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 love a pair of the Reebox capris! They look super cute and very functional for all sorts of workouts (running, circuits, etc.)!
I would love some exercise shoes.
I walk each evening with my husband and I have DVT so a good pair of shoes is important.
I would get the new running shoes you just talked about!
I would either buy shoes for myself or some shorts for my daughters… hmmm… 🙂
I tweeted (@abbynicole1204)! Hoping to win a $100 @Reebok gift card from @PBFingers: http://ow.ly/mwwIn !
I’d love to buy some neon sneakers with the gift card! I’m definitely in need of some new kicks.
I’d love to purchase one of Reebok’s cute workout tanks or a pair of capris!!
I am in need of some new tops for warm weather running!
I also tweeted about this giveaway and am hoping to purchase a Reebok tank and capris!
I would love a pair of Nanos…or capris, or the pretty tank you’re rockin. So many choices!
I love the colors of the new running shoes. I have a theory that the brighter the color, the more people who might be watching you, the more they watch your shoes. But those Nanos sound like the direction I’d head in
I could definitely use some new shorts for my summer half marathon training!
I need some new shoes!
I would love to buy a pair of their fabulous running shoes!!
I would love to get the nanos for some cross training!
I could definitely use a new cute workout top! Gotta love me so neon!
Definitely need some new running tights for running in cold Michigan winters!
I’ve been looking for a new pair of shoes for boot camp… The nanos look awesome!
I tweeted: https://twitter.com/countrytunes/status/351493648384405506
I would love to win this gift card! I am in dire need of some new shorts and have been waiting to fork over the cash to do so!
New sneakers for my feet after I recover from my bunionectomy… 🙂
I’m dying for a new pair of shoes!
Oh man I would love a new pair of shoes! Neon colors? Yes please!
I’d love a pair of Reebok Nanos – the blue ones are super cute.
I need some workout clothes!
shoes!!! Great giveaway 🙂
I’ve had an itch to buy new sports bras/work out tops since I graduated college in May. I guess giant cut off T-shirts aren’t a thing in the real world 🙁 I need to look like an adult! : )
I would love to buy some running shoes. I’ve recently started training for my first 5k and it would be such a blessing to win!!
I would love to buy a pair of the Nanos. I need some new cross-trainers like crazy, but have been trying to save money. Tina (Carrots N Cake) always talks about how great the Nanos are, so Ive been eyeing them for quite some time.
I need some new tops!!! I would love the $100 gift card!!!!!!
I would love a new pair of sneakers or new workout clothes!!
I need some new shoes! Or maybe a few new tops. 🙂
I am training for my first half marathon and would love some new Reebok running gear!! 🙂
Tweeted from @hnwhipple for the extra entry!!! Thank you!!!!
I’d love to get those cute tank tops you were sporting, like the long bra top. I need more tank tops to help get me in the hot FL weather as I train for my half in November. 🙂
I’m with Hilary on this one. Since graduating I am moving to a new, more active neighborhood and my workout wardrobe could seriously use an upgrade.
I also tweeted about it 🙂
Oh my gosh I NEEEED new shoes!! Mine have holes in them from over-wearing and I’m pretty sure it’s messing up my ankle because there’s no support. This would be great!
This Momma needs a new pair of cross trainers 😉
I would love a new pair of workout capris and some new tops! I love the teal one that you are wearing above – I am always looking for longer tops that are both fitted and flattering!
I could use a pair of Reebok fitted capris. I am always cautious with trying new brands because some can be to sheer when bending over!
I would love to be able to get a new pair of shoes!
New workout tops for sure!
I could use some new capris! And another pair of shoes, but don’t tell my husband 🙂
I would buy myself a cute running outfit to year for my half marathon I’m running in August!!!
I would love the tank top you’re wearing and some new workout capris!
I tweeted! @themimimandy
and tweeted from @bfs1190 🙂
Tanks for summer!
I would buy myself a new pair of running shoes for my Marine Corps marathon in October and to celebrate losing 10lbs!