Fit the Bill: Thrifted Wool

By: LL
Soon after moving to our current city, I heard a lot about the great thrift shops in the area. Sadly, it took me until about two months ago to check any of them out - even though one is right up the street from where I live! Anyway, I went in armed with ideas of what I was hoping to find, which as you might also have experienced in thrift shops, you never find what you are looking for. Much to my surprise, I found this wool skirt (not on the list, but a great find...and less than $10!) I paired it with a classic white button down, faux snake pumps, and a bangle watch. Next pairing with this skirt: chambray!!

Button Down: Ralph Lauren

Skirt: Thrifted

Shoes: BCBG (Marshalls)

Bangle Watch: Ann Klein (similar)

Sunglasses: Versace (similar) 

To iPod or Not to iPod, that is a Fitting Debate

By: LL
In running, there are two schools of thought when it comes to music: (1) the purists who believe running is a time of peace and solitude - a time to get away from all the noise of life and collect one's thoughts in silence, and (2) the iPoders, who couldn't imagine running without the distraction and assistance of good tunes. It is a heated debate - maybe more heated than the healthcare debate! It is a war silently waged on the running path each day - with the purist quietly cursing the iPoder in front of him, blaring music so loudly that he is oblivious to the calls of "on your right," and doesn't budge to let other runners around. I must confess, I have always been an iPoder.

The other day I came across two studies that investigated this topic, in particular, the mind-body connection and its relationship with endurance sports. 

The first study was conducted in 2002 by Hampden-Sydney College in Virginia (Meeks and Herdegen, American Council on Exercise, 2002). This study looked at the rate of perceived exertion (RPE) and recovery rate of cyclists who listened to music vs. those who rode in silence. The study had 12 male college students ride stationary bikes for 10-minute periods with 5-minute recoveries. Conclusion: The men who listened to music while biking rode an average of 11% farther than those who pedaled in silence. However, there was no significant difference in recovery rate. 

The second was a longitudinal study from 1988-2008, conducted at Brunel University in London (Karageorghi, US Journal of Sport and Exercise Psychology, 2008). This study examined how different types of music can affect exercise performance. One portion of the study had 30 subjects jog on a treadmill while listening to a selection of pop and rock tunes, such as songs by Queen, Red Hot Chili Peppers, and Madonna. The runners were instructed to keep in strict time with the beat of the song. Conclusion: Music can enhance endurance by 15% and improve positive feelings associated with the exercise, such as pleasure, even when working at exertion levels near physical exhaustion. 

I cannot say that I am surprised with the findings of these studies. I know how music can make or break a run for me. But even if you don't support running with iPods (especially on race day), think about various cardio classes you have attended. When a great song comes on, how does that make you feel? Or coming around a bend in a race and "Eye of the Tiger" comes on...you cannot say that you don't get a rush of adrenaline or a second wind! 

(RIP Steve Jobs)

Creating Fits: Handcrafted Necklaces

By: LL
A few years ago, I picked up the hobby (ahem, addiction) of making my own necklaces. Much to the dismay of my husband, I can spend hours in a craft/bead store, trying out multiple different color, texture, and shape combinations until I find the exact statement that I was imagining for one necklace. In all reality, once you add in the cost of the supplies and the labor, it would be more economical just to purchase a similar necklace from a store, such as Stella & Dot (where I get a lot of my inspiration anyway). But there is something special about having a one-of-a-kind, handcrafted piece; which is partially the reason why I am known to give my craftsmanship as gifts to friends and family from time to time.

Due to my recent wedding and a hectic work schedule, I took a sabbatical from my hobby. But then, I received an invitation to a Stella & Dot Truck Show, hosted by a friend in Chicago. I was bummed that I couldn't attend (there were so many fitting pieces that I was already imagining with my wardrobe), but this reignited my passion for creating necklaces. After a day visiting my local favorites (Ami's Creations and Nancy's Bead Boutique) along with the bulk craft stores (Michael's and Joann Fabric), I was ready to work on creating new fits through accessories.

The following are a few of my fall favorites:

Turquoise and Coral Multi-Strand 

Autumnal Yellow with Bronze Twist

Golden Triple Strand

Naranja

Golden Os and Amber

I always enjoy creating an outfit around a statement accessory (whether a necklace, clutch, shoes), and I have already started brainstorming looks with all these pieces. It is amazing how one new piece can help you reinvent your closet. 

On a side note, if you are interested in making custom pieces of your own, stop back later for a tutorial in our "How to Make a Fit" section. If you are interested in one of the pieces above, or something similar, leave a comment and let me know. Like I said, I enjoy making necklaces (or bracelets, if that is your thing) for others!

Race Review: St. George Marathon

By: Cool J
I realize that I didn't give a complete race review of the St. George marathon, so here goes:
Entry is by lottery only, unless you are a local. My husband and I were able to register for the lottery as a couple, meaning either both of us got in, or neither of us got in. We found out in May that we were in! We booked our hotel stay at the Inn at Entrada. It's smart to book your room right away, as apparently prices increase quite a bit for the race. Our room was $179/night, but totally worth it.

Here's a few pics of the place.

Private garage-

Studio bedroom-

Kitchen-

Bathroom

View from the back patio:

As mentioned in an earlier post, the expo was held on Friday at the Dixie Convention Center. There was ample parking, and getting our gear bags and bibs was quick and easy.

The race started at 6:45 am. Buses started running from 4 am til 5:30. We arrived around 4:30 and got right onto a school bus.  We arrived at the starting line to music, plenty of water, coffee, etc, and bonfires to stay warm! It was actually 67 degrees at the start, so the bonfires weren't really necessary, but they were an interesting touch. In fact, it was 85 degrees by the time I finished, which is quite warm. Usually it's only in the 70's at that time of day in St. George. However, even though it was hot, there was a huge difference between 85 in the midwest and 85 in the desert- no humidity! Cooler temps definitely would have helped, but at least we didn't fall apart.

The race started in pitch black. The pacers had glowsticks on their pace balloon sticks. I planned to stick with the 4 hour pacer, but he was going out pretty fast to bank time before the hills at Veyo. Around mile 7, there was a pretty challenging hill that inclined for about 2 miles. There were a few more aggressive hills early in the race, but the second half was primarily downhill. I picked up the pace on the downhill, but didn't realize just how hard the downhill would be on my quads. By mile 20, the course flattened out completely and my quads were pretty torn up. In fact, my husband and I both agreed that our legs have never been so sore after a marathon. All because of that downhill!

Anyway, the support stops were every 2 miles, and extremely well organized. GU's were offered multiple times and each support stop had Gatorade and water, and people giving quick rubdowns with Ben-Gay. Oranges and bananas were also offered quite often.

All in all, it was a beautiful course. I would recommend this race to anyone looking to check out the Southwest. The people of St. George were very friendly and welcoming. My final time was not a PR, but I did manage to stay under 4 hours, which was great!

Fits on the Road: Hiking in Zion National Park

By: Cool J
After the St. George marathon (which was amazing, by the way) my husband and I spent the following day hiking in Zion National Park. Hiking the day after 26.2 was pretty silly. Our quads were extremely sore (all that up-and-downhill in the race is tough on the legs), so we weren't quite as limber as normal.
Hiking is definitely a workout for the legs and butt, and a great opportunity for you to explore.  Here are a few pictures from the hike:

Angel's Landing is a strenuous hike, not for those fearful of heights.

I didn't think I was afraid of heights, until I got about halfway up this part of the hike. With chains to hold onto, but total exposure on both sides, my already shaky quads just weren't stable enough to make it to the top.

Without the top portion of Angel's Landing, I feel that we did get to do plenty of hiking (about 6 straight hours of it!)

The park is gorgeous- the views were very motivating!

My husband hiding in one of the caves at the park.

Taking a little breather...

Emerald Pools

Sheer majesty...

Top: Lululemon
Shorts: J. Crew
Headback: BIC Bands
Sunglasses: H & M

Fitting Fitness: Working with your Schedule

By: LL
When it comes to finding an exercise routine, it is all about what fits in your schedule. Even though some people can manage training for an Iron Man while working a full-time job, that isn't realistic for everyone. Instead, it is important to figure out what types of activities you enjoy (whether running, biking, yoga), and finding times to incorporate them. If you enjoy group fitness classes, most gyms offer a variety of classes at various times throughout the week - think sunrise or power lunch-hour classes. If you prefer the solitude of working out alone, there are many great fitness DVDs out there (P90X, Windsor Pilates) where you can even work out in the comfort of your own home.

What works for me is combining structure with flexibility. Two days a week I teach spin classes at a local studio, which gives me motivation because I know that I am being held accountable by my participants, and that I made a commitment (this could translate to paying for a class, which commits you to it). The other days of the week, I give myself flexibility on the types of activities and the times, which helps to keep exercise interesting and allows me to tailor what I do according to my mood and professional/personal schedules. 

These days, the excuse of "not enough time for exercise" really doesn't fit...and making time for weekly fitness will help you to better fit into this season's skinny jeans. 

Fit for a Fall Sunday

By: LL
For some people, fall Sundays are all about sitting in front of TV watching football - which, if my husband's favorite team was aired on TV here, we would have been watching football, too. But since moving to the South, Sundays have become less about sports and more about doing - which today included running errands in the morning and enjoying our first fall day outside.

Since it was chilly in the morning, and in the shade throughout the day, I decided to nix the shorts and wear a pair of jeans (first time since March!) with a relaxed t-shirt, which is a little thicker than the tees I would wear during the summer. I also found this as a good opportunity to break in my new pair of cowboy boots (given where I live, I'm surprised I didn't purchase a pair earlier! I plan to try them with a dress, such as seen here).

T-Shirt: Threads for Thought (similar)

Jeans: Gap Trouser Jean (circa 2009) (similar)

Boots: Jama Old West (c/o The Cowboy Corner)

Sunglass: Persol (similar)