BRA-vo BRA-vo! A post for the ladies.

I just recently took the leap and ordered new running bras online. Usually, I find a running bra I like from shopping in a sports store, and I stick with that brand and those bras until they completely die. My Under Armor bras that I've had for probably the better of 9 years are at that point. One lost the zipper pull, another has the zipper track getting kind of wonky--they are ending their useful life, most definitely. 
I read Runner's World magazine faithfully, and some time ago, they had a good article on sports bras. One brand caught my eye, along with their targeted online marketing, and I decided to take the leap. Boy am I glad I did!
Meet the She-Fit brand of sports bras. Check out their link https://shefit.com . I've never ordered a sports bra online before, so I was a bit worried. But when I received my order, I was completely blown away. The bras arrive in a wonderful little mesh bag that says "Wake up, Kick ass, Repeat" on it, and the bag doubles as a washing machine pouch for keeping the bra safe. Love. The bra itself is as  easy to maneuver as the website videos show. It hooks in the front, and once you have it zipped up, you adjust the back and shoulder strap velcro strips to find your perfect fit. Once on the body, the bra cages you like iron. No bounce. Seriously, NO BOUNCE! 
I'm totally in love with these workout bras, and I'm kicking myself that I didn't try them sooner. I plan to order a couple more so that I always have one available when I need it. The prices are comparable to good quality running bras in the sports stores (I ordered the Ultimate Sports Bra in black $65), and the She Fit quality is far superior to any other brand I've ever owned. I'm hooked.
So, if you haven't ever found a proper workout bra, give this brand a chance. I'm sold!

Note: This endorsement is entirely my own personal experience with the product. I am not receiving any perks or sponsorships from the company for this review. I'm just a fan, and I want to pass along this fabulousness to other ladies out there!

Summer bummer and recovery

Haven't blogged in a while, but now that September is here, I figured it was time to check in and write about the end of summer running (or lack thereof) bummer I experienced this year. At the end of July, while out running a new route in a nearby town, I stepped on one of those green-cased, ball-shaped walnut coverings that drop from black walnut trees (I think that's what it was at least). At about 2 1/4 miles in to a 3 mile run, I stepped on the ball, twisted my right ankle hard and ended up with a pretty nasty sprain. Doc told me 2-3 weeks of rest. Total bummer! With 6 days left in July, I was looking for a banner month mileage-wise, but that wasn't to be. 
I rested for two weeks, diligently icing my puffy ankle, and not pushing myself much at all. It was so hard to just sit around, and I didn't like it one bit! I decided to try back slow, easy running after the two week mark, and I felt ok, but still really took it easy. I only ran 5 milers, and when I say slowly, I mean really slowly. In fact, on one of the days, my Apple watch indicated that I had done a 5 mile walk, even though I was slow running. Sheesh! 
I'm happy to report though, that I'm feeling pretty good now. The ankle feels fine while running, but I still get a little stiffness from time to time. I even managed to eke out my 100 miles for the month by doing those slow 5 milers for the remaining days of August. I'm so happy for that. 
With back-to-school looming, I hope to get back in my regular running routine, as I gear up for my next race, The Jazz Half Marathon, October 26th in New Orleans! Can't wait for that one. It will be my first trip to New Orleans, and it should be amazing to run there. 
Looking forward to a fun-filled (injury-free!) fall season of running.