25 mph WNW Winds….Increasingly Windy

Posted on April 9, 2012 by tootallfritz

As I was headed home from work today, I could feel my car being blown all over the expressway. When I got home I ~~grabbed a handful of Easter candy~~ checked the weather as I was putting on my bike clothes to go for a ride. I was planning to ride a loop on my country roads, technically the plan was to loop it 3x for 25 miles but the biggest issue was getting ~~my ass~~ out the door. I didn’t want to go; I’d rather be running, right? Absolutely! But even a run in this crazy wind would have been a challenge out here. Since I’m in the middle of nowhere, the 25 WNW winds are even more daunting because we don’t have anything to block or break it. I should REALLY just stay in the house and ~~eat more candy~~ do laundry. But alas, if it were race day, I’d be out there no matter what so I motivated myself to try just one loop.

I know, I’m too sexy, right? All decked out in my $5 add-on arm warmers from Running Warehouse with my cool Team Tough Chik TRI Tank! Sorry, those are the only arm warmers I have at the moment but rumor is that Team Tough Chik is going to do matching arm warmers when they reopen registration in May. Make sure you get on their mailing list HERE to be notified when registration opens.

Anyhow, out the door I went and it was rough! Thank goodness I ate ~~a shitload~~ some Easter candy or I’m quite certain the wind would have actually lifted my bike and tossed me a few times. Thank goodness there were not many cars cruising our country roads or I probably would have been hit. I don’t ride straight ~~when I’m sober~~ on a normal basis and well when the wind is pushing me at 25+ mph from the side, it’s impossible to ride straight, or shift. Aero is absolutely out of the question and I’m pretty sure that’s when I’m supposed to be riding aero ………… on these windy days. Yes? No? Who really knows, all I know is that I was holding on for dear life, begging to be safely delivered back to my drive before the wind picked me up and blew me on my way. And I say 25 mph, my ass. No flippin’ way those winds are only 25 mph….maybe 50, maybe more. Enough to scare me into only doing one loop. So I rode my bike an entire 8.6 miles tonight and it was a tough 8.6 miles. Something is better than nothing, right? I’m just happy to be back in the house!

Stay Safe, Amanda – TooTallFritz

Deal Days….

Posted on April 2, 2012 by tootallfritz

I think it’s safe to assume that everyone loves a good deal. I recently snagged some good ones and wanted share with you savvy shoppers. Please note that if you purchase anything that I like, I don’t get compensated, I just tell you about them so that you can be as informed as possible when you are shopping around.

First, due to my schedule with the kids, work and ~~running~~ life, I don’t have a lot of time to shop. So I rely heavily on the net for most of my shopping. If I stumble onto a deal at a store, it’s mostly likely because I had to stop in for something for one of the kids. I got lucky on Friday when I had to hit Old Navy for Michael. I have tried several of the Old Navy active wear pieces and really like them for running and lounging. On Friday, they had a deal on their sport bras and GoDry shirts for $10. I have a couple of an older model, panel sport bra from Old Navy and I love those but have resisted purchasing the new model due to adjustable straps which have plastic pieces. I was concerned the adjustable pieces would chafe. However between the $10 price tag and the GREEN color, which is my favorite, I couldn’t resist. Huge thumbs up for this product. It didn’t chafe with the adjustable pieces or anywhere else. It fit like a glove but wasn’t too tight. It also separates “the girls”, which isn’t an issue for me but I know that others have problems with their “girls” when they aren’t separated. Win! I even wore it to bed one night and still loved it in the morning.

The GoDry Tee was also a win in my opinion. It fit well, runs true to size, is seemless, soft and comfortable. Although, I normally don’t run in tees, this will be a good lounge top for me. In fact, I wore it most of the weekend when I wasn’t running.

I also recently picked up a bargain thru the Active Swaggle. If you aren’t familiar with Active Swaggle and are an athlete, go to that link above in green and sign up NOW! The Active Swaggle is a deal system which emails you a group of deals on almost a daily basis. This includes everything from VERY discounted races, to super sales on sport/running/TRI clothes and gear. This is the “Groupon” for active people. Join. There is currently an active deal for the Wisconsin Dells Half Marathon for $40. A couple weeks ago, I took advantage of the deal on Pro Compression socks for $25 a pair (50% discount – now expired). I have tried a couple of brands of compression socks, the CEP Sleeves, which I love for running, the RunLove RunningSkirts.com socks which I bought off a Swaggle around Christmas and now these.

These socks work really well for me. They are unisex so come in different sizes but I followed the size chart and ordered accordingly. They are longer than the other compression socks that I have and come all the way up to my knees, plus they have a roomier foot bed so my toes don’t get crunched. LOVE these! I purchased the yellow above so I could possibly wear them with my RMHC (Ronald McDonald House Charity still has a marathon spot available for YOU) shirt & red Aspaeris Pivot Shorts (use my 25% discount code: PC2012) for the 2012 Chicago Marathon. I also purchased…..wait for it…..the GREEN! I ran in these yesterday and they are really nice compression socks. They are not too tight, I never even notice them while running or lounging. I am hoping they will put them on the Swaggle again!

I have picked up RunningSkirts.com merchandise on super discount off the Swaggle, Mission Skin Care products, and various race entries. The Swaggle sign-up is free and definitley one of the best deals around to be “in the know” in regards to deals across the country.

I still think the best deal on the web is the Tough Chik irun tank. All Tough Chik products are handmade by a local seamstress in California. The fit is perfect for those of us who have a six-pack UNDER the layer of mommy flab and it is soft, silky and super cute. For $30, you don’t need a sale to grab one of these. In fact, you can grab the green and the pink and still be under what you would pay for a normal performance top. And don’t worry, if you have a real six-pack, you’ll still look like a goddess in this top!

Last but not least, if you are a chick, you should also sign up for the email updates from SkirtSports.com. They have killer deals that they only publicize thru Facebook and those email updates. I normally don’t order anything unless it hits the sale rack and I have gotten several shirts on temporary discount for $12-$15. I have also picked up some of the pricier items for 50% off, like the Happy Hour V-Neck tops that I have worn all winter. I grabbed a pink & black for $26 each off of one of those email specials around Thanksgiving, see pic below.

Try hard not to impulse buy but instead make good choices for good products based upon the price. There are deals to be had but not if you want them now at whichever store your shopping. You have to wait for the deals to come to you then spread the word and share with the rest of us!!

Happy Running, Amanda – TooTallFritz

Team Tough Chik – The Kit Arrived!!!

Posted on March 22, 2012 by tootallfritz

This week has been ~~hellish~~ busy but good because my Team Tough Chik kit arrived! If you have familiar with our “Toughies” you have probably seen pics blasted all over the net over the last couple weeks of Tough Chiks in their new team wear. Opening the kit was a nice surprise as it not only included our team apparel but also a ~~Tough Chik sticker!!~~ goodies from our sponsors, which ranged from a vacation resort, swim shampoo, bike lube, Anti Chafing Cream, snack bars, hydration, and a lot of other fun things, some of which I never knew existed!

Although free stuff is beyond awesome, what we were all awaiting was the team apparel! I purchased running singlets for both Aby and I. On occasion, when I beg, she will actually run or race with me in a matching outfit. This is super fun for me, somewhat embarrassing for her, but always GOOD because as I am running back to find her in a race, people identify me as “THE” mom and tell me how cute she is or that she is running really well, or that she is right behind them. It works great on many levels.

Here we are below, preparing for a photo after a long, hot run for me. I wasn’t feeling great, the heat is bad for me and I was drained! I certainly wasn’t feeling a photo but we were dressed for it, if I could just get her to hold still long enough to get those blonde locks in place! And what is she doing? Is that an adapted “SuperStar” pose? She is always a clown ~~just like her father~~.

I know I look like hell ~~and that’s how I felt too~~ but let’s focus on the Team Tough Chik apparel.

This is a large running singlet for me (xs for Aby) and fits perfectly. Bonus that it feels and looks great too! this singlet is very similar to the green & pink “i run” tanks from Tough Chik and as you may already know, I REALLY love the style and fit of these tanks.

Here is the green i run tank on South Beach when I was there to run 13.1 Miami Beach! If you would like to run 13.1 Chicago for FREE, don’t forget to enter my giveaway HERE.

Pink i run tank:

Don’t be shocked but I also ordered a TRI tank. I can easily say that I have never owned a more attractive TRI top.

You can possibly see that there is a large pocket (the graphic with the chik) on the back for your gels, phone, etc. This is huge if you have a TRI bike because once you transition from road to TRI bike, say goodbye to that nifty little under the seat bag that keeps all of your belongings. Not that you would stop to access it during a TRI anyhow so this large pocket is both handy and very necessary!

This is a large top and I should have gone XL. Half of my TRI tops are L and the other half are XL. TRI tops tend to run small, I should have known better. When they reopen registration in May, I will order an XL. That’s right you heard me, they are reopening registration for Team Tough Chik! If you would like to be notified when they reopen, please click HERE and fill out the form.

While we are talking about TRIs. I have gotten a lot of questions as of late on TRI apparel. Specifically TRI Suit vs TRI kit. As always, this is really about personal opinion. I am so tall that I wouldn’t even think to do a TRI Suit. I also like to mix up my “outfits” so the thought of wearing one suit for every race doesn’t make me think happy thoughts. However, they are convenient and do well for many people.

In the past, I have had the best success with SkirtSports for TRI tops. I wear a large in this brand, the tops are not skin-tight and I am comfortable racing in this top without worry that my mommy tummy is hanging out. It’s long enough but not too long. However, since it isn’t skin-tight, if you swim in the pool or have an open water swim which is not wetsuit legal then know that your top will be “floating” when you stop or are turning.

I’ve also had success with TYR and Speedo (in large). However, it seems that Craft has made its way onto the TRI scene in a big way while I was on ~~Mr. Michael~~ baby hiatus. I have heard very good things about Craft but have not yet owned any of their apparel. And I’m currently coveting this Sugoi top but have never owned any of their products either.

I personally have not had good luck with 2XU tops. I have an XL that is so tight that I can’t even wear it. If you are tiny, then you will be fine but it you are a bigger lady then I wouldn’t recommend it.

For the bottom, I always use the Skirt Sports Race Belt Skirt to slide up over my briefs after the swim. I normally don’t use TRI shorts. If I do opt for shorts, then I use Peal Izumi TRI shorts. Since length is always an issue for me, most TRI shorts are too short so I favor the skirt.

Do you have a favorite TRI brand? Tri Suit or TRI Kit? Or more importantly, are you doing to sign up to be notified when Team Tough Chik reopens registration?

Get out and enjoy this beautiful weather, it’s amazing!

Cheers, Amanda – TooTallFritz

I’m a Tough Chi(c)k

Posted on February 28, 2012 by tootallfritz

I’m a tough chick. I’ve known that for a long time. As with all ~~bitches~~ ladies, some days are better than others but overall, I’m up there on the tough scale. Over the last couple years, I became aware of a clothing company appropriately named, Tough Chik. How fun is that? I had browsed their website multiple times but their products just weren’t exactly what I wanted at the time. They had lots of cute running tees but I don’t wear tees while running, or otherwise, and the performance line was small so I have been patiently waiting for them to expand the line. I don’t mind spending money on performance clothing ~~even though I have a ton~~ but I don’t spend it on stuff that I don’t love.

Towards the end of last year, my beloved Tough Chiks, who I been stalking but had yet to make a single purchase, announced they would be organizing a team for 2012. Anyone who joined the team, by purchasing from the Team apparel line, would not only be part of the inaugural Team Tough Chik but also have a year’s worth of discounts for all Tough Chik apparel, get discounts for numberous ~~yet to be named~~ sponsors, and possibly get a ton of random freebies in our team package. So basically we were purchasing a mystery package and well, I’m all about surprises and taking a chance, especially when the Team Tough Chik package looked to be just my style in regards to performance, function and fashion.

The team packages will be mailed sometime in March so I have been anticipating the delivery for several months. Then I saw that the TC performance line started to expand and I was intrigued. I’ve had my eye on this:

But I didn’t buy it. I thought it was cute but I didn’t know how the sizing would work, I have this team package coming and the contents might not fit ~~and since it’s custom I was sure that returns/exchanges wouldn’t be an option~~, so I was waiting to see how the sizing of the team gear would work for my body. I have an odd body shape. I’m long and lean but have a very poochy belly ~~cuz I like to eat and drink instead of doing core work~~. As a result, I have to be careful with my clothing not being too tight thru the belly or I look ridiculous. I know you will be shocked but I also have an issue with my height and some of the TRI and running tops are too short and I certainly won’t wear anything that doesn’t have proper coverage so I was still waiting. I figured that after the team package arrived and I had a better idea on sizing that I would try a few other things, like the pink tank above.

However, Tough Chik pulled a fast one and put something out that I COULD.NOT.RESIST. Many of you know that my favorite race is the Shamrock Shuffle in Chicago. Each year, I try to ~~harass~~ encourage as many of my friends as possible to run. This year I even ~~strong-armed~~ pursuaded a large group of ladies to run with me in green Team Sparkle skirts. And since the occasion will be so festive, I have also purchased shamrock socks, white leggings for under the skirt and a green pullover. But this green “i run” tank will ~~hopefully~~ match the Shamrock outfit perfectly:

Yep, I couldn’t resist but took the plunge and purchased my first TC product. It was relatively cheap at $30, plus there was an option of matching arm sleeves which I will probably need at the Shamrock Shuffle. And most importantly, it fit PERFECTLY. The tank is designed to be form-fitting thru the chest and then has a drop to a looser fit thru the mommy tummy. YAY! WIN! I was so excited last night when I tried it on that I couldn’t even contain my excitement but took some pics, posted them on Facebook, tried to get 3 of these in the PINK (above) for me and my girls running 13.1 Miami on Sunday….. but shocker……. they are sold out of the pink in some sizes…..more to come soon!

Arm Sleeves ($25) with little Tough Chiks:

Back:

I can not wait to run in this top. The fit is so nice, it was hard to take it off. The seams are flat and the arm holes go up high enough that I don’t anticipate any chafing in the underarm flab department, this really seems like the perfect top and let’s say that I have been thru a “few” brands to know a lot by just the initial try-on. Most tops I order never make it to a trial run but just get sent back immediately. I have never found any running tops that I really love but am very hopeful with this one. And quite honestly, the price point is so low compared to other technical brands, that I’m hoping this top performs half as good as I expect. You may only see me on the trail in Tough Chik i run tanks this summer. I’ll take this tank to Miami for a test drive this weekend and let you know how it performs. More later.

Do you have any running tops/tanks that you absolutely love? What is the price range? Let’s find some good stuff at a good price ~~for a change~~! Tell us what you like!

Happy Running, Amanda – TooTallFritz

1000 miles – Check!

Posted on November 21, 2011 by tootallfritz

I don’t make New Year’s Resolutions ~~to be broken~~ but rather focus on a goal that I can work toward during the year which forces me to make a conscious, continued effort to maintain fitness. This year, my goal was to run 1000 miles, prompted by another blogger, Tall Mom on the Run. Tall Mom created a challenge to others to “move” 1000 miles throughout the year. For me, this meant running. She published a shared spreadsheet and all those involved in the challenge added in their mileage at their leisure.

I am happy to say that I bumped past my 1000 miles on Saturday’s run. I was so close all week but with the flu ~~and Mr. Michael’s poor sleeping habits~~ it was hard to get in those last few miles. To be honest, it has been a struggle all year to rack up miles, and focus on fitness, due to injuries ~~and Mr. Michael~~. I never could have reached my goal without some major support at home from hubby and him doing baby duty on the only morning he would have a chance to “sleep in”. So I am very thankful for his help and the fact that he ~~didn’t bitch too much~~ frequently helps with Michael so I can squeeze fitness into our very busy life. Thanks, Mick!

Attaining the 2011 goal makes me reflect a lot on where I want to go for 2012. When one is part of a family, they must also consider others and the sacrifice that they too will make to “help” YOU achieve a goal. So I do not take goals lightly, it is a serious thing for me and I hope that it is for you too. I frequently put what I want to achieve on the back burner in order to pick something that is realistic and doable for all of us. For example, I really want to do an IronwoMan but I know that at this point in our lives, it would be impossible to TRAIN for that type of committment and also LIVE life and PARTICIPATE in the family and WORK a full-time job. So alas, this isn’t the year, and quite possibly there won’t be time for IwoM training until the lil man is considerably older and ~~can make his own~~ ~~breakfast~~ more independent. However, my bike has sat on the trainer for several years now and it will be coming off this spring. I will be going back to triathlon and may possibly just stick to the International distance to keep ~~the peace~~ the training requirements in the manageable range. So you can look for me and my beautiful bike on the TRI circuit again next year.