Lock Laces Review & Giveaway

May 28, 2013 by 19 Comments

I’m all for anything that will make my life a little easier – even something as simple as not having to tie and retie my shoes when I’m out on a run. I’d heard about Lock Laces through social media and thought it was an interesting idea, so when they contacted me offering a pair to try out I said “absolutely!”

from Lock Laces website

from Lock Laces website

If you don’t know about them, Lock Laces are an innovative product developed especially for the demands of athletes. Unlike regular old laces, they provide flexible compression across the top of the foot with each stride. As you move, your foot changes shape – Lock Laces stretch and contract to fit the changing needs of your foot. Lock Laces’ simple clasp mechanism eliminates the need to tie your shoes over and over. You simply slide them on, secure the clasp and go!

Well, the folks at Lock Laces didn’t just send me one pair to try – they sent 5! My oldest son quickly spied them and begged for the neon green pair (he’s now making a case for the red ones too!) Needless to say he’s a fan and, now that I’ve been running in them for the past month I have to say I am too!

At $7.99 retail, Lock Laces is a very affordable piece of fitness gear! I love that they come in so many colors – and the fact that they’re water-proof makes them a win for my boys…especially with lots of summer hiking and days at camp on the horizon.

The generous folks at Lock Laces is offering to send a pair each to three Running with Attitude readers!

Three easy ways to enter this giveaway – leave a comment for each action below ~ Good Luck!

  • Check out the Lock Laces website and come back and tell me what color you’d pick
  • Like Lock Laces on Facebook and tell them Running with Attitude sent you
  • Tweet “I want to win a pair of @LockLaces from @RunAttitude http://wp.me/p3alX4-jd”

This giveaway is open to residents of the continental US only and will close on Sunday, June 2, 2013. Winners will be selected by Randon.org.  I received Lock Laces to try. The opinions expressed here, as always, are my own.

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Filed Under: fave things, giveaways, Lock Laces, product reviews

Nutrition Update: #DesignerWhey Product Review

April 26, 2013 by 7 Comments

Recently this showed up on my doorstep

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The folks at Designer Whey sent me a crazy array of their products to try! I was expecting to receive just one of their protein powders – instead they sent protein bars, ready-made shakes and Protein 2Go drink mix, in addition to two protein powders.

I’ve mentioned here before that one of my goals for 2013 is to get a better handle on my nutrition. And now that I’m finally feeling like I’ve got a handle on my fueling during a run, I’ve started to turn my attention to what I’m eating during recovery.  So getting to try out these products came at a great time for me.

Over the past couple of weeks I’ve had a chance to try everything — and the verdict….love them!

Designer shake

I  immediately started with the protein powders – 18g of protein, only 100 calories and naturally sweetened with Stevia. I received both French Vanilla and White Chocolate – they both had good flavor, but the White Chocolate became an instant fave! I was initially concerned it might be too sweet, but it had a yummy creaminess that worked well with my usual smoothie add-ins (unsweetened almond milk, chia seeds, almond butter and frozen strawberries, bananas and cherries)  without being overpowering. It has quickly become a favorite post-workout recovery drink.

My husband J got in on the act sampling the protein bars. We had three flavors to try: Peanut Butter Crunch, Triple Chocolate Crunch and Chocolate Caramel Crunch. Quite simply these bars are so good! They’re 160 – 170  calories with 10g of protein and other vitamins. Designer Whey packs a lot into these bars including a lot of flavor!

 My favorite was the peanutDesigner 2 butter, while J really liked the triple chocolate – he said it tasted “like a real chocolate bar not at all waxy.”

 The last item I received was the Protein 2Go. Designer Whey sent all three of their flavors: Lemonade, Mixed Berry and Tropical Orange. You just pour one of the packets into about 12 – 16 oz of water and shake. I thought these mixes offered a nice refreshing drink with the added benefit of 10g of protein plus B-Vitamins and Vitamin C. I really like these have no artificial sweeteners or flavors, and the packets are easy to carry with you anywhere. I think these will be particularly good in the summer months served ice cold!

A big thanks to the folks at Designer Whey – I’m happy to have discovered their products as they’ll now be a part of my recovery nutrition strategy.

What’s your go to recovery foods/drinks?

I received these products as a FitFluential Ambassador. All of the opinions expressed here, as always, are my own.

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Filed Under: #DesignerWhey, fave things, FitFluential, Nutrition, Recovery

What’s in my fitness closet?

March 25, 2013 by 11 Comments

fitness_closet

I’m joining Pavement Runner and some other bloggers and peeling back the curtain to reveal madness that’s taking over my closet – my ever-growing running gear collection.

I took some time this weekend to pack up the winter gear (I don’t care what Mother Nature throws at us next, I’m done with running tights and my heavier layers!)

So what’s in my fitness closet now?

4 pairs of capri pants (2 Nike, 1 Lululemon and 1 Lucy)

5 running skirts from Brooks, Sport Skirts and Running Skirts

Love a good running skirt!

Love a good running skirt!

2 Compression shorts (Aspaeris & CW-X)

7 race shirts (these are the tech ones – I have no idea what’s become of the cotton ones!)

Too many tech shirts & Singlets from Brooks, Nike, Bia,  Tough Chik, Pearl Izumi, & C9  FitCloset_tops

4 sports bras (Champions & Handful)

5 Saucony shoes  (including the retired pair of Mirages I just use for kicking around in)

#FindYourStrong   #FindYourStrong

Hmmm I’m starting to feel like I’ve got a little bit of an addiction going here – especially when you take into account that this doesn’t include compression sleeves, arm warmers, hats/visors, jackets, etc!  🙂

What about you – do you find your fitness clothes are taking over your closet?

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Filed Under: fave things, Fitness closet, Saucony

Yurbuds Inspire Review & Giveaway

October 29, 2012 by 46 Comments

While I do try to work in the occasional “naked” run, for most of my runs music is a constant companion. And, let’s just say in the past couple of years I’ve tried my fair share of earbuds with mixed results.

Recently I had the opportunity to try out a pair of the new Yurbuds Inspire for Women. Quite simply these earbuds did not disappoint!

These earbuds feature the same patented TwistLock™ technology and FlexSoft™ fit Yurbuds is famous for, while being designed to specifically fit the smaller ears of women.

For me, all of this translated into earbuds that stayed in place regardless of how much I sweated. They were super comfortable – basically I put them in and forgot about them. The sound quality was good, while providing enough ambient sound so I was aware of my surroundings.

The folks at Yurbuds were nice enough to send along an extra pair for one of you to win! To enter:

  • Simply leave a comment below and let me know what song inspires your runs (I’m always looking for new songs for my playlist!)
  • For an additional entry, tweet about this giveaway and please be sure to include the hashtag #InspireForWomen — come back and let me know you did!

The giveaway will be open until midnight Friday, November 2, and is open only to U.S. residents.

If you don’t want to wait, Yurbuds Inspire for Women are now available at Target ($29.99 – and in 8 great colors!). Check them out, you won’t be disappointed!

I received this product for the purpose of providing a review. As always, the opinions expressed here are completely my own.

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Filed Under: fave things, Inspire for Women, product reviews, Yurbuds

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

Really?! Another Half Marathon?

August 26, 2011 by 11 Comments

“Really?! Another half marathon?” – that’s been the response from a couple of my non-running friends to the news that I’m running Philly in November.

The truth is I had barely crossed the finish line of the Providence Rock ‘n’ Roll Half Marathon before I knew one thing for sure – I was registering for another!

When I started running in March 2010, I could barely complete a mile. Running a 5k seemed like a major undertaking! But even then I was harboring a secret desire to run a half marathon.

So what is it about the half marathon distance?

  •  13.1 miles is a significant enough distance that you need to respect it and have to put in the training for it. There is a level of both mental commitment and stamina required.
  • On the other hand, you can train for a half and maintain a balance with the rest of your life! As a mom of two active young boys, I just don’t know how I’d fit in 3-4 hour training runs. To all you running moms who do it and my hat’s off to you — I’m just not there yet!
  • Recovery time is manageable. I’m comfortably walking the next day and can be back out on the road within a couple days of racing.
  • I love a race with bling! (Most 10ks and 5ks don’t offer medals)
  • There’s a great sense of accomplishment when I’m done!

So my answer to the question about another half is quite simply – Heck ya! What’s not to love? Yes I will run my third this year and I’m already eyeing a few halfs for next year! I think someone warned me before my first that this distance would be addicting…and they might be right 🙂

What’s your favorite race distance?
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Filed Under: fave things, Half marathon, RnR Providence

A little Friday randomness

May 13, 2011 by 5 Comments

Thanks to Blogger’s little meltdown yesterday, my Thursday post vanished into cyberspace and by last night I was googling how to transfer from Blogger to WordPress!

This was one of those weeks that flew by in a blink – there were lots of meetings, school events and sports for the boys, along with all the usual stuff that makes up life. I did manage to hold to my training plan too, though I could have done with more yoga and yamuna body rolling – my hamstrings and calves are ridiculously tight!

And speaking of calves, I have discovered relief in the form of Zensah compression sleeves. After using them post-run a few times, I’m wondering what took me so long to buy a pair!

Another first today – first 11 mile run. I’d be lying if I said it was a pretty run. I haven’t been sleeping great this week and it definitely caught up with me in today’s run. But I got the distance and that’s what counts. Every run teaches you something, and this one taught me most that I can push through when I really feel the tank’s on E.

I have only one more long run before my half. One more “test” run to figure out fueling, clothes options, socks and play list. I’m close on the play list, but if you have any suggestions, especially for those last few miles, please pass them along. I think on the fueling front, I’m going to stick with a couple of Chomps around mile 5 and then depending on how I feel, a couple more around 9. Still working on my chewing and running at the same time 🙂

“It costs nothing to dream…And everything not to.” — this was in my inbox this morning and I love it and just had to share.

Have a Great Weekend!
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Filed Under: fave things, firsts, general musings, Quotes, tough runs, training, Yamuna Body Rolling

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

So what’s your cold threshold?

November 29, 2010 by 8 Comments

How cold does it have to be before you say no to a run, or at least head for a treadmill?

I am not…repeat not a cold weather kind of girl! But after whining….er, I mean expressing my displeasure with Mother Nature and her never-ending hot flashes this summer, I promised I wasn’t going to complain when the weather finally moved to cooler temps.

Each morning as I run by the bank sign displaying the current temp, I wonder what my threshold is going to be. So far I have surprised myself (and family & friends I might add — yes I’m known as a bit of a cold wimp!) Today it flashed 29 degrees! “It’s brisk! It’s refreshing!” I kept repeating to myself, but actually once I was a mile or so in, it really wasn’t too bad. Besides it gave me a chance to try out my Lucy Propel Run Tights – a birthday present from my hubs back in August. I’m happy to say it was love at first run with these tights!

So what’s your cold threshold? How low do the temps have to drop before you stay indoors? And, what your favorite winter running gear – this girl’s got a wardrobe to build 😉

Happy Running!

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Filed Under: fave things, weather

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