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 could really use a new pair of running shoes!
Thanks for the chance to win!
wildorchid985 at gmail dot com
I am in desperate need of long, form-fitting tanks that stay put when I crossfit. Stopping in the middle of a WOD to pull my shirt down is so annoying!
Really want to try a pair of Nanos!!!!
I am loving the new lighter tanks that are loose and not so form fitted for hot weather running and lounging. Could defintely use some of them!
I tweeted. @ericadoyon12
I love the tara stiles collection; I would get a new tank top!
Probably a new pair of running shoes to rotate with my Mizunos to make them last longer! Maybe that new Reebok ONE (in a funky color, of course). Or, maybe a new pair of nice running shoes for my son as he has been asking for some so he can run with me.
I NEED new shoes so badly. I hurt my ankle recently and have yet to find a great pair of sneaks for running, lifting, and everything in between!
I would buy new running shorts!!!!
Hi Julie! 🙂 I am in desperate need of a new pair of crosstrainers, like the Reebok Nanos! I’m trying to get into more weight and crossfit like workouts and only have running shoes to workout in.
Oh, and I tweeted! 🙂 @SaraWo24
I would absolutely get new running shoes, I need them right now and those neon ones look so cute!
I really want to try the Reebok Nanos!
i really need a workout bag!
I need a new pair of workout shoes, for sure!
I could definitely use some cute new shoes for walking to and from classes at school this Fall! 😀
I love that top of yours and would probably get some sort of top that has an inspirational saying on it. Reebok is awesome and it will make me feel so powerful!
I am needing a new pair of sneakers in the worst way. My last pair were downgraded to work shoes, and I.have been meaning to get a new pair forever!
I am in dire need for some new workout clothes! Some new running shorts and tops would be great!
I need some new tanks-I feel like I sweat through all of the ones I own!
I have been eyeing those Reebok tops for a while, so cute! New shoes wouldn’t be so bad either 😉
I am dying for a pair of Reebok sneakers!! Everytime I see a pair of yours I want to get a pair
I would love to get a new pair of running shoes! My Brooks ghosts are tired and I would love to see how the Reeboks would feel. Also, I love that tank top you had on who made the rules. I love those loose fitting tanks to run in especially in the summer!!
I’m running my first 5k this fall so I would love a new workout outfit with something long sleeved just in case it’s chilly!
I would love a new pair of running shorts and a cute new t-shirt!
I really need new running shorts!
I would love a new pair of shoes to workout!
I am in need of new running shorts badly! Thanks Julie and Reebok for the great giveaway!
I tweeted too! Thanks!
I really need and work like some new workout shoes!!!
Oh I love how colorful the shoes are.. I would definitely use this gift card for a new pair of those babies!!
I need new fitness gear for work! I work at a gym like you and I need some new gear to wear 🙂
If I won the gift card I wold love to buy some neon colored workout apparel, or a new pair of sneakers for functional training!
A cute workout top would be amazing!! 🙂
I would love to try the new ONE running shoes!
Your blog has inspired me to start running again (even though I’m not very good) so I’m signing up for a 5K at the end of August! I would use the Reebok gift card to get some running shorts and tank tops to wear while I train 🙂 I’m very excited and hope to work up to a 10K and half marathon in no time!
I would LOVE to have the Reebok CrossFit Tri Blend Tank. It is really difficult to find a shirt that is 1. long enough (I hate when they ride up when you are lifting!) and 2. don’t have a built in sports bra. I would use the gift card to buy multiple Tanks.
I really need new running tops (sport essential long bra top) and the breathable meshie shorts! I’m starting to run again – HURRAY!
I need some new shoes ASAP! My old sketchers are falling apart. I might need some new shorts as well! Some that DON’T chaff when I run!
I would like to try some shoes since I’ve never had a pair of Reeboks before.
I love the yoga pocket tanks and the “Fit 2 kick ass” tee.
I am always in need of workout capris – I am always wearing them to work so I can run to my workout!
I would LOVE to get me some reebok oly shoes for CrossFit! Gotta love squatting!
I think they have the cutest shoes so I’d love a fun pair for the gym!
I tweeted as well.
I tweeted about the winning a Reebok giftcard! https://twitter.com/Jessicanjela/status/352053586441674753
Some cute workout tops for sure!
I love a new pair of capris or a cute workout top!
I really love the “highlighter” shoes!