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 posted on twitter as well 🙂
I would love a pair of nanos!! The new colors are so fun!
As much as I love the shoes. i need new sports bras.
Maybe with the gift card I could get shoes and a bra?
I love that “Who Made the Rules” shirt that Tina has on and would definitely go for that, plus cross-training shoes. I currently wear my old running shoes for cross-training, which is less than ideal!
I would love new sneakers since I am on the verge of 300 running miles with my current pair!
I really could use a new pair of shoes!
I would love a new pair of sneaks! I am way over due for some and the colors are out of this world!
I would love a new work out tank!
I just bought a pair of Reebok running shorts, and I love them. I would get another pair in a heart beat. I would also love a new sports bra.
I need new runners!!
I am in desperate need of a new sports bra or two. I would also love to get some more running wear! Love the long tank you are wearing above.
I would love some new workout tops to wear! I just joined a gym and new clothes always makes it a little easier to go the gym 🙂
I also tweeted!
I absolutely love my Reebok Realflex Cushruns. I’d so buy another pair of those or some other shoes from them for running!
I think I’d go for a new pair of shoes–I’ve never tried reeboks!
I also tweeted! 😀
I would love to try the nanos for lifting, I have so many running shoes but no trainers!
I need new, bright sneakers badly!
I could use some fun, cute tops! Or shorts or sports bras:)
I totally need a new pair of sneakers. I am long overdue! 🙂
I’d pick up some new running shorts – just in time for the hot summer weather!
I would definitely put the money toward a new pair of shoes. Mine are on their last miles.
I love the who made the rules tank top!
I would love a pair of Nanos. I have recently become obsessed with Crossfit and need to transition out of my running shoes.
I am training for a half marathon this Fall and would like to get a new pair of running shoes – I have never worn Reeboks!
I would definitely get new running shoes – I’m developing callouses from my current shoes. : (
Id be so excited to be able to get some new running shoes and workout shorts for summer time!
I would love to get a new pair of shoes!
i need more work out clothes for all the classes i teach!!!
I need some lightweight running clothes to make training for my half marathon at the end of the summer less stuffy!
I’d love to invest in some cute new workout tops!
I need new capris!
Tweeted!
I need a new sports bra or two! 🙂
I definitely would buy a pair of awesome running shoes!
Love your long tops!!! I really need some new tank tops for summer runs! Glad you had a blast. Portland looks so beautiful. I’d love to take a trip out west!
I really need new shoes for working out!
I would love a pair of running shoes! I use the same shoes for cross fit, running, Zumba, Yoga – whatever I do 🙂
Shoes – love the Reebok shoes!!!
I am in desperate need of new workout clothes!!
https://twitter.com/nabi79/status/351773067804024832
I JUST joined a gym so this giveaway is perfect! I would buy a new set of cropped workout pants and a few new shirts with built in support.
I woul love to try the reebok nanos !!
Shoes!!
I’d love to get a few workout tanks. I can’t stand having more fabric than necessary when running outside in 90+ degree weather! 🙂
I need new shoes and love Reeboks! I take my dog, Junior, on long walks/runs (depending on the heat) and these would be perfect!
Would love some new work out capris. Or shoes…
I need some new work out clothes or shoes. A girl can never have too many shoes!
I would love a new pair of shoes!
really want teal nanos!!