FitSugar

Long-Sleeve Layers For 40-Degree Runs

Jenny Sugar — Tue, 25 Oct 2011 11:32:21 PDT

If you're heading outside for an early morning run, it's pretty nippy out there! A tank top and shorts just won't cut it anymore, but it's not quite cold enough for Winter running gear. Here are some of my favorite long-sleeve shirts to wear on chilly runs, listed in order of lightest to heaviest to help you find a layer that's perfect for your weather. If you get really cold, pair these layers with your favorite vest or windbreaker.

Patagonia's Common Threads Garment Recycling

FitSugar — Wed, 28 Feb 2007 03:30:03 PST

If you're like me, you like to have a new fleece every year. This means I end up with favorites while my older fleeces just sit in the back of my closet.

In 2005 Patagonia launched Common Threads Garment Recycling Program, through which customers can return their worn out Capilene Performance Base layers to them for recycling. They've now added Patagonia fleece, Polartec fleece from other manufacturers and Patagonia organic cotton T-shirts to their list of recyclables.

How do YOU do it:
It's very easy. Simply wash them first and use one of the following collection methods:

Mail them to the Patagonia Service Center at
Patagonia Service Center
ATTN: Common Threads Recycling Program
8550 White Fir Street
Reno, NV 89523-8939
Drop them off at the Patagonia Retail Store nearest you or at one of their Performance Baselayer Dealers.

Why YOU should do it: Recycling your old garments gives the satisfaction of knowing that your old polyester garments will not end up in a landfill or an incinerator, and that future Patagonia products will require significantly less virgin polyester (less oil) than products from season's past.

Great ideas from a great brand, it doesn't get much better than that! To learn more, check out Patagonia.com.

Dressing for Winter Sports - Wear Less

FitSugar — Tue, 09 Jan 2007 10:45:00 PST

Winter brings the excitement of so many different winter sports and activities - cross country skiing, snowboarding, snowshoeing, and winter running.

And just because it's cold outside does not mean you don't sweat. Sweating and winter don't mix since once your clothes get wet, they'll stay wet and that will make you cold. Plus if you pile on the layers, you won't be able to move freely which is really frustrating.

What you want to do is wear less. Make sure the base layer (that is your bottom layer) is made of a good wicking material - my fave is made from Smartwool. The wool fibers have thousands of tiny pockets which, like insulation in your house, act as a buffer against the cold. They absorb any moisture and then it evaporates, so both you and your clothes stay dry.

Over your base layer, wear a wind and waterproof jacket and pants. These should be flexible so you can move easily. And don't forget a hat and mittens - these can be easily removed when you start to overheat.

Fit's Tips: Bring a lumbar pack or backpack so you can pack an extra layer or two in case you need it. Packing a pair of dry socks and some hand warmers isn't a bad idea either.

Fit Find Winter Running Gear Follow Up

FitSugar — Mon, 18 Dec 2006 15:30:00 PST

On Friday, I asked you all to come Fit Finding with me for some Winter Running Gear. I started you off with some super cool ice running shoes and asked you to find some socks, gloves or mittens, base layers and a cute hat.

Here's what scratch5 came up with.

View 5 Photos ›

I love the orange hat and mock turtle neck, but then again it is easy to see I love the color orange. This gear definitely would inspire me to run in the cold.

Cold Weather Running Gear

FitSugar — Thu, 14 Dec 2006 03:00:00 PST

Don't let the winter chill keep you off of the streets. Running in winter is fun, but you have to dress appropriately. Starting with your feet, because if they are cold you'll be miserable. Wear some ski sock liners made out of poly-pro with wool and/or silk blended in. These will keep your tootsies toasty. If the temperature is lower than 20 degrees, I'd opt for ski socks since they're thicker.

You are also going to want a top and bottom base layer made out of poly-pro or merino wool something that you can move in that also wicks the moisture away from your skin. Cover this up with a thin nylon shell to break the wind and keep you protected from the elements.

Keeping your hands warm is also key, so wear some poly-pro gloves or mittens. Don't forget a hat! A light weight wool stocking cap should do the trick.

Remember that it also takes the body longer to warm up in cold weather so add a few minutes onto your warm up time.

Happy running.

Help me find the some of this gear and come Fit Finding with me.

See How We Gave This Ikea Lampshade a Nautical Twist!

Angela Swinderman Elias — Tue, 22 May 2012 10:49:44 PDT

As part of our Styled by You $500 Giveaway with IKEA, Elka Karl and I have been thinking of ways to punch up basic Ikea products. You may have seen how I added block-printed ikat polka dots to this Asele lampshade ($15). Well, now I'm revisiting the same shade with an entirely different approach. Armed with some thin manila rope, a glue gun, and a Bran table lamp base ($20), I set out to create a nautical-inspired lamp with a modern twist.

Keep reading to discover how easy it was to create my rope lampshade!

4 Steps to a Stellar Sponge Manicure

Allure — Thu, 17 May 2012 12:03:00 PDT

We're happy to present this story from our friends at Allure:

I recently met with Roxanne Valinoti, an educator for CND, a professional nail product line, who showed me a cool trick for sponge-painted nails. This is definitely worth trying the next time the urge for DIY nail art strikes. (Or does that only happen to me?)

You'll need a natural sea sponge from a craft store and five different polishes: a clear base, a warm gold base, a midnight blue, a purple, and an iridescent topcoat. Sounds complicated, I know, but Valinoti did the whole thing in 15 minutes. Here's how to proceed:

Race-Day Tip: Strip Down at the Starting Line

Michele Foley — Tue, 08 May 2012 12:30:20 PDT

When going into your first marathon, you may already know the basic tips for achieving race-day success, but there are certain tricks that only come from experience. No one tells you that you may be waiting at the starting line for a few hours before the race is even underway, often in early-morning temps 20 degrees colder than what you'll experience during the actual race. To keep muscles warm before embarking on a 26.2-mile journey, a few things will be your saving grace: a garbage bag and clothes you can't wait to give up.

Seasoned runners show up to the starting line in layers, but not their best Patagonia or North Face fleece. These are clothes they wouldn't think twice about losing or ruining - the sole function is to keep them warm until the race starts. Shortly before the start, extra layers are peeled off and thrown into a garbage bag, which is placed along the side of the road for charity organizations to pick up. Some races provide garbage bags, but it's always smart to bring your own. (And bigger races also provide a bag-check in case you can't bear to give up your race-day base layers.) You can also opt to throw away extra clothing during the race itself, just be careful how you do it - you don't want to create an obstacle for another runner. Always go to the side of the road and aim long!

What race-day tips have you picked up along the way?

Take Your Salads to the Next Level With Easy Add-Ins

Camilla Salem — Tue, 08 May 2012 05:26:54 PDT

While I find a simple bowl of leafy greens doused in a zesty vinaigrette to be gratifying, lately I've been opening up to the deliciousness of salad add-ins that can transform a fresh side dish into a full-blown meal. Below are some of my favorite additions.

Toasted Nuts
It's amazing what toasted nuts can add to a salad. A handful of almonds quickly toasted in a pan adds a layer of warmth and crunch to an otherwise one-note dish. I recommend almonds, pine nuts, walnuts, and peanuts.

Flavorful Plant-Based Ingredients
For a kick, incorporate flavorful ingredients like capers or sun-dried tomatoes. Go easy on these though, because a little goes a long way and too much can completely overpower your salad. Olives and pepperoncini also add a lot of flavor and complement salads beautifully.

Quinoa
Cook a batch of quinoa early in the week and use it in your salads for days to come. Quinoa adds heft and texture to salads, not to mention the fact that it makes them more nutritionally substantial.

Find more ideas when you keep reading.

How to Wear Makeup While Working Out (If You Must)

Allure — Thu, 19 Apr 2012 04:42:16 PDT

We're happy to present this story from our friends at Allure:

Track and field star Jessica Ennis, currently in training for the London 2012 Olympics, recently admitted that she always competes in a full face of makeup. And Ennis's explanation of her race ritual to The Daily Mail certainly makes sense: "I definitely think if I feel I look good, it makes me feel more confident," she told the London paper.

Her story also made me wonder exactly what effect makeup could have on your complexion if you are really sweating up a storm. "Wearing makeup while working out can hinder some of the natural ways your skin adjusts to exertion, like sweating and dilating pores," says New York City dermatologist Erin Gilbert. "This can be a disaster as it often leads to clogged pores and breakouts." If you are like Ennis and feel the need to not go bare-faced, get her tips on how to protect your skin while you sweat: