Bluetooth Headphone Review

Heat Up Your Workout, as the Weather Cools!!!

Anyone else dread the drop in temperature that comes with Winter? I love taking my boys for a long walk into town, to the library, the post office, the park, or even to my older son's school. It was so nice, but now as it cools I fear I'll lose my motivation to exercise and be active, so it's imperative to find something I enjoy so it won't be work. You should too! I wanted to put together a post on how to select the right shoe and the right activity for you! 

If you are intimidated by standard gyms full of machines, that's ok, there are many other options. There are at home videos - kick boxing, yoga, P90X. There are gyms that cater to a particular interest like Ninja gyms that provide a workout you'd see on the TV show: American Ninja Warriors (yes, they do exist). Or if you love to dance, there are dance classes or dance groups (square dancing, line dancing, ball room dancing etc). Or I've even seen some moms strap on their little ones and vigorously clean the house and that's a workout in and of itself. You just have to find what works best for you!

Now, onto footwear. Obviously if you want to dance, you'll need tap/ballet shoes for that. But for all the others, you would want a good sneaker, but what kind?

If you want something to protect joints, look for a shoe with a lot of cushion. Memory foam souls are really growing in popularity and for good reason. I recently tried the Reebok Zprint Women's Running Shoes. The Reebok Zprint offers Flexibility, shock absorption, and Memory Tech sockliner for even more cushion and comfort, perfect for running. Each shoe is built for a specific purpose. The extra shock absorption is critical when running, which is why I really love these Reeboks. I've recently started running again, and I think having the right shoe makes all the difference!

I also had a chance to try the Skechers GOwalk 4 Exceed Women's Walking Shoes. Since I go walking almost weekly, I know what works for me and what doesn't. Flip flops just don't cut it! I've tried canvas sneakers, sandals, and even boots, but at the end of the day, sneakers just work best. The Skechers Gowalk  walking shoe offers tapered midfoot design for improved arch support, stabalizing panels, and innovative and highly responsive midsole cushioning perfect for strolling. I wear these when I take the boys for a walk, or when I want a less intense working at the gym.  

My husband had a chance to check out the Reebok Men's Crossfit Speed TR Sneaker during his weight training, and this shoe offers compression fit for muscle support and a 3mm heel drop for a stable ride, full-foot grooves on the outsole for gecko-like traction, and metasplit flex grooves for balance. These shoes are super comfortable, lightweight, and contour to my foot.  They are great for training, walking, exercising, and walking.  They are light enough to throw in my gym bag and do not bog me down when running.  I like how the fabric allows my feet to breathe and how the soles bend easily for added comfort.  The soles are different from other sneakers in that they are not stiff and rigid.  They move with me and not against me; a feature that is a must for people that spend a lot of time on their feet. 

So regardless of if you want to walk, run, weight train, dance, you must first get the footwear right, and that will make the exercise all the more enjoyable!

Let me know, what's your ideal workout???

Gym Phone Armband Review

Our family joined the gym about a month ago and already I can feel and see the difference. It's amazing how much better you feel with 20-30 minutes of exercise each day. And for me it means I get half or a full show in while working out, or that much time reading my current novel, or that much time listening to upbeat music. It's good for me on multiple levels. Before I was bringing a little wristlet for my keys, headphones, cards and phone, but now that I have this phone armband I don't need it. This is big enough to carry it all!

Headed to the gym early this am. Tried out my iphone armband that I received and really liked it. Its large enough to hold phone, keys, cards and more. #iphoneplusarmband #gotitfree #tomosonreview #gymtime

A photo posted by 💄👗 Melinda 💅🏻🎨 (@melindajoy926) on Jun 17, 2016 at 7:03am PDT

Be Active, In Any Season!!!

As the weather starts to cool for most of us the time outside seems to dwindle for everyone. Let's be honest, it's a lot easier when you can just take the kids outside and let them play, versus having to make sure they have hats and coats on or sometimes winter boots. But just because it's more work, doesn't mean it's not worth it!

I think it's important for kids to stay active all year long. We have picnics outside when the weather is nice - spring through Fall. We take as many walks as we can, sometimes with the dog, sometimes without. Our son play soccer on the weekends. We go watch "Bob the builder's buddies" in action or walk to the playground. Kids don't usually care that it's cooler outside, the parents do. So instead of just watching them play, play with them!!! It'll get their heartrate up, and yours. :) In the Fall it's fun to rake up leaves and play in them, or throw them at one another. Of if you're lucky enough to live near a farm or orchard there are always fall events like hayrides, picking pumpkins and sometimes even a petting zoo. We are fortunate enough to live near several of these. My son loves going to see the animals in any kind of weather. And what about Winter when the snow is falling? Thanks to the movie Frozen, we will hear this every day: "Do you want to build a snowman?" Why not? Get out there and have fun with your kids all year round! 

     This post is sponsored by the Voice of Play. The Voice of Play is an education and advocacy initiative of the non-profit membership association, IPEMA, formed to educate and promote the benefits of children’s free outdoor play and playgrounds.  Through the Voice of Play website and social media properties, IPEMA highlights the scientifically proven physical, social, emotional and cognitive benefits of play. Learn more here:  http://voiceofplay.org/

It Works...or does it?

I've been hearing so much about the It Works products, but never had a chance to try them. I finally had a chance to try out some products from It Works, thanks to Ana Chinchilla! 

1. Greens Chew: Antioxidant and Prebiotic 
·        Support - With a nutritional boost of prebiotic fiber, support for healthy blood pressure levels, and the antioxidant strength of 20 cartons of blueberries in every serving, Greens Chew packs a powerful punch to support your overall health and wellbeing.   
·         Boosts your  body’s natural defenses against free radical damage

·         Supports healthy nutrition and digestion with prebiotic dietary fiber

·         Contains the antioxidant strength of 20 cartons of blueberries

·         Fueled by pTeroPure® to help maintain healthy blood pressure levels and promote heart health

·         Delicious blueberry-filled flavor. 
At first it tasted like a fruit punch chewy, but after a few seconds of chewing I got an earthy aftertaste and wasn't a fan, but if you can chew it quickly, it's tasty. I have this problem with chewable calcium pills too. The longer you chew, the more you taste the vitamin and not the sugary chewy. 

2. Energy Drink: this containg 100mg of caffeine per can. ENERGY is packed with natural stimulants free of the jittery effects caused by today’s leading energy drinks.

• A full spectrum of phytonutrients
• Potent antioxidant-rich polyphenols
• Packed with Vitamin B to support brain function
• Proprietary Energy blend
• Helps support the body’s ability to sustain natural energy levels

There are those days when I could definitely use the extra energy, like days when my son refuses to sleep at night, or the nights the cat decides to get sick all night long, thus I'm cleaning hairballs all night long. What fun! The It Works! energy drink tastes like a light bubbly peachy flavored drink, in my opinion. The carbonation is light, so it doesn't give you that bloated full feeling many sodas do. The flavor was very enjoyable! I checked the ingredients to see if my tastebuds were correct and it has pear, citrus, raspberry and cherry juices in it, so I wasn't spot on, but still very tasty! I wouldn't drink this before bedtime because I found it hard to sleep after drinking it, but I don't consume much caffeine, so perhaps others aren't as affected by caffeine at night. If you are looking for an energy drink, I'd definitely check this out!

3. Body Applicator/Fab wrap: Expect "ultimate" results with this amazing 45-minute body Applicator! The Ultimate Body Applicator is a non-woven cloth wrap that has been infused with a powerful, botanically-based formula to deliver maximum tightening, toning, and firming results where applied to the skin. It helps tighten, tone, firm and minimize the appearance of cellulite. 

Over the last 2 years the amount of "padding" in my middle section has increased noticeably. They say it's all down hill after age 30, and I think I would agree, physically speaking anyway. I went from having a flat stomach to a small pouch, so I decided to give this wrap a try. You apply the wrap and use the fab to keep it flush against the skin, but I had much difficulty with this step. The wrap would not lay against my skin; it kept puckering. Even with the fab, it was bubbly and bumpy, as you can see from the photo. I even tried to put a tight shirt on over it, but to no avail. After 45 minutes I removed the wrap and took photos shortly thereafter. I noticed a very small reduction at my waistline making me look ever so slightly more trim, but it wasn't much. I expect that since that is the only place where the wrap lay flush against my skin, that's the only place I saw results. If I were to try it again, I'd try a different body part like my thighs where I could wrap and put under biker shorts for a better application. I do think that the It works! wraps work, if applied successfully. With only one application I saw a small result, and that was WITH a faulty application on my part (user error).

I would encourage anyone who was on the fence to give it a try!

4. Greens on the Go Berry: Alkalize, energize, and detoxify wherever you go with Greens on the Go™ in a new sweet berry flavor. This convenient, single serving packet is a pH-balancing blend, supercharged with an acidity-fighting combination of magnesium and potassium for even more alkalizing properties. It helps you maintain that healthy balance by keeping your digestive system regular and toxins flowing out. With multiple servings of fruits and vegetables and a blend of 38 herbs and nutrient-rich superfoods, Greens provides naturally occurring, bioavailable vitamins, minerals, antioxidants, phytonutrients, and enzymes to give your already well-balanced diet a nutritional boost. Just mix, shake, and take your Greens on the Go!   

If you don't like taking vitamins but drink shakes daily I think this would be a great route for you to go! I really like the flavor of their berry products! The added vitamins and serving of fruits/veggetables is a great addition to any smoothie or drink. I think I'd use them in a peach or banana smoothie so it tastes like I have the berries without the added expense of buying fresh berries :-P. Ways to save, right? :)

Overall I am a fan of their products and plan to check out others in the future! Some products take some getting used to, and others hook you from the start!

Head on over to Ana's site and check out the products: http://www.yourmissionwrapitup.com/

...and like her on Facebook:

https://www.facebook.com/WrapMeAna?fref=ts

Many thanks to Ana for the opportunity to try these products. All opinions expressed here are 100% my own.

GIVEAWAY: Spartan Race!!!!

SPARTAN SUMMER

Recruit three friends and your next race is free.

We have more races than ever, in new locations. We also have new obstacles, new burpees, new finisher tees, new medals and new stories to tell. So when your friends hit you with excuses, you have the facts to hit them with.

Recruit three of your friends sign up, you’ll get your next race on us; completely free! Your friends will also get $20 off of their race. That means everyone wins.

We’ll see you and your team at the starting line. Use Code: TEAM

---

WIN IT: free race code for any open heat (non-confirmed start time) in any Spartan Race in the continental US

HOW TO ENTER: a Rafflecopter giveaway

Live Infinitely Fruit Infused Bottles

Live Infinitely Fruit Infused Water Bottles are a ton of fun. When I first got it, I experienced some leaking after I screwed the top and bottom back on, but that could have been user error. After using it a few more times I didn't have this issue. When I contacted the company about the leaking problem they promptly sent me a replacement in case there was a problem. I'm very pleased with my bottle and enjoy my fruity water. It makes me feel healthy!

BUY IT HERE: http://www.amazon.com/infuser-water-bottle-completely-free-sports/dp/b00uckbnhw/ref=sr_1_46?ie=utf8&qid=1428974134&sr=8-46&keywords=infuser+water+bottle

I received this bottle for review but opinions expressed are 100% my own.

SPORTY ARMBAND from iArrow

About the product:
If you exercise often, and worry about losing or damaging your iPhone, protecting it becomes a priority. Nothing protects it better than the iArrow Armband. Made of high quality materials, you can feel the craftsmanship instantly upon first touch. This 3 in 1 produ
ct includes an armband, a phone cover, and a screen protector.

Lightweight, slimmer than regular armbands, easy-to-adjust, fits iPhone 5 and 5S, hand-washable, and so much more comfortable than any other armband available online.


NOT JUST A BEAUTIFUL ACCESSORY, it is also indestructible . It's beautifully designed, and will stand out as one of the most appealing exercise gadgets you'll ever own. The solid durable hard case style was carefully designed to comfortably fit arms of almost all sizes, from petite to large and prevents the sweat going through the case.

THIS ARMBAND ALLOWS ACCESS TO ALL BUTTONS, headphone jack and charging port. You won't waste your time, trying to position your phone to reach these. It's anti-slip finished surface with line design made from high quality rubberized hard plastic makes the iArrow Armband practical and easy to clean.


OUR HIGH QUALITY DESIGN IS BACKED WITH A 200% GUARANTEE - We fully stand behind our product, which means that if there is any problem with your armband whatsoever, we will cheerfully refund your money, PLUS give you another, brand new unit, FREE of charge! That's why iArrow Armband is the RIGHT choice for you TODAY! 

FOR A LIMITED TIME, the iARROW ARMBAND is 51% OFF - the price will increase soon, so order quickly! Don't settle for cheap imitations - The iArrow Armband is made with the latest technology and has a double guarantee. It's your Phone, so protect it well. Choose something REMARKABLE. Choose iArrow Armband!

It truely is secure. I wish I had an iphone 5 to try this out on. It didn't work with my iphone 4, because of the size difference, but I would suggest this for iphone 5 owners! I received this product in exchange for a review, but the opinions expressed here are 100% my own.

I received one or more of the products mentioned above for free using Tomoson.com. Regardless, I only recommend products or services I use personally and believe will be good for my readers.

PhantomFit Resistance Bands

PhantomFit Resistance bands are the best solution because they:
- Are perfect for physical therapy exercises all the way to intense workouts
- Works flawlessly for arm, ankle, and leg workouts
- Are separated by resistance level to meet your needs 
- Are extremely durable and long-lasting
- Are lightweight and portable

What's Included?
- 1 Blue "Light" Band
- 1 Red "Medium" Band
- 1 Green "Heavy" Band
- 1 Black "X-Heavy" Band

I got these in the mail about a week ago and started using them right away. What is nice about these is that you can easily tuck them next to the recliner to take our while watching TV, or tuck in your bag to use on your walk during water breaks or whatnot. I started on the medium resistance and just put them around my wrists and pulled apart and felt it in my upper arms right away, so I look forward to using these more and see what results I can achieve. I wish they came with some instructions or some pictures showing different ways to use these resistance bands. 

I received one or more of the products mentioned above for free using Tomoson.com. Regardless, I only recommend products or services I use personally and believe will be good for my readers.

Ozeri 4x3motion Digital Pocket 3D Pedometer

• Records steps, distance, speed, calories and time with the world's most advanced Tri-Axis technology.
• 3 Recording Modes: Today, Split & Total -- with a split screen display for multi-data views.
• New 3D Tri-Axis Sensor (X, Y, Z plane detection) provides superior accuracy in any position.
• Counts up to 1 million steps with built-in memory for 30 days of activity. Also features a Clock, Calendar & Sports Timer and Auto Sleep Mode technology.

Unfortunately, I could never get this to work correctly. It came with instructions, but I found them difficult to follow, and thus, it never worked for me. I saw numbers on the screen but didn't know what I was doing, and couldn't figure out how to set it up. I was really hoping to get this working as I walk with my kids a few times a week and wanted to know how far I was walking. Perhaps it was a defective pedometer, or maybe it was user error, I'm not sure. I would still give this a try if you want a small pedometer, but I can't say how it worked.

GIVEAWAY: Spartan Race Code

If you aren't familiar with Spartan Race, it’s been voted the #1 obstacle race by Outside Magazine and focuses on building a healthy and active community of adults and children. Every Spartan Race has a Junior and Varsity Spartan Kids Race to allow children to share in the thrill of an obstacle race.

What is it? Check out this video to see for yourself: 

 

Want to try it???

WIN IT:  a free race code good for any US 2014 Spartan Race

HOW TO ENTER: a Rafflecopter giveaway

Hu-Nu Athletic Wear - New Products

Hu-nu is a fashion and eco-friendly international activewear company. Hu-nu provides polished sportswear so that nobody will know you are dressed for workout and you can wear it at work and in the gym. Our products are mainly made of Supplex ® Nylon and nature fiber including tencel, soya bean, wood pulp, aloe etc. and they perform so well with moisture management, odor control and shape retention.

MY THOUGHTS: I had a chance to try their Kenni Tank (above), Eli Tank, and the Cairo Top (left). While I like the Eli tank and the Kenni Tank. They are cute while still allowing me to move and exercise, but I am OBSESSED with the long sleeve Cairo top. It's made of 95% BAMBOO 5% SPANDEX and is ridiculously soft. It's smooth like butter against my skin which is only 1 of the things I love about it. I like that it's long sleeve, with the optional thumb holes to keep the sleeves from riding up. I also love the little zipper pocket where I can put my house key when out on a walk with the baby, or where I can keep my ID badge when at my work's gym. They think of everything! Hu-nu really thinks about what women want to wear when exercising and what they need. You shouldn't have to give up fashion just to get healthy. I think it's a great company with a stylish line!

To find out more visit them at: http://www.hu-nu.com/en/home

Hu-Nu Fashionable Activewear

Hu-nu is a fashion and eco-friendly international activewear company. Hu-nu provides polished sportswear so that nobody will know you are dressed for workout and you can wear it at work and in the gym. Our products are mainly made of Supplex ® Nylon and nature fiber including tencel, soya bean, wood pulp, aloe etc. and they perform so well with moisture management, odor control and shape retention.

MY THOUGHTS: I had a chance to try their lesley capri pants, ballerina pro wrap, and alyssa top, and while the top was way too small for me, I was able to try out the pants and wrap. I LOVE the lesley capri pants. The seams are in flattering locations to minimize the excess and flatter the curves which is always a plus. The ballerina wrap is perfect for tossing on over my workout gear when I had to run errands after the gym. Hu-nu really thinks about what women want to wear when exercising. You shouldn't have to give up fashion just to get healthy. I think it's a great company with a stylish line!

To find out more visit them at: http://www.hu-nu.com/en/home

Rawlings-brand Flexible Sports Organizers

The Lehigh Group is launching a new line of Rawlings-brand Flexible Sports Organizers.

Organizing sports equipment and outdoor gear can be a challenge. Kids’ balls, bats, gloves, helmets and sticks can create an obstacle course, taking up valuable space in the mudroom, hall closet or garage. Throw clutter a curveball this summer by using the new Rawlings Flexible Sports Organizers.

Available in three varieties with roomy ball caddies and vertical mesh compartments with hooks and cinches to store all kinds of gear, these vertical smart storage solutions can hold up to 25 lbs. of equipment. The Rawlings Flexible Sports Organizers are made of mildew- and abrasion-resistant durable vinyl and mesh, making them as perfect for the garage or shed as for the basement or closets. 

My Thoughts: When you're as limited on space as we are it's so helpful to have organizational products like this one. Sure, you can toss things into the garage, shed or basement and hope you can find what you want later, but you save so much space and time using this. You save space because items are placed together in a compact way, and you save time because you aren't looking all over for an item; it's easily located. Win-Win!

Check out all their products here: http://www.rawlings.com/

Running Series - Reebok

Reebok Reflex Transitions. These shoes will help you stay light on your feet while maintaining control. RealFlex technology helps encourage natural movement of the foot; individual flex-friendly "nodes" help your feet move and flex. The RealFlex Transition adds reinforcements to enhance stability through your workout. The single layer polyester mesh upper adds strength without unnecessary bulk.

They are very light, and our team really enjoyed them.

We tried out both women's and men's Reebok Transitions and they were a hit. Our runners loved how light they were. Some sneakers add weight and you feel like you're getting a double work out just by lifting your feet, but not these. We liked this, but felt they weren't as sturdy as other shoes we tried. If you need a lot of stability, these may not be the best shoes, but if you want lightweight and easy to move, these would be perfect.

If you want something even more lightweight, try the Realflex Scream with it's Low-cut design for added mobility, Multi-direction flex nodes for natural motion, Blown rubber forefoot for cushioning, traction and durability, Removable Ortholite® foam sockliner accommodates orthotics, and 3D Ultralite for lightweight, natural footstrike.

In addition to the great quality of these shoes, I also loved the wide variety of colors they came in, and the ability to customize some of the styles - pick the color for every part of your shoe. It guarantees you have a one of a kind (or almost one of a kind if someone else thinks just like you).

Hi-Tech Running Products

Harmony Lace Sneaker for Women

Features

• Premium, durable nubuck and mesh upper
• Ghillie and eyelet lacing system
• Bespoke Italian designed webbing
• Moisture wicking lining
• Anti-odor, anti-microbial Ortholite® sockliner
• Contoured CMEVA midsole
• Durable Vibram® rubber outsole

Alder Springs Softshell for Men

Features

• 90% polyester 10% spandex with DWR
• Breathable and lightweight fabric
• Two zippered hand warmer and one zippered chest pocket
• Durable reverse coil zippers
• Single hand drawcord adjustable hem
• Center back averages 28.5" length

The products above are both new for Sprin 2012 and excellent additions to our Becoming a Runner Series because they each deal with elements of nature that a runner can't always forsee. The sneaker pictured above is made of durable material which allows it to stand up to varying terrain such as trails,slippery surfaces, and rocky grounds. When running you can't predict every storm, so this sturdy shoe just makes it easier to take whatever nature throws your way. It is heavier than other shoes I've tried, but also feels sturdier. It also has a moisture wicking lining helping to prevent your feet from overheating in extreme temperatures. The softshell for men, offers an extra layer of lightweight fabric to provide extra warmth and protection from the elements while allowing you to breath. I also love the extra pocket to carry ID/money/ipod etc; it's a great feature!

Runnur

 Let me tell you about a products I recently learned about. The Runnur is a mini back pack that is the perfect size to carry everything you need to get through your day. If your pockets aren't big enough and a fanny back just isn't your style, we have a small back pack in a sleek design that is perfect for men and women. The design is a balance of style and function, allowing freedom of movement, while carrying everything you need.

While it's not marketed to be a "running" accessory I found that it worked fairly well for a brisk walk/jog. I ordered  size small which I thought would fit well, but my only criticism is that it didn't fit snugly to my body like I had hoped. I think a few less inches would have been perfect, or perhaps making it adjustable would be helpful.

I loved how I had compartments for everything AND a reflective strip for safety. As you can see from the photo I was able to carry my phone, sunglasses and water bottle on the visible size, and on the back I had my ID cards, money and snacks. I also liked that it had a clip at the bottom if you needed to carry a bag or in my case, walk the dog!

These are the ways I decided to use the bag, which may be a deviation from it's intended purpose, but I still found it very very helpful!

Asics

In honor of May being national runner's month, we decided to test out and compare different types of walking, running, trail walking and training shoes, starting with Asics.

The first shoe we tested out was the Women's GEL-DS Racer 9 Running Shoe. This is described as being a lightweight racing shoe that will allow you to run quickly in comfort while providing stability for those who tent to over-pronate as well as the neutral runner. The ASICS® Gel DS Racer 9 is a responsive racing flat that will provide exceptional support during any race or conditioning.  This is definitely a minimalist style shoe. It's lightweight, allows the air to flow through the material so your feet can breath. After running/walking over 30 miles in this shoe the back of my heels had some pretty nasty blisters, as well as the inner part of my heel. I expected some wearing in, but after wearing these shoes to run 10 times I was still getting blisters so this was my only complaint about these shoes. I loved the color and design and how light the shoes were, but couldn't get past the blister issue. These would be great shoes for runners who prefer a minimalist type running shoe.

The second shoe we tested was Gel-Fortitude 5. This shoe is described as a maximum support shoe designed for large-framed runners with a neutral gate, as well as orthotics wearers for enhance stability. This shoe definitely provides maximum support, but it's also heavier than the Gel-DS Racer shoe. Being a runner with slight overpronation I found these to offer the perfect amount of support and stability without any uncomfortable rubbing or irritation.

The guys tried out two types of Asics: Gel Fortitude & GT 2170. The 2170 is advertised as being cushioned and nuetral so perfect for training new runners, while the Gel Fortitude is great for stabilityand support for mild overpronation.

They ran/walked approximately 15 miles in each sneaker. The GT 2170 was extremely comfortable, lightweight and breathable, however after running for a long distance, the skin around the ankle became irritated, which is never fun.

The Gel Fortitude was also extremely comfortable after a lot of standing and were found to be very supportive, which is how they were advertised.

Overall, Asics are great shoes if you want to give running a shot!

SKECHERS Running Sneakers

Women's Ace Athletic Sneakers

Score points on style, comfort and sporty versatility in the SKECHERS Ace shoe. Lightweight perforated synthetic and mesh fabric upper in a lace up running and training athletic sneaker with stitching and overlay accents. I was a skeptic about this sneaker as it didn't look very supportive to my eye, but when I slipped my feet into them I felt instant comfort and cushioning. With the cushioned insole it adds extra shock absorption when my feet hit the pavement, which I need. It was very lightweight and so easy to walk and run in. I would say I walked/ran about 15-20 miles in these shoes without any rubbing, blisters or irritation which is a big plus, when other shoes I've tried caused irritation instantly. I also love the bold color combinations available, so these are stylish, comfortable and reasonably priced in my opinion. Everyone's foot reacts different to each shoe, so these are just my opinions, but try a pair yourself and see what you think!

Construction:

• Smooth microperforated synthetic upper
• Lightweight mesh fabric upper for cooling effect
• Lace up running and training sporty athletic sneaker design
• Stitching accents
• Stabilizing side and heel overlay details
• Side S logo detail
• Lace up front
• Padded collar and tongue
• Soft fabric shoe lining
• Cushioned comfort insole
• Lightweight shock absorbing midsole
• Contrast colored dual density heel panel in midsole for stability
• FlexSole design for added comfort
• Flexible rubber high traction outsole
• Weight: 7 to 12 oz. per shoe depending on size

My Thoughts:

Running and Sun Protection

I think one of the most commonly overlooked aspects of running is sun protection. People think about what they put on their feet, what to put in their bodies or water bottles, but neglect to think about their skin. Thankfully there is a company called Coolibar, that makes SPF protection clothing to protect your skin from the sun's harmful rays.

The clothing pictured here, Men's Short sleeve Fitness Shirt and Women's Weekend ZnO pullover both offer an SPF of 50+ which is phenomenal. Especially for distance or marathon runners it's important to remember how much time you will be spending in the sun and to come prepared with clothing like this and SPF lotion for exposed skin (and scalp)! One other item to note is sun protection. It's best to also invest in a great pair of sunglasses to keep your eyes protected as well. If you really want to run and plan to work up to long distance, these are some things to consider and invest in, as I feel they'll keep you safer and your skin and eyes healthier in the long run!

These items, and more, can be purchased at www.coolibar.com