Falling In Love With Running Again

This time last year I was in half-marathon race shape as the NYC half-marathon is in March. But I didn't race that much last year - a couple of Triathlons that's it! So now that I am in warm and sunny Manila (Philippines) for a little while, I run every chance I get since access to a gym is not exactly easy like it is in NYC! I ran for 45 hot, hilly minutes today. :) I forgot how addicting - in a good way - running can be. Not to mention it's the best way to maintain your weight, or better yet, lose those impossible last 5 pounds. It's good to be back!

ellasport Sponsoring #runchat on Twitter!

So what are you doing tomorrow night at 8 pm eastern time?  Join us on Twitter for the #runchat hosted by @irunnerblog and @RunningBecause!

I am so excited that we are sponsoring tomorrow evening's #runchat!  We will be giving away a pair of the Power Capris!  Details for the chat are here.

In order to be eligible for give away, you need to like ellasport on facebook and follow us on Twitter.

Hope to talk with you tomorrow!

Pam

ellasport Sponsors Corinne Ellison of the UK!

ellasport is now sponsoring Corinne Ellison of the UK!  She has overcome open-heart surgery and is now on the journey to the ultimate fitness test of an Ironman in 2012!  I am truly honored to be a part of her journey!  Here is a little bit about our girl Corinne.  

Corinne Ellison (28) grew up in Derby, UK and now lives on the beautiful south coast of England. After obtaining a BA (Honors) degree, Corinne worked as an emergency department nurse before completing a further degree in midwifery. While providing health care, she enjoyed the challenge of combining shift work, with starting a business and training for endurance events! Corinne currently runs a UK events business with her business partner (www.boothstar.co.uk). She is also training to become a success coach and hopes to empower others to achieve their goals and open their minds to the endless possibilities in life.

After a non-sporting background, Corinne took up running in 2006 after watching her boyfriend complete the London marathon. The sheer emotion and atmosphere of the event spurred her on and she began to run regularly. After completing her first marathon in 2007 and finishing in 6:19, Corinne became passionate about improving her times. This passion extended to triathlon after she joined the local triathlon club. At her first olympic distance triathlon, Corinne finished third....from last! Undetered and remaining focused, she continuing training knowing she had more to give.

In January 2010, in the middle of marathon and triathlon training, Corinne was diagnosed with a previously undetected congenital heart condition. The condition meant her heart was starting to fail and she had to stop all exercise until undergoing open heart surgery. This experience left her determined to get back to full fitness and share her story with others as a means to both raise awareness and inspire others to overcome obstacles. Corinne now challenges herself to complete her best ever marathon time, a half iron distance triathlon in 2011 and the ultimate challenge of an Ironman in 2012! Corinne is delighted to be sponsored by ellasport and is looking forward to sharing the journey with all women who love exercise and love celebrating life. 

You can follow Corinne on Twitter  @Bungleduck!

Be Bold Be Brave Be Seen in 2011!

It's that time of year again!  The combination of over eating since Thanksgiving and the resolutions made tonight - New Years Eve - the gym will surely be packed with people for the next month or so. Whether you are re-visiting the gym/working out after a major absence or are coming back with some serious motivation to get even fitter than you left 2010, I want you to Be Bold Be Brave and Be Seen!! :)

Be Bold

You've taken the first step - deciding that your health and fitness is an important priority for your well being.  Now be bold!  Have a plan for any and all possible reasons/excuses that could, and will, come up so that they do not derail you from your health and fitness plans.  We all have things to work around.  MAKE IT HAPPEN.  It's okay if you're plan for an hour run outside or Kettlebell class at the gym turned into a 20-minute, at-home workout with gallons of water for weights and lots of planks!  BE FLEXIBLE.  Over the Christmas holiday my sister and I were snowed in at my parents' house but we still managed to get in a couple of really good workouts!  We printed out a few from Women's Health Magazine and were sweating within minutes!

Be Brave

This is a great time to face your fears, tackle your biggest, loftiest goals and go for it!  You've got nothing to lose and everything to gain.

Be Seen

There's nothing like that feeling of euphoria after an intense sweat session!  I love that I-can-conquer-anything feeling after a super Spin class or a great run.  Just 20 minutes of light cardio will increase your endorphins, your circulation, and your mood!  Now get out there and Be Seen!

ellasport's newest collection was inspired by the idea, Be Bold Be Brave Be Seen.  Here's the video we made at the shoot that talks a little bit about it.


Be Bold Be Brave Be Seen from ellasport.com on Vimeo.

HAPPY NEW YEAR!!!! :)

The Perfect Tee Begins With The Perfect Fabric!

As I was folding my Charlotte Running Tanks and Park Tees this past weekend, I was admiring the amazing fabric!  It has a slight waffle texture to it, which makes it more fun aesthetically and it helps with the breathe-ability.  The fabric is one of the most important aspects of technical athletic apparel.  It takes me months to chose a fabric for a new item!
Here's a close-up of the Bright Blue Park Tee:

The fabric is 94% Nylon and 6% Lycra - VERY silky, soft against your skin so chaffing is not an option.  In this video Julie Bobek and I talk about the fabric and pieces of the Be Bold Be Brave Be Seen collection!  We also talk about the perfect tee - The Park Tee - and the details of the fit!


Product Description from ellasport.com on Vimeo.


A photo of the entire Park Tee:

Vital Juice's Vital Spy - Dec. 16th

I made Vital Juice's (New York City edition) Vital Spy on Thursday!!!  Vital Juice is a daily newsletter that is a great resource for staying current on all things related to health and fitness.  They have editions that are focused on cities like LA, San Francisco, and Chicago!
Check out Thursday's write-up, which includes my healthy weekend plans :).
http://bit.ly/eLXC2m

ellasport does yoga?

While I personally have only done yoga a handful of times, I truly believe in the benefits of a regular practice.  I felt them right away!  I say every week that I wish I did more yoga.  But the fact of the matter is, like you, life pulls me in a million directions and when I can squeeze time in for a workout, I choose to run, Spin, or circuit train like a mad woman!
Yoga offers many perks to the female athlete.  Here are a few of the big ones: flexibility for all your muscles - not just the ones you stretch to run; a sense of calm, which enables you to handle everyday stress better; and overall strength from your finger tips to your toes!
SO this past weekend we went down to Past Tense Yoga Studio in Washington, DC to introduce ourselves to their community!  Owner of the studio, Kelly DiNardo, was an amazing host!  Kelly is a yogi, a writer AND a runner, among other things, and she found herself looking fabulous in the New Power Capris!  These pants and the Chloe Long Sleeve Tee were big hits!

ellasport Chloe Long Sleeve and New Power Capris

My friend Aashumi, is the owner of Mirasa Design - eco-friendly, handmade kids toys that are ADORABLE!  She was at the studio this past weekend, like she is everyday :).  Aashumi is a true yogi and loves ellasport!  Here she is educating a customer on a Mirasa animal.  My favorite is the zebra!

Mirasa Design at Past Tense Yoga Studio

Thanks for a great event Kelly!  We can't wait until next year!