Fit to be tried: Gear

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

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People like to tell you that all you need to run is a pair of shorts, shirt and shoes. You lace up and head out the door in this romantic fashion, complete with a bouncy step, midfoot strike and effortless pace. The skies will be clear, the sun out and the air temperate. You go for as long as you like, your body cooperating with every step.

OK. Now that whole scenario is just getting ridiculous.

While I'd love to be an old-school runner who would feel best in cotton,drawstring shorts and an old cotton race Tee, I'm not. I need things. Technical things. I rely on wicking fabrics to keep my comfortable, gadgets to help me test my limits (and keep me in check) and accessories to keep me fueled.

Clothing. This year, I got my first tastes of lululemon, Running Skirts  and a more minimal shoe but I think my favorite product has been the handful bra. It's comfortable, the straps don't slide and, to be frank, it makes me look like I actually have something going on.

Gadgets. Wouldn't it be awesome if I put the MOTOACTV here? Just kidding. While I'm still using the MOTOACTV nearly a year after trying it and like the interface, it doesn't come close the reliability of a Garmin. Period.

My favorite gadget has been the BodyMedia FIT armband. It seems like a bit of a luxury for me, someone who is merely maintaining weight loss, but the amount of information it provides is so helpful and motivating. You know how many calories you burned throughout the day, how many steps you took and whether any activity was considered vigorous. As long as you are tracking your calories honestly, there should be no surprises on the scale.

Accessory. I was running 12 miles through the pouring rain the morning of the women's Olympic marathon. My Under Armour hat was pulled down over my head and I braved the streets of Fort Wayne in just a pair of shorts and sports bra. On my left wrist was the MOTOACTV and, in my right hand, was a plastic baggie of Swedish fish. A baggie.

While it's definitely functional, carrying a baggie for 12 miles was no more comfortable than keeping them stuffed in my cheeks - though an interesting idea. It was after that run that I ordered myself a SPIbelt.

The SPIbelt allows runners to think a fanny pack is still cool. Made of  Lycra and Spandex, the belt has a pouch that expands to fit everything you need on a long run - phone, key and Swedish fish.

Or, if you are a badass ultra runner, some salted potatoes.

Did you try any new gear this year? What was your favorite?

Ten for Tuesday

I like games.

I particularly like Scrabble and all things that try to be like Scrabble. Mostly because I can beat people but other games are fun, too. They take up time and, the good ones, use your mind.

Like this one: The 10-question game that began on Another Mother Runner, courtesy of Sarah.

1. Best run ever: The first time I ran 4 miles. I didn't have much confidence that I could complete the distance but a co-worker told me that if I could run 3 miles then I could run 4. While his words didn't convince me to register for the Galloping Gobbler, Mark and I set out for a 4-miler on Thanksgiving morning 2009. It felt terribly difficult but incredibly rewarding, and I'll never forget the sense of accomplishment I felt that day.

2. Three words that describe my running: Necessary. Rewarding. Sweaty.

3. My go-to running outfit: Anything that doesn't smell otherwise I'm not very particular. This summer, I've spent a lot of time in Nike Tempo shorts and a Handful bra.

4. Quirky habit while running: I don't have any. My running habits are perfectly normal. Except that I  have to run an even number. If I'm supposed to run 5 miles and the MOTOACTV says 4.93, I will run past my house and down the block to hit 5. I also must walk a block before starting my run.

5. Morning, midday, evening: When it fits in but preferably in the morning. I hate the feeling of having to fit in a run hang over my head. I'd rather get it done early and feel good all day. That said, I was a total lazeball this morning and had no desire to get in my 4 miles. I am bribing myself with a new "This American Life" podcast to go out tonight after BODYPUMP rehearsing.

6. I won't run when it's: Below 10 degrees. Single temperatures and me don't mix but otherwise I'm game.

7. Worst injury - and how I got over it: Injury: Pregnancy. Got over it: C-section. All glibness aside, I've been incredible blessed as a runner, and I have not sustained any serious injuries. I credit it to a fairly conservative approach, good shoes and lots of strength training. Oh, and lots of luck.

8. I felt most like a badass mother runner when: I did a 6.5-mile tempo run with the BOB. I was tired. I was cranky. And I was unenthusiastic. However, I somehow managed to push through all of that and channel my anger, achieving some respectable splits and learning that I don't have to limit myself as a mother runner.

9. Next race: Fort-4-Fitness 4-miler on Sept. 29 and then it's the Columbus Marathon on Oct. 21!

10. Potential running goal for 2013: PR the crap out of a spring half marathon. I'm thinking Carmel or Wisconsin. Or both. You know, because I like to double the fun.

Say cheese (+ you're a handful)

Lucky No. 13

Wouln't you know it - she's the winner of the handful bra giveaway. So who is she? Well, I believe she just rocked a redemption marathon, earning herself a medal and a shiny new PR.

Bobbi, email me your contact info (hlthystrides at gmail dot com) and I will pass it along to the handul folks. (And please forgive me for stealing your photo. You were looking fierce this weekend!)

***

I could feel the rumble in my stomach. I could feel the draw to the kitchen. I could feel the drool pooling in my mouth.

I was jonesing. For something but what - well, I wasn't so sure. I just knew that my seemingly well-rounded breakfast of egg whites, yogurt and carrot-zucchini muffin was not cutting it. I guess that's what happens when you take a leisurely 1.5-mile walk on a rest day.

I sauntered to the kitchen but before I could start pillaging the pantry, I noticed something suspicious.

The bananas - well, they were looking ripe. Real ripe. Perfect for me, rejected by most. I considered just slathering one with peanut butter and calling it a morning but I couldn't do it. Nope.

As I stared at the bananas, I was reminded of a recent breakfast I made for Miles - mashed banana laced with peanut butter and slathered on a piece of bread. It was delicious - or so it seemed as he gobbled it up despite the inclusion of a fruit. If the snack was good enough for an 11-month-old, it was certainly good enough for me.

Right? Umm ... maybe.

I was settled on the idea but wanted to look for a way to make it a little less calorie dense and hopefully a little more satiating. Inspired by one of my fellow BODYPUMP trainees (who also happens to be a blogger), I decided to include cottage cheese. Tara puts cottage cheese in many, many of her recipes - probably because she has stock in a dairy farm. Or, because cottage cheese is a good source of protein. You pick.

What I came up with was delicious and filling, and I think it makes a great snack or light breakfast. It might even make a good meal for a picky toddler. Not that those exist.

Do "The Mash" Thin

1 sandwich thin or two slices of wheat bread
1/2 very ripe banana
1/2 tablespoon peanut butter (or 1 tablespoon PB2 if you have some of that lurking around)
2 tablespoons low-fat cottage cheese
1/4 teaspoon cinnamon, more or less to taste
Drizzle of honey

Toast the sandwich thin on bagel setting, if your appliance has one. While it's getting nice and golden, use a fork to mash together banana, peanut butter and cottage cheese. Add cinnamon, mixing to combine. Spread on toasted thin and drizzle with honey. Enjoy with cup of coffee and the sound of silence as the baby naps.

Note: If you don't like the texture of cottage cheese, mix together the ingredients in a mini food processor or use a substitute such as ricotta cheese or plain yogurt.

Nutrition: 215 calories, 6 grams fat, 37 grams carbohydrates and 10 grams protein

Priced to sell

I went running today.

In that outfit. It's quite a one at that, don't you think? (Please ignore the incredible undereye circles - we were up at 11:30, 2:30, 4:30 and 5:30.)

First, I'm wearing short sleeves. It might not seem like such a noteworthy thing but we've battling atrocious temperatures and even worse humidity here lately. Sadly, it's only going to get worse (104 on Thursday). As a consolation prize, I think God gave me today - a perfect running day. It was mid-50s with a cool breeze and the air was lacking the oppressive humidity I've come to know and hate. It was just the day for short sleeves.

2. I'm wearing my black Asics bra underneath my white RnR NOLA shirt. Classy. Don't forget - today's the last day to enter my handful bra giveaway.

3. I'm wearing a new (to me) Nike skirt. I'm guessing it was intended to be a tennis skirt but I think it will do just fine as a running skirt. And if it doesn't, I could honestly care less - I picked it up for a $1.75 at Salvation Army. That's one dollar plus three quarters or seven quarters - an amount you could probably scrounge up in your couch cushions.

I was at the thrift store picking up brick-a-brack for Miles' first birthday party and decided to make the obligatory stroll through children's wear. You'd be surprised how much new with tags and brand name kids' stuff you can find (Gymboree, Children's Place, Garanimals). Hanging from a girls' rack was the skirt. I stopped, looked, held it up and decided it wasn't for a girl. I checked the seams and it appeared as if it had been barely worn. Score one for me!

Here are some other places for great discount workout gear:

Marshall's/TJ Maxx. I regularly find Nike Tempo shorts for $15 and capris for $20. My outfit for the Woman's Day shoot (capris plus Under Armour turtleneck) came from there, as did my sassy BODYPUMP outfit. Not all of it is name-name brand but it's worth a look.

6pm.com. I haven't bought anything from here - yet - but I regularly see great stuff for great prices. They have most major running brands (Nike, New Balance, Brooks) and most of it is at least 40 percent off. What's great, too, is they have plus sizes.

Running Warehouse. A lot of their stuff is discounted and it's even better when it's on liquidation. If Skinny Runner still has the code available, you get 10 percent off. (Try skinnyd.)

And don't forget the clearance racks. I've found major deals at the local running shop from $7 Mizuno tops to $11 Adidas shorts.

If you follow me on twitter, I posted that Dick's Sporting Goods has tempo shorts BOGO 50 percent off and all clearance an additional 25 percent off. Mark found a pair of Nike Tempo shorts for $12, which he delivered to my office along with a matching top and an iced latte.

Yes, ladies, I do believe I have the best husband in the world (either that or he's making up for no longer doing my laundry).

Where do you look for workout gear deals?

Taking care of business

Remember when I said it would be worth your while to comment on my last post on sports bras?

Well, I have news for you: I wasn't lying. The lovely ladies at handful will offer one lucky Healthy Strides reader a bra of her choice (subject to color and size availability). So head on over to the post to see the updated rules and details.

Note: Those who already commented are automatically entered into the contest.

***

Two weeks ago, I posted about some recent (or not so recent in some cases) frustrations with my MOTOACTV.

Well, I have good news for you and I have bad news for you.

The bad news: I still haven't heard from customer support.

The good news: I have heard from the PR folks and the social media team, who offered some situations to fix the problem.

The easiest - and most immediate - was to do a system update. The MOTOACTV is all about the system update, and it pays to connect it to your computer on a regular basis to see if one is available. I am pretty good about this (with help from email reminders) and had tried to update the system a couple weeks before things had gotten out of hand. At that time, there were no updates available.

When the update was suggested, I was doubtful but begrudgingly tried it. You know, to have my bases covered. Lo and behold, one was available! And even more worthy of an exclamation mark, it seems to have helped. I won't say that it has fixed everything - I still see the satellite drop and at times the pace seems off - but it seems to catch up with itself if that makes sense.

I am also seeing some improved consistency with the distance. After more than a year in my neighborhood, I've finally figured out mile markers on certain routes and the MOTOACTV is once again lining up. Since the update, I've stopped comparing the distance with Map My Run - if that tells you anything.

And just one more note about the update: I listened to a playlist for the second half of my long run Sunday, and I was surprised to hear lap updates. "Beginning Lap 6," it told me. I got super excited that I had hit 6 miles but realized that I was beginning the 6th mile and had completed 5. Total bummer for me, great feature for the watch.

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.