Cone jumps (forward/back, side to side, and ski jumps)
2. Wall sits with bicep curls
3. Torso twist with exercise band (attached to wall)
4. Side planks
5. "Heisman" curls on step
6. Exercise ball sit with leg extension and bicep curl
7. Skull crushers on stability ball
8. BOSU ball back lifts (lie on BOSU, left head/upper body)
9. TRX lunges alternating with curtsy lunges
10. Pushups

Second workouts have been treadmill runs both days. Today was especially challenging as I had class at night til 9:30, so I had to "fit fitness" in over my lunch time. One of the gals in my class actually did a Corepower bootcamp at the Minnetonka studio, and she didn't have a very good experience. She said that in her opinion, a 3 days/week bootcamp is more maintainable post-bootcamp, whereas the Corepower method is to "kick your booty" every day, rather than help you develop a long-lasting, maintainable workout regime. 

What do you think? Do you have any experience with less frequent bootcamps, but perhaps for a longer duration? Do you think they produce better results?

Fits Do Fitness Class Reviews:Corepower Bootcamp Day 1

By Jessie

I survived my first day of Corepower bootcamp. It was challenging, but managable. We did a short warm-up and then 4 rounds of the following 10 circuits. Each circuit lasted 1 minute with about 15 seconds in between to get to the next station. It was fast, and the time flew by. Before we knew it, it was 7 am.  Unfortunately, that meant that there was not enough time for a cooldown or stretch, which probably wasn't ideal...

Functional Fit: Multiple Use Tops

By: Cool J
Just a quick post about a recent functional fit- On Thanksgiving, I posted about my turkey day outfit (here), where I wore this grey tunic as a top, paired with a skirt and an LL Original necklace.

Last night, my husband and I headed to a movie (The Girl with the Dragon Tattoo) and then dinner with a friend. I wore this tunic again, but this time in a totally different way.

An additional functional fit of this outfit was the addition of my Athleta determination tights- yes, I am wearing yoga pants as part of a regular outfit.  But they are so comfortable! And seriously, can you tell? I don't think so... So there's a double dose of functional fit on this frigid Sunday afternoon!

Boots: Len Druskin outlet (LL has the exact same pair- we love them!)
Pants: Athleta determination tights
Tunic: Len Druskin outlet
Necklace: Len Druskin outlet

Fitting Debate: Running in Hot vs. Cold Temperatures (Pt 3)

By Jessie

My husband and I are not currently training for a marathon- our next one is not until June so we won't need to seriously start training until mid-February. Right now, we are just keeping a solid base for mileage, which means we don't have to run. This could have been our excuse yesterday, when our outdoor thermometer read -3 degrees with a windchill. However, the D-man convinced me that we could tough it out- we have run in much worse!

So, we bundled up, and headed to run club...

Let me point out that I am thankful to be healthy and able to run. Even though I am about to complain, I actually had a very enjoyable run, despite the challenges of the cold.

However, yesterday's run did remind me of a few other not-so-awesome things about running in the extreme cold. LL and I debated awhile back about who has it worse- LL, living in the mid-south, where extreme heat dominates 6 months per year, or me, living in the upper midwest, where extreme cold dominates 6 month of the year. You can read about it here and here.

I feel that I missed a few items on my side of the debate...

1. Frozen face mask: A face mask is a "must" in these temps, but it will inevitably freeze from the sweat, spit, what have you, and then you have a hard frozen plank on your face. Nothing quite like running with a sheet of ice on your face/neck.

2. No water stops:  Yes, it is cold and you probably don't have to hydrate quite as frequently as you do during the summer. But if you do need hydration, you will probably have to carry your own. All the water fountains have been turned off by this time of year. We are left with a few community centers that open their doors for runners (Thank you!) but it can still be challenging to stay hydrated.

3. Too much gear: There is a lot more gear that is required to survive a frigid winter run (see below) so packing up your bag before heading to the run club is quite an ordeal. Or, if you plan to run right after work, you must plan ahead to ensure you don't forget something vital (like those gloves!) Also, if you plan to shower at your run club or gym, you must remember all the warm winter clothes to put on post-run. So much packing and unpacking every day can be exhausting!

4. Slower pace: I find it quite physically challenging to run on the uneven snow. Even though my city does a great job of clearing the running paths, there can still be unstable footing. My quads were quite sore after yesterday's long run because I felt they were working that much harder to maintain footing, and of course my pace suffered. It also takes a bit longer to warm up your muscles when you first start, which can lead to a slower overall pace. 

5. Fewer bathrooms: Cold weather means a good majority of the public restrooms are locked up for the winter. This leaves you with a few porta-potties along the way, but sometimes they are not frequent enough. We've all been there.

Forgettable Fit: Resolution Exercisers!

By: LL
As I mentioned in an earlier post, I just got back from spending 10 days back in the Midwest for late holiday celebrations and a friend's wedding. Whereas it was a wonderful time, wrapped up in a flurry of fun activities and good company, it also was filled with too much food and little exercise. Not a good combination! I definitely tried to fit in fitness while I was on the road, but it wasn't a very relaxing vacation and there was little time to squeeze in yoga sculpt or a run in the snow. My fitness activities were confined to 20 minutes of yoga 4x scattered over 10 days, and a few bouts of power walking. Not impressive, I know.

But this lack of physical activity made me very motivated to get back on track. I was even excited to dedicate a few early morning hours to my first workout post-vacation. Unfortunately, other gym members interfered with my plan and instead of a morning of circuit training, I was stuck with an overcrowded space and a 30-minute limit on the cardio machine. And this was at 4:30 am! Oh, the New Year's Resolution Exercisers...I can only imagine how busy the gym is later in the day. The joy of this time of year!

So needless to say, after only 50 minutes of waiting and having others give me the stink eye as they wait for me, I forfeited my exercise plan and headed home, grumbling over this forgettable fit.

Sound familiar? It can be difficult to stay motivated and enjoy a workout when the facility - whether that is a gym, studio, running path, or bike lane - is overcrowded - and especially filled with those individuals who are new to the system, and don't follow "protocol," if you will. In situations like this, it can be nearly impossible to bring your heart rate up - except out of anger. But something like this shouldn't stop you (or me) from getting what you want out of your daily workout. Instead, let this challenge of space serve as motivation for you and let it lead you to try new things. For instance, say the treadmills and elliptical machines are occupied. Why not try the stair-stepper or the bike? The change in routine will make your workout more interesting, work your muscles in different ways to help you avoid over-training, and will allow you to still get your workout in.

I have to remind myself to try to send out positive energy to help encourage these New Year's Resolution Exercisers to continue with their workouts. Don't be like me this past morning and let amazing motivation turn into a forgettable fit.

Throwing a Fit: {Really} Wide Leg Pants

By: LL
Being a short girl, I try to avoid any style that is going to make my legs look shorter. So, I normally have shied away from wide leg pants. They just don't do anything for me, even when paired with high heels. However, upon catching up on some of my favorite blogs after being away for a week (braving the Midwest cold!), I am really digging the various {really} wide leg pants that I am seeing. Here are some of my favorites:

{See Jane.}

{Brooklyn Blonde}

{Kendi Everyday}

{Saucy Glossie}

After checking all of these out, I feel inspired to give wide leg pants another chance. A cute pair of heels in a pop of color is a defiite must...and a great tailor to make sure that the pants just skim the surface of the ground when standing straight. I'm Helena's look (Brooklyn Blonde) would be perfect for work and play.



Fresh New Fit: Crashed Ice!

By Jessie

Last night, the Dustin, our friend Mason, and I went to St. Paul to check out a new type of "fitness". We were only spectating, not participating. The event was the Red Bull Crashed Ice, and it was an event unlike any other I have seen.

From Kare11 news:  

What: The world's toughest, fastest, and most fearless skaters will descend on downtown Saint Paul to take on the most intimidating ice cross downhill course ever created for the U.S. qualifier of the 2012 Red Bull Crashed Ice World Championship . With more than three weeks of construction, the 1,400-foot frozen track wraps around the Cathedral of Saint Paul before plummeting down its steps towards the Mississippi River.

Who: Athletes will come from around the world to race in Saint Paul, which is the first stop in the 2012 World Championship Series. Among the standouts competing are twice World Champion, Artu Philhainen, of Finland, and a fleet of Red Bull Crashed Ice veterans from all over the world. This year, however, the American team will be a force to be reckoned with. The U.S. competitors were selected through a series of Qualifiers held nationwide. They range from teens to middle age, both men and women, with backgrounds ranging from ice hockey to rugby, speed skating to downhill skiing, and football to boarder cross.

Where: In front of the Cathedral of Saint Paul in Downtown Saint Paul, Minnesota.

The event was free, so after a drink at the Muddy Pig for warmth, we headed towards the Cathedral.  After a brisk 15 minute walk from the bar, we were greeted with this brightly lit starting line.

 It was quite crowded by the start. With 80,000 people in attendance, working our way through to find a good viewing spot was a challenge of its own. We finally made our way to a midway point on the course, where we could see two hills, and the "big turn".

The event was fascinating to watch. It seemed pretty dangerous, with several falls and tumbles, and the skaters were moving an incredible speeds. It was fun to observe this "fresh new fit". I could appreciate the athleticism of the participants, as well as the extreme physical challenge of the event. It might not be my type of "favorite fit" but I was happy to have the opportunity to enjoy the spectacle. 

Time to bundle up! 

It was about 16 degrees- quite cold to be standing outside, so I was bundled up in my "sleeping bag coat" (i.e. Patagonia Women's Down With It Parka), hat (The Gap), scarf (gifted), Hunter boots with the warm socks underneath, and jeans. 

Our friend Mason bundled up in a classy all black ensemble, complete with scarf and earmuffs. 

And ladies..he's single!

Dustin wore his Hunker Down Mountain Hardware Jacket, Dale of Norway Fjord hat, jeans, and Waxed Canvas Maine Hunting Shoes from LL Bean

 

For more information on the Red Bull Crashed Ice, check out this website: http://www.redbull.com/cs/Satellite/en_INT/Red-Bull-Crashed-Ice/001242785030624

Failed Fit- Treadmill time....

By Jessie

Last Thursday, I was at work late, and ended up missing my second scheduled kettlebell class. I needed to "fit fitness" in somehow. I thought about running outside, but unfortunately our 50 degree heat wave was over. The temperature had fallen quite a bit, and as I left my office around 7 pm, the blustering wind and 6 degree temperatures quickly eliminated my fitness motivation.

So, I decided to break down and hit the treadmill. I have a membership at LA Fitness-

It's not a great gym- there is no towel service. You have to bring your own lock for the lockers. There is nothing fancy about this gym. But there are multiple convenient locations for me, and membership is only about $30/month. Between my Corepower packages, run club membership, and other random fitness expenses, $30/month "fits the bill.".

So, there I was- on the treadmill. Why is it so much harder than running outside? What sort of things could make it better?

Even though I didn't follow my own advice on that boring treadmill run, I do have some tips and advice to share for surviving the "dreadmill":

Run with a friend: I've posted in the past about the benefits of running with a run club . Running with your friends can definitely keep you going. In these dark, winter months, a group of run club ladies have started a facebook group that allows us to post about whether we'll be making it to run club on a particular night. Posting a message to all the girls that you'll be there holds you accountable. The treadmill doesn't allow for the same opportunities for "commitment", but you can still help pass the time with the company of a friend. If you and a friend belong to the same gym, get her to run on the treadmill next to you. You can motivate each other and provide distraction to make your workout time go by faster. And one great thing about treadmill running with friends is that you don't have to be the same pace, so you can run with friends who you wouldn't normally run with outside!

Try an interval workout. Rather than running at a constant pace, mix up your run with hard and easy segments. It can be as simple as: A five-minute warm-up followed by three sets of four-minute intervals (two minutes of hard running and two minutes of easy running), followed by a five-minute cool-down. Personally, I find myself staring at that timer on the treadmill, slowly counting down the minutes, and they never seem to go fast enough. Splitting the miles into these short segments can really make the time go faster.

Zone out. This is an easy one. Unlike running outside, treadmill running doesn't require that you pay close attention to your surroundings. You don't even have to think about your route. So running on a treadmill gives you a chance to lose yourself in the rhythm of your breathing or your pounding feet. Try blocking out everything around you and enter a peaceful, relaxing state. Just don't get caught being a "starer" as discussed in this article (The 7 Jerks You Meet in Every Gym)

Do a pyramid workout. The time flies by during this treadmill workout because you're paying so much attention to your interval times. After a 5-minute warm-up, run hard (5K pace) for one minute, recover one minute; run hard two minutes, recover two minutes; run hard three minutes, recover two minutes; run hard four minutes, recover two minutes; run hard five minutes, recover two minutes. Then work your way back down the "pyramid" and run hard four minutes, recover two minutes; run hard three minutes, recover two minutes; run hard two minutes, recover two minutes; run hard one minute, recover one minute. End the workout with a 5-minute cooldown.

Listen to music. Listening to music on the treadmill can be a great way to combat boredom and run longer. LL posted about the motivational aspects of running with music here. I don't usually run with headphones outside, but I definitely recommend it for the treadmill. Choose motivating songs and create a playlist for your workout -– it will help prevent you from continually checking the clock to see how much more you have to go.

Alternate with another cardio machine. Try breaking up your run by alternating with the bike or elliptical trainer. If you want to do a 40-minute cardio workout, run on the treadmill for 10 minutes and then jump on another machine for 10 minutes, and keep alternating until you've reached your total goal time. If you run on a treadmill at home and that's your only cardio machine, try running up and down the stairs for five minutes, in between running segments.

Throwing a Fit: Fancy Faux Fur

By: LL
As I prepare to attend a wedding in Chicago this weekend, and the snow falls and the wind blows bitterly strong off of Lake Michigan, I realized that I would be in desperate need of a nice fur (faux, of course) jacket/shrug/shawl, which would be the perfect outerwear accessory for the black tie event. Since I am short, a full length coat would overwhelm me, but these smaller pieces would be the right fit. Here are a few that I am using to structure my shopping trip.

1. Coast Dulce Cropped Jacket ($69)
2. Coast Rachelle Shrug ($79)
3. Vintage 60s Glendoit Cropped Jacket ($250)
4. Michael Kors Jacket ($169)

Many of these styles have 3/4 sleeves, which will not be an issue when it comes to warmth when paired with elbow length leather gloves, such as these:

1. Opera Length Kid Leather Gloves (Nordstrom, $85)

2. Elbow Length Scrunch Gloves (Mossimo, $20)

This look is vintage, reminiscent of the 1920s and 1930s, but contemporary and perfect outerwear to pair with my LTB for a winter wedding.

Fits Do Race Reviews: Upcoming Race Schedule Spring 2012

By Jessie

Spring in Minnesota offers up several great races, from 5k's, 10k's, 10 milers, 1/2 marathons, to anything and everything in between. Of course, runners can't do them ALL; both physically and financially, that would be quite a challenge. So here is a list of the races I have on my spring calendar. Please share your experiences with any of  these races if you have some tips!

Goldy's Run 10 miler
When: Saturday, April 14

http://www.goldysrun.com/

"Join thousands of runners as they weave through campus and along the Mississippi River with a spectacular finish on the football field at TCF Bank Stadium where you can witness your own finish on one of the biggest screens in college football."

I believe this is only the second year for this race, and definitely my first year participating. Finishing in the Gopher stadium sounds awesome, and 10 miles is a fun distance for a race.
Have any of you done this race? Any feedback?

Crazylegs 8k
When: Saturday, April 28:

http://www.crazylegsclassic.com/

Crazylegs is an 8K race (4.97 miles) that starts at Wisconsin's State Capitol Square, winds through the University of Wisconsin and ends at Camp Randall on the UW Badgers football field. This is a HUGE race for this college town and almost everyone (runner or non runner!) seems to do it. This is my second year running this awesome event. LL has run it several times, and she always organizes a team "Runnin4Beer". Last year was my first time participating, as we all ran it as part of LL's bachelorette celebrations.

Finish line in Camp Randall

A few of the other sisters pre-race


My dad even ran this one!

Unlimited beer at the finish..Wisconsin style!

Lake Minnetonka 1/2 Marathon
When: Sunday, May 6

http://www.lakeminnetonkahalfmarathon.com/

With a rich history among distance runners and tremendous support from the community, the Wells Fargo Lake Minnetonka Half Marathon Presented by OptumHealth Performance has become one of the premier half marathons in and beyond the state of Minnesota. 

The Lake Minnetonka Half Marathon features a beautiful race course that starts in downtown Wayzata (MN) and ends at the Commons Park in Excelsior (MN) - featuring stunning views of Lake Minnetonka along the way.

This is my first year running this half as well. Many of my run club friends have participated in this one. It's a hilly course, but quite a scenic one. Usually the weather is quite nice for a 1/2, although last year it was SNOWY in May!

TC 1 Mile

When: Thursday, May 17
https://www.tcmevents.org/events/medtronic_tc_1_mile/

The Medtronic TC 1 Mile is the second largest road mile in the country! Join thousands of runners and race down Nicollet Mall in downtown Minneapolis, and then stay to cheer on elite runners competing in the USA 1 Mile Road Championship!

This is my second year with this race, and it is a FUN one. When else would you race just ONE mile? And it's organized quite perfectly, where the elite runners run after the open field, so the rest of us can spectate during the excitement of the 1 mile championships! Last year, both Ryan Hall and his wife partcipated, and it was quite inspirational to watch. It's held on a Thursday night at 6:50 pm, right along Nicollet Mall, and finishes in close proximity to several great bars for a post-race beer or two!

Marathon to Marathon
When: Saturday, June 9

http://www.marathon2marathon.com/

Come celebrate the 17th Anniversary of the Marathon to Marathon on June 9, 2012! This Heartland USA Classic is USA Track and Field Certified and Sanctioned, and it attracts many athletes from in and around the state. Come and enjoy small town friendliness and big time fun.

And here's the big finale for Spring 2012, the "Marathon to Marathon". This tiny marathon runs from Storm Lake, IA to Marathon, IA, along country roads and through rustic rural towns. And one of the benefits of a small town race? The price! This marathon has a $50 registration fee (take that, NYC marathon, with your $255 registration fee!) In fact, I think this is one of the cheapest races out of all the above scheduled events this spring.

So that's my plan for spring 2012. What races do you have planned?

Fit the Bill: LC at Kohl's

By: LL
Over the past few years, I have heard about how Lauren Conrad (of the Laguna Beach/Hills notoriety) was designing an affordable line for Kohl's Department Stores. I don't venture into Kohl's that often, not anything against the store, rather that they are stand alone and not easily accessible (I like to shop where I can hit multiple stores and only deal with the car once). Anyway, I came across a few LC items on Pinterest, a social media site where users can "pin" things that they like from different websites, and share them with friends in specific categorized "boards." The items that I saw were cute and girly with a sophisticated edge. I was intrigued and headed over to the Kohl's website to have a look at her newest line.  I was happy to discover that the majority of her line looks just as fun and whimsical as what I saw on Pinterest. And, the items definitely fit the bill - especially with all the sales and "Kohl's Cash" specials that the store runs on a regular basis.

Here are some of my favorite pieces from her newest line:

1. Tulip Headband ($20.00)

2. Chiffon-Edged Sweater Dress  ($58.00)

3. Dot Jacquard Shorts ($50.00)

4. Crystal Bird Bracelet ($16.00)

5. Pep-Toe Platform Wedges ($69.99)

These are some of the great items that will add a feminine flair to any wardrobe - and at all less than $75, they definitely fit the bill. Just try to get to them fast as Kohl's has a tendency to sell out quickly!

Throwing a Fit: The Color of H&M

By: LL
One annoyance to living where I do - there is no H&M within 250 miles. And for those of you who have never lived in such a location, that means no H&M because the online store is not available in the US. So, I have to quitely lust after the great pieces for great prices that I can see online, and on other fashion blogs.

Take for example the other day, Kendi from Kendi Everyday shared a photo via Instagram of her wearing a brightly colored pair of matchstick jeans - purchased from H&M. I have been throwing a fit for a pair of bright J Brand jeans (green, blue, and red), so I was very excited to learn about this bargain pair from H&M. Which led me to peruse the H&M website and throw a fit over the multiple bright solids available to those of you lucky ones with a store nearby. These colors will be perfect over the next few months as we head into spring, paired with a neutral solid or printed pattern. Here are a few of my favorites:

1. Blazer in Papaya ($49.95)
2. Fitted Sheath Dress in Green ($34.95)
3. 5-Pocket Slim Fit Stretch Pants in Pink ($24.95)
4. Chambray Pencil Skirt ($29.95)

These are great deals, and they can be worn now and carried into the spring. To those of you who can - take advantage of these options, which I can only throw a fit over.

Fitting Debate: Short vs. Long Hair

By Jessie

Short or long? That is my current hair debate. I chopped my hair in 2007, right before I got engaged. Of course, I then wanted it long again right away to be able to wear a traditional updo for the wedding, so I have been growing it since then. As I prepared for my upcoming hair appointment, I was strongly considering whether to go short again.

In theory, short hair sounds like it should be less maintenance. But in my experience, long hair is easier. Bic bands ,  headbands, and ponytails are easy options when you're short on time. With short hair, you always have to style it. You can't just throw it back and go. It's a part of your whole look, and it's difficult to vary that look with a short style.

My short hair in 2007....

My long hair...

LL has varied her look as well. She had a very chic short 'do in 2008 at my wedding, 

but she also rocks her long locks quite well.

I decided to ease into the option of short hair this time around.

Here are the "before and after pics"

Granted, it was only 3-4 inches, but I'm easing into it, remember?

I plan to schedule another appointment for late spring. 

Until then, I will continue to browse celebrity pictures and try to determine if short or long is the answer. I feel that there must be the perfect, "wake-up-and-go" haircut out there. Is it a bob? A pixie cut?

Til then, I'll keep stocking up on BIC bands to prepare for the inevitable bad hair day.

How about a seasonal Gingerbread BIC band?

FYI, in the "before and after" pics, the sweater is from Anthropologie. 

The necklace is an LL Original- Contact her if you're interested in something similar!