This is the hotness and this guy knew it. When he was doing side bends, he was making serious eye contact with all the ladies around him. You know you want it!
Saturday, March 23, 2013
Granddad's Gym Style: Workout Gear Tips from Old Hipsters
You know that Macklemore song "Thrift Shop" where, at one point, he talks about wanting to steal your granddad's style? Seen at a gym outside of San Francisco: a workout gear example of an older person's style that needs to be stolen.
This is the hotness and this guy knew it. When he was doing side bends, he was making serious eye contact with all the ladies around him. You know you want it!
This is the hotness and this guy knew it. When he was doing side bends, he was making serious eye contact with all the ladies around him. You know you want it!
Monday, February 18, 2013
Yoga + Running = Perfect day
The older and achier I get, the more it takes for me to maintain a running practice. For example, I actually stretch (sometimes) now. There's also a mental component to staying in active; I find inspiring places and run them. This place in Pacifica, Calif., provided both inspiration and some cool places to do yoga. Thanks to my Brooks shoes for handling the terrain, Icebreaker top for keeping me warm in the sea breezes and Under Armour tights for being tough enough to handle to rough surfaces.
Small tip: when combining yoga and running, start with a bit of running or a hike. There's a risk of injury if you stretch before warming up.
Small tip: when combining yoga and running, start with a bit of running or a hike. There's a risk of injury if you stretch before warming up.
Sunday, February 17, 2013
Why run outside?
I write about what to wear running and mostly focus on outdoor gear because, in many ways, running outside is better for you than doing all of your runs on a treadmill. Why run outside instead of on a treadmill?
1: Avoid RSI - a treadmills constant flat surface puts you at risk for a repetitive stress injury. Yes, part of what makes running outside hard is that you're constantly working to avoid uneven pavement. But that dodging and darting prevents overuse of muscles and builds up ones that don't get used on a treadmill.
2: More race-like - races are run outside (can you imagine a race where everyone ran on treadmills next to each other? Where would the cheering crowd stand? How lonely would it get as people finished there 10k and then just walked off, leaving empty treadmills behind?!). Get a feel for outdoor terrain by doing some of your training runs outdoors.
3: Be Mr. Rogers - if you're as old as I, you remember Mr. Rogers singing "These are the people in your neighborhood." It's easy to avoid the people in your hood if you spend all your time at work, the gym, or inside watching TV. A morning run on the weekend is a great way to get to know your neighbors. The key: Say hi to everyone you pass.
4: Pride - on a frigid Monday morning, coworkers' jaws will drop when you tell them you ran outside over the weekend. And even if you don't tell another person, when you're out there in the wind, rain, snow or sweltering heat, you'll feel invincible (Assuming you're dressed appropriately).
5: Reclaim your youth - when we were kids, we didn't play on treadmills. Running and biking outside are the two things I do regularly that make me feel like a kid again. It's the best!
Running tip: 3 things can make running outside suck.
1: Under or overdressed. Too hot or too cold can ruin a run. Check the temp, look out the window and, when in doubt, layer.
2: Getting hit. Running at night or dusk/dawn? Dress to be seen. A safety vest or flashing headlamp might not seem cool but you know what's really uncool? Being hit by a car or bike!
3: Bad terrain. Yes, avoiding potholes will help prevent RSI, but accidentally stepping in one at the wrong angle can cause a sprain or break. Enjoy the fresh air but keep one eye on the ground.
Happy running!
1: Avoid RSI - a treadmills constant flat surface puts you at risk for a repetitive stress injury. Yes, part of what makes running outside hard is that you're constantly working to avoid uneven pavement. But that dodging and darting prevents overuse of muscles and builds up ones that don't get used on a treadmill.
2: More race-like - races are run outside (can you imagine a race where everyone ran on treadmills next to each other? Where would the cheering crowd stand? How lonely would it get as people finished there 10k and then just walked off, leaving empty treadmills behind?!). Get a feel for outdoor terrain by doing some of your training runs outdoors.
3: Be Mr. Rogers - if you're as old as I, you remember Mr. Rogers singing "These are the people in your neighborhood." It's easy to avoid the people in your hood if you spend all your time at work, the gym, or inside watching TV. A morning run on the weekend is a great way to get to know your neighbors. The key: Say hi to everyone you pass.
4: Pride - on a frigid Monday morning, coworkers' jaws will drop when you tell them you ran outside over the weekend. And even if you don't tell another person, when you're out there in the wind, rain, snow or sweltering heat, you'll feel invincible (Assuming you're dressed appropriately).
5: Reclaim your youth - when we were kids, we didn't play on treadmills. Running and biking outside are the two things I do regularly that make me feel like a kid again. It's the best!
Running tip: 3 things can make running outside suck.
1: Under or overdressed. Too hot or too cold can ruin a run. Check the temp, look out the window and, when in doubt, layer.
3: Bad terrain. Yes, avoiding potholes will help prevent RSI, but accidentally stepping in one at the wrong angle can cause a sprain or break. Enjoy the fresh air but keep one eye on the ground.
Happy running!
Sunday, November 18, 2012
What Shoes to Wear Running; What Shoes to Wear Walking
I'm a runner and my mom's a walker. We live 800 miles apart so we were surprised to see that our shoes look like they could be neighbors. I'm running 5-7 miles a week in the Brooks Cadence and she walks 4-5 miles a day in Mizunos.
I like the Brooks Cadence for the "posts" under the arch. They support my outer foot and ankles when they roll outward as part of my stride. The toe box is roomy and the arch support is good. They are light but firm - they really hold your foot, unlike the Puma Faas 300 and the original Saucony Kirvanas. Unfortuantely, the left foot is a little too tight across the top of my arch so I get a cramp or tightness on most runs. Another runner acquaintance says the construction gave her blisters at the front of her arch initially. I've tried loosening the laces over the arch and it has helped a bit.
For walking in rain, sleet, snow or dry desert conditions, my mom only wears Mizunos. She walks 3-5 miles every day, so she really knows what works for her. She's mostly walking on pavement but sometimes hits the foothills of Boise, so she likes the serious tread on Mizuno. The support, quality and structure all work for her. Because she has wide feet (like me), she wishes the toe box on the Mizunos was roomier - it comes to a point, instead of being round like the Brooks
What running shoe works for you? Finding out can be expensive so, when buying, ask about the store's return policy. Places like roadrunnersports.com are pretty good about letting you test and return.
Happy trails!
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| Mother/Daughter Running Shoes |
I like the Brooks Cadence for the "posts" under the arch. They support my outer foot and ankles when they roll outward as part of my stride. The toe box is roomy and the arch support is good. They are light but firm - they really hold your foot, unlike the Puma Faas 300 and the original Saucony Kirvanas. Unfortuantely, the left foot is a little too tight across the top of my arch so I get a cramp or tightness on most runs. Another runner acquaintance says the construction gave her blisters at the front of her arch initially. I've tried loosening the laces over the arch and it has helped a bit.
For walking in rain, sleet, snow or dry desert conditions, my mom only wears Mizunos. She walks 3-5 miles every day, so she really knows what works for her. She's mostly walking on pavement but sometimes hits the foothills of Boise, so she likes the serious tread on Mizuno. The support, quality and structure all work for her. Because she has wide feet (like me), she wishes the toe box on the Mizunos was roomier - it comes to a point, instead of being round like the Brooks
What running shoe works for you? Finding out can be expensive so, when buying, ask about the store's return policy. Places like roadrunnersports.com are pretty good about letting you test and return.
Happy trails!
Thursday, October 4, 2012
Running Socks: Nike running socks
Nike has won my heart all over again with the best running sock. Yes, it is that easy to win my heart but, before judging, keep in mind how hard it seems to be to make a great running sock!
Also, let's be clear: socks are the most wonderful item in any athlete's arsenal. Bad socks = blisters, lost toe nails, distraction, ugly tan lines and, sometimes, foot cramps. Good socks = effortless, thoughtless foot action. The sign of a good running sock: you forget it's there.
And, Nike has done it with the Nike Dri-Fit Cushion No-Show. Here's what I love and the one thing I wish was different:
- Starting at the ankle, the tab in the back is meaty. This sock is NOT going to end up slipping down into your shoe. And yet the cut is low, so you really are showing very little sock and keeping your tan lines to shoe cuff level.
- Two places on a sock are really make or break: the arch and the toe box. The arch on the Nike Dri-Fit Cushion is perfect. It hugs without cinching, supports without stifling. The sock's name comes from a very cushioned heel but the mid-foot fabric around the arch is thin, wicking, breathing Dri-Fit.
- The toe box fits real toes, thanks to left/right specific cuts. Even more important, there's no seam, so there's no reason to get a blister or chafing.
Unfortunately, as with all of Nike's high-quality gear, these babies aren't cheap. While less expensive than most SmartWool socks, they are $10 for ONE pair. Overall, they're well worth the 10 spot if you plan on running or race walking regularly. And, as the holidays approach, they'll make great stocking stuffers for your athletic friends and family.
Happy running!
Also, let's be clear: socks are the most wonderful item in any athlete's arsenal. Bad socks = blisters, lost toe nails, distraction, ugly tan lines and, sometimes, foot cramps. Good socks = effortless, thoughtless foot action. The sign of a good running sock: you forget it's there.
- Starting at the ankle, the tab in the back is meaty. This sock is NOT going to end up slipping down into your shoe. And yet the cut is low, so you really are showing very little sock and keeping your tan lines to shoe cuff level.
- Two places on a sock are really make or break: the arch and the toe box. The arch on the Nike Dri-Fit Cushion is perfect. It hugs without cinching, supports without stifling. The sock's name comes from a very cushioned heel but the mid-foot fabric around the arch is thin, wicking, breathing Dri-Fit.
- The toe box fits real toes, thanks to left/right specific cuts. Even more important, there's no seam, so there's no reason to get a blister or chafing.
Unfortunately, as with all of Nike's high-quality gear, these babies aren't cheap. While less expensive than most SmartWool socks, they are $10 for ONE pair. Overall, they're well worth the 10 spot if you plan on running or race walking regularly. And, as the holidays approach, they'll make great stocking stuffers for your athletic friends and family.
Happy running!
Friday, September 14, 2012
Best Running Trail in Copenhagen
Travel and running go hand in hand. What better way to get a sense for a place than to run with the locals? Unless, of course, the locals don't run, in which case you'll get a sense for the local fitness.
Copenhagen is full of runners and bikers and has lots of dedicated "sidewalks" for cycling, but not a ton of running paths. There is a nice, gravelly long one, however, along the Sankt Jorgens So (St. George's Lake), in the middle of town. It was very much a local spot - running from the edgy Vestrobro neighborhood, through the ethnic, hipster Norrebro and up into the posh Osterbro area.
The lake is a skinny rectangle divided into sections by bridges. Along both sides are nice paths for biking and running. Trees provide shade and the local runners provide company.
I almost wish I had a Run Ranking system so that the 4 stars I'm giving Sankt Jorgens So would have real meaning. Let's just say, it inspired, it was flat and it was pretty. So go! Run Copenhagen!
By the way, what to wear running in Copenhagen? In early September, it was a cool 50 degrees. I definitely was too cold at the start and, as the photo shows, barely worked up a little sweat. I think a t-shirt with my shorts would have been ideal.
Copenhagen is full of runners and bikers and has lots of dedicated "sidewalks" for cycling, but not a ton of running paths. There is a nice, gravelly long one, however, along the Sankt Jorgens So (St. George's Lake), in the middle of town. It was very much a local spot - running from the edgy Vestrobro neighborhood, through the ethnic, hipster Norrebro and up into the posh Osterbro area.
The lake is a skinny rectangle divided into sections by bridges. Along both sides are nice paths for biking and running. Trees provide shade and the local runners provide company.
I almost wish I had a Run Ranking system so that the 4 stars I'm giving Sankt Jorgens So would have real meaning. Let's just say, it inspired, it was flat and it was pretty. So go! Run Copenhagen!
By the way, what to wear running in Copenhagen? In early September, it was a cool 50 degrees. I definitely was too cold at the start and, as the photo shows, barely worked up a little sweat. I think a t-shirt with my shorts would have been ideal.
Sunday, August 26, 2012
Running Gear Blog: What to Wear Running
What to Wear Running in 70 degrees: shorts, wicking t or tank, and low-rise socks that don't curl up into your shoes when you run.
Why? 70 is pretty warm - anything over 65 is going to increase your heart rate and slow you down. The best way to stay cool: expose your skin. The body's largest organ, skin is an amazing cooling system involving evaporation and ventilation. So, expose as much as you feel comfortable for maximum cooling. Just remember, wear sun block.
Today's featured brand: Puma. After a year, I still love these running shoes. The Faas 500 are a little more supportive than I need but they're holding up really well (one of the myths I'd heard about Pumas is that they fall apart quickly), look great and are comfortable. The only negative: the tongue sometimes slides down into the shoe when I'm running, which can create pressure on the top of my arch.
Why? 70 is pretty warm - anything over 65 is going to increase your heart rate and slow you down. The best way to stay cool: expose your skin. The body's largest organ, skin is an amazing cooling system involving evaporation and ventilation. So, expose as much as you feel comfortable for maximum cooling. Just remember, wear sun block.
Today's featured brand: Puma. After a year, I still love these running shoes. The Faas 500 are a little more supportive than I need but they're holding up really well (one of the myths I'd heard about Pumas is that they fall apart quickly), look great and are comfortable. The only negative: the tongue sometimes slides down into the shoe when I'm running, which can create pressure on the top of my arch.
Friday, August 17, 2012
Serene Lewis meets Carl Lewis, Track & Field Olympian
I like my job now - I get to write, problem solve and play in the social media sandbox. But I never meet world-famous athletes. Ages ago, I did PR. It was sometimes stressful but my coworkers were awesome and, because one of my clients was Nike, I learned about great gear and got to meet a few gold medal-winning Olympians.
Sadly, I don't have a photo from when I met Michael Johnson (the world's fastest man at the time wasn't very chatty), but I did manage to capture when I met two other heroes. As I continue to go through Olympics withdrawal, a short walk down memory lane:
Sadly, I don't have a photo from when I met Michael Johnson (the world's fastest man at the time wasn't very chatty), but I did manage to capture when I met two other heroes. As I continue to go through Olympics withdrawal, a short walk down memory lane:
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| Mark, Dave, Me, Carl Lewis!, Courtne, Matt |
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| Me (back row), women's soccer players from '99 team including Brandi Chastain (front row) |
Tuesday, August 7, 2012
What Music is Good for Running: Songs from Olympic Commercials
I love the Olympics. Even the commercials get me hyped. Here are two of the best songs from this year's commercials:
IE9 commercials - Alex Clare's "Too Close." Throbbing break up song that is soulful, big and makes you wanna roll.
Unkown advertiser - Imagine Dragons' "Radioactive." Alternative, strong, a little disenfranchised but with power. Makes me grind the gears up to the next level.
One more song, for the ladies. Adele's "Rumour Has It" is angry, upbeat, rich and, similar to "Single Ladies" for some people a few years ago, empowering.
Enjoy your workouts and couch surfing this Olympics!
IE9 commercials - Alex Clare's "Too Close." Throbbing break up song that is soulful, big and makes you wanna roll.
Unkown advertiser - Imagine Dragons' "Radioactive." Alternative, strong, a little disenfranchised but with power. Makes me grind the gears up to the next level.
One more song, for the ladies. Adele's "Rumour Has It" is angry, upbeat, rich and, similar to "Single Ladies" for some people a few years ago, empowering.
Enjoy your workouts and couch surfing this Olympics!
Sunday, August 5, 2012
What to Wear Rowing: Gear for Rowing Machine
Activity: Rowing on the stationary rower
Temp: Gym temp - 70ish and moderate humidity
Time: 30 minutes
What I Wore: Lululemon, top and bottom. Loose tank with built in sports bra and low scooping for ventilation (and cuteness). Capri tights. Puma Faas 300 running shoes.
Did It Work: Yes. Here's the thing, on the rower, running shorts are super annoying. Because of how short women's running shorts are, you basically are putting your bare cheeks/upper thighs on a seat that hundreds have sweat on before you. So, long shorts or capris are key.
Also, rowing is a lot of shoulder and arm movement, so a sleeveless top or tank is ideal - free, cool and, at 30 minutes, no chafing.
Together, this outfit is comfortable. When I'm out of tanks and have to wear sleeves, I wear my favorite Under Armour shorts, which are a little longer. The skin exposure that you get with shorts balances the coverage of a sleeve - rowing is hot work when done right and naked is best for cooling.
Note: The Lulu tights are a little "cottony" for me. They show sweat and attract cat hair. If I was buying the capris again, I wouldn't get black.
Temp: Gym temp - 70ish and moderate humidity
Time: 30 minutes
Did It Work: Yes. Here's the thing, on the rower, running shorts are super annoying. Because of how short women's running shorts are, you basically are putting your bare cheeks/upper thighs on a seat that hundreds have sweat on before you. So, long shorts or capris are key.
Also, rowing is a lot of shoulder and arm movement, so a sleeveless top or tank is ideal - free, cool and, at 30 minutes, no chafing.
Together, this outfit is comfortable. When I'm out of tanks and have to wear sleeves, I wear my favorite Under Armour shorts, which are a little longer. The skin exposure that you get with shorts balances the coverage of a sleeve - rowing is hot work when done right and naked is best for cooling.
Note: The Lulu tights are a little "cottony" for me. They show sweat and attract cat hair. If I was buying the capris again, I wouldn't get black.
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