Brooks PureConnects product review

March 12, 2012 by 20 Comments

I was so excited when these shoes arrived. I loved their look and so wanted to love them on the run.

Source: Brooks website

The minute I put them on the first thing I was struck by was the feel of the high arch support. I’m not really sure why Brooks thought that design element was necessary. While it didn’t hurt, I didn’t like that it was so noticeable just putting the shoes on and walking around my kitchen.

The Connects are definitely a narrow shoe. I didn’t find them tight, but they are a much closer fit after wearing both the Saucony Mirage and Kinvara 2s. The sole is narrow so I felt like my foot was spilling over a bit. I did like the snug heel fit and the fact that they are feather light!

I tried the Connects on the road, track and treadmill – but the only time I really enjoyed running in them was when I was on the track.Why the track? Perhaps the surface…I’m not really sure. I was on the fence about them after each run, but then on my final try I started to feel serious foot discomfort. Back in the box they went and off I went to the Brooks website for a chat with one of their reps. The recommendation this time? The PureFlows. Since I had originally ordered these shoes from Road Runner Sports, my next call was to them…again the recommendation was the Flows. So the Connects are on their way back and the Flows should be here tomorrow.

I plan to wait until after Saturday’s half before I try the Flows out – the Kinvaras will be my “go to” shoe once again. I’ll be curious to see if the PureFlows are a better match for me.

Do you try new shoes? Or are you loyal to one brand/model?

*(I purchased the Brooks PureConnects and all opinions expressed here are solely my own.

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Filed Under: Kinvara, Mirage, product reviews, PureConnect, Saucony

PureFit Bars Review & Coupon Code

February 7, 2012 by 4 Comments

A few weeks ago I was offered a chance to try PureFit Nutrition Bars. Given that the bars are gluten-, wheat-, and dairy-free, I was curious to check them out, as I often have trouble finding things that will agree with my stomach.

Here’s what PureFit says: (from the PureFit website)

“Kosher-certified and vegan-approved PureFit bars do not contain dairy, wheat, or gluten, and will not melt in their packaging. PureFit works diligently to provide high-quality, award-winning nutrition bars without artificial ingredients, sugar alcohols or common allergens, including milk, wheat or gluten.

100% All-Natural Ingredients, 18 Grams of Soy Protein, Non-GMO Soy, Unprecedented Great Taste. This low glycemic, nondairy bar is based on over 20 years of research and was not practical to manufacture until now. It offers:

  • NO Hydrogenated Oils
  • NO Animal Products – Vegan
  • NO Cholesterol or Trans Fatty Acids
  • NO Wheat or Gluten
  • NO Artificial Sweeteners
  • NO Hidden Carbohydrates
  • NO Sugar Alcohol”

Here’s what I say:

  • I used them pre-and post-run and as a meal replacement and I had absolutely no stomach issues with them.  
  • PureFit offers 5 flavors: Almond Crunch, Berry Almond Crunch, Chocolate Brownie, Granola Crunch and Peanut Butter Crunch. My favorites were the Granola Crunch and Peanut Butter Crunch. I was not a big fan of the Berry Almond – though I’m not really fond of anything with a cranberry or raspberry vibe. 
  • Given the consistency of the bars, you should make sure to have a glass of water on hand when eating one.
  • An all-natural bar that tastes good and leaves my stomach feeling fine is a big win in my book!

Interested in trying PureFit bars for yourself? Use the coupon code PROMO25 when you place an order and receive 25% off!

*Disclaimer: I was provided five bars by PureFit to sample and review. The opinions expressed here are my own and I did not receive compensation for this review.

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Filed Under: product reviews, PureFit Bars

My New Faves – Margaritaville Eyewear Review

November 30, 2011 by 3 Comments

A little over a month ago I was contacted by Margaritaville Eyewear to see if I was interested in trying out a pair of their new polarized sunglasses. One quick scan of their site, and I was in!

I selected the “Down Island” style and they shipped them right out to me. Before I had even opened the box, the first thing I noticed was how ridiculously light it was! The glasses came in a sturdy case, along with a protective sleeve and neck strap. The frames are whisper thin, so light in fact that I wondered how they’d stay in place during a run.

           Here’s what Margaritaville says about their frames: 
The new Ultralight Margaritaville Proprietary Composite Material acts like metal, yet feels like plastic. This revolutionary ultra lightweight material has all the amazing durability aspects of titanium, without the weight, brittleness or heat conductivity.

They instantly felt good on, but of course the real test was to run in them. Well, let me just cut to the chase here – it was LOVE at first run! I have run in these glasses non-stop, including in both of my recent races. They stay in place and are so lightweight you truly forget you have them on.

What they say about their lenses:

 All Margaritaville polarized sunglasses feature premium fused polarization technology.  MPT Fused lenses diffuse glare through the use of an integrated, pre-formed polarizing filter, layered within the injected lens, allowing incredible clarity even in the harshest conditions.

Here’s what I say — in bright sunlight, overcast mornings, and serious wind these glasses have performed flawlessly — the lenses are super clear and don’t fog up!

Yeah it’s safe to say, I like them just a little 🙂 They’re definitely keepers!

Disclaimer: I received the glasses from Margaritaville Eyewear, but the opinions expressed here are completely my own

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Filed Under: fave things, Margaritaville Eyewear, product reviews

"My Run" movie review & giveaway

September 26, 2011 by 8 Comments

This weekend I got a chance to watch the movie “My Run,” which just came out on DVD last week.

It’s the true story of Terry Hitchcock – who ran the equivalent of 75 marathons in 75 consecutive days, as he ran from St. Paul to Atlanta in time for the start of the Summer Olympic Games in 1996. Given that he was 57, not in great health, on blood pressure medication and not a runner – makes the fact that he decided to take this on quite remarkable in itself. 

But, his goal was not a spectacular personal accomplishment – instead, Terry’s goal in running so far was to bring attention to the many challenges facing single-parent families. Hitchcock found himself a single parent to his three young children after losing his wife to breast cancer. After 10 years of dealing with his grief and raising his children on his own, Terry want to spread awareness of the difficulties single-parent families face.

Throughout his journey, Hitchcock deals with logistical challenges, a range of weather conditions, bone fractures and chest pains. You see him endure not only the physical, but the mental challenges as well — can you imagine the mental toughness and heart it would take to run a marathon every day?!

The movie is both inspiring and entertaining (though I must admit I found the use of the late 70’s/early 80’s tunes for the run sequences distracting). And his message to use your life – your talents and gifts – to help others really resonated with me.

Interested in seeing “My Run” for yourself? The nice folks behind the DVD release have two copies to share with Running with Attitude readers! Just be a follower of my blog and leave me a comment saying so – easy peasy! Blog or Tweet about this giveaway for additional entries – again leave me a comment for each. I’ll use Random.org to select the winners on  Friday, October 7 (by the way, they can only ship to US residents).

If you want to order a copy of the DVD now, just use the code “INSPIRES” on the My Run Movie website (http://www.MyRunMovie.com) and receive a 10% discount. A portion of the DVD sale proceeds go to two great charities – Livestrong and Soles4Souls!

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Filed Under: giveaways, product reviews

Sony W Series Walkman Review

September 21, 2011 by 8 Comments

As some of you may remember, this summer I signed on to be part of Team Sony Walkman. Of course, the biggest perk of being on this team is the opportunity to try out Sony’s new wireless Walkman. I received my first Walkman headset back in July and have been running with it ever since.

The new W Series Walkman

What I have loved:

  • It’s wireless! I love that I can just put in the earbuds and go, without any cords to worry about knocking out mid-run (as I’ve been known to do)
  • It is lightweight — when I first read about and saw the design I was a little concerned about the unit being heavy or awkward, but once I picked up the package I realized that wasn’t going to be a problem. It’s very light! 
  • It’s water-proof – and let me tell you running in the downpour that was the Providence Rock n Roll put that waterproof promise to the ultimate test! And I can say it never faltered – it was great to just run and never worry about it.
  • It gives you Sony-quality sound – in my book, ‘nuf said!

The initial set up on my laptop was fairly straight forward (you do need a Windows operating system) and you can drag and drop songs and playlists from iTunes in just a few minutes. Having all of the controls right on the headset did take a little getting use to – I hit the wrong button more then once on my first couple of runs.

I do miss that, because of the design, I can’t run with just one ear bud in when I want- something I like to do in races. Also, I can’t plug into the treadmill TV if I want to catch up on ESPN while I’m logging time at the gym (still bringing traditional earphones for that).

Overall, I’ve been really pleased with my Sony Walkman and just as I was going to post this review, I got a great surprise in the mail — the newly redesigned W Series Walkman! The new design is even lighter and smaller, and I think it has a much sleeker look. The control buttons are now split between the two earbuds (instead of all being on the right side as in the earlier version) — I’m finding it easier to manage. It’s also nice that it comes in white as well as black. All-in-all a nice upgrade!

(I was provided with the Walkman but the reviews expressed here are completely my own.)

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Filed Under: product reviews, Sony

Gotein Review & Giveaway

August 15, 2011 by 9 Comments

I seriously cannot believe how long it has taken me to write up this review!

Anna at Gotein contacted me several weeks ago to see if I was interested in reviewing their product. I had been hearing a lot about them around the blogosphere and definitely wanted to try the product first hand – so I immediately said yes.

(Source: Gotein website)

For those of you who don’t know – Gotein is a powered protein drink that comes packaged in convenient stick packets. It’s available in three flavors (Chocolate, Strawberry and Vanilla), and is formulated for a typical 16.9 oz water bottle. Simply drink 1/3 of the bottle to make room for the power, add Gotein, shake and drink! Pretty easy, right?

What I liked:
  • Taste — Mixing it with water, I was expecting chalky, but was pleasantly surprised. I found the vanilla and chocolate to be pretty good. (I have to admit I didn’t try the strawberry – unless it’s the fresh fruit, I’m just not much of a fan of strawberry-flavored foods.)
  • Combination of high protein, low carbs and low calories — each packet gives you 16-17g of protein, 5-6g or carbs and 24 vitamins and minerals for just about 100 calories (depending on the flavor).
  • Convenience — I especially liked being able to use Gotein post-gym while trying to get errands done.
What I wasn’t as crazy about:
  • I tend to use a refillable water bottle more so than disposable ones, so I did have to wash out my water bottle and when you’re on the go that’s not always so easy. Not the worse thing in the world, just something to be aware of.
  • At just over $2 per packet ($24.95 for a box of 12), Gotein is a little pricey, especially for everyday use. I can see myself keeping some on hand as a good back-up for when I know my schedule’s going to be really crazy or for when I’m traveling.

So would you like to try some for yourself? Gotein was nice enough to send two packs (each with all three flavors) to give away!

To enter – please leave a separate comment for each:

  1. Be a follower of this blog.
  2. Tell me what’s your favorite protein source post-workout.

For a bonus entries – tweet about this giveaway. Please make sure you include @RunAttitude and @Gotein in your tweet so I can keep track.

Entries will be accepted now through August 21st and two winners will be selected using Random.org on August 22nd. (Only shipping to the US for this giveaway – apologies to my non-US readers) Good luck!

 

Disclaimer: I was given this product to review. However, all of the opinions expressed here are my own.

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Filed Under: giveaways, Gotein, product reviews

McDavid USA Compression Sleeves Review & Giveaway

July 6, 2011 by 56 Comments

Since I started training for my first half marathon back in March, I have quickly become a big fan of all things compression. So when the folks at McDavid USA contacted me and asked if I was interested in trying a pair of their new True Compression Leg Sleeves, I was quick to say yes!

For those of you who don’t know, McDavid USA began as the first widely used lateral knee brace in football and expanded into a leader in sports medical products and technical performance athletic wear.

The first time I tried the sleeves on, I was surprised by how light they were. They were snug and supportive without that intense compressive feel. Within a couple of minutes I forgot I was wearing them.

Over the past couple of weeks, I’ve used them mostly for recovery after long runs and track work. I even used them after a long day of gardening. The McDavid Sleeves definitely did the job to help reduce any soreness in my calves. While I was reluctant to wear them during a run ’cause I just didn’t want any additional layers in this crazy heat & humidity, I did take a run in them and enjoyed how supported my legs felt (and how fresh, post-run). I will probably take advantage of these sleeves during my runs even more as the weather cools.

Overall, these leg sleeves are keepers. Now if McDavid would only consider making them in additional colors beyond black and white 🙂

Interested in trying the True Compression Sleeves for yourself? The folks at McDavid are offering a pair to one lucky winner.

Here’s how to enter — please leave a separate comment for each entry:

Mandatory:
  1. Be a follower of my blog; and,
  2. “like” McDavid USA page on Facebook
Additional entries:
  • Post a comment on McDavid’s FB page telling why you want to try the sleeves and let them know Running with Attitude sent you.
  • Follow @McDavidUSA on Twitter
  • Share about this giveaway on your blog, Facebook or Twitter (be sure to include include @McDavidUSA in your tweet) — or do all three, one comment for each, please!

You can enter from now until 11:59 EST on July 17th. A winner will be selected randomly on July 18th. If you just can’t wait to try McDavid for yourself, McDavid is offering Running with Attitude readers a special promotion of 15% off any of their products! Just use the promotion code RWA11 (now thru 7/31).

Disclaimer: The product was provided by McDavid USA for the purpose of a product review. The opinions provided here are solely my own.

Good Luck!
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Filed Under: compression sleeves, giveaways, McDavid USA, product reviews

Signs with a Little Attitude

March 14, 2011 by 9 Comments

Last month, Megan at Build A Sign contacted me with an opportunity to design a couple of things and try out their products. Sounded like fun so I said I would love to!

With Build A Sign, you can make a sign for just about everything and it was fun playing around with different ideas of what to make. The site was really easy to use – in fact my eight year old son had fun helping me with my designs.

In the end, I went with a bumper sticker (with one of my favorite quotes), a window cling and a fantastic banner my boys are planning to hold up at my next race!

The Bumper Sticker and Window Cling
(by the way, the sticker’s 2nd line says “everybody fails at something” –
kinda looks like “falls” – my bad with the camera angle!)
My boys with their new cheer banner!

I’m really psyched with the way everything came out  – I especially love the banner and can’t wait to see it along the race route! The whole process couldn’t have been easier – a big thanks to Megan!  She also gave me extra copies of both the window clings and bumper stickers to share; so if you’d like one to add to your collection, shoot me an email at runningwithattitude (at) yahoo.com.

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Filed Under: BuildASign, bumper stickers, giveaways, product reviews

My New Fave – Brooks Adrenaline Review

January 11, 2011 by 3 Comments
Make room on the bandwagon….
      ….cause I am in love with my Brooks Adrenaline GTS 11!!

While it was love at first run, I didn’t think you could give a proper review of a shoe until you’ve logged a few miles in them. Well I’ve had a month plus of running in them now and I can clearly see why there’s so much praise out there for this shoe!

First off let me say to my fellow “new” runners, if you have not yet gone to a good local running store to be properly fitted for a pair of running shoes, then please do yourself a  HUGE favor and go get fitted!

While I had always figured it was a safe bet that I needed a shoe that provided motion control and support, as I began to increase my mileage last year I started to wonder if my Nike Triax 13’s were providing all that I needed. So instead of trying to self-diagnose through online descriptions, I headed to a great local running store for a fitting. After being measured, having my gait analyzed and generally talking about my running, aches &; pains and goals, I walked out with the Brooks Adrenaline GTS 11.

Brooks Women's Adrenaline Gts 11 Running Shoe,White/Obsidian/Silver/Black,9.5 B USNamed “Best Update” in the Runner’s World December issue (the GTS 10 also received the same award the previous year), the Adrenaline provides good arch support and pronation control, while being flexible and light-weight (a whole 9.4 oz.). They feature the Brooks DNA cushioning material, which (according to the Brooks website) will provide a “customized ride for runners of all shapes and speeds.” For me, they provide the right amount of cushioning without being mushy (is that a technical term?)  I will be curious to see how the cushioning holds up, but only time will tell. The shoes offer a snug, narrow heal and a roomy toe box; though I would definitely recommend sizing up a half size.

 As Runner’s World states it’s “the perfect storm of a great fit and a great ride” — I couldn’t agree more!

**Disclaimer:  The review given here is solely my opinion. There was no payment nor product provided for this review.

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Filed Under: Brooks Adrenaline, fave things, product reviews

Everyone should Run Like a Mother!

July 1, 2010 by 6 Comments

I’d heard about the book Run Like A Mother and had been meaning to check it out. Got to read a few pages with the “Look Inside” feature on Amazon and I was hooked. I quickly downloaded the book to my Kindle (love that instant gratification!) and started reading. I was not disappointed!

Run Like a Mother: How to Get Moving--and Not Lose Your Family, Job, or Sanity

I love that I walked away feeling like I know Dimity and Sarah – like we’d been hanging out with a cup of coffee (or maybe I should say on a long run) while they imparted all of this great wisdom to this newbie runner! No subject is off-limits! It’s funny, intelligent and very real.  I love the quotes from the collection of mom runners – very inspiring and easy to relate to, whether you’re running your first 5k or 2nd marathon.

I now also enjoy the RLAM blog and Facebook page , and know I’ll go back to this book again and again for a good laugh, a useful tip and some always appreciated motivation!

 

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Filed Under: fave things, product reviews