Reebok Fall 2013 Gear - CrossFit

 

I was lucky enough to attend the Reebok Women's Fitness and Lifestyle Event where I was not only able to learn about their upcoming gear for the Fall/Winter 2013 season, but I was able to actually work out in it as well!  After our warm welcome, I was placed in a group that included magazine writers from all over Europe including the UK, Poland, and Greece.  We put on our first outfit, jumped in the shuttle, and headed to the Reebok Fithub.  Our first activity was CrossFit!

 

Photo from Reebok.

Directly below the Reebok store on 5th Avenue, there is a CrossFit box (which I guess is the CrossFit term for "gym").  While the space and people were inviting, I was really intimidated to try CrossFit for the first time because I've always imagined it being really intense.  Once I learned a little more about CrossFit, I was less nervous and more excited.  Did you know that CrossFit is made up of 65% women?  And that it's more a competition with yourself than with others?  While everyone works at different levels depending on their abilities, they all motivate and encourage each other.  CrossFit is very much a friendly and fun community!

 

Photo from Reebok.

We were shown three different exercises - kettlebell swings, burpees, and 24-inch box jumps by CrossFit athletes/Reebok ambassadors, Christmas Abbott and Annie Sakamoto. After practicing, we got in groups of three and rotated through these.  My group mates didn't quite understand the concept of starting a count where the previous person left off (language barriers!), but we had a great time anyway!  I don't think we were exercising for more than ten minutes, but I was as winded as if I'd just been on a run.  CrossFit definitely gets your heart rate up!

 

While I enjoyed our hour at the Reebok Fithub, I don't know if CrossFit is for me.  I'm extremely impressed with the CrossFit women, but I just don't think their muscle would look good on my body type.  Not to mention the fact that I think I zone out way to much on my runs to work out with others.  No judgment - personally, it's just not for me.  But rock on, CrossFit-goers.  You amaze me! 

 

Do you do CrossFit?  What are your thoughts on this fairly new fitness experience?  Let me know in the comments below!

 

Stay fit and fabulous,

 

A

 

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Reebok Women's Fitness and Lifestyle Event 2013

 

A little while ago, Reebok chose me to attend their 2013 Women's Fitness and Lifestyle event in NYC.  I thought it was a two-day blogger event to learn more about their upcoming collection, but it was way more than that...

 

 

I arrived at Location 05 where the event took place bright and early.  An amazing breakfast spread awaited me - always a nice way to start the day!  While eating, I started chatting with fellow blogger Meredith @ Dare You To....  I thought it was a blogger event, but surprisingly there were only a handful of us.  The majority of those in attendance were writers from magazines published around the world.  I felt special!

 

After breakfast, we were divided into groups and given bags of the new Fall 2013 Reebok gear.  Yes, bags.  I was given a duffel containing five outfits and another duffel filled with shoes.  Every girls dream, right?!

 

 

Matt O'Toole, Reebok's Chief Marketing Officer, welcomed us and talked with us briefly about Reebok's new #LIVEWITHFIRE Campaign.  In addition, Matt spoke to us about the "fit generation".  When I say he "spoke to us", I mean it was as if he was speaking directly to me.  I AM the fit generation.  The "fit generation" includes women around the age of 25 who work out 4 or more times a week.  Reebok's research shows that these women are usually participating in 3 or more different kinds of activities each week as well.  For example, I run, indoor cycle, and strength train multiple times a week.  Reebok's study also concluded that this woman has three lives - a family life, her career, and her fitness life. #storyofmylife  Lastly, Matt shared another new term with us - "well-thy".  It's a word that is all about finding happiness in new and different experiences.  "Well-thy" is the new wealthy!  Would a "well-thy" person be someone that has a bucket list with almost 200 items, Matt?!  I think so...

 

As you can tell the Reebok Women's Fitness and Lifestyle event was right up my alley!  Throughout the two-day event, we were not only able to learn about the new Fall 2013 gear, but we also got to workout in it while participating in several activities such as Crossfit, yoga, dance, walking, and running.  I will share my thoughts on these activities and the clothes I got to wear over the next five days, so keep a lookout for those posts.  Check back tomorrow for my recap on my first Crossfit experience!

 

Stay fit and fabulous,

 

A

 

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We are Spartans!

I recently took on the challenge of becoming a Spartan by participating in the Tri-State Spartan Sprint with my friend, Penn.  (To learn more about the Spartan Race series, check out this blog post.)  I've done two obstacle course races in the past, but nothing that compares to the Spartan races. 

Ready to run in my Spartan clothes thanks to Reebok!  You can purchase the official Reebok Spartan gear at the races.

I planned to arrive two hours before my start time in case there was traffic or any issues getting my race packet.  Surprisingly, there were no issues at all.  I was very impressed with the volunteers and how the race was set up.  Everything flowed really well.

 

One thing that did stand out to me was that bag check had a fee.  It was only $5, but I've never had to pay to check a bag before during a race.  Have you?  After dropping off my bag, we walked around the grounds.  The race took place on a ski slope, so the trail went up and down the mountain multiple times.  Because of this, there were many points where spectators could easily watch the participants complete different challenges.  Watching others made me really excited for our turn!

 

 

At 1:45pm, Penn and I were off!  Everyone started off running, but that didn't last long.  As the course was on a ski slope, there were some parts of the trail that were extremely steep.  (I would add the mountain as an extra obstacle to this particular Spartan Sprint course.)  As we ran the four miles, we encountered many obstacles including monkey bars, ropes, climbing walls, tires, barbed wire, and more.  The obstacles surprised me.  The ones I thought would be tough (such as the rope climb and the tests of strength) were fairly easy to me, but the spear throw and the monkey bars were difficult. 

 

I used my rock climbing skills on the Traverse Wall Challenge.

If you couldn't finish a challenge, then you had to complete 30 burpees.  Plus, I learned from my Crossfit session with Reebok that real burpees mean chest to floor.  Killer.  Thirty burpees were more exhausting than the actual obstacles, but I did them and went on my way.

 

The end of the course was my favorite part.  First, we got to jump across fire...

 

 

Lastly, as we made our way across the finish line, we were attacked by Spartans...

 

 

After grabbing a banana and lots of ZICO chocolate coconut water (which was surprisingly amazing!), we took some photos and signed our name to the Wall of Valor before grabbing our complimentary beers.

 

A big THANK YOU to Reebok and FitFluential for an amazing day!

I really enjoyed my first Spartan race!  One good thing about this race series is that there are multiple levels of races.  Since I've completed the Spartan Sprint I can try my luck at the Super Spartan in a few months and so on.  If one does choose to complete in multiple Spartan races, his or her race results are all logged on the Spartan race website.  It's a really neat idea!  Second, while bag check was $5, race photos are FREE!  This is the first race I've done that's included free photos.  As a social media addict, that's right up my alley.  After working on my burpees and spear throwing, I plan to do another Spartan race soon!  Who's with me?

 

Stay fit and fabulous,

 

A

 

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Disclaimer:  I was given free race entry and clothes from Reebok in exchange for a post on the Spartan Race series.  As usual, all opinions are my own.

The Return of Myspace

Earlier this week, Myspace was re-launched.  While it used to be huge back in the day, it quickly became overshadowed by other social media sites such as Facebook and Twitter.  I never had a Myspace page when I was younger, but I definitely remember creeping on people that had accounts back in the day.  #letsbehonest

 

I was surprised a few years ago when I heard my love, Justin Timberlake, bought Myspace for around $35 million.  Maybe he was crazy feeling inspired after filming The Social Network?  But, if anyone can turn it into gold, it's JT...

 

So far, I haven't really heard much buzz about the new Myspace.  One fact I did think was interesting though is that you can log into Myspace via your Facebook account.  I thought they were competitors?!  In addition, from the looks of the Myspace homepage, it seems as though many celebrities have already jumped on board.  What are your thoughts?  If you're a blogger, do you think you'll join the site as another way to interact with readers?  Personally, I think I'm already spread pretty thin with Facebook, Twitter, Instagram, DailyMile, etc.  It will be interesting to see how the new and improved Myspace does though.  For Justin's sake, I hope it's a hit.

 

Stay fit and fabulous,

 

A

 

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Have You Ever...?

Photo from here.

Have you ever needed to re-evaluate your life?  I don't mean in a negative, "my life sucks"- kind of way.  Sometimes we get just sidetracked from our goals and what makes us truly happy in life.  It can range from big things (such as staying in a horrible job or relationship) to smaller things (such as falling into a boring daily routine). 

 

I feel as though I've derailed from the tracks recently.  I'm thankful that I've had the opportunity to do some really fun and amazing things in the last few months, but I also feel as though I'm spread too thin.  For example, I realized the other day that I rarely read anymore when I used to go through books like it was my job.  And let's not even start on my lack of blogging!  These used to be hobbies I enjoyed doing to relax, but now they feel like work - things I have to schedule into my life. 

The last week or so, I've taken the time to re-evaluate my life - from what I want down the line career-wise to relationships with people in my life to how I spend my free time.  While everyone will go through a different process to get back on track, these are some things I've come up with that will bring me peace of mind:

Photo from here.

 

Less Electronics
This is a tough one for me especially as a blogger.  I enjoy being involved on multiple social media sites and connecting with people, and I use my phone to do this.  Unfortunately, I'm starting to hate the sound of my phone vibrating.  Being in constant contact with everyone is just too much (especially group chats - sorry Margaret and Katie!).  I've decided to throw some iPhone breaks into my day - working hours and the hour before bed will be my new "iPhone Free Time". #sorryimnotsorry
 

More of the Outdoors
My friend made a comment last weekend about how surprised she is by the fact that I genuinely appreciate nature and the beauty that surrounds us.  Her comment made me think about how much I really do enjoy being outdoors.  Recently, I've tried to be outside as much as possible whether it be at the park or along the water - I can't get enough of it.  I don't know if it's because I survived my first New England winter this year, but spring up here really makes me happy.  Soaking up the sun and my natural surroundings is my way of recharging my batteries.  I plan to take full advantage of the nice weather!
 

Be a Better Blogger
My blog has seriously gotten the shaft in the last few months.  I used to blog 5-6 times a week, and now I'm barely pumping out a post a week.  This has to change!  While it does take more work than people might think, I really do love it.  I've been blessed with so many amazing opportunities and I've met so many wonderful people all because I started a Blogger account one day.  With my two year blogversary approaching at the end of the month, I promise to be a better blogger.



Photo from here.

 

Stay Organized
I've realized my room is a direct reflection of my life.  If my life is crazy then my room is most likely a disaster.  (My slight hoarding tendencies don't help this fact.)  Thankfully, with my move date approaching, I'm getting organized! An organized life means a tidy room, and a tidy room means a less stressful life...
 

Keep Calm and Enjoy Life
I need to remember to take life seriously, but to not take life too seriously at the same time.  I need to keep my long term goals in mind but not stress about the present if life isn't going as planned.  Eventually, I'll get to where I want to be.  Plus, to be honest, this journey is way too much fun at this time!  My dad always did a good job of reminding me that life is good for me currently and that the small things I stress over are really not a big deal - and if that advice didn't calm me then he'd tell me to go buy myself a chocolate milkshake.  He was basically a genius...

I've found my week of re-evaluating my life really helpful, and I plan to do it more often.  What activities have made getting back on track toward your goals and happiness easier for you?  Let me know in the comments below!

Stay fit and fabulous,

 

A

 

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Spartan Race Training Recap - 6/2

I'm off to Tuxedo, NY to hopefully dominate the Spartan Sprint!  I'm really looking forward to completing my first timed obstacle race.  I'll let you know how it goes.  Until then, here is this week's workout recap:

Monday - ran 6.78 miles in 70 minutes

Tuesday - rest

Wednesday - AM SoulCycle with Chanelle

Thursday - 3.08 miles in 26 minutes

Friday - AM SoulCycle with Erin + 3.12 mile run in 32 minutes

Saturday - ran 4.3 miles in 42 minutes

Sunday - TRI-STATE SPARTAN SPRINT

Stay fit and fabulous,

A

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Girl Crush: Mila Kunis

This girl needs to be my new BFF!  I seriously love her.  Not only does she seem like she can hang with the guys:

...but she seems to be a real "girl's girl" as well.

Mila with pal, Emma Stone (another of my girl crushes)
Photo from here.

And let's not forget how she attended the Marine Corps Ball with Sgt. Scott Moore after he asked her to be his date via a YouTube video.  Chill + fun + good heart + down for anything = my kind of friend!

When I was younger, I was obsessed with That 70's Show.  I've probably seen every episode.  While Mila's character, Jackie, was annoying, it was just so hard to hate her.  Jackie had charisma, and I think Mila brought that to the character.  I mean, just to get the role as Jackie, 14 year old Mila had to fib and say she was 18.  Technically, she said she was going to be 18 on her birthday...she just didn't specify which birthday that was.  How can you not adore her?

 

Her next big project that I loved was Forgetting Sarah Marshall.  I have a feeling that playing the laid-back, fun-loving character of Rachel wasn't to difficult for Miss Kunis.  She rocked the role and seemed to win the hearts of guys everywhere. 

Her next big project was Black Swan.  While it creeped me out, I'm glad it gave Mila the recognition she deserves.  She proved she can take on darker roles just as well as the light-hearted comedic parts.  It also allowed Mila to grace us with her stylish presence at the big award show red carpets:

Photo from here.

Photo from here.

My favorite role of hers would have to be Jamie in Friends with Benefits because it is so me - the emotionally damaged hopeless romantic waiting for her emotionally unavailable prince charming (with Justin Timberlake's looks and sense of humor, of course) to sweep me off my feet.  Plus, her chemistry with Justin in the movie is fantastic (why didn't they ever date?!).  I could watch this movie on repeat for days and still think it's hilarious...

In. Love.
Photo from here.

I haven't heard any news on her upcoming projects, but she has a few films coming out in 2013.  As usual I will be keeping an eye out for them.  What do you think of Mila?  What's your favorite role of hers?  Let me know in the comments below!

Stay fit and fabulous,

 

A

 

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