Ok so here’s the scoop!! This skirt is AMAZING! I was a little nervous before I got it and had it on my neverwear list...... that all changed today! The full extended length is 18.75 “ front and 19.25” back (first picture) BUT it has internal drawstring pulls that makes the skirt shorter! (Second picture is cranked up). Third pic one of each! The shorts underneath are 7.5” with 2 large pockets- plus two smaller ones in the front waistband. ALSO the waistband has a continuous drawstring and for someone like me being blessed in the thigh and booty department I need that! 4th picture shows the back that had a cute slit/ but not too short at all. As someone who is a big sweaty mess after I run- the fifth picture shows slight discoloration from sweat- however it was only at the small of my back and nowhere else :) Note I am a skirt sports ambassador however I paid for this skirt on my own and all opinions are my own. #Ambassador #SkirtSportsAmbassador @skirtsports #skirtsports #allabouttheskirt #converttoskirt #realwomenmove #neverwear #sorceressskirt #amethyst #wokeuprunning
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Every BODY can run.... I recently saw this running "stat" picture and it had 3 body types running "big, littler, littlest" I can't tell you how much hate I have for this but I'll try! Subliminally telling you "if you run you will look like this and be 'perfect' and happy and wear skimpy little clothes..." 😡 please tell me what is wrong with the first and second picture?! Why should women want to run to achieve this, why can't we love the way we look and enjoy running for the love of running ?! I'm happily running in my sports bra and I look NOTHING like the last picture. I see it saying "big girls cover up, as you lose weight lose clothes?!" I mean seriously! Support women in ALL body shapes and ALL size! I'm proof big girls can run, and CAN have confidence doing it. Suck it Nike. I love listening to Kelly Roberts podcast Run, Selfie, Repeat, what I love is her honesty, openness and truth! Like her I have strong feelings (as you can see) about running and body shaming and straight up bullshit. I hate that these companies continue to try and paint the perfect picture of an athlete or runner.... bi+ch please! Why couldn't the first girl be running in the same clothes as the last? Why do I have to change?! Would I like to lose weight, yes.... however I don't solely to lose weight, I run because I love it. I love the freeing feeling I get whether it is a good run or a not so good run. So ladies remember love who you are, wherever you are in your journey. Find other women who are also there for you and won't tear you down, but build you up! I think this also is coming from a personal comment I got this weekend. I don't really want to get too deep into it, but it hurt and it stuck in my head for too long. I felt myself sinking and second guessing myself, I felt my old self trying to sneak in the crack and defeat me. I had an amazing run that day but my brain was not on the same wave length. I was in and out of tears at points and my head was spinning with evil remarks. I wanted my head to clear out but all it did was mush up. My journey started because of my father in laws sudden too soon passing.... don't tell me "Some times friends and family times out do work outs 😘 relax and enjoy life as you don't know what tomorrow will bring!" I commented really nicely back but what I wanted to say was "bi+ch please we lost Ken at 61, I'm not burying my husband that young!" I'm sure hormones have something to do with it, scratch that I know hormones had a lot to do with it lol, but honestly don't try to rain on my parade. Regardless I put it all in the past and I'm gonna keep doing me. So tell me what have you overcome, a silly ad that rubbed you the wrong way? naysayers getting in your way? or your own self thinking? Hydration-how do you rehydrate after a killer workout, or during a killer workout?! I have tried many things (sports drinks, tablets, powders etc) some are WAY to sugary for me, some are too fizzy for me and some are just right.... haha a little "goldie locks and the 3 bears" for ya! I reached out to Skratch Labs after finding them at a local running shop. Like I said I had tried other tablet type water hydration things and they taste great however they add a little fizz to my water and while running that makes me burp and not the most pleasant, I do like them as a recovery drink though. Anyway back to skratch labs! I was so excited when Skratch Labs agreed to send me their 20 pack of assortment flavors 4 each of lemons + limes, orange, raspberry, pineapple, and matcha green tea + lemons (does contain caffeine). Here is a little info I took from the website for you: This is a sports drink containing simple sugars, electrolytes, and only real fruit for flavor. We originally developed it for professional athletes who were dissatisfied with the sports drinks available to them. To quell their complaints we started tinkering in our kitchen and in the field, making our own drink mix from scratch without any coloring agents, artificial sweeteners, synthetic flavoring agents, or other excess chemicals. The result is light tasting no-nonsense sports drink, that you can drink anytime you're sweating. + non-GMO + gluten free + dairy free + vegan + kosher + delicious All flavors vary between 80-90 calories per packet. What I also love is I can read all the ingredients! I tried all 5 flavors before I decided to write my review.... my order of favorites Lemons + limes, Raspberry, Pineapple, Oranges, matcha green tea + lemons. Lemons + limes is my ALL time favorite it is sooooo refreshing and has such a great taste! The next 3 are pretty much an even tie for second place lol. I have noticed that I like it better when the water is cold/out of the fridge and not room temp. I'm not a fan of the matcha green tea, I don't like green tea to begin with but I went into it with an open mind.... but it's just not for me. Anyway if you are looking for a GREAT hydration mix I HIGHLY suggest Skratch Labs! As you see in the title this is one of "those" posts... the real side of running, but we will get to that in a little bit first a little catch up. Saturday -- My day started amazing when I got up to use the bathroom and saw a beautiful sunrise. I mean how can you have a bad day when you get to see that?! Here I am with the kids after we climbed the big tower and an adorable picture of my husband and kiddos. We hiked almost 6 miles and the kids did so amazing the whole time! Sunday- We headed to church and after lunch we decided to head out again! We went to a different park and this one was still a little muddy but we still had fun and were able to bust out 3 miles! Monday -- Spring break is over and the kids are off to school after 10 stay home days YAY! lol this mama was ready to have our routine back. I was able to have a great run even though my legs and heel were a little sore. Then I get this amazing message from a random person on Instagram...... "Hey! Can I just say how much I love your page?! I recently came across it and you've really motivated me to start running again. When I first started my Instagram I only did it to help motivate myself and I found people like you by going through the hashtags and tried to connect with as many as I could. I know this may seem random but I just wanted to say thanks!" This... THIS is why I post on my Facebook and Instagram every day. My journey started because of our sudden loss, but if ONE person can see just one post and know that ANYONE can be a runner or make one change my day is made. Yes I do it for me, but I do it to motivate others too. Tuesday-- speech day, Maycee has speech so that means no running in the morning. I decided to switch it up and do a workout instead since the weather was nice and I knew we could walk to pick up Aryssa from school. The workout felt great and it was nice to use some weights. Wednesday-- My legs and chest were sore from my workout and I stupidly put on a cotton tank top... 2 miles into my run and it felt heavy and in the way- so I did what any sane person would do... I took it off lol. Mile 3 and 4 felt way better ! I even upped the speed to 6mph for a while and I felt strong :) I'm going to put myself out there a bit and share my picture here too. Why?! because yes I was in my basement in a sports bra and no-one can see me, but for me someone with self confidence issues (that are being worked on every day!) it's a big deal. And let me tell you I tagged Kelly Roberts from Run, Selfie, Repeat on my Instagram post and she commented and liked the picture! THAT MADE MY DAY! If you have never checked out Run, Selfie, Repeat I HIGHLY recommend her podcasts! So that brings us to today Thursday-- today is where the title comes from. Some days your body doesn't cooperate BUT it is what you do with those days that make or break you. Let that sink in a bit and I'll tell you about my run. Despite the sore legs Wednesday I had a great run today's run was as equally crappy. My legs were not only sore but SUPER heavy. My muscles were so tight and I couldn't hit a stride. I felt like I was limping/running BUT I didn't quit! I walked some to stretch the muscles and warm them up. When it felt ok I ran, however it didn't last long. My stride just wasn't right and I didn't want to hurt myself so I walked again. Back and forth I went and made it to 3.5 miles. I didn't quit and I didn't give up! That's huge and what I strive to always do.... no matter what I will push through change things up and try again. I look forward to what tomorrow brings because I don't know, it might be another day like today or my legs might finally catch up with my mind and let me reach that runners high that I crave. I think that is what is frustrating with "bad" runs it's the "blue balls" of life I feel haha at least my interpretation of it lol. I will never sugar coat a run, if it is a bad run that's what I'll call it. I celebrate the good and the bad, I celebrate the fact that I still did something, I am still pushing myself to better my health. I will not let a bad run stop me..... in the past that's what would happen. I would shut down and give up because being lazy is way easier than failing. How you choose to over come these obstacles make all the difference. I will not give up, I will not give in. I'll link my Instagram page so if you want you can follow my journey there too :) Happy running! I feel like I have been ignoring you all. Sorry folks! Mom life is a tough one sometimes and having 3 kiddos keeps me busy, and most days my rest time is spent on my DVR and not writing like I probably need more days than not. But back it. As you see the title - colds suck! I caught a cold from my amazing children I'm sure and man did it knock me down! I woke up Saturday already feeling off and I knew something was brewing in my body. I didn't run or anything saturday but still had a great step day from running errands with the family. Sunday I woke up and felt horrible. my head was so heavy and felt huge! I could make it 10 min before I had to blow my nose or sneeze again.... Still made it to church and a wedding shower, but only barely. Monday morning comes along and I was down and out!!! I took a shower put comfy clothes and my glasses back on. I headed to the store with the kiddos to get supplies for homemade chicken noodle soup and then rested the rest of the day. Somehow I managed to get 6,000 steps and I have no idea how- probably when I let the kids walk every toy isle at Target!!! This morning I woke up feeling a little better. I know that sweating is good for a cold so I made a promise to myself last night that I would at least walk on the treadmill today to get a good sweat going and just move! When I got started I felt good, my nose was slightly clearing so I could still breath! I decided to run a little and that felt great! When my chest started to hurt or feel heavy I slowed it down to a walk. I continued flipping back and forth between walking (at 3.5 mph) and running (at 5.5mph) for 3.75 miles!!! My goal was to only do 2 miles, but the way I was feeling I just kept going!!!! Did I break any speed records hahahahaha no, but getting out there and just moving and sweating was just what I needed! It is actually supposed to make it to 50 degrees in Wisconsin today so I'm planning on taking the kids outside later but until then I'm going to reheat some leftover soup and catch up on some DVR'd shows :) Happy running!!!! Do you have any tips for when you are sick?! Any easy treadmill workouts that get the heart rate up but don't totally exhaust? Oh my I have been missing! I'm sorry peeps! Here is a little glimpse as why I was missing.... My 5 year old son had a buckle fracture in his wrist. His cousins and siblings were all playing with an exercise ball and "bounce, bounce butt" as my 3 year old called the game didn't end well for him! So 2 days at drs offices and switching around schedules it is now all worked out. Hopefully after 2 weeks it can be removed and then a soft brace for a little while. Add on top of that it was my witch week (read period) and that always messes up my runs. My endurance is always slacking and my ambition is low. I did my best, but the week definitely beat me. This was the image I shared on Friday after a frustrating run. I was already in a crabby mood and I really wanted a great run to fix my mood... it didn't work. It practically made it worse since I was already having a bad mood day and top it off with a bad run it just sucked. So I took the weekend off. We went to my nephews wrestling tournament -where he took 2nd place!- and just had family time. I have learned to respect and know that I earned a rest day. For someone who still has doubts about their running capabilities it's a hard thing to accept. I don't want to fall into bad lazy habits again and knowing myself it would be easy to do. I also hit 30 lbs weight loss and that's scary. Yes I said it SCARY! 30 lbs is a big deal I have worked so hard-- but have done it the healthy way that rest days for me scream "lazy" and "fat" and "undedicated"... so many of those negative thoughts creep in. I know hormones play a big part in that too but to a "fat" girl working on herself it's hard. BUT today is a new day, a new week..... and I kicked Monday's BUTT! I ran a great 5 miles this morning! I got my workout clothes on before taking the kids to school so that I wouldn't waste any time after dropping them off. I set the speed to 5.5 covered the treadmill display, turned on The Mindy Project and just ran! It felt good, no great! I was able to keep up to the pace and breath through it. I did stop once and a while but always after running over a mile and most of the time it isn't necessarily that I need to stop it's my mind telling me it's hard.... again the "fat" girl talking. Your mind can be a terrible thing some days and for me it is still one of the hardest things to beat. BUT I still had a great run these 5 miles were needed for a confidence boost and that is exactly what it did! To celebrate I put on a new shirt.... serisouly I LOVE cheesy shirts and when I saw this one at target I HAD to have it!!! I only wish I would have gotten a smaller size- I have the bottom pulled tight and tucked into my belt so it would be a little more fitted looking. So without further ado...... I mean come on how awesome is that!?!?!?! It says Stay Golden and pictures of all the Golden Girls. Cheesy shirts just make my heart happy :) So that is a little update on life lately. I promise to be around more often --- but the next two weeks are crazy busy with parent teacher conferences and dance recitals! A moms job is never done I tell ya! So get out there and kick negative thoughts out of your head and just RUN :) Check that out! That's me after another successful run outside! If you have read some of my previous posts I am a treadmill lover and terrified outside runner. But Saturday my cousin and I ran outside and I didn't totally suck! I managed to run the first mile, walked .25 then ran .75 etc for a total of 4 miles :) She renewed my love for running outside- ok so maybe she found my love for running outside. It has been unseasonably warm in Wisconsin the past 2 days so I couldn't pass up the opportunity to run outside again... are you shocked?!? I sure was when my mind starting thinking on Tuesday "if the kids play in the driveway I can run our cul-da-sac and get some time in" so that's what we did! I ran and ran and ran in circles for 4 miles! Of course I had to stop and help the kids and tell them to stop digging in the mud, but still I did it. And when I mapped it out with my fitbit my "lap" was a little under a tenth of a mile so I ran that over 40 times! So today was another gorgeous day.....BUT our oldest woke up with a fever and bad cough. I didn't want her coming downstairs so I could use the treadmill and honestly the thought of using the treadmill when it was 60 degrees outside made me feel sick! And I didn't want her going outside so I could do laps, or leave her by herself in the house. So I emailed my husband a bribe "if I have supper cooking in the crock pot and you don't have to do anything can I go for a quick run when you get home from work?!" Of course he is amazing and said "absolutely !!" He came home and practically pushed me out the door! I had my Happy Girl Skirt Sports skirt on and Spi belt and I was ready to go! And go I did, but a little too eager I think. My first mile was a quick one 11:32 min mile, and for me outside that is quick. I was too out of breath and it didn't feel good. So I walked a little after that mile- just enough to catch my breath and regain my confidence. Then I started up again, this time listening to my body and breathing and just running. I would slow up a little when it started feeling tough and speed up when it was too easy. Running this way I was able to complete 2 FULL miles-- no walking, no breaks, no heavy breathing. Were they super fast - Not at all a 12:14 and 12:42 min mile but I'll take it! Sure they are 12 min miles but they are also full miles running OUTSIDE and that's something to be proud of! Of course in true Wisconsin fashion winter isn't over yet and we are expecting snow on Friday and a high of 30F Saturday, just when I'm getting in the groove! But I'll head down to my treadmill until the weather turns to more spring like temps again and dream of great outside runs. You might see those numbers and think it's slow but it's ME and I am damn proud of it! Oh and this Happy Girl Skirt was AMAZING on it's first outdoor run! Stayed perfectly in place and SO comfortable! make sure to click the logo and use code 1NEWLOVE20 for 20% off your order! I have 2 new skirts coming in the mail this week and can't wait to test them out!! ** links included may be affiliate links- all opinions are my own.
Today... today's run was "needed". And I'm not talking about "I have to get miles in", I'm talking about "I need a confidence boost.... I need to know I can still do this". It sounds silly I know, but lately my runs have been frustrating, I literally said "what the hell amy?!" A few times. I would have to stop after a mile and then pause and jump off every so often. So today I again brought it back to basics, I covered my screen, I didn't look at my Fitbit, I started a show, hit 5.5 and ran. And boy did it feel amazing!!!! I ran my whole show- no stopping, no pausing, no wavering!!!! A straight 25:47, 2.36 miles, why did I stop? My show was done and I needed that instant gratification that I did it, and Maycee needed a snack and then I started again. Another episode, another 24 ish min.... this time I had to pause a couple times for a short second, but I felt strong and I beat that 4.5 miles! Running is such a funny sport, especially for me since I am a big treadmill runner. Lately I was trying to go fast, and honestly it was probably too fast. I was at 6 mph for a while and was able to run a straight mile and then stop the treadmill and breath, then the next miles I would do would be ok. I would have to stop or jump off for a minute before continuing. I even ran at 6.3 and 6.5 for a little while. BUT like I said it didn't feel right. I even PR'd last week and was pissed about it, my husband came home at lunch and always asks about my run. I remember telling him " I pr'd today and it sucks!'. Yeah I was making great time but I was also stopping sometimes as often as each lap. To me that wasn't progress or success.... not for what I want to be. I want to be a strong runner, a distance runner that takes pride in most of her runs. Because lets be honest there are still going to be bad days and bad runs. I want to gain confidence in my runs and for my future outside runs. My cousin messaged me this week and asked if I wanted to run outside. In Wisconsin we will be having crazy "warm" weather- I'm talking 50's !! So I am going to be a big girl and run outside with her. She is amazing and is willing to put up with my up and down strengths and weaknesses with outside running. My goals are to love outside running - and I believe that means slowing down on the treadmill and gaining confidence. However hard that will be for a numbers person like me.... looking back and seeing a PR of 9:50 min mile 2 weeks ago and today I ran a 10:55 min mile. BUT even though I am seeing a 1 min difference, what you can't see is the pride I have in that extra minute, that pride of a strong confident run. The runners high was on point today (speaking of runners high, I have some ideas floating around my head for a new tattoo). I'm hoping and praying that tomorrows run will be just as amazing and that Saturday when I run outside I will run with the confidence and pride I had today. And if it isn't a great run I will continue to work on my weaknesses and learn from them. Running is therapeutic and I need to get back to that feeling. Anyway- on that note do any of you have running tattoos?! If you've seen any of my pics you will see I already have a full sleeve but nothing about running. I have ideas floating around and would love insight! Hey everyone!!! Todays post will be my honest opinions on the Gym Girl skirt sports skirt and the Happy Girl skirt sports skirt. Both I bought from our ambassador resale page so both were "new to me" but not brand new. Ok so here goes!!!! Picture on the left is the Gym Girl, on the right Happy Girl First impressions- love them both! The Gym Girl is 13.5 inches in the front 14.5 inches in the back and built in shorties with a 5 inch inseam. Happy girl is 16.5 inches in the front, 17.5 inches in the back and built in shorties with a 7 inch inseam. Both skirts cover my bigger back side and don't overly accentuate it. Although looking at these pics the Happy Girl doesn't have the slits on the side like the Gym Girl so Happy Girl molds my body better. Side view - Gym Girl has open slits on the side that would be amazing for in the gym, hence the name lol. The Happy Girl is just as comfortable without the slits, it has just as much range of motion, but the Gym Girl would probably be easier when doing squats . Now for the break down- I ran on the treadmill with each of these skirts on separate days.
Gym Girl Skirt-- Fits super comfortable just about the waist, not too tight- not too loose (didn't squeeze the muffin top or anything). 5 inch shorties are made from comfortable compressive mesh fabric that keeps them in place but do not squeeze too tight. There are 2 pockets on each side of the shorts and a sonic music port for easy access for wired headphones. My iPhone 7 plus easily fits in the pocket ( I did not run with it in the pocket, but it fit snug that I don't see it moving around at all). While running I did notice the shorties moved a little bit, I don't know if the 5 inch inseam is just a little too short for my bigger legs or when I put them on initially I pulled/stretched them too far down to begin with and they were just trying to find their sweet spot. When I say they moved it was only slightly and not uncomfortable at all, but I did notice it and stopped a couple times to adjust. My thighs are one of my trouble areas and have always been bigger, which is why I usually have trouble with any kid of workout shorts. I will still wear the gym girl when I run and I think they would be perfect for hiking trails in the summer as a family! Happy Girl Skirt-- Fits SO comfortable! Again it sat at the waist and doesn't squeeze any of the goods or bad points. The 7 inch inseam shorties are also made from the same compressive mesh fabric that keeps the shorts in place. There are 3 pockets, 2 on the sides of the shorts and one zippered pocket on the outside back of the skirt, Happy Girl also has the sonic music port for headphone cords. Again my iPhone 7 plus easily fits without the fear of bouncing or falling out. While running this skirt was AMAZING! The shorties hit my legs at the perfect spot and didn't move a cm - scratch that a mm! Like I said I have bigger thighs and I think that the 7 inch inseam sit at a better point than the 5 inch ones on me. They were so comfortable and I didn't even notice I was wearing them under the skirt. The skirt has a flow to it, but doesn't get in the way at all! I had an amazing run and just kept thinking "wow this skirt is great", seriously it was that amazing! It helped me rock 5 miles this morning and my mind was just blown how great it was. Also a bonus point with BOTH skirts, even though I was super sweaty neither showed sweat marks and neither felt weighed down from the sweat (and believe me I sweat A LOT). So overall I love the Gym Girl, but I LOVE the Happy Girl. So with that when I go to buy more I would for sure pick the Happy Girl first and then the Gym Girl. I have not had the opportunity to try any others yet but I am in love with these 2 so far! ---- edited to add I am about 5'6 - 5'7 and between a 14 and 16 in pants- I can fit into 14's but wouldn't wear them in public yet. Making my way down :) I hope this helps anyone that is debating between these two. Make sure you click the Skirt Sports logo at the top of my page and use the code 1NEWLOVE20 for 20% off! *Logo is connected to an affiliate link-- ALL opinions truthful and are my own. So if you are like me and notice everything you will see the Skirt Sports logo everywhere on my blog. That's because I am an ambassador for them! If you look back a couple posts you can see more info about. Stay to the end of this post for a 20% off code AND just simple click any of the logos to be taken directly to their site (*link is an affiliate link). I just got my first skirt in the mail- here is where I get honest with you, the first time I was on the website I was a little taken back on the prices. Some are $60 and up, BUT they are amazing quality and fit so well! Anyway I was on our private skirt sports resell page and saw a beauty that I couldn't pass up. It was the Gym Girl style, here is a little more info about it! ~~Our #1 best-selling skirt has been making women’s thighs smile since 2005! There is a reason that this skirt is consistently considered the best running skirt on the market. The 14″ lightweight skirt has two side slits for motion control and a sonic music port for easy headphone access. But the real power is in what’s under the skirt. The 5″ shorties hit your thighs at the perfect sweet spot so they stay put providing a chafe-free running experience you can’t find anywhere else! My skirt came today and I couldn't wait to try it on... so that's what I immediately did! Take a look! I mean cute right!!! If you notice the last picture I put my arm down to show length. If you remember the "finger tip test" from school this makes the cut lol. It is the perfect length and the shorts underneath (you can see they are about an inch -2 inches shorter than the skirt in the second picture) seem to hit me perfect so there shouldn't be an issue with "chub rub" or maybe the politically correct term thigh chafing. I can't wait to test the, out tomorrow on the treadmill- because yes I live in Wisconsin and yes it's still wayyyyy cold outside- but a high of 35 degrees F today! I LOVE that even with my big booty the skirt still lays perfectly and isn't angled crazy in the back. I have the Happy Girl skirt coming this week also and can't wait to show it off too! Remember click any of the logos and you will be taken to Skirt Sports website and can get your own (some are on sale right now!!!) and us 1NEWLOVE20 for 20% off!
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