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The Best Running Shorts

Summer is here and suddenly that means that even the earliest of runs leave me red in the face and drenched in sweat. It also means grabbing shorts when I open my drawer instead of my favorite capris and leggings that have kept me warm all Winter and Spring. The first run in shorts can either be wonderful or horrible.

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Wonderful – Running in shorts feels so free compared to the constriction and coverage that leggings and crops provide. It almost feels as if I’m flying, even if I’m running a relaxed pace. 

Horrible – If you’re blessed with strong, muscular thighs then you quickly realize that you forgot to apply Glide in between your thighs and you come home chafed and bloody. That post-run shower is not refreshing but instead feels like daggers as it pierces your thighs and the chafed, exposed skin. 

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Since you guys had so many comments on my Instagram post, I thought I would share my three favorite loose fit running shorts as well as the links to your recommendations!

Your turn: How about you? What is your favorite short?

Disclaimer: This post is not sponsored however there are a few affiliate links via ShopStyle. 

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The New Lululemon Flagship in NYC

Saturday afternoon I had the opportunity to experience both levels of the new Lululemon flagship in New York City during one of their grand opening events. The event itself, known as THE FRAME, brought together fitness and film enthusiasts to view and meet the directors of five short films. While the event itself was interesting and unlike anything i’d attended before on behalf of my blog, what I know interests you guys the most is the new Lululemon location. Is it over-hyped? Should you stop everything and head to the new store to experience both levels?

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Both levels you ask? Oh yes, this new Lululemon Flagship store which opened at 17th and Fifth Avenue, is enormous. I highly recommend you stop in after your next Flatiron workout class as the space offers far more than Luon.
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The main level, which is filled with gorgeous racks and displays of male and female Luon gear, has a footprint more than two times larger than the average NYC Lululemon store. The larger footprint allows them to squeeze more dressing rooms, navigation space so you can shop until you drop without being crowded, a coffee and snack bar as well as health concierge space. The concierge corner includes an actual concierge who can help you book restaurant or workout reservations as well as a virtual screen for when she is already helping someone. The huge touch screen allows you to navigate local restaurants and fitness classes as well as complimentary community events hosted by Lululemon. There are also convenient cards which locals and tourists alike can use to find 3 nearby places to sweat, eat and explore.

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The lower level, known as Hub Seventeen, is a 4,200 square foot space dedicated to the community. The space has the feeling of a spa-like yoga studio meets Restoration Hardware due to the white walls, light wood and gorgeous décor. When special events, such as Saturday’s FRAME movie event, aren’t taking place in the space, people can take advantage of the full kitchen, refreshment bar, outlets and wireless to work, blog or connect with others. In addition to special events, the space will also host Lululemon’s complimentary fitness events including weekly cardio and yoga sessions. The calendar of events, which kick off this week, can be found here.

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TRAINING RECAP – WEEK OF SEPTEMBER 7, 2015

Happy Monday you guys!

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In order to help make this Monday a bit better, I’m sharing the winner of the Timex Ironman GPS+ giveaway at the end of this post. That ensures that at least one person ends this day feeling like it’s Christmas in September! Speaking of which, there are 16 Fridays until Christmas but that is a topic for a whole different post. OMG.

Instead of dwelling on that let’s talk the upcoming running fun and last week’s workouts.

I’m so excited that Reach the Beach week has finally arrived! Wednesday evening I’m heading up to Boston with Team New Balance for a tour of the New Balance headquarters followed by the 200 mile relay race through New Hampshire on Friday and Saturday! It’s going to be a great weekend with lots of new friends but man oh man is there a lot of work to do between now and Wednesday at 6pm when my out of office goes up.

Last week’s training wasn’t perfect but I know that with all the running I’ll do this week, it was the perfect week to play it smart. I felt a slight twinge in my left hip Friday afternoon which caused me to skip this week’s tempo run in favor of a yoga class. Luckily foam rolling, ice and a little bit of rest left it feeling better.

Just a reminder, my goal is to do one yoga class and two strength workouts in addition to my weekly runs while also allowing for at least one recovery day.

September 7-13th, 2015 Training Recap

Monday:  I felt every ounce of beer that I drank during the holiday weekend as I completed my “easy” 3 mile run which never felt easy. But, after procrastinating all day, I was proud that I finally went out for a run at 5 pm.

Tuesday: The 60 minute Bar Method class was a killer as it combined pretzel with chair at the barre but after just three classes I can feel myself becoming accustomed to the moves and getting into the poses with more precision. We did three sets of push-ups and I was able to do 42 of the 60 on my hands and feet which definitely gives me something to work towards! If anyone wants to join me for a Bar Method Brooklyn class this month, let me know! I’m loving it so far!

Wednesday:  I’m still trying to figure out the best mid-distance route in our neighborhood but the 5 mile route ended we put together for this easy run was perfect. We ran down towards the waterfront and did three miles down there before running back towards home. I’m definitely making sure that I allow five minutes before and after my run for dynamic stretches and foam rolling.

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Thursday: Scheduling workout dates is the best way to ensure that I don’t push snooze on my morning alarm and get my workout done. I had the pleasure of sweating through a 6:30 AM Uplift Sculpt Fusion class with Theodora, Ashley, Evann, and Jess.

Friday: Due to our weekend schedule, Bo and I knew that getting our long run done on Friday was the best option. We woke up at 4:15 AM in order to squeeze in 11 miles before work. The 11 mile run included two bridges and plenty of hills, perfect training for New Hampshire’s many hills during this weekend’s Reach the Beach relay.

Saturday: Before an afternoon of wedding dress shopping with my sister-in-law and mother-in-law, I headed to Bar Method for my first Saturday morning class. I didn’t love how crowded the class was but Katie did a great job still ensuring that she gave everyone personal adjustments. Even in the crowded class she gave me helpful adjustments for my left hip twinge and helped me get deeper into the stretches at the end.

Sunday: I was supposed to do a tempo run Sunday morning but played it smart and went to the complimentary Lululemon yoga instead. I love the weekly yoga offered at Smith Street Lululemon each Sunday at 9 AM and even brought two friends and my sister-in-law and mother-in-law this week!  The 60 minute class included lots of standing poses but it helped provide us with some zen before another day of dress shopping.

Your turn: If you’ve run a relay race, what tips would you give me and my team before we pack for the weekend?

The giveaway winner is Jennifer Apfel! Congratulations! Please email me with your contact information.   

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