Are you a sweet and sassy girl?

or are you a Super tight, sexy runner girl?

or Do you need a good pair of “shorties” under your skirt?

or Are you a “spankie” kind of girl?

Or are you one of those girls who loves their perfect running shorts?

It’s all about how you feel when you are running. Do you want to feel sexy and attractive? Or are you focused solely on the running, the love of running, your personal time and don’t want to be distracted by the sexiness of the skirt?

Personally, I have a particular love of running skirts. I want to look good and feel good when I’m running. Spandex alone is NOT attractive and I haven’t run in running shorts in years. Chaffing, people. So, since the invention of the running skirt, the mileage happens in a skirt. I have my favorite skirt for long distance days and several good skirts for track days and one skirt that is just great for all around fitness, frisbee playing or just bumming around. I have serious quads and a distinct DISTASTE for chaffing, so I take my skirts LONG with a good pair of compression shorts underneath. For the skirt itself, I really enjoy them sassy. A nice A-line with slits on the sides, flat waistbands, and pockets for gels. The fun and flirty new prints coming out are really exciting as well. It just makes running more fun! If you’re going to be out there suffering, you might as well look good!

Today’s skirt is the New Balance Bonita Skirt. Tiny waistband, lays flat and very slimming. I love how it looks and feels and the material is a good moisture wicking nylon. For my personal use, this will be a track skirt as the compression in the shorts are not tight enough/long enough and the pocket is fairly small. However, New Balance has one for you to try out!

THERE IS ONE FOR YOU!!

Simply post a comment below for the chance to win the New Balance Bonita Skirt!! Winner will be picked at random on July 29th at 9pm PST. Winner must reply within 24 hours and provide a US Mailing Address. ********225 is the winner!

[Read more →]

Recently, in this post, I described my wishes for a job bra that would also accommodate my heart rate monitor. I use a Polar Heart Rate monitor that has a hard plastic strap.  I slip this strap under my jog bra and I’m off!  This has always been a problem on any run or ride longer than an hour.  Particularly when I’m running the sweat, strap and jog bra have caused horrible welts/blisters/chaffing on my chest.

Running and cycling are the two times that I always wear a heart rate monitor.  Monitoring my heart rate tells me how my body is functioning at that moment.  Spin classes lately have simply been about spinning my legs “out” and I want to keep my heart rate way below aerobic.  For me, that would be 120-130.  For interval work on the track or out on the streets, my heart rate is usually between 160-180 depending on my effort, sleep, stress and other factors.  It is an indication of many factors and it helps me determine how to gauge my fitness levels.

I am very excited to say that NuMetrex has found a solution to my problem! Superior moisture wicking fabric that offers great coverage and support while not “smashing” your cleavage.  Slip the transmitter in place, put the bra on and you are ready to go.  Had no problem activating my watch to the transmitter.   The transmitter did not rub, chaff, or bug me at all.  Fantastic training device that I highly recommend! This bra was just featured on the today show with our very own Leslie Goldman from the Weighting Game!!  (Very funny blogger/writer- you should check it out!)

NuMetrex heart monitoring apparel features special sensing fibers that are knit directly into the fabric.  Just pull on your NuMetrex sports bra, snap in the tiny transmitter and view your heart rate data on a compatible watch or cardio machine.  NuMetrex garments are also compatible with the Polar WearLink transmitter and all Polar watches as well as most gym quality cardio equipment.

Note to all you large breasted women- this bra is great for low to medium activities.   You MIGHT need additional support if your planning on running a marathon in it.  NuMetrex has designed a soft, textile strap to use under the jog bra for additional support.  Some women may also choose to wear two jog bras with the NuMetrex on top.  You can purchase your very own NuMetrex jog bra combo here.

NuMetrex is giving one away to one of you wonderful readers!!

Simply post a comment about your current fitness routines and how a heart rate monitor could improve your training.  Winner will be announced on this site on July 19th.  Retail value of the combo package is $100. Winner must provide a U.S. Mailing address and reply to email within 24 hours.

[Read more →]

Thanks to all of you who entered the contest.

The winner was picked via Random and it is number 10.

[Read more →]

You might be surprised to know that I worked for Powerbar. Years ago. I was young, it was the summertime and I was on a break between school years. My buddies and I would work events, pass out the Harvest Bar in train stations, on Metrolink trains, Mountain Bike events, triathlons, running races. I even met Brian Maxwell the founder of Powerbar. I thought that was the coolest thing since sliced bread! I was single, too. To make a short story shorter, at the annual “after Thanksgiving bash” with the Powerbar buddies, I met my future husband. He had gotten to know my friends (Frank and Deb) from all his mountain bike races. So, when we were both the only single people at a married peoples party- you tend to end up sitting next to each other drinking beer. We are obviously still married. Evidence- hubby is wearing his Powerbar Jersey on the author photo!

So when I was contacted by the PR representative for Powerbar to try out the Electrolyte Refuel product by Powerbar, I jumped at the chance! I have some for you too, so, read all the way to the end.

The facts:

Electrolyte Refuel is a 10 calorie drink designed to replace the sweat you lose when working out. The ingredients start with sugar, citric acid, sodium citrate, magnesium sulfate, potassium citrate, natural flavor, sucralose, calcium silicate, and beet juice color. 130 mg of Sodium, 35 mg Potassium, 2 gr of Carbohydrate, and 2 sugars. This product would be fine if you need a sugar flavored drink when your at the gym, maybe.

My opinion:

I’m not convinced that this is THE product for endurance runs or rides. The reading I’ve done do not recommend simple sugars to be combined with serious training.

For further reading, please check out Natural News: “Fatal and Vital News.” or check out the Sugar Blues on Amazon.

Just for you!

If you’d like to try the Powerbar Electrolyte Refuel product, I have an extra box for one of you. Simply leave a comment on this post by July 6th at 9PST and you will be entered to win.  Please feel free to offer up your opinion on refueling for athletes. Thank you for your comments (in advance).

[Read more →]

Workout Mommy recently wrote some very good articles regarding BPA free water bottles. You can read them here or here. CamelBak is the first company to produce water bottles that are BPA free. They were kind enough to send me one plus an EXTRA one for YOU. It’s reusable, convenient, and slender to use. All they need are some kid size bottles and we will be set! I tend to keep my sugar-free post-workout recovery drink on ice and ready to go in my CamelBak. Love it!

On a side note: if any of you use their bladder system- they are already BPA free, so no need to replace.

Enter to win yours here:

Simply post a comment with your favorite workout drink (mix, water, Coke) here and you will be entered to win. Winner must provide a U.S. Mailing address and reply to email within 24 hours. Deadline to enter is June 31th, 2008 at 9pmPST.

My site had a comment issue for the last two days.  I apologize!  I’ve extended the date of the contest to allow for more comments.

[Read more →]