Cool Runnings: Winter Run Gear

Winter Run Gear by elbonner featuring Under Armour

Last weekend, I ran my first race in over five years. I was so nervous because I didn't train as much as I wanted and worried about being the slowest person there and I was genuinely afraid of letting myself down. It was also my first really cold-weather run I'd had in a long time and I was convinced I was going to do a bad job.I ran a bunch of races a few years ago and they were what motivated me to really get into shape. They were so much fun, but I trained long and hard for them. What the hell was I doing running this race that I barely prepared for? Now that it's dark out before I get home I don't like running outside after work which leaves me with the treadmill. I truly hate the treadmill and like a good treadmill-hater, I avoided it while I should have been utilizing it. I did go on Sunday runs at a local park, but it was by no means enough practice. 

As I stood in my corral, I tried to pick out who I should pace myself with and what time is everyone going to get. Could I even make it the whole way without taking a break? My friends who run get awesome finish times; what's mine going to be? Well, three minutes out of the starting line, all that went by the wayside and I cleared my mind and finally focused on having fun. I've got a lot of accomplished runners in my life and trying to compare myself to their times just wasn't happening. I changed my outlook from "don't look like an ass" to "just do your best", as ridiculous as that sounds I really needed to beat that into my brain. I finished around the time I thought I would and never stopped the whole time. I wasn't magically running 7 minute miles or 20lbs lighter, but I did kick all the negative thinking in the nards an kept going. After I got my medal and my free banana, I was ready to sign up for a bunch more races. Why wasn't I doing this every weekend?! Now that I know I can once again run a race without stopping, who knows what else I can do? I've made it my goals to run as many races as I can manage next year so I can have a healthy habit all while gaining lots of new t-shirts.

That being said, running in the winter is especially tough. It's hard to be motivated to run when it's cold or wet outside. I dd get my ass out of be on Thanksgiving morning and put in three rain-soaked miles before I nearly ate myself to death and I felt so much better having done so. One way I've found to get myself motivated is to get a new outfit. Nothing like spending too much on an outfit to make you get out and use it! Above I have compiled all sorts of cute winter run gear to get you going on even the coldest of days! Get to stepping!

(left)

Nike Windrunner Jacket- Super cute and can be worn with jeans if you need some motivation for a late-day run!

Nike Epic Lux Tights- Good for days when you need some extra warmth, but nothing bulky. Plus is has a convenient key pocket and butt-enhancing capabilities.

Nike Storm-FIT 2.0 Run Gloves- On cold days, no amount of bunching your hands into your sleeves is going to keep your hands warm. Save yourself the trouble and get some gloves!

Nike  Air Zoom Structure 18- This shoe is made for overpronators (heels roll inward when running) which is my current handicap. Would love to try these out since they've been getting such awesome reviews. Finally, stability shoes that aren't totally fugly! Wishlist item!

C9 by Champion Knitted Beanie- Protect your chilly little head with this fitted, moisture-wicking beanie that's a steal at Target.

(right)

Under Armour ColdGear Infrared Crew- ColdGear is great stuff, especially if it's 30 or below. I wear mine when it's snowy and it keeps be pretty toasty without the bulk of a sweatshirt!

Under Armour ColdGear Infrared Leggings- Probably my favorite cold-weather running tights. They are lined with brushed fleece and keep your legs and butt warm on cold runs!

Under Armour Fleece Headband- If hats won't stay on your head, opt for a headband. I have an odd-shaped head that a hat will never stay on so I always wear a fleece headband.

Under Armour 2.0 Sports Bra- No bouncing here, this bra also has removable padding just in case you don't want the world to know how cold you really are. 

Patagonia Micro-D fleece Neck Gaiter- These things are a life saver! Get over the fact that you may look like the unibomber and enjoy your runs free of cold-burnt lungs! I can only run in the cold if I'm wearing one of these up over my nose or else my throat will be killing me and my chest will be on fire. Everyone should have one!

That's all for now folks! Hope your turkey (or Tofurky) day was full of fatty goodness. Now it's time to get back to work! Happy running!

Keep It Together: Workout Clothes That Keep You Solid

I don't mean solid like that one Lean Cuisine you bought, but it wasn't your favorite so you never really wanted to eat it and it's been in the back of your freezer since Saddam Hussein was still alive. I mean solid like a stack, brick-house of a lady who yearns to keep the jiggle to a minimum during her workout!

Something I have noticed from my many workout trials and tribulations is that I just can't workout in running shorts; I gots to have that spandex! One spring I decided to make the transition from compression running capris to running shorts because everyone always looks so damn cool in their little Nike or Lululemon running shorts. I slapped on a pair, started off on my run, and got tired so quickly I had to shorten my run distance. I thought long and hard about what could have slowed me down; I'd done that run a hundred times before with no problems and then it dawned on me. What was happening during all that pathetic jaunt I called a run? A whole lot of thigh jiggle. I can't help it; I've got large thighs no matter what, and after a few more experiments I concluded that I have to have some sort of compression when I'm doing high impact stuff like running or HIIT workouts.

Now, this may not be the case for everyone, but I just feel better with a little more support. Luckily, the world of workout wear is on my side and everything is coming up spandex! I have compiled a few of my favorites that are not only super functional, but are also super cute. 

1. With Love From Paradise: Can I get a pair of these in every Aloha print ever? Great for yoga, gym workouts, walking; just about anything that involves using one's legs. I'm obsessed and hoping I can convince someone to get me a pair of these for my birthday. Totally unique and great for those who are tired of black stretch pants.

Photo: With Love From Paradise

2. Roxy Outdoor Fitness Standard Running Tights: Love these things to death. I got the purple and it's such a great color. Not too attention-grabbing, but better than your old blown-out Soffe shorts. Great for running, lifting, anything you can throw at them. I didn't spend my runs constantly pulling them back up so that's always a plus. Keeps everything high and tight just how I like it!

Photo: Roxy.com

3. Lululemon Wunder Under Crop: I tell myself I'm not paying that much for a pair of workout pants, but they are sooooo damn good. I still have my first pair I bought when Lululemon first got an online store and they are still just as good and stretchy as they were on day one. I know they have had quality issues as-of late, but I haven't really come across any obvious problems. Maybe I'm just super easy to please, or these make my butt look so good that I don't even care. If you've got the money to shell out on Wunder Unders, just get some already!

Photo: Lululemon

4. Seea Pacifica Surf Leggings: I've been seeing a lot of surf leggings coming out lately and I think they're great. I really don't enjoy wearing board shorts, but I also hate destroying my inner thighs from skin,wax, board friction (cringing thinking about it). These leggings from Seea aren't strictly for surfing and can be worn for any activity where you need some protection with a little stretch (oh god sounds like a condom reference). I could see myself wearing these at them gym and absolutely anywhere else leggings are appropriate which, for me, is everywhere worth going. 

Photo: Seea

There are so many great workout pants that will keep you jiggle-free during your workouts.  When I was younger I was always under the impression that crazy spandex was only worn by male figure skaters and Ben Stiller in Heavyweights, but how wrong I was! I know I write about workout clothes on here like once a month, but it's fun for someone else to find awesome stuff and do all the hard work for you. Get yourself into some spandex and have a great workout!

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New Workout Favorite: O'Neill 365

O'Neill 365 by elbonner on Polyvore

I have a new favorite workout-wear company that I never thought would make such a good product. I'm not totally sure why I didn't, but I am pleasantly surprised by how high quality O'neill's 365 workout clothing really is. I have been a longtime Lululemon wearer, but their pieces are pretty expensive and I wanted to try something new. I saw a post on a message board recommending O'neill Soar 365 workout capris and decided to give them a look. I figured they would have sort of a Nike-esque quality and price point to them, but when I found them on Amazon they were only $30! I had to get them! They are made of a material similar to Luon (lululemon's signature fabric), but a little thicker. I need a thicker capris so that when I do squats I don't end up with a bunch of weirdos looking at my see-through workout pants :(. They also have some sort of material that holds moisture so it doesn't show sweat stains through your clothes which is A MUST for workout pants. How many times have you bought a pair of workout pants in a color other than black and  have a sweaty workout only to end it looking like you've lost all control of your bodily functions? WE'VE ALL BEEN THERE. The Soar capris really do a good job of curtailing any sort of butt sweat you might have during your workout. I also bought a pair of the Surf Leggings that are made of a swimwear-like material that can be used as a pair of workout pants, or a way to cover up while you're paddle boarding on chilly days. I love the idea of having a crossover garment that can take you from the gym to your surfboard. I look forward to seeing more from this clothing line and I think you all should check it out! Have a good week everyone. A new outfit never hurt anyone's New Year's Resolution plan!

O'Neill 365

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Why Target Takes All of My Money: Fitness Fashion

Fitness Fashion Explosion by elbonner featuring nylon stockings

I'm sure you're looking at the image above and thinking"there's no way I could afford cool workout clothes like that. Only Luluwhatever and WhoTheNikeKnows makes stuff that cute. Too bad I have to sell my organs to afford it."

WRONG
 These clothes are from Target...TARGET! I have been trying so hard not to put myself into immediate bankruptcy whenever I walk past the C9 by Champion section because they have such neat stuff for every activity you can think of. And nothing gets me into the gym quicker than when I have a cute new outfit to show off. They have everything from bras to running gloves, yoga cardigans, compression capris, lap swimsuits, and even fancy sweat-wicking underwear to combat your horrendous swamp ass. They all come in really fun colors and prints and in a bunch of mutil-figure flattering pieces; there is something for everyone! Even the shoes look pretty damn decent for home brand athletic shoes. Target's got the money and the eye for style to make great products to keep you looking hot whilst sweating all over squat rack. They also have an insane clearance section too, so go to town and get to work! NO EXCUSES.

Work It Out

Work It Out by elbonner featuring sport gloves

I have let myself go. There, I said it. I can't say I didn't warn myself, but the lure of doing what you want while you're at a reasonable size absolutely catches up with you in the end. I am not someone who can eat an entire gallon of ice cream and still fit into my size 4s; I literally have to give up anything good (as in fatty or sweet) to lose any sort of weight. Three years ago I lost 40 lbs. on a steady diet of tilapia, brown rice, salad, oatmeal, and smoothies. That's all I ate, and with the help of programs like Weight Watchers I kept my food intake under control. I was also working out every single day during this period of time. It took me about 7 months to lose the weight and I plateaued right before I graduated college. After I graduated, I went crazy and have pretty much had a much more laxidazical approach to my diet and fitness. Unsurprisingly, my weight has sloooowly crept back up and after my Nana passed away I totally let myself go. I cared about nothing I put into myself and barely worked out. Now I'm seeing all of those little warning signs I saw when I first gained my freshman-senior 40 and I'm just not having it anymore. I don't have the money to buy new clothes now, so all I can really do is fit into those clothes I have better than I do now.

Above I have compiled a collection of some of my favorite workout wear that help make my workouts as cute and comfortable as possible. ALWAYS go tagless and ALWAYS go moisture wicking. It's amazing what crazy fabrics are out there now to help you not feel like a drowned rat after a long run!

1. Nike Training tank tops: looser fit so I won't be self conscious about my bumps and bulges being visible to the masses and great for circulating air. I have these in like four colors. 

2. Weight Lifting Gloves- it really doesn't matter what kind you get, just have something to keep your hands from being torn up. Some see callouses as a medal of honor when lifting weights, but mine would just crack and rip my gloves at work. I wasn't about to get the hep just to look cool! 

3. Lululemon Tata Tamer Bra: best sports bra for larger busted girls. Nothing moves, no uniboob (which is apparently a problem) and they're comfortable. Great for jumping around and running. 

4. Lululemon Run Swiftly Tech Shirt:Magic fabric that wicks away sweat and has silver sewn into it to battle stankness from a  brutal spin class. Also comes in long sleeve for the winter!

5. Lululemon Groove Pant: I thought I had possibly lost my mind when I bought a nearly $100 pair of yoga pants, but these things are the real deal. My butt has never looked better and they just fit so darn well. Wore them for hot yoga and they soaked up every ounce of sweat which is crazy because I'm like the sweatiest person alive.

6. Lululemon Run Inspire II Crop: I'm seeing a pattern here. Yes, I really like Lululemon stuff. It just works well for me,and yes it's expensive, but I don't have the money to keep buying crappy pants and bras from Target 5 times a year. This crop is basically a spandex running capri that keeps jiggles at bay. For a while it was uncomfortable running in shorts because all that movement in my butt and thighs made me tired quicker (I don't know why) so this eliminates that problem by holding everything in. Also, no chub rub!

7. Nike Tempo Running shorts: Look great. Feel great. I have like 7 pairs of these. They're affordable and keep you cool and dry.

8. Nike  Train Fit 2 Sneakers: Great for classes like Zumba and dance, but also great for the weight room and plyometric exercises. Super light and made almost entirely of stretchy mesh that keep things cool and comfortable.

9. Smartwool Running Socks: Get good socks for the sake of your feet. They'll kept them dry and blister free!

10. Gym Boss Interval Timer: Interval workouts are great if you're short on time and this timer is great for tracking intervals that I would most assuredly mess up in my head.

As for things like running shoes, I can't really reccommend something that is different for every runner. I over-pronate (my ankles roll in when I run) so I have to wear stability/motion control shoes to keep my feet happy. I personally love the Saucony Omni Progrid series and have bought 3 pairs and probably won't buy anything else. It tends to be that way with running shoes. Go to your local running store and have a pair fitted by a pro! 

Losing weight sucks, but taking personal responsibility for your mistakes is something you have to do in that situation. So stop feeling sorry for yourself and do something!