Three Things Thursday: Photo Dump

First things first. I am happy to report that after four days of feeling crappy that I am finally feeling like myself. And by feeling like myself, I mean I said yes when Mark asked me if I wanted coffee this morning and I exercised with no nausea.

Excuse the profanity but hell yeah! (OK, to be honest, when I typed the "excuse the profanity" I fully intended to use the "f" word but I chickened out.)

Anyway, a few things I had intended to share on the the blog were shoved aside by illness - probably norovirus - but I'd hate to see them disappear into the black hole of ideas.

1. I was a big ole tease last week, promoting the Old Navy Activewear I scored via Crowdtap but never sharing the duds.

Shock of the century, I picked the printed compression capris in black and the printed knotted tank. I can't really wear them together, which is a fail on my part, but I have enough workout stuff to make do. I wore the capris for BODYPUMP on Saturday, and I have no real complaints save for the fact that I wish the internal pocket had a zipper. It's fine for cross-training, no good for running.

As for the tank, I'm in total love. I wore it on Monday for lounging/walking the zoo - which is totally active - and for a trampoline class today. Definition of fashion meets function.

2. Saturday morning, I made the somewhat questionable choice to volunteer for the Fort4Fitness Spring Cycle event. I had seen a link on Facebook that volunteers would receive a free entry to the fall race and, well, I can't say no to free. I selected the 5 to 8 a.m. shift (this is where the questionable comes in) because it would upset my/our schedule the least.

I spent much of the three hours moving barricades and fences, working with a guy in taper for his first half marathon and a master's triathlete who has competed in Kona and won a 70.3 event. The work sort of sucked (I told Mark it was my first time as a race volunteer where I felt like I was doing something) but talking to the guys was totally awesome. I learned that I should not shoot for a 70.3 in my first year of triathlons, if there is to be a first year of triathlons, and you can get a degree in heating and air conditioning.

3. Before the illness began, I did manage to squeeze in some fun. A friend of Mark's, who moved to D.C. last year to be a doctor of all things, came to visit, bringing with him dry-aged steaks - porterhouse, T-bone and sirloin. It. Was. Amazing.

I made a BLT pasta salad, using turkey bacon and yogurt ranch dressing, as well as some corn and the bachelors in the crowd brought prepared mac and cheese and craft beers. I'm not sure if they were trying to send me a message when they handed me a Hoegarden but it was tasty.

The party was also a good chance to try out some Kroger smoothie bars, which I procured using a coupon from BzzAgent. I had been in the habit of making fancy desserts but I realized that a) it takes a crapload of time; b) I spend too much money on ingredients; and c) I end up using it as an excuse to binge.  But I decided to let that go, especially since the steak was the real treat.

Everyone seemed to like them, and it was a great treat to give the kids without feeling insanely guilty. The bars are 50 calories each, and there are actual chunks of fruit in them.

What's your favorite summer treat? I really like these bars - for reals - and might try to make them at home for a little more quality control.

Disclaimer: I received coupons for the Old Navy Activewear and Kroger smoothie bars via Crowdtap and BzzAgent respectively via personal participation on the marketing websites. I was not required to write about the products on the blog but in doing so, I may be eligible for future opportunities or rewards. All opinions and words are my own. Duh.

Let's go shopping: Old Navy Activewear

Disclaimer: The following is a post about a sample and share opportunity via Crowdtap. I received a coupon good for free activewear but otherwise was not compensated for this post. I was not required to write about my experience though a good report may qualify me for a higher score and top award.

I started clicking my mouse furiously when the email came through my inbox. Because if I have learned anything through my Crowdtap membership, it's speed that counts.

And counted it did as I was recently selected by the marketing website to get Fashionably Fit in Old Navy Activewear. I received two coupons, each good for an active bottom and an active top. My drawers might be overflowing with workout gear but as I add on new classes (and spend more time gardening than doing laundry), fresh, fashionable gear is a must.

I headed to the store after BODYPUMP this week, "twisting the arm" of my friend C to join me. If there was someone who liked to look good while working out more than me, it is her. She always has the greatest clothes in class and fun shoes to boot. (We even have matching Brooks Ravennas.)

Our Old Navy recently remodeled to one of the new concept models, and I was worried that the smaller space would mean less clothes to peruse. We were both happy to discover that not only did they have plenty of pieces but ample selection of sizes.

Bright colors lined the racks, and it was like kids in a candy store ... but healthier. Had I not done some pre-shopping online, I might have lost it. However, I knew I wanted to check out the printed compression capris to jazz up my BODYPUMP repertoire and look for tanks that would be good for Piloxing.

While I didn't find the message tees I loved so much, I did find a black version of the capris and a knotted tank that wasn't online. Done and done.

Or maybe not. As I helped C shop, I found more and more that I wanted. Printed shorts, padded sports bras, foldover yoga pants. Many in bright colors and fashionable prints.



I was debating the options and decided there's no better way to make a selection than talk it out. In a completely staged and rehearsed manner. Obviously.

So what did I get? Well, you'll have to wait and see. My stylist hasn't been able to come over to help me get ready for a photo shoot ... or I'm dressed for the imminent run No. 2 for the day and didn't want to change.

Do you wear workout wear from Old Navy? What do you think I got?

Fit to be tried: Group dynamic

With the new year - and its resolutions - rapidly approaching, I'm highlighting some of my favorite fit things of 2012. 

 ◊ ◊ ◊

So we keep living, cause the feel's right/ And it's so nice, and I'd do it all again/ This time, it's forever/ It gets better, and I / I, I like how it feels

I was half-way through the chest track (release 82) as I subbed the Thursday night BODYPUMP class when I realized something. Something sort of strange.

And it wasn't the odd angle of that photo or my incessant desire to show off my new Old Navy outfit. But, while we're here, isn't it cute?

Nope. The realization was that my journey with BODYPUMP is almost a year-old. A year! It seems like forever and yet no time at all. Either way, it's hard to believe that I went from new participant to instructor in that time, and my passion for the class only continues to grow. I love how it's made me fitter, stronger and more confident while forcing me to do things (read: lunges) that I wouldn't do on my own.

As a non-gym member, I don't have the opportunity to take many classes and thus my experience limited. However, my friend and I made a commitment at the beginning of 2012 to explore new fitness experiences - including BODYPUMP - and I stumbled across some real gems.

Piloxing. A mix of boxing, Pilates and dance, Piloxing has a choreographed element that is familiar while challenging the body, cardiovascular- and strength-wise. I loved that I could take the class barefoot, and the mix of cardio tracks versus balance/strength work.

Real Ryder. I just took a class last week (here, if you are in NE Indiana), and I'm already plotting when I can go back. Many of us have taken indoor cycling classes but where Real Ryder classes differ is in the bikes. The bikes move side to side, allowing for participants to burn more than 20 percent more calories per session than Spin. I was surprised at how much harder the class was - I had to really figure out how to turn the bike and engage my core. By the end, I was wiping up my sweat (and butt) off the floor.

Zumba. OK, I realize that I was the last person on the planet to try Zumba. It just didn't seem like a class for me. I lack rhythm, dance skills and coordination, and I had a preconceived notion that it was for people who were, umm, less hard core. However, with the right instructor, attitude and effort, Zumba is no joke. It's also low-impact, making it a great way to cross train during peak season.

This year, I also tried other kickboxing workouts - cardio and Turbo Kick - as well as Group Power (similar to BP). All in all, not a bad year.

Did you try any new-to-you classes this year? What's your favorite group exercise class?

Play date times two

I can be an incredibly flaky person. I hate to admit it but it's true.

It takes me days to listen to a voicemail and just as many to return the call. Non-pressing emails often require a week time time to garner a response. Birthday cards are often sent a month - or three - beyond the event. My flakiness is so bad that I once gave my grandma a year's worth of cards as to make sure I didn't go another year without marking her blessed birth. Seriously. I'll give you her number and you can call.

So it comes as no surprise that it took me more than a year to demand (re: politely request) a play date with Kim and Leo.

Kim lives in my corner, sort of, of Indiana. We've ran into each other here and there (including the Indianapolis Women's Half Marathon) but I've been antsy to get to hang out with her. And Miles always gets a kick out of watching videos of Leo, who is just a mere six weeks younger.

Through a bit of coordination, the two came over on Saturday for fun and lunch. There were balls throw, blocks shared and lots of attempts at hugs. Lord, my child. He must go to the most affectionate day care because poor Leo couldn't go five minutes without being accosted by a big embrace.

The two found common ground - literally - racing up and down the stairs. Leo and Miles chitted and chatted, in a conversation that I'm sure found a solution to the fiscal cliff and solved world peace. If you don't think those two are cute - you should have seen it by the seventh time. Hilarious!

Kim and I got in such a good workout that we needed to go shopping for activewear. OK, we would have gone shopping either way but sure is a good excuse. While the boys napped, she and I hit up Old Navy to check out their winter line of activewear courtesy of Crowdtap.

I have been a fan of Old Navy's workout attire for some time. I have a thin long-sleeve green tech shirt (with thumb holes!) that I got nearly three years ago to wear for a St. Patrick's Day race, and it is a regular in my fall/spring wardrobe. (You can see it in my race pics from my most recent 10K). I also got to try some Old Navy capris via Crowdtap last year, and I loved that they stretched with my pregnancy.

I can probably thank the holiday shoppers for the variety and selection of sizes. There were tons of tops - some padded tanks, which I love for teaching BODYPUMP, and a looser fit that would be great for yoga. There were fleece jackets, a perennial favorite at ON, and more running appropriate jackets made with moisture-wicking materials - complete with thumb holes.

I had briefly considered going with the jacket and a pair of long pants as I only have one pair of tights for running this winter. However, versatility won over and I went with capris and a tank that are perfect for teaching BODYPUMP, basement sessions of Turbo Fire and non-winter running. I loved the heathered purple color, which reminded me of Moving Comfort's urban gym capri that retails for nearly three times as much.

I will say that these items were marked compression, and Old Navy was not joking. I picked up smalls in both and felt like a piece of sausage stuffed inside a piece of penne. The items fit but did not flatter and more importantly, I didn't feel comfortable. It might have hurt my ego but I sized up in both. (For reference that blue jacket above was a size XS.)

Kim picked up the same capris in gray and the top on the mannequin above. Super cute. And totally appropriate because we have the same name.

Of course, there's no pictures of the two of us because we are awesome at shopping and not documenting visits. Just another reason for Play Date, the Sequel.

Have you ever purchased activewear from Old Navy? What are your thoughts?

Three Things Thursday: Get it free

It all started the moment I stepped on the Bowling Green State University campus at the ripe old age of 18.

Table after table lined the walk to the book store, offering T-shirts and phone cards (God, remember those!) if you stopped to chat and, maybe, fill out a credit card application. That year, I ended up with 26 T-shirts, 215 phone cards and a $1,000 in debt. Not my smartest move but whatev.

Those applications, though, ignited my love for all things free. It's much harder to come by those things now but through the powers of social media, I've found a few sites that satisfy my need for free by doing the same thing I did at BG: filling shit out.


1. Crowdtap. According to its website, "Crowdtap is the Influencer Marketing platform, enabling leading brands to easily identify, activate and manage their influential consumers for real-time insights and powerful online and offline peer-to-peer marketing." Activity includes answering quick hits, sharing web content as part of challenges and sample and share opportunities. You might remember seeing Old Navy pop up on occasion, and it's because of my activity with Crowdtap. I've received coupons to sample and share ON items such as shirts, dresses, beach wear, shoes and bottoms. I've got an exciting opportunity coming up that features one of our favorite things: workout wear.

2. BzzAgent. BzzAgent dubs itself as "the leading social marketing company. What's that mean to you? We put products in the hands of hundreds of thousands of real consumers and help them share their opinions about them with friends and family via reviews, Facebook posts, photos and videos, blog posts and more. We wouldn't call ourselves heroes, but it's okay if you want to." I'm fairly new to BzzAgent but since I started, I've had the chance to try out a new product in Meijer's photo department - the mounted photo - and COVERGIRL blastflipstick.

The blastflipstick is "two lipsticks in one, so you can combine creams and shimmers to create your own one-of-a-kind look." I'm not normally a makeup person, much less a lipstick person, but I love having some new things to play with. And, I'm not sure about you, but a little of mascara and a swipe of lipstick, and I feel instantly put together. I'm a fan of the Vixen shade that I was sent, followed by Stunner.

Because I'm both, obviously. I also look like Sofia Vergara.

P.S. I have some coupons for the lipstick so if you want to try it out, shoot me an email (hlthystrides at gmail dot com) and I'll mail them out. No lip marks on the envelope. I promise.

3. House Party and Vocalpoint. I've been a Vocalpoint member for awhile though I've done very little on the site beyond a few surveys. This week, in a random mail delivery, I received something through my membership: a blog kit from Charmin. Inside was a box of Charmin Freshmates (think baby wipes from grown-ups) and the most awesome towel ever. It's not a particularly soft piece of terry cloth but it is labeled on each end - one for face, the other for the tush.

I have House Party to thank for my Keurig Vue but beyond that, I haven't had much luck with the site. You have to act quickly and be super involved to continue to get parties. And lots of friends who lots of time to hang out when you need them to hang out.

But I'm not complaining. I'm wearing my vixen flipstick and drinking a cup of Donut Shop coffee while Miles chants "Grover." Grover might be the monster but I fear I've created one.

What about you: Do you participate in any of these social media marketing tools? Do you have tips?

31 going on 15

My teenage self is haunting me. Everywhere I seem to click on the Internet, I find sidebar ads for delia's.

You know delia's - the clothing-accessory catalog that ignited my love for body glitter, overpriced sock monkey slippers and clothes my body didn't dare fit into. It makes me feel all angsty thinking about it, and I'm oh so tempted to dig out my Doc Marten's and my uniform skirt.

And, yes, I still have my Doc Marten's.

Alas, I decided that I could find a better way to channel my inner teenager. Like shopping at Old Navy for a new dress to wear for my Saturday night date.

First round of options: green crepe shift, striped sweater, striped 3/4 length

I didn't date much in high school but I'm pretty sure an invitation warranted such a shopping trip. I probably would have tried on more than four sweater dresses and opted for something a little more low-cut. I had bigger boobs then after all. And I would have been trying to impress not one guy but three - Mark, Jacob and Edward.

Yes, I dragged my husband to "The Twilight Saga: Breaking Dawn - Part II." And I made him take a cheesy photo of me as Edward, Jacob and Bella looked on. I guess if I was really 15, I would have posted it immediately to Facebook. Total fail on my part.

Now that's better - dress, tights

I more than made for it when I saw the $#%! tease of a trailer came on for "Catching Fire." There might have been squealing and slapping of the chair. Might have.

I'm pretty sure once the intro started rolling that my inner teen buried herself back in my belly. I spent the next two hours only mildly enthralled and didn't once giggle when I saw Jacob's abs. I even found myself mocking the ending, which reminded me of the beginning of a soap opera.

Probably why I needed to solidify my return to adulthood with a Crispin cider at dinner with Mark.

We had a Living Social deal for a cute little spot near our house, and it included two drinks, two soups or salads, an appetizer and two entrees. Their burgers are great and it makes a feel decidedly hip to eat there.

Sort of like a teenager. But not.

Bummed out

The lake.

Everyone is at the damn lake. My friend Heather and her family, my runner co-worker and his boat and seemingly anyone and everyone who takes BODYPUMP at my gym. 

As for me? I have no idea where the lake is. There's only, oh, 5 bajillion lakes with a 2-hour drive from Fort Wayne and everyone goes to the one. It seems the closest I'll be getting to a body of water is the turtle sandbox-turned-kiddie pool in the backyard. (Thanks for the idea, Jess!)

Life is a beach and then you die. Truly.

But my less-than-waterfront vacation arrangements doesn't mean that I won't be put in the dreaded situation of wearing a bathing suit in front of people. There are 12 people alone who could see me in all my tankini glory as I  tramp out to the turtle with Miles. Yeah, our neighbors have eight kids.

And while I could try to find some shorts or simply leave my summer clothes, especially as Miles isn't up for sharing his digs, to stay covered and confident, it's too damn hot to let a little insecurity get the best of me. 

I've searched high and lo (and left and right) to come up with beach babe tips, and I now present to you the ultimate (or a mediocre one at least) guide to beach bum confidence.

You can't look and feel good if you don't take care of yourself. I'm not talking just eating right and exercising - I'm talking about skincare. Slather on the SPF and get a cute hat. Protecting your skin will keep you from that dreaded blistery red complexion I know all too well.

Check your insecurities at the parking lot. The extra crunch or tricep dip you were hoping to do last night isn't going to help you now. Accept that you have the body you have for better or worse, and you should love it. No one - absolutely no one - has a perfect body and those who might come close aren't likely to be on your beach. Those walking the sand are more likely to be the 75-year-old man in a banana hammock than Gisele in all her airbrushed glory, and Mr. Hairy Back doesn't care if you have cellulite.

Find confidence in something other than a flat stomach ... unless, of course, you have one. Buy yourself a new bathing suit or beach accessory for your trip. I'm willing to bet you'll feel a bit glam in a big pair of sunglasses and bedazzled sandals.

Wear a suit that fits and flatters. I've been dying to wear a bikini my entire life, and I thought that once I was a healthy weight that I would be able to. There's no stopping me, I guess, but I don't feel comfortable in the suits. Instead, I opt for a tankini or even the dreaded one-piece. In fact, on a recent shopping trip,  I was surprised to find that I actually liked a one-piece better. The suit didn't create any unflattering lines and there was padding in the cups. Just a shame it wasn't in my size.

Don't just lie there. Sure you just got a cute beach towel, a new book on the Kindle and you are dying to improve that runner's tan but you'll feel much better about yourself if you move around. We might not be able to run with a stroller on the beach ala Running Chronicles but try some volleyball, Frisbee or simply racing a friend to the water.

The same goes for eating. Load up your beach tote with healthy snack and beverage options - nimble bars, water, True Citrus, almonds, fresh fruit.

Don't take yourself too seriously. The beach is all about relaxing and having fun. Do it.

What are your tips for being a beach babe?

Grate expectations

People like to tell you that food is not a reward for hard work. I beg to differ.

After spending countless hours (or the sum total of two weekends) getting our yard in shape, Mark and I decided that a celebration was in order. A celebration of the grill out variety.

As luck would have it, I had been selected to host a McCormick Grill Mates party via Crowdtap so I had some help.

The company sent me McCormic Grill Mates Molasses Bacon and Montreal Steak seasonings, Brown Sugar Bourbon BBQ Sauce, Spiced Brandy & Herb Marinade (we didn't use this) and Slow and Low Memphis Pit BBQ Rub. I had never used any of the products but I have to say that I was impressed that the barbecue sauce didn't have high fructose corn syrup. Miles eats off my plate, and I hate giving him ingredients like that.

I used the sauce to make barbecue chicken legs. Of course, that wasn't all. I opted to do a tasting menu of sorts - half-slab ribs (BBQ rub), sliders (Montreal Steak Seasoning) and the BBQ chicken.

I had made it a goal to keep things simple for this party but somehow that didn't work.

We had the sampling of meats, Memphis-style Coleslaw, sweet potato salad (made with Molasses Bacon seasoning instead of the other spices), deviled eggs, a slew of chips and brownies.

Oh, and there was pound cake. Grilled pound cake with berries. As much as I loved everything else, this dish was, hands down, my favorite.

OK, maybe it was that.

How was your weekend?

Bottom's up

I didn't need a good race to tell me I was back. I already knew.

I knew it when I was trying on shoes last week at Old Navy.

Don't see what I'm talking about? Look a little closer.

The nail on my second is a lovely shade of black. A black toenail. I have one! And, I have to say, it complements those sassy wedges quite well :)

While this is not my first black nail, it's my first post-baby (who's tired of that phrase?) and it's an outward sign of all the miles I've put in the past few months. I shall wear it like a badge of honor.

Or until people tell me it's gross. Which happened today.

I guess it's ballet flats for me.

By the way, those cute shoes are also from Old Navy. I was lucky enough to score another Sample & Share opportunity via Crowdtap. This time around, I got a coupon for a free pair of shoes and a free bottom - plus coupons for three friends. It was a Bottoms Bonanza!

I took a few girls from work on our lunch break because shopping during lunch = Awesome.

Between the four of us, I think we tried on everything in the store. I tried a couple pairs of shorts but 9 times out of 10, I am not comfortable in them - even if the size on the tag was one I once envied.

A 5-inch inseam sounds long but I always feel like my butt is hanging out. Or, (as not evidenced) in this poorly taken photograph,  I feel like I'm wearing a diaper. Shame, the shorts were cute.

In the end, I felt most comfortable in a skirt - my go-to summer item. You get the cooling effect of shorts without fearing that your overexposed.

By the way, I do not recommend Vibrams with this skirt. I always try to take Tim Gunn's advice and make it work but I just couldn't. My 5-year-old aqua wedges from Target were a much better option - especially for work.

The Vibrams, I guess, I'll save for the weekend ... or casual Tuesday. 

Does anyone else have trouble dressing in anything other than running clothes? I used to consider myself a fashionista - or at least well-dressed - and now I find myself struggling to pick out more than Nike coordinates.

If the shirt fits

I’m not a fashionista by any stretch of the imagination. Nine times out of 10, I’m headed to work with spit up or oatmeal on my shirt.

The other one time?

Yeah, I’d be workout clothes.

But there’s one piece of fashion advice that I can share with you: If you are losing weight, there’s nothing more important than having clothes that fit. Sure, it’s can be fun to see how baggy your shirts can get and pull off your pants without unbuttoning them. However, well-fitting clothes will help you to see the physical effects of weight loss and make you feel better mentally. (Read: If you look dumpy, you’ll feel dumpy.)

It’s for that reason that I invited L to go shopping with me. My girl is dropping the LBs and is looking good. Her pants are loose, shirts hanging off – definitely reasons to get some new duds. When I was losing weight, I often went to Clothes Mentor (a consignment shop) to pick up basics but lucky for L, I had received a couple coupons for two free Best Tees from Old Navy via Crowdtap and Old Navy’s Sample and Share program.

Disclosure: My participation in Crowdtap is not related to the blog nor was I compensated. I’m just choosing to share our shopping adventure with you.

We hit up the store after Body Pump and Zumba … and lunch … and started eying the goods.

All right, all right. I got a little distracted from our task at hand. Cardigans, butterfly dresses and running jackets with thumb holes are hard to ignore!

L picked up two V-neck vintage tees – one in a gorgeous aqua and the other in a vibrant pink.

I originally grabbed a couple racerback tanks but later found out they weren’t part of the deal (even though that’s what I had seen on the website). Womp. Womp. I ended up with two ribbed tanks – one in blue moon and one pink striped. It might not have been what I wanted but I wear the crap out of these in the summer so it’s no biggie.

And I’ll be back for the racerbacks. After all, what better what to show off all my work in Body Pump than a fitted tank.

Miles, who was shopping with us, refused to leave empty handed. I found him a lion hat on clearance for $2.97. I bought it in the hopes that it will fit him next winter! Rawr.

And as for my winter wardrobe? Well, it got a little addition.

Check out the coat I got for $9.97 – originally $89.97. Booyah! Even better than that? It’s an extra small – two words that I never thought I would see on a clothing label in my closet.

Oh, and before I go, remember when I said I wasn’t a fashionista? Yeah. Just check out my legging, fleece, fake Ugg combo. I so wasn’t lying.

Are you a fashionista? What clothing tips do you have for someone losing weight?