FIts Do Product Reviews: The Athleta Forerunner Tank

Another great long run- complete!

Yesterday, I ran 14 miles with the Calhoun Beach Running Club (I'm training for the OBX Marathon in November!)  It wasn't nearly as humid as last week but still hot, and unfortunately our route did not include a lot of water fountains, so it definitely felt tough.

For a hot July long run, it's important to wear light weight clothes that whisk away all the sweat!

For my long run, I wore my new Athleta Forerunner Tank. It's on sale now for just $29.99 (regularly priced $49!). This is a great opportunity to snatch this tank up for a good price!

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The forerunner tank is available in aloha yellow, coral sunset, gray heather, white, and cerulean blue. I decided to purchase it in white, so I could pair it with a variety of shorts.

This tank is very light weight and dries very quickly. 

Here's one of the best features of the Forerunner Tank- it has a zippered pocket for your GU's or keys on the side! I love it!

I loved this tank so much on my long run that I am tempted to order a few more in other colors.

I paired the tank with a pair of Athleta Pulse shorts. These shorts are also currently on sale as well, for $34.99 (originally $49). This shorts were also great today on my long run, with the zippered pocket in back that fit two of my GU's.

I'm telling you, now is the time to do your online shopping at Athleta! You really can't beat the deals right now.  Move fast, as items are selling out quickly!

Friday's Favorite Fit: The Runner's World Cookbook

By Cool J in Minneapolis

"Friday's Favorite Fit" was on a short hiatus (I blame Berlin!) But don't worry, now it's back, and today's favorite fit is the Runner's World Cookbook:

Have you ordered a copy of the Runner’s World Cookbook?

No?

What are you waiting for?!?

Runners, you will LOVE this cookbook! It has 150 easy, delicious, and QUICK recipes loaded with all the right vitamins and protein that you need to "perform better during your workout, and recover faster!"

Well that’s what they say will happen if you eat meals made from recipes in this cookbook, but let's be honest,  I haven’t become any faster...but I have found these recipes to be tasty, and they seem to be pretty healthy. All the nutritional facts are included on each recipe, and I think you'll be pleased with the stats.

Most of the recipes have corresponding pictures in the book, which I always enjoy. What can I say, I like to see if the dish looks appetizing before making it.

I received my copy late last week, and have already made several recipes from it. 

First, I baked up a batch of the hearty whole grain breakfast muffins. 

They are packed full of healthy ingredients like whole wheat flour, flaxseed, almonds, and dried fruit. They were super simple to make and they were good for the whole week in a Tupperware container.

I loved having these around to grab on the go when I’m running out the door on my way to work. It’s a much better option that grabbing an unhealthy scone at Starbucks with my morning Americano. I plan to make another batch this weekend to tide me over next week as well. The muffins are hearty and filling: definitely a recipe I will be using frequently. 

I also made one of the recovery smoothies last weekend: the immune-boosting raspberry-almond smoothie.

It was really unique. I loved the touch of ginger, and it actually filled me up after a 7 mile run on Sunday. Dustin said it was a little “tart” – perhaps from the kefir? However, I really enjoyed this smoothie, and will be making it again.

The cookbook categorizes each recipe as “pre-run”, “recovery”, “low-calorie”, "vegetarian," and/or “fast”. Honestly all of the recipes have been pretty simple and fast. We had the shrimp and bean quesadilla the other night for dinner- (so good). Another night, I made the salmon salad sandwiches. The Cashew Butter and Mango Chutney Sandwich was my breakfast on one morning this week, when I needed some variety from the hearty muffins.  I love cottage cheese, but hadn’t really ever had it for breakfast. According to the cookbook, this breakfast “contains the essential fats to help keep you satisfied, absorb nutrients, protect heart health, reduce injury, and decrease joint pain.”

I was particularly pleased to see one of Deena Kastor’s recipes in the cookbook, and it was a recipe that I was already familiar with from the Runner's World magazine. Dustin and I have been making Deena’s caramelized onion/fig/goat cheese pizza for years, and it’s one of our favorites. So good! Definitely try that recipe when you get your copy of the cookbook.

 

source

The cookbook is about $30 on the Runner’s World website, though I see it on Amazon for only $17. Either way, its still well worth the price tag. I highly recommend that you pick up a copy. This cookbook makes a great Christmas present too for one of your runner friends, (or non-runner friends.) Order your copy today, and start cooking!

P.S. Happy anniversary Dustin. Five years today!

Curious about past Friday's Favorite Fits? Here is the whole list!

9/20: run msp t-shirts at gear
9/13: bkr resusable water bottle
9/6: knuckle lights
8/30: the best carbo loading recipe
8/23: nine west polka dot heels
8/16: the lululemon bitty bracer
8/9: tasteful animal prints
7/26: trigger point foam roller
7/21: outdoor yoga in mpls
6/28: bold colors and patterns
6/21: trail running
6/14 gal pal garment deodorant remover
6/7 the sock bun
5/31 the white oxford shirt
5/17 toms shoes
5/10 bic bands
5/3 race day with a first timer
4/26 cobalt blue
4/19 lululemon wunder under crop
4/12 i run this body t-shirt

Friday's Favorite Fit: Knuckle Lights

Jess in Minneapolis

Friday's Favorite Fit is the knuckle light!

Its sad to admit, but unfortunately it's already dark enough again at 5:30 am to necessitate busting out the knuckle light. Seriously! Fall is creeping up on us too quickly. Dark running is here and its only going to get worse. Knuckle light season is back already!

Fortunately, the knuckle light is really functional, which makes it this week's favorite fit, even if I'm not quite ready for fall and dark running.

What I love about the knuckle light is that it doesn't give me a headache like the headlamp, nor does it leave a mark on my forehead after wearing it. You just strap it on your hand and head out the door. It's easier to manage where and what you're lighting up on the path. You control the light, and the knuckle light is in the perfect position to light up your path and be seen! It casts a strong light about 12 feet in front, and I like the ability to move one (or both, if you decide to use both) to a specific area, as needed. I also feel that the motion of the light on my hand when running makes me more visible to cars and other runners/bikers, etc.

Yes, you do hold it (well, strap it) in your hand, but I don't find it to be annoying at all. The one thing that is kinda sorta annoying is that lately, by the time I finish running in the morning, the sun has risen and I no longer need the knuckle light. It would be nice if there was a little clip for your shorts or something just to store it away when you no longer need it, but that's just wishful thinking. Generally, I don't even think about having it in my hand when I'm running, so this isn't too big of a deal.

I am referring to my knuckle light - singular- even though they come in a pack of two:

However, I think that you only need one at a time. They are SO bright- brighter than the headlamp.

Check it out: all the lights are out in my house except the knuckle light in this picture. No problem at all seeing Matilda, thanks to the knuckle light!

One small downside of the knuckle light is that it does go through its two AA batteries pretty quickly. Be sure to keep a stockpile of batteries around because you'll need them. Since you're only using one of the two at a time, you should usually have one fully charged and ready to go each morning- or night- whenever you're running in the dark!

Read more about the knuckle lights here: http://www.knucklelights.com

It looks like they are currently sold out on amazon, but you can find them online at Dick's Sporting Goods. I bought mine locally at Gear running store. The average price seems to be around $40, but they are worth it! You could always split a pair with a friend, since you really only need one. Then you'll only investing $20. That's a price that fits the bill!

Knuckle lights- Friday's Favorite Fit here on the Right Fits!

Fits Do Product Reviews/Friday's Favorite Fit: Lululemon's Bitty Bracer Bra

By Jess in Minneapolis

Men if you're reading, be forewarned. This post mentions boobs!

I have struggled in the past to find the perfect sports bra- one that I can wear for 20+ mile runs, with no chafing, with no soreness....I usually have really good luck with the Moving Comfort Serena bra, but I was willing to see what else is out there.

This week I splurged on the Lululemon Bitty Bracer. A friend of mine who has larger boobies said it was her ideal sports bra. I trust her opinion. Afterall, she has larger boobies, so she knows her stuff. I decided to give it a go, even though the price is a little hard to swallow ($68).

I picked it up in a C cup without trying it on. I was in a rush; who has time to try stuff on? Why would I bother trying to find the Right Fit?

Well, maybe I should have. When I finally put it on, I couldn't even get it over my boobs! I'm definitely not a D cup, so I was really confused....what's the deal? Is the bitty bracer only for the itty bitty? I sent my friend a frantic text. How the heck do you get this thing on?

Luckily she got back to me quickly (what a pal!), and she explained to me that you really have to work the girlies into this bra. It's not supposed to be easy! In fact, you want to have a very tight fit.

If I had only tried it on at the store, I'm sure this would have been explained to me. Had I not been in such a rush, I also would have seen this clearly on the tag.

Once I figured out how to get the thing on, it actually felt really comfortable, and it only got better. As the material "warmed up" it molded to my body and really became the right fit. 

Also, there are no seams, which makes it chafe-free for the long run. Its actually made out of what lululemon calls "swim" fabric, though I have never had a swimsuit made out of this material.

I tried it out yesterday morning for a 7.5 mile morning run, and the bra was great. (So was the run!) Everything on top was secure and there was very little movement. I am definitely a big fan of the bra.

The only downside (other than the high price) is that it currently only comes in two colors, black and hot pink. Even so, I highly recommend this bra to my runner friends.

Check out this video for more information on how to "fit" your bitty bracer bra:

According to lululemon's site, "this bonded bra was engineered to mould to our unique shapes as it warms up."

• specially designed for B to C-cup athletes
• fits tight for maximum support - it will relax and mould to your body as you wear it
• lightweight Swim fabric is soft against the delicate skin of your bust
• bonded construction moulds to your body shape as it warms up
• adjustable hook-and-eye closure puts the fit in your hands
• racerback straps give you freedom to move
• support level: high

This Saturday, I will be running the Madison Mini-Marathon! This half marathon is the #14 best half marathon in the nation (according to Runner's World, aka, the runner's bible). I have heard great things about this race, so I hope it lives up to my expectations, and I hope I live up to my own personal expectations for performance! But even if I don't, at least I know that the boobies will stay in place, because you can be sure that I'll be wearing my new Lululemon Bitty Bracer for the 13.1 miles!

There are over 1,500 half-marathons in the U.S. and The BMO Harris Bank Madison Mini Presented by Meriter & Physicians Plus hosted in the heart of downtown Madison was recently ranked the number 14th best half-marathon by Runner’s World Magazine.  From a great fitness expo to pace teams, a high-energy course, free beer and much more the Madison Mini delivers on multiple levels!

Fits Do Race Reviews: TC 1 Mile

By Cool J in Minneapolis

2013 marked my third year participating in the TC 1 mile, and this is my second year reviewing it for the blog! You can read last year's review HERE.

The Medtronic TC 1 Mile is marketed as "one mile (12 city blocks) of fun," and fun it was! Well, at least it was fun after I was done with my mile- maybe not while it was happening. Painful! It is so rare that a marathoner like me participates in a race like a one mile, and it was certainly a challenge. But even though my legs were burning, and my lungs were on fire during the 6 minutes 40 seconds of running, the overall event was quite a lot of fun, and I will definitely be back next year.

CBRC Ladies

 The TC 1 Mile was held on Thursday, May 9th in downtown Minneapolis. The first wave, which was the "friends and family wave" started at 6:50 pm. Next up was the corporate wave that I ran in...

corporate wave team

...then the USATF Minnesota Team Circuit Championship wave, then the Masters Wave (competitive runners 40 and over), then the Open Wave (which Dustin ran in), followed by the Women's Professional Wave, and finally the Men's Professional Wave.

The Men's Professional Wave set a course record of 3:56! The impressive record setter's name was Nick Willis. In my post from last year, I stated that the winning time was 4:04, so quite a significant difference this year. The weather was much more cooperative this time around, with nice chilly temps in the low 50's. Nick is quite an accomplished runner as well. In fact, he was a silver medal winner in the Olympics!

The race starts at Marquette Plaza/Cancer Survivor's Park and finishes by Ichibon restaurant. It's a straight shot down Nicollet Avenue, with a clock at the 1/4 mile, the 1/2 mile, and 3/4 mile mark, to help you gauge just how hard you should be pushing!

Start line

Pros:

• Price- only $20
• A wave for everyone! The Friends and Family, Corporate, etc allow all types of runners to participate.
• Location- there are plenty of pubs along the course for a post-run beverage
• Elite runners- Opportunity to cheer for some amazing runners!

Cons:

• Parking- Getting downtown and finding parking can be challenging. I suggest running from Uptown or elsewhere as your warmup if possible.
• Waves- Depending on what wave you're doing, you could be standing around for awhile. I suggest getting a corporate team together with your office so you can run in the second wave!

Go Dustin!

After the race, I grabbed a beer with my coworkers at the Local before heading to Hell's Kitchen for some food with the rest of the Calhoun Beach Running Club. There are lots of options right by the course for food and fuel- definitely a "pro"!

Calhoun Beach Running Club post 1 mile

Overall, I give the TC 1 Mile a 10/10! There is no other race like this that is open to the public. It's a fun event for all different types of runners. I definitely think it's the right fit for you. Check it out next year!

Friday's Favorite Fit: Wunder Under Crop

By LL in KC

Second post in our new weekly edition to Fits. My favorite fit this Friday is the Wunder Under Crop from Lululemon. This pair of exercise capris has an amazing fit, which for this short-legged girl can be hard to find. They come with a back zip pocket and an interior key slot. As Lululemon says, they have a wide waistband, because the only muffin you should have is for breakfast. With flat seams, they do not irritate your skin while doing yoga, running or at a spin class. In addition, they have "a triangular gusset to defeat our foe, the camel toe." I recommend these pants to all exercise enthusiasts! They are my favorite fit this Friday, AND in addition, perfect for the start of spring here in KC or (apparently) the dead of winter in Minneapolis!!

Fits Do Product Reviews: Nathan Wrist Runner

By Cool J in Minneapolis

Hi friends! How is your week going so far? 

My week is going swimmingly. It's a cutback week for marathon training, which is definitely a welcome reprieve for my tired legs. Last night was our only workout of the week: Yasso 800's. 

What are Yasso 800's? Read all about them HERE. Basically, you run a 1/2 mile in your goal marathon time. So if I want to run a 3:45 marathon, I should run 1/2 mile in 3 min/45 seconds. It's actually not a very tough workout, so our coach told us to go ahead and push it faster than our goals. I ended up doing most of my repeats between 3:30-3:35. We did six repeats (about 6.5 miles total with warmup/cooldown), and then we were done with workouts for the week! 

Tonight was just an easy run. I was stuck at the office a little late, so I was on my own; even Matilda had already gone for a run. No running friends for Jess. That's okay- I'm still smiling! 

But you know what doesn't make me smile? Wearing gloves, an ear band, long tights, and a thick Brooks top in April does not make me smile. Boo on this cold windy weather! And now there's snow in the forecast. Thumbs down.

Definitely not smiling about this weather!

Even though the weather was not cooperating, I did have an opportunity to test out my Nathan wrist runner. I bought it on Amazon for about $7. The zippered pocket was definitely secure- no losing my key on this run!

I'm guessing most people wear their wrist runner UNDER the sleeve, but how would the reflective band do its job that way? I wore it outside the sleeve with pride: everyone knew my key was secure!

The wrist runner may be secure, but it's also a little large. With warm running clothes on, it wasn't so bad, but I could definitely see it being pretty annoying in the summer. It might cause quite an obnoxious tan line too!

The inside of the wrist runner is lined with a towel-like material, which is probably decent for sweat absorption, but it might not hold up that well in the heat of the summer. 

Overall, I think the Nathan wrist runner is a decent fit for your key during a run for the cooler weather, but won't cross over very well into the summer. I think I will buy one of the shoe key holders like this one:

*Have you found any other ideas for your key during a run? 

**Have you tried Yasso 800's? Do you think they are a good workout?

Fits do Product Reviews: Nathan Wristrunner

By Cool J in Minneapolis

My Nathan brand wrist runner arrived today!

I can't really review it until I run in it, but for $7, seems like a win. It has a reflective strip for those dark morning runs, and a secure zipper pouch.

Matilda liked it too.

Fits Do Product Reviews: YakTrax Run

By Cool J in Minneapolis

Ever since I broke my ankle running on the ice in March of 2008, I have become an avid user of the YakTrax.  I have trained for many spring marathons with these sexy accessories.

The YakTrax aren't perfect. You could definitely still slip and break an ankle, but they do provide a good amount of traction.

Unfortunately though, I have had some bad luck with my YakTrax; they always break! I have had to replace mine at least once a winter. 

{Another pair bites the dust}

I think it's because I use them a lot when there isn't a ton of snow...or, more likely, they break because I use them a lot period. 

So my wonderful husband picked me up a new pair that are running specific. They are called Yaktrax Run and you can find them at REI for $40.

http://www.rei.com/product/839491/yaktrax-run-winter-traction-devices  

Rather than the steel coils across the entire bottom of the YakTrax like my previous pairs, these have carbide steel spikes on the forefoot strike. They are also made of a hardier rubber, and apparently can be worn in temperatures as low as -41 (God forbid it gets that low in Minneapolis!)

One caveat about the device: runners shouldn't use them on gravel, concrete or sanded roads. This traction contraption is solely for packed snow and ice. I think that was part of my problem with my previous YakTrax. I often wore then when the paths were mostly clear, but I couldn't help it! They're like my security blanket for winter running. But I really should only wear them on packed snow and ice as instructed. 

I tested my new Yaktrax Run yesterday morning on a 12 mile run after 4 inches of snow. I felt like the spikes and coils gripped the snow pretty well. I'm used to running in Yaktrax, so I don't feel like I notice them that much, but I honestly think I noticed this pair even less.

So far, I think Yaktrax Run are the way to go, and hopefully with the heavier gauge coil than my previous pairs, they will last a little longer than just for one winter!

Fits Do Product Reviews: Nike Flyknit Shoes

By Cool J in Minneapolis

This was what my outdoor thermometer read this morning:

So this is where I ended up:

But it was a good opportunity for me to try out my new Nike Flyknit shoes.

I only managed about 5.5 miles (but with a 1.0 incline!), but it was enough for the “beast” (i.e. the dreadmill). As for the shoes? They were very light. I barely felt like I was wearing shoes at all.

However, my toes started to get tingly towards the end of the run. I wasn’t sure what that meant. The D-man thinks that it’s just because it’s such a different type of shoe than I’m used to. It’s probably a bit stiffer in the sole to make up for the softer structure elsewhere. I hope it doesn’t mean they are a failed fit for me.

For now, I’ll rotate this pair in with my Brooks Adrenaline...

{my reliable Brooks}

....at least when I’m on the treadmill. They are significantly lighter and they sure are a fun color, aren’t they?

Again, the technology behind the Flyknit shoe is as follows:

"The innovative Nike Flyknit Racer Unisex Running Shoe gets its structure and support from Nike Flyknit technology. As a result, it's incredibly lightweight, with a precision that feels like a second skin.The one-piece knit upper seamlessly integrates areas of high support, breathability and stretch where you need them most—without overlays, which add weight. For an adaptive fit, lightweight dynamic Flywire wraps the foot and is adjustable through the laces."

I hope the Flyknit shoes work out for me. They are definitely a nice change from my clunky Brooks!

Fits Do Product Reviews: Yoga Sculpt DVDs

By: LL
If you are like me, and either do not live near a plethora of trendsetting yoga studios (like Jess) or do not have the time or money to go to a studio near you, but yet you are still interested in trying yoga sculpt, read on below.

CorePower Yoga
As you might have previously seen on this blog, Jess and I are both big fans of CorePower Yoga. Jess is a frequent attendee at the St. Louis Park studio. But living in KC, where there isn't a CorePower studio, I have resorted to using their at-home options. I started out with the 3-DVD set of yoga sculpt with Jessica. I would recommend these DVDs to anyone looking for a workout that gives you the benefits of Vinyasa flow, but with additional strength training. These yoga sculpt classes use hand weights (approximately 3-5 lbs dumbbells) and need a mat. Jessica takes you through basic Vinyasa flows, but adds the weights and cardio bursts for a more intense workout.

Difficulty Level: This 3-DVD set provides you with a beginner, intermediate and advanced. Throughout every level, Jessica also provides you with modifications for different levels.

Duration: Each class is one hour.

Cost: The DVD set costs about $45 and can be purchased here.

Additional Options: On their website, they also offer the option to register for On Demand classes. This is a monthly fee of about $15 where you can register for classes and take them at your own home. Seriously, this is a great option if you do not live near a studio.

Crunch: Yoga Body Sculpt
Another great option for at-home yoga sculpt DVDs is Crunch: Yoga Body Sculpt. Crunch classes do not use weights, but will require a mat. The classes go through a series of poises (flows) that instructor Bethany Lyons feels are the most ideal for toning your core and legs.

Difficulty Level: Even though these DVDs demonstrate modifications for different levels, they are primarily for an intermediate user.

Duration: 45 minutes for each class

Cost: The DVDs can be purchased at multiple online retailers (i.e., Amazon.com) for about $10/DVD.

Jillian Michaels Yoga Meltdown
I must admit, I am not the biggest Jillian Michaels fan. However, her yoga meltdown is pretty good and can be challenging. This DVD contains two different workouts. The first is a power flow to burn calories and the second is a toning sequence with more challenging poses for a harder workout. I have actually done them both together, back-to-back for a more intense workout.

Difficulty Level: The first workout is beginner to intermediate and the second is intermediate to advanced.

Duration: Each workout is 30 minutes, including a warmup and cool down.

Cost: The DVD can be purchased at multiple online retailers (i.e., Amazon.com) for about $10.


I would avoid any of the Kathy Smith DVDs. I think that the fact that they can be purchased through websites with the word "oldies" in the title says it all. They are perfect for a good laugh. (Check them out on YouTube.)

I would recommend testing out each of these workouts online first. Demos of each can be found through YouTube or the product website. It is worth a shot, and I hope this review helps out the few of you who have asked me about at-home workouts that pack a punch.