product review

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Knuckle Lights Review and Giveaway

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I am NOT a morning runner.  So I have to run after work.  That was fine until we turned our clocks ahead.  It is now dark out and most of my running routes have NO lights.

I know that I could buy and use a head lamp but to me, it looks dorky.

You know how I feel about dread I mean treadmills.

So I ordered Knuckle Lights so see if they would work for me.

I had three hesitations about them before I used them:

  • I hate carrying anything in my hands.  I don’t carry a water bottle even on hot summer days. Would these annoy me?
  • If I don’t swing my arms correctly, would they still light my path?
  • Would they be bright enough to run where there are no lights?

First some details about Knuckle Lights:

  • Each one is just shy of 4″ tall and the light part is 1″ wide.
  • Each one weighs less than 3g.
  • There is an adjustable strap on the back of each one to fit your hand (with or without gloves).
  • Each of the lights has a wide angle so it fills the space well.
  • They each use one AA battery.
  • There is a high beam (140 lumens each), low beam and blinking mode. You just press the button on top to change modes.
  • They are waterproof.

So did I like them?

YES!

I ran with them twice already.  I used them on the high beam setting and they gave me plenty of light so I could run in the dark.  They are very light-weight and didn’t bother me at all to carry them. In fact, I think they made me swing my arms correctly so that they would light the path ahead of me. (If you swing your arms across your body like you are not supposed to, they wouldn’t help you.)

The second time I used them, a man who was walking his dog exclaimed “Boy, you are illuminated!”  And I thought, “That is the point!”

I’m not sure how long the batteries will last but you can also buy Knuckle Lights that are rechargeable.

You can read more about them at https://knucklelights.com/

Knuckle Lights Color Handheld LED Weatherproof Running Safety Light Set

If you would like to win a pair of (pink) knuckle lights like pictured above, enter below:

KNUCKLE LIGHTS GIVE-AWAY

The Deadline to enter is Midnight December 8.

Since it is Friday, I’m linking up with Running on Happy & Fairytales and Fitness for the Friday Five 2.0 linkup! Join in! Don’t forget to link back to your hostesses and visit some other bloggers.

Here are FIVE Reasons to Buy Knuckle Lights:

  1. Allows you to Run when it is Dark (lights up your path as you swing your arms)
  2. Easy to Use (one button and 3 light settings)
  3. Light-weight (you put them on your wrist and they are adjustable)
  4. Not too expensive ($40)
  5. Use batteries or you can buy Knuckle Lights that you can charge.

Happy Running! Do you run in the dark? If so, what do you use?

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My Apple Watch 2 Review

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As soon as the first Apple watch came out. I wanted one. I’m a geek and I like techie toys. But it was expensive and didn’t even have a GPS so I resisted.

And I knew that my biggest need would eventually be a new GPS watch.

I love my Garmin 205 (that I bought in January 2011) and it still works. It’s also a conversation starter at races: “Wow! I’ve never seen one so big!!” is what other runners exclaim.

Lately I’ve only been using it for races trying to extend its life. (Its battery life is shot 😦 )

After a stressful summer, I decided that if I ever got a job, I would reward myself with an Apple watch. And I did get a job after 12 weeks of searching but was informed that a new and improved Apple watch would be coming out in September.  So I decided to wait.

And I then I bought one…  I told my hubby that is would be my Christmas/Chanukah gift.

So here’s what I like about it:

The Apple Watch 2 has a GPS!!

I don’t use my Garmin for my everyday training runs. I used to use the Runkeeper app on my iphone especially if I was unsure of the distance. Now I don’t have to keep taking my iphone out of my pocket or race belt to see my pace and how far I’ve run. I just look on my wrist. So convenient!!!

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You also get to see all your different stats.

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Plus, since I use it as a watch, I always have it on so I don’t worry if I forget my phone or have left my Garmin at home. I can just go run!

You can download your music to it and listen to your tunes while you run with wireless headphones.

The GPS is built in so you don’t have to carry your phone.  However, many of the apps will not work if you don’t but you are out running, do you need to check your email? (I do usually carry my phone though.)

You can even track indoor runs. Yes, that means I can use the treadmill, if necessary.

It comes with the Workout app but you can download any running app you’d like: Runkeeper, Runtastic, Nike+, Couchto5K, etc.

You don’t have to wait to find a signal.  (Is that only because my Garmin is so old??)

The Apple Watch 2 is water-resistant and can be submerged up to 50 metres.

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So next summer, I won’t have to worry if it gets wet while running or splashed when out in the boat.

You can even use it to track your swimming. (Though that will never happen by me but good for you TRIers.)

The Apple Watch is also a fitness tracker.

I won’t have to wear my watch and my Fitbit at the same time.

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Plus I had to take out my iPhone in order to see how many steps I had many times during the course of each day.  Very annoying. (But I had the basic Fit Bit.)

The Apple Watch 2 has a lot of cool features.

For example, it shows your heart rate.

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There is a mindfulness breathing app plus many other tools. Throughout the course of the day, it asks to stop what you are going and just breathe (for a minute.)

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It also reminds you when you have been sitting for a long time (an hour, I think) to get up and move.

You can do so many tasks by just talking to Siri.

You can ask her (just say “Hey Siri”) to send or respond to a text, send an email …

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…or even play songs, etc.

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In fact, that’s how I usually respond to my texts.  I can just respond to them by talking to my watch. (Makes me feel like a spy.)

My favorite feature is the calendar and reminders. It reminds me of all the things that I need to do during the course of the day. That’s so useful when you have a lot of things going on.  You will never miss an appointment.

hey, I may forget to eat LOL

I also like how you can customize the face.

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just swipe to get one with your favorite photos

It looks good.  Depending on how much you want to spend, you don’t have to get the plastic sports band.

Unlike my phone, I don’t have to charge it every night.  The battery usually lasts 3 days but as a rule, I do charge it more frequently (out of habit.)

I could go on and on about why I am glad that I bought the Apple 2 watch.

But what don’t I like about the Apple 2 watch?

The first thing is most apps don’t work if you don’t have you iPhone on you.  In other words, you have to carry your phone or have it nearby. That’s not a problem for me, since it is on my desk at work and I carry it when I run. 

I miss the step challenges and competitions available when you use a Fit Bit. (All my friends have Fit Bits. )

I can’t explain it but it’s just not a running watch.

I guess I’m just used to my Garmin and that all it does is track my runs.  I can easily click Start and Stop.  I can check my split paces.  And if I want, sync it to my computer or the cloud and check out all my stats including elevation graphs etc.

In other words, the Apple Watch 2 is a great smart watch and perfect for anyone with an iPhone including the casual runner.

But for serious runners, I would recommend keeping your Garmin.

Since my Garmin 205’s life is short-lived, anyone recommend a cheap alternative?  I don’t need much and I don’t want to spend much!!!

Happy Running! Do you have an Apple Watch?  If so, what do you think? What do you use to track your runs?

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Friday Five: My New Watch

It’s Friday so I am linking up with three DC area bloggers Mar at Mar On the Run, Cynthia at You Signed Up For What?! and Courtney from Eat Pray Run, DC .  Anyone can join with their own Friday Five post (yes, it must be a Friday Five!!)  They encourage you to visit other blogs on the linkup, comment, share and engage!

My Friday Topic is Five Reasons I Bought the Apple Watch 2:

My hubby knows that I’m a geek and I like techie toys so he has been wanting to buy me the Apple Watch.  I resisted last year for Christmas and my Birthday.  It was ridiculously expensive and I didn’t Think that I really needed one.

My biggest need would eventually be a new GPS watch.

I love it and it still works. It’s also a conversation starter at races: “Wow! I’ve never seen one so big!!”

I’ve only been using it for races trying to extend its life. Otherwise, I use the Runkeeper app on my iphone if I am unsure of the distance.

After a stressful summer, I decided that if I ever got a job, I would reward myself with an Apple watch.

And I did get a job after 12 weeks of searching but was informed that a new and improved Apple watch was coming out in September.  So I decided to wait.

And I am glad I did!

  1. The Apple Watch 2 has a GPS!!

I will probably still wear my old Garmin to races when I care about pace and time.  But now, I don’t have to keep taking my iphone out of my pocket or race belt to see how far I’ve run.

Image result for apple watch 2 gps

2. The Apple Watch 2 is water-resistant and can be submerged up to 50 metres.

Image result for aplle watch 2 waterproof

I won’t  have to worry if it gets wet while running or splashed when out in the boat.

3. The Apple Watch is also a fitness tracker. 

I won’t have to wear my watch and my Fitbit at the same time.

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Plus I had to take out my iPhone in order to see how many steps I had many time during the course of each day.  Very annoying.

4. The Apple Watch has a lot of cool features.

For example, it shows your heart rate.

Image result for aplle watch 2 heart rate

There a mindfulness breathing app plus many other tools.

Image result for aplle watch 2 breathing app

5.  You can do so many tasks by just talking (to Siri.)

You can ask her to send or respond to a text, send an email …

Image result for aplle watch 2 siri text

 

…or even play songs, etc.

Image result for aplle watch 2 siri song

I only started wearing it yesterday so I will give you a more in depth review in a few weeks. But I think I am going to love it.

Anyone want to buy a year old Fitbit?

Happy Running!  Anyone else own an Apple Watch?

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YakTrax Run Review

Fortunately for me, we have had no snow this winter.

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Many of you haven’t been so lucky.  During and after snowstorms in previous winters, I was able to go outside and run because of my YakTrax.

This is what the website says about Yak Trax Run:

The Yaktrax Run is an ice traction device anatomically designed for use with running shoes. Run naturally on packed snow and ice with the Yaktrax Run’s combination of removable stainless steel spikes and coils, providing 360 degrees of unbeatable traction. Continue your training during the winter with the same stability you are accustomed to on dry surfaces. 

Features:

  • MADE OF HIGH STRENGTH NATURAL RUBBER
  • 1.4 MM STEEL COILS
  • CARBIDE STEEL SPIKES
  • REFLECTIVE HEEL TAB AND PERFORMANCE STRAP OFFERS SAFETY
  • ANATOMIC RIGHT/LEFT DESIGN

In winters past, I have been able to run many times when wearing my YakTrax Pros. (pictured above).

You may have expected them to feel clunky but they didn’t at all.  I quickly ran just as normally as without them. The best part was that I was able to run through the snow, slush and ice and I didn’t slip and fall!!!

The big difference between the YakTrax Pro and the YakTrax Run is that on the YakTrax Run, the coils under the forefoot are replaced by two studded rubber and plastic plates. The studs are made of carbide steel and the plates they are attached to are removable. The heel of the YakTrax Run has the same coils as the YakTrax Pro.

Yaktrax Run Snowshoe (Courtesy Photo)

I have heard complaints about the coils breaking.  I have never had a problem.  But then again, I have only run in them on the snow and never on bare asphalt or concrete.  I would think that when you land on your forefoot, you will not be landing directly on the coils and the YakTrax Run will last even longer than the YakTrax Pro.

So in the winter, if you hate the treadmill (like me) but are afraid to run on the slippery roads (like me), Yak Trax are for you!!!

Spring should be here soon!! But I will be using my Yak Trax Run next winter when it snows.

Note: I was sent these  free of charge to review. However, the opinion is solely mine.

Happy Running! Have you tried YakTrax? If so, what did you think of them?

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Manitoba Harvest Hemp Heat Bars Review

I admit I have a sweet tooth. I also eat frequently especially when I am at work.  And sometimes I don’t get home until late to eat dinner.  So I usually bring snacks to work – a bagel, a few bars, fruit, etc.

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So, when I was offered the opportunity to try out the Manitoba Hemp Heart Bars, I signed right up. A while back, I tried hemp hearts and I was excited to see how they incorporated them into a bar.

The bars did not let me down. Not only did I like the taste, but they have 10 grams of protein, 10 grams of omegas and fewer than 10 grams of sugar.  The apple cinnamon flavor was good and I’d eat it again, but the chocolate was even better. Not just because it tasted good, but because it fulfilled a craving for something sweet but it didn’t contain a lot of sugar.

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Thursday I was very tired but planned to go for a run so I chose the Chocolate Manitoba Harvest Hemp Heart bars.  It gave me the energy I needed to get through the run.

And yesterday, I tried the Apple Cinnamon bar at work.  I ate it earlier and used it as an afternoon snack.  Yup, it worked.  It kept me satisfied until dinner.

Want to try some?

Sweat Pink and Manitoba Harvest are offering a discount on the Hemp Heart bars.  Just visit Manitobaharvest.com and use the discount code hhbarlaunch1015 for 15% off. Code expires 3/31/2016.

Are you feeling lucky and want to win some Manitoba Harvest Hemp Heart bars?

Manitoba Harvest is also running a photo contest. (Details here). Open to US and Canada residents. Tag @manitobaharvest #fuelledbyhemp  for a chance to win a box of your favorite flavor of Hemp Heart Bars! A winner will be chosen each month!

Happy Running! Have you tried Manitoba Hemp Harvest Bars? If so, what do you think of them?

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Disclaimer: I was compensated for this post by Fit Approach and Manitoba Harvest. All opinions are my own.

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Are You an Overeater or a Dessert Craver? The Cure: MealEnders (Review & Giveaway)

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I am one of those people who needs (or thinks she needs) to eat something sweet at the end of every meal.

I don’t usually buy cakes and cookies to have at home (because my hubby would eat them all & I would have none) but in a restaurant, it’s a different story. I have to order dessert (& I am grateful when someone offers to share one.)

So I was excited when I was offered samples of MealEnders.

How do they work?

The goal of MealEnders is to help curb the cravings keeping in mind that the desire to eat is part physical and part mental. It is based on the idea that it takes 20 minutes for your brain to tell your stomach that you are full. MealEnders were designed to last in order for your stomach to catch up to your brain.

The image below explains it..

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What’s in them?

MealEnders contain only 2 grams of sugar, 0g fat, and 15 calories per piece. The outer Reward Layer is made from premium dessert ingredients.  The inner Active-Taste layer relies upon a proprietary blend of natural and artificial food flavors called Actissert™ Blend.

Do they work?

I would say “Yes.”

I know that my dessert cravings are mind over matter. I’m not really hungry and I don’t really NEED to eat something sweet.  I just want to.

So if I pop a MealEnder instead of ordering dessert, the simple the act of sucking on this little candy does help. I was able to refuse dessert!!

What do they taste like?

Some taste better than others. I like the Mocha and the Chocolate mint the best. Each hard candy is covered with a soft coating which is the best part. The more you suck, the more the flavor comes out.

Tingling?

Yes but not in a bad way.  MealEnders calls this tingling the “active taste layer.”

Where can I get them? 

You can only buy them through the MealEnders website.  A 25-count package costs $14.95.  Sounds pricey but then again, you don’t eat them like candy. You would only eat them when you need to.

The bottom line…

If you are an overeater or someone who HAS to have dessert, why not give MealEnders a try!

And if you are lucky, you may win (4) 25-piece packs so you can try all flavors, including Cinnamon, Mocha, Chocolate Mint and Citrus ($50 value).

Click the link below to enter this giveaway:

Rafflecopter Giveaway 

And if you don’t win, use the code FitHolidays20 for a 20% discount from MealEnders.com.

Happy Running?  Have you tried MealEnders or any other similar product?

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Giveaway is for U.S. only. One prize per person. If you win this giveaway, and have already won another prize from MealEnders through another blog, please disclose that you have already won so we can choose another winner.

*Disclaimer: I received samples of MealEnders as part of me being a Sweat Pink ambassador through their FitApproach campaign in exchange for an honest review. As always, all opinions are my very own.

 

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SkirtSports Gym Girl Ultra Review and Giveaway Winner


Even if I weren’t a SkirtSports Ambassador Captain, I would say that the Gym Girl Ultra is my favorite skirt.

I have tried other brands, this one keeps coming out on top.

Here’s why:

  • It is practical.

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It has 2 pockets – one on each side.  They are hidden under the skirt.  And they are big enough to fit your phone, key, fuel, etc.

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lots of stuff for a half marathon hidden in those pockets here.

Plus, if you like to listen to music on the run, there is music port that allows you to run your headphone cord from your skirt pocket.

  • It is comfortable.

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It’s long enough to cover but not too long. I am 5’4″ and it’s perfect on me (It is about 13.5″ long in the front and 14.5″ in the back.) The shorts (which are about 5″ long) don’t ride up and the waist band is tight enough so the skirt doesn’t fall down (even with stuff in the pockets.)  No chafing either.

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  • It looks good.

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What you look like matters, right? I can’t tell you how many compliments I have gotten on my GGU skirts.

You can choose a solid colored skirt

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gray

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green

or  designs in a variety of colors.

escape print

tantrum print

safari print

Walkway Half Marathon

exotic print

VCM Relay

streak print

And there are so many to choose from:

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As a Skirt Sports Ambassador Captain, I am grateful to have the opportunity to share one of my favorite pieces of running clothes with YOU!  That’s right, one of you will win your very own Skirt Sports Gym Girl Ultra Skirt.

AND
THE WINNER IS:

KEN W.

But if you didn’t win, you can use the code SSMFK20 to get 20% off the regular price.

Happy Running! If you won, which design would you choose?
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Disclosure:  As a Skirt Sports Ambassador Captain, I am happy to share the latest Skirt Sports products and information with you!  Skirt Sports is providing a complimentary Gym Girl Ultra Skirt to one lucky reader.  Also, this post contains affiliate links.

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Bulu Box Review

I have heard of subscription boxes but have never tried one so I was excited to try out Bulu Box! 

What is Bulu Box?

Bulu Box is a subscription box that aims to help you discover health, nutrition, and weight loss products that are right for you! They offer two different styles of boxes – the original Bulu Box, which focuses on vitamins and supplements for general health and the occasional lifestyle item, and Bulu Box Weight Loss, which contains weight loss items such as vitamins, supplements, fitness gear, and healthy eating tools.

Bulu Box subscribers pay just $10 / month for their monthly box of goodies, or $110 for a year-long subscription. Their rewards system seems to be set up in that each month you are able to earn points for reviewing your items. The website says you can earn 50-100 points each month. For each 100 points earned, you get $10 to spend towards your favorite full-sized Bulu Box products.

This is what came in my box:

Here’s a closer look at each item I received. 

These gummies are packed with all essential vitamins, and are bursting with the delicious, juicy flavors of cherry, orange and lemon. These gummies are not only great tasting; they are also safe for all vegetarian diets. The unique formula is a blend of vitamins, minerals and fruit and vegetable concentrates.

I don’t take any vitamins but I probably should and these taste good.

This cherry-flavored powder is a fast, on-the-go solution to your upset stomach and can be taken without water! Every UrgentRX pouch is credit card sized so you can take it with you anywhere.

I am glad I haven’t needed this yet but it’s in my pocketbook and I think it’s a great idea.

Movit Energy Gummies are specially formulated by athletes- with the goal of creating an energy gummies that isn’t just packed full of sugar. These energy gummies are made with real nutria-science to fuel your body.

I love the idea of an energy product that isn’t just sugar.  These taste good and I love the happy face on each one.

Each piece of candy has a blast of 15g of protein to go along with juicy taste. This NEWLY FORUMLATED candy is now extra soft and more delicious than ever with a new look and new flavors! Funnbar is a gluten-free, sugar-free, and guilt-free candy.

These are great.  Protein and good taste and they have NO sugar.  WooHoo!

Ovega-3 is a vegetarian supplement that contains all the same benefits of fish oil, without actually using any fish! Ovega-3 derives DHA, EPA, and omega 3 fatty acids from the original source, algae.

Again, this is probably very good for me.  I personally don’t take any supplements.  If you do, who can argue with one that supports your brain, eyes, and heart.

Nuvia Café combines the delicious flavor of coffee with a combination of powerhouse ingredients to support healthy energy and immune health. African Mango Seed extract is rich in B vitamins and other nutrients that help lower cholesterol and boost energy naturally. Green Tea with ECGC is loaded with polyphenols and antioxidants to increase energy and combat stress at the cellular level. Nuvia Café also contains Ganoderma extract to support the immune system and promote cardiovascular health.

I gave up caffeine and drink herbal tea so I haven’t tried it but if you drink coffee, this is a healthy version of your morning drink.

I also received a voucher for $100 worth of Naked Wines.  But it can only be used off a case costing $160 or more.  I like wine but not that much.

I definitely like the idea of getting samples so that you could try different products without having to spend the money on the full size.

If you are interested in trying Bulu Box, use the discount code SWEATPINK for 50% off a 3-month subscription to BuluBox. That’s only $15.

Happy Running! Have you used subscriptions like this?  have you tried Bulu Box?

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Lily Trotters Compression Socks Review

I saw a pair on someone’s blog and contacted Lily Trotters and they were nice enough to send me a pair to try.

As you know, I am a big fan of compression socks.

Lily Trotters are the world’s first  high performance designer compression sock. Built with a revolutionary micro-nylon weave strong enough for a marathon, thin enough to rock your favorite shoes, and sassy enough to go beautifully anywhere life takes you. Made right here in the USA.

I am been anxiously waiting for it to get warm enough to wear these socks with a skirt.  The winter here has been so LONG.

Well, I finally got to wear them on Monday during my group training run.  It was still too cold for a skirt so I wore them with capris.

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how cool that they matched my shoes

It was perfect timing since I had run 11 miles the day before and really needed them.

I think they may have gotten me through the run. Thank you Lily Trotters!!

Lily Trotters are much easier to get on than ProCompression (which I usually wear) but they still give that support that you want when wearing a compression sock.

These socks are also thin enough that you can wear them under pants when you’re not even running (which I have done in the past after a half marathon.)

They are perfect for the fashionista runner who likes to match her running outfits. You will see these on me at a race soon.

Lily Trotters are currently in development so you should sign up for their email newsletter at http://lilytrotters.com so you can get in on the lowest early-bird prices!

Happy Running! Do you wear compression socks?  If so, what is your favorite brand?

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*Disclaimer: I was provided a free pair of Lily Trotters to review, but all opinions expressed are entirely my own.

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Lynx Sportswear Review

lynxI stumbled upon a blog that showed some clothes (bra & skirt) from Lynx Sportswear.

I had never heard of them and I don’t like to buy something online sight unseen. So I contacted them.

Their response:

Hi Darlene,
I took a look at your blog and really love it!
We can definitely get you a bra and running skirt to test out for you to review 🙂

I received the Whoop N Holler Skirt in twilight:

To be honest, ruffles are not my thing.  And it seemed to be on the short side. But I love running skirts and hardly ever run in anything else. And it looked very cute all the same and since I am not tall, it wasn’t as short as I feared.

Since it is winter and I could not try it out outside, I gave it a whirl while on the treadmill.

The ruffles didn’t bother me at all.  The compression shorts stayed in place the whole run.  The skirt is made of a comfy light material. I got a medium and it fit great.

I probably won’t wear it as an everyday running skirt but it will be perfect for a special or vacation race like maybe in California or Florida.  We’ll see.  But I will definitely race in it.

The bra that this company makes is for big-busted women. That is not me.  So there is a lot more coverage and support than I am used to.  And I am way too old to wear it without a shirt.

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But I gave it a try. This was the first time I actually was asked to give measurements. Based on my measurements, they send me both a 2 sprint and 3 sprint since I was in between sizes. The 2 fit better in the bust but was too tight in the rib cage.  The 3 fit better in the rib cage. Though it was a little big in the bust, it was wearable so I sent the 2 back.

The bra was very light and comfortable. Unfortunately I need a bra with a little padding so I don’t look like a boy.

But if you are large-breasted, I highly recommend these bras. They would give you a lot of support without weighing you down.

Check them out:

www.lynxsportswear.com
Instagram @lynxsportswear
Twitter @lynxsportswear
Facebook

Happy Running! Ever tried any Lynx Sportswear? What brand sports bra do you like?

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Dislaimer: I received these 2 products from Lynx Sportswear, but no compensation was received for this post. As always, the opinions stated here are my own.