Clean water is a cool commodity in the U.S. and the world. It is the one thing we cannot live without (as the show Naked and Afraid on Discovery Channel has demo-ed time and time again). Surge for Water, seeks … Continue reading
What is it about Midwestern winter (and sadly sometimes spring) that can totally diminish your run game? The chill in the air, the icy scaled sidewalks, that daunting first inch of snow…man we wanna grab our snuggie and hot chocolate just writing this! We kept trying to figure out how we could keep running safely when the weather outside became frightful Snow solution? A fluffy white magical Yak picks you up and you sashay through the shivery slush…or you could try YakTrax for a more realistic tool for winter running woes.
What’s a YakTrax you ask? The name sounds like a new Dr. Seuss character and just in time for his birthday! But we digress. We read a couple of “Best of Winter Running Gear” articles and YakTrax brand traction devices dominated many a list so we ski jumped for joy when we were given a pair from Implus, fitness accessory brand leader, to trek across the blustery terrain.
Inspired by a Himalayan Sherpa, the original Yaktrax model features a spikeless coil design that grips the ice and snow with each step. Yaktrax Run’s combination of removable spikes and steel coils, providing 360° of unbeatable traction. Continue your training during the winter with the same stability you are accustomed to on dry surfaces. The Yaktrax Run can be worn in temperatures as low as ‑41° Fahrenheit.
Mittens Up (Yup, Thumbs Up)
Throw your mittens in the air if you just don’t care…about running in the cold. Here’s the positives about YakTrax Run and winter running.
Mittens Down (Thoughts for improvements and tips)
For you non-runners, YakTrax carries 6 other types of traction variations for any purpose from your ma’s walks in the afternoon, to your bestie who hits the ski slope every weekend.
Strap up your run shoes in some YakTrax Run coils for only $40 here, less than that Yak (about $2000) and besides Yaks weigh 700 pounds so where would you house them?
For now, the weather has us chanting the mantra of the post office: Neither rain, nor moderate ice nor snow can stop us from running–now that we have YakTrax Run coils. Maybe a tornado would stop us though…just sayin’. What do you think about YakTrax or other run traction devices? We would love to hear your thoughts. Comment below and until next time, happy trails!
Cue the Final Countdown Music and say this in a movie phone voice: “We challenge you, dear readers, to a battle to the death…of flappy arms and thighs.” Join us this month, from January 11th-February 15th, and get toned as … Continue reading
Now that Race-tober has come to a close, we’ve had a chance to reflect on all the “firsts” we’ve experienced this month: Monica ran her first 10K, Run 10 Feed 10, Kate took her sister to her first 5k, a very rainy yet triumphant Monster Dash and one of our most memorable races, our first trail run with the The North Face Endurance Challenge at Kettle Moraine State Park. The North Face went above and beyond in sponsoring us, not only giving us sweet race gear before the race, but also surprising us with a backpack full of running essentials once we made our way to our hotel.
For anyone who has been running 5Ks for a while or would love to just get out in nature more, we think a trail run could hit both those spots.
Here are some things we learned from our experience:
These shoes were made for trailin’
Invest in a pair of trail shoes. Your feet will thank you for your generosity. When we first received our North Face Ultra MT trail shoes, we noticed how stiff they were as compared to our norm runners. A wise friend explained that trail running shoes and more hearty with more tread so you have better grip and can withstand stepping on wily rocks and sticks that may try to block your path. These shoes are also waterproof to withstand wet and muddy trails.
Climbing every mountain
The environment of trails can vary from run to run. You may find well groomed trails, wild overgrown ones, or paved trails in your travels. You may find you require more stamina and time to trail run than what you’re used to so don’t feel discouraged if you are slower paced than your average pavement jaunt.
Dress to impress–the wilderness
The weather the day of our trail run was not exactly what you would expect for early October but Midwest weather is like Forrest Gump’s box of chocolates, ya never know what you’re gonna get. Chilly and brisk was the name of the running game for our race day. Keeping in mind that we were going through the woods, we wore layers. For rain, try a light or medium weight rain jacket, like The North Face Women’s Venture Jacket. Trust us, don’t wear your poncho to run unless you want to sweat like a wild hog as you swish through the wilderness.
And some advice from the trail running pros!
Runner’s World: 21 Quick Trail Running Tips
Active.com: 9 Trail Running Tips for Beginners
Trail Runner: The 10 Commandments of Healthy Running
Ready, set, go!
You can still take on the North Face Endurance Challenge in California, Washington D.C. and New York or try an Illinois trail run if you’re our neighbors.
Still trail shy?
The North Face offers their free Mountain Athletics training sessions every Tuesday and Thursday in Boston, New York, Chicago, San Francisco, and Washington D.C. to help you prep for your next ski jump, rock climb, run or crazy jazz hand competition…whatever your goal may be.
Finally! Events are starting to pick up and Chicago is bringing it’s S game. Super. Spectacular. Spring.
We are so excited to share some of our secret spring events this week to put that sprang back in your step.
We got our first taste of Mountain Athletics at the kickoff event at the end of March on a clear 50 degree day and man, we didn’t know what to expect. Our duo of personal trainers explained that each week focuses on a different body area all while integrating the core. We went through a series of intervals all using our own body weight. Exercise sets can be modified to fit your level of fitness which makes the workout approachable yet challenging. We loved the partner exercises so bring a pal and get ready to sweat.
Calling all house heads slash yogis! Bender Flavor Lab serves up a hot serving of unique fitness and jams each Tuesday at the Lab Dance Studio. Each week holds a different theme and DJ set but always gives you snacks and water in an urban street art styled loft space.
Bonus: Free Cone Day at Ben and Jerry’s on Tuesday 4/14!
Big City Blonde and Goldplaited presents a trivia and pampering event: “Blondes vs. Brunettes”. Get competitive, red heads and dark locked people can rock the trivia too. Participants can win glam make up prizes, indulge in styling and make up tutorials from Goldplaited, and obvs flex their hair color knowledge. We need to study up! Rsvp here.
Pure Barre is is partnering with Real Simple for a “Beauty & Balance” Weekend April 17-19. Stop by any of the participating locations to take a “Pure & Simple” specialty class. To register for one of these special classes, please visit the local studio page and find the “Real Simple’s ‘Pure & Simple’ Class” on your studio’s schedule and click “Sign Up Now.” New clients are welcome to try a complimentary class using the promo code “REALSIMPLE” – make sure to select the “Real Simple Class” option and enter this promo code upon checkout.
It is time to Live Out Loud Everyday with Lole Activewear. In celebration of the new Lole Southport location, they are having a grand opening party and fashion show brunch across the street at the Yoga Loft located at 1350 W Newport. The store is directly across the street at 3434 N Southport Ave.
image borrowed from Lole
Lole Spring/Summer Collection Preview Fashion Show
Doors Open: 10am
Show Time: 11am
Mimosa’s and brunch from Kitchfix, a $15 Lole voucher, and a Goodie Bag. $10 Ticket donation going to CTF Children’s Tumor Foundation.
It’s Move It March! Yeah, March is making us mad so we are reclaiming the month in efforts to leap off our comatose couch-bound status. Sadly, there is snow AGAIN on the ground and, with the irresponsible nature of Chicago Spring, indoor workouts are a must. As we all need variety (or vari-itay as one could say), we jumped at a recent invite to sample a unique world dance inspired fitness class, Doonya. Khushboo Rami, our fearless instructor and 1 of 2 Doonya instructors in the whole Chicago area, warmly welcomed us to the River North Gym for our first Doonya experience.
Some of you probably have an inkling of what Doonya is all about from some alluring TV commercials. Seriously, we had our debit card in one hand and the remote in the other debating on whether to buy their streaming online classes. Doonya has actually been around since 2005 when innovator and super fit co-founders, Priya and Kajal, aspired to develop what they were doing in their Indian dance troupe to a replicable dance fitness method. Khushboo was the 4th trained instructor in D.C. and carried the brand with her when she moved to the Chi. So, what can you expect when you lace on your Reeboks and get ready for your flash dance moment?
Khushboo explained that Doonya has some major components that are present in every class, no matter where you attend. There is always a mix of high and low energy cardio and 4 major dance styles are weaved throughout the class: Indian folk, Bhangra, Classical Indian dance/conditioning, and Bollypop (Indian popular dance sometimes mixed with mainstream Western pop/rap). The signature moves, like the Bollytap, glute lifts and knee lifts, crunchy standing ab moves and the heel flick, you will be able to catch the rhythm after a few songs. Once you have a few favorite numbers, you can request your best Bolly-shaking tunes on Facebook or directly to your amicable Doonya instructor.
So how did our first class go? Well, although we both work out (yoga, running, dance), our bodies were still challenged by Doonya’s high impact cardio sections. Khushboo broke down basic moves before beginning routines which made it less intimidating for us newbies. Near the middle, we found our sweaty spot but weren’t too concerned as the infectious dance music keeps you moving. We really loved the M.I.A. “Bad Girls” remix and were super surprised by the challenging nature of the classical moves at the end. Your thighs will shake!
Ready to throw on a kurti and give it a try? Khushboo teaches on Thursdays at 5:30 pm and drop in classes are only $15. You can also sign up for a free 3 day pass for River North Gym and try your first Doonya class for nuthin’. The gym is hiding on the 10th floor of the Merchandise Mart so take the Brown or Purple line if you don’t wanna mess with parking. We can’t wait to go back to work on our shoulder shimmies.
Here are a few of our fave Bollywood jams to get you in the bollymood for Doonya. Do you have a secret Bolly-jam? Let us know so we can expand our collection!
Chi Organic Girls 