Failed Fit: The Sleeping Bag Jacket

By Cool J in Minneapolis

This week was pretty mild here in Minneapolis, and I took advantage of it with a lot of running mixed with a variety of classes. It felt like a well balanced week that mixed in different types of activities.

Sunday: Orange Theory Fitness class and Moksha yoga class
Monday: AM run
Tuesday: AM run, Orange Theory Fitness class
Wednesday: Kettlebells at Balance Fitness
Thursday: AM run
Friday: Long run after work!
Saturday: Barre class at Align Pilates, Moksha yoga 90 minutes class

Yes, I did my long run (about 13 miles) yesterday after work. It was nearly 40 degrees yesterday, but the temperature was set to drop overnight. So my running buddy Abby and I switched things up a bit and did our long run on a Friday night. I was very, very glad that we did, as the wind was brutal this morning. The temperature had dropped to about 15 degrees, and all the melted snow and rain from the warm week had frozen overnight into treacherous conditions.

But Friday night was great. We had warm temperatures, and could take advantage of a local community center that was open on our route. We passed it twice and were able to use it as our water spot! With the city fountains turned off for the winter, it's nice to have a little hydration for a longer run.

{Thanks Minneapolis Park & Rec!}

The trails were mostly clear of any ice, and other than some wet shoes from a few puddles, it was a lovely run. Thanks Abby!

So this morning, I didn't have to get up and face the brutal temps. Instead, I got in my daily sweat via barre and yoga.

After barre and yoga, Matilda, Dusters, and I headed to a dog park for some more running around, but it didn't last long. That melted snow that froze overnight turned Tilda's favorite dogpark into a dirty ice skating rink. Though Tilda still sprinted around like it was no big deal, I worried that she might break one of her long deer legs.

{picture from the cabin on Christmas}

And it was at this dirty ice skating rink that I committed a personal failed fit.

The sleeping bag jacket.

My version isn't quite as much a true sleeping bag jacket like the above. But close enough!.

I don't think the sleeping bag jacket is  flattering on anyone. Boxy. Puffy. An instant 10 pound weight gain.

The sleeping bag jacket is not the right fit for someone like me with broad shoulders and an athletic build.

I mean, it could be anyone in there.

Male, female..who knows?

It might not even be human!

The sleeping bag jacket. 

Failed Fit for sure...

But in Minnesota in January, it was the functional fit that I needed.

Fit Fanatic: A Yogi Birthday!

By Jessie

Yesterday was my birthday. My 30th! Yikes.
In high school, I was a fan of a country singer, Deanna Carter, whose hit song, "Strawberry Wine" had a memorable line that went "I still remember when 30 was old."

Well, I do remember when 30 seemed old, but it's not old anymore!
(AND- women only get FASTER in their 30s- so I may qualify for Boston sooner than I thought, haha!)

But back to yesterday, the actual birthday- It was a "fitness"-filled birthday. I started the day at Corepower Yoga for a hot power fusion class. They give you a free class for your bithday, so why not?



But I also get a free class at Moksha Yoga for my birthday! As I mentioned in an earlier post here, I am using a 2 month unlimited pass at Moksha, so a free class wouldn't really do me any good. However, they do allow you to give that pass to a friend. So that means lucky D-man joined me last night! He agreed, considering it IS my birthday.



We took the flagship class, "Moksha Yoga". The teacher broke down the moves quite a bit and went through the flows a little slower than I am used to, but it felt very restorative. And the temperature was 104, so I still felt that I sweat off a few pounds!

Afterwards, we had a tasty meal at Masu Sushi and Robata .  I probably should have drank a little less wine, and more water after two heated yoga classes that day, especially since this morning, I ran an easy 10 mile run (only easy because the conversation was entertaining, thanks run club friends!) but I could definitely feel that I was dehydrated. One rule of thumb I have heard in the past is that by the time you feel thirsty, you're already dehydrated.

First fitness lesson of my 30's? Drink more water!



These two pictures do not really relate to fitness or fashion, but they are too cute not to share. These are the signs outside the bathrooms at Masu- adorable!

Finalize my Fit

Fresh New Fit: Moksha Yoga

By Jessie

So, my full week of no running after the St. George marathon is over. The hubby and I went for an easy 4 mile jog with Ms. Matilda (the doggy), and felt pretty good. My legs were a little heavy and sore, but nothing too bad. Eight weeks now until the St. Jude Memphis Marathon on December 3rd! 

A savvy run club friend found a decent training plan for me on Runners World that I plan to modify a bit, per below. I have never done two marathons so close together- I hope it wasn't a totally crazy idea!

8 weeks
LONG RUNS
Week one: 10 miles
Week two: 14 miles
Week three: 16 miles
Week four: 18 miles
Week five: 18-20 miles
Week six: 21 miles 

Week seven: 10 miles

Anyway,  I still hope to have time to squeeze in my yoga!

I recently purchased a Living Social deal for 2 months of unlimited yoga at Moksha Yoga for only $60.  A few of my run club girlfriends also purchased it, so we decided to start our two-month deal tonight.

We took the "Hot Flow" class, which was described as follows:

An active, flowing style yoga class (vinyasa yoga) proven to improve strength, cardiovascular health, and flexibility. This class is appropriate for all levels. You will be given options in each pose so that you feel challenged, yet successful. Without breaking the natural flow from pose to pose, the focus will be on alignment and breath.


The class was very similar to Corepower Yoga 's C2 vinyasa class, but in a hotter room. I believe the temperature was over 100 degrees, which is the same as traditional Bikram, but with slightly lower humidity, and the room had a solid floor instead of carpet (which means it doesn't smell like some Bikram studios do!). The studio felt open and relaxed, and appeared to be very clean. The teacher was "Robyn", and she was very clear with her guidance, and offered helpful assistance. (Her music was good too!)

After the class, D-man and I grabbed some pizza from our FAVORITE pizzeria, Punch Pizza. I could eat this stuff every day. Seriously. They are a Neapolitan pizza restaurant that uses a wood-burning oven to bake the pizzas in 90 seconds at 800 degrees. Super fast and extra delicious! The best thing about Punch is that it isn't super greasy or heavy, nor do their pizzas have high calories due to low amount of cheese and the fresh greens and ingredients! I'd call that a great food "fit"!