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 cross-training shoes and the Nanos seem like they would be great!
I would get some new tops! Reebok has some really cute ones! Thanks Julie!
Its summer time in AZ and I need some cooler running tops!! Would love some light weight shirts/tank tops!
I also tweeted.
To be honest, a new sports bra would probably be at the top of my list! I also want to check out their active tops–Reebok has some really cute stuff!
I would love a new pair of workout capris! They’re great for running!
Also posted a comment on twitter! @TIU_Sarah
definitely sneakers! into week 4 of a training plan for my 1st marathon!!!! (yikes!)
I LOVE the print leggings I’ve been seeing and need some cute tops – love the teal one you have on, I’m always looking for long tops – super cute!!
I really, really want to try out the Nanos!
I am in desperate need of new workout tops for hot summer days!
I am loving their bright colored tank tops!
I would love a new pair of running shoes or some cute exercise tanks!
one of those adorable tops you’re wearing, for sure!
I need some new tennis shoes!
I would definitely by some new work out tops. Mine have seen better days!
I need some new workout tops and running capris!!
I need a new pair of cross-trainers!
new workout tops would be AMAZING! so cute!
OOh! I love those shoes! My current running shoes are full of highlighter too! I am in the market for some new running shoes though!!
I would love to buy the Reebok Nanos! I keep buying different pairs of crosstrainers and nothing has worked well for me. I’ve tried Nike, Asics (which I love for my running shoes) and New Balance but each pair doesn’t give me the right support. I would love to try the Nanos and hopefully have a new go-to cross trainer.
Oh, I gotta have those highlighter shoes!!! Love bright work out clothes!!! Would live to try the cute tank too!!!
I need new running gear for hot, humid weather. Also, although I think I look cute and also like a “real” runner in my race tees, my boyfriend would probably disagree! Some new adorable tanks and tees from Reebok would be awesome 🙂
Hey so im not a girl so i dont need a new sports bra or anything *cough*, but my neice is having a birthday soon and would be cool to get her some new shoes without having to pay out of pocket for them. Thanks for the awsome giveaway Penut Butter Fingers!
Just tweeted! @PHLTalesTrails
I tweeted! Thank you for the giveaway! @akrunnergirl87
I would love to get myself a new pair of reebok neaks!
Now that I’m pregnant and showing, I need some new yoga pants and some new tops badly!
I need new summer workout gear…especially shorts and a sports bra!
I really need new socks and bras! Training for my first full marathon in October! WOOHOO!
I definitely need some new, long workout tops. I’d love to check out Reebok’s long tops!
I just competed in my first figure competition and now need new workout shorts. Thanks!
I would use the gift card to pick up a new workout tank or two! It’s been over 100+ degrees here in So Cal, and the heat is killer!
I would definitely use the gift card to get a sports bra and a new running tank for the FL summer heat!
Hi Julie! I started following your blog a few months ago when I needed inspiration getting back into shape… and your circuit workouts are perfect for my humble village abode! I’ve been living in Benin, West Africa as a rural community health adviser (in the Peace Corps) since July 2011 and the past two years have taken quite a toll on my previously fit body. I’ll be finishing up my service and heading home in August and would put that Reebok gift card to more than good use. I’m in serious need of a pair of new workout shoes 🙂
ps. you inspired me to start documenting my own fitness adventures – although I have trouble keeping it up to date – here: http://www.sparkpeople.com/mypage_public_journal.asp?id=BENIN44
I would love some new workout tanks!
Definitely sneakers. Mine are worn and torn.
i’d buy myself a new pair of shoes
I’m totally in the market for some new workout tops and shorts so $100 to Reebok would be amazing!!!
The convention sounded awesome! I’m currently doing a lot of physical therapy for my knee after an accident this winter. Getting my balance back is key right now, and some Reebok Nanos sound like they would help a lot!
I’d love some new running gear for this hot weather!
I also tweeted
Hi Julie!
I desperately need a new pair of shoes! I haven’t worked out in over a year because of my need for new shoes and I have been too broke to buy any since I had my baby! Please help!
I am in need of new shoes for teaching my 8-week class that starts in a couple of weeks. I will be teaching two sessions, so my current shoes are going to be hitting their max!
I could really use a new pair of shoes! The Nanos sound perfect for the types of workouts I do most frequently!
I need new workout tops in the worst way!
I would LOOOVE the gift card to get some new cross training shoes! Especially of the highlighter variety =) I also would love a pair of the PWR leggings!
I would by the PWR hot shorts! They look perfect for my summer workouts, paddleboarding, biking, and my trip to Disney in August! I know the moisture-wicking material they use will help me stay comfortable, especially after going on the water rides!
I’m a new mom and in desperate need of some new workout clothes. I’d buy a new top and some shorts for summer to keep myself motivated to keep up my running schedule.
I’m in need of a new pair of sneakers! I’d love to purchase the nanos. Also, a workout tank would be great to have!