Fitting Debates: Running with Music- I'm a convert!

By Jessie

Months ago, LL posted about the Fitting Debate regarding running with music.
She stated that there two types of runners:
(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.

At the time, I was training with my run club, and there was always someone in my pace group to chat with throughout the miles. It was summer, and plenty of "slow" runners were regulars at the club, and "I didn't need any music!"  I was a purist, who rarely, if ever, listened to music.

Things change in the winter. Though I haven't changed my stance for race day, I am becoming a convert for training runs.  Not as many of my friends are regularly attending the club, nor are they training for a spring marathon. The club still has plenty of runners, but they are just too fast for me! I no longer have the luxury of a constant running companion, and so I have to made a new friend...in an Ipod Nano.

So, I have changed my mind about this Fitting Debate. When running alone, music is necessary! Perhaps I wouldn't feel the same way if it wasn't dark and gloomy here in the Midwest during the winter. If I had sunshine and pretty scenery, perhaps the distraction of some fun tunes wouldn't feel so important. However, this time of year, we all need a little extra motivation, and I found mine with music.

In fact, I have been running with my music so much lately, that my circa-2006 green nano called it quits on me. Luckily, the prices on these devices have decreased drastically over the past 5 years, and I could pick up a new one for only $140. 

And WOW, have they improved since my last one! I went with the 8 GB model rather than the 12 GB one, since I'll be using it primarily for running.

It has a touch screen similar to my iphone. It has a radio function (perfect for the TV's at the gym for those "dreadmill" miles!)

And best of all?

It's PINK :-)

I did my first long run with my new pink device today, and I had a few tidbits of feedback for any new users. I couldn't figure out how to switch songs without taking off my gloves. However, had I read the manual first, I would have learned that a double click on the "on/off" button the top right hand side would have worked. 

I also learned that there are headphones available that will also allow a quick song switch. There is also a device you can buy to wear your nano on your wrist, which seems like a good idea.

Overall, the battery life was strong, and the compact size was quite nice. I would say this was a "RIGHT FIT" for running!

And a few surprisingly motivating tunes that I have found?

Classical music (Bach, Mozart)- Surprisingly, this type of music lets your mind wander, but still seemed to put some spring in my step

Old-school Dave Matthew's Band- a few older tunes popped up the shuffle setting, and I didn't make the move to switch to the next.

Some new hits? I have to admit, the current pop charts include a lot of songs with a good beat, and they are the best for running for me. Today's mix included We are Young by Fun., Stronger by Kelly Clarkson, Good Feeling by Flo Rida, Somebody that I Used to Know by Gotye, Rack City by Tyga. I should be embarrased, but I can't help it. These songs keep me going!

Fits on the Road: Planning for Big Sky (Pt.1)

By: LL
Cool J, D-man, my husband, and I are making the pilgrammage to Big Sky, MT for an extended weekend of skiing/boarding. Since our wedding took up most of our time last year, my husband (a competitive alpine skier in college) and I are excited to be back on the ski trip circuit after a year away - and I am especially excited about all the fits - both in fashion and fitness - that I will get to share with my Northern counterpart!

In preparation for this trip, I have begun planning my looks for the trip. In this post, I am focusing on all the fitness fashion - what I will be wearing when hitting the slopes to get a little exercise during the days.

What's going in my suitcase:

1. Nike Dri-Fit Sports Bra
2. New Balance Performance Base Layer (long sleeve)
3. New Balance Performance Base Layer (pants)
4. Smart Wool Light Cushion Ski Socks
5. Sorel Cumberland Boots
6. Patagonia Re-Tool Snap-T
7. Turtle Fur Neck Gaiter
8. Smart Wool Powder Day Hat
9. Isis Annapurna Soft Shell (REI)
10. Columbia Moonlight Mover II Ski Pants
11. Gordini Challenge XI Gloves
12. Scott Heli Ski Goggles

All I need are the skis, which my husband and I both decided to rent this year. This will reduce the cost of over-sized checked luggage (which caused much distress on our ski trip to VT), and will allow us both to test out new equipment as we prepare to purchase new skis.

I cannot wait for some fun fitness out on the slopes - well, except for the soreness that first day out. But that is what a hot tub and a little wine is for, right?

Fitting Remarks: It's Valentine's Day...

It the spirit of the holiday, here's a "fitting remark" for Valentine's Day:

Here's hoping that you find all the Right Fits for Valentine's Day 2012!

Guest Fit: Vicki on ResoLULUtion Bootcamp

Cool J's friend, Vicki, is a fellow fitness enthusiast who offered to share her recent experience with the ResoLULUtion bootcamp!

"Recently I was on the hunt for some free fitness options that I know are out there if you look hard enough, and are somewhat flexible in your schedule.  I, like the Right Fits bloggers, love fitness and trying new classes/gyms but I spend a lot of money doing that (“it is my hobby/social outlet” is my standard justification to myself on the cost!).  So, to try and lessen my fitness costs a bit, I thought I could start incorporating some free options into my routine when possible. 

One of the places I started looking was my local Lululemon store (http://www.lululemon.com/minneapolis/westend) since I know they offer some free yoga classes.  In looking at their calendar, I noticed they had a free two week boot camp starting the next week!  
2 whole weeks for free??…sign me up! 

This was perfect as I had really been craving a butt-kicking boot camp to get myself back on track after the holidays, but hadn’t been able to justify the cost of one.  The Lulu boot camp was limited to 45 participants, and I was one of the lucky ones to get in.  The sessions were Monday through Friday from 6 to 7 am at the store (they just moved all the middle clothing display racks into the back storeroom).  They brought in a different instructor(s) from local studios/gyms every day with the schedule being intense workouts Monday, Wed and Friday with a good stretching yoga class on Tuesday and Thursday.  So, here we go…here’s a brief summary of the boot camp!

Featured Fit: The Details

By: LL
The little details of an accessory or garment can be the things that make you really love that piece. Yet, many times those details are overlooked by others - under-appreciated - or not captured in photos. But those small things are what can make something unique or functional. I know that I enjoy when catalogues, magazines, online shopping sites, and blogs do features on details, highlighting them and making them the selling points. I know that I have purchased running shorts after seeing the hidden zip pocket or an otherwise plain-looking tank top where the catalogue focused on the intricate lace overlayer.

So, here are the small details of the casual outfit I wore out with our (Cool J's and my) sister, Em, who came to town for a quick stop through last week.

{Plaid piping and textured green beads}

{Gold nautical buttons on a woolen blazer}

{Lace overlaid top - notice how the other details fade away}

Details:
Blazer: Tommy Hilfiger
Lace Top: New York & Co.
Jeans: Citizens of Humanity
Belt: J. Crew
Necklace: LL Original

Featured Fit: Flattering Swimwear for Spring Break

By: LL
As we quickly approach spring break time, many people are planning their trips to warmer climates to enjoy the beach and sunshine. The gyms, having lost some of the Resolution Exercisers, are now experiencing a second wave of exercisers getting fit to be seen in a swimsuit. And, this year, there are many cute new styles of swimsuits for women that are very figure flattering - allowing us to hide a few problem areas (i.e., muffin tops) without sacrificing style. Here are a few great styles from J.Crew's Spring 2012 Collection:

By adding rouching or drapping, you can easily, and discretely, hide your mid-section. By adding a little skirt or an extension to the standard bikini bottom, you can disguise hips and thighs. These are the right fits for how to look on the beach this spring break.


And why not add a stylish cover-up? Here are some of my favorites:

1. American Living (JC Penny)
2. J. Crew
3. Mossimo (Target)
4. TopShop

All of these will easily translate from beach to the boardwalk to cocktails by simply adding a few accessories (all of which would work with any of the cover-ups).

1. Fedora - Aerie
2. Crochet Sandals - Tapeet
3. Metal Resin Bangles - Tasha
4. Leather Carryall - LL Bean
5. Gold Skinny Belt - Eddie Bauer

It is very easy, and affordable, to find the right fit for your spring break (or honeymoon) this spring/summer 2012. And there is no reason to wind up being a failed fit.

Fresh New Fit: The chiffon maxi skirt

By: LL
Even though flowy materials are not necessarily "traditional" for winter, this past season, chiffon maxi skirts (and dresses) have been popping up in fashion (Helena of Brooklyn Blonde's soft chiffon maxi or Lynzy of Sparkling Footsteps's pleated chiffon maxi). Maybe you are interested in incorporating this fresh new fit into your wardrobe, but are waiting until warmer days. Why wait? Break out of the traditional concepts of appropriate outfits for winter and pick up a flowy, fun maxi skirt to begin wearing now and into the summer. Below are a few different ways to style this new fit into winter, spring, and summer. I've used the Fantasia Blue version from Express, which is currently on sale for $34.95 - with multiple sizes remaining!

Layered for Winter:



1. Coral Necklace - Stella & Dot

2. Grey Button-Sleeve Cardigan - Old Navy

3. Citrus Button Down - J. Crew

4. Leopard Calfhair Belt - J. Crew

5. Black Leather Day Bag - Coach

6. Grey Faux Suede Booties - Mossimo (Target)

Showing Some Skin for Spring:

1. Silk Scarf - Finley

2. Striped 3/4 Sleeve T-shirt - TopShop

3. Mustard Mini Crossbody Purse - Cole Haan

4. Camel Suede Sandals - Nine West

Stripped Down for Summer:

1. Gold Necklace - Stella & Dot

2. Crocheted Cropped Tank - TopShop

3. Amanda Adams Beach Bag - J. Crew

4. Gold T-Strap Sandals - Frye

Maxi skirts (and similar dresses) are available in a variety of colors, patterns, and price points. I quickly found this Old Navy version in Parading Peacock for only $9.95. And this beautiful Halston Heritage skirt in Coral for a splurge of $425. So, definitely a lot of variety to this fresh new fit.