Support system

It was quite the unfortunate sight: My barely there breasts hanging lifelessly in the too-big sports bra underneath my compression shirt.

I hadn't thought much of my wardrobe choice for BODYPUMP on Saturday - I was too busy assembling good ju-ju (my "push" present from Mark and a necklace my dad always wore) to think about what I was wearing. However, as I was working on the squat track before class, I noticed that it looked like someone dropped two M&Ms down my shirt with little consideration.

Thank goodness, we only had two participants that class to witness my embarrassment but it didn't stop me from resolving to get new - and better - sport bras.

Here's what I have been wearing:

The handful

This is the one and only handful bra, with the original design that combines function, feel and fashion, and supports you from workout to weekend! The removable pads have you covered from warm-up to cool-down so you've got one - make that two - less things to worry about. It flatters without flattening as a sports bra and as a feminine layering piece. The handful bra supports you when you want to look, feel, and perform your best.

When they say designed to "flatter not flatten," they weren't kidding. This bra actually makes it look like I have something going on. And not just something - two things! It's for that reason that the handful has become my go-to bra for BODYPUMP. Call me vain but I feel much better standing up in front of a group of people when I feel good about the way I look. The padding also provides another benefit to such a situation - no need to worry about it being, umm, too chilly.

I've also worn this bra for short to medium runs, and there are no complaints to be had.  This criss-cross straps provide just enough support for me and don't peek out from underneath a racerback tank. I had no problems with chafing or digging, even with the unseasonably warm temperatures of May.

If I had to lodge a complaint about this bra, it's that it definitely feels like underwear to me. I was compelled to go sans tank on one particular morning and felt self-conscious that I was too bare.

Note: I received the handful bra for free to review on this blog but all opinions are my own.

Lucy bra

As I've had this gal for nearly two years, I didn't see one like it on lucy's site but I have to say, she's looking good at her age. I have had no issues with fraying seams or worn fabric. It's a size small and feels small for a small but (almost) in a good sort of way. When I had more on top, I didn't feel like I had to worry about things bouncing too much or flying loose. It's compression that does that but when I'm running 12 miles, I'm not going for looks like I am during BODYPUMP.

The one lesson I've learned with this bra is that having a colored sports bra (it's blue) can pose a challenge when getting dressed hurried at 5 a.m. to squeeze in a run before Miles gets up.

Asics Cross Back Bra

Support, breathability & stunning good looks are created through encapsulation cups, cross-back straps, light fabric, and a stay-put chest band.

I loved this bra. I really did. It didn't chafe. It didn't smell immediately after a run. It had a snug fit without digging in.

 The problem is that I picked it up at ladies' night at the running company when I was at least seven months pregnant. I had bigger boobs then and even bigger boobs when I was nursing. Now, as I've repeatedly mentioned, I am not so gifted and I have quite a bit of space leftover. I wear it every now and again in a pinch but only when I can't find my  handful or lucy bras.

The cheapos

We all have these - the bras you pick up at Target or a department store on sale. The bras are mostly nylon but have great stretch and come in a million different colors. They are a lot of fun to buy, especially when you are new to working out and new gear offers a fantastic incentive to keep going.

After a while, though, they start to smell and lose their color and their shape. They don't hold the motivation they once did. And if they ever offered support, they give out.

The two I have are definitely on their last straps, so to speak, and when I finally get the guts to toss them, I'll be down to two bras. TWO. Two to get me through 6 workouts each week. If I was any good at math, I would say that would equal a lot of laundry for someone in my house. And Mark does enough loads each week to provide clean clothes for a soccer team.

I started browsing/pricing bras but feel a bit overwhelmed - especially when many of the so-called good ones cost upwards of $40 or $50. Why don't you make it easier on me? Tell me what kind of sports bra you wear and whether you'd suggest it.

And to make it worth your while, the fabulous ladies at handful are offering one Healthy Strides reader a bra of her choice (subject to color and size availability). Simply comment on what kind of bra you wear.

One additional entry may be received for doing one of the following:

Following me on twitter. Please leave a comment telling me that you have done so.
Following handful on twitter. Please leave a comment telling me that you have done so.
Liking handful on Facebook. Please leave a comment telling me that you have done so.

Giveaway runs from June 19 to June 26, ending at midnight EST.   Entries after that will be considered null. The winner will be chosen via Random.org and will be announced Wednesday, June 27. Winner is responsible for contacting me hlthystrides at gmail dot com by Monday, July 1, or a new winner will be chosen.

Let the good times roll

Move that body: 2.1-mile run (one walk break of 0.1 mile)

Note: It’s in your best interest to read the whole post.

I’ve got good news … my iPod seems to be back in action. No more pausing!

Since my post on Friday, my nano has behaved through a full trip to the grocery, lots of errand running on Saturday and some “me” time today. I think I went a good hour, hour and a half today and had no issues. I think it just dried out.

But a BIG thanks to everyone who offered condolences and tips. They were greatly appreciated :)

Now, I have some good news for you. OK, who I am kidding. It’s good news for me, too.

Last night, I hit up ladies night at the running company with these lovely ladies:

“L” and Holly – and many, many other fabulous gals.

We shopped, talked, laughed. Seriously, one of the best times I’ve had recently. I also tried on some adidas shorts that, despite their fabulousness, do not work for this 31.5 weeks pregnant lady. Same with the Brooks running skirt. But watch out, 3RRC, in 12 weeks or so, I’m coming for you!

Don’t worry – I didn’t walk out empty handed. I scored a free bra and pair of socks from the Asics rep.

Didn’t know Asics made bras? Yeah, me either. But they do. And I have to say, I was quite happy with the one I got during this morning’s run. I was given the Asics Cross Back bra (size medium), which features “two layers of lightweight support fabric in front, with encapsulation cups and a stay put chest band.” There’s also adjustable straps.

My thoughts:

*It’s cute. Cute enough to wear if you run in just a bra (but we all know I only do that on the treadmill in the basement).

*It really does breathe. I’ve been wearing a C9 bra from Target and a Tek Gear bra from Kohl’s. Both are just a single layer. No matter the conditions or distance of the run, my bra is soaked when I’m finished and (TMI WARNING) has led to some painful, umm, headlight situations since I got knocked up. It’s all I can do not to rip it off in the front yard when I’m finished with my run. In the Asics bra, the bra didn’t feel wet. In fact, I felt comfortable enough in it, dampness-wise, to leave it on while I made a veggie egg white omelet. I’m sure my neighbors loved that. And, as far as the pain, no problems. A good thing, too, given that the girls have gone back to first trimester soreness.

*Sort of on the breathability – it didn’t smell afterward. I hung up the bra on the towel bar (one I installed in the new house, I might add), and Mark has yet to inform me that it stinks and insist on throwing it in the wash.

*It doesn’t chafe. And I’m sort of shocked. It has a tag – a real tag – and I thought it would bother me. Alas, I didn’t notice it.

*It didn’t feel tight around my rip cage and didn’t leave any marks but, at the same time, felt snug.

Full disclosure: This review was just my initial thoughts after one run (my third this week! Do I sense a late preggo comeback?), and I was in no way bribed compensated by Asics to do this. Seriously, everyone at Ladies Night got a free bra. I was just pleased with the product.

Now here’s the part where it pays off to read the whole post. The lovely Asics rep was kind enough to give me not one but TWO bras to giveaway on this here blog.

I have one Cross Back Bra (left and the one I tried), which retails for $40. I have it in a size Large, which is recommended for ladies who wear a 38B/38C. For sizing reference, I tried it in a medium and was a 34B pre-pregnancy and have been wearing my pre-weight loss 36C bras lately.

On the right, we have the Max Mesh Bra, which retails for $45. I have it in a size Medium, which is recommended for the gals who wear a 36B/36C.

Mandatory entry:

*Be a follower or read me via Google Reader. Leave me a comment that you do so, along with which bra you would like.

Additional entries:

*Visit the Asics site and tell me which product you would most like to try out. Leave me a comment telling me what it is.

*Visit the Asics site and leave a comment for Mark me with which product you think I should try after I birth baby boy.

*Post a link to this giveaway on your blog, FB page, Twitter feed, etc. and leave me a comment for each telling me that you did so.

I will pick two winners via Random.org – one for each bra – Saturday night and post the winner Sunday morning. If the second selection chose the same bra as the first winner, I will continue to randomize until I get a winner for each bra.