Seriously, what’s better than a spankin’ clean pair of new running sneakers?! I went to JackRabbit this week in search of something to use for speed work vs. regular distance running (god, I feel so hardcore saying things like this!) and came across these beauties…

Sure, you can tell me that a pair of sneakers will literally make me fly… but if they’re hideously shaped with ugly colors I will. not. buy. them. Thankfully, these Saucony Grid Type A4′s ($94) look beautiful and also seem functional.  Primarily meant for track and XC running, the A4′s are considered a lightweight, neutral racing flat. Weighing a mere 5.50z, the sneaker is constructed of Air Mesh for extreme breathability.

I feel ultra light on my feet in my new kicks but also protected from the elements. Not to mention, I’m loving how tan the ultraviolet white makes my legs look

I TRY to think about Mother Earth…  I shut off lights when I’m not using them.  I separate paper from plastic.  Hell, I’m even down to share a taxi once and awhile… however, I’m certainly not out there hugging trees and making compost piles.  That’s why I love my new S’well water bottle that Sarah Kauss, S’well Founder and CEO, so thoughtfully sent to me this past week.  It’s great for the environment while still looking and feeling like a million bucks.

Sarah founded S’well in September 2010 with a mission to reduce the number of discarded plastic bottles as well as wanting to provide clean drinking water to those in need… and may or may not be Al Gore’s new BFF.  Inspiring people to make a personal change while still looking great, she uses double walled, vacuum insulated construction to allow beverages to stay hot or cold throughout the entire day (I wonder if this counts for my sauvingon blanc too?!). Constructed of the highest quality stainless steel, S’well bottles are non leaching, toxin free and lightweight – you can tell a lot of thought went into each aspect of design, with a wide mouth for easy cleaning/adding ice cubes plus a sleek shape to fit ergonomically into any hand, bag or cup holder.

Although skeptical at first, I used my bottle yesterday for nine hours straight and found that the water remained ice cold until the very last drop. The construction material also made me a bit apprehensive, assuming that everything would end up tasting like metallic similar to my experience with other stainless steel products – much to my surprise, all that I seemed to notice was how refreshingly chilled each sip was.  Best of all – it didn’t sweat slimy condensation on the rest of my stuff! In the end, the bottle’s attractive shape and unique back-story spurred questions and conversation, making me feel uber cool and at the center of attention – just how I like it.

Help the planet and support a wonderful new entrepreneur… all while looking great – readers of The Fit Post receive a 15% discount using promo code TheFitPost at checkout! Purchase here – new bright colors coming out soon, now isn’t that just S’well!

Lately I have been so food obsessed that I have failed to share reviews and hot product tips! My apologies, but here is some info that will make up for lost time.

In conjunction with a new client referral bonus, I recently received a credit to the store at Equinox (thanks Equinox!).  Although I was (obviously) thisclose to buying more spandex running capris, I realized I was in desperate need of a new gym bag.  I have some great go-to’s that do the trick but I specifically needed one that I wouldn’t be completely embarrassed to haul to dinner or work events.  After trying out a bag by Puma, another by Nike and one by some unknown brand that looked more like a diaper bag, I settled on an incredible lululemon piece called the ‘Effortless Tote.’

So many features included in this bag (20″ x 15″ x 7″) – exterior drawcord to cinch shut; hidden top zipper; removable, adjustable shoulder strap; external black zippers open into a larger pocket – suggested for a yoga mat or super sweaty gym gear; interior neoprene pocket holds for a 15” laptop (slight padding too for protection); tested to hold 50lbs (who has 50lbs of gym clothes?!) The exterior is stylish and well designed, making it easy to take to any post workout event (especially if you tuck the drawstrings in).  A bit pricey, $108 online or $127 at the Equinox store, but we all know how durable and lasting lululemon products are…

I was immediately drawn to the ‘Effortless Tote’ because of its side compartments and separate zip areas, keeping regular clothes from touching anything sweaty… plus I discovered a small mesh bag to use for “delicates.”

Sure, running is great for the exercise and feel good endorphins…but how about the gadgets?! Thankfully with this sport, the overall cost of participating is much less expensive than being a ski bunny at Vail.  However, there are definitely a few things worth splurging for - i.e. the Garmin Forerunner 405 watch ($349.99 with HR monitor).

The Forerunner 405 (there is a newer model that I haven’t tried yet) is a GPS enabled sport watch that tracks your training, wirelessly syncs data to your computer and lets you run with a virtual partner.  This watch is a serious gadget…actually ‘gadget’ doesn’t begin to justify it…this watch is a serious piece of EQUIPMENT that monitors your time, distance, pace, calories as well as heart rate (when worn with the HR monitor).  If you’re competitive, and most likely you are if you’re a runner, you can race against a virtual partner, your previous logged training runs or even another Garmin Forerunner user (I know, this last one is for the major geeks).

Compared to old school running watches, the Forerunner is sleek and much more manageable in size.  My one complaint, and something I have heard from just about every user, is that when it gets really wet the watch starts to erradicly change screens and settings (be careful you heavy sweaters). 

It’s definitely a lot of extra gear to tote around (HR strap, watch, power cord for charging), but it has made me a much more ‘conscious’ runner (read as ‘efficient’)  Sometimes it’s great to just go out for a run and not think about splits and distance, but after a really hard run it’s helpful to look back at my performance stats plus what kinds of hills I tackled or where I slowed down.  Expensive…yes. Worth it…hell yeah. 

*also has bike mode if you are a triathlete or cycalist

When I go to the gym after work, I have to actively force myself to not run on autopilot.  It’s so easy to fall into a routine and forget to be creative with new machines and equipment (not to mention I feel like an idiot when I’m using something completely wrong for the first time).  However, there is a huge pay off to mixing things up and not letting your body be able to predict every next move.

The bosu ball is a great prop for the gym because it’s versatile enough for an all body workout plus portable (walk it to another part of the floor to get away from the crowds…or that heavily sweating guy who thinks its OK to workout in a crop top).  I have a hard time building out my lower ab muscles and sculpting definition in my arms (which I’m paranoid look like limp string beans), but push ups and planks on the bosu (flipped with the bubble side down) really help to work my entire core and upper body at once.

Alternatively, you can work on your balance and stability while activating your quadriceps (think tight thighs) and glutes by doing squats on the platform of the flat side.  This may sound nerdy, but go online to their website and look at different kinds of exercises for additional ideas.

I have never been known to be a light packer.  Trips to Europe…weekends in Boston – whatever the occasion, IT ALL comes with me.  I feel like I need to have options and variety (I would never have made a good Girl Scout).  This of course creates a dilemma when I go running.  Between my house keys, subway card, extra cash for a water, ipod, Gu-gel, chapstick, hair elastic…bobby pins (you never know who you’ll bump into!) there never seems to be enough pockets.  SpiBelt ($19.95) - a gift from the running gods – finally helps to solve the problem by making an expandable pouch (think The Jetson’s re-take of the fanny pack) to stretch around whatever you’re carrying.  Therefore, if you’re a minimalist and only have one or two things, it will maintain it’s small flat shape.  If you’re like me and have the entire 3rd floor of Nike Town with you, then it will expand to a larger size.  Best of all, the belt sits tightly on the hips and doesn’t bounce or move unlike the others I have tried that migrate to my armpits by mile 2.

I believe that you need to look good to feel good/feel good to look good.  That’s why, I surprised myself when I immediately gravitated towards the absolutely HIDEOUS, Vibram Five Fingers (I know what you’re going to say, the name sounds more like a sex toy than athletic shoe).  Vibram (creater of high performance rubber soles) launched their Five Finger line of products which essentially are rubber soled gloves…for your feet.  Initially intended for yacht racing, Barefoot Ted (google him to find more info) introduced this “shoe” as a way to simulate barefoot running in rough and unpredictable terrain (think urban streets and thorn covered mountain trails).   Other Vibram members use their V5′s for pilates, swimming, hiking, rock climbing plus a slew of other fitness related activities.  Now with a month under my belt in my new V5′s ($85/pair), I’m able to maintain greater speed over longer distances and have increased the strength of my lower calves and foot muscles.  However, the sudden spike in speed and mileage has certainly caused some tendonitis in my achilles so be careful when first starting…slow and steady wins the race.