Fits on the Road- Big Sky, Montana

By Cool J in Minneapolis

Sorry readers for the lack of posts since Sunday. LL and I are hitting the slopes in Big Sky, Montana, but stay tuned to hear about the adventures of LL and Cool J as we reunite on the mountain!

Featured Fit: Rent the Runway!

By Cool J in Minneapolis

Have you heard of Rent the Runway?
Rent the Runway is the premier online destination for access to your dream closet. With a revolving roster of over 160 top designers of the season's hottest dresses and accessories, Rent the Runway is designer fashion delivered to your doorstep for all of life's occasions for just a fraction of the price!
       
Basically, Rent the Runway is like borrowing clothes from your friend's closet, if your friend had thousands of amazing designer dresses in your size....and if that friend made you pay her to borrow a dress.

Okay, so maybe not quite the same as borrowing from a friend, but this service does allow you to have a new dress for every occasion. Personally, I have a lot of dresses that I have only worn once or twice. I do have some (like I wrote about in this POST) that I wear again and again, but many times, I buy a dress for a wedding, and rarely wear it again.

So why even buy it? Just RENT it! And then you can wear a high-end designer for less than you would have paid for a different dress that you only wear once or twice.

My friend Penny gave me a coupon she had received for $50 off of Rent the Runway, so I decided to give it a try for my friend Vicki's wedding.

I selected the Christian Siriano "Taking Over Sheath." Do you remember Christian from Project Runway?

The dress was bright (LOVE!!) and seemed like a pretty flattering fit from the pictures. 

*Apparently this dress retails at $1200! I rented it for a fraction of that price.

The Rent the Runway website includes customer reviews with pictures of real people who rented the dresses, and they offer up honest feedback as to how each dress fits. I was able to see the way other (non-models) looked in the dress, and I thought it was a good dress for this winter wedding at a local winery...(yes, a winery in Minneapolis!)

When renting a dress, you can chat with a stylist for tips on how to accessorize. They also rent purses and jewelry to complete your look. The best part? When renting, you can select two sizes, in case one doesn't fit. And if both do not fit, you can return them and get your money back.

My dress arrived on Friday in a big box.

Inside the box was a dress bag...

And then my two dresses! 

 It was free to order two sizes, and thank god I did. The size 4 was way, way too small, and the 6 was even questionable. With a pair of SPANX I was able to zip it up, but it was tight. Apparently, in runway sizes, I'm an 8...I guess the J.Crew sizing is just a BIT off.  Good information when trying to find the RIGHT FIT for me.

I wore the dress to my friend Vicki's wedding last night. Though I couldn't laugh heartily (since it was too tight around the ribcage) I still made it work Project Runway style. Tim Gunn would be pleased!

Will I rent through Rent the Runway again? I'm not sure. Clearly, my biggest problem was not knowing what size to order.  I think I'd prefer renting from "For The Night." (Read Msp/St. Paul magazine's review of For the Night here.)  "For the Night" is a local store with the same premise, but the big difference is that you can try on the dress before you rent.  However, it sounds like the For The Night is still building their inventory. One great thing about Rent the Runway is that they have a HUGE inventory, and they carry the dresses is a multitude of sizes.

I do think my sizing problem was my own fault. I could have read the sizing information a little closer, and not made assumptions based on what I thought I should be wearing. I should have known with a fitted sheath dress that I should err on the bigger size. Let's be honest, those Girl Scout cookies are a bit too tempting this winter! 

As for the wedding, it was so lovely. The venue was so unique (Warehouse Winery). The ceremony was held right in the same place as the rest of the reception. The vows and the ceremony and everything was so sweet and very touching. 

And I loved the bride's J.Crew wedding gown!

So beautiful Vicki!

We had a wonderful time at the wedding, and were so happy

 to be part of Nate and Vicki's special night.!

Garth and Reardon don't get a lot of press on the blog. 

They were both fans of Rent the Runway- well, at least fans of the box the dresses came in!

Failed Fit: When You Gotta Go, You Gotta Go....

By Cool J in Minneapolis

OMG, where is the nearest  bathroom? I need it now! 

Do you think that bush/tree/garbage can is big enough to hide me? 

What makes better toilet paper- a sock or a leaf?

If you have ever had to ask yourself these questions…rest assured, you are not alone.  In fact, maybe this is a sign that you are a TRUE runner.

Nearly pooped your pants on a run? Badge of honor.

Have you ever made an emergency stop at a steamy hot porta-potty on a 95 degree day? 

Have you zipped into the nearest coffee shop and bought a bottle of water just so you could use the bathroom?

Or maybe you know exactly which coffee shops/community centers/churches are runner friendly?

You, my friend, are a runner.

Of course, I am not speaking from personal experience. LL and Cool J are classy ladies, who would never discuss POOP (ew, ew, ew!) on their Fashion, Fitness, and Fitness Fashion blog!

But I have heard some stories from ‘friends’. As expected, these friends would prefer to remain anonymous, but here are some of those stories:

• There was a friend who was running with her dog, and had to use two plastic poop bags…and neither one was for the dog!

• Then there was the friend who was on the home stretch during a local marathon, and she ended up behind a somewhat famous church near the finish, popping a squat and praying for forgiveness!

• How can forget about my friend who ran the Lake Minnetonka half marathon several years ago with her husband? At one point, the husband sprinted off into the woods and came back without a shirt on…. Apparently, that shirt also worked as toilet paper in an emergency!

Why does this happen?

Running jostles your stomach and all that jostling around is tough on the intestines. Every one’s digestive system is different, and everyone’s tolerance for certain foods is different. Running creates physical stress on the body’s systems, and the stress increases with mileage and intensity. And when blood flow that's needed for digestion is diverted to the legs, an “emergency situation” might ensue.

Most of the time the stress from training is a good thing; hopefully the body adapts, then you become stronger and fitter. Hopefully as it adapts, you may find that these “situations” will decrease or even stop.

What should runners do?

• Keep track of what you eat: Try keeping a food diary with your running journal. Look for patterns as to when you have had these issues. Is it timing? Lactose? Or maybe it’s more obvious, and it’s that greasy pizza you had for lunch or that Indian food you had last night (never a good idea!) Caffeine, sugar, artificial sweeteners, dairy, gluten, and fiber are possible suspects. Try to figure out patterns, and then eliminate those items before a run.
• Plan Ahead: You might try using the treadmill or run near your house as a warm-up until you use the bathroom; then, hit the road to complete the rest of your run.
• Hydrate: A lot of runners say that they experience these ugly situations when they are not hydrated. It is always important to be well hydrated, but it might also help to avoid the runner’s trots.
• Limit Fiber Intake: Fiber is good for you, but you may want to choose when you eat your high fiber meals versus when you decide to go for a hard run
• Run Near Bathrooms: Hello! There are usually a lot of bathrooms around the lakes on my running routes, but even so, they are not always there when you need them. Try your best to plan on running along a route that includes bathrooms at various points. 
• Gradually increase your workout intensity: A lot of the time, runners experience GI problems simply due to the fact that they are training too hard too fast. Instead, try to gradually increase your workout intensity. 

What about race day? I can’t spare the 3-5 minutes at the bathroom if I want to obtain my marathon goal!

Ask your doctor about taking anti-diarrhea medications (Imodium/Pepto Bismol). This may help you get through race day without worrying. I’m sure that your race will have port-o-potties at the start, the finish, and along the course, too. But, you can be prepared just in case by carrying a small amount of toilet paper with you in a zip lock bag.

I’m guessing not a lot of readers will comment on this topic- it IS a little embarrassing, I know. Even if you follow these tips, you might still have a bad experience. But don’t fret!  Lots of runners experience this issue, and most of us have that one horribly funny story to share. Ask around- I bet your running friends have a story or two!

Fundamental Fit: Shoveling Snow

By LL (in Kansas City)

I know when I say this, all of you who live farther north in the Midwest are rolling your eyes. My Minnesota and Wisconsin friends and family are wondering what happened to this Wisconsin girl. But, yesterday's KC snowstorm was horrible - over 10 inches of snow in less than 4 hours!

For a town that hasn't seen double digit snow falls in almost 2 decades (and a girl who hasn't driven in snow since 2009), this storm was huge! Even if we would have received the same amount of snow over a longer period of time, the city just does not have the snow removal system in place to manage it. My office closed early and this was my commute home:

After struggling through closed interstates for over 2 hours (when my commute is normally 25 minutes), I got stuck at the end of my driveway, so my husband and I were forced to get outside right away to clear our driveway and get my car out of harm's way. We worked furiously to clear out over 10 heavy inches...no snowblowers, just two shovels. 

An hour's worth of work later, with a broken shovel (my husband's, not mine), we had managed to clear the path for my car to get into the driveway and meet our HOA's minimum sidewalk clearance requirements. But as we dragged our sweaty, sore selves inside, I learned that we burned an average of 408 calories in that one hour. The equivalent to 5.2 glasses of wine (3.5 fl oz) or 1.5 Snickers bars. I went with a glass of wine! So much for my lazy streak. I'm back at the cardio!

Fitting Remarks: Horizontal Running

By LL in Kansas City

I must admit that I have been fairly lazy the last week. A busy work schedule and bad cold have kept me from doing my usual fitness routine. Even though I am normally very motivated and dedicated to my cardio, I'm feeling a bit like Fat Amy..."Um yeah, don't put me down for the cardio." Instead, this has been a week of horizontal running...similar to vertical, right?

{Pitch Perfect}

Fit Fanatic: Dome Delight!

By Cool J in Minneapolis

Another cold day in Minneapolis means another workout at the Dome!

I gave you all the gory details in this POST, but here are the basics and some useful links again:

http://runmdra.org/files/Dome_Handout_11-12.pdf

http://www.runmdra.org/index.php/programs/12-dome-running

Every Tuesday and Thursday through March 21    MDRA (Minnesota Distance Running Association) sponsored Dome running begins on Tuesday, November 20, 2012. Dome running is open every Tuesday and Thursday evening from 5:00 - 8:00 p.m., cost is $1. Every Tuesday/Thursday through March 21.  The MDRA turns the Metrodome into the place to be twice a week during the dark,cold and icy winter nights!  Running is from 5:00-8:00 p.m. each Tuesday and Thursday and it costs $1.  2 1/2 laps around the concourse equals a mile.  Enter gate D. You can park free in the upper Dome lot.  The weather wasn't quite as cold today as the last time I went to the Dome, but the winds were brutal. A dome workout seemed like a good choice! There was a mix of people training for Boston, Green Bay, Minneapolis, San Diego, Grandma's, and Newport so Coach Paul offered up a few different workout options. For Newport, we ran a 5 lap warmup. Then we did 3 laps at tempo interval pace, and then a 1 minute break. We did this circuit 3 times, and then a 4 lap cool down. {Jen and I running our tempo intervals} It was a challenging workout, but it felt good to work up a good sweat in shorts! Jen pointed out that it was motivating to be around all the speedy runners who were also doing workouts, and I definitely agreed. Yet I also like the Dome because it feels like it's your own workout. No one really knows what lap you're on, and people are going both directions. The inner runners are going one direction, and the outer runners are going the other. Who knows who's going how fast...it's all individual. {Yay for Dome running!} We must have been running too fast for my (cheap) new camera to catch us, ha! Actually, I picked up a cheap camera for blogging, as apparently I've been a little rough on our other camera....so stay tuned for many more blurry running pictures!

Fitting Remarks: When To Replace Running Shoes

By Cool J in Minneapolis

I recently purchased a new pair of Brooks Adrenalines, and I plan to track my mileage closely with this pair. Historically, I have usually replaced the shoes around 400 miles, but maybe I should be doing so earlier?

According to a recent article in the NY Times, I could be risking injury by not replacing the shoes more frequently.

Thanks to a run club friend for finding this article!

Source: http://well.blogs.nytimes.com/2013/02/18/when-to-retire-a-running-shoe/?ref=health

When to Retire a Running Shoe:
Ryan Hall, one of the world’s best distance runners, used to pride himself on wearing his running shoes into nubs. No more. Now he assiduously replaces his shoes after running about 200 miles in them. He goes through two pairs a month.

“I know that my shoes could probably handle a couple of hundred more miles before they are worn out, but my health is so important to me that I like to always make sure my equipment is fresh,” he said.

Of course Mr. Hall, sponsored by Asics, does not have to pay for his shoes. Most of the rest of us do, and at around $100 a pair they aren’t cheap. Yet we are warned constantly to replace them often, because running in threadbare shoes may lead to injuries that can take months to heal.

So here’s a simple question: How do you know when your shoes are ready for those discard bins in gyms? And if you do get injured, is it fair to blame your shoes?

My friend Jen Davis runs more than 100 miles a week, like Mr. Hall, but has a different set of criteria for getting rid of shoes. One is that if they smell bad even after she washes them in her washing machine , it’s time for a new pair. She estimates she puts 500 miles on each pair of shoes.

Henry Klugh, a running coach and manager of The Inside Track, a running store in Harrisburg, Penn., says he goes as far as 2,000 miles in some shoes. He often runs on dirt roads, he said, which are easier on shoes than asphalt is and do not compress and beat up the midsole as much.

My coach, Tom Fleming, has his own method. Put one hand in your shoe, and press on the sole with your other hand. If you can feel your fingers pressing through, those shoes are worn out — the cushioning totally compressed or the outer sole worn thin.

As for me, I my practice has been to keep track of the miles I run with each pair and replace them after 300 miles. Who is right? Maybe none of us. According to Rodger Kram, a biomechanics researcher at the University of Colorado, the theory is that you must change shoes before the ethylene vinyl acetate, or E.V.A., that lines most running shoe insoles breaks down.

“Think of a piece of Wonder Bread, kind of fluffy out of the bag,” he said. “But smoosh it down with the heel of your palm, and it is flat with no rebound.”

A moderate amount of cushioning improves running efficiency, he has found. But as to whether cushioning prevents injuries, he said, “I doubt that there are good data.”

Dr. Jacob Schelde, of Odense University Hospital in Denmark, has looked for clinical trials that address the cushioning and injury question — and has found none. He’s applying for funds to do one himself, a 15-month study with 600 runners.

Dr. Schelde did find a study on injury rates among runners, published in 2003, that had some relevant data even though it was not a randomized clinical trial and shoe age was not its main focus. The study was large and regularly tested runners in a 13-week training program. The researchers failed to find any clear relationship between how long running shoes were worn and a runner’s risk of injury.

It also is difficult to find good data on how long E.V.A. insoles last. But one exhaustive study, led by Ewald Max Hennig of the biomechanics laboratory at University of Duisburg-Essen in Germany, involved 18 years of shoe testing from 1991 to 2009. The researchers measured the performance of 156 shoe models worn by runners. Dr. Hennig and his colleagues wrote that the sort of mechanical testing that shoe manufacturers do to evaluate cushioning materials does not reflect what happens when people actually run.

Over the years, running shoe quality steadily improved, the researchers reported. The shoes also changed as running fads waxed and waned. Shock attenuation, for example, diminished starting around 2000, when there was talk of shoes providing too much cushioning.

Then, when cushioning became fashionable again, it returned. But so did minimalist shoes designed for the barefoot running fad, which have almost no cushioning.

In Europe, the researchers reported, people typically wear shoes for about 600 miles. But their studies indicated that shoes could last much longer.

Most shoemakers, of course, would prefer to see us trade in sooner. Kira Harrison, a spokeswoman for Brooks, said shoes should last for 400 to 500 miles. The very light models last about 300 miles, she said.

Biomechanical studies have shown that after those distances the shoes lose their bounce, she said: “Everyone in the industry knows that standard.”

Gavin Thomas, a Nike spokesman, said a shoe’s life span depended on the type of shoe — lightweight or more heavily cushioned — and on the runner’s weight and running style. Those who are light on their feet can wear shoes longer than those who pound the ground. Those who run on soft surfaces can keep their shoes longer.

After 300 or 400 miles, Mr. Thomas said, a typical shoe worn by a typical runner will not feel the way it used to, a sign it is worn out.

But Golden Harper, developer of Altra running shoes and founder of the company, said any advice on mileage was “a lot of malarkey.” Mr. Harper, a distance runner, said most runners could feel when their shoes need to be replaced. “You get a sense for it,” he said. “Nothing hurts, but it is going to soon.”

So when should you retire those faithful running shoes, and what happens if you don’t? Despite the doomsday warnings, no one really knows. And with so many variables — type of shoe, runner’s weight, running surfaces, running style — there may never be a simple answer.

But we can take comfort in Dr. Hennig’s work. Even people like Henry Klugh, who put in many more miles than most guidelines suggest may still be fine. Their shoes may still be performing.

Failed Fit? Snowboarding in the Midwest...

By Cool J in Minneapolis

Hi readers! How was your weekend? Mine is still continuing on, as I have off of work tomorrow for President's Day. Woo-hoo!

Weekly recap?
Lots of running here.
Monday- morning run with Abby and Kelly
Tuesday- morning run with Abby and Kelly
Wednesday- complete rest day. I had planned to go to kettlebells, but got stuck at work. Failed fit!
Thursday- Valentine's Day morning tempo run with a great group of gals!
Friday- short run on the treadmill and Body Pump (read about Body Pump HERE)
Saturday- 14 mile run
Sunday- snowboarding

I made a rookie mistake of taking a body pump class at the Y on Friday night before my long run. Though the class isn't that tough, it is a lower body workout, and my legs were definitely feeling tired on Saturday's long run. I will be sure to take Friday as a complete rest day going forward. No reason to compromise my long runs.

The D-man and I have been meaning to head to a local ski hill at least once before we head to Big Sky, Montana with LL and her husband in a few weeks. As LL wrote about here, she's been doing some exercises to prepare her legs, but I just needed to hit the slopes a few times to remember how it feels!

A fellow run clubber also wanted to go, but he didn't want to drive too far, so we let him decide where to go. Normally, we head to Afton Alps, which is about an hour from Minneapolis. However, there are a few"hills" that are closer to the city, such as Hyland Hills which is where we ended up. Hyland Hills is only 10 minutes from our house. It's close, and a pass is really cheap (only $30!)

However...it was CRAZY busy. The lift lines were long, and the runs were short. And the lifts kept getting stalled. And unfortunately the hill was very small.

I know, I know, I live in Minnesota, why am I surprised? But I do think other local hills are a bit more challenging (like Afton Alps, Wild Mountain, and Welch Village) but for the price and the proximity, I really shouldn't complain. I probably shouldn't call it a failed fit. It was still an active day, full of fresh air and some fresh snow. I was happy to have the opportunity to regain that muscle memory for snowboarding.

We had a nice time; the sun was shining, the temperature was in the 30's, and I felt happy to be outside enjoying the winter in an active way (other than running for once!)

I take back calling this a failed fit. Truthfully, I'm happy to have been able to go, even if it's not that interesting of terrain. It was still good practice for Big Sky.

LL, can't wait to hit the slopes with you soon!

Give Your Heart Some Lovin'

By LL

It's Valentine's Day. Whether that statement makes you cringe, roll your eyes, feel depressed, feel happy or flat out feel nothing, well that doesn't matter. Today is a day to give your heart some tender lovin' care, not just because it is Valentine's Day, but also because February is American Heart Month.

According to the World Health Organization, nearly 17 MILLION people die of cardiovascular disease each year. And, cardiovascular disease is the leading cause of death in both men and women, with 1 in every 4 deaths caused by heart disease in 2009! Those are some scary statistics, especially when you have multiple risk factors - high cholesterol, poor diet, genetics....with the number one risk factor being a sedentary lifestyle.

So, why not give your heart a little lovin' on Valentine's Day? Get up and do a little extra physical activity today. Tack on an extra mile to your run. Add some strength training at the end of your usual cardio routine. Run up the stairs at work (after this post I would hope none of you are still taking the elevator). Add ankle rolls and leg lifts while sitting at your desk. Better yet, make a conscious effort to stand most of the day instead of sitting. Already got your workout in this morning? Add a shorter workout in after work.

Simply getting 20-30 minutes of moderate (we're not talking distance running or killer cardio routines here, more like walking or bike riding) physical activity each day has been shown to improve your HDL cholesterol, increase insulin sensitivity (which decreases your risk of diabetes), reduces your risk of heart disease (heart lovin') and some forms of cancer, and (the real kicker for Valentine's Day), it can boost your sex drive!

Don't wait for someone else to take care of your heart today. Do it yourself.

Functional Fit: Exercises for Skiing

{Jess and me - Big Sky 2012}

By LL

As Jess and I (and our husbands) prepare for our annual ski trip, I have begun to worry about how crippled I will be after my first day out in the powder of Big Sky. Normally, my husband and I would have spent a few days at a local "hill" to give our muscles a chance to be conditioned. Unfortunately, with us not living near good ski hills and having a mild winter where the one ski hill in the state hasn't been open more than a few days, I realized that I needed to resort to another form of conditioning. That is when I stumbled across these exercises to help tone the lower body for skiing.

Fitness Magazine's Winter Workout provides 10 exercises to tone abs and lower body. They are easy to do and quick to add to your current cardio routine.

We all know that even with the most extensive fitness routine (running 10+ miles/day; taking 60 min spin classes 4 times/week, etc.), getting out and doing something completely different can be a killer. At least these exercises help to specifically target the muscles that we use in winter sports. And these come with a certification...at least my husband's. He was an alpine ski racer up through college and says that they used many similar exercises in their dry practices.

Fitting Remarks: When Does a Route Become a Route?

By Cool J in Minneapolis

I have quoted from “The Runner's Rule Book: Everything a Runner Needs to Know--And Then Some…” by Mark Remy (buy it HERE) multiple times in the past. I highly recommend this fun little book to all my running friends!

Lately I’ve been reading this book in the AM before Kelly arrives, and we head out for a morning run to meet up with Abby- (I love our little routine!) Reading this book beforehand wakes me up, makes me chuckle, and reminds me that running is FUN and FUNNY.

This morning, I read Rule 1.58:

Here it goes (sourced again from THIS BOOK)

“A Route is a Route When it Becomes a Route.” 

If this sounds like circular logic, that’s because it is. 

It also happens to be the best answer to the question, “When does a running route, you know, become a route?- as opposed to just a series of roads, streets, and paths you happen to be using for your run?”

Anyone who has run for any length of time knows what I’m talking about. A real running route, or “loop” is greater than the sum of its parts. 

A route has a history, a personality, a name. A route can be short and sweet or long and ugly, urban or rural, hilly or flat or rolling. A good route, over time, becomes another member of your running group. A good route wears a groove into your collective psyche.

So: how do you know when a route truly becomes a route?

When two or more runners in your group can refer to it by name without confusion or further description.  When someone can suggest doing the Susan Seven, backward, or the Bait Shop Loop, or simply, Fifth Street, and everyone else just knows what that means…congratulations. You have a route.

5 Ways to name a Route

1. Based on its shape, as seen from above – sort of the inverse of the way ancient cultures used to name constellations (e.g. the Phone Loop, which when seen from the sky, looks like the outline of an old-fashioned phone)
2. Using the name of one or more of the streets or roads on the route (e.g. the Fifth Street Loop) 
3. In honor of a landmark or town on or near the route (e.g. Bait Shop)
4. In honor of people- often the runner who discovered or popularized the route in question (e.g. the Susan Seven)
5. Based on something totally unimaginative, yet good to know (e.g. the Hill Loop)

This ‘rule’ rang true for me and for my running pals this morning. Our morning running group has our “Minnehaha 10k” that we do quite a bit in the mornings. For the CBRC, we thought of a few truly established “routes” that all our run club members know:

• The Bunny
• The Downtown Loop
• Any combination of two lakes (A Calhoun/Harriet, a Cedar/Isles)
• Tyrol Hills
• The Kenwood Hill
• The Winter Hill
• The Bandshell
• The Capitol Run (Read all about the Capitol Run in this post!)
• The Cedar Bridges

Even from our house, the D-man and I have a few established “routes”. If I came in from a run, and he asked me how far I went, I’d just have to say, “the Harriet Loop” or “Just a Calhoun” and he’d immediately know how far I ran (5.5 miles or 4.2 respectively).

I know that SoCal bloggers like SkinnyRunner and OnceUponA(L)ime are always running the Backbay Loop, and I know that NYC runner Ali hits up the Reservoir and the Bridle Path.  (I honestly don’t know where these places are, but I know them from reading about them on their blogs!) 

Runners and their familiar routes are common with runners across the country. It’s part of the local dialect in a running community!

Tell me more about this "Bunny": I know that a lot of first-time long-runners with the CBRC are confused about the Bunny. What is the Bunny? Why do people tell you to make sure you “Touch the Bunny!” (yes, you have to pet the bunny, or this well-known 12 mile route  doesn’t count!)

THIS is the infamous bunny. 

It's located 6 miles from the Calhoun Beach Club, so a route to the bunny is a 12 mile out-and-back.

So tell me- what are your routes? Any funny named routes that you have heard?

Please share!

Weekly Recap/Completely Random Post

By Cool J in Minneapolis

Happy Sunday readers! 
I hope you are all enjoying your weekends, and if you're living in any of the areas affected by these winter storms, I hope you're staying safe and warm. Minneapolis is getting dumped with snow today. The D-man got in his workout by shoveling (thanks honey!) And I was able to fit in a workout at the Y, but I think the rest of the day will be spent inside, finishing up my book club selection for February...

{book club selection for February}

...and then walking over to our favorite neighbors to catch up on a few episodes of Girls.

This week was officially the first full week of training for Newport, so there was lots of running:
Monday: AM run with Abby
Tuesday: AM run with Monica and Lindsey in the fluffy (albeit challenging) snow
Wednesday: AM run with Lindsey and Jenna...then Lady Gaga at night!
Thursday: Kettlebells class at Balance Fitness
Friday: AM run with Abby & Kelly (and Matilda)
Saturday: Long run with a great group of girls at the CBRC
Sunday: treadmill run and then Body Pump at the Y

No complete rest days, and no yoga...failure on those two accounts.

I did wear my new Prasada tank from Athleta to Body Pump. You can find it HERE in pink, black, and light blue for $64. (I had a gift card to use, so I didn't pay that price.)

Yes, I did go to Lady Gaga on Wednesday at the Excel. I wasn't sure what to wear, so my coworker said "Just wear something bright!" so pink pants and a turquoise bubble necklace it was. (Apologies for the selfie). We grabbed a bit to eat first at George and the Dragon (quite yummy!)

The concert was a lot of fun, and there was some great people watching. She doesn't really have anything new out, so she played a lot of old songs, but that was fine with me!

Gaga dancers

Gaga at the Excel

More Gaga

My friend Tricia and I at the concert.

Lady Gaga was on Wednesday, so Thursday was definitely not a morning running day for me! I'm too old to stay out so late on a weeknight. Even by Friday, I was still tired. We had a very low key night, consisting of a quick stop at Marathon Sports for a new pair of Brooks Adrenalines, and some pre-long run carbs at Broder's Cucina next door.

I actually didn't wear the new pair of Brooks on Saturday for my long run, as I was worried that the new pair would be too slick on the snow. Most of the trails were cleared on Saturday, but there were definitely some slick spots still, and I was glad I had an older, worn-in pair for a bit more traction.

And Saturday night, we went to see the Book of Mormon at the Orpheum. SO hilarious! I highly recommend going to this play if you have the opportunity to do so. 

I wore this outfit again, so nothing too exciting, but we did have dinner beforehand at Borough, which was quite tasty.

Well, what a random post! What did you do this weekend? See any good plays lately?

Fits Do (Future) Race Reviews: Get Lucky!

By Cool J in Minneapolis

My spring race calendar has changed just a tiny bit since this post, where I listed the Securian Run, Goldy's 10 mile, Borgess Run for the Health of It Half Marathon in Kalamazoo, the TC 1 Mile, and of course the Newport Marathon.  There's just one change so far. Instead of Goldy's 10 mile, our coach put the Get Lucky 21k on the calendar (i.e. 21k= 13.1 miles).

 {said calendar- where Coach Paul put the Get Lucky Half.}

The Get Lucky is organized by Team Ortho, and is held on March 16, as close to St. Patrick's Day as possible. There is a 21k (half-marathon) and a 7k, both on the same day but in different locations.  The 21k starts at 8 a.m. at the Ford plant along the Mississippi River.

I ran the 7k in 2010, during my first training season with the Calhoun Beach Running Club. We were training for the Seattle marathon at the time. 

 {7k race in 2010}

This year, I registered for the half marathon, and good lordy, it's pricey! The half marathon is $67, and that's without any "additions." At check out, you can add winter hats, fashion headbands, baseball caps, racerback tanks, socks, drawstring bags, and probably more! 

I went with the basic registration. I totally understand the appeal of all the SWAG, but I was able to resist the temptation of all those goodies. I'll save my money for the goodies at the Newport Marathon in June!

However, even with the basic registration, you still receive an embroidered hoodie (which you receive before the race; hence why I already have mine), complete with finger loops to keep your hands warm.

It's a cute sweatshirt, but I think that's what you're really paying for with your registration.

The 21k course is in St. Paul:

It looks like there are two water stops that you pass by twice. There is music on the course, and fancy medals for the finishers (unlike the Securian Half that I just did, with no medals...though I'm used to running half marathons with no medals- totally fine with me)

What I like about Team Ortho is that they make running appealing and accessible to the mass market.  All the fancy SWAG, the medals, and the goodies are cool, and who doesn't want to run with friends and then enjoy a few cold ones at a post-race party? They are able to motivate more non-runners to get out there and run, which is great, in my opinion.

Details of said post-race party: One free glass of Finnegan's at Kieran's Irish Pub in Minneapolis, the Local in Minneapolis, Cooper Pub in St. Louis Park or the Liffey in St. Paul. Don't forget your ID!

Team Ortho organizes quite a few races in the Twin Cities area, and though they have had their challenges on some of these races, I have usually had positive experiences so far, and I'm excited to experience the "Get Lucky 21k." Hope to see you there!

Fit the Bill: Mint on a Budget

By: LL in KC

It's that time of year again...Shamrock Shakes are back at McDonald's for a limited time (until right after St. Patty's Day). Enjoying my first taste of minty goodness, I couldn't help but covet the awesome color of the shake. Yes, I've not only become a Shamrock Shake-aholic, but also a bit obsessed with the color mint. Here are a few of the awesome deals that I've recently found on mint-colored clothes.

Why not start at Target?!? This Mossimo Sleeveless Ponte Dress in Honeydew Green is perfect for spring and fits the bill at only $27.99.

Or how about the Basic Color-Blocked Skirt (with pockets) for only $24.99. (This one comes in petite and plus sizes, too!)

And who doesn't love a fitted blazer for only $29.95 from H&M?!?

Here is a cute mint striped scarf for only $6.95 at H&M.

H&M also has super skinny jeans in a mint acidy wash for only $19.95!

And Forever21 also has a cute Polka Dot Peplum for only $19.80.

And these adorable Scalloped High-Waisted shorts at Forever21 are only $17.80!

And how could I forget about shoes?!? Here is one of my favorite finds - only $89.95 Chinese Laundry Danger Zone pumps from Nordstrom.

But of course a necklace, too! There are a lot to choose from on Etsy.com, but this was one of my favorites:

{Buy it here}

So if you want to coordinate with your Shamrock Shake or pick out a cute outfit for St. Patty's Day that will easily work in your spring wardrobe, try one of these fitting options!