Have you entered 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.

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.

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!!!

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.

I told you I had two great giveaways coming your way this week! First, a giveaway for an awesome workout top (winner will be announced with this winner in Saturday's post). Now, a giveaway for a heart rate monitor! Oh yes, my friends. Oh yes.

When Sportline offered me the chance to share my thoughts on the Duo Women’s heart rate monitor, I said HECK TO THE YEA “Sure!”. <--- Trying to act demure, ya know?

I think heart rate monitors are great tools to use for fitness goals. They allow you to more accurately know the intensity level in which you are working. This helps, because you can pace yourself better…or know when to kick it up a notch. 😉

The Duo Women’s heart rate monitor is a great item. It is made for women so it has a slimmer wrist band to not feel so bulky. You can use the heart rate monitor with or without a chest strap. The chest strap allows for a continuous heart rate display, or you can use the sensors on the watch to get a reading. The readings will also let you know the % of your maximum heart rate, a fat burning zone, and if you hit your target heart rate. All in all, it’s a great little gadget.

And you have the chance to win one! You can enter by doing the following:

• Comment on this post telling me one way you like to workout smarter.
• Tweet the giveaway – I’m trying to win a free heart rate monitor from @TinaFFF and @SportlineRocks! -

The giveaway will end on Saturday morning at 10 am EST. Good luck!!!