The title of this post is the least cool or clever title ever... mmk just had to get that out of the way.  It's safe to say that I have done a little shopping the past few weeks, but I've been too busy to post pictures or give any updates.  So I'm just going to update you on a few new workout-related purchases at once!  

First up is the pair of Lululemon Run: Speed shorts that I found on the Lululemon Exchange facebook group.  The shorts are the polka dot naked seam speed shorts from the 2012 Sea Wheeze half marathon.  I read Lululemon Addict's posts about the Sea Wheeze marathon and saw these shorts and made it my mission to find a pair somehow.  I was impressed by the facebook group and how fast I got my shorts. They were in good shape and I am happy with the purchase!  For reference, I am wearing a size 4 in these shorts.  I think I'm ideally between a size 2 and 4, because they are a bit loose on my leg, but I'll probably continue with size 4 for the speed shorts. 

Next, I got some neon laces for my Asics Gel Nimbus running shoes.  I've had the shoes for a few months and they were feeling pretty blah to me.  I got three pairs of neon laces from the Nike outlet. 

Spare laces! So cheap at the Nike outlet, they were $1.99! I must admit, I got the idea from Neon Blond Runner to go to the Nike outlet for the laces. Thank you!!

I also ordered a second pair of my Gel Nimbus 14's from runningwarehouse.com because I have put about 200 miles on mine and wanted to start mixing it up every other time with a new pair so I can get more uses out of my grey ones . I really like this pink color!

Next up is a pair of Pink Nike shorts that I got from the outlet.  I don't think they are tempo shorts but I'm not really sure what they are exactly.  They fit almost like a mix between the tempos and pacers. Like them a lot! 

I also got a tank for $7!!!!! from the Under Armour outlet.  It fits almost like the cool racerback, but its a bit stretchier and tighter. I like it because it feels like it holds me in a bit more. I apologize again for the dirty mirror myspace shot. 

And finally, even my Gracie girl got something new... a haircut! She looked like scrappy stray dog and something needed to be done before the ASPCA came knocking at my door.  She wanted me to show you all her before and after so you could marvel at her beauty. 

Have you gotten anything new lately? 

Do you own a pair of lululemon speed shorts? How do you like them to fit? 

Nike Pacer running short review & presents to myself

I am no running short expert. I started running in November 2012 in the winter-weather-prone state of Illinois, and have only had one opportunity to run outside with shorts.  I just recently started running at the gym, and thus, just recently started caring about running shorts.  I have a few pairs from my pre-running days that I would wear to exercise classes, but I guess I just didn't have the same standards for those.  Anyway, that was a long and unnecessary introduction to my review on my favorite new running shorts. 

My mom gave me the Nike Pacer running shorts in black for Christmas. They are pretty similar to the Nike Tempo shorts that are very popular, except they have a slightly larger band and have a slightly lower rise (see someone elses' comparison).  I have a few hand-me-down Tempo shorts and I hands down (see what I did there?) prefer the Pacer style.  I think the Nike Pacers fit my 5'2"/narrow but hippy frame much better.  I don't have any pictures of me in the Tempos, but I went to Dick's last night to buy another pair of these Pacers and took a few photos. For reference, these are XS (I'm 5'2", 105-108lbs)

 I like the low rise, especially on my shorter build. I also like the fact that I can roll them or not roll them---they work both ways.  Sometimes I think rolling looks so high school but I don't mind it in these shorts.  I wore them today to the gym, and was really cool and took a picture for you (below). Question, do you guys wear underwear when you have built in underwear lining in the shorts? 

Wearing: GapFit Motion racer tank in powerful blue (here); 

Nike Pacer shorts (here); Garmin 210 watch & foot pod (here)

Now onto other important matters.  I like to reward myself for reaching certain milestones in running by purchasing workout clothes/gear that I've had my eyes on. It helps keep me motivated to reach the goals and makes me feel confident and happy while running.  My 10k running plan has me running 5 miles in a few weeks (first time ever going that far!).  I found a pair of shorts at Dicks last night that I think will be my 5-mile present.  They are the 3" Nike Energy shorts.  I am not completely sold on how short they are, but I like how they feel. 

Gahhh those socks are so bad. 

Do you reward yourself with anything when you reach your running goals? 

Ivivva Keep Ur Cool Tank vs. the Cool Racerback

I am finally getting to the review of the Ivivva tank that I bought after my last 5k.  I figured I would compare it to the tried and true Lululemon Cool Racerback seeing as Ivivva is the sister (read: kid) brand of Lulu.   Anyway, I really was impressed with the Keep Ur Cool Racer tank.  The luon light fabric is about 80% as thick as the regular luon tanks that I have from Lulu.  I read some complaints on the website about the thinness of the luon but it is not that thin in my opinion... and I like having different options of thick/thin depending on how I am layering. 

The fit is very similar.  I think the Ivivva tank size 12 is the same length as the cool racerback size 4...maybe a half centimeter shorter if anything.  The biggest difference that I noticed was the more modest neckline of the Ivivva tank.  It makes sense that it would not be as low cut since the Ivivva tank is technically for kids. 

Above -- Ivivva Keep Ur Cool tank $$, size 12 (found here)

For size reference, I am 5'3" and about 108 lbs with a pretty narrow build. 

Below -- Lululemon Cool Racerback $$$, size 4 (found here)

I would definitely purchase another Ivivva tank if they came out with a wider variety of colors.  Right now, the selection is somewhat juvenile and limited.  I suppose that this is because it IS a kid's brand AND Lululemon probably doesn't want all of their clientele going for the cheaper tanks!   Have you had any experience with Ivivva? 

Four miles....FINALLY

I went running today with my roommate and friend.  It had been a few days since my last run due to finals and having zero time, so I was worried that I would have to start from scratch seeing as I am generally in very.bad.shape.  My roommate is a good runner (at least in my book!) and she promised to go at my pace.  I think she pushed us a little bit, but that was a good thing.  I secretly wanted to do four miles, but I didn't say anything until I knew I could do it... which was at about 2.9 miles.  We ran the entire thing! Woo. So proud of myself.  I know there will be bad days again, but at least running is starting to "click" a little more. 

I wore my new Ivivva tank that I bought after my last 5k.  I loved it! Here is a general layout of what I wore today. I will do a review on that shirt in the next few days.  But for now, back to studying!!

What I wore: November 20, 2012

WHAT I WORE RUNNING, NOV. 20 2012