Running with PUMA

Those of you who know me know a few months ago I took up a new interest... Running. I have always been the type who have (literally) said, "I hate running! The only time I may actually even think about running is if someone scary is chasing after me... MAYBE I would run... Maybe!"

Having a mom who can run circles around me and recently finished an Ironman triathlon made me figure if she can run 26 miles, swim 3.2 and bike 116 I should be able to run my younger butt a 5K!

I started off the the Couch to 5K app (C25K) and 8 weeks later I was running 3.2 miles in 30 minutes! I even signed up to run my first 5K race so you can imagine how excited I was when I discovered I was accepted to sample some running products from PUMA! Thanks to Crowdtap & PUMA this is what I got to test:

• 1 Pair of PUMA Mobium Elite Running Shoes
• 1 Puma Performance Bodywear Tech ACTV Long Sleeve Top
• 1 Pair of Puma Performance Bodywear Tech ACTV Endurance Tights

Sorry for the sideways pic... I cannot get it to rotate!

I was a little worried about how the shoes would fit; since I didn't get to try them on first, I picked my size and they sent them. I saw lots of people complain about their shoes being a bit big, but as a runner (yes I can now call myself a runner) you want your shoes to have some room for swelling during a run & the shoes I got were perfect! From the warmup walk, to the run to the cool down I noticed a huge difference between those shoes and my previous pair! I actually felt like I could've kept on going (not usual for me).

The shirt was actually different than I was expecting. I received a short sleeve shirt instead and a light long sleeve jacket (PUMA Pure NightCat Reflective Running Jacket). I have to say I love the jacket and shirt so much that I'm not bummed out at all about not getting the long sleeve shirt. The jacket is very reflective (great for the fall/winter shorter days), and the shirt feels so light I feel like I'm just running in my sports bra.

I know I look awful but it's post-workout & early morning!

The pants were pretty crazy when I got them. I was surprised by what I called "traction control" inside them. It essentially looks like little rubber tire treads inside the tights. It does make them a little more difficult to get on, but that may have more to do with the fact that they sent me a small & I could've used a medium. The treads are actually athletic tape strategically placed to actually massage your muscles as you run. I'm not sure how well they worked since it wasn't like a masseuse giving me a massage but I can say the 1 knee that usually gets achy about mid run hasn't bothered me. Not sure if it's that it just decided to quit fighting me, or the massaging tights, or the new shoes (I'm guessing the new shoes helped a lot though).

This new gear really helped motivate me to keep going dispite the dropping temperature, and daylight hours here in Minnesota. I knew I wouldn't keep running outside in the cold so as of last week signed up for a gym membership that has lots of nice indoor treadmills! Thanks again Crowdtap & PUMA!

It’s Tee Time at Old Navy!

It's spring time again... though you'd never know it by looking out your window here in Minnesota when you see the fresh 6" of snow blanketing everything. Regardless, the weather will warm up eventually and when it does my gal pal, Sheree and I will be ready thanks to Old Navy and Crowdtap! I was on of the lucky ladies chosen on Crowdtap to choose a friend and go shopping at Old Navy for 2 new tee shirts each.

We arrived in our local Old Navy store right around 6:00 pm and got right down to business throwing every variety of shirt we could find in our carts! After about 30 - 45 minutes it was off to the dressing rooms. There was a wonderful girl working the changing area named Meghan. She was extremely helpful, and knowledgeable  In conversation we were surprised to find out she was new!

I loved this grayish black and pink shirt so much I had to take it home!

We tried on so many shirts that I can't even begin to post all the pictures here, or describe them all. But they really are a one-stop-shop for tees. I couldn't believe the variety they had and loved the colors for spring.

Not sure what it is, but something I love about these shirts with the added length to them.

After trying on LOTS of shirts and bringing home LOTS of extra finds, we left the store a few minutes before they closed at 9:00. We had so much fun and hope I get another excellent opportunity sometime to do it again. If you are interested in checking out a portion of the selection you'll find a few styles here: Old Navy Tees

Crowdtap is a company that gets comsumerfeedback on brands and products. In exhange for your thoughts, and opinions you get points that may be redeemable for prizes and gift cards or the occasional sample share.

Old Navy Sweater Sample

Last week I had such a wonderful time shopping with my dear friend, Holly. I'd gotten coupons for a free sweater from Old Navy for a friend and myself thanks to Old Navy and Crowdtap (please check for more info on Crowdtap at the bottom of the page).

Being a member of the Old Navy Style Council on Crowdtap gave me this wonderful opportunity. It was my birthday on Monday and this was an awesome way to celebrate. We got to the store at 7:00 and didn't leave until shortly after 9:00 we were having so much fun modeling and trying to make our decisions...

If you haven't been to Old Navy lately, I highly suggest you get in there. Their sweater selection at my store was fantastic and I swear they make the softest sweaters available (I have to say the same for their baby clothes also).

I also got to try my first pair of leggings. Since having 2 kids my body has changed significantly and don't have quite the figure I used to. Holly talked me into trying them and I have to say... I absolutely loved them. They are so comfy (and Old Navy soft), plus they're super cute with a long sweater (I'm stressing the long part) and a pair of boots. 

Loved these sweaters

Loved these hoodies! They feel like snuggling up with a blanket (bought this too).

Our final decisions

Where are we? Oh, there with 2 big bags... and back there with another big bag!

I also want to stress how wonderful it is to just have some "girl time." Being a full-time mommy of 2 takes it's toll on a person and getting out shopping with a friend just makes me feel energized again. It's amazing how much 2 hours in a store can do for you. We had such a fun night I can't wait to do it again soon.

Crowdtap is a company that gets consumer feedback on brand sand products. In exchange for your thoughts and opinions you get points redeemable for prizes, like Amazon gift cards and the occasional sample share.