Friday Five: Favorite Running Brands

April 17, 2015 by 26 Comments

Happy Friday All!

My goodness these weeks are flying by! I’m looking forward to a busy weekend with the family, with lots of gardening/yard work, lacrosse games and running the BAA 5k! But first, I’m joining Courtney, Mar and Cynthia for this week’s #FridayFive link-up as we dish about some of our favorite brands.

Fave graphic

Athleta — I have shared my love of Athleta clothes on many occasions in the past, so it should come as no surprise that they make this list! From great running clothes to figure flattering bathing suits, they have it all. I just got their latest catalog and let’s just say I need to hide my wallet!

Zensah — Long run recovery always includes some time in my Zensah sleeves – their calf sleeves are a must have for me!

Mizuno — Now I do have to say that I have much love and a long history with Saucony/Kinvaras. That being said, I do find that ever since I received a pair of #WaveRider18 to review back in October, they have become a my go-to shoes of late.

Koss Fit Series — Music is a big part of my workouts and my Koss FitClips are great ear buds – their lightweight, sweat-resistant and don’t fall out – win!

Vitamix — Yes perhaps an unusual choice as a “running brand” but the smoothies I can make with it makes my Vitamix a key part of my recovery.

So tell me what are some brands you’re loving right now?

Be sure to check out the link-up, you may find a new brand to try!

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Filed Under: #WaveRider18, Athleta, fave things, Friday Five, Koss Fit Series

Friday Five – Lovin’/Not Lovin’

January 23, 2015 by 16 Comments

Happy Friday everyone!!

Linking up once again with Mar, Courtney & Cynthia — the theme this week is “Things about me.” Since I just shared a day in my life a couple of days ago, I thought I’d take a little liberty with this theme and share a few things I’m lovin’/not lovin’ right now.

Lovin’

hoodie2

This quick post-gym pic doesn’t do it justice

Athleta Strength Hoodie — One of my favorite Christmas gifts is this hoodie from Athleta. It is my go-to cover-up to go to and from the gym. So warm without the bulk!

TRX Workouts — Trainer Stacy added some TRX to the mix last week and I couldn’t be happier.

Anatomy for Runners —

(Affiliate link alert!) I ordered this book ages ago after learning about it from Amanda, but have only recently pulled it off the shelf to read. One more tool in my injury-prevention box!

Not Lovin’

Plague/virus/cold invasion — My husband and oldest son went down earlier this week (actually J’s been sick since last Friday). And this morning I woke up not feeling so hot myself…to which my youngest looked at me over breakfast this morning and declare “So I’m the only one left!” (So much for sympathy, right?)

Late Practices & Early Games — Recently the aforementioned sympathetic son’s hockey schedule has shifted into an ugly pattern of late evening practices (not coming off the ice until 8:30PM) and crack of dawn weekend games. This Sunday he’ll be on the ice at 6:20AM…6:20 on a Sunday people…in a cold rink…ugh!

What are you lovin’ or not lovin’ right now?

 

DC_linkup

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Filed Under: Athleta, Friday Five

December Runfessions

December 19, 2014 by 16 Comments

Given that the last Friday of the month falls on the day after Christmas, Marcia decided to do her monthly “runfessions” today – and once again, I’m in.

Runfessions

Runfession #1 — I’m very excited that the lottery gods smiled on me and I’m in for the Cherry Blossom 10-Miler! After playing around with lots of race possibilities for 2015, there’s something about having this one firmly on the calendar that makes me finally ready to pull the trigger on some others.

Runfession #2 —  I have so been enjoying running without a watch that I’m actually starting to wonder how I’m going to get use to it again once training starts.

Runfession #3 — I really miss my running buddy E, and it looks like her prognosis to return to running is not looking good. While weekend runs with my husband have been fun, there’s nothing like catching up with a girlfriend while logging the miles.

Runfession #4 — Working with the trainer has shown me in no uncertain terms just how little attention I’ve been paying to strengthening my hamstrings and glutes. It was no secret to me that I’m quad dominant, but these workouts have been a leg-shaking eye-opening experience!

Runfession #5 — I’ve been invited to another event at Athleta tonight – oh be still my heart! Is it wrong to offer to my husband to buy my own Christmas presents 😉

There….I feel better now! Do you have any runfessions to share?  

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Filed Under: Athleta, Cherry Blossom, Friday Five, general musings, Runfessions, Strength training

Night Out with Athleta

August 11, 2014 by 17 Comments

On Friday night, I attended a VIP shopping event at the Athleta Store in Legacy Place. A group of us met at the store to sip a little wine, nosh on some goodies and, most importantly, check out the new fall line!

We shopped, chatted with the uber-friendly and helpful staff and agonized over which pieces to buy. I had promised myself no” ninja black,” and happily there is no shortage of color in Athleta’s fall line – with an emphasis on a range of blues.

Athleta product shot

After much ooing and ahhing, I finally settled on the Sprint Reversible Stripe Bra, the Crunch Tank, the Ambassador Tank and the Splits Revelation Capri. You can see I embraced the new color scheme! Athleta loot

I love that the clothes feature both wicking and “unstinkable” technology – less stink = less laundry. Athleta also offers a “give-it-a-workout guarantee.” If an item doesn’t perform during your workout, return it! This is my first Athleta wear and I can’t wait to give them a try – I’ll be sure to let you know what I think.

Athleta group shot

All-in-all a lot of fun was had by our whole crew – no one left empty-handed! I have my eye on several other pieces so I’m sure I’ll be back soon. Thanks to the Athleta staff for hosting such a fun evening!

Disclaimer: I received a 30% discount on my purchases at the event. As always, all opinions expressed here are my own.

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Filed Under: Athleta