Products

Product Review: 26.2 Apparel

May 14, 2011
By

Before I started going to the gym, cycling, yoga-ing, and running, I relied on one form of cardio – shopping. The Blue Light Special Workout.  I spent my weekends pacing each level of the mall, scouring racks for the best deal.  It was is my favorite pastime.  Hey, I’m a girl!

MC Hammer, watch out.

I’ve taken a liking to new forms of cardio in the past couple of years, but I still have a special place in my heart for a good day of shopping.  Bright colors, pretty patterns, flowing fabrics, and trendy accessories make my day.  Workout gear used to lack some of that excitement, but we have come a long way from the days of matchy-match sweatsuits and mesh shorts.  Let’s face it, most of my workout gear is way cuter than my day-to-day clothes.

A few weeks ago, Jeremiah from The Squires Group contacted me to try 26.2 apparel. You can imagine my excitement!  Every time I click over to SkinnyRunner she’s wearing another fabulous 26.2 combo.  I anxiously awaited the arrival and on Thursday, my fancy new gear was came to the door!

Trash barrels make a great backdrop.

I love the look of 26.2 apparel. I chose the 26.2 tee and the classic running shorts.

Both pieces feature a cool, new moisture-wicking yarn called SORBTEK.  I don’t know much about textiles, but I do know that this stuff is super soft, comfy, and lightweight.  I kept making people touch my shirt, so they would understand just how nice this stuff feels.  Not creepy at all.

And I ran!

It was in the 70s and sunny yesterday afternoon when I set out for a short run with my aunt.  I knew I liked the fit and fashion of 26.2 apparel, but how would it withstand a sweaty, springtime run?

Grade: A+

Even in the heat of the day, this outfit was lightweight and easy to move in.  The SORBTEK definitely had the moisture management qualities listed on the tag and nothing rubbed me the wrong way.  I even fell in love with the socks Jeremiah threw into my package.

I can’t wait to rock this outfit in a race.  I know it will make me super speedy.  I just know it.  Besides, it matches my “Suck it up, Cupcake” Bondi Band perfectly.  That’s what really counts.

Thank you, Jeremiah!  I love this stuff.

Go check out the 26.2 apparel website. What do you love? With summer coming, I’m definitely going to add a sleeveless top to my collection.

The Brooks Ravenna

October 26, 2010
By

I was back to Beck On The Run today.  I felt like my old self again today – lots of energy and desire to hit the streets.  The experts warn that even though you feel normal shortly after a marathon, your body is still recovering. With that in mind, I took it to the streets for an easy run.

Today’s run was a test.

For the first time EVER, my Brooks Adrenaline 10s did not come along for the ride.  I never thought I’d see the day.

Whenever you read about running, you see the same line, “All you need is a good pair of shoes.” But which shoes are the good shoes? I thought I knew.  I thought my Brooks were in it for the long haul, but I may have been wrong.

As I dealt with some pre-marathon foot pain, it was brought to my attention that my beloved trainers may be a part of the problem, not the solution.  I pronate. My foot collapses in at the arch.  The Adrenalines are designed to combat this problem.  They are firm and supportive…maybe too supportive.  According to the chiropractor and running store staff, the support in my shoe was over-correcting my pronation, causing me to run on the outside of my left foot.  They carefully picked apart the wear patterns of my old shoes.  Interesting stuff for a nerd like me!

The next step – the Brooks Ravenna.  Check out the difference.

The darker gray section of the sole indicates the level of support.  Those Adrenalines (on the left) have A LOT of gray area.  I was excited and nervous to try something new.  Dare I betray my beloved shoes?

The Ravennas looked good.

All sleek and shiny.

They fit well – a roomy toe box with a nice feeling a flexibility in the sole.  But how would they run?

4.8 miles later, I say amazing! Running shoes are different for everyone, so I would never tell you to go out and get a pair of these, but they felt fantastic on my run.  I enjoyed an evening run with my aunt where I tried them on uphills, downhills, and flats.  They worked with me.  They moved with me.  We ran together and it was lovely.

For awhile, I will rotate between the pairs and adjust to the change.  I think my feet will thank me.

Are you loyal to any certain shoe or gear?  Or do you switch it up? I am afraid of change.

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