Zooma-ing into Spring & Tommie Copper Performance Apparel #Giveaway

bluebonnet road

Finally a warm and sunny day, I am so glad that Austin has finally decided to embrace spring. The bluebonnets have appeared out of nowhere this week and I’m looking forward to running a race on one of the most challenging (and gorgeous) courses in Central Texas area in a couple weeks – the Zooma Texas Women’s Race Series.  I’m running the half marathon (actually defending my overall win from last year), but the race has a little something for everyone including a 5k, new 10k and pool area for those who would rather get straight to the rest and relaxation part of this destination race weekend! I have been a race ambassador for three years and am not at all biased, but (ahem) this run is my top pick in girl-powered spirit and support.  Did I mention that Zooma has massages and wine at the finish line? An every runner gets an overflowing swag bag that includes goodies such as a pair of Feetures brand running socks and cute tech tee just for registering and a necklace-style medal for finishing?  It’s not too late to register and you can save 10% on any race distance by using by ambassador discount code at the checkout– TXAMB3 (code expires 4/9).

This is my favorite race photo ever - Zooma Half Marathon 2013!

This is my favorite race photo ever – Zooma Half Marathon 2013!

In addition to running through wildflower speckled, Texas hill country roads and partying afterward with wine, massages and friends, spring weather makes me want to celebrate being active in the great outdoors – play basketball with the kids, take my paddle board for a spin or just jump like a fool on the trampoline!

jennifer jumping on trampoline

My new Tommie Copper Pink Compression Capris taking me higher!

I recently became acquainted with a great brand for all my active endeavors – Tommie Copper. The brand was founded in 2010 as a natural solution for reaching peak performance by speeding along muscle and joint recovery through compression. The unique hook of Tommie Cooper is that their compression and active fit (not so tight) lines of performance apparel are fashioned from fabric infused with high density activated copper. Not only does the proprietary copper fabric serve as an anti-bacterial agent, it also releases ions which may help reduce harmful oxidants in the body. While many of their garments are pretty straight-forward and functional (and would totally appeal to my husband), others are just as functional yet super fun and colorful – such as my sassy Pink Compression Capri Pants and comfy Active Fit Pacific Blue Tank Top.

jennifer fisher austin headstand

I’ve worn both these items to the gym, to row, to ride my bike and to lift weights – no chaffing, good wicking and not so omg-compression tight that I want to rip ‘em right off. In fact, I’ve had the pants on now for going on 12 hours – uh, eventually I will get my shower (and thank goodness for those anti-bacterial properties) . One of you lucky readers will win your choice of the two Tommie Copper items I’ve been describing – either the Pink Compression Capri Pants or the Active Fit Pacific Blue Tank Top.

tommie copper with logo

Enter through the Rafflecopter App below.

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Monday Must-Haves | Running Stuff for Women + Compression Sock Giveaway

crossfit girls pull up

Hanging around with friends at the gym makes working out FUN!

Sometimes girls don’t want to be like the guys, especially when it comes to working out. Really, what female – no matter how ripped and rock solid — wants to come across as a hulked-out he-man during gym time, running or other workouts?  Really, guys are great, but women rule the land of working out – 57% of gym memberships are held by women and 60% of half marathon finishers are women!

hood to coast last leg sparkle

Wild colors and sparkle to keep me awake at the 36th and final leg of 2013 Hood to Coast relay.

Let’s celebrate this commitment to staying fit with sparkle skirts and glitter headbands, the pink nail polish and purple kettle bells, and the fun compression socks and other fashionable workout gear!   Here are some of my favorite women-focused fitness brands:

zooma texas

Zooma Race Series:  I love this race series that is targeted towards women and am honored to be an ambassador for the Texas race for the third time. Races, that include something for everyone (half-marathon, 10k and 5k) are held scenic getaway-inspired places all over the country like Nappa Valley, Florida, Cape Cod, Chicago and more. Please check out my recent guest post at ZoomaRun.com on the benefits of citrus for runners and a yummy citrus-beef recipe. The catchphrase for this female-focused race is “Run-Laugh-Celebrate” and that spirit is evident by the smiles, support and sparkles on the course. The Texas race will be held April 12th   at the gorgeous venue of  Lost Pines Hyatt Resort & Spa.  If you’re looking for wildflowers and wild times (and a really nice swag bag), it’s not too late to register for the Zooma Texas Half Marathon, 10k and 5k – and if you use my discount code TXAMB3 at checkout you can save 10% on your entry fee.

 

Koss FitClip

Koss FitClip

Koss Fit Buds: For a couple months now, I’ve been trying out the Koss Fit Clips sent for me to test in a FitFluential campaign and they are definitely my favorite pair of headphones, especially for running and working out.  And, natch, they are designed for women, by women – scaled down in size and awesome colors. I’ve always had problems with headphones, either they  don’t fit in my ears well, slide out because they get too sweaty or are just so poorly made that they break within weeks – happy to report none of these problems at all with the Koss Fit Buds. I don’t endorse just any product, I seriously do use and love both the Fit Buds and Fit Clips and wanted to share the news that (for a limited time), all models and colors are on sale at Walgreens for $19.99 (regularly $29.99)!

Altra TRE13 small

Altra Zero Drop Running Shoes:  I’m an ambassador for this company that makes awesome zero-drop running shoes for women. Well, they make ‘em for men, too – but that’s okay; this is one time I don’t want the guy runners to feel left out.  What I love about the many models of Altras I have worn over the last few years, is not just the fact they are zero-drop and have a nice roomy toe box that keeps my nails from turning black (and thus ruining many months of cute pedicures and sandal wearing), but that they are gender specific. By gender specific, I mean these running shoes for women aren’t just scaled down in size and prettied up in pink. Altra running shoes for us ladies are made to accommodate a narrower heel and midfoot, a longer arch, higher instep and toe positioning – this helps us run better and healthier! And, they’re cute. Win-win-win!

purple leopard bondi band compression socks

You could WIN these — whoohoo!

Bondi Band Compression Socks: I love compression socks for so many reasons. They keep my shorts-wearing yet always-cold legs a little warmer. I also really feel like knee-high compression socks really do help keep leg fatigue away longer during intense training and racing and make recovery a little quicker. This company has so many cute patterns which always makes “dressing up” a running outfit so much fun. I’m GIVING AWAY a pair of these awesome running compression socks so that you can accessorize your speedy running legs with a snug hug of style. These are also perfect for the gym or CrossFit – keep those gorgeous gams from getting ripped up on the rope climb!  Turquoise leopard-print, knee-high and in size medium –  enter the giveaway via Rafflecopter below!

2008_06 keep austin wierd

So, what is the craziest, most outrageous or girly thing you’ve ever worn in a race? Let me know in the comments. As you can see in the pic above, I once ran a 5k in a Cleopatra (“Queen of the Mile” – get it, ha ha) in the Keep Austin Weird 5k several years ago. The clanging of those beads drove me crazy and I could barely see out of the blue eyeshadow painted glasses, but it was so much fun!

 

a Rafflecopter giveaway

Eat More Protein, Run Zooma, Feel and Look Good!

Protein is a power food for runners and athletes.  It plays a vital role in muscle building and recovery that can make a huge difference in the way you perform, feel, and even look. Packed with vital nutrients, protein repairs muscle damage after a workout and also tops off your glycogen stores when you combine it with carbohydrates – this lessens your chance of “bonking” in a race. Protein has also been linked with reducing the effects of the “stress” hormone cortisol on your body, which means you may even feel more relaxed. And, studies have also shown that a higher-protein diet from lean sources, especially when consumed at breakfast, experience a longer-lasting satiety level that curbs later-day snacking and thus helps to maintain, or even reduce, weight.

If you are curious about how much protein to eat, when to eat it and what types of protein are best, check out my guest post on Zooma Women’s Race Series today. It’s all about the benefits of protein and includes a delicious recipe for Sirloin with Sugar Snap Pea & Pasta Salad.  What a great make-ahead meal to enjoy after your long training runs in preparation for the upcoming  Zooma Florida (1/19/13) or Zooma Texas (3/23/13)

Breaking news, 10-percent off code for those of you who want to Run Zooma Texas on March 23, 2012 — it’s good for both the 5k and the half marathon.  Just click here to register and enter TXAMB3 in the promotion code box.

Zooma Texas Half-Marathon & 5K Registration Open Plus a Giveaway for Friends!

Good news! Registration is officially open for the March 23, 2012 running of the Zooma Race Series in Austin, a fabulous Half-Marathon and 5k designed especially for women and their girlfriends, sisters, mothers, daughters and others – of course, guys are even welcome! Enjoy a challenging run through the Texas countryside and, afterward, bask in your accomplishment at a fabulous post-race party meant to pamper participants with mini spa treatments, wine tastings, live music, shipping and more. I was an ambassador for the race in 2011 and loved it so much, I’m talking it up again! So who’s in?

Check out this inspiring video to get you in the Austin state of mind! Also, don’t miss the Zooma Texas giveaway, opportunity to win two free entries to the Texas race and two complementary massages from Spa Django compliments of race host, the Hyatt Regency Lost Pines.  All you have to do is whip up a haiku about you and your running best friend and post it before October 10th.

Zooma Texas Registration

 

Me running Zooma in March 2011 – fun times!