Featured Fit: Director's Release Party

By: LL
On Friday night, my husband and I went to see "Footloose," the one with Kenny Wormald, not Kevin Bacon. The original "Footloose" was one of my favorite movies growing up, so I wasn't too thrilled to see the remake. But, since Craig Brewer was throwing his Director's Release Party in town, we decided to go.

I always struggle to dress for movies when it is warm outside but really cold in the theater. So, I decided to wear a lightweight, silky long-sleeve top and jeans. Conclusion: I was still a little chilly, but the movie was warm and fun (I still prefer the original, but Kenny Wormald is definitely a more attractive Ren MacCormack!)

(yes, those are elephants on the bag)

Top: Old Navy (in frosty peach)

Jeans: BCBG (Macy's, 2010)

Shoes: Ralph Lauren Zabrina Pump in Polo Tan

Bag: Tommy Hilfiger Elephant Clutch (circa 2009)

Skinny Belt: J. Crew in Smoldering Brick

Sunglasses: Persol (seen here)

Bracelet: Handcrafted (seen here)

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

Fundamental Fit: Relaxation and Stretching

By: LL
My last semester of undergrad, I took a course called "Relaxation Technique and Exercise." Best. Course. Ever! Not just because we got to lie flat on mats in the near dark for 45 of the 55 minutes of class (no sleeping or you would, supposedly, fail). Rather it was how great it felt at the end of class.

Held in a old ballet studio, we spent the first 10 minutes warming up our muscles with slow activities (normally Tai Chi), then the next 20 minutes would be stretching. We learned techniques for partner stretches and proper forma for basic solo stretches. Finally, we were coached through progressive muscle relaxation, autogenics, and even, massage. Contrary to what you might think, after this class I always felt refreshed and wide awake. I felt lighter and limber.

Recently at work, after sitting at my desk for six hours straight, I was stiff, I was tired, and I had a headache. And it didn't help that my hamstrings and calves were tight from my morning run and strength training session. What to do to get through the day? And that is when I remembered this course and the fundamental fit of relaxation and stretching. So, I took a few minutes (in the privacy of my office so that I didn't weird out my co-workers) to go through a few easy stretches, and perform the progressive muscle relaxation. It helped.

It is amazing  how much more awake we can feel after relaxing our body and stretching. Just think about the "good morning stretch" - you know the one where you stretch your arms high above your head, arch your back, shrug your shoulders; just like you were waking up in the morning. Add to that a few deep breathes, and you are waking up cells and getting oxygen to all those muscles. Or, if you are able to close your eyes, not to sleep, but just close your eyes and relax for 15 minutes, you will feel better. Trust me, you will feel more limber, more relaxed, more awake, and more productive. Just through a little fundamental fit.

Favorite Fit: Calhoun Beach Run Club

By Jessie

I made my triumphant post-marathon return to the run club today, and enjoyed an easy 7 miler with the club. As I was running, I realized I haven't mentioned my run club yet, even though it is a big part of my fitness life. This post is officially dedicated to the Calhoun Beach Run Club !

My husband and I first joined this run club in February of 2010, and have been sweating and smiling with this awesome group of runners since. We have trained with this club for four marathons in the 1.5 years with the club, and the training has been perhaps even more memorable than the marathons themselves.

The club meets four times a week- Mondays, Tuesdays, Thursdays, and Saturday mornings. Membership is around $250/year, which includes use of the locker rooms and showers at the beach club. Summer training attracts a lot more runners, but there is a solid group of hard-core athletes  who tough it out through anything Mother Nature hands us- Running through blizzards, heat advisories, thunderstorms- this group is tough. 

The coach volunteers his time run after run, offering expert advice and support throughout the year.
He puts together training schedules for multiple marathons per year, and is always quick to answer any questions members have for him.

But the best part of the club? The fan-tabulous group of people! 

I have met some really amazing friends, and I am very thankful to have their support and friendship in my life. 

From my experience, I would recommend running clubs to any runner interested in  the motivation of running with a group, and the joy of making some new friends with a shared interest in running. There are lot of run clubs in my city, and probably in yours! Look into it- I promise you won't regret it!

Definitely a favorite fit!

Creating Fits: Multi-Strand Twist Bracelets

As I mentioned before, I normally make necklaces instead of other types of jewelry. However, since I had some free time and have been looking for a way to use up some of the loose beads I had left over from recently made necklaces, I decided to make a few bracelets. In the past when I made bracelets, I used the elastic cord as a base so that the bracelet would slip over the wrist without a clasp, which is a much more "wearer-friendly" design. However, for these I decided to use wire and clasps, which still turned out nicely. Here are three of the multi-strands twisted bracelets.

Top to Bottom: 

Pink Gem Stones

Braided Sage

Crackling Twist

Close up of Crackling Twist

Close up of Pink Gem Stones

Please note: I do not plan to wear all three of these together, but am contemplating wearing the pink with the sage. 

Throwing a Fit: Cole Haan Riding Boots

By: LL
For the last two seasons, I have been stalking a pair of boots from Cole Haan. Yes, that is correct, I am stalking a pair of boots, waiting for a sale or the justification to spend nearly $500 on a pair of boots. But these are great boots - functional, stylish, and comfortable (trust me, I've tried them on multiple times!) And even though I have tried to find a similar pair in a more reasonable price range, I just keep coming back to this pair.

Check them out for yourself here, but be warned, you might start throwing a fit, too! 

Featured Fit: Fall Running Outfit

By Jessie

Even though I am easing back into training for the St. Jude's Marathon, it is hard to resist the lure of running when we are having 77 degree sunny days in mid-October in the Midwest. Such magnificent weather gave me an opportunity to bring out my tanks and running skirts one last time.

I love running skirts, and the Nike ones are probably some of favorites. The cut is still feminine while comfortable and "athletic". I have had good luck with these skirts with one caveat- don't wear them in extreme heat. The flap of the skirt will get super sweaty and start to really annoy you. Trust me. I have multiple sources in my run club who feel the same way!

And of course, another BIC band- this one with little birdies :)

Skirt: Nike

Tank:Under Armour

Headband: Bic Bands