My New Favorite Accessory [Clue: It's a BELT]

HI!  I know, I've been gone again.  I had my very first formal evaluation from my Principal (and she thought I ROCKED) this week, and with so many activities going on at the school, on top of obsessing over perusing over wedding dresses and ideas, I haven't been able to post.  I have the next two weeks off, so you're stuck with me now.:D

In other news, I had a brilliant opportunity to try out something I've been curious about for months.  FitApproach and FlipBelt teamed up for some #holidayshopping FLIP + BELT fun!  Check out the short video they made to show the FlipBelt in Action!

FlipBelt In Action from FlipBelt on Vimeo.

Of course, I got pink.:)

I don't even notice that this is around my waist.

Key Points for ME:

• It stays completely flat against my waistline.  I haven't found a waist pack that will stay put for the life of me, no matter how flat it is.  The strap eventually lengthens, or it rides up past my waist.  It gets bouncy, and then I have to deal with something bouncing around my waist while I'm running.  Talk about taking all the fun out of it.  With that said, I've tested it out, and the FlipBelt doesn't move!
• I can put my phone, ID, credit cards, and whatever else I need in the belt, and know that it won't fall out.  The material is extra tough  (92% MicroPoly, 8% Lycra)!  I tested it out on a race day (The Rudolph Ramble 8K), and it was PERFECT.  I didn't have to carry anything in my hand, nor did I have to check a bag.
• It's extra versatile.  You don't have to be a runner to use it.  You can wear it to the gym while lifting (I have always put my stuff on the ground, going from station to station; nope, not no more), in group exercise classes, cycling, hiking...anything your heart (and body) desires!
• It comes in an array of sizes, XS-XL, all unisex.
• The material is moisture-wicking.
• It's ONE POCKET.  If you wanted to slide something over, you can easily maneuver it from the outside.  

FlipBelt and FitApproach are offering a few fantastic deals!  

Shoot me an e-mail at tiffany@thechiathlete.com to receive a discount code worth 33% off your FlipBelt order!  

I only have 15 codes, so please contact me quickly (you know...first come, first serve situation).   Two other bullets that I can add onto the list of amazing things about this new necessity of mine is that the shipping is FAST, and there's an abundance of colors available!

Go to the FlipBelt website and pick out your belt today!  They also make awesome gifts!

I Feel Taller

Last week, FitApproach and Amplified Pilates treated me to a Pilates session.  I used to teach Mat Pilates, and I have never used equipment, with the exception of resistance bands.  This was a fitness adventure, for sure!  Angela, my instructor and Amplified Pilates founder, greeted me at the door, asked me to sign in, and since it was my first time there, I had to fill out a small bit of paperwork.  What I noticed about this paperwork was that it wasn't filled with the ordinary questions.  They are interested in what other sports or activities in which you're involved.  I was asked to rate certain criteria on level of importance, including things like weight loss, feeling sore the next day (I do miss DOMS so much, but this got a 4 or 5 on a level of 10, I think), and questions regarding my use of Pilates for other sports (YES!).  I always find it impressive when a fitness enthusiast, gym, club, or private exercise studio is open-minded about other sports and exercises and how their specific area of expertise can affect it; it shows the utmost professionalism to me.  Amplified Pilates seemed to cater to every physical and fitness need, as designated by YOU.  Of course, all injuries should be reported and discussed with your instructor; I'm confident that the staff at Amplified would accommodate to your needs.

Onto the class!

They look like torture machines, huh?

Angela  proved to be extremely resourceful, informative, and very attentive to my needs, as well as the other clients in the class. She was very hands-on (which I LOVE...yes, PLEASE move me to the spot in which I need to be!), and gave constant and consistent feedback to all of the clients in the class.  We did a variety of classic moves on the machines, working legs and arms, independently, laterally, and any which way you could think.  Her direction was very diverse (it bugs me when instructors use the same words over and over again) and precise.  We did several sets, then would move onto a different plane of movement or the exercise, and sometimes combine the exercises.  I was thrilled with the variety!

After the session, I felt taller, like my core and head were *straight*, my shoulders were naturally sitting back and down, and my hips felt more adjusted.  I love, love, love what Pilates does for my body -- it feels like such a natural head-to-toe alignment.  The equipment made a HUGE difference!  Having the springs and resistance to work against when doing those exercises doesn't necessarily mean that it feels more difficult, but seems to have a more lasting effect than Mat Pilates.  

Sorry, no action shots!  I was very focused, as were the other patrons, and Angela during the class.  I didn't want to disrupt the practice just for one picture.  Not to mention, I was enjoying myself too much to think about it.:)

One of my biggest "YAYs!" to private exercise studios/gyms is when they are accommodating.  I need a shower!  I need a place to store my stuff.  This place had it all, and I even mentioned that the shower was a huge selling point for me.  Then, like a total geek, I started taking pictures of everything.

Amplified Pilates provided a CLEAN space.  I bet there wasn't a speck of dirt or dust anywhere to be found.  This makes me feel very comfortable, especially when you're doing an exercise that requires bare feet.

Check out their website!  They have an array of classes spread throughout the week, information about the instructors, and offer specials regularly! Take a glance at their current specials HERE.

Also, holy-conveniently-located, Batman!  Although it's street parking, I had no problems finding a spot.

With a Dunkin' Donuts AND a Starbucks right next door, no one has any excuse to not jump out of bed, get their Pilates on, and take off from the studio to work or school.

And this Starbucks looked like an Apple store to me.  Wha...?

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As far as other Wednesday stuff...
Some Instagram love!

Suz really knows how to rock a teaser.  Here's her bloggie post if you can't stand it any longer.

What I'm about to go run in -- time to bundle!

And well...yeah...

Happy Wednesday, friends!
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Do you or have you done Pilates?  Equipment or mat?

What do you look for in a private exercise studio?

Chicago friends:  Are you ready to say "goodbye" to Fall already?

Whose Socks Rock? [PRO Compression Review & Discount!]

I'm not going to make you wait until the end of this blog post to give you the discount code.:)

USE THE DISCOUNT CODE PINK TO RECEIVE 40% OFF YOUR ENTIRE PURCHASE OF PRO COMPRESSION GEAR!

Wasn't that a nice thing for me to do?   Now, if you're on the fence about purchasing any products from this amazing brand, here's your chance to get some quality information about how to #KeepItTight!

Key features:

• MADE in the USA
• We always have a super fun Sock of the Month! A new sock designs every month with a discount! (so make sure you are on our email list).  Can sign up on the home page under: Receive Monthly Specials. 
• One of the few compression socks companies that makes a true graduated compression sock (the ones that work!). 
• We sell direct, what does that mean to you?  Bigger discounts and more focus on the customer. Our goals is to make sure everyone is in the correct sock or sleeve that is best for them!
• True Graduated Compression 
• Arch support with just the right about of compression 
• Stabilization zone through the sides to mid foot.  Helps provide foot bed comfort. 
• Open toe box so it will not keep your toes to tight. 
• Wide cuff for added comfort. 
• Moisture wick'ing materials
• No blisters! 

PRO Compression socks deliver maximum comfort and speedy recovery times. The science is complex, but benefits such as improved blood flow, stability and comfort are universally understood. The moment you put these socks on your feet, you will feel the difference.

This design requires more effort to put on than standard socks. But it’s that extra effort and much-needed compression that make all the difference. Be patient and your feet will thank you.

True graduated compression promotes circulation by pushing fluid up from your feet and ankles to toward your knees. This design also helps reduce swelling and inflammation while providing critical support to muscles and tendons.

My personal experience with PRO COMPRESSION socks:
I wear them while I'm running.  I haven't tried wearing them while cycling, but I'm sure that I would get an equally as awesome experience as I do when I wear them while running.  To be honest, I generally don't like compression on my calves.  For whatever reason, I haven't had a very good experience with other calf compression sleeves or knee-high socks.  My lower legs get tired and wonky.  (?!)

My experience with these, however, has been very different.  My belief is that the PRO COMPRESSION socks allow for more natural biomechanical movement of my (giant) calves.  I have worn them to speedwork sessions several times, and the long run a few times.  My lower legs feel fresh the whole time.  I don't get blisters (which has been another issue from other knee-high compression socks), and since I have a wide toe box, I appreciate that they accommodated for more room in that area of the socks; plus, squished toes = more blisters.

And how can you #sweatpink without some PINK socks?!

Go ahead and treat yourself to a pair, y'all.  You deserve THIS!

Tweet: I #KeepItTight w/ @PROCompression! Use the code PINK for 40% OFF your entire purchase! http://ctt.ec/W2UDL+ @fitapproach #sweatpink

The Energizer Night Race [GIVEAWAY] [CLOSED]

Happy Sunday, y'all!  I'm healing up a bit today, after the Wisconsin [half] marathon yesterday.  It was a great time!  I'll have a recap in a couple of days.  ;)

With about five weeks until the Energizer Night Race, I wanted to throw out some information, as well as a giveaway for two of you (YES, YOU!) to win free entries to the race!  

If you would love to mix your love of our planet and running, then this is the race for you!

Where and When:

Lake Shore East Park - Chicago IL - 450 East Benton Place

Saturday, June 7th, 2014
Race begins at sunset.

Some points that the event exhibits:

• As participants race at night – with the light of an Energizer® headlight to guide them – they unite to raise awareness for the gglobal need for safe, affordable solar light for these individuals.

• Inn honor of the 2014 race series, Energizer is pledging to donate an unprecedented 14 million hours of solar light through their work with the international relief agency One Million Lights. 

• As the world leader in batteries and portable lights Energizzer is committed to bringing powerful, energy-efficient lighting to people around the world who live without access to electricity.

• Sincee its first year, 26 countries have hosted more than 60 races around the world. 

A race that Chicago is proud to host:

• With its bustling cityscape, peaceful lakefront and passionate running community, Chicago provides the perfect backdrop for this event, which aims to draw runners of all ages to come together and raise awareness of this important issue.
• The Energizer Night Race will be held at sunset in Chicago’s Lake Shore East Park on Saturday, June 7, 2014.
• During the event, runners will have the option of participating in the full 5K or the 2.6K kids’ fun run. 
• All participants will receive an Energizer® LED headlight to pave the way for the run.
• There will be pre- and post-race celebrations with family-friendly activities, concessions and live entertainment. 
• $35 includes an Energizer LED headlamp, bunny ears, event shirt and pre and post-race entertainment.

Do you live in the Chicago area, or would love to come on up for a visit to the Chi?  We'll definitely have to meet up!  :)  Enter the giveaway below, and get ready to *LIGHT UP THE NIGHT*!

a Rafflecopter giveaway

This giveaway will end May 18th, 2014! 

Left in the Dust...

4:30am wake-up = coffee and dance party in the Jeep on the way to the pool.

I needed to be at work slightly earlier than usual, so I made the workout a shorty.  Easy, peasy, mac n' cheesy 3 x 500 yards all done.  I used my paddles in the second set to shake things up a bit.

More PINK.  *le sigh*

My coffee spoke to me.  This explains a lot about myself, really. 

Later in the afternoon, Harry and I head off to the track to meet up with the speedwork crew.  We have a name and a website, by the way:  The Chicago /R/iver /R/unners, or 606 /R/iver /R/unners on the Twitter.  It's all still very brand new, so it's not set up yet, but it's live.  :)

It was spectacular out!  There were soooooooo many people out at the track; mostly soccer players.  Fearless Leader Greg had time intervals all organized and ready to rock out.  Since Stephanie and I have the half marathon this Saturday, we decided we'd take it easy for the same duration of the planned workout, approximately 45 minutes.

The guys immediately took off.  We had a new crew member join us, too!  Welcome, Andy!

This was mine and Steph's view for about 75% of the run.  The guys pulled way ahead of us, as we were just happy chatting along to our easy pace.  We ended our five miles at an ~8:32 average pace.

True to form, we hit up a local spot, Wild Goose Bar and Grill.  The food was just fine and the beer selection was good.  They had their trivia night going on, so it was pretty loud, but we managed to exchange pleasant conversation.  Also, their trivia level questions were set to "Master".  Go scratch, Trivial Pursuit...this game was the real deal Holyfield.

I think everyone besides Andy and I got the Goose Burger.  I felt like having brinner, so it was a Bacon, Egg and Cheese burger for me!

CHEERS to another terrific workout!  Andy's beer is in there somewhere.

I love how we wreck shop wherever we go.  We were RUNGRY.

Another great session in the books.  My legs don't feel wonky today at all.  I'll run a couple of shakeout miles tomorrow, then we're heading up to Wisconsin for the half marathon Saturday morning.  Since Stephanie and Greg are both running it as well, we're planning on meeting up after the race.  It should be an awesome time!

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Do you have any race plans for this weekend?  Cheering or running?

Meat-eaters:  What's your favorite kind of burger?  

-I'm usually a sucker for an egg on top of my burger.  Avocado, too!

Do you like working out with others, or would you rather exercise solo?

So Much Pink [And Altra Shoe Review]

Happy Tuesday-after-Marathon Monday, and in this case, a.k.a. Happy Earth Day!

I'm on Spring Break from school this week.  HALLELUJAH!  Yesterday was my planned "Do Nothing" day.  Ever have one of these?  Anyway, while I was doing nothing, I got to watch the Boston Marathon.

Ohhhhhhhhhh, man!  I'll tell you what...five years ago, I would've laughed to high Heaven if you had told me I'd sit down to watch a MARATHON on TV.  *le head shake*  No way, wasn't interested.  It's amazing how running changes so many aspects of your life, even if one of those changes means sitting on your butt for a few hours to watch a major racing event.  :P  But I feel like I will redeem myself today.  I've already had a beautiful run in the sun, and will get some housework and errands done.  Plus, Harry and I are heading out for our first bike ride of the year this afternoon!

I feel like pink is coming into everything I carry or wear, and not just running or training gear.  Have I done this on purpose, or on accident?  Obviously I don't have a problem with pink; it's just astounding how much pink I own.  Harry got me the Saucony jacket for my birthday, and Apera was awesome enough to send me the Performance Duffel not too long ago.  It's still my favorite thing to carry.

I'm even wearing a pink hoodie as I type this.  And I just looked down and realized that the mani I got yesterday included pink nail polish.  IT'S TAKING OVER!

While I was watching the Boston Marathon yesterday (GO MEB!), I saw the Altra Running commercial!

This got me super excited, considering Altra Running just recently sent me some new kicks, the Intuition 1.5.  Of course, they're pink!  I love the "Zero Drop™", as well as the wide toebox in these shoes.  I have put about 15 miles on them; this distance is a good indicator of how well a shoe will work for your foot and gait.  These are totally aces on my feet, and make my stride feel effortless and very natural.

From Altra Running:

"Designed specifically for women, The Intuition™ 1.5 isn’t just another shrink it and pink it shoe. From the amount of cushioning to shape of the shoe, this shoe is 100% female-specific. Plus, with the Zero Drop™ platform and innovative foot-shaped design this shoe delivers many of the benefits of barefoot running with the comfort, cushioning and support that distance runners love. Follow your intuition and experience the world’s first fully cushioned, foot-shaped, Zero Drop™ running shoe. "

When I feel like there's some wonkiness in an area of my foot, I can shift my footfall a bit and it's comforted and taken care of...like a shoe hug.

But seriously. So much pink.  #sweatpink

Disclaimer:  Altra provided me with shoes through ZOOMA ambassadorship.  I was not pressured to write a positive review and all opinions expressed in today’s post are mine alone.
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------What are you doing today to help give this home of ours some lovin'? 

Is there a color that seems to accidentally take over your wardrobe?

What was the last yummy thing you had that you haven't had in a really long time?
-Mine was root beer!  I had one the other night...mmmmmm!

The Prettiest Picture I've Ever Taken [And Challenge Reflections]

Happy Monday!

First off:  Y'all don't forget about my GIVEAWAY for an Apera Sprint Pack + 25% off any Apera Bag!  There's a little over one day left, so get on it!  :)

It's absolutely fantastic to run without so much ice and snow in the way.  I feel like I can actually get out and get real speedwork and distance done again.  In fact, I have reason to believe that I might be trying to make up for lost times (mileage) during this harsh winter.

Regardless of the ice and snow, cold temps and my eye surgery, I've completed the FitFluential 100 Miles in March Challenge!  This morning I hammered out three miles to finish ~102 miles for the month.  A couple of shots of the scenery this morning...the sun is coming up sooner!  Woot woot!

I was looking at my DailyMile training, and I haven't run anywhere near 100 miles in a month since last year.  Geez.  Coming out of this challenge, I believe that I really needed it.  REALLY needed it.  I got an extra boost of *challenge* the week of my eye surgery when I could only knock out a little over 10 miles.

Regarding the 3030 Joyce Meyer Challenge, I did get most of my readings and quiet time done each day.  I believe that I've established a wonderful base of this time!  My next step is to find a church that I'm comfortable with in the area for service, and most likely, Bible study.  I started doing research for churches in my neighborhood before I moved up from Texas, so I should probably look into those churches that I narrowed it down to.  This weekend would actually be the most fantastic start to it.

The #ZoomaPhotoADay Challenge has ended well, too!  Either taking pictures that day, or finding oldies to dress up and reminisce, it was a good time!  I loved getting some Twitter love from Altra Running most days; they made my heart smile.

I took this picture last Wednesday.  It's probably the prettiest, most serene picture I've ever taken.  I often wonder while running if I should bother taking a picture, or if I should keep the mental image all to myself.  As you can tell just by browsing through my bloggie here, I don't mind running and snapping photos then posting them here, no matter how blurry they turn out.  This day was a particularly cold yet gorgeous one, and I took nearly a million...okay like ten total...pictures.  I looked through them later and saw this one.  Oh gosh.  Doesn't that just make your heart melt?

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It's the last day of March!  Do you have any big plans, races, or events planned for April?

Did you race this past weekend?  TELL ME ABOUT IT!

Mention on your blog about the prettiest picture you've ever taken and comment the link here, will ya'?  Please?  :)