THE perfect tank ~ Skirt Sports Eclipse tank

The Eclipse tank has become hands down my favorite Skirt Sports tank. From the super soft tech fabric, the beautiful shirring at the shoulder blade area and the flattering A-line cut of the tank...this tank is perfection.

True Blue Eclipse tank w/ Bonita print Pocketopia capris

The true blue color is the perfect match with the new Bonita and Odyssey prints.

True Blue Eclipse tank w/ Odyssey Lotta Breeze capris

The semi-fit allows for a great feel without being snug. This top runs true to size. The v-neck and ribbing on the front bodice is extremely attractive.

Front bodice True Blue Eclipse tank

Beautiful shirring shoulder blade area Eclipse tank

The Eclipse is a longer tank that covers your tummy and just adds to the A-line look. I LOVE THIS TANK!!!

True Blue Eclipse tank w/ Shatter print Pocketopia capris

True Blue Eclipse tank w/ Odyssey print Lotta Breeze capris

True Blue Eclipse tank w/ Bonita print Pocketopia capris

If you are interested in checking this tank out I have a 15% off coupon code as my gift to you. Go to this link: http://bit.ly/2OOeIY8 and use code: SSA652Lau

Enjoy!!!

Fast forward 1/17/2019 C25k W8D1...Amazing!!

Ok wow, I never saw this one coming. I layered up and headed out for another run before we get smacked with 6" more snow this weekend. We still have that amount on the ground. *eye roll

So I decided I had better gitt'r dun today if I wanted it outside. At the last minute I decided to go for the entire enchilada and move on to W8D1 which is 5 min warm up walk; 12 min run; 3 min walk; 12 min run; 3 min walk; 12 min run; possibly die OR 5 min cool down walk. I headed to the part of town with the clearest streets. 

I also used my new Garmin 235 for the first time. The first 12 min run was easy peasy, the second pretty easy but that third one was a bit challenging but doable. By the time you get to 6 mins in you tell yourself there is no way you are going to stop to walk now. It's all such a head game!

I can't believe these paces!!!

Life is good!

This is hysterical. It looks like I am going to cry lol. Nope, just trying to get some air time with my jump!

The I went home and did my legs/abs day!

My daily total up to 3pm

So this was a banner day! Now I can go into the weekend with that major outside run done. My next W8 run will be Saturday on the treadmill while the snow dumps on us.

Bring it on!!!!

1/13/19 C25k W6D3 treadmill

C25k W6D3 done and it was AMAZING even if it was on a stupid TM. I feel so strong with my running!! Outside run won't happen until I can see some pavement. Snow sucks.

Leg/abs day with a friend!

Legs/abs/sprints done!! I had company today!!

C25k W6D2 w/ my Garmin!

C25k W7D2 (two - 12 min run/3 min walk) done!!! What a mishmash of readings from two different devices. I used my OLD Garmin Forerunner after 3 years and it felt HUGE lol but it felt awesome to know exactly how I did with the real GPS.

My Garmin is so old that I could not upload my run but these are the stats I gleaned:

3.12 miles
35 mins
11.14 ave pace which is awesome for me getting back into it

I already have a new Garmin picked out with Jim's blessing and understanding. I am not getting the cheapest but the next step up...Forerunner 235. It will be compatible with all of my devices which my old Garmin never did.

Also, I am going to coordinate my running days and leg day. I did legs yesterday and it is unnecessary fatigue when i can work around it.

Finding an old friend!

Well, so I decided to dig out my 'well used, huge, ugly but it holds many memories so I don't care what it looks like' Garmin Forerunner 305. The last time I used it was my last sucky HM that made me quit running in 2015. I wasn't even sure if it would charge. I also had to look for the charging base AND I had to Google a manual because I forgot how to use it lol. All of those things aligned so it was meant to be. It's time to put this old puppy back to use. No, I don't give a rip if it's huge and ugly....it and me have been through many many miles and many many memories.

My Fitbit is not giving me the running numbers I want so that is why I am going to the Garmin.

C25k W6D1 Oh my lawd!!!

Ok, so the Holidays and getting a new pup interrupted my blogging but not my fitness goals. I am back to normal posting. I think.

I have been racking up the fitness minutes and hit 1500 minutes on SparkPeople by Jan 7!! I LOVE movement! It took me awhile to fully embrace working out but after MONTHS it is like brushing my teeth. Normal activity. It is a set non-negotiable appointment with myself.

Today was another milestone in my personal journey of running a 5k straight through without walking. Before I had always used run/walk intervals so this is a completely different animal. New mindset. New physical challenges. I would say I am about 2/3 of the way through this C25k training. I do each C25k week two weeks or 6 sessions. I want to build my endurance safely and slowly. I have had absolutely zero glitches in my hips, legs, ankles and feet. I thank my extensive strength training for that. PLUS my new running form knowledge I learned last summer.

Today was W6D1 and it is as follows:

5 min warm up walk
12 min run
3 min walk
12 min run
5 min cool down

It looks easy when you read it but when you actually do it...I play mind games with myself. I love how the gentleman that does this particular training program knows exactly when you may need a mental boost.

My pace and cadence is slowly but surely increasing. I like it.

My day today

I slayed the treadmill monster!

Tomorrow brings my weekly legs/abs workout along with my usual walking. At this point, I am feeling very confident I will finish this C25k program especially since I ran double digit minutes TWICE. That is so huge for me.

Onward!!!!!

Why I LOVE Skirt Sports Tough Chick top!

I am a Skirt Sports ambassador and this allows me to officially write a SS product testimonial. I am in total love with SS and have been wearing their apparel since 2010. Today, I want to talk about the Skirt Sports Tough Chick top in ruby color.

The first thing I noticed when this amazing top arrived was the quality of the fabric. It is a heavy but not too heavy knit and it drapes beautifully. The ruby color is RICH and gorgeous. This is my most favorite SS item.

Very flattering!

I use the Tough Chick top on my runs, walks and heck...shopping!! One of my favorite feature of this top is the Kangaroo pocket with dual zippers in front. My large cell phone fits very well in the pocket and does not bounce very much while running. I use my phone and Bluetooth earphones while listening to my C25k training app. There is not interference with the Bluetooth. There is plenty of room for other items also.

The half zipper is great if you get too warm during your activity. Simply unzip for ventilation!

The thumb holes!!!!!!!! This top comes with thumb holes for those chilly temps. The construction is solid with no fear of tearing from extended use. The thumb holes are perfect when gloves are too warm but you still want a little coverage on your hands.

I have the Tough Chick top paired with the SS Triple Pocket Tight in the romance print. As you can see this makes a very flattering and fun outfit and I would feel great wearing this combo anywhere!

This particular top comes in seven other rich colors.

For sizing reference...I weigh 128 lbs, 5'4" and this is the medium. There is plenty of room and in fact I am wearing another top underneath.

I absolutely love my Tough Chick top! It is warm, stylish and so comfy! Makes me want another one! Oh wait...I DID get another!

#skirtsports #WomenWhoMove #skirtsportsambassador #ToughChickTop

If you are interested in checking out the Tough Chick top you can find it in the following link. The 15% off is my gift to you.

skirtsports.com

Use code: 1218Laur

Rockin' 2018 in my beloved Skirt Sports!

Oh what a year it has been! After starting the year in the middle of my weight loss phase I continued strong and met my goal in August! The photo below shows exactly what determination and hard work rewards you with!! I began this journey October 17 after packing on 40 lbs of stress weight after losing my father unexpectedly and dealing with my husband's two cancers. I came to a crossroads where I needed to decide which road I was going to travel. I chose health!

I am so proud of myself and feel 500% motivated to continue with my healthy lifestyle. I am now back to running after a 3 year hiatus. I also do three strength training sessions per week along with just plain old walking. I also cleaned up my nutrition considerably and that goes hand in hand with fitness! I feel absolutely amazing!!!!

This is a collage showing my 2018 in progress. Skirt Sports athletic clothing is a huge part of my motivation as I use Skirt Sports as my catalyst. Feeling amazing in quality clothing is a huge part of the process.

My 2019 plans include my C25k training working towards my goal of running a 5k nonstop. That is something I have never attempted as I used run/walk intervals in my previous running career. Since I started back to running I want to see exactly what my body can do with proper conditioning. I also took a running form class summer of 2018 and it was eye opening as to exactly how I was running WRONG! With my new knowledge my cadence and pace has increased. I am halfway through my training and is place I have never been. This week brings week 6 which is two 12 min run/2 min walk. I have never ever done that in my life!

I am already registered for a Fall half marathon during the Quad Cities Marathon (Moline, IL). In 2010 the QCM half was my FIRST out of 30 half  marathons I completed to date. QCM marathon in 2013 was also my Marathon Maniac qualifier. This racing event is so meaningful to me. Now, with my comeback QCM half will be my first coming back. I have come full circle!

I also use kyrawilliamsfitness.com for my complete program...nutrition and fitness. Kyra is KEY to my success. I use her C2F program which provides an extremely supporting group of ladies in a private Facebook group. I also get PERSONALIZED attention from Kyra herself. She lives in Tampa and I live in Illinois but you would never think of the distance between us. Her vast knowledge is golden.

If you are interested in Skirt Sports apparel I have a 15% discount for you as I am also a Skirt Sports ambassador...an honor I cherish. Below is a link and my discount. Enjoy!!!!

Skirt Sports sale link

My referral code: 1218Laur (copy & paste)