Champion at Target

  With this bad economy we are all finding ways to save a buck or two, so if you are in need of some workout wear and want good quality at a great price, the Champion sports wear at Target can't be beat.  Every time I am at Target I cruise through this section and always find something.  I love their seamless jog bras and have one in just about every color.  I do have one long seamless jog bra and it does ride up on me while I run which is annoying so I wear it mainly to work as a  personal trainer.  

The bras are under $20 which is a great price and when they go on sale sometime you can get them under $10.  They have a great V-Neck performance t-shirt that was a staple of mine last summer.  I went the other day and they had new colors for spring, so I had to pick me up a few!  Just last week I was training one of my clients who had a very cute pair of workout pants on and I asked her where she got them.  YEP!  you guessed it, it was Champion and she purchased it at Target.

If you've been leary, give Champion at Target a shot.  I guarentee you will find something there that will bring you back to get more.

Western Bagel's Alternative Bagels

Well if you love bagels but don't love the calorie count that comes with them I have a great bagel for you. You may have already discovered them as they are not that new, but Western Bagel has 5 excellent bagels that you just have to try. Along with great taste these bagels are low in calories (110) and high in fiber (7-8g - depending on the flavor) and protein (7g)! You can't beat that!! Oh wait they did! They also have their Perfect 10 Bagel which is a healthy grain bagel weighing in at 140 calories, 9g Fiber, 18g Protein, 15% Iron and 10% Calcium! Wow - that is a Perfect 10!

Western Bagel's Alternative Bagels can be found in many grocery stores, but you have to be persisitant when looking for them. I find them here at Pavilions (which is Vons, Tom Thumb, Randalls or Safeway) and Albertsons. However, they don't always have them. They tend to be cheapest at Albertsons, so when I do find them I buy a few bags and freeze them. The flavors are Cinnamon Spice, White, Roasted Onion, Sweet Wheat, and Very Blueberry.  My personal favorite is the Cinnamon Spice and my husband's is the Sweet Wheat.

Unfortunately you cannot find them in all grocery stores and not even all states. However, you can buy them online where you can find all of them along with their Perfect 10 Bagels, their NEW Alternative Pitas and their Alternative English Muffins, which I am also a fan of! There is a shipping charge which is a total bummer, but if you just love your bagels then I think it is worth it! Enjoy!

All Day Everyday Bra

 I found a great everyday bra that is moisture wicking and so comfortable.  So if you are having an active day, but not needing a sports bra, this is a great bra.  As a personal trainer I am constantly on the move, so I love this bra because there are days I don't want to wear a sports bra.  The mesh back and front panel help to keep you cool and dry.  I have one in white and just bought a black one.

I love the front and how it cuts low, so when you are wearing a V-neck shirt or cut low shirt, the bra doesn't show.  It's not a Victoria Secret sexy bra, but it does fit very flattering and is great just for everyday use.  Having two little ones I am constantly bending over and picking them up and I hate it when my bra strap drops down my arm no matter how many times I adjust it.  This bra stays on so nicely and moves with you.

It's recommended for A-C cups and you can purchase it through Title Nine.  The bra is made by Moving Comfort and if you know this company you know they make great sports bras and everyday bras.  It's what they are known for.  I tried looking for it on their website and couldn't find it, so they must have made it especially for Title Nine which is very common.  It's $58 and worth every penny!  Plus, Title Nine has a great return policy, so if for some reason you don't like it, you can return it hassle free.

Eiderdown Vest

For Christmas I asked for this great vest that I absolutely love.  Of Course, now it's half price and the best time to get one.  The Eiderdown Vest  has a high-quality 800-fill power white goose down insulation to keep you nice and warm.  It's not bulky and I love the floral print.  I think since Christmas I have worn this almost everyday and have received a ton of compliments.  It has two side pockets to carry what you need and to keep your hands nice and warm.  You can't ask for anything more from a vest.

There are still plenty of cool days and nights to get good use out of it before summer and if you're planning on going to Colorado or some place where it gets cool at night during your summer vacation, you can wear it then as well.  Spring break is coming soon and for those of you skiing you can look pretty good on the mountain with this baby. 

I've worn my casually to the gym and I've even dressed it up.  I love this vest.  Have I mentioned that already?  Anyway, you can go to www.athleta.com to get you one or click on the link above.  If you go to  www.athleta.com , click on "sale outlet" at the top and then click on "vests".  This is a great addition to any women's wardrobe.

Healthier Tortillas!

Well I am always looking at ways to make the not so healthy food my almost 2 year old will eat a little bit healthier. It is quite the challenge because if I mess it up and he doesn't like it, he will never try it again. I have to be super sneaky because he eats so few things that I really can't afford to lose any of them.

One thing he will eat is a quesadilla. I can get him to eat one about twice a week, so I try to make them as nutrient packed as I can and him still eat them. I can put a tiny bit of spinach in them and every once in awhile a little bit of chicken. I can't always sneak the chicken by, but what I can always sneak by are the tortillas.

Even though I LOVE whiter than white flour tortillas, there really is not one thing good for you in them. They are mighty tasty, especially when filled with the goods, but that is about all I can say about them. Instead of flour tortillas, I use the small La Tortilla Factory Sonoma Carb Cutting Artesian Tortillas. They are all natural and they are only 60 calories with 1.5g fat and 11g carbohydrate. The best thing about them is that they contain 7g fiber and 5g protein. They taste great and both of my kids eat them up as quickly as they would a flour tortilla.

I recommend you checking them out. You can find them at Trader Joes and most likely places like Whole Foods.  They can help make your maybe not so healthy Mexican Fiesta a little bit healthier and they work well with the "HEALTHY" Black Bean Quesadilla recipe I have posted as well! Enjoy.

Silk Lite Sock

   If you are looking for a great workout sock then the Women's Silk-Lite Sock from Pearl Izumi is one to try.  I love this sock and wear them constantly to run, bike, or just around.  They are light weight and comfortable. There are several different colors to pick from and the height of the sock is perfect.  It's not too low, so it's not a "no show" sock, but it's also not very high and comes just above the shoe. 

I have to wear an ankle brace when I run and I need a sock high enough where the back of my brace won't rub on my ankle and this sock just covers that area.  I hated to always have to wear a higher sock because of that reason and was so glad when I found these socks. 

It has a mesh ventilation to help keep the sock cool and dry, so no STICKY FEET.  Or, at least it minimizes the funk.  I love the colors.  They have several that are pretty and fun looking.  I'm telling you when I reach in my draw for a sock, this is the sock I search for.  I was washing them constantly so I finally went and bought another 3 pack.

You can click on the link above or go to www.pearlizumi.com to get you a pair!

Special K Protein Plus

I have never been a big cereal fan - well, let me rephrase that. I have always LOVED cereal, but never really have felt like it was that great for you. It, to me, is one of those foods that are fine for you, but don't really do much for you. For the number of calories you must consume to be satisfied, in the end, most cereals aren't really worth it and I will say many instead of most to be nice, but many cereals are just plain bad for you. They may be "fortified", but they are also loaded with sugar, some food coloring, artificial flavors and who knows what else.

But today, I have a Jill approved one to tell you about. If you haven't tried it yet, go out and get yourself a box of the Special K Protein Plus. Now, it doesn't taste as good as the original Special K, but it has a good flavor, almost cinnamony even though it doesn't have any cinnamon it it, plus it is packed with some really good stuff. Each serving is supposed to be 3/4 C, but no one does that so I am going to give you the info on a 1 1/2 C serving. That is more realistic. For a 1 1/2 C serving, you get 200 Calories, 6g Fat, 1g Sat. Fat, 640mg Potassium, 10g Fiber, only 4g sugar, and 20g Protein - and that is not even including the milk. Now that my friends is pretty awesome. It is also fortified with a bunch of vitamins and minerals, but most cereals are, so that I am not as excited about. It is the low sugar, high fiber and high protein that is the kicker with this one.

Most cereals fill you up when you are eating them and then BAM, after an hour you are starving. With the fiber and protein in this cereal, you are able to stay full for a longer period of time. I stay full until lunchtime (which is amazing as I never stay full until lunchtime!)

Give it a shot. Throw some strawberries, blueberries and bananas on top (I also add a little honey, shhhh) and you have yourself a completely delicious and nutritious breakfast!

**This cereal does contain High Fructose Corn Syrup which I try to stay completely away from, but everything in moderation right??!!

Pick The Right Shoe

I always talk about getting the proper running shoe, but for those of you who don't run and do other activities it's important to find the correct shoe for your activity.  If you do aerobic classes, a running shoe may not be your best bet since you move laterally.  Find a great cross trainer with ankle support.  If you're a walker, they make great specific walking shoes.  Research the right shoe for you.  Your body and joints will thank you.

Rock n Roll Scottsdale

This past Sunday my friend Julie (in blue) and I ran the Scottsdale Rock n Roll Marathon.  I have to say this was a much better experience than the Las Vegas half marathon that I ran in December (I will actually wear this t-shirt!).  You may have remembered the blog I did on the Las Vegas race which I gave two thumbs down.   The Scottsdale marathon I would recommend and is definitely a thumbs up.

The Good!

1. The marathon was flat.  Never did I feel like I was pushing my legs up a long climb.  It felt really good.  I think around mile 20 I started to feel my glutes get tight, but other then that it was a smooth ride because of the nice flat downhill course.
2. Water stations at every mile.  Not only were there water stations, but Cytomax, gels, food, etc. were all at your disposal.  You didn't have to carry anything with you.
3. Mile markers were clearly displayed.  You knew where you were at all times and I love that.
4. Great crowds and scenery.  Can't beat people cheering you on all through the way and great mountains to look at as you run.
5. GREAT WEATHER!  Can't beat a 50 degree start and 70 degree finish!

The Bad!

1. WHERE WERE THE BANDS? We were told there would be over 30 bands playing along the way and I may have counted six.  This was disappointing.  Julie and I were really hoping to have some tunes to get us through.  Plus most of them were on a break when we ran by.  PLEASE PLEASE, have a CD playing or something while you're on break.  Can't you help a girl out?
2. I did notice quite a few cheerleading squads along the way.  Hmmmmm, need I say more?

The Ugly!

1. One note of thanks to the sweaty, very hefty man who at mile 23 offered me his stick of Vaseline.  Even though I did notice he wiped it all over his face, I wasn't quite sure where else that stick had been, so I pleasantly declined his offer.

All in all it was a great marathon experience.  I was sick leading up to the race, but was able to pull through with great company (Thanks Julie), a great course and support.  If you want a fast and great marathon, then the Scottsdale Rock N Roll is it!

The Luscious Luluthong

Well if you are like me, you are only as comfortable as your undies - especially when working out. Nothing is worse than having to "secretly" adjust your underwear in the middle of your aerobics class or while you are walking through the gym. No matter how discreet you are, you know someone sees you!!  Well lucky for me, and hopefully you, I have found a solution to that problem.

Lululemon, along with amazing active wear, sells the perfect underwear for working out. They sell a number of different styles, but their Luscious Luluthong is the one that I love. It is made out of cotton and lycra for amazing comfort, but more importantly, control. There is no riding up and tugging down when you are wearing these, even in your most active classes like kickboxing. They are also designed to show no embarrassing panty lines.

Each pair of Luscious Luluthongs cost $12.00. Everything Lululemon is a little bit pricey, but I promise you, totally worth it. The way they cut and design each item makes every one extremely comfortable and very flattering. Their quality is amazing as well, making their items last forever.  

If the thong is not your style, you should check out some of their other underwear. They have a number of different styles that are moisture wicking and made for comfort and control. All, absolutely perfect for working out. Hop online and check them out. Unfortunately you can not order items online, but if there is not a Lululemon store near you, you can order items by phone.

Fiber One Complete

Well, I found a great relatively new pancake mix this week. It is the Fiber One Complete pancake mix. For a 3 pancake serving (1/2 C dry mix) it has 180 calories, 3.5g fat, 36g carbs (only 4g sugar), 5g fiber and 6g protein. That is really pretty awesome! It is so easy - you add water and stir - and walah! You have got yourself some light and fluffy, delicious pancakes. The batter smells like cake batter - with about 1/8 the fat and calories of cake batter. Both of my boys gobbled them up in about one second and even asked for more. That is pretty unusual in my household.

Now for a subject that we don't love talking about but must as it is a very common problem - constipation. Both of my children have bathroom issues. They constantly are getting constipated which is a very sad thing to witness. It makes their bellies hurt and it very painful to go to the bathroom. I have to say, after two mornings of these Fiber One Complete pancakes, they have been very regular. So, if you have a child that has issues, or if you yourself has issues, you should give these pancakes a try! They are a much tastier option than a glass of Prune Juice!

Check them out, you can find them just about anywhere. FiberOne has a number of products out there worth trying. Obviously they have a variety of cereals but also ready to eat muffins, muffin mix, snack bars, bread products, and even cottage cheese and yogurt. Everything I have tried has been delicious, especially their Fulfill Bars, And, they all have a significant amount of fiber in them which just about everyone can benefit from.  

Skuut Skuut Skuut

It's the day after Christmas and all the excitement has settled down.  All my house guests left on Christmas day since they had to work today.  My husband and I loved having everyone, but we are enjoying the quiet time with just us and our boys.  We are also having a great time watching them on their latest and greatest adventure.  Riding the Skuut bike!

The Skuut Bike is a balance bike which means it doesn't have training wheels or even pedels (see picture) so what you have to do is push and then lift your feet up and balance the bike as it glides and rides down the sidewalk.  The recommended age is 2 years and up.  What I love about this bike is your child is learning balance and core strength while having a great time.  It's exercise and fun all together which is the way to do it with kids.  It's also challenging and may take a few tries to get it down.  Once they do, it will be endless fun. 

My 2 year old twins are fearless and somewhat reckless.  My son Luke grabbed my husbands Christmas gift, a skateboard.  Yes, I have a 39 year old husband who thinks he's 16.  Anyway,  Luke layed down on his stomach and pushed himself down the driveway.  I didn't catch him in time and he knicked the wheel of our car which was sitting in the driveway and let's just say he had a pretty hard tumble and there is a nice black and blue knot on his forehead.  So, this is what I am dealing with.  When my boys saw these bikes sitting by the Christmas tree yesterday they were all over it.

Check out the link above or go to www.amazon.com and type in balance bike and this bike will come up.  You can also google balance bike and several will show up.  The prices vary from $300 to $50.  I liked this bike because it got great reviews and was under $100.  We did have a flat tire on one and my husband had to patch it.  It was also a little tall for my boys (the seat is adjustable and so the bike will grow with your child) at the lowest setting, but my husband turned the seat around and drilled in an extra hole and it works perfect. 

If you want your child to get out and get some exercise the balance bikes are great.  It has so many benefits and your child will want to go out and play.

Dude Girl

There is a great new clothing line out there called Dude Girl and it has an incredible story.  In 1928 Dorothy Dodge McElhinney, who had a ranch in Wyoming, married  a doctor who was setting up his medical practice in California, so she gathered up some of her girlfriends from college and they did an old fashioned pack trip on horse back to California since she didn't have enough money to ship her horses there.  The picture on your left is her and her girlfriends before they left.  Now her granddaugther has taken this spirit and created a clothing line called Dude Girl.

I love the clothes.  They have cute cycling jerseys, yoga clothes, and performance wear.  They also have great just hanging out wear which is what I live in.  A definite buy is the Little Red Hoody.  It's almost like a coat and if you live in cold weather it's great.  I love the body on it because it's a little longer than most hoodies.  You can run, ski, or just hang out with this great piece.

The performance wear is so cute.  They put the Dude Girl logo on it and it's just not your average looking running top (see left).  It has style.  It's also comfortable and great to wear when you're out and being active.  The Spur Pant is also great because it's this great red color and most of us live in black and brown bottoms and this red is very flattering and the material of the pant is butter soft.  The pant has an uncuffed bottom with darts for you to cut it to your own length.  If you're tall it's a great pant because it comes to you really long, but if you're short you can cut to your perferred length.

There are so many great things about Dude Girl.  I encourage you to go to the site, www.dudegirl.comand read the whole story about Dorothy McElhinney.  Then, check out the great clothing.  You will find something for you I guarantee it and maybe a great Christmas gift for someone else as well.

A Great Bra!

If you are looking for a good bra - the Saucony Motion Sensor Bra just may be what you are looking for. I stumbled upon this bra about a year ago in Boulder, CO at this great little store, Outdoor Divas. My neighbor and I had been on a mission to find a padded sports bra and neither of us had had any luck. Well the second I tried this bra on I knew it was the one.

The bra has an adjustable 3 hook-and-eye clasp which makes it more custom fit. That also makes it easier to put on than a typical sports bra that you have to pull over your head. It has a criss-cross back making it very comfortable. It has breathable molded cups, provides excellent support, is moisture wicking, and best of all it is extremely flattering.

From what I have heard, it provides excellent support to those blessed with a little up there! But for those of us like me that aren't, it supports what I do have and makes me look like I have a little more up there than I do. It makes me actually look like a girl!! That is always nice.

This bra runs around $45, but you may be able to find a deal. This bra actually used to be called the Hind Motion Sensor Bra. When they closed it out and changed the name, many stores put them on sale. Just google it and see if you are lucky enough to find one. At one point they were selling for $19.99. However if you have to pay the $45, I promise you it is totally worth every penny. After trying out my first one for a few months, I ordered 5 more. I never will wear anything else.

Nike Tempo Short

If you are a runner then you know about the Nike Tempo Short.  It's probably my favorite short and the most flattering.  It's also very popular.  Go to any race and you will see it in just about every color on most of the running divas. This short has been around forever and if you own one, you never get rid of it.  At around $30.00 they are a bargain.  Plus Nike always has some cute tops, bras, and jackets to match your short.  What's great about Nike is the next season they will come up with a new color scheme, but it will still match last year's shorts.  You can buy a new top and BOOM, you have a great cute new outfit!  Buy a pair today.  I promise you will love it!

Vagabond Jacket By Pearl Izumi

With the great fall weather it's been so nice getting outside to run, bike, skate, hike, or just hang out.  It's also the kind of weather that can be a little unpredictable and that's why I love the Vagabond Jacket by Pearl Izumi.  It's a jacket and vest rolled into one.  You just take off the sleeves and BOOM it's a vest.  I wore mine the other day biking and I started off with the full jacket and half way into my ride I started to get a little warm, but knew I needed something more than just my jersey, so I took off the sleeves and wore the vest.  It was perfect.  The sleeves fit right into the back zipped pocket.  It's water and wind resistant and at the price of $99 buckaroos it's a bargain because in my opinion you're getting a two for one deal.  The Passion Red (not pictured) is a great color!  Check out www.pearlizumi.com and order one today!

Things I Love-Title Nine, Athleta, and Terry

When any of these three catalogues come in the mail my husband starts to experience hot flashes.  When he sees one of the catalogues sitting next to the computer (knowing that I have more than likely made an internet purchase) I have to be prepared to start CPR.  Yes, I love Title Nine, Athleta and Terry Bicycles Catalogues.

www.titlenine.com :  I get several compliments from people regarding my shoe collection.  I don't own one pair of heels, but I have several casual, hanging out, easy going shoes.  Most of these I have purchased from Title Nine.  I bought a great pair of Tevas from here a few years back that I still get compliments on and unfortunately you can't buy them anymore.  You have to constantly check out the site and get it while they last.  They have great Life Is Good clothing, Horny Toad, Sugoi, Prana, you name it.  Great swim suits and cover ups for the summer as well.  It's just fun casual, working out, hanging out clothes.  FitDiva Jill and I have to call each other regarding our purchases because once again we constantly buy the same things off this site.  It's so worth checking out!

www.athleta.com :  Athleta and Title Nine are somewhat similar as far as their athletic and casual gear, but Athleta has cute golf attire if that's your thing.  It also has dressier casual clothes, super cute ski and cold winter gear, plus cute Ugg boots.  They also have their own line of workout clothing which I love and is a little less expensive.

www.terrybicycles.com :  OK, if you're looking for cute cycle gear here it is.  Jill and I complain constantly about the lack of cute women's cycle gear and then I discovered this catalogue.  You will find all patterns and styles.  They also have great cycling skorts and you know how I love the workout skort.  You can look super cute and feminine on your cruiser, mountain bike, or road bike with this catalogue.  They also have some casual clothes for after your ride that I love as well.

Get online and check these sites out.  Make sure your husband is in the other room before starting your purchases.  If he sneaks in on you just remember it's now 30 chest compressions to every 2 breathes.  Happy shopping!

Things I Love-The Fitness Skirt

Six months after my twins were born I ran an all female half marathon very slowly.  As all these women were running past me in these little skirts there were two things I wanted to say:

• JUST HAD TWINS THANK YOU VERY MUCH and
• Cute skirt!!

The running skirt has become very popular and now every fitness clothing line is making their version.  In the August issue of Runner’s World magazine they do a whole article on the fitness skirt and review them all from Adidas to Puma.  My favorite skirt, the Sugoi Stamina, was reviewed and listed as the testers’ favorite.  I blogged about Sugoi a few weeks ago and mentioned this skirt.  It really is very comfortable, flattering, and so adorable.  It’s a little longer then most and has a boy brief built inside so you can move without worry of exposing anything.

I love the skirts because they bring femininity to athletics.  Yes, we are all jocks in our own way, but it’s ok as a jock to wear a skirt on a run or even mountain bike ride.  I see people wearing them in triathlons, while rollerblading, doing yoga and to lunch. There are all different types of lengths, styles, materials, etc.  There is definitely one out there for you. What’s so great about being a woman is we have so many different choices in what we can wear unlike men. I encourage you to pick up Runner’s World and check out the article and find a skirt that fits your style.   

Get a skirt, try it out!  You can kick butt just like a guy, but the nice thing is you don’t have to look like one!

Things I Love-Prana

When fit Diva Jill and I are off on one of our shopping sprees it seems we always find the cutest Prana clothes.  We both have shorts, capris, and several tops that we have to promise not to wear at the same time.  I also love their yoga line which I wear for more then just yoga because it's so comfortable and so so cute.  Here we go.

• Lola Sport Top (pictured) and Lola Halter:  Love it, Love it, Love it.  I wear them to pilates, yoga, around the house, and even to weight train in.  Also, long enough to cover the whole tummy.  What is so great about Prana is every season they come up with different patterns in different colors, so you can buy your favorite workout tops several times in fun different looks.  They have so many different workout tops in different cuts and styles that you will definitely find one to love.
• Divine Capri (pictured) and Divine Pant:  Perfect name because they are truly divine.  They are low rise and semi fitted, not too tight and not too loose.  A great fit and so very flattering on the hips, butt, and thighs.  You can wear them for about anything.  Wear them for a workout and then to pick up the kids.
• Kai Pant:  This pant is more of an after workout pant or pant to hang out in.  It's a cargo casual pant that I love to wear with a t-shirt and flip flops.  It was a staple for me this spring and will be again in the fall.  Flattering, comfortable and cuter then cute.
• 70 Cord :  I bought these last season and it looks like the are still available.  Very flattering and in fun colors.  I have them in a light purple.  Great pockets in the back to help your butt appear small.

Their casual line is great.  I also have several of their casual halter tops and t-shirts and a girlfriend of mine purchased their halter dress and what a stunner.  I have a couple of their belts and I love the bucket hats.  Visit Prana at www.prana.com and check it all out for yourself.  I really encourage you to try their workout tops.  LOVE THEM!

My Favorite Things-I love my Salomons and Keens

Shoes, Shoes Shoes!  Who doesn't love a great pair of shoes?  I don't own a single heel, but I own several casual, laid back, hanging out shoes and my Salomons and Keens are the ones I wear the most.

These are the Salomons Amphibians.  Great shoes because I don't have to wear socks with them, but I do use shoe powder in case they start to stink.  They do breathe very well.  I have had these shoes in about every color over the years.  I wear them so much that within a year it's time for a new pair.  You can wear them in water, I personal train in them, workout, hang out, chase kids and husbands, and just about everything else in them.  I know people who wear them to hike in as well.  They are easy to just slip on and go.  Super comfortable and they don't have shoe laces, but a nylon type lace that you pull on at the end to tighten up.  How easy is that? 

I can't tell you how many pairs of Keen shoes I own.  I love them because putting them on is like putting on a cushion of air to me.  These are the Newport H2 sandal, but the Venice sandal is very similar and just as cute.  I live in these shoes.  Everytime I wear them people stop and ask me the brand and where to find them.  Super Duper comfortable and soooo cute.  I wear them with workout shorts, casual shorts, and capris.  I know fit diva Jill has a pair and wore them last year when we hiked a fourteener in Colorado.   My mother-in-law even has a pair.  Now she wears them with socks (not so cute) but "HEY" we all have our own style.  My twins got their first pair this weekend.  They have great arch support, so you don't have to worry about that.

You can find these shoes on www.onlineshoes.com or www.rei.com or at their respective websites.  I'm telling you everytime I wear one of these great shoes I constantly get compliments.  Go getcha a pair!!!

Things I Love-Pearl Izumi

Pearl Izumi is another line that many people don’t know much about unless you’re a die hard cyclist.  Pearl has some great products for running and cycling and even though I’ve never tried their shoes, I’ve seen them rated very high in athletic magazines.  Ok, here I go!

• Chase Spice Knicker- love this capri tight.  You can get it in all black or black with a little splash of color at the bottom.  I wear mine to kick box (don’t like things showing when I lift my leg to kick if you know what I mean).  I wear it running, yoga, pilates, etc.  They are very comfortable and super cute.  How can you go wrong with a black tight?
• Infinity Tee/Aurora Roll Waist Short- I just love the material on the infinity tee and one of the colors right now is white with this great passion red which is really pretty.  Match it with the Aurora roll waist short, which is my favorite short because of the built-in boy short inside, and you’re on your way to a great running outfit.
• Short Attack Short/Sugar Short-  I own several of these because they are my favorite cycling shorts.  When I go in the drawer, this is the one I search for.  The short attach short is for cycling outdoors and has a great chamois.  The sugar short is more for indoor cycling.  They are both short and I like that so when you get that cycling tan line it’s not so bad.  All the cycling shorts that Pearl have are top notched, so you can’t go wrong with any of them.
• Silk Lite Sock- Ok, I love this sock and silk is a great word to describe it because that is what you feel like you’re putting on when you wear this sock. I own several pair in different colors and wear them all the time.  I wear them cycling, running, or just around.  They are durable and super comfortable.

Again, this blog could be several pages if I went on about all the things I love.  I own several of their running and cycling jackets, long sleeve shirts, etc. Great men’s stuff as well.  My husband owns a ton.  Check it all out at www.pearlizumi.com.  Happy shopping!

Things That I Love-My Garmin Watch

When I'm headed out for a run or bike ride I never leave home without my Garmin watch.  I love it because the model that I own, forerunner 301, tracks my heart rate, pace/speed and mileage.  Then I can analyze and store my workouts using the Garmin software.  So, you always know great information about each workout.

Here is what mine does in more detail.

• It tracks and records my heart rate so I can see whether I'm training too hard or not hard enough
• It has three different sports modes for running, biking and another activities and you can also use it to train for a duathlon or triathlon using the mutli sport setting.
• The software lets you overlay your run on a map so you can pinpoint specific areas and see how elevation and other factors affected the workout.
• I always know my pace (even though I swear I'm running faster then it says!) and how far I've gone which is great for traveling or going to new areas that you don't have running routes mapped.

Check out all the Gramin devices at www.garmin.com.  There are models with more bells and whistles and some with less depending on what you need and how much you want to spend.

Things That I Love –lululemon

OK, here I am writing once again about the clothes I love.  Today I wanted to focus on lululemon.  If you’re not familiar with this company I encourage to check them out. They are based out of Canada and are more of a yoga line, but I wear their stuff to run in, cycle, personal train and just about everything because it’s so comfortable.  Anyone who owns lululemon knows what I’m talking about and I don’t know one person who has a complaint.  The fabric is so comfortable and I can’t explain why, but the clothes just fit so nicely and are extremely flattering.

The idea behind lululemon is health, healthy living and the mental aspects of living a powerful life of possibilities. Each store offers yoga classes for free and has a very “Zen” feel.  Their clothes are designed by athletes and they love your feedback on how to make any piece of their clothing better

They have several different tops, bras, tanks, pants, shorts, skirts, and capris.  Here is what I have.  I own the Glow Tank, Wrap Tank, Seamless Tee, Fancy Pant, Studio Crop, Endurance Short, and one of their jackets.  I can’t tell you how I love each of these and how comfortable they are.  They are extremely flattering.  I was just wearing the shorts yesterday and got several comments.  Now this line is on the pricey side, but you do get what you pay for.  Everything I own has held up well and I know people who have had things for 8-10 years and the fabric hasn’t faded and it still looks great.  I would own more if my husband wouldn’t have a coronary every time I walked into one of their stores.  By the way, they have a great men’s line.

Go check them out at www.lululemon.com , read up about the company and what they are all about.  It’s very interesting and then find a store near you since I don’t think you’re able to buy online.

Some Of My Favorite Things

OK, let’s admit it ladies we love to shop and it’s important what we put on is flattering and doesn’t make us look like a beached whale.  So, I’m going to tell you about some of my favorite clothing items that I think can make your butt look good and tummy slim.  Who doesn’t want that?

I don’t know if you’ve heard of the company Sugoi, but they really have a great line of clothes for just about anyone.  It’s great stuff if you’re a runner, cyclist, yoga mama, triathlete, or just like comfortable clothes to get you around.  Sugoi is not as main stream as companies like Nike or Reebok and that’s why I wanted to mention them.

My favorite item is the Stamina Skirt.  It is super super cute.  I have it in black and white.  You can run in it, lift weights, play tennis, go to the grocery store, drop the kids off at camp (it won’t embarrass them I promise), or even meet the girls out for lunch.  It’s so great and versatile.  I’ve seem it on all shapes and sizes and I can’t tell you how great it looks on everyone.  It’s not too short and not too long.  Yep, I love it.  My second is the Hatha Short.  It doesn’t have a brief liner, so some may not like it to run in it, but I just wear a boy short underneath mine.  It’s very flattering and I think makes your butt look pretty darn good.  So very comfortable and great to workout in or just wear out and about.  My last bottom is the mood capri.  Very slimming for your hips and butt, comfortable and great for yoga, pilates, or just about anything.  It has a little pocket for your I-pod, keys, cell phone or cash.  All three of these bottoms I wear to personal train in.  Great material and comfortable for all movements. 

Lastly my favorite top is the Fizz Tank.  It has a built in bra that is very supportive.  It’s long enough to go over your shorts so you’re not showing belly flab and very slimming to the tummy.  Now this is just a few of many great things.  They have great cycling shorts and tri gear.  My only complaint is I wish they had cuter cycling jerseys.  Although, that is my complaint with most companies who make cycling wear for women.

Anyway, if you’re interested in checking out these items go to www.sugoi.ca and take a look.  You can’t go wrong in my book!