Pick A Fight!

Posted: May 13, 2011 at 9:10 am

Have you entered my giveaway for a heart rate monitor yet? Ends tomorrow at 10 am!!!

I have always been a “cute” clothes workout gal. I need a good fit and support, but the cute factor still plays a major role in what I will purchase. Then, I began running. My tank sports bras that would frequent spin classes with me did not hold up to running. I found I loved running in t-shirts, but inevitably felt frumpy…and soaked with sweat. And chafed. Cotton does not befriend my sweaty body.

Then I met my racing tee. I fell in love. It accompanied me on basically every run. We bonded well and it didn’t lash out on me with unruly underarm burns.

Comfort won the fight between cute and comfy running wear. However, I didn’t think my running tee would win the fight with the washing machine three times a week every week. Plus, my very first race tee deserves some respect. So, the husband surprised me by adding two new friends to my racing tee collection.

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Bonus that I find them fun and cute to wear too! For my run yesterday I grabbed one of my new tees to try out.

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Then, I picked a fight – my very first tempo run. I’m loosely following a training plan from My Smart Coach for a 10K and it called for a 5 mile tempo run today. I was to run one mile warm-up, three miles tempo at a 8:40 pace, and the last mile as a cool down. Here is what I accomplished:

  • Mile 1 = 9:29
  • Mile 2 = 8:37
  • Mile 3 = 8:41
  • Mile 4 = 8:58
  • Mile 4.0-4.75 = 7:19 (9:47 pace)

Tempo. Runs. Are. HARD! Yikes! I finished out the run, but it definitely was one of those learning curve runs. I made the mistake of not eating before this run. Since Peter was working from home, I went in the morning so I wouldn’t have to run in the afternoon heat. The morning got away from me without eating and I figured I would do fine. I survived…but it definitely impacted my energy by about 30 minutes into the run.

I felt good the first tempo mile, then hit some hills on the second tempo mile, right when my energy started crashing from the lack of fueling. I pushed to keep the 8:40 pace…but it killed me for the third tempo mile. I also got re-routed thanks to some sort of police action, which ended up with my run being shorter than the five miles I hoped to finish. I didn’t have the energy to make up that last quarter of a mile.

I still think I did a pretty good job, but it certainly showed me a few things. It’s good to have these challenging runs so I can learn and prepare myself for when I officially start half-marathon training down the road. Until then, I will keep up with the low-key training and learning the ins and outs of my running. That won’t stop me from picking another fight race, though.

I have now officially registered for my next race. A 10K on Saturday June 4th! Three weeks from tomorrow! Weeeeee!!!

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And yes – I’m hugely excited for the comfy race tee that will come with it! 😉

  • What is your favorite outfit to work out in? Running = technical quality tee and running shorts or capris. Spinning/Weights = cute tank and capris.

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55 Comments to “Pick A Fight!”
  1. I love the Pick A Fight tee- SO cute and feisty! 🙂

    I can tell a difference if I skip eating, too. It’s essential for me.

  2. Karen says:

    Your new running tops are cute! I love to work out in form fitting tank tops and capris! I love to see my muscles move when I’m working out.

  3. Angela says:

    I think you did a great job considering it was your first run! And you DID look super cute doing it too! My usual racing/workout gear is Lululemon tanks and shorts all the way. I know they’re expensive, but I honestly have never worn anything as comfortable. No chafing, and they last forever as long as you don’t put the clothes in the dryer! My favourite tank is the Cool Racerback – it’s pretty basic and the cheapest on they make, but it’s so perfect and long enough to cover my suuuuper long torso. I have 8 I think!

    • Tina says:

      I’m definitely seeing the importance of quality in workout gear. I hope to invest in some better pieces that will last and be more funcitonal.

  4. I do like technical tees as well and capri pants. Running shorts are okay for some runs but I always need a little body glide to prevent chafing! 😛

    Love your new clothes, so stylish! 🙂

  5. I work out in yoga pants or shorts and a tank top. However, I workout in my house and I don’t run, so I don’t think I require anything but comfort. Congrats on registering for the run! I’m glad you’ve found your groove!

  6. That shirt is adorable! I can’t stand to run in t-shirts. The baggy sleeves bother me. I work out in shirts like this and love them. I need the wicking material because I sweat like … well, you know.

    http://store.nike.com/us/en_us/?cp=USNS_KW_0611081618&l=shop,home#l=shop,pdp,ctr-inline/cid-1/pid-383643/pgid-362845

    • Tina says:

      I made sure they were fitted shirts. Baggy sleeves drive me nuts too!

      Those Nike tops are nice. It actually looks similar to the green shirt I got above.

  7. When I work out at home I wear capris and sports bra — when I’m running outside I like capris or compression shorts with a technical tank top — the sports bra is not connected to the tank though. I don’t like those “all in one” type shirts. Not comfortable to me!

  8. I’m boring. I pretty much stick to yoga pants and a t-shirt. I’ve tried to start wearing shorts and running skirts when it’s hot, but I feel so exposed! So I have a couple pairs of running capris, and running tanks. But that “built in support” bull? Pshh. I have never been able to wear one without at least another sports bra under it. Little worried about post-baby running? The girls already had to be double bound, and were hard to find supportive bras that were big enough…now…gah! We shall see.

  9. I like cute working out clothes, too. I like things that fit and that make me feel good, and I have lots and lots of race shirts and when they are gender specific, they tend to work and fit really well!

    I’m doing a 10k on Sunday and I just found out its supposed to be raining like crazy! Ughhhhh.

  10. This is one of the few things we differ on…I love comfy workout clothes and really don’t care why it looks like! The comfy race T sounds perfect to me!

  11. I lovelovelove the Pick a Fight tee… so fun and firey! 🙂

    I have all of a sudden fallen in love with Oiselle tee-shirts. Comfy, breathable and soft. (They’re poly/cotton blend but not bulky cotton).

    But I sweat a lot, too, so the wicking is best for me. Wear your race shirt with pride! 🙂

    When you’re running hills, do you feel it in “different” muscles the next day? I usually do, and that’s how I know yesterday’s hill run was great.

    • Tina says:

      I think I feel my calves more if I do hills but haven’t paid much attention. Hmmmm….

      And yes! I love my race shirt. I will continue to wear it a lot.

  12. I can’t workout in tee’s the sleeves always rub my arms and it bugs me! I like tanks and capri yoga pants

  13. I love the “Pick a fight” shirt! My running gear consists of those Nike shorts everyone has and some form of a tee. I’ve never been one to care about how I look while I’m sweating. 🙂

  14. I am so AH-MAZED at your running prowess! I’ve been running longer but still haven’t achieved your level of distance/speed. I’m not comparing really, just wanted to say you TOTALLY inspire me to step up my own game and make my own health/fitness a priority which is especially tough when raising young children. Also I’m learning consistency is key which is something I’ve let go by the way side.

    Anyhoo, I like your new running tops. I’m always inspired to workout when I feel good about what I’m wearing. With that said, I’m loving my new running skirt. I got it from Target and it even held up in the pouring rain during my marathon relay a couple weeks ago. I also love thumbhole shirts for cold and tanks in the heat. However I don’t have any wicking tanks which is something I plan on changing this summer 😉

  15. Heather says:

    sounds to me like you need a runningskirts.com skirt. i am all about “running with sass” (obviously) and I ONLY run in runnng skirts unless its cold. I get a lot of my cute running clothes at target from the c9 collection. I did a post on them on my blog if you search C9, it was a friday favorite I did a few weeks ago. cheap and comfy tops but also cute!

  16. HOlly says:

    Aww- it’s in Buford!! I’ve been up there several times when I was dating someone in the Marines (a few years ago!) & it’s so pretty- lots of pretty trees 🙂 ..and the beach is awesome, of course!

    • Tina says:

      Must be a different Buford. LOL

      This is middle GA and definitely no beach. Your Buford sounds much prettier!

  17. tina, i still cant believe you had a baby 4 months ago. you are seriously looking fabulous!

  18. Becca says:

    Love that nike tshirt!

    My morning cardio clothes are simple, shorts or capris and a tank… at night I”m much more casual sicne I just train, eitehr sweats or capris and a tank top. I try at at least look presentable after work though!! lol

  19. I love that red shirt. I really like tempo runs because it helps fight off bordem in my runs.

  20. Allie says:

    Hello gorgeous! You look awesome in your new t-shirt from your awesome husband 🙂

    I cannot wait to hear about your 10k!!! Tempo runs get easier as you get used to the strangeness of them!

    Have a GREAT weekend!

  21. I like the shirt. Congrats on signing up for your race!

  22. julie says:

    During the winter, I usually don’t care what I run in as long as I’m not freezing. Since I live in a part of Texas where it actually gets cold, I do have some running tights. During the warmer months, It’s usually some running shorts and a technical top or singlet. I’m cheap – they usually come from Target! When I snow ski, I have really great gear that wicks and keeps me warm. I have more invested in that gear than I do in my regular clothing!

  23. Jess says:

    What a cute tee – I love it! Especially since it’s made for a girl so its fitted vs. big and boxy. Great find by the hubs. 🙂
    Congrats on signing up for another race, go you!!

  24. What cute running shirts! I have a conflict with my running apparel too. I have a ton of old t-shirts from playing sports in high school and college, but I hate the tight armpits and heavy sweat-ness they have.
    I’m somewhat new to tempo runs, and they are super hard! I just finished a four mile tempo run today! We seem to have the same paces…you’d be a good running buddy for me!

  25. Bonnie says:

    I love the “Pick a Fight” shirt. I bought one just like it a few days ago. Workout shirts with awesome sayings are my favorites. I even created some of my own on the Nike website. Of course, they say “BEAST” on them. They have to. It’s kind of my thing.

    http://www.glamkittenslitterbox.com/
    Twitter: @GlamKitten88

    • Tina says:

      That is so cool you can make your own at Nike. I will have to check that out pronto. Thanks for the tip!

  26. the pick a fight tee is too cute girl! and congrats on making it through the tempo run!

  27. I love that T-shirt! I’m all about cute workout clothes 🙂

  28. vivoir says:

    …anything tight and form-fitting. It just gives me a bit more oomph to put extra into my training- be it strength or cardio. Also, what do you usually eat before a run?

    • Tina says:

      I usually eat the standard pb + english muffin combo about 1.5 – 2 hours before I run. It has always worked well for me! 🙂

  29. Maura says:

    Race tees always make me feel proud and a little bit like a bad ass at the gym 🙂 I love your Pick a Fight shirt…going to hunt it down right now!

  30. It is good to learn all these things over the course of training, isn’t it? My last long run was a learning experience. At least I hope I learned from it.

    What I run in depends on the weather, of course, but standard summer wear is shorts and t-shirt or tank. I have a bunch of race t-shirts, which vary widely in their cuteness factor. 🙂

  31. I love that “Pick A Fight” tee – too cute! Lately I’ve been spending more on workout gear than normal clothes — I’m loving the under armour and Nike dryfit tees for spin and any “high sweat” activity!

  32. LauraJayne says:

    You are looking so good! Totally my inspiration for after I have kids! I love cute running clothes – I’m a Lulu addict – so much so that they know my name and hold certain things for me when they get them in!

  33. Mac says:

    I have struggled finding ideal running clothing. I typically run in gym shorts I used to wear for basketball and an old cotton t-shirt. I love wearing my yoga pants, but now that cold season is over I need to find some good running shorts… any suggestions?

  34. I like to wear a tech tee and running shorts with a built in liner. The liner is key or else I have chafing issues 😉

  35. Coco says:

    You are really rocking that red shirt, and you look FANTASTIC!

    I like to run in a tech-t and compression shorts.

    3 weeks until June 4th means 3 weeks until my half – ack!

  36. I like the comfy workout clothes. Not baggy t-shirts, but they’re still t-shirts 🙂 My favorite one is my PE uniform from my freshman year of high school. I hated any form of physical activity back then, so I get a personal kick out of it every time I wear it 🙂

  37. Karolina says:

    I tend to work out in tshirts, but i’m also not running multiple miles. For my long walks, elliptical, or yoga experiences, it works fine. Your new shirts are cute and look really comfortable too!

  38. I love running skirts and lululemon shorts. Skirts make me feel ‘cute’ while sweating my booty off!

  39. Oh cute! I love the tee. I always feel pretty frumpy and sweaty while running too so this is something I should probably look into.

  40. I love the new tshirts! I’ve been adding to my workout wardrobe as the weather warms, too. There’s something about a new pair of shorts, a new shirt, even a new sports bra, that makes me a little bit more excited to work out!

  41. Errign says:

    Running: capris and a t or tank.
    Lifting: Shorts & a tank.

    I like cute stuff, but I hate spending money on the cuter stuff 🙂

  42. Lee says:

    I actually like cotton racing shirts because I feel like when I use dry-fit, a smell gets stuck in the armpits and doesn’t come out in the wash. I’ve mentioned this to people and some look at me like I’m crazy, so maybe I’m just smelly!

  43. […] past two experiences with tempo runs have certainly taught me a couple of […]

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