Fit Fanatic: St. George Marathon

By: Cool J
Some may say that I'm a bit of a fanatic when it comes to running. For a lot of people, a marathon is something you only do once. It's something that you check of your list of "things to do before I die", and that's the end of it. For me, I was hooked at the first finish line, and I keep coming back for more.  Tomorrow will be my 10th attempt at 26.2 miles, and each time the excitement, the emotions, and of course the finish line still get me...it's thrilling.
And now, it has become an opportunity for my husband and I to travel to unique locations and see their best 26.2 miles. No matter what happens at the race, it is always an experience.

This is the 35th year of the St. George marathon. At the expo, there was a tribute showing every finisher's t-shirt for the past 35 years. Here's a fun one from 1981- how cute, right? I wish they were selling some of these retro t-shirts- that would be a fantastic fit!

But alas, the 2011 shirt is more modern. Take a look...

Another perfect fit for fitness are BIC bands from Etsy. They have velvet on the underside, which really helps them stay in place. I always need my hair to stay TOTALLY out of my face. I see some ladies who run with their hair down, and it doesn't seem to bother them. But that would not work for this girl!

This particular 26.2 headband was not actually "BIC" brand, but you can check out the extensive selection of similar bands here

What about you? Do you ever exercise with your hair down? Any suggestions for keeping it out of your face?

And one more pic...Our gear bags included an advertisement for this 10k. Winner gets a free wedding! Now that's an incentive to become a fitness fanatic!

Featured Fit: Workin' Girl

By: LL
My work dress code is (supposed to be) business casual. But I have a boss that wears a suit, tie, cuff links, Florsheims, and even a pocket square(!!) to work EVERY DAY. So, that translates to me wearing a lot of tailored dresses, skirts, and blazers...and, of course, pumps. Due to the transitional weather (cool mornings, hot afternoons), I have been pairing blazers with a lot of dresses, such as seen here:

Dress: J. Crew (circa 2009)

Blazer: The Limited (Similar)

Bag: Coach (birthday gift 2010)

Pumps: Aldo (Similar)

Necklace: Handcrafted

Fit #8: St. George Marathon

By Jessie

This Saturday, my husband and I are running the St. George, Utah marathon. We are slowly trying to run a full marathon in every state. This is my 10th marathon, but only my 8th state:

1. Minnesota- (Twin Cities Marathon 2005, Twin Cities Marathon 2008)

2. Wisconsin- (Lakefront Milwaukee Marathon, 2010)

3. Missouri- (Go! St. Louis Marathon 2011)

4. Michigan- (Grand Rapids Marathon 2006)

5. Washington- (Rock n Roll Seattle Marathon 2010)

6. California- (Rock N Roll San Diego Marathon 2006, Big Sur Marathon 2009)

7. Illinois- (Chicago Marathon 2007)

8. Utah- (St. George Marathon 2011- ThIS WEEKEND!)

9. Tennessee- (St. Jude Memphis Marathon 2011 - December- with a visit to the Southern half of the Right Fits!)

St. George!
The marathon begins in the majestic Pine Valley mountains and descends nearly 2600 feet through scenic southwest Utah, to the beautiful Worthern Park. It is a challenging course with plenty of uphill along the way. The St. George Marathon is a point-to-point race. http://www.stgeorgemarathon.com/

Wish me luck!

Race Reviews: Women Run the Cities!

By Jessie

This past weekend, I ran the "Women Run the Cities" 10 mile. It's only a week before my marathon in St. George, Utah, but the schedule called for ten miles, so why not get a cool medal for doing it? I was careful not to push myself, since I really shouldn't be racing a week before the marathon.

The race was along the river road. The weather was PERFECT- a clear, cool, no wind day. I decided to just stick with the 8:30 pacer since this was not a race for me, just a training run. It was the pacer's first time pacing, and she and I bonded over the hour and twenty minutes. She's actually a manager at  Jamba Juice close to my work, and I definitely recognized her. The 10 miles flew by.

Since this was an "All-Female" race, there were lots of female empowerment signs like the below. It was very inspiring!

I'm hoping that the Southern half of "The Right Fits" comes up to join me for this race next year!

Failed Fit: Backless T-shirts

By: LL
A few weekends ago, my husband and I went to the Cooper-Young Festival. One of the best things about a festival - well, besides the excuse to eat large amounts of fried food and drink beer in the middle of the day - is people watching. And this particular festival always has a lot of unique fits to absorb - and a lot of BAD fits! We saw this particular fit walking ahead of us as we made our way past the vendor booths. It even took us a moment to realize, "yes, she IS wearing a shirt" - just a very baggy, backless t-shirt...with jeans...at a casual day festival! Neither the right fit for style or context. Let's keep the backless feature for cocktail dresses on dinner dates, shall we? This is definitely a Failed Fit.

Fit the Bill: Search for Chambray

By: LL

For about a year now, I have been searching for a chambray, long-sleeved button down that is well-fitted, the right shade, and affordable. I have come across a few different versions - most recently at J.Crew as seen here, Brooks Brothers seen here, and Ralph Lauren seen here. However, the style, color and price were not the right fits for me. Fortunately, I came across this option sold at Old Navy for only $24.50. 

Granted, the material is rather light-weight, which is perfect for the summer/fall transition, but not so great once I am back in the Midwest for the holidays. Either way, this chambray button down is a great temporary filler and works well with all the outfits that I am imaging in my head - including trying the denim on denim (or chambray on denim) as seen here. (Thanks, Jessica!) This shirt definitely fits the bill.

Help "Finalize" my Fit!

By Jessie

I have a monumental birthday coming up in mid-October...and what better excuse for a new ensemble? I ordered the below dress from TopShop, and now I need your help- how should I accessorize? I'm loving the red belt. Should I go with red pumps? If I wear red pumps, can I still wear tights? What color? It could be chilly, so perhaps brown tights and brown boots? What kind of necklace?

Fresh New Fit: Anyone up for the "Barre"

By: Jessie

A few weeks ago, I bought a Groupon to try 4 barre classes at Align Pilates. For $20, I could do 4 classes that normally cost $17/drop-in class. I only have one class left on this package deal, but Sunday mornings are "Save your bucks Sundays", so ALL classes are only $10! I decided to save my last official drop-in, and pay the $10- I will definitely be back after my package is done on a Sunday morning to feel the burn!

After a 15 mile long run on Saturday, the barre workout was a great option for cross training. It combines cardio, some weights (3 lb balls), mat Pilates, and lots of butt work on a traditional ballet barre. It felt great, and I would definitely recommend it to all ladies who are trying to eliminate that tricky "muffin top". My booty was quite sore the next day!

Top and headband: Lululemon Athletica
Pants: Lucy Activewear

Throwing a Fit: Houndstooth Blazers

By: LL
Even though it doesn't feel like fall in the Mid-South, the autumnal equinox is this Friday, so it is completely appropriate for me to be "throwing a fit" about houndstooth blazers. Like these:

A nice fitted blazer is a staple for any fall wardrobe, and depending on the cut and pattern, they normally transcend time. This fall, the houndstooth blazer, as seen here by Brooks Brothers or here by J.Crew, is a great classic piece that can be dressed up with a blouse and trousers for a work look, or dressed down with a t-shirt and a pair of dark denim jeans. A blazer is also good for the layering look, which I am always a fan of for fall. Now if only it would get colder in the Mid-South...

Featured Fit: Bachelor Farmer

By: Cool J
Last night, the husband and I decided to check out a new restaurant in the North Loop of Minneapolis - The Bachelor Farmer. Since this isn't a food blog, I won't get into too much detail about the meal. It was decent, but not one of our top 5 restaurants in the city. Dinner downtown did require something a little dressier, so I went with this get-up:

Top: TopShop
Pants: Gap
Necklace: Len Druskin Outlet
Shoes: Guess pumps from DSW
Purse: Charming Charlie's