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!
I have just started Crossfit at my local box and I have been DYING for the nanos! I’ve heard so much good about them.
I could definitely use some new workout tops!
I would love to buy a new pair of running shoes or some new workout tops!
I am always on the look out for a perfect pair of running shorts and while I’ve been a fan of Nike tempos I would like the opportunity to try a different brand of shorts.
I need, really really need new shoes!
I could use some new shorts, sports bras, and good running socks.
Almost every workout I do it circuit style with lots of plyometrics, so I would love to get the Nanos!
I tweeted!
I have a difficult time finding shorts that fit me and look good, so I’d definitely use this for new shorts!
New shoes or a cute top!
Definitely need and want some new shoes! I have been eye balling the Reebok Nano’s for quite some time now!
And….tweeted!
I NEED the longer length tank top! It is a must in my wardrobe….one in every color 🙂
I’d love some new, bright, fun tops!
I would love to try out a pair of their running shoes! I’ve only ever worn nikes and don’t want to buy another pair myself thinking I might not like them
I could always use some new workout tops!
And I tweeted!
Grandma needs a new pair of shoes!!!
I would love to buy new workout tops so I no longer have to wear heavy t-shirts that are at least 5 years old!
I really could use a new pair of workout shoes! Some new outfits to wear in the heat wouldn’t hurt either! 😉
I would get the Reebok ONE Cushion shoes in the Neon Yellow/Blue Move/Blue Blink/Flat Gr
I would love a new pair of training shoes!
i’m in desperate need of a new pair of shoes, that would be awesome!!
I would like the PWR capris! I tweeted.
I desperately need a new pair of shoes! Pick me 🙂
Fitbloggin’ looks like it was a great experience. And the hotel rooms looked beautiful.
I am in desperate need of new tennis shoes. I’m currently only have on pair of tennis shoes that were purchased in 2009. Sad, I know!
Looking for some new workout shoes & love their cute capris!
I am in desperate need of some new running sneakers! Thx Julie!
I tweeted too https://twitter.com/jessrwarfield/status/351675066012016641
I NEED new workout shoes!!!
I’m in need of a new and cute workout top. I love the colors that reebok gear comes in.
I LOVE my mizunos that you suggested! They are about a year old and are starting to get a little run down. I would love to get some new running shoes!
I would definitely like a new pair of shoes or a few new pairs of shorts!
I would get the capris and a new workout top! Love reebox!
If I won a $100 gift card I’d get some new cute clothes to workout in, I need them badly!
I’m desperate for new workout tops!
I would love a pair of nanos! I just started crossfit about a month ago and my running shoes just arent cutting it.
cute shorts and tank for hiking in the black forest in germany! i’d love to look cute in the pics 🙂
I need a new pair of running shoes!
I’d love some flowy workout tanks for this Florida heat! (:
I am in need of a new pair of running shorts! 🙂
I would love some new workout capris!
A new pair of cross trainers like the nanos!
After the pics of everyone’s footwear at the seminar, how can I NOT use this towards getting a fun pair of shoes from Reebok??
Turning 50 on Saturday! I would like to get some new running gear to celebrate “Fit n Fifty” !
The Nanos look awesome–that’s what I would get!
I love Reebok! I would use the card for a few new workout tops…. I am in desperate need for some cute tanks for those hot summer runs and workouts.
I tweeted to be entered in the giveaway 🙂 https://twitter.com/liz_treutel
I could really use some new shoes, shirts, and running capris or tights. Pretty much everything haha I am starting my marathon training this week for Disney in January 🙂
I could use a new pair of shoes to motivate me out of bed on these lazy summer mornings. 🙂