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 love the longer top they have or would love a pair of new work shoes!
I am training for my first half marathon this year. I could definitely benefit from new running gear. Like you Julie, I love my Mizuno Wave Riders for runs but am always interested in comparing those to other running shoes.
I have always gravitated towards buying Nike and Under Armour workout clothes, but would definitely like to try out some Reebok products. I would love to buy some tank tops for the warmer weather! I really liked the Who Made the Rules tank top you were wearing in your previous post because I’m a big fan of looser tank tops for working out.
I am preparing to run my first 10K at the end of the month and would love to wear the capris you described above during my training! I also am obsessed with the “Who Made The Rules” tank – the wide straps look so supportive for running, yoga, and any other workout!
I really want a pair of Nanos! I also like the long aqua workout tank your wearing! I have a long torso and it can be hard to find longer workout tops!
I also tweeted at you from @rebeccarapps!
I tweeted!
i would love to try the shoes!
I have just started to study for my NASM cert & I know that a reebok gift card would come in handy for some new “work[out] clothes.” 🙂
I’d actually love to surprise my hubby with a new pair of shoes!
I’d love the chance to try a new pair of shoes!
My boyfriend and I just joined a new gym and did our first early morning work out! I am excited to get in a routine and new work out clothes always help motivate.
Desperately need a new pair of cross trainers — thanks for the awesome giveaway opportunity!
Portland looks like such a cool city! I’d love to buy a new sports bra or workout tank! They are desperately needed.
I’d like to get a new running shirt for my fiancee since we enjoy running and doing road races together.
I would love some new tops to run in during this absurdly hot summer!!
I love the bright shoes!
I tweeted!
I tweeted – https://twitter.com/StaticSeth/status/351723100523601920
I would love to try the longer tank and the new bright shoes!!
I would love a new workout top!
I also tweeted!
Would love to win this! I just signed up for my first 5K and would love to use this for a new pair of shoes. Thanks for the giveaway!
I’d love to get a pair of shoes that are actually comfortable – the ones I have been getting are definitely not.
Definitely some new workout tops and shorts!
I would love a new pair of workout shoes or a new workout top!
I tweeted!
I would buy some tops and shorts for the summer!!
Would love a new workout top! I’m also in the market for a pair of training shoes that offer more stability than my running shoes.
I really need some good capris. I live in Florida and it is hot, but I don’t like how most short ride up when you run. Capri pants are the perfect compromise. 🙂
I would love to buy a new running shirt! 🙂 I love all their colors!
I could use some new longer length shirts for working out.
I’d love to get a pair of the Nano’s!
I would love some new training shoes for Boot Camp!!
I’m looking for a pair of shoes to start training for my 2nd half marathon, and would love the gift card to try out Reebok!
I’d use the GC for running shorts and compression socks. I like longer shorts and they had quite a few styles that looked comfy and cute!
What an AMAZING giveaway! I love love love those Nanos, but I really need some lighter weight summer workout gear (it’s been so hot and humid in Milwaukee). If I won I would definitely get some cute workout shorts and a tank top!
I think I’d go for some capris. I have tons of workout tanks, but only 3 pairs of favorite capris. I think you blogged about some Reebok ones you love to wear to work, so I would track those down.
I could use a new top or shorts for the summer.
I really need a new pair of shoes!!
I’d love to buy some new shorts!
I definitely need some new running shoes!
I could really use a new pair of running tights. The few pairs I have are definitely on their last leg (no pun intended!) 🙂
I would buy a new pair of sneakers. I have been wearing my running shoes for all of the walks I take my dog on and my other workouts.
I would definitely buy a new pair of shoes! Mine are looking rough!
I want some new shoes for lifting.
I am in dire need of new workout clothes and I LOVE the ones you are wearing in all the pics.
it looks like fitbloggin’ was a blast! i absolutely want to visit portland 🙂
i would use the giftcard to buy a new pair of shoes!
I love love love my Brooks Flow for running but I need a new cross-training shoe. I will be training for my first half marathon starting in September and I want two very different shoes for the extreme difference in my workouts. I would love to buy the Nano’s http://shop.reebok.com/us/product/women-reebok-crossfit-nano-2.0-shoes/EG567?cid=J96748&breadcrumb=svZu3Z1z12xfwZ1z13070 for my cross training!
Would love the try the new running shoes, I’m desperately needing a new pair!