No One Wants to See My Butt - Lime Ricki Review

The big family beach vacation is nearly here but I'm not in the barely-there-bikini stage of life anymore so I went looking for something a little more forgiving for my sun and sand time.  I found 

 

Lime Ricki

 

You might remember seeing them if you are a Survivor fan.

Dawn wore this one in the Caramoan.

 

 

I checked out their site and ended up purchasing several tops and bottoms and then anxiously waited for them to arrive. 

 

It would have been great if I got these long skinny legs with the skirt too.

 

I ordered this wrap ruffle skirt in lemon and pink. 

 

 

I also ordered this top and several others lots of yellow and an item or two from their sale page.

 

Within days my $5 only shipping had my order at the door. 

 

YIPEEE!

Everyone loves to get packages.

 

The items were nicely made.  No stray strings or cheap material feel to the suits.  I tried the items on.  Now this was per-Whole30 days and a few of the tops were more snug than I would have liked.  It seems some items ran a little smaller than others.  (This was noted on a few items I looked at but not on the tops that I had purchased)  With my up coming eating-overhaul I knew a bit of snugness would not be an issue for long so I was happy with all the tops I had purchased.

 

Then I tried on the bottoms.  This pair was reversible and held true to it's sizing.  Loved them!  This will give me a patterned bottom and a solid black bottom all in one.

 

 

 

Then I tried on the skirt.  I put the lemon skirt on first.  I was thrilled with it's fit and coverage.  That was until after I showed S'ghetti Girl.  As I walked out of her room she said, "Ah mom?  I think I can see you butt."  I thought she meant that the skirt was shorter in the back but when I got to a mirror I could indeed see straight through the fabric.  Don't get me wrong I work hard to get my backside in great shape but I don't really think there is a big audience for actually viewing it!

 

Fast forward through a few emails and a review of the product on their website (my review did not appear until after I talked with a sales associate and mentioned that it was not showing) and I was unhappy to find out that due to a missed email by my contact at Lime Ricki that they had gotten a black version in but had already sold it. 

 

A little background on Lime Ricki;  they get their styles in fresh each year and sell until they don't have any more.  No reordering stock.  No late season styles.  Just a kind of "you get what you get and you don't get upset".  I like the idea that there won't be dozens of other people wearing the same suit I have on and I like looking forward to the next season's styles.

 

So I was left a little disappointed in that one product and a little disappointed over the "missed" email as my contact and I had been exchanging mails and he was aware of my desire to get a black skirt and return the yellow one.  However, I resigned myself to the fact that the yellow skirt would just go back and I would use other bottoms.  Thinking of my review of Lime Ricki I was torn on the experience having had a bit of disappointment in bout product and customer service.  That was until my phone rang.

 

Yes, Lime Ricki called me.  My file had been noted that I was interested in the skirt if they got any in return and they had!  After a brief conversation with the sales associate I have a new black wrap ruffle skirt coming and I don't have to return the see through yellow one I can just get rid of it. 

 

So in the end I am a thrilled Lime Ricki customer.  I really appreciate a company that maybe not be perfect but works with customers to really make them happy.  I hope you check out their site and like their FaceBook page to get the heads up on frequent deals. 

 

 

 

 

DISCLAIMER:  This review is my own opinion.  You might actually like a see through bottom bathing suit, I don't judge.  I was not given anything for my opinion probably because very few people actually want to hear what my opinion is.  Either way your experience may vary but check LR out for yourself.

Champion Bio Fleece Review

Just changed in the middle of a field.  Gotta love getting back to nature!

After the Tough Mudder Virginia our team was celebrating our accomplishment.  Covered in sweat, mud and fifthly water we took in the festivities of the "after party."  Quickly however our adrenaline wore off and we were all shivering despite our space blankets. 

One major complaint about the Tough Mudder experience no not the tail bone again would be the drop bag system.  We waited shivering for about 40 minutes and heard we got lucky in only waiting that long.  I couldn't wait to get into some warm and dry!

What I had waiting for me was my Champion Eco Fleece pants and zip up.  I already knew from having worn them around the bon fire in VA on the cooler weekend evenings and snuggling with the kids after my runs that this was my new go-to for cool weather warming!  An easy outfit to throw on this fall after my run or when running into the grocery store.  Or after 9.8 miles of playing in the mud.  Knowing they wash up great time and time again without looking fading or pilling.

S'ghetti girl even swiped the sweatshirt for herself after I explained that even though Eco Fleece was made from recycled plastic water bottles, the materials is super soft! 

My only complaint as a 5'2" person, would be as with many full length bottoms the pants are very long.  I wish there were options to shorter people.  After a date with my scissors and sewing machine these pants will be getting a lot of use throughout the fall and winter in my home.  

Feeling that chill in the air?  Hop over to Champion to try out Eco Fleece for yourself and help keep 5 million plastic bottles out of the landfills!

I was provided with these items free of charge however my opinions are my own.  But you're gonna think they are super soft too!

A Copper Lining

How many photos does it take to get to the bottom of my outfit?  Too many.

After several wonderful days of outside runs I was forced inside thanks to the plummeting temperatures and heavy rain.  It was honestly a nice break from pushing the jogger and negotiating with LBM about how much faster I should be able to run so it can be his turn to run.  I also got the opportunity to wear my Tommie Copper calf sleeves for the longest run yet, 12 miles.

I have been lucky enough to have several piece of Compression wear from Tommie Copper to review over the past few weeks.  I have been wearing the compression shirt under my tops at work.  Before I switched shoes and my heel/ankle started aching I had been wearing my ankle sleeves in the evenings and through the night.  I even wore my knee and calf sleeves at the same time during and after several runs to test how they compared to my typical brand of compression wear.

I wish Tommie Copper came in styles like S'ghetti Girl's socks.

I was feeling a little T while rocking calf sleeves AND a skirt!

Calf and Knee Sleeves:  After having the opportunity to wear the calf and knee sleeves in both recovery and running situations in my experience I felt a boost of energy from the compression while running and I enjoyed the compression of my tired muscles post workout.  The level of compression is not like what I am used to wearing and at first I felt both sleeves were not tight enough however after having them on for a while the compression seemed more noticeable.  I give both these items a thumbs up.  They will be a part of my regular running/recovery wear.

Ankle Sleeve:  I loved this.  Maybe because I used it and my ankle/heel stopped talking.  Positive results often favor a positive review.  Whether it was the copper, the compression or a coincidence I know that before I started wearing the ankle sleeves my mornings were filled with tender slow steps due to my sore ankle/heel.  But after using the sleeves two nights, bye bye sore ankle/heel.  I give the ankle sleeve huge thumbs up and a permanent place in my daily routine.

Compression Shirt:  Just as a positive result garners a positive review, a non-result garners a blah reveiw.  This piece may just have been a bad fit for my body.  Even with my unwelcomed extra pounds the medium that I received just wasn't snug.  It did however want to curl up at the bottom which caused me to be continually pulling it down.  So an item I wanted to wear and be invisible to others kept drawing attention to it's self.  I did not wear this to run as I mentioned the rolling up issue.  Whether there was any benefit to wearing the shirt I have yet to realize one but I do think with my positive result with the other items had this one fit properly I may have noticed more of an effect.  I give this item a question mark.  You'll have to decide for yourself on this one.  This item will probably not make the cut for my regular wear.  Although I will probably give it another try when I work through Insanity again.  Everything deserves a second chance, right?

Over all, I loved the products that fit my body and feel that they helped support me in my active lifestyle.

What piece of Tommie Copper compression would you like to try out?

Do you think rainy days have copper silver linings or do they just ruin your plans?

Three Things Thursday ~ What made the Difference Edition

Today is Day #305 of my running streak.

For those of you who follow me on DailyMile and if you are not, you should be? or FaceBook you already know that my streak survived the first of my two March Ultras.

Some of you have been wondering how I was able to keep running in the days after my race.  I'm going to tell you how. 

I did have a little help.

I wore these bad boys on race day.

#1  CEP Compression Tights

A little of what CEP says:

The CEP Compression Tri Shorts represents a unique new version of what you've known as triathlon racing apparel. The shorts feature a compressive knit in the leg section which absorbs less than 3% moisture and dries very quickly. Constructed with an upper and lower section, the compression Tri shorts offer an incredible amount of compression for the quads and hamstrings for a truly new experience in muscle oscillation dampening.

Features:

•Secure back pocket

•Elastic waist band

•Flat seams

•3D Fit with Ventilation Panels in the back

•Compressive legs, no gripper needed

My experience. 

The downside.

The Pocket.  First off I am searching for the downside but if I really had to pick the product apart one downside is the back pocket.  The placement of the pocket on my backside is a little low.  It hits right below my tailbone.  I didn't use the pocket while running at all because anything hard would have felt awkward.  I put my car key there before the race only to remove it and put it in the pocket of my carpi's which sits higher on the top of my backside.

The length.  While I was running I actually noticed a big huge difference in the way my muscles performed once they were fatigued.  The downside to that was "cuff" at the end of the shorts is where any noticeable compression ends and I could actually feel a difference in the way my muscles felt from the cuff down.  I wish the compression had gone past my knees or at least to my knees.   

The upside.

Everything else. 

I thought that the seeming would rub over the 32 miles distance but I never noticed the tights at all except for the warm energized feeling I had in my legs from them.  I did not feel wet from sweat being held by the tights.  Even when I stumbled when crossing the creek and got my left leg wet, I felt dry in no time.  I wore the tights the night before, during the race and then after the race.  The tights did not seem to "loosen" over the more than 24 hours I wore them.  Now you might be thinking, "Gross!  Stinky tights" and while I did wash the tights the evening after getting home, they did not hold onto that old sweat smell even before I washed them.  Not that I recommend sniffing your sweaty tights wearing them without washing them but it's nice to know that I was able to wear them without grossing out those around me for the ride home which sometimes can be long.

I also used these beauties.

#2 CEP Compression Socks

A little of what CEP say:

For all Runners and Endurance Athletes: The scientifically optimized pressure flow provides your muscles with the maximum amount of oxygen and energy during performance and recovery.

The times are over where the sole purpose of socks and stockings was to protect feet from blistering. The CEP compression sportsocks are the first functional sport socks with a unique compression profile that provides a scientifically proven increase in blood circulation and a consequent increase in performance.

Prevent:  •Shin Splints •Cramps •Achilles Issues •Fatigue •Micro Muscle tears •Vibration trauma •Blisters •Blood clots from travel

My experience.

The downside.

The only possible downside is that I only have one pair.

If I had to find something negative about this product it would be that my compression socks pick up every cat and dog hair in my house.  Come to think of it, that might actually be an upside.

The upside.

Everything. 

I like that they are hard to get on.  That means they are perfectly tight in a supportive not constrictive way.  I love that they do not make my feet or calves feel hot when wearing them.  I love that they do not cause blisters in fact I attribute the lack of major damage to my toes ~ something I am famous for ~ to wearing the compression socks on training runs and right after finishing the race. 

I did not wear them during the race for several reasons.  I did not want to destroy them on a trail run where I knew I would be running through brush.  I also wanted to be able to review the performance of the short tights alone.

My calves did not cramp and my ankles did not fatigue during or after the race.  These are a must have for every runner!

 

# 3  The Right Attitude

While great gear can improve your comfort level, performance and recovery; nothing can ruin it like going into an event with the wrong attitude.  As you are standing nervously at the start line remember you can not change how your training went.  You can't make up that missed workout.  You can not change the fact that you fell short of your racing weight goal.  You can not undo that extra spicy meal you ate the night before.  But you can trust that you will give everything you have to give on that day, in that moment; relying on your support products and training to fall into place because

on any given day you might just see what was just beyond your eyes to see...

just beyond your dreams...

just previously out of reach...

and just might AMAZE yourself.

I was given these products for my honest review and was not paid for a positive review.  My opinions and experinces are my own.

33 miles in one pair of socks

This morning, Day # 193, I got out for a solo run because Hubbs had unexpectedly come home late last night.  It was wonderful to have him home and so nice to get outside to enjoy the brisk morning without the jogging stroller.  My run was made more peaceful knowing my son and husband were warm and snuggled in bed and our daughter was safely on her way to school.

When I was done I had this little face waiting to greet me!

For my run I matched right down to my socks. 

yes, I am still in love with this shirt...or too lazy to put on something else.  you pick.

Okay you can't see them but they are Sof Sole Coolmax Trainer Socks.

They are white and blue just like my outfit and some of my pairs are a little yellow too from all the dirt they have had ground into them.

evidence of my lack of  wonderful laundry skills

In fact, I wore these sock during my Ultra on Halloween.  

I had even packed a pair in my drop bad incase I needed to change from the water crossings.

These socks were amazing! 

Coolmax® Trainer Socks

Although there was water and my shoes did get a little wet my feet stayed dry and blister free.

I didn't change my socks at the "half" way oasis (aka aid station) because my feet were feeling comfortable and dry.

That's one pair of Sof Sole Socks and 33 miles.

Now Sof Sole socks are my running socks and honestly, I keep several pair for casual wearing because they are so sofe and comfortable.  S'ghetti girl tries to steal them when her knee highs are all in the wash because of their softness.  If S'ghetti girl knew that they offer a high knee, she'd live in them!...humm maybe a stocking stuffer idea?!

But don't take my word for it, go visit their site or your local sportings goods store and see for yourself the variety of socks and insoles Sof Sole has to help your feet enjoy fitness goals!

The 100th Day

What would be more appropriate than a heart.

 To do something everyday for 100 days. 

 It must be love. 

Biking Sherpa joined me last night for the second run on Day #99. 

The Stats

100 Days

732.5 miles

4 Runs of 2 miles

1 Run of 3.2 miles

62 Runs of 3.5 miles

1 Run of 4 miles

1 Run of 5.37 miles

1 Run of 6 miles

53 Runs of 6.5 miles

13 Runs of 7 - 33 miles

1 ~ 18k Urban Trail ~ Xterra

1 ~ 5k Cross Country ~ first female

1 ~ 50k Trail ~ 3rd Master/7th Female

Average Workout Time per Day ~ 1:11:30

Average Miles per Day ~ 7.3 miles

Average Time per Week ~ 8:20:32

Average Miles per Week ~ 51.3

Total Run Time ~ 119:10:35

Not so Fast Run ~ 12:51

Fastest Run ~ 6:55

 

I didn't get here alone.  Even though I pride myself on being a minimalist when it comes to running, I must admit that there were a few things that aided me in avoiding injury while streaking for 100 days as I ran  heavy miles and raced.

 

 I will be reviewing a few of those products and giving you a chance to see if they can help you enjoy your running experience more too.  Can you say giveaway?

 

I do have one question for you today. 

The question is what do you think is next for me?

 

This might get you bonus entries into the upcoming giveaways so think about it and answer honestly.

Oh my aching feet

Tuesday Day # 93 ~ a.m. run ~ 3.5 miles

Don't you love it when things just work out at just the right time?!

As the 100th day quickly approaches and the excitement builds I feel it everywhere, especially my feet. I know that my shoes are not the problem. I only have a couple hundred miles on this pair. I knew I was needing to do something to give me feet a little extra comfort.

And then, "You've got Mail."

Okay, my computer doesn't really say that any more. In fact my email goes to my handy dandy little Palm.

who is NOT the best phone for blogger commenting by the way!

I got an email from Sof Sole offering to let me try out some wonderful new products to ease my wonderfully reliable a bit over used feet!

If your interested (and who wouldn't be!) click over and Like Sof Sole on FaceBook too. They are giving away 2 yep, that is TWO free enteries into the Rock and Roll Half Marathon at Virginia Beach on September 5th!
But I am already planning on winning and taking one super great fellow blogger with me! 
 But go ahead and visit them anyway.

And look for my up coming review and maybe a few faster paces thanks to some reenergized tootsies thanks to Sof Sole.

Tuesday Day #93 p.m. run ~ 6.5 miles

Let's Talk about Skirts

I recently joined the many fans of Running Skirts by finally purchasing 3 beautiful skirts from their Princess collection thanks to a heads up from Tonia and a great sale. 

I ordered a pink, blue and yellow skirt all in size 2.  

What follows is my experinces with these skirts so far.

Run # 72 S'ghetti and I rocking our skirts

The Pink one.  It is super cute and comfortable.  The inner shorts did not run up on any of my runs.  The skirt was just the right length to move as I ran without becoming a distraction.  The Pink one did become nearly saturated during several of my runs in VA and did not slip down from the extra water weight however, carrying my cell phone in the side pocket (I had placed it there while getting ready and then forgot to take it out and put it in the stroller) did cause the skirt to fall down. 

My verdict.  I love this skirt!  It made me feel like I carried myself better simply by looking a bit nicer while I was running.  I did not notice the skirt at all during the runs which is what I am looking for in workout clothes; looking good without having to fuss with my outfit along the way.

The Blue one.  It too was cute and comfortable.  I did notice that I had to pull the skirt up higher on my waist or it felt loose.  This did not fully register until it was too late.  I did feel like I ran better simply by caring about how I looked while I was running.  The first few runs the inner shorts kept bunching up.  I assumed that this can happen from time to time with tight "biker" shorts as your body weight changes throughout the month or your stride differs on runs. 

Then came the run in the rain.  Downpour really.

I had planned to run a bit longer looking for around 10 miles in one run so when it rained on us (thank God for the weathershield) I did not think about cutting short and going home.  It only rained for about 10 minutes but I and my clothes were drenched!  It cooled me off but immediately my Blue skirt would not stay up.  You may have noticed my pace on that run was around 9:18 that was due to all the stopped to pull up my skirt. 

I tried to wring out some water but nothing helped. 

My thoughts, since I have no verdict yet. 

 Could one skirt be that much bigger than the other even though they are the same size?

Should I try a smaller size?

Are running skirts simply not good for running in "conditions"?

Long distance running.  Can a running skirt really hold up to the sweat fest of an ultra?

I have yet to wear the yellow one fearing that the running skirt will not make the ultra cut, I may have to run in my shorts again to have my outfit chosen for the race next weekend. 

For those who have logged miles in running skirts, any thoughts?  Or fixes?