[30] Gleaned from Glossies 1

I love reading magazines, and I have three or four which I reguarly keep up with. One of my long time favoritse is Women's Health Magazine.  This month's issue (March 2011), had an interesting article addressing running. I figured I would give my thoughts on “Run Less, Lose More Fat”. Personally, I feel this article is intended for beginners interested in running for exercise. I left my two cents worth on WHM.com:

Though Plosser employes technical terminology and runner speak, initially it is unclear as who is the intended target audience. As a runner who dabbles in endurance racing, the article has some nuggets of interest, but is written in a way that emphasizes the less is more approach. Part of it sounds like a lazy girl's fix, but I do like the tips for seasoned runners.

It would be neat if they picked it for their mail bag, but there was a marathoner who blew buck shot through every corner of the article, so if they select one, I am sure it may very well be that one. It may sound silly but one of the things that caught my eye the most about the article were the neon green, silver, and black Mizuno Wave Inspire 7 sneakers (retail $100). Being a tried and true Nike girl, it has been a while since a pair on non-Nike caught my eye. Unfortunately, the model used in the article isn't available on the website. When I was at the Fit for a Princess Expo at Disney with my cousin, she was on the hunt for a new pair of Mizunos. Being that she's completed a number of fulls and halves, I would trust her feet. Also, a couple of my friends swear by Asics, so I am very tempted to drop by the Asics Store near Bryant Park on my next jaunt to NYC for a gait analysis and fitting.  As there are some generic sensor holders out on the market, I could enjoy my Nike+ benefits while adding a little diversity to my running wardrobe.

Icing to accelerate recovery (© eHow Health)

From time to time, I pick up Fitness Magazine (March 2011) while hanging around the check out line at the grocery store. For the life of me, I don't have a subscription to this magazine. Like Women's Health, they cover a wide range of health issues specific to women. Also, like WH, their running related articles lean toward new runners. That being said, I really like this month's installment of “Get Fit: Run/Walk Guide” which focuses on 'Shin Splint Rx'. From high school, I have had trouble with shin splints, primarily due to lack of stretching, inappropriate footwear selection, and lack of knowledge base. I wish more fashion/lifestyle magazines touting the health benefits of running would include these sort of simple but important tips. It is quite likely that I would have been able to rebound from my high school sports injuries faster had I known the proper aftercare.

 Last week, I rambled on about my sinus problems which sometimes makes running a bit of a chore. While flicking through the latest issue of Marie Claire (which arrived on the same day), there was a sidebar about running in the rain. Growing up in Florida, I am no stranger to running in the rain (yes, it does rain in the Sunshine State). As summer time and hurricane season roll in, rain falls in buckets with the drop of a hat, so I am no stranger to the sun shower hustle. Interestingly, the Health Monitor sidebar gave tips for rainy day running, something I've never given much thought to. Like most people, rainy days are destined to be full of lazing in bed, cuddling on the sofa with a comforter, or succumbing to a movie marathon.  So now, I'm curious. Those April showers which bring all those May flower will start soon, so I think I may need to gear up.

Such a cute comic. Discovered it here.

At a recent visit to the mall, I saw a light weight running jacket (Torpedo) I loved at The North Face boutique from their Flight Series running line. I bought one of my favorite winter staples (Impulse ¼ Zip) at The North Face outlet back in December, so I am itching to invest in another piece. I really wanted an Animagi jacket for the winter, but the price tag stopped me dead cold. Of course, Nike also has their nifty new spring running jackets (can't choose between the Cyclone and the Vapor). Looking at my running shoes, I don't think I own a pair of trail runners. 

Thinking ahead to my trip to the UK in the summer, I really need to be prepared for the elements and terrain I am planning on running. Though two of the three races are road, the Martson Forest will be my first 5K trail race. Plus, if the weather is fickle, I don't want to be in a pickle (that rhyme scheme is completely unintentional).

[16] Lululemon & Yoga for Runners

Prior to February Race Weekend 2011, I went to Lululemon Athletica in Greenwich, CT. After being grossly disappointed in the racer back sports bra I was sold over winter vacation, I needed to find something more suitable for a runner and break it in before hopping the plane to Florida. I discovered Lululemon courtesy of an ad in my beloved Runner's World Magazine. Though their prices are a little higher than my tried and true Nike, their yoga inspired clothing also has running counterparts! I've worn my Victoria's Secret yoga pants into the ground, and I felt it necessary to widen my sphere of fashion! Support, in particular, is something I cannot afford to skimp on.

Entering a boutique, especially one in Greenwich, is overwhelming for me. You can always tell who the regulars and veterans are, and who are slinking in for the first time-- like me. What I love about the LA staff (both in Greenwich and Rye) is that everyone is so sweet and knowledgeable about their product lines. As a fuller figured athlete, it's a little embarrassing for me to ask for something to wrangle 'the girls' so as to avoid further tissue damage. Thankfully, one of the girls noticed my lack of ease, and took care of me without much fuss at all. I am now a enthusiastic supporter of the "Ta Ta Tamer"! I figured I would go with the standard black, but I have a hankering for some of their brightly colored counterparts! I like how the shoulder straps can be either straight or criss-crossed for a little extra control.

When I came back today, I thanked the girl who sold the bra to me, and she remembered my name! She also congratulated me on my race! I found a pair of their Run: Aspire Crops on Final Sale, so as they are perfect for Spring Training, I picked them up. Surprisingly, at 5'4", these 'crops' come down to my ankles! I could have had them tailored, but it's still a bit chilly outside for me! I got them in black with some ash and grape paneling, so they will match the new Princess 1/2 garb in my closet!

The Greenwich Store also offers yoga classes on Sunday mornings at 10AM. If I can roll out of bear early enough on the weekends I am off, I may need to trot over and learn how to properly do some of these moves. Sadly, the Rye Showroom is closing in a few weeks while corporate decides where in Westchester to put their boutique shop. The ladies there will be transferred to Greenwich, so I'll be able to get their advice as well! I bought a stainless steel Sigg 'I <3 Running' water bottle today and they gave me an awesome Super Hero bag!!

In the mean time, I will also be hitting the mat thanks to Women's Health Magazine! They prove monthly yoga workouts in their magazine and online, but what caught my eye was their article on Yoga for Runners. Once I get the basics down, I'll be attempting to tackle Tara Stile's Skinny Jeans Yoga Workout. I'll need to be much more flexible if I intend on doing that six week series without snapping a leg off at the knee!  Cross-training is no longer limited to biking and swimming for developing a strong core. Runner's World also runs a series of Yoga for Runners both in print and online which further emphasizes the crucial nature of yoga for injury prevention, stress release, and core training.

Time to hit the mat and then hit the road!