Running at Night

My internal clock has a preference for working out in the evening. And for years, I've noticed that my running is more productive and enjoyable at night in the dark! I just read this article in Runners World about running in the dark.

Here's an excerpt from the article:
In fact, Youngstedt says that some athletes may benefit from evening workouts, citing recent research among a group of swimmers whose performance peaked between 6 p.m. and 11 p.m. Although the responsible mechanism isn't yet understood, Youngstedt says there are several potential contributing factors. One is body temperature, which tends to be higher later in the day and has been linked to increased strength and reaction time. Another is the release of two hormones important for energy metabolism, cortisol and thyroptopin, which are at their highest levels in the evening. "We all have internally generated body rhythms that dictate when we feel and perform our best," Youngstedt says. "You have to find what works for you."

To read the entire article, go to http://www.runnersworld.com/article/0,7120,s6-238-267--10838-0,00.html

Of course, I run on a well lit paved running path, wear my cute reflective vest. Now I just need to remember to add the headlamp.

Night running in the rain

Sometimes I surprise myself. After a long day, I headed out at 8:40 pm for a run into the dark, rainy night. Turns out I had the best run in a long time. In fact, I think I prefer running at night and in the rain. Could it be there are fewer people on the running path? I don't want to be noticed as the slow runner? Of course it helps that I have a constant view of a lit up downtown Seattle while running on Alki.

Crashwear Reflective Vests - Safety with Style

Reflective vests that are attractive and stylish now available at www.wahinesport.com. No more construction safety vests.

Founded on the dark and slippery streets of Seattle, Crashwear creates fun, modish reflective vests for people on the move - whether by bike, motorcycle, scooter or on foot.

Robin Freedman, the creator and designer of Crashwear, found that she wanted to wear something more visible while zooming around on her scooter, having too many close calls with over-caffeinated and hyper-cylindered drivers. Trouble was, none of the safety gear out there matched her trendy taste and urban style. As a cool mom, she knew she needed to wear something to avoid a crash, without making her look like a school crossing guard or construction worker!

Thus, Crashwear was born. Constructed for the discerning buyer who appreciates both modern and retro designs, the nylon rip stop vests with serious reflective features are perfect for scooter commuters (and beyond) who are ruling the streets. Owning a Crashwear vest is a statement of your style, independence and individuality. It's where safety and style collide.

Remodeled Bicycle

My TREK bicycle has been with me for awhile. I can't even remember when I purchased it brand new--at least 15 years ago?! Anyway for 15 years my hands would go numb while riding. Kinda numb on short 1 hour rides and very numb on full day rides. I just sort of put up with it. Until I met Eric at Belltown Pullapart. Belltown Pullapart is a Seattle bike shop that custom builds and repairs bicycles using recycled parts. I casually mentioned my problem to Eric one day and he suggested all I needed was a shorter stem for my handlebars. He found the necessary parts right away and voila--a freshly remodeled bike! No more numbness in my hands. I can't believe I put up with that for so long.

I would highly recommend repairing your existing bike with recycled parts OR if considering a custom built bike, have it built with recyled parts. And visit the guys at Belltown Pullapart. They are friendly, knowledgeable and truly support green and sustainable. An added bonus is being greeted by the friendly four-legged employees, Chich and Pork Chop. www.belltownpullart.com

FREE Shipping for Holiday Shoppers

Free shipping on all activewear and accessories for the entire month of December. Plus, we have great sale prices on most of our activewear! Check it out www.wahinesport.com

Procrastination follow up

Just so you know, I was a master procrastinator on Saturday and never made it outside for a run. Correction, I did go outside and ran for about a minute before I determined it was too cold and my legs weren't interested in running. I believe that it is important to have a good time and enjoy the experience of exercise. Physical fitness is a goal to be sure, but deriving emotional and mental fitness from exercise is important as well. So I ended up going to the gym for a comfortable indoor workout and was very happy about it.

Procrastination

The temperature has dipped and the wind has picked up giving us winter weather. A 6 mile run sounded like a good idea this morning until I went outside :( I think I need to put on another layer and just get outside. Okay, as soon as I fold another basket of laundry, iron my sheets and clean out the kitty litter box...

My cat Phoebe is showing me how to "warm up" before my run.

Ski Season is Here!

Weekend happenings indicate ski season is really here.
1. Crystal Mountain is opening this weekend (albeit limited operations).
2. Watching the new Warren Miller movie.
3. Going to hear Warren Miller speak at Benaroya Hall.
4. Ski gear shopping at REI.
5. Chatter about possible snow in town.

Pilates in West Seattle

I continue to be amazed at how pilates has really grown on me. I realized that yoga was not really my thing. It was too serene and I was never able to clear my head of the clutter.

I thought pilates would pose the same issues for me until started Pilates with Pam. I have taken classes from Pam for the past 5 years at her home studio in West Seattle. She continues to challenge us and keeps us engaged with new moves. Pilates is known for strengthening the body's core. I do think pilates has helped to be more balanced in my workouts--equal parts cardio, strength, balance, stretching. http://pilateswithpamseattle.com/

Hiking the West Maui Mountains

While most people are enjoying the sandy beaches and warm waters of Hawaii, I am usually traipsing through the West Maui mountains. My husband and I have explored a lot of this area and rarely do we encounter other hikers. It's a nice way to get some exercise and get away from the crowds. Here's a photo of the deep valleys of West Maui.

Split Workouts

Lately I'm finding it more difficult to fit in an hour workout everyday. This always stresses me out and causes frustration. So I've started to split my workouts throughout the day. If I can squeeze in even 20 or 30 minutes of weight training in the morning, then I'm happy. Many times, my work days are long and I'll finish off my workout at 9 in evening at the gym. The gym is a wonderfully quiet and calm place at that hour. And if I'm not feeling rushed, I also have a more quality workout--able to focus on form and technique.

Slacking Off

Went to Maui or a two week work vacation. Tended to alot of family and household matters. So it wasn't all mai tais on the beach at sunset. However, I did have two weeks in Hawaii so how bad can it be :) Early morning runs on the West Maui coastline. Hikes in the West Maui mountains and never running into another person. The crowds are jostling for a snorkeling spot at Honolua Bay. I also discovered a cool activity--Swimming with goggles instead of snorkeling with a mask. I felt I could swim for hours it was so much more fun and interesting than the pool.

Summer in SF

Spent the past weekend in San Francisco for a dragon boat festival. Ahh, the weather was blissfully perfect. It was sunny and hot. Not even sure what the temp. was. All I know is that I have funny tan lines on my feet from wearing Keen sandals. What is there not to love about being outdoors all day with people having fun and playing with teamwork.

Dragon Boat Festival on Treasure Island

I'm off to San Francisco this weekend for the San Francisco Dragon boat festival on Treasure Island, October 25 and 26. These festivals are such fun--outdoors and meeting lots of fun, interesting people!

Red Top Lookout

It's a pretty gray and gloomy weekend here in Western Washington. Yesterday, I was bound and determined to experience real sunshine. We headed over to Cle Elum in Western Washington and found a delightful hike to Red Top Lookout on the Teanaway Ridge. The trail is a bit steep and short (about 1/2 mile from trailhead)with incredible 360 degree views. Here's a picture of now closed lookout tower at the very top. We also hiked along other the well maintained Teanaway trail and encountered a surprisingly huge flock of sheep. Where did they come from? Do they live there?

Soggy Day at the Races

A soggy and windy start to the day on Lake Washington on Saturday. The 7th Annual Seattle Celebrating Life Dragon Boat Festival benefits Team Survivor Northwest (TSNW), a non-profit organization supporting women in their cancer recovery through empowering programs of physical activity and health education. The dragon boat races are fun to watch and the women are amazing.

Running in the Rain

It is August 31 and the weather today was 62 degrees, rainy and cloudy. Today I realized I have lived in Seattle a long time. I actually enjoyed my run in the rain and prefer it to the 80 plus degree running in Hawaii. But, I can be so positive because the sun will be back tomorrow (supposedly).

Swim Bike Run done

Photos from our Wahine Sport relay team at the 2010 Seattle Danskin triathlon. A relay is a great way to get some physical activity without taking up a lot of training time AND a way to connect with friends and other women.

Cats of Suzdal, Russia

Wherever I travel, photos of cats are usually in my collection. I never tire of looking at pictures of these "strangers". This cute crew was photographed in Suzdal, which is a charming village several hours outside Moscow. The cats were horrified when our friends' german shepherd "Ziggy" made a mad dash for them.

Saved by the Wetsuit

Sadly, the BlueSeventy Sprint had to be returned. It's a beautiful suit but it was one size too small for me. Now I've got the Tyr Hurricane wetsuit and it is perfect. I made sure to order up a size. And I still need help from a friend getting it one and zipped up. But it adds buoyancy and warmth. Two key features I want for tomorrow's triathlon in Lake Washington.

Wrestling with a wetsuit

Exciting--finally received my Blueseventy Sprint wetsuit yesterday. I had carefully reviewed the height/weight chart and THOUGHT I purchased the appropriate size. My first clue should've been that I was struggling to get it on past my ankles. But noooo, I continued to subject myself to torture and after quite some time, got my body completely in the wetsuit and zipped up. Of course now, I can barely move my arms and will never be able to complete the triathlon in this contraption. Getting it off my body was an even greater challenge as I was writhed and rolled on the floor.

SUGGESTION: check the height/weight chart and then purchase 1 size larger.

Danskin Triathlon in less than 2 weeks

Gasp! My reaction when I realized that this was happening in under 2 weeks. I've been meeting with my swim coach and diligently practicing my drills in the (safe) pool. Now I need to take it outside. Finally ordered my Blue Seventy wetsuit and hoping it will arrive before the weekend. Will test out the new wetsuit and test out my swim progress outdoors this weekend. Keeping my fingers crossed for warmer weather.

Exploring Russia on foot

My husband and I traveled to Russia last month. We visisted with friends that live in Moscow and ventured off a bit on our own to other parts. We felt especially adventurous since my vocabulary consisted of only 10 Russian words and we weren't encountering many English speakers in Moscow. The heat wave that has hit Russia and other parts of Europe had already begun. The idea of running in the heat and smog was unappealing and cycling seemed too much like an extreme sport with the Moscow traffic and crazy drivers. Workouts consisted of LOTS of walking. Even navigating the metro system involved LOTS of walking. No wonder so many Russian women are slim!

Found! Pants!

Finally found versatile pants for a recent trip to Russia. The Zenergy line from Chicos. I'm generally not a big fan of Chicos clothing but I was getting desperate. Got a pair of capri cargo style pants made from a very comfortable wicking poly/lycra blend fabric. Did not overheat in the unusual heatwave that has hit Russia. Dark black color looks good in the city. I even wore them on a backcountry hiking trip last weekend in the Cascades.

Shopping for Pants

Ugh... shopping for pants have never been my favorite activity. Even less fun lately. I basically wear the same clothing size but body parts have shifted and things don't look the same. Where or where do I find perfect pants--comfortable, flattering and reasonably priced for a petite woman over 50?

Learning to swim...efficiently

2010--all set for learning to swim more efficiently. Got my training fins and hand paddles in the mail today. 1996--learned to swim using the training wheels of swimming with gigantic fins and a giant instructional swim belt. Learning to swim as an adult was challenging but not impossible. Swimming opened up a whole new world of adventures. It's great cross training and gives me a rest from running or biking. Snorkeling in the tropics is divine. Open water swims in the summer is so freeing and fun.

Running in Color

In Seattle, we can have cool days even in the summer. A lightweight long sleeve top comes in handy. The longer bermuda shorts work all year round too. Web site will be updated soon with new tops. email linda@wahinesport.com if you are looking for something special right now.

Training for a Tri

First day of swim coaching today. Wow, what a difference it makes having a coach point out things you were doing somewhat inefficiently and didn't know it.

At Morgan Junction Festival in West Seattle

Stop by and see us at the Morgan Junction Festival in West Seattle this Saturday

Date: June 12, 2010

Time: 11 am - 6 pm

Place: Parking lots of Zeek Pizza, Feeback Lounge and Beveridge Place Pubs

Join us for music, crafts and vendors. Wahine Sport will be there will headbands and bright new spring tops.

3 mile/wk half marathon training plan

This training plan will never be recommended anywhere but it can be done. Finished the North Olympic Discovery marathon with a walk/run method that I learned is called "wunning" and averaging 3 miles of running a week. So after 13.1 miles, my legs were in shock and are just starting to forgive me now. Seriously, will try to train properly for the next event. But if time or life doesn't permit, I know another 13.1 is doable if taken slowly.

Off to Port Angeles

I'm off to Port Angeles this weekend for one of my fave events, the North Olympic Discovery Marathon. This year I'll be participating in the half marathon. Kinda crazy idea since my schedule lately allows for 3 mi/week of training. Not nearly enough for 13.1 miles. I know I can definitely walk that distance so here I come!

Wahine Headbands

We've got sport headbands in lots of fun prints and colors. Perfect for wicking sweat during your workouts or just for fun.

Pilates with Pam

I wanted an intense workout and got it today. I have been a student of pilates for the past 5 years. Our wonderful but relentless instructor, Pam kicked our butts in pilates today. Channeled classic 80's aerobics moves for our warmup with lots of core work after. I think I'll hurt tomorrow. That makes me happy.

The Perfect Wetsuit

June is almost here and that's when I've committed to start training for the Danskin tri. So in preparation, I'm shopping for the perfect wetsuit. One that is A)affordble, B)fits a petite person (me) and C)does not make me look like a sausage. I think I've found it--Women's Blue Seventy HELIX Triathlon Wetsuit. It costs more than any 1 piece of clothing I would ever purchase and it could still make me look like a stuffed sausage. 1 out 3 is not bad.

Sunday Variety

Today's workout: 15 minute downhill walk to the gym. 10 minute warmup and getting caught up with latest People magazine gossip on stationary bike. Easing back into weight training workout. Still nursing mystery right hand pain. Chickened out on finishing off with lap swimming. 20 minute all uphill walk back home.

Mt Baker to Seward Park

Great run along Lake Washington from Mt Baker Park to Seward Park and back. It's been awhile but still one of my fave running routes. And I'm feeling only slightly creaky. Good sign for upcoming half.

North Olympic Discovery half marathon coming up

Signed up for the North Olympic Discovery half marathon on June 6.

Three reasons (excuses) why this is a crazy idea: 1.I'm barely running/walking 3 miles/wk lately. 2. Left knee still bothering me (tendinitis?). 3.Standing all day at the expo day or race does not make for happy strong day of race legs. Okay, have I whined enough yet?

Three great reasons for doing the race: 1. Running with special friends. 2.Gorgeous scenery along the water from Sequim to Port Angeles. 3.It's a wonderful event produced by great people and supported by great volunteers.

http://www.nodm.com

Tacoma Dragonboat Race on a Sunny Day in May

Dragonboat race festival on a sunny mid May day at Thea's Park along Tacoma's Commencement Bay. Lovely day with the dragonboat racing crowd. What a great group of people from the event organizers, race participants, friends and family of paddlers. Enjoyed the great conversations and support of the vendors as well. I patronized every food vendor there. I didn't really need it but the Whidbey Island Ice Cream bars should never passed up!

Happy Mothers Day

I woke up at an unusually early hour (for me) on a Sunday morning at 6 am. Clear and sunny weather, no traffic on the roads or people on my favorite Alki Beach bike route. Perfect ride. And, I'm even improving on the uphill climbs. Not huffing puffing as much and the wobbly wheel, I'm going to fall over and maybe crash look is a bit more under control. Got back home with plenty of time to prepare for the Mother's Day lunch. Gigantic nap in the afternoon. Perfect Sunday!

Something in between

Okay, I'm back on my rampage about where to shop for business or everyday clothing for boomer age women that is attractive, reasonably priced and possessing a flattering fit? I have not partaken in much clothing shopping in the past few years and was quite frusted with my experience this week. Shopping in the "Women's" departments, the styles are a little frumpy. The young women's section offers cute styles but I do not have a teenager's physique. Come to think of it, I never had it! Wahine Sport attempts to address these issues in the activewear department. But where do you go when you need something to wear for the casual workplace? I'm taking suggestions.

Thank you Bloomsday Runners and Walkers

Had a wonderful time at the Bloomsday Run trade show last weekend. It was great seeing returning customers and friends. And, a pleasure meeting new ones as well. I think everyone enjoyed the variety of new headbands and wayyy fun socks.

Sigh... Memories of ski season 2009-2010

While I am ready to move on to the outdoor activities of spring, I feel a bit melancholy about having to stow away my ski gear for the next 6 months or so. My friend Tim just sent me these photos of our last day at Crystal Mountain, WA.

Fun Assortment at Bloomsday Expo

Coming to Bloomsday with alot of extra fun stuff--Whirling Girl sport jewelry, Crashwear reflective vests, fun designs on Sockguy performance running socks. Also NEW, Wahine Sport headbands. Check it out this weekend.

www.whirlinggirl.com
www.crashwearclothing.com
www.sockguy.com

and of course, www.wahinesport.com

Spokane is a wonderful town

I will be in Spokane this weekend for the annual Bloomsday Run Expo. It is one of my favorite events and this will be my 3rd year at the Expo.

What to love about Spokane: I have wonderful friends that live there so it's a good excuse for a business trip. I love the community support for the event. I've met so many people that are loyal to the run. And Spokane is a beautiful city along the river.

What not to love about this trip :( I got a gigantic speeding ticket last year rushing back home AFTER Bloomsday. Baby, I'm using cruise control all the way.

Finally in Production

New fabrics have arrived, cutting has begun and sewing to follow. I've been working on getting these new spring tops since winter. Challenges around every corner. But never mind, because I actually saw my fabric on the cutting table today for the long sleeve half-zip and cap sleeve styles. All Wahine Sport activewear is produced right here in Seattle at a fabulous woman owned production sewing facility. Here's a fun animal print to shake up the florals.

Wahine Sport at the Whidbey Island Marathon

Beautiful day at the Whidbey Island Marathon for Cathy of West Seattle looking fabulous and having a great time in her Wahine Sport top. Thanks for sharing your photo Cathy.

Design Philosophy

I began Wahine Sport 5 years ago because I wanted more color and lively prints in my "play" clothing. Something a bit more fun! I was also grappling with finding activewear that fit me comfortably. Lots of cute stuff out there but everything was either too fitted (no body hugging, please) or way too baggy (don't want that extra volume around my hips). Five years later I'm sticking to this design philosophy. Bright colors and fun prints. A fit that is just right--not too loose and not too tight. Dare I say, Wahine Sport has the "goldilocks" fit in activewear?!

Here's a photo of Sarah in a classic Wahine Sport outfit.

Whidbey Island Expo

Great day at the Whidbey Island Marathon Expo. It was so nice to see a lot of supportive returning customers and met some wonderful new ones as well. My neighbor at the expo was Banana Blossom Press--Maria creates simple yet clever cards with sayings that all runners can relate to such as: late night runs, sweaty clothes, unwashed dishes. So many more I can't do justice to the cleverness. Check them out www.bananablossompress.com.

Awash in Color

I've been drumming my fingers waiting (impatiently I might add) for my new fabrics to show up...Meanwhile I focus on what inspires me. Lots of vivid colors in ordinary places excite me. I visited Cartagena, Colombia a few years ago and was awestruck by the bright colors of the buildings in the old colonial section of this charming city on the caribbean coast.

Winter Shows Up in April

Winter has finally arrived...on April 2 no less. It is raining furiously in Seattle right now. The best news is this translates to SNOW in the mountains. With three weeks left for the ski season, this is excellent news indeed for us skiing fanatics.

Teaching vs Coaching

This wahine born and raised in Hawaii was not able to swim until she was 36 years old & living in Seattle. Sure, I had PLENTY of lessons through the YMCA and community center pools but I still could not swim a lap in the pool. One day my friends Bonnie and Judith had this crazy notion that the three of us would register for the Danskin Triathlon. Major detail, I had 5 months to learn to swim. And this is when my dear friend Judith began coaching me. She saw that I had the knowledge and skills and believed that I would be able to put it all together someday. And yes, I completed the triathlon with a very slow time for the swim portion but hey, I finished!

For the 2010 Danskin triathlon, I will be working with a swim coach to help me overcome my fear of open and cold water swimming. I know it will happen with the right coaching.

Working on Spring Tops

Finally on track with getting fun, new fabrics for the spring fitness tops! I kept having to revise my plans as the designs I wanted were out of stock. I'm estimating and very hopeful that you'll have a chance to see the new line in about a month. Here's a preview of one of the fabric designs. Flower power!

Slower Recovery

I am wondering why it is taking my legs so much longer to recover between runs. And I'm not even talking about hard or long runs. Is it part of the aging process? Working too many late nights, improper diet, not enough rest and relaxation, not enough red wine?! Perhaps it's a combination of all of this. I will explore further and remedy the situation.

Danskin Triathlon Seattle 2010

All signed up up for the Danskin triathlon as a relay team! I did the full triathlon in 1996. Attached photo to prove it! This time I'm doing the swim portion because it is my weakest sport and I'd really like to improve in open water swimming. Actually, I hyperventilate--not sure if it's because of open water or the water temperature. Swimming in Seattle's lakes or Puget Sound is not like the warm waters of Hawaii.

Flowers and Bright Colors

Wahine Sport was conceived partly to combat the frequently gray skies of Seattle where I live. And coming from Hawaii, I naturally have a love of bright colors and flowers! Thus the inspiration for women's activewear worn by Wahines (women) living in sunny and cloudy climates.

Windy Bike Ride

I woke up to a beautiful sunny day and decided to go for a bike ride along the waterfront in West Seattle. Rode into head winds for most of the ride which made it quite a struggle. The uphill climb to get back home was the only time I wasn't fighting the winds. Still a nice ride so should stop whining. Anytime I can be outside is a good time.

Changing Routes

I've been a recreational runner/jogger for 20 years. It's my favorite exercise and a pasttime and have never lacked for motivation to get out and run. For the past 3 months, I had been struggling with my running--feeling tired, sore, bored with my routine, uninspired and unenthusiastic about running. So I started walking more which I enjoyed also. But nothing beats the joy of running. Today, I changed my running route. Instead of heading north from my house, I started running south and ran on different streets. I was so inspired by seeing new gardens, cool remodeled homes and houses for sale that I kept on running. No stopping to walk. Well, I stopped to check out a few "For Sale" signs.

Note to self: When feeling bored or in a rut, change your routine! Even if it's just a small change like turning left on the same street if you usually turn right.

Skiing Like a Hawaiian

I am absolutely nutty about downhill skiing and can be found at Crystal Mountain, my favorite local ski area every weekend. This is how the girl from Hawaii gets through the gray and rainy winter in Seattle. Well this winter was not so gray and rainy but you know what I mean. After years of buying and wearing official "ski tops", I found the Wahine Sport half zip is the perfect for skiing too. It is wicking, zips up a little higher on the neck and a great layering piece. Adding some Hawaiian print to the slopes is kinda fun too.

Layers for morning runs

Short and sweet run this morning in a Wahine Sport long sleeve panel top and hoodie. It was actually quite warm so ended up tying the hoodie around my waist after a 10 minute warmup. Layers are the best for Seattle weather. Will it start sprinkling again or is that the sun trying to come out?

Tiki Time

Talented West Seattle artist Theresa Neinas now offers a line of her fabulous lino lbock prints prints on functional items. I especially like the Tiki bag. Tiki gods are part of ancient Hawaiian mythology and legend. The tote makes an excellent carryall for the gym or just "stuff".

Sunny in Seattle

Hello, my name is Linda and welcome to my blog. I am from the island of Maui in Hawaii living in Seattle for the past 30+ years. While I love it here, I still wish there were more sunny days. Wish fulfilled today! It was a preciously beautiful day requiring sunscreen in February.