Thank you, Sara!

I got a great birthday package from Sara with an awesome workout gift…and after a month of half-iron training, I could use a little boost! Sara sent me an awesome SweatyBand for my hair. She included a sticky note telling me it would not budge, even on ‘our’ super fine hair. I tried it out while I was on my bike trainer and it really didn’t move. Then I sported the orange, yellow, and red band during a run; again, no slipping at all.

Zoe thinks I'm beautiful in my SweatyBand!

The bands are made of ribbon with a velvet-y backing and elastic that goes under the base of your head for a comfortable fit. I’m going to have to stock up on these, because I love wearing headbands during workouts to keep my hair off my face. Testimonials on the SweatyBands.com website include a girl whose band stayed in place even when she took a helmet on and off! Amazing.

– albledsoe

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Underoos & Favorite Shoes

For years I’ve struggled to find a sports bra that was supportive and comfortable. I’ve been able to find one or the other, but not one that fit both requirements. I’ve tried a lot of solutions to limit the bounce: two different sports bras at once, the regular bra/sports bra combo and tops with built-in bras. You name it, I’ve tried it in the name of getting the support I needed.

A few weeks ago my most supportive (aka – uncomfortable) sports bras did me wrong for the last time. After a long run on the treadmill I ended up with a blister in the middle of my chest. So, I went in search of a new solution. That’s when I found Fiona by Moving Comfort. She’s great – lots of support and lots of comfort.

I was skeptical at first because the Fiona doesn’t have an underwire, but believe me when I say that the Fiona offers even more support than her underwired peers and is much more comfortable. The adjustable back closure lays flat and doesn’t rub where the hooks connect and the straps adjust in the front so you can actually adjust the fit once you have the bra on. What a novel idea! The straps have a velcro strip to make it very easy to get the perfect fit, and the closure doesn’t scratch or rub at all. The Fiona has made it through three weeks of workouts, and she’s quickly made it to the top of my list of favorite gear to pack in my gym bag. This sports bra gets a 5 out of 5 on fit, comfort and functionality.

Next on the list of undergarment essentials for a focused, fantastic workout is a good pair of undies. Granny panties give you the dreaded line, and who can really stand to wear a thong during an intense work out? My no fail, stay put option is a pair of drawers that come from Soma. This is the only pair of undies that I can wear to the office all day and know they will still stay in place for an hour-long Zumba class after work. They are laser cut so you don’t see a line AND they have silicone coating on the edge so they stay put. Fantastic!

Number One Shoe
Hip-hip-hooray for the Saucony Pro-Grid Guide 2. My new running shoes were voted the number one running shoes for 2009. I have loved mine since day one, so I was very pleased to hear everyone else loves theirs too!

What are your favorite undergarments that make your workout easier?

-Sara

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Power of the Pack

We’ve been shopping, gathering, and packing for the No Skirts Allowed Adventure Race for weeks now, but when the day came to actually leave for the event in Indianapolis, I was a little lost as far as how to pack. Heading into an event in which I’d never participated was a little daunting; I wanted to be prepared without over packing. Weather conditions were crazy, plus we were sleeping in a “cabin,” which I’ve learned can mean vastly different things to different people.

Here’s how I managed to have what I needed without forgetting anything, and without taking a ridiculous amount of extra stuff:

– I always pack as I get ready that morning. It may be risky to wait until the last minute, but it’s easier for me to lay things out as I use them.

– I made lists on paper and in my head leading up to departure day. So I had a few options for race outfits in my head, knew what bags I was taking, had compiled all my race-specific gear together. This helped eliminate last-minute oversights, since I’d really been brainstorming for over a week.

– I used the gear list provided by the race directors. Super helpful since I didn’t really know what to expect. Although it did kind of make me nervous wondering what I’d be using some of these items for…

Packed and ready to race!

– I collaborated with my teammates. This was essential, because the above-mentioned gear list included items that were 1 per team or required things that were 1 per person. So we Smarty Panties kept each other in check and checked in on what to wear, who was bringing what, etc.

– I went through the event in my head. This comes from my triathlon experience and mentally running through each event and transition so you can think of what you’ll need. Again, this was difficult since I didn’t really know what to expect. But I knew what the basic events were going to be (and that I’d need to pack bedding and food), so I visualized each of those and what I would need to use and wear.

– I unpacked. This is a must for me on any trip (unfortunately it took a couple extra-baggage fees before it sunk in): I throw everything I think I may need on the bed, and then thoughtfully remove about half of it. On my last business trip, this tip helped me carry on all my baggage for the first time ever!

I was confident I had everything I intended to take, but very worried I’d need something I didn’t expect. Turns out I was comfortably dressed and had everything I needed for the race. How’d we do? Stay tuned!

– albledsoe

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No skirts allowed?

I’m probably going to be competing in the No Skirts Allowed Adventure Race next month with my friend Valerie. It’s a women’s-only event in Indiana, and the name made me think of the several running skirts (or skorts, I suppose) I’ve accumulated over the last couple of years.

Champion skirts sell at Target and are reasonably priced.

My skirts come from Target, usually the clearance rack. I was a little hesitant at first to try one out, but they look so cute on people I had to give one a try. I was pleased to discover the skirts are quite comfortable. They have little “hot pant” style shorts underneath for modesty and comfort, though I have seen styles with longer shorts as well as some with briefs underneath. The skirts I have are a great length, hitting right at mid-thigh, and have little pockets for keys or extra gum. The pocket isn’t big enough for a cell-phone, but since they don’t have a drawstring, the weight of something like that could end in a wardrobe malfunction anyway!

There are now entire sites dedicated to selling athletic skirts, and many styles and designs are available. Major apparel companies like Nike have gotten in on the trend, and like anything else, prices range from my $14.99 deal to $60-$70 and up.

Nike and other top sports companies make running skirts in all price ranges.

Although the skirts are generally comfortable, I still feel a little funny sometimes when I wear them. For some reason, it seems like the REAL runners are never seen in skirts. Are they just behind on the fashion, or is running in a skirt somehow disrespectful of the sport?

I like feeling kinda cute when I work out, I think any bit of confidence while you’re sweating is great. But I seem more prone to wear my skirts to volunteer at an event or during a casual day out than while I’m doing serious exercise. I do love to put a black running skirt over black running tights in the winter for a little extra coverage. They’re also great to slip on over bike shorts after a ride to make a coffee run or something.

So I guess I won’t be wearing a skirt during the adventure race, but you might catch me in one at the pre-race pasta party!

– albledsoe

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