The second half of the first day of FitBloggin’ included the perfect balance of conference sessions and time outside in Portland.
After the cardio dance and Zumba workouts in the morning, a bunch of us headed up to our rooms to shower and change into comfy workout clothes for the afternoon sessions.
I am so grateful to the folks at Reebok and FitFluential for sponsoring my trip to FitBloggin’ and outfitting me in their gear! The above teal top is the PWR wide strap long bra top that I previously blogged about and loved thanks to its extra long length and comfortable material. It’s form-fitting and the material is thicker than some of my other workout tops, making it more flattering, just like the the PWR fitted capris.
If you’re digging any of the Reebok gear you’ve seen pop up on this blog during this conference or in the past, stay tuned for an awesome giveaway at the end of this post!
The shoes I am wearing in the above picture (with Anne!) are Reebok’s brand new ONE Cushion Series running shoe. As a neon fanatic, you know I love the highlighter color. I’m pretty sure they’re bright enough to glow in the dark! If I’m going to go out for a longer run, I will still be running in my Mizuno Wave Riders that I’ve been running in since 2007, but I’ve had the chance to run in these shoes a few times (three miles or less) and thought they were really comfortable.
The first conference session I attended on the first day of FitBloggin’ day was all about how to find the perfect fitness shoe and Christopher from Reebok broke down some of the features of the company’s new running shoe for everyone.
He explained that the running shoe was built from back to front and while training shoes like Reebok Nanos or RealFlex Screams are ideal for those who need to move in any direction, the new running shoe promotes a forward motion that is ideal for runners.
Quite a few of you have asked me for more details about the Reebok Nanos and I personally love them for circuit and strength workouts that incorporate squats, lunges, burpees, etc.
Christopher explained that the shoe doesn’t have a lot of cushioning and since the midsole material is a flattened platform, it’s thinner which allows your foot to lay flatter and closer to the ground. This increases your stability, making it ideal for functional workouts like CrossFit.
Though I’m not an avid CrossFitter, I still love the Nanos for functional or boot camp-style workouts that I do on my own. I used to feel like I was a bit wobbly during certain exercises like lunges or speed skaters, but when I wear my Nanos, I honestly do feel a lot more stable and can tell a big difference. Just my two cents!
Happy Hour at Noble Rot
The sessions at FitBloggin’ passed quickly, and after spending a lot of time inside all morning, I wanted to get out and explore Portland and was happy when Gina, Tina and Anne wanted to go for a long walk along the waterfront. (Just FYI, if you’re a blogger and want to read some of the takeaways from the FitBloggin’ sessions, definitely checkout the FitBloggin’ website. There were live bloggers in nearly every session who did an incredible job recapping each session in detail.)
It was gorgeous outside! We actually worked up quite a sweat thanks to the warm sunshine.
After our walk, we headed up to our rooms to change and meet back up in Gina’s room for a hair party.
Then it was time to roll!
We had plans to meet up with a group of fellow bloggers and fun PR women from Porter Novelli at Noble Rot, a trendy restaurant and wine bar with a great view of the city.
Once our large group found seating, I ordered a glass of Malbec.
I sipped my wine while chatting with Anne and Ericka.
I also had fun catching up with Brittney, a super bubbly woman who works with The Laughing Cow. She and my sister know each other from college and I met her at FitBloggin’ last year. She’s a blast!
Dinner at The Farm Café
After happy hour, Tina, Anne, Gina and I said our goodbyes and met up with Allie from Fanscape, a social media marketing agency, at The Farm Café.
I actually worked with Fanscape last week when I went to San Francisco with Smartfood, so I had a good time chatting with her about her hilarious coworkers, Meeshel and Kimmy. They were a riot and I loved working with them.
The Farm Cafe ended up being a huge hit with our group. Everything was so incredibly fresh and vibrant. I raved about my kale salad and trout!
If I lived in Portland, I have a feeling it would quickly become a local favorite. It was fabulous.
And now, after that crazy long post, it’s giveaway time!!!
Reebok $100 Gift Card Giveaway
One of you will have the chance to win a $100 Reebok gift card that you can use toward anything on their website!
To enter this giveaway, simply comment below, telling me about what you’d like to buy with the gift card. Do you need a new pair of shoes? A cute workout top? Shorts for a hot summer workout?
For an extra entry, you may tweet some variation of the following: “Hoping to win a $100 @Reebok gift card from @PBFingers: http://ow.ly/mwwIn !” Just remember to leave a separate comment on this post telling me that you tweeted, so I can make sure your entry counts!
I will randomly select a winner on Tuesday. Good luck!
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I would buy a kick ass pair of nanos!
I would love to try the nanos! I think the shoes I wear for cross training are a bit bulky
I’m desperately in need of new pair of running shoes! I’m afraid mine are going to kick the bucket any day…WAY over the 80,000 mi you’re supposed to wear them for 🙂 Oops!
I also tweeted!!!!
I would love a new pair of shoes! With a baby on the way and in the process of buying a house, splurges like that aren’t in the budget right now!
I would splurge on a new pair of shorts! I love the tempos.
With the gift card I think I would buy the Realflex Screams! I just completed my first half marathon in May (!!!!) and am in need of some new kicks! 🙂
Tweeted!
I’d love to win the Reebok gift card–I desperately need a new pair of tennis shoes!!
I would love to try a pair of the screams for everyday training since I work at a gym/trainer and I am always moving and on my feet!!!!
I need new clothes! Mine are awful
Would love to win the card. Always in need of fun and comfy workout clothes!
I would love some new workout clothes for the summer.
I’d love some new sneakers for Crossfit!
I would def buy new running clothes. I just started working out again and a new outfit always motivates
I would use the gift card for a new pair of shoes for my summer running.
I really need a long work out top that won’t ride up! Love your teal one.
I would love fluorescent sneakers! So fun!
As a beginning runner, I would LOVE the chance to try out a new pair of shoes!! The cute workout tops are pretty tempting as well!
I would buy shoes, I need a pair for circuit and weight training sessions. Trying to do lunges in my runners is not going well.
I would get the new nanos for CrossFit! Orrrr I’m always in need of new tank tops.
I’d love to try the Reebok Nanos! I am definitely in need of some new shoes for my boot camp classes, and think these might be just what I need!
I would buy a few more workout tanks. I just bought a couple Reebok ones awhile ago and I am obsessed! I’d love some fun colors.
Tweeted! @tcumegs
A $100 gift card to Reebok would be awesome! I am in the need for a new pair of sneakers and Reebok is my FAVORITE! I have been holding off on buying them since I just replaced my A/C unit (it died on me duing the hot Florida summer) so money is a little tight right now. I get so excited when I get new sneakers!
I would definitely buy a pair of running shoes! I just started running frequently in the last 6 months or so and have to run in cross trainers. I just did my first 5k and would love to treat myself to a real pair of shoes!
I would love a pair of Nanos for some good circuit training!
I also tweeted @jbrady87
I’m always game for a new pair of tennies!
I would get the ZigLite Run sneaks! cute design and great functionality! I could really use a new pair of running shoes!
I would buy a new pair of running shoes!
I’ve recently become a fitness addict on my journey to lose 100 pounds. I’m almost halfway there. I need a new pair of running shoes and love my Reebok workout shirts! I’d put the gift card to good use! Thanks for all your ideas and inspiration!
New workout clothes mine are all too big since I have lost 60 pounds.
I’ve read about the One shoes a few time now. I’d love to give them a try!
I would love to get some new tops for sweaty summer workouts!
I would buy their black light weight tees. I’ve been to two different Dicks and they are always sold out of my size!!!
I would definitely invest in some new shoes!
I would love a new pair of running shoes! My current Nike ones were a real disappointment, so I’d really like to try some Reeboks. Plus, I’m loving the neon colors!
I’d love to get a new pair of capris! Or try those nanos 🙂
I would definitely buy new shoes–I’ve been wearing the same kind of sneakers for a long time and I am ready for a change!
I would love some of the cute workout tanks I’ve been seeing!
I love Reebok! I’d love to have the Reebok ONE Guide running shoes!
I am currently in need of shoes for strength/circuit workouts. My old worn out running shoes really aren’t the best choice. After browsing the site and reading reviews those Nanos are looking pretty good. The toughest part would be deciding on a color! So many choices!
I desperately need a new pair of tennis shoes! Running annnnd cross training! Cute dress btw!
I could use a new pair of running shoes & since I’m tight on funds at the moment, this would be amazing!
I love those fitted capris and I could definitely use a new workout tank top!
I would love some new shoes!!
I would love a new pair of workout shoes
I would love a new pair of cross trainers!!
I need a new pair of nanos for crossfit! 🙂
I would buy some new summer workout clothes!! I need some shorts and tanks for this hot florida weather.