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 would so buy myself a pair of the new Nano’s!! I have been drooling over them!!
Tweeted!
I tweeted!
I would love a cute new workout outfit!
I need more workout capris bad and have had my eye on the PWR Fitted capris for awhile now 🙂
I tweet tweeted!
I would definitely buy new sneakers! And a new top! Reebok gear is so cute!
I need some cute brightly colored shews!
I would buy either a new pair of shoes, or some new workout clothes!
Tweeted!
I am in need of some more workout tops. Summer is hot in Texas, and I mainly have t-shirts for running!
I would totally buy the PWR wide strap long bra top you’re wearing! I love it!
I tweeted too! 🙂 @shannin_maureen
I can always use more running shoes!
I just started running and had to break out my old running shoes that have seen better days so I could definelty use some new shoes 🙂
Definitely workout clothes!
I would buy a lightweight top for working out in the heat\!
I would love to get the new Nanos. I have the 2.0 and I absolutely love them!
I definitely need more running shorts. I am down to one pair and it’s hot out!
I would love to win this gift card! I’m training for a half marathon in November and my current running shoes are starting to wear out, so I would definitely use the gift card to get a new pair!
Some new sneakers are definitely needed after my pup gnawed holes in mine yesterday. That dog is just lucky he is cute 🙂
I would definitely get some new running shorts and maybe a running top..I have been getting super sweaty lately since the weather has warmed up and so I think I need some new running clothes with better ventilation!
I would love to buy a pair of cute neon shoes for workout
I would get my some new running shoes – I have just started running recently and I love it!! never though I would say that. So with the $100 I would get a new pair of shoes and maybe some new workout clothes! 🙂
I would love to get some Nanos or some new breathable workout gear for my trek along the Inca Trail to Machu Picchu this August!!!
I would love the Outdoor Wild shoes. I am a recent convert to trail running and these shoes look awesome!
I’d love to purchase a pair of Nanos!
It would go toward a new pair of shoes. I’m training for my first marathon and experiencing some knee issues, maybe new shoes would help!
I would like to buy new pants with the gift card 🙂
I would definitely buy a new running outfit for those hot summer days!
I NEED SHOES lol. I am training for the color run for next year and I really need new shoes.
I’ve been eyeing the bright pink Nanos 2.0 for months!
I need new shoes! I would love to try a Reebok. I have always worn Asics and am open to trying a new brand.
I’d love a cute new top and shorts to wear for workouts! I’ve been using the same capris and tanks for a while and there’s nothing more motivating then a cute new outfit (no matter where you’re going)
I would definitely be interested in some of their new running tops!
I would love some new running shoes! I’m currently trying to find some that fit well and are not too expensive!
I would probably be boring and get some new sports bras! I just found out a week ago that I’m pregnant, and I’m already starting to outgrow my bras! I need to keep those puppies down so I can continue my workouts.
I also tweeted – megash113 🙂
I have been wanting to try their sneakers so I would definitely pick that!
Definitely some new shoes. I have running shoes, but need some different ones for cross training.
I would LOVE to try the new Reebok Nanos with the giftcard
I would LOVE a new pair of workout SHOES!
I would love to get a new pair of shoes. I’ve been waiting a pair of loud and colorful workout shoes and Reebok seems to have a great selection. Thanks!
A pair of neon shoes!!
The Strength is Beautiful shirt! Love it! Or some cross training shoes – I think its great they have non-running options.
I am definitely in need of some Nano’s!
You can never have too much running gear!
I am seriously in need of some workout tanks. I’ve been working hard on my arms, shoulders and back for the last few months, and am ready to get out of the baggy t-shirts I’ve been working out in up until this point!
Have been dying to try the new Nanos!
I would love to buy a pair of the Nanos!