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 need some new gear! I’ve gotta sick of all of the gear I have now. I need more color!
I would LOVE to buy a new pair of nanos for crossfit!
And I just tweeted! from @stefinabluebox
I would love a new pair of shoes for lifting!
I would LOVE a tank to wear to workout in the hot texas summers!
Would love to get more bright coloured workout tops!
I would love a pair of neon running shoes or one of those PWR wide strap long bra top that you rave about! I also tweeted at you for a second entry! Thanks.
I have three half marathons scheduled for the fall so new training shoes are definitely in order – and I love their colorful running shoes!
I would love some new colorful work out tanks for summer!
I would love to have a pair of shoes just for functional training, and a new pair of shorts couldn’t hurt!
I would love a new pair of running shoes…something neon for sure!
New Nanos for me 🙂
I am in dire need of some new running shorts! I’ve been wearing the same 5 pairs for years!
I tweeted! (@martinbeks)
I am training for my first 5k and could really use some motivation from new workout clothes!
I would definitely buy a pair of PWR Capri leggings since they are my absolute favorite pair of workout leggings. Can never have enough of those!! I’ve toyed with the idea of getting nanos for a while, too. So maybe I’d consider getting a pair of those! The options are really endless! What a great giveaway!
Ive had my current sneakers since Junior High (Im in college now– this is a problem.) I would definitely get the nanos!
I would love a brand new pair of shoes! That would be so awesome! Hot pink! Love this giveaway!
I would love a new pair of running shoes!
I would absolutely love some new fun workout tops for the summer! I love all the bright colors!!
I would buy new shoes. I’ve been dying for new running shoes, and would love to actually get fitted for a good pair.
Some new shoes for cross-training and maybe some cute tops.
You know how runners are…always wanting a new pair of shoes…that’s what I would use the gift card for…new shoes!
I tweeted too!
I’ve been eyeing those Freestyle Hi Wedge sneakers for quite a while…this might just be my chance to see if I can pull them off! 🙂
I would get a pair of sneakers.
shoes!! to bad reebok doesn’t make peanut butter.
I’d love a LOUD outfit to wear for the Hershey Half Marathon in October 🙂
I would definitely get some new workout gear, including sports bras and cute tops!
I would love a couple of new pairs of running capris!
Hi there! Looks like you had an awesome time, great post! I’d love to win that card to throw towards a new pair of Nanos for CrossFit! I’ve been wearing the same ones for over a year…and they’re just not cutting it anymore! Cheers!!!
I have been eye-stalking the Reebok Nanos for quite some time & would use it to purchase a pair finally instead of being a window/computer screen shopper! I am starting a new workout program (the Focus T25) tomorrow & they seem much more efficient for the boot camp style home workouts 🙂
Need some workout shorts and a new pair of shoes. 🙂
https://twitter.com/toeacherownblog/status/351444186228203520
I tweeted 🙂
I would love to get a pair of real running shoes
Just tweeted about the card…thanks for the opportunity!!! (@AnnieBrowne)
I lost my favorite running tights so I would love to buy a new pair! And maybe some new summer tops.
Just tweeted about your giveaway on twitter!!!
How awesome! I’d definitely like to get a whole workout ensemble!
I am definitely needing some workout gear as I lose weight – it would a huge relief to win the giftcard and get some pants/tops!
I’d love some new shoes!
I would buy some new running shoes then I would start running!
I’ve been in a little bit of a workout slump lately. I would love a bright new top or pair of shorts to get me back in the groove!
I would love to get some new workout tops for hot yoga!!
I would buy some new workout gear!!!
I would love some new bright coloured workout tops!
I could definitely use some new workout tanks for this summer! I’m loving all of Reebok’s gear this season. Thanks for hosting this 🙂
I would use the gift card towards a pair of Nanos to wear during strength training. No more falling over while doing lunges!
I would love a new pair of shoes! I’ve had the same pair of running shoes for way too long.
I just need a really nice workout outfit.