Nike Brushed Thermal Running Tights

Thursday I went for a run, as I said I would Wednesday night.  A 6.15 mile run, to be exact!  It was a whopping 27 degrees with 10 mph winds when I headed out.  While I wasn't super excited about the cold, I was very happy to finally have a chance to run in my Alpine Pullover.


^ Molly wanted her ears to be in the picture.



Underneath the Alpine Pullover, I wore one of my C9 (Target) short sleeve tech shirts. I wore my Smartwool glove liners (with my thumbs through the pullover's thumb holes underneath).  I also broke out the Nike brushed thermal running tights for the first time this winter. But more on that in a minute.

I was pleased with the Alpine Pullover, overall.  In similar weather I might wear a long sleeve shirt underneath instead because especially when running across an open field I could really feel the wind on my arms.  The hood moved around a little bit while using the pony tail slit.  When my hair was inside the hood, it filled the hood up better and the hood moved around less. I tried adjusting my pony tail higher mid-run to help keep the hood in place, which did work.  Next time I might wear my ear warmer underneath to provide a little more warmth to the top of my forehead and maybe provide the hood with something to grip on to.

I'm beginning to wonder if I have a tiny head. (Tommy Boy: I got a tiny head?)    Listen to I got a tiny head?     from Tommy Boy
I was cold for the first half mile to 3/4 of a mile and questioning whether my run was a good idea.  However, I soon after warmed up (but never got hot).  In slightly warmer weather (just above freezing) I usually get really warm and end up taking my gloves off a mile or two in, or unzipping my top a little -- not yesterday!  I was comfortable, temperature-wise, with all that I was wearing for the rest of the run. 

Now, on to the tights.  I can't technically call this a review, because I have no idea what these tights are called... But these are running tights that I bought at the end of winter in 2009 from the local running store.  As winter was ending, there was a huge markdown on winter running clothes, so I picked up my first pair of running tights.

Here is the fleecy inside of these tights:

They feature a handy zip pocket on the back:

Like Lululemon's running bottoms, these have a continuous drawcord:

 

And also like Lululemon's bottoms, these feature the "gusset" (triangle in the crotch) :

There is a reflective strip at the zipper on both ankles.  Also, grippy material on the inside of the cuffs so they don't ride up.  The only thing I'm iffy about on these is the zipper.  It would be great if they were just stretchier at the ankle because when they're zipped down all the way it's sometimes a little snug on my ankle.  If it feels snug, I'll unzip them just a little bit, but then I worry about the zipper scratching me.  It's not a huge deal, just a minor annoyance.  While I will readily admit to having huge calves for my size, I by no means have cankles.

Overall these tights are great! And even better considering I was able to pick them up on sale for something like $45 (down from around $70? I can't remember).  They are 88% Polyester/12% Spandex and made in Cambodia.  They are great for wearing when the temperatures are below freezing (above freezing I'll wear my Lululemon Luxtreme tights).  I like the zip pocket, the drawstring, and the reflective strips at the ankles.  While the waist band is not a big wide one, it is still comfortable, doesn't dig in, and doesn't slip down while you run (It didn't move a bit on my 6.15 mile run).

My plan for the weekend?

I'll do some arm weights and crunches tonight, and maybe find a quick video on Exercise TV.  Then probably a short run and a long run on Saturday and Sunday.  Highs of 36 and 37 this weekend, so it doesn't matter when I run.

Luckily, I thiiink all my Christmas shopping is done, so now I just have to wrap things!

What's everyone else up to this weekend?

Blogging Slacker.

I'm such a slacker!  With blogging, anyway.  Since Wednesday, when I last posted, I did the following:


Thursday:
1 hour bootcamp class. Despite last week's soreness, I returned for more this week. I like it!

Friday: 
Made oatmeal butterscotch cookies to bring to Christmas party.

Saturday:
4.66 mile run in 45F. Inaugural wearing of the Dash Crop. They get a big thumbs up. The higher rise really keeps them in place while you run.

Lululemon Run: Dash Crop in coal/haze, Lululemon Run: Swiftly Tech L/S, 

TNF Momentum Vest, Lululemon Run: Brisk Earwarmer (around neck).

Sunday:
3.38 mile run in 59F(!) +
I played far too much Wii bowling, tennis and boxing with my husband (proud to report I KO'ed him way more than the other way around, AND I'm pretty sure I'm going to feel it in my shoulders tomorrow, is that lame?)  + 
I made pumpkin carrot bars that I will write about tomorrow.

Hope everyone had a good weekend!

Try On Report: Lululemon Run: Dash Crop

About a week ago when I returned my Lululemon Dash Pullover, I was hoping to pick up the Dash Crop in Coal/Haze.  My store was out of my size in that color combo though, so I instead tried on the all black version of the Dash Crop (as well as the Run: Alpine Tight, and the coal/lilac Run: Inspire Crop - to see a crop in coal).

The Run: Alpine tight was perhaps overkill for NJ.  I looked back at last year's winter running and I never really ran outside when it was below mid 20s.  I already have one pair of full length brushed Nike tights, so I don't think I have much use for a second pair.  However, the Alpine tight was really warm, had a nice high rise, and fit well!  In my usual size, the waist band was snug enough to stay put, but did not give me "muffin top." Length was probably about 1-2" too long for my 5'2" self, but it was easy to bunch the fabric at the ankle, or fold the fabric (they do free hemming too, if you're interested).

The Dash Crop in black fit well, and I really liked the reflective strip on the calf, which is what drew me to them in the first place.  But I already have black crops.

I tried on the Run: Inspire crop to get a sense of the coal luxtreme, and found they were not forgiving to the back of upper thighs that are not perfectly toned. ahem.  I can say they were a nice longer crop, the rise was good, but I didn't love the little lilac color panels at the bottom of the leg either.

So based on my experience with the coal Inspire crops, I thought the coal Dash crops were probably out.  I went ahead and bought the black Dash crops because of the reflectivity (my other crops don't have this).  The educator reminded me I had a long return window (into January) because of the holiday season.

 Run: Alpine Pullover in Haze / Run: Dash Crop in Black

I decided to order the coal/haze Dash crop online because I liked the idea of them matching my Alpine pullover, and worst case, if the coal was not flattering, I could return them.  I had seen other pictures of the coal Dash Crops on people online, and did not see that they were unflattering in the back.

The coal crops came in the mail yesterday, woo hoo!  And I must say, I think they are far more flattering than the Inspire crops in coal that I tried on in-store (no picture taken of those).

Run: Alpine Pullover in Haze / Run: Dash Crop in Coal/Haze

Not super-flattering photos, but I'm demonstrating the higher rise of this crop.  They hit at my belly button.  I like the higher rise for keeping the cold out and for a nice smooth silhouette in the midsection!

 

Here are all of my crops/tights I own:

In other words, I probably don't need another pair of black bottoms.

Here's the black and coal/haze Dash Crop side by side:

Length Comparison:
L to R: full length Run: Spirit Tight, Run: Dash Crop, Run: Zoom Crop.

Also note, that the Spirit tight is coal/antidote.  
And the Dash crop is coal/haze. Both are luxtreme, clearly different shades of gray though.

I'm leaning towards keeping the coal/haze.  Then after this, I think I need to go on a lululemon diet for a while.  I think I'm probably all set in the workout clothes department...

*ETA:

I should mention that in addition to the great fit and the reflective strips at the calves, these crops also feature:

• a back zip pocket which can be seen above in my pictures,
• and two hidden gel pockets inside the front waistband (These pockets can fit a packet of gu or maybe half a pack of Clif Shot Bloks).
• a decorative ruffle along the reflective strip (back side is circle mesh for venting).

Try On Report: Lululemon Run: Dash Pullover

I ordered the Lululemon Run: Dash Pullover online to try on.  9 days later, it arrived in the mail.  Its arrival was much awaited as I have two running luon tops from last year, and enjoy them both (the Brisk L/S and the Energy Pullover),

The Dash Pullover is made of Running Luon; it's moisture-wicking, there are anti-stink mesh panels under the arm and on the inside of the arm. Thumbholes and cuffins.  A reflective front zipper; reflective strips on the fore-arms with decorative little ruffle; and reflective zipper on the pocket at the back.

This one is in static coal, in my usual Lululemon size 6.  I found it to fit true to size.

(No, I would not typically wear this with denim-like trousers, but it was a little cool in the apartment when I got home from work and did not feel like putting on running shorts for the photos).

If you want, you can zip down the front and fold over the collar if you get a little warm:

Or you could really unzip the front...but this would cause the excess fabric to flap around like some online reviewers complained about.  I can't imagine unzipping it this far while running anyway... I'm a little surprised the zipper is this long.

Some reviews have also mentioned that this top fits long.  As you could see in the earlier pictures, when worn comfortably, the top hits at the hip on me and I'm 5'2".  It was long enough that I would not worry at all about it riding up as I ran.  The only way I could see this being too long is if you really stretched it out and pulled the bottom hem down.  Then I would be able to get it past my hip and over my butt.

I would never wear it like this.

This would be a more comfortable way to wear it unzipped to cool off, without the fabric flopping as you ran:

Here's another back view to see the "anti-stink circle mesh body mapping."  Those dark zones are the circle mesh.  In addition to the back zipper being reflective, there is a reflective logo at the neck.

Circle Mesh close up:

Here are some detail shots of the ruffle on the forearm.  I like that there is reflectivity on the forearms so that if you chose to layer with a vest for extra warmth, you'd still be visible to cars:

Here's the zipper garage:

And the back pocket:

I'm not really decided on this top... only days after ordering the Dash Pullover, the Run: Alpine Pullover came out.  I ordered it over the phone in the color haze, to compare.  It's made of a warmer material called tech fleece.  It's smooth on the outside, but soft and brushed on the inside, a little thicker than Running Luon (I had an opportunity to try on a top from the same material last year; the Run: Spirit Pullover).  Here's what it looks like:

[source: lululemon banff facebook page]

[source: lululemon saskatoon facebook page]

Assuming the Alpine Pullover fits well; I'd be losing some of the reflectivity that the Dash offers (Alpine has reflective zipper on front neck, back pocket, hood logo).  The Alpine pullover adds a hood and some extra warmth.  The kangaroo pocket isn't exactly functional.

Not sure which I'll end up keeping, or if I'll keep either.  My wallet would not approve of me keeping both...

Easy Peasy

I ran my 2 mile easy run tonight.

I wore my New Balance NBx Adapter L/S  (from Joe's New Balance outlet this spring) and my Lucy Impact Knee Pant (bought last year around this time for Spinning).  These pictures are dark, but I wanted to be sure the flash would go off to show off the reflectivity!

Check out that giant glaring reflective strip down the center of the back!  There are also small reflective strips at the wrists.  There's a tiny little key pocket at the back right of the top.  You can also catch a glimpse of the reflective design on the back right leg of the capris (for most these are probably knee pants; for 5'2" me, the 16" inseam hits below my knee).

This is me simulating running to demonstrate the side-reflectivity.  There's the wrist reflective strip, a small logo at the left hip of the shirt, and a second reflective logo on the front left leg of the knee pant.

The oh-so-attractive bra you can see underneath (just kidding, it's not so hot- but it is supportive!) is the Fiona bra by Moving Comfort.  It is actually very supportive, but it is not racer back, so I only wear it in non-tank weather.  It has 3 rows of hooks on the back and straps adjustable by velcro from the front.  Bad news, if you're cold - everyone's going to know it, if you know what I mean.

Luckily, it wasn't too cold tonight!

In fact, it only got warmer from the time I got home from work until I went out for my run at almost 8pm.  It was warm (58), but a little windy when I set out.  It started to sprinkle a little bit.  Then it started to rain progressively harder throughout the rest of my run. Somewhere around mile 1.5 it was raining at me diagonally, pretty hard.  I was already wet at this point, so there was no reason to head home early - I just finished my short run.

This easy run was supposed to be 2 miles at 12:47.

I ran the first mile at 11:19, the second at 11:01...and the last .43 miles?  9:15.  What!?  That's crazy.  The rain was motivating, I guess.  While it was only just under half a mile, I don't know the last time I moved that fast.  I was pretty excited.

On an unrelated note, does anyone have experience with Zensah Compression Leg Sleeves? (Or similar) I've been reading a lot about compression stuff lately and I'm considering these maybe for my Christmas list - for recovery after longer runs.

[source]

I'd love to hear your thoughts!

On-Demand Workouts and this week's Long Run

Gigi has posted on her blog how she uses Comcast's On Demand exercise videos.  I did not realize this existed! While I do not have Comcast, I do have Verizon Fios, and much to my excitement, Friday morning I learned Fios has On Demand exercise videos as well.

If you've got Verizon Fios, this is how you can find them: 

Push the OnDemand button--> Browse All--> Free--> Health & Home--> Exercise TV

All kinds of options to choose from-

Friday morning I tried my first On Demand Exercise Video.

I went with 10 minute workouts/AM Standing Abs.  I was a little skeptical of what a 10 minute workout video could do for you.

As you can see from the above description, no equipment was required for this.  I wondered how the heck I was going to work my abs while standing.  Here's a shot of the workout-- I like the countdown timer in the upper left corner.  There is an ad at the bottom of the screen for most of the workout, but what are ya gonna do, it's a free video.

So I did this 10 minute video before going to meet up with a friend for lunch.  After completing it, I felt ok.  But the next morning...Holy Obliques!!  I was sore on my sides from below my rib cage to my pelvic bone.  Clearly it did something!

I bumped up this week's Long Run from Sunday to Saturday.  Nice weather forecasted for both Saturday and Sunday, but I was hoping to maybe join a group run Monday evening - so I thought I'd move up the long run to give me a day off in between.  I left on my run at about 4:45, Temperature was 47-49F.

I wore my Lululemon Brisk LS in faded zap and Run: Zoom crops.

It's a VERY bright top, but I feel very visible in it!

I'm glad I went with the crops because it was cooler out with a little breeze, but I found that at about 2 miles in I had really warmed up and needed to push up my sleeves.  Happy to have that split neck on my top to cool me off too.

My 6 miler was supposed to be at a 12:47 pace.  My splits were as follows:

1: 11:05

2: 12:03 (stopped for traffic to cross the road)

3: 11:22

4: 11:09

5: 11:15

6: 11:19

.18: 13:08 (still running the first .1; walk the last .08)

Total Time: 1:10:38.  Avg Pace: 11:24/Avg Moving Pace: 11:12.  Avg HR: 172.

I brought my mp3 player along for some entertainment and listened the last disc of Chelsea Handler's Are you There Vodka? - the audio version of her book, read by Chelsea Handler herself.  I find that listening to fast music will make me run faster than I mean to.  I experience less of that effect if I'm listening to an audio book while running.  I don't usually bring my mp3 player with me so I can be aware of my surroundings, but I was feeling like a bum  yesterday and needed a little nudge to get out the door.

After my run, I wanted to try more of the 10 minute workouts.  First, I went with Arms with Attitude.  Required hand weights and a stability ball. 

I'm not going to lie.  I'm weak.  I used my 5 lb hand weights, and let's just say that half way through, I wished I had used my 3 lb weights instead... haha.

Next up was the Abs & Back Workout.  No equipment necessary.

This morning I'm feeling these workouts a little bit in my triceps, and a little bit in the muscles between my chest and shoulder, if that makes sense (not sure what those are called).  Some tightness in the stomach, more central/lower abs than obliques.

 [source]

This morning I watched the ING NYC Marathon live on NBC.  I tuned in around 10:45, so maybe half way through the elites.  I was so excited to see Shalane Flanagan do so well in her first marathon; she placed second (2:28:40).  Was hoping last year's winner,  Meb Keflezighi would medal too - he stayed with the pack up through mile 21, and ended up finishing 6th (2:11:30).  It's crazy how fast the elites can run!!

Also cool to see rescued Chilean Miner Edison Peña running the marathon!  He had not yet finished when I wrote this post.

You can check out Runner's World's live blog coverage of the event from this morning here.

Now I'm off to treat myself to a Starbucks Nonfat Cinnamon Dolce Latte with my coupon for a free drink that came int he mail the other day!  Then battle through the Sunday crowd at the grocery store...  Enjoy the rest of your Sunday!

What did you do this weekend?

Do you have any experience with On Demand workout videos?

Did you watch the NYC Marathon?