Be Your Breast Self {Title Nine Giveaway}

Up until last year, I thought sports bras came in three sizes – small, medium and large. Or, for the fancy stores, there were five or six with sizes on either spectrum getting an "x" in front of the letter.

It was when I got pregnant for the second time that I not only learned that there as many sizes as there are styles but there is such a need. Going from a 34A to 34D seemingly overnight, I could no longer wear the minimum support styles tjhat I had bought more for fashion than function. After all, wearing a bra at that size was more of a formality and social convention than anything else.

I felt a bit lost when looking for a new style but it was the kind followers on Facebook who directed me to Moving Comfort, specifically to the Juno and Fiona styles. I found some on sale online and guessed my size.

Yes, guessed – because that's how you size bras.

Most women wear the wrong size sports bra and the average size is 36C. A number and a letter, ladies – not small, medium and large. But more than that, most sports bras are made for A/B cups.

To get in the right bra, it is so important to go to your running store and get fitted just as you would for a pair of shoes. After all, why would you treat your feet better than your boobs?

That's where Title Nine comes in.

Title Nine is a retailer with brick-and-mortar stores in more than 20 cities and an impressive website, offering not just sports bras but everything the active woman needs. They’ve tested thousands of bras and found just the right ones to support our workouts and our curves, whether you’re a 32AA or a 40EEE. Title Nine uses their expert bra fit specialists ­– bravangelists ­– to get women in the right bras.

The company recently offered me the chance to speak with one of their bravangelists. As there are no Title Nine stores near me, I spoke with Marsha over the phone. She and I had set up a time via email (8:30 p.m., a time I appreciated as both kids were in bed) and she called me promptly. We chatted about what bras I was wearing, what size I had been buying (and how it felt), what activities I participated in and what my needs were.

Sports bra shoppers can also go to Title Nine's Bra Genie to find the right bra.

In short order: Juno (x2), Fiona (x1) and Vixen (x1); 34D and good (I had later measured via a tutorial); running; and nursing.

One might not think about factoring in breastfeeding but as Marsha and I discussed, it plays a big part. My size is not consistent – not just day to day but from the start of the run to the end. I also need to be available to offer some "swoob" (sweaty boob) the minute I walk in the door.

Marsha was prepared to help me and, as fate would have it, she was ready to suggest the Juno. But, as I have two, she wanted to give me the chance to try something different. While I love the Juno, I really appreciated the option to go in a different direction. It can be tough, she said, to find something in the D-DD range that will keep you in place but she had ideas. Among her suggestions were the Tech Athena and the Moving Comfort Jubralee.

Just one thing – she didn't actually call it the Jubralee but rather the Booby Trap. As those who have shopped at Title Nine have discovered, the store doesn't list the styles in the same way as the manufacturers. I think this is a bit confusing but Marsha said it was to avoid copyright/licensing/legal mumbo jumbo-type issues. (That last part is all me, not her.)

There were merits to each bra but the features she stressed for me were adjustable straps to accommodate size fluctuations and compression/support. Racerback styles, like the Juno, offer more front compression than a sports bra with two straps like a traditional bra. The Jubralee offers three rows of hook-and-eye closures to adjust band size and the straps can be adjusted thanks to Velcro and a loop on the front of the bra.

The strap feature might seem different given how we adjust traditional bras but it is so awesome. Seriously. One, if you feel chafing during a run, you can stop, pause your GPS and adjust quickly and discretely. There's no struggle to reach behind your back. Two, you can release the cups of the bra from the straps and fold it down for easy nursing. It's swoob for days, I tell you. And, I can nurse Si at daycare before a pre-work run without showing a room full of 5-year-olds the goods.

Just keeping it real, y'all.

Before you think it's silly to invest in a good sports bra when I won't be nursing forever (hopefully), think on this: your sports bra shouldn't have a birthday. If you bought one last summer and are still wearing it now, you might want to think about getting another one. And if you are still wearing the sports bra you bought when you first started running, you really need to get a new one.

Like now.

And I can help.

Title Nine is offering one reader a chance to have her own bra fitting and receive the proper bra. Yes, that's a free sports bra for you.

Enter using the widget below.

a Rafflecopter giveaway


Please note that readers living near a Title Nine store will do the fitting there. If there's not a Title Nine near you, you will have the chance to do a fitting chat and order from the website.

Disclosure: I received a free sports bra in exchange for this post but I did receive additional compensation. All opinions are my own.

Undercover: A Tale of Embarrassment and Support

OK, friends. It's time to gather round for a little story. So settle back with a cup of coffee ... or a cocktail. It's after noon and no one can see to judge.

Now, before I get started, I want you to jog your memory and think of something that embarrassed you recently. It could be a story worthy of Another Mother Runner's TMI Tuesday or something that happened at work. But think of something and hold it there, in the front of your mind.

Onto the story ...

Apprehension – and not much else – filled the restaurant on Saturday night. The storm was just hours from arriving, and those who were filling the booths at Bob Evans were out to dinner while they could get out. Conversations were quiet and the usual hustle-and-bustle of a restaurant were muted, nearly non-existent.

It proved to be perfect for us, as we joined my father-in-law for dinner. It was an unusual treat but he was flying solo, as my mother-in-law in Colorado, and he had offered to take us out.

The conversation skipped and jumped, from the storm preparations and mayhem to Miles chatting about the books he had gotten from the library. As we finished dinner, the topic was firmly settled on running – what I wore and, by accident, the state of my chesticles.

I was recapping the afternoon's 7-miler when my father-in-law asked whether I had purchased any new clothes for pregnant running. Not really, I replied. I have been making do with unisex race shirts and forgiving capris (turned tights with Pro Compression socks). The only area I had invested – and not so wisely– I admitted, was in the foundation department.

Now this is where I tell you a little bit about my father-in-law: He has a medical background and worked in the emergency room for many years. Though he is now a college instructor, he still teaches clinicals in a hospital. He has seen things that people don't need to see – many of which he has shared at dinner. The light-hearted might not appreciate it but I find it crudely fascinating. Anyway, his experience makes him inquisitive and clinical when talking about the human body, even if it is that of his daughter-in-law.

And so, unsurprisingly, he asked me what I meant. Unthinking, I went on to tell him that I had purchased new sports bras earlier in the pregnancy to accommodate the growth of the chesticles. However, they are still growing and the once suitable bras no longer work, resulting in some uncomfortable chafing. I had – and still have – several inch wounds on the bottom of each from my favorite C9 bra rubbing me the wrong way.

The offending style ...

I sighed. I should probably purchase some better ones, I said, but it's an investment and we have other things to get right now.

"How much?"he asked.

I gave him an estimate of $40 to $50 a bra, and he gave me a command. I was to go get one and give him the receipt. It wasn't good for me to continue with the chafing, he said, going into how the areas could get infected and with the infection certain things would happen ... medical speak, medical speak, medical speak. I thanked him and mentally flogged myself for opening that can of pus.

But, the story isn't over. Later that evening, my father-in-law called. He had been talking with his wife about my "situation" and she said that I shouldn't get a bra – I should get two.

And here is where I felt embarrassed: Not only did I have a conversation about my boobs with my father-in-law but he, in turn, had a conversation about my boobs with my mother-in-law. And, if I was a betting woman, I'd bet the information was shared with our Colorado kin.

The upside is that I do get two sports bras out of all my flushing and blushing. My BFF has suggested several Moving Comfort styles that have been helpful to her.

But I'm happy to take input from folks who are in the D cup+ sizes as to which styles are comfortable, supportive and non-offending.

Three Things Thursday: Get into gear

I have sunshine. I have raindrops on roses. But, dangit, I could use some puppies and rainbows. There's just something about this day, this week, that makes me yearn for a little boost.

And a fast-forward button.

And a mute button.

And a humidity control button.

But, alas, despite my whining, there are good things abound.

1. Just as the mercury inched up this week, a big ole box from Nathan Performance Gear arrived. Presents for me!

As part of my ambassadorship, I had the opportunity to select five items - count them, FIVE - to use and abuse. I solicited advice on Facebook and went with some of your favorites - a handheld, hydration belt, hydration pack, reflective vest and booster belt. My previous handheld, also a Nathan, is smelly and the elastic is not so elastic anymore and I've been antsy pantsy to try a belt. Needless to say, I'm pretty amped to put all of it to work..

2. While we are on the topic of hydration, nuun loves you almost as much as I do and wants you to be full of electrolytes this summer. You can use the code "hydrateHTC" to receive 15 percent off any order now through September.

Right now, they have a pretty sweet deal, too - a free watermelon bottle with a 4-pack purchase. I'm holding out for a lemonade bottle. Gotta stick with my team.

3. I am taking a step forward in my project, "Make Shit Happen 2013." It's not anything earth shattering but I am reluctant to share just yet. Call me superstitious, if you will. I'm realizing, though, that as I take on more things that I need to take on more sports bras. Well, buy them. If I was just running four days a week, I'd be good to go but I'm up to eight or nine workout sessions a week - all of which require a fresh bra - and I'll need three decent ones for Hood to Coast.

Yeah, that's about it on that one.

How's your day going? Feel free to share humorous insights but I will reject all offers of puppies because my OCD dog will not stop licking the floor. And it's annoying.

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.