Skirt Sports Peek-a-Boo Review Part 1

The Peek-a-Boo is easily one of my favorite Skirt Sports skirts. I like nearly everything about it.

• It is the perfect length.
• The skirt is as light as a feather.
• The shorts underneath are super comfortable.
• The print is sassy and cute.
• There are pockets on both sides.
• The skirt stays put. It isn’t too tight, but it doesn’t move.

If I have to think of something to criticize, I guess it is a little tight in the tummy area. I’ve got some flab around the middle, and this skirt, definitely, gives me a muffin top. For some reason, my muffin top bothers me less these days, but that isn’t the point. Honestly, I’d rather have a muffin-top and not need a drawstring, then no muffin top and a draw string. Of course, just tight enough to not need a drawstring and no muffin-top at all would be ideal.

If you want a fun, short, summer skirt, this is a great choice.

This skirt is going fast. It is at a great price point right now, but sizes are limited. Check it out here. The peek-a-boo is on sale, but use my discount code (825Sign) if you would like to a try a full priced item.

Skirt Sports Peek-a-Boo Skirt Review Part 2

This skirt is going fast. It is a great price right now, but sizes are limited. Check it out here. The peek-a-boo is on sale, but use my discount code (825Sign) if you would like to a try a full priced item.

Fueled by Positivity Bi-Monthly Recommendation, 3/29/2018

Fueled by Positivity Bi-Monthly Recommendation:

When I’m doing marathon training, I’m constantly looking for motivation in books and videos. Skirt Tv produces short inspirational videos, in a talk show format, under a category called “Fueled by Positivity.”  This week, I am recommending the Fueled By Positivity January 15th episode featuring Nicole DeBoom interviewing Kara Burns.  Kara Burns was released from federal prison in 2014. Within months she applied for Skirt Sports Running Start non-profit - a program that pairs beginner runners with Personal Motivators to prep them for their 1st 5k. 12 weeks later Kara skipped the 5k & ran the 13er. Kara Burns completely changed her life and motivates others to do the same. Her story is a testament to the power of running, and, certainly, inspirational.

Skirt Tv would like to know the kind of programming you would like to see.  Let them know by completing their What do You Want To See on Skirt Tv Survey.

While you are looking around,

please consider a donation of any amount to Ventura Land Trust.  After the Thomas Fire and subsequent rains, our trails are in desperate need of maintenance and rehabilitation.  VLT is at the forefront of that work.  I’ll be raising money for VLT during my marathon training for Mountains 2 the Beach marathon. I have several signed copies of Running the Edge:  Discovering the Secrets to Better Running and a Better Life. I’ll gladly send one to the next few people who donate to VLT.

Marathon Pace Thursday, 3/15/2018

Training:  This morning I ran 7.6 miles at the perfect marathon pace of 7:53.  I remembered to take a couple of puffs of my inhaler, and I had a scoop of Ucan before the run. It was difficult, as always, but it was a successful MP run.

I'm planning on a double after work. I only have four miles on the schedule, but I might make it 9 and cut tomorrow's run short. I'll let you know tomorrow, what I actually did.

News:  Skirt Sports Sale

Skirt Sports Sale

Skirtsports is having a Sale on the Sale! I’m still kicking myself for missing the last sale. This is a good one. Use LUKYYOU20 for an extra 20% off of sale items, no additional coupons or discounts can be used on the same order. The sale runs through 3/18/2018.

Rest Day Wednesday, 3/14/2018

It is a rest day for me today. I'm going to make a serious effort to run in the morning, because I have a double on the schedule.

It has been raining a for a few days in these parts, but the sun came out for a little bit, and the boys agreed to a quick walk. I had to use quite a bit of Mommy persuasion, but they, finally, agreed. I take what I can get.

Why I Run, 3/11/2018

Long Run Sunday

I set my alarm to get up and run before church, but it was another early morning failure.  It didn't matter, because everyone woke up late. Once I got up, I had breakfast, but I didn't actually get out of the house. I did not start running until after 10AM, so I was really hungry on the run. The route I chose had lots of hills. I thought that I would pick up the pace a little, but that didn't happen. It was truly a long, slow run (17 miles @ 9:25). It was pretty enjoyable for maybe the first ten miles. Then, it turned into work. The last 3 miles were difficult.

Elevation Profile

Why I Run

I have been thinking a great deal lately about why I run, and what will it take to keep me running in ten years. Competition is what has driven me up to this point, but I know that it won’t be enough to motivate me running for a lifetime. I ran my first 5K at the age of 39. My story is not unlike many women. After I had kids, I stopped working out, but when my kids got a little older, I started to take better care of myself. Working out gradually led to jogging, which eventually led to me running my first 5K. I was hooked with that first race.  I had never done anything competitive before. I didn’t know a single girl, before I entered high school, that participated in any organized sport. Approaching middle age, I knew that I loved the outdoors and that there were periods in my life when I loved to workout, but I had never actually experienced the thrill of competition.

I found out that the thrill of competition wasn’t figurative. It is an actual thrill.  I started taking training more seriously, and I did well. I ran 5ks thru half marathons for a few years. Below is a picture of my first half marathon. I'm pretty sure that I am wearing a skirt sports running skirt. I just gave that skirt away a few months ago, because it was too big.

Half Marathon, Santa Barbara 2010

I told myself that I would run a marathon if I ever ran 1500 miles in a year. I got close, but in 2015, I ran 1500 miles, so I felt like I was ready to take on a marathon. That first marathon was the best race of my life. I had put so much into the training, and I had no expectations of myself. It was the first time that I ever felt that I had already achieved my goal before I even started. I was happy and chatty for almost the entire race. It got miserable around mile 20, but I think that is the nature of a marathon. I truly loved that experience. I love to compete, but I loved running for the joy of the experience.
For me it is difficult to put down the burden of expectation. I get closest during some trail races.  There is often a time during a trail race when you know that you aren’t lost, and you are running completely alone. I love those moments. The expectations melt away, and I am just happy.   Frankly, most of the time, I’m running for time, competing against myself or someone else and seeking AG awards. I enjoy competition, but that just isn’t going to cut it in long run. It is going to be the joy that keeps me doing this over the long term. I’m not really there yet, but I’ve had a taste of what it can be like and that is my goal.

Saturday Easy Fueled by Positivity, 3/10/2018

I go up early to beat the rain and ran a little over 13 at a slow as molasses pace. I had a bagel, banana and coffee for breakfast, and I felt fine throughout.  That ended another 60 mile week, and I got all of my SOS workouts in this week.

Fueled by Positivity Bi-Monthly Recommendation:

When I’m doing marathon training, I’m constantly looking for inspiration in books and videos. Skirt Tv produces short inspirational videos, in a talk show format, under a category called “Fueled by Positivity.”  This week, I am recommending the Fueled By Positivity – Not Your Grandma’s Instant Coffee.  This episode isn't so much inspirational as it is practical. In it, Nicole DeBoom interviews Alex Hanifin. She is the co-founder of Alpine Start which is a company that makes instant coffee.  I only drink instant coffee on two occasions.  One is when I'm backpacking, and the other is when I'm staying in a hotel room for a race that doesn't have a coffee maker. Though I don't drink a lot of instant coffee, I sure would love to find a yummy tasting one. That was my initial reason for watching the video, to find out more about the coffee. I, definitely, want to give it a try. I just got my rebate check from REI, so I'll get some when I order something and let you know how I like it.

Skirt Tv would like to know the kind of programming you would like to see.  Let them know by completing their What do You Want To See on Skirt Tv Survey.

While you are looking around,

please consider a donation of any amount to Ventura Land Trust.  After the Thomas Fire and subsequent rains, our trails are in desperate need of maintenance and rehabilitation.  VLT is at the forefront of that work.  I’ll be raising money for VLT during my marathon training for Mountains 2 the Beach marathon. I have several signed copies of Running the Edge:  Discovering the Secrets to Better Running and a Better Life. I’ll gladly send one to the next few people who donate to VLT.

Easy Thursday, 3/8/2018

Yesterday was a rest day.  After work, I went to my sons’ track meet. I spent at least four hours shivering. No matter how many layers I wear, I never seem to figure out how to stay warm. I was tired when I got home. I told myself that I was going to get up and run in the morning, but deep down I knew I wouldn’t. Since, I didn’t get up this morning, I decided to save my marathon pace run until tomorrow.  After work, today, I warmed up with some rope jumping, and ran 11 miles at an easy pace.

Tuesday Hill Workout, 3/6/2018

I’ve been having some trouble the last couple of days, but I’ve got most of my mileage.  Yesterday, I accidentally set my alarm an hour late. I didn’t have time to do my entire run before work, so I split it in half and did a double for a total of 8.6.

Today, my alarm rang, but I didn’t get up.  I intended to do a double today, but, instead, I combined it all into one workout, doing a hill workout first and then a couple of easy miles after. I had to make dinner when I got home. I told myself that I would get a few more miles after dinner, but deep down, I knew that there was no way I was getting out the house again. Of course, I didn’t, but my miles are fine. I ran just a hair under 9, today.

The hill workout is tough.  If things go as planned, I will work my way up to ten repetitions.  Today, my goal was six.  The concept is simple. Run as fast as you can up, and, then, jog down—Repeat. I was pretty disappointed with my performance, but when I got home I looked at the data and found that, last year, my first hill workout was just about the same. I have to keep telling myself that the point of training is to improve.  I’m going to improve. The hill is .47 miles long.  The numbers are paces, not total minutes.

Skirt Sports Challenge

Skirt Sports has a challenge every month to write a Skirt Sports poem. I, generally, enjoy doing Skirt Sports challenges.  That is why I do them, but poetry is far out of my comfort zone. I’m positive that a second grader could write a better poem, but here is my acrostic poem about my favorite Skirt Sports Skirt.

Jette makes me feel…

     J ubilent,

     E nergized,

     T otally

     T itilated, & ready for an

     E scapade.

Use my coupon code: 825Sign for a 15% discount on a full priced item.

Skirt Sports Zip ‘Em Up C/D Bra Review

My sister, Lisa, was in the market for a sports bra, so she decided to try one of the Skirt Sports bras.  I asked her to write a review. She agreed, and here are her thoughts.

Skirt Sports Zip ‘Em Up C/D Bra Review

I am always on the lookout for great sports bras for C/D cups that do not have to be put on over the head so when I found out that Sport Skirt offered zip up sports bras, I got excited and when I saw the price I knew I had to try one.  Let’s start with the price.  The bras are by no means cheap but they are comparable to other sports bras that I normally purchase and in the range of $44 to $50.  The one I purchased was $48 with a $5 discount and $7.50 added for shipping.  I love free shipping but my bra was delivered in 2 days, which was quicker than expected.  I didn’t even have time to check the tracking and there it was.

Overall, I would give this bra an A+.  I like the way it looked under my top.  It had the perfect amount of compression to keep bouncing to a minimum.  I must admit, it was not the easiest to get zipped up but I really don’t think there is a cure for that.  Once it was zipped, it provided pretty good coverage.  For my first use of this bra, I taught 3 Zumba classes and had no issues at all.  I liked the way it felt and preformed.  One of the best features of this bra is the adjustable straps which have hooks that will not slide during a hard workout.  Several other bras that I own will not stay adjusted through an entire workout.  You should never have that problem with this bra.  I would buy this bra again and try others from this company.  I do really wish they had a bigger variety colors though.

See Part 2 (previous post) for video of the Zip 'Em Up c/d Bra.

Use my discount code, 825Sign, at Skirt Sports for a 15% discount off of a full priced item.

Bloggers
Feel free to add a link of one of your Skirt Sports Reviews by clicking An InLinkz Link-up.  If you link your blog, please mention your host on your own blog, and share the love by visiting some of the other linked blogs. Thanks MCM Mama Runs for the links. I first saw InLinkz on her blog.

Skirt Sports Zip ‘Em Up C/D Bra Review Part 2

There are three things that are important to me about a bra. The first is functionality of the bra. I need bras that minimize bounce during running.  The second is that I need a bra that provides visual coverage for the outlines of a woman's breasts.  Third, I want a bra that provides nice shape under clothing.  My sister, Lisa, provided pics of the bra, but I specifically asked her to take a video with a shirt over the bra, so that we could get a look at the bra the way most people wear it (with a shirt on top).

Use my discount code, 825Sign, at Skirt Sports for a 15% discount off of a full priced item.

Scenic Saturday Skirt-Tv, 2/24/2018

Scenic Saturday Trail Run

The afternoons have been particularly windy, and the temps have gotten cold recently. I have a great deal of incentive to get my runs started a little bit earlier. Yesterday, I wasn't even tempted to sleep in when the alarm went off.  Winds hit 30 miles per hour yesterday.  I got out earlier, today, too.

Bi-Monthly Skirt Tv-Fueled by Positivity Recommendation:

When I’m doing marathon training, I’m constantly looking for inspiration in books and videos. Skirt Tv produces short inspirational videos, in a talk show format, under a category called “Fueled by Positivity.”  This week, I am recommending the January1st episode.  In it, Nicole DeBoom interviews Colleen Cannon.  Colleen Cannon made a career as a professional triathlete and, after, founded Women's Quest. Women's Quest is a company that holds retreats that educate women about healthy body image, nutrition and an active lifestyle.  During the episode, Colleen talks about adopting "easy going goals" that inspire. My nature is to be rigid in the way I train and set goals, but I'm working on letting my passion inspire me to train in a way that I have more of a connection between mind, body and spirit. There isn't a lot of "how to" advice in the episode, but the program gave me the words to articulate what I want to do.

Skirt Tv would like to know the kind of programming you would like to see.  Let them know by completing their What do You Want To See on Skirt Tv Survey.


While you are looking around,
please consider a donation of any amount to Ventura Land Trust.  After the Thomas Fire and subsequent rains, our trails are in desperate need of maintenance and rehabilitation.  VLT is at the forefront of that work.  I’ll be raising money for VLT during my marathon training for Mountains 2 the Beach marathon.

I have several signed copies of Running the Edge:  Discovering the Secrets to Better Running and a Better Life. I’ll gladly send one to the next few people who donate to VLT.

Marathon Pace #Neverdo Friday, 2/23/2018

Prescription Oakley Commit

This morning, I did a marathon pace run of 7:24 miles @ 7:54 pace.  I wore my prescription glasses. I need bifocals, but that doesn't work so well with running glasses. With thick gloves and a handheld, it was too tricky to lift my glasses to actually be able to read the the numbers on the watch. I basically had to guess most of the way. My pace was good, but I thought that I was going faster than I was.

The temperature was cold, but not too bad. It was probably in the low to mid 30s. My hands were fine during the MP run, but my fingers got painfully cold during the 3 miles of easy running. My total miles were just a hair under 11.

Skirt Sports Neverdo Challenge

1st backpacking trip

Skirt Sports has given ambassadors a challenge to post about something that they thought that they would never do. Growing up a city girl, I never saw a mountain growing up. I never hiked. I never camped. I didn't go on nature walks. What a surprise it was for me to discover, when I moved to California, that I love the outdoors. Here is a pic of my fist backpacking trip. A friend and I went out for a few days. We had a great time, and I came home with a lot of stories that are still pretty funny.

Challenge Friday, 2/16/2018

Yesterday, I was supposed to do a double, but my knee was hurting in the morning.  I decided to give it a break.  I want to run today, but I might not get the chance. I have easy miles on the schedule, but it's a busy day. It might not happen.


Challenge: Love to Hate Race Pic
Since I have little to post regarding my training today, I'm going to do a challenge. The challenge is to post a pic that you love to hate. I'm going to post the counter picture to the one at the top of the blog. I do hate this picture, but I kinda like it too, because it really does capture a moment in time. I trained very hard for that race. At the start, I thought I had a PR in the bag, but a headwind got me on the "back" of the out and back course. I knew that I wasn't going to PR. I was fighting and angry, but I knew it was hopeless. You can see the frustration in the photo. It ended up being the best race experience. I placed in my age group in a very large race. My husband and kids were there, and I had friends there. The finish line party and awards were fun. I ended up having a fantastic day, but that moment...

Skirt Sports Valentine Day Sale

Skirt Sports Peek-a-Boo Skirt & Redemption Knicks

Today is a scheduled rest day for me, but I plan on doing ab work and my hip exercises.

I recently got some new Skirt Sports gear.  I’m looking forward to wearing them, and I’ll write a review after I’ve worn and washed them several times.

Maybe I should have waited a few days, because Skirt Sports is having a Valentine Day sale.  I have my eye on a few other items, so now looks like a good time.

Recovery Run Recommendation Monday 2/12/2018

I have 11 recovery miles on the schedule. I, normally, wouldn't run that far on a recovery day, but it's a holiday; so it is an opportunity to get some extra miles. I would, also, normally post after I ran, but since today is the day the giveaway winner is announced, I wanted to post early. If something unexpected happens and I don't run, I'll let you know tomorrow.

Skirt Sports Giveaway
A winner has been chosen. Congratulations Karen F! A free skirt sports running skirt will soon be on its way.

Recommendation - Skirt Tv:

When I’m doing marathon training, I’m constantly looking for inspiration in books and videos. Days can be long and the training can be tough. Sometimes you need a pick me up.  Skirt Tv produces short inspirational videos under a category called “Fueled by Positivity.”  I watched one recently that I enjoyed and highly recommend.  It was called Find your WHY.  In it, Nicole DeBoom interviews Erin Carson.  Erin Carson is a fitness professional with a long resume including strength trainer to the stars. Nicole & Erin discuss how discovering the true motivations behind your goals can improve your results.  I connected with the episode because the issue of motivation is becoming more and more important to me. I want to be running 10-15 years from now.  To do that, I will need to identify and embrace motivations that transcend PRs or AG awards.

Skirt Tv would like to know the kind of programming you would like to see.  If videos like Find your Why interest you (or don’t interest you), let them know by completing their What do You Want To See on Skirt Tv Survey.

While you are looking around,
please consider a donation of any amount to Ventura Land Trust.  After the Thomas Fire and subsequent rains, our trails are in desperate need of maintenance and rehabilitation.  VLT is at the forefront of that work.  I’ll be raising money for VLT during my marathon training for Mountains 2 the Beach marathon.

I have several signed copies of Running the Edge:  Discovering the Secrets to Better Running and a Better Life. I’ll gladly send one to the next few people who donate to VLT.

Cascade Skirt Sports Running Skirt Review

Last Saturday, I ran a half marathon in my new Cascade Skirt Sports Running Skirt.  I was very excited to get this skirt, because the style was something that I had never seen before.  The skirt is fairly short and has a flat waistband with two layers of ruffles. The Cascade, also, features 5.5" compression shorts underneath with two large pockets and a music port.

Of course, one of the most important things about a skirt is how much you like the style.  I immediately liked the look of the layered ruffles and slightly longer short.  Although the skirt has two layers of ruffles, the poly/spandex material is extremely light.  The shorts stayed put for all 13.1 miles, and there was no chaffing whatsoever.

I will wear this skirt again and again, but I do wish that it had a drawstring. The waistband didn't quite stay put the way I would have liked, but that was solved pretty quickly with a fold over.

If you would like to try the Cascade or any other Skirt Sports item, use my discount code for 15% off a full priced item:  825Sign

Happy Running!

Cascade Skirt Sports Running Skirt Video Review

Racing in the Cascade

If you would like to try a Cascade Skirt Sports Running Skirt or any other Skirt Sports item, use my discount code for 15% off a full priced item:  825Sign

Happy Running!

Easy Friday, February 2, 1018

What's Up Today?
Today, 5 easy was on the schedule, but I decided to take the day off entirely.  That will blow my 50 mile week, but my right knee hurts.  I'm running a hilly, half tomorrow, so I think some rest is more important than a 50 mile week.

Giveaway News:
There are comments that I can see, but aren't showing up on the blog.  It seems like this isn't too uncommon of a problem, but I don't know how to fix it.  If you can't see your comment, chances are that I can see it, and you will still be included in the drawing. If you have a concern, please, reach out and I will take a look and confirm your entry.

Its a Challenge!
In honor of the Skirts Sports Giveaway, its all things Skirts Sports this week.  Ambassadors have been challenged to write an Ode to our first Skirt Sports product. I haven't written a poem since grammar school and this one is questionable, but it was fun thinking about my first Skirt Sports running skirt.

I had to dig deep for this throw back pick of me in my first Skirt Sports running skirt.  Looking at that pic prompted the memories of how difficult a race that was.  It was a 5K, but, seriously, if I could have somehow run to my car without going back to the start, I would have.  It was hilly and hot, but I was so proud of myself when I finished.  I really felt cute in that skirt, too.  I still love that Wonder Girl top.  It is very soft.  That pic was taken in 2010.

Recipe of a Skirt (a haiku)

A cup of delight,

Mixed with a hint of pizzazz,

To make skirts so nice.

Skirt Sports Giveaway

I’m pleased to announce that I have accepted a Skirt Sports Ambassadorship.  Skirt Sports is a company founded by women, ran by women and dedicated to the empowerment of women.  Moreover, they make fashionable, high quality running skirts.  I’ve been wearing running skirts for years, and skirt sports has long been my favorite brand. One of the best things about being an ambassador is that I get to share a discount code.  Use code "825Sign" for 15% off any full priced item.  The code changes quarterly, so check back for a new code every few months.

Giveaway

To kick off the new ambassadorship, I’m giving away a Skirt Sports running skirt.  Style and color will vary, but the winner chooses the size and has a choice of a shorter or regular length skirt.  I ran the Boston Marathon 2017 in a Jette, one of the shorter styles.  In the pic at the top of the blog, I'm wearing a Lioness, another of the shorter skirt.

Leave a comment to enter the giveaway.  For one additional entry, follow the blog by email.  The giveaway will close at midnight on February 11, 2018.  A winner will be chosen by random draw on February 12.

Jette Skirt Sports at Boston Marathon 2017

While you are looking around,
please consider a donation of any amount to Ventura Land Trust.  After the Thomas Fire and subsequent rains, our trails are in desperate need of maintenance and rehabilitation.  VLT is at the forefront of that work.  I’ll be raising money for VLT during my marathon training for Mountains 2 the Beach marathon.

I have five signed copies of Running the Edge:  Discovering the Secrets to Better Running and a Better Life. I’ll gladly send one to the next five people who donate to VLT.

Free Giveaways