FitSugar

Races For Women: Triathlon Series

FitSugar — Mon, 24 May 2010 10:00:24 PDT

Nothing makes my inner cougar happier than passing younger men while competing in triathlons (yes, they write your age on your calf for the whole world to see), but I like racing with just the ladies, too. The all-women races I've been in had a calm, somewhat sisterly vibe to them - and better cut t-shirts, too. If you're looking to try a tri, and want to stick with your own, here are three national triathlon series for women only that just might be your scene.

Danskin Triathlon: This is the "largest and longest running women's-only triathlon series" in the US. The sprint tris are held all over the country from Texas to Washington, from Wisconsin to Massachusetts. All races are approximately a half-mile swim, 12-mile bike, and 3.1-mile run. The next race in this series will be held in Austin, TX, on June 6. Entrance fees for these races are around $100.
Iron Girl: This is a women-only national series comprised of 12 events. Race distances vary according to local geography and many races end with a much-deserved breakfast. The next race in this is outside of Atlanta, GA, on June 27. The entrance fee for this race series is $95.
TrekWomen Triathlon Series: Known for the women-specific designed bikes, Trek has created an eight race tri series for you to test your skills. All courses are around half-mile swim, 12-mile bike, and three-mile run. The first race in the series is held just outside San Francisco on June 27. The entrance fee for all but one race in this series is $85.

Have you signed up for a race yet?

Gear Review: Danskin Cycling Short

FitSugar — Wed, 17 Jun 2009 13:00:00 PDT

Known for its dancewear, Danksin makes great fitness gear, too. Which isn't a surprise considering they sponsor the longest running women's triathlon series in the US. I recently tried the Danskin Cycling Short ($60).

The shorts are lightweight, with a five-inch inseam, and a relatively thin chamois (aka padding). Although the product description says these shorts are, "An exceptional pick for spin class, triathlon training, and long bike treks." I found the chamois too thin for a long ride but still too thick for a tri workout. I wouldn't want to swim or run in these shorts. They were, however, great for spin class. I think the back zippered pocket is a great, perfect for holding lip balm or a Gu energy packet. I found the sizing a little large. The medium shorts were big on me in all the wrong places, and viewed from side the chamois gave the appearance that I was wearing a cod piece. Not flattering at all. In terms of wicking and washability, I give these shorts a thumbs up. You can buy them directly from Danskin.

SheROX - Danskin's Women's Triathlon Series

FitSugar — Tue, 10 Mar 2009 05:50:00 PDT

She swims. She rides. She runs. She rocks! Danskin sponsors the longest running women's triathlon series in the US, and the races are fast approaching.

If you've always wanted to do a triathlon, these sprint distance triathlons are for you. Here's the lowdown on the distances: .8K (.5 mile) swim, 19K (12 mile) bike, 5K (3.1 mile) run. Not only are these races fun and friendly, but Danskin also has a mentoring program to help newbies from the start (as in the first day of training) to finish (when you cross the finish line). I must say, doing a triathlon is one of the most empowering experiences - physically, mentally, and emotionally. Plus they have many different waves. The elite pros start first, followed by the amateur elites, and then groups separated by age. There is also a wave for cancer survivors and a buddy wave, if you want to compete with a pal in a different age group.

The first race is May 9 in Arizona, which means you need to start training now. These races are very popular and some races are already sold out, so if you're interested in trying a tri you should sign up soon. To see the race dates, just

read more. Tempe, AZ - May 9 Orlando, FL - May 10 (SOLD OUT) Miami, FL - May 31 Austin, TX - June 7 Aurora, CO - June 28 New England/Webster, MA - July 26 Philadelphia - Aug. 2 Seattle - Aug. 16 (SOLD OUT) NY Metro - Sept. 13 (SOLD OUT) Chicagoland - Sept. 27 Los Angeles - TBD Click here to start the registration process. Let me know in the comments section below if you are planning on doing a Spring distance triathlon this year.

Danskin Yoga Gear Goes Organic

FitSugar — Tue, 03 Feb 2009 13:00:00 PST

You try to eat organic, but do you dress organic? Organic cotton is becoming increasingly popular among eco-minded types, since it's grown without the
large amounts of pesticides that bathe conventional cotton - about 1/3 of a pound of chemicals per one cotton t-shirt! Organic cotton is better for the environment and our health.

So since I've been happy with the Danskin clothes I've been testing out lately, I was delighted to see that the gear brand is getting into organic cotton. Perfect for yoga and Pilates, all of the Danskin Prima Organics are constructed from organic cotton with nontoxic dyes. For details on the line,

read more. The cotton-jersey fabric on these pieces looks like that of a high-quality t-shirt, so at first I was afraid it might ride up or chafe. But it actually feels much lighter on the skin; it breathes well and wears nicely. The only complaint I have is that it feels like it might lose its shape over time, but it's tough to tell after just one wear and one washing. Here's a look at the line.

Double V-Neck Jersey Tank Top ($52) This casual tank provides plenty of coverage and has a built-in bra that stays put perfectly.
Y-Back Jersey Tank Top ($48) Soft and stretchy, this basic form-fitting top is nice and long for ample coverage.
Long-Sleeve Hooded Top ($52) Like the tank top, this hoodie has a nice long silhouette, and it's cozy without being bulky.
Interlock Bootleg Pant ($56) These stretchy slim pants are great for stretching and even cold-weather jogs.
Interlock Crop Pant ($50) The cropped, wide-band pants were incredibly flattering and fell nicely on my legs.

Gear Review: X-Training Aerosilver Flex Sports Bra by Danskin

FitSugar — Wed, 14 Jan 2009 11:00:00 PST

Mixing underwire with sports bras sounds completely incongruous to me. They just don't go together. This is, however, a new trend in supportive wear for active gals. I wanted to try one out, and Danskin was kind enough to send me its new Aerosilver Flex Sports Bra ($48) for a literal test run.

The bra certainly provides support and reminds me of a 1950s bra updated with a sporty racerback. When I wear it I feel more like I am on the set of Mad Men than running on a treadmill. The bra combines dynamic support with a titanium underwire and compression with molded soft foam cups. The effect feels nothing like the smooshed feel of a regular ol' compression sports bra; this one is actually comfortable. It is made of wicking fabric to maintain dryness and prevent the chaffing. The back of the bra is mesh for added breathability. But I think the most effective cooling element is the thin mesh vent just above the underwire, which not only allows air to flow in to cool you down but it is decorative as well. Unlike most compression bras, the Aerosilver racer back has three closure settings and you can't feel the hardware when you run.

For more details and to view the bra from the back, just

read more. I know the bra is bit expensive, but it holds up well in the laundry and should last a long time. While the bra may cost almost $50, I would say a comfortable, supportive sports bra that makes you look like a woman is priceless. You can find this bra on Danskin's website.

View 1 Photos ›

A Few of Lil's Favorite Things: December

LilSugar — Mon, 01 Dec 2008 06:00:05 PST

Let the shopping madness begin! Whether you are celebrating Christmas, Hanukkah or Kwanzaa, December is the opportune time for must haves. Check out our lineup of goodies that are sure to put a smile on the faces of mommies and their offspring by clicking through the slideshow.

Online Sale Alert: Get 30 Percent Off at Danskin

FitSugar — Wed, 19 Nov 2008 09:00:00 PST

In this season of giving, Danskin is showing its generosity by offering customers 30 percent off full price and markdown items. With comfy collections for women and girls, and fitness equipment like weights and mats, now could be the perfect opportunity to check off some names on your holiday gift list. Your niece just started taking dance lessons? Check out the cute activewear for girls. And if you've been trying to get your best friend to take yoga classes with you, get her inspired with a new yoga top. Get the 30 percent discount on your entire purchase from now through Nov. 23 by entering FRIENDS8 at checkout. With that great discount, the X-Trainer jacket that I practically live in is just over $50!

Looking for more sales online? Take a trip over to SaleHabit.

Review: Danskin X-Training Jacket

FitSugar — Mon, 27 Oct 2008 12:45:13 PDT

The weather is starting cool, considerably in some parts, and that means wearing more layers - sometimes even indoors. I don't like feeling cold, but so many sweaters, jackets, and hoodies are just too bulky, so I have been looking for something form-fitting, cozy, and thin. I put on my new Danskin X-Training Jacket ($76) a couple of days ago and have yet to take it off.

It meets all my requirements and then some. It's perfect for typing in my shady house and walking the dog. The fabric is super soft: The jacket feels good on, and my husband loves hugging me when I am wearing it. Since I am wearing it all the time, that is a good thing.

For more details on the jacket, just

read more. The jacket is form-fitting without being tight, and it has a dual zipper so you can unzip at both ends. The side pockets are zippered, too, which makes this a great outer layer if you are on the go. I also love the back stash pocket, which fastens with Velcro, it's very helpful for carrying bags when hiking to clean up anything my dog Bonnie might leave on the trail. I also like the iPod port that goes from the front left pocket inside the jacket and out the collar - this feature would be handy for a run. Although there is a bit of reflective detailing on the jacket, it's not enough make you super visible if you are running at night. But I appreciate that the jacket is long and covers most of my bum. I am definitely wearing this under my ski jacket on cold mountain days once ski season starts. Since I am trying not to buy black clothing - I have so much of it already - I got the jacket in purple, aka "prism." It also comes in pink (snapdragon), black, and pale green (arctic). You can order directly from Danskin. If $75 seems like a lot for a jacket, I rationalized my purchase this way: Since I can wear it inside, I won't have to turn on the heat for a while, and when I do, I won't have to crank it because I will be so cozy in my Danskin jacket. Check out the other colors and the collar iPod port below.

View 3 Photos ›

Trend Alert: Ballet-Inspired

FabSugar — Wed, 03 Jan 2007 05:19:25 PST

I feel pretty...Oh so pretty...I feel pretty and witty and gay...This ballet-inspired trend is definitely a pretty one. You all know I attended the Nutcracker last month and am a fan of the ballet. This trend will also spill into Spring 2007 ala Michael Kors. I'm pretty jazzed about this look; here are my picks:
Source

Danskin Women's Wrap Sweater, $25.

Karen Zambos Vintage Couture Halter Mini Dress, $150.

dELiAs Bow Necklace, $14.50

More ballet-inspired looks,

Danskin 20% off Holiday Sale

FitSugar — Sat, 02 Dec 2006 04:00:00 PST

Attention holiday fitness shoppers! Danskin, the maker of Fitness, Dance & Yoga Apparel for women & girls is having an online holiday sale.

To redeem your 20% savings enter the coupon code MOMGIFT at checkout. This coupon requires a minimum $50 purchase and is not valid on purchases of gift certificates.

Start shopping here but hurry, savings end December 9, 2006.