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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Really enjoyed your latest post. I would love to win the voucher for a pair of really colourful runners as I’ve just started running 5ks and am so thrilled, the colours would match my mood! Thanks
shoes, I love their shoes.
I just started doing bootcamp classes so I would buy a pair of Nanos!
I tweeted @obrien_julianna
I am loving that “who made the rules” tank!
I desperately need a new pair of shoes for working out. I love some of the ones you highlighted on the blog, so pretty!
I also tweeted!! 🙂 @bakeaim is my twitter name!
I would definitely buy a pair of cross-training shoes! Preferably in neon too 🙂
I would love to get some new shorts and a new workout top!
I would go crazy over some new running clothes! Gotta up my game 🙂
I would buy a new pair of sneakers and a new top to motivate me to get back in shape after the birth of my twins!
I would love some new workout tops! Some of my favorites are looking a little worse for wear.
I am a huge runner so I would love to get new tank tops and spandex shorts:)
I am definitely lacking in summer workout gear, tanks and shorts in hot colors!
tweeted!
http://ow.ly/mwwIn
I would love to try those new ONE Cushion Running shoes – they look sweet!!!
I would used the gift card to buy a cute workout tank for the summer!
Hi,,
This is amazing contest.
Count me in. Good luck everyone.
xoxo
I would use the gift card for some new cross training shoes!
I would love some new workout tops. I love the longer lengths that Reebok offers….helps to keep the baby bump covered up!
I need some new cross training shoes!
I would get some Nanos! I am in desperate need of new shoes. 🙂
I totally need new everything but I would be most excited about that long bra you are wearing and some new shoes! I’ve been running in some hand me down running shoes (I know, I know) and I need some new ones ASAP!
I desperately need a new pair of shoes! am loving all the colors!
I would love to get a new pair of shoes! I love their colors!
I would love new running shoes for the summer!!
Definitely shoes! I love their shoes!!!
shoes, I’d buy shoes 😉
tweeted the giveaway! @rethak23
I would totally order some new clothes!
I would love some workout tops for summer!! I’m always running outside in free college t shirts made of cotton that get so heavy during sweaty runs. =)
I desperately need more running shorts for summer half marathon training!
Would love some new workout gear for the humid DC running weather that I just moved down to!
I would love a sports bra and some shorts for sweaty summer workouts!
I would put this towards a pair of nanos. I’m in need of a pair since my love for crossfit is increasing by the day!
I just need everything. I am new to fitness and my old t-shirts and shorts just aren’t cutting it anymore. It actually discourages me to be honest. I would love some outfits like yours to help continue to motivate me !!!
I would buy some new hot weather running clothes! I am in NEED!
Thank you!
Speaking of Nanos! I could really use a new pair!
I’d LOVE a pair of new shoes!
I’m in desperate need of new running shoes, and like you, I just LOVE neon!! For some reason, throwing on a pair of brightly colored shoes gets me amped for my run!
I would love to get a pair of Nanos to start me off on the right foot at my new CrossFit box in August!
I could really use some new workout tops for summer workouts!
I’m torn between needing new shoes and new shorts!
I love reebok sneakers, and I love the colors! I’m overdue for new shoes.
I am in desperate need of new gym clothes. I’ve had the same three pairs of running shorts in rotation since 2008, so I seriously could use an upgrade!
I’d love some new workout shoes. Thanks for the giveaway!
hot weather running clothes for sure!
I am definitely in need of some new shoes and I love their bright colors!
I sent a tweet as well! 🙂
I would love to have some new work out tanks or a new pair of shoes!