Sunday Best: Workout Wear

I didn't have a moment to take a 'real' outfit photo this week, since I was at school in Indiana for my MBA residency.  But when I went for a bike ride with my parents yesterday, we snapped a photo that I realized could showcase one of my workout outfits.

Over the past couple of years, I have gotten rid of a lot of my hodgepodge old workout clothes and pajamas and replaced them with mix 'n' match separate and matching sets.  There's just something about cute workout gear and matching PJs that makes me incredibly happy.  This outfit is from Fabletics, which I have reviewed on this blog before.

Clear Creek Trail

Top & Running Skirt: Fabletics (click here for my referral link) Sunglasses: H&M Shoes:  Asics Bike:  Trek Verve Hybrid
My outfit took me from shopping at Target, to breakfast with a friend, to bike riding with my parents for 5 miles on a local trail.  I don't usually run errands in workout clothes, but this running skirt and top combo didn't feel too out of place as I was all over town.  Plus, it was nice and functional for the bike ride.
I think what I've learned from this week's edition of Sunday Best is that you can feel good about how you look even when you're working out!  I definitely felt comfortable yesterday.  And we were even able to take a group selfie:

Check out the rest of the bloggers linking up for Sunday Best at The Modern Austen!

Bicycle (Mis)Adventures

Almost a year ago, I bought my first adult bicycle.  Now I'm to the point that I want to ride it more.  I even took a couple of informal classes from some volunteers at work (for National Bike Month or something) to try to work up the courage to do an occasional bike commute.  Still working on that one, but all in all I'm just trying to drive less and ride more.

With the best of intentions, I decided I would take my bicycle to Indiana with me for my MBA residency.  I knew I could ride my bike with Mom at least once.  Dan installed my trunk rack and off I went.  I'd never driven my bike more than 2-3 miles before, so getting onto the Interstate was a whole other story.  My rack was not a great fit with my women's bike and its adapter, so it kept coming loose.  SCARY STUFF, people.  On my third forced exit off the highway, I called Dan almost in tears trying to figure out how to get either to Indiana or back home in defeat.
YOU GUYS.  I removed the front wheel of the bike.  I KNOW THIS IS SUPER EASY BUT I DIDN'T KNOW HOW.  I had to Google a YouTube video.  You have to unhook the brake thingy and stuff, y'all.  But I did it, then attempted to get the bike into the Corolla.  No dice.  I removed everything I'd packed for the week from the car, put down the back seat, then managed to cram everything back in.  WHEW.  I felt so accomplished!  Then I drove through the worst traffic and construction ever and finally got to Bloomington.  (Note: It was Friday the 13th.)
The next day, I rewarded myself with a new trunk rack that works much better (from our local shop, Bikesmiths) and a ride on the B-line with Mom.  I knew I needed a new rack to get me back to TN.  I'm hoping to have a chance to ride again before I go home.  It felt really good despite the terrifying car trip where I thought I'd lose my first real bike.  So I suppose that's progress.

Enter the #Batmobike - I bought a bicycle!

I've mentioned a couple of times that I've been bike shopping.... and I made a purchase!  Woohoo!

Background: I didn't learn to ride a bike until I was nearly in middle school.  The only bike I ever owned had tassels and one speed.  After I outgrew it, I rarely ever rode.

Upon moving to Franklin, I realized I live (literally) within a 4-mile radius of everything I need.  In fact, I'm less than a mile from my main grocery store and less than two miles from downtown Franklin's restaurants and shops.  I figured it would be awesome to be able ride there (and burn some calories).

How I romanticized bike ownership in my head... (source)

I got braver after talking to my blogger buddies, and super pumped after reading pretty much every post on Let's Go Ride a Bike.  I also started talking to more people about my itch to buy a "grown-up" ride... and promptly went from thinking about a Walmart Schwinn to a used bike to a new hybrid.

Today:  I sadly didn't get the bike I thought I was wanting (they sold it before I could test it, and it wouldn't be back in stock until summer's end)... but I happened to call MOAB Bikes after Duke told me they had a great selection there.  One of their guys, Jeremy, was able to figure out what I was looking for immediately.  I met him after work and tested out a bike, which was my size and my style.  Love!

Trek Verve 1 WSD

I got the Trek Verve 1 WSD hybrid.  It was not a small investment (somehow over time I went from wanting a $200 Walmart bike to buying a $400 one, welcome to my world), but the store gave me a good deal.  I managed to sell a bunch of crap I don't use stuff on Craigslist that I didn't need, so I used that $$$ towards the bike.  I also love that I can bring the bike back for tune-ups for an entire year, it's a great brand, and it fits my needs.

As Jeremy brought out my bike post-tuneup, he was remarking on how the bike's black matte color was super stealth.  I agreed, and said it's a total "Batmobike".  Before it even left the shop, it had a name!

One thing I definitely anticipated (fortunately!) was the startup cost to buying a bike.  You can't just buy the machine.  I ended up with: a car bike rack, front/rear lights, kickstand, helmet, lock, adapter (for the step-through frame)...  it definitely adds up.  I still don't have a rear rack or basket or any other doodads like that; I want to get comfortable riding first.

Last night I took my bike out in the summer heat, and I had a blast!  Sure, I may not do well at shifting gears (Duke has already had to adjust the bike for me), and I will probably wear out my brakes because I'm a little scared of going too fast.  But I loved getting places quicker than walking/jogging, and I stayed out until I was drenched in sweat.   I'm definitely sore, like I went horseback riding!  And I slept like a baby.  This bike may be one of the best investments I've made in a while.  I hope.  EEK!