Casall Compression Running Pants And Asics Shoes

Hi there!

Better late than never, that's all I've got to say. I needed to make this post already about a year ago when Casall sent me these awesome compression pants to be tested with my bad back but then things went wrong with my foot and I couldn't exercise at all (*ouch*).

Last spring I was so excited about getting fit, so I increased my daily amount of walking/running and other exercises. I was feeling great and the ruptured disc in my back was liking all the sports. Then all of a sudden my left foot got really sore and I couldn't walk. My doctor said it was repetitive strain injury and I had to stay off from my foot for a while. To make matters worse my back also started to hurt little after that, and I ended up spending the entire summer just laying around and doing nothing. To some people that would have been awesome but I hated it. I like to be active.

Finally, a year later, my foot is somewhat better and I can walk/run as long as I don't over do it. My back, however, has its own life and some days it is fine and then others not. I just go with it the best I can.

Besides the year old compression pants that I have barely worn, I decided to treat myself to new running shoes. My old ones weren't good for my feet anymore because they were too tight. Running shoes are supposed have plenty of room for your toes or else you might run into trouble (*pun intended, haha*). It took me ages to find a pair that fit my narrow and long feet well. 

If I got a pair that had the room for my toes, it got too wide else where and then my heel lifted up when I walked (*not good*). Why do shoe manufactures think that if you have big feet that they are automatically wide too? Plus it is nuts how much good shoes cost.

I ended up buying a pair of gel cushioned Asics. They felt the best for my feet in the price range of shoes that I could afford. I haven't run much yet because I'm still taking it easy but I have tested these with many long walks. They seem to be really good.

But that's it about the shoes. I want to write about the rad colored Casall Hit Fast Track Tights that Casall was so nice to send to me for free (*thank you*). I probably would have never bought myself a pair because of the price. It is so much more cheaper to buy sports pants from stores like H&M or Lindex but after wearing a pair of real compression pants I know why people like them. You feel supported and snug but in a good way. Kinda a like a super hero.

To be a super hero in tights requires some work though because they are, well, tight. You need to squeeze yourself into the pants and work your way to having the right body parts in right places. You can't just throw them on in a hurry. You also feel like you have gained at least five pounds and you have massive ass and tights (*giggle*). But once you are passed the struggle of getting dressed into compression gear, you feel like a winner. And that's even before you have started your workout. 

Casall's AR2 compression material is rubbery to the touch but amazingly breathable. I thought I would have sweated way too much in them but somehow they let the heat and sweat out. Knee parts have special netting that also provides extra cooling. On the sides and other strategic places are reinforcements to support and compress your body. They also feel like rubber but don't bother you when you are wearing the pants.

I'm not sure if you know how some little kids complain how their shirt is on wrong or the socks feel funny and then you have to spend precious moments of your busy morning to fix it for them. Well, that was, and still is, me. I absolutely hate stupid tags and seams that itch my sensitive skin. That is why I love these pants; they have special laminated seam technology that makes them seamless. Awesome, just awesome.

That all being said, once you are in them, you don't want to take them off. I have actually gone to work couple times wearing these because I knew I had to stay on my feet all day (*I'm a lucky one since we don't have a strict dress code at work because we don't see our clients in person*). These pants make you feel more supported and they ease your afternoon swollen calves.

The little running I have done so far, feels also great because you don't even remember that you are wearing the pants. You actually notice the difference when you don't have them on and you have to run. Everything jiggles and not in a good way.

These pants have made me realize that compression products are worth the investment. I'm hoping to buy myself a compression shirt as well as 3/4 length pants for the summer. But I'm also still sure that I will keep buying cheaper sports pants and tops too. It all depends on your mood and the type of exercise you're doing that day. I don't want to be a super hero every day. Some days I like to take it easy and bum around in loose fitting gear. And that is why girls need bigger closets...

Anyway, whatever you decide to wear just remember to keep moving because it is good for you. Kisses and hugs!!

Happy, Happy, Joy, Joy!!

Hello

And Happy Wednesday, also known as the day Riittalicious starts her vacation (*yey*). I have been waiting for today for a long time. It is nice to know that I have some time off from work and everyday routines. Not that I wouldn't love routines, I actually do. I usually end up waking up early even on my days off but it still feels bit different when you know you're not in a hurry to do anything.

I also usually plan something fun for my vacations because that's what they are for. I don't want to stay at home and lay around watching movies. I get to do that any day. I want to see places and try new things, so traveling somewhere is my number one choice when I'm taking time off. But more about my vacation plans for this time later on because today I want to share pictures from my day-to-day stuff this week. As you might guess, it is workout pics again (*oops*).

I'm sorry if all my posts seem the same. I really haven't had much going on besides work and working out. It hasn't bothered me though because I finally have started to see results of my hard work at the gym. It is so motivating to realize that I'm getting stronger and my muscles are starting to show.

This morning was more zen&chill than hard&heavy because I did only a short walk with Jinx and then I stretched well. What a GREAT start for a day!

Yey muscles!! Yey bikini season!

Happy, happy, joy, joy! I know I just started my vacation but I still went to the gym. Others might have gone to a bar for a cold one but not me (*giggle*).

I don't forget good rest. I make sure that I get at least 8 hrs of sleep every night. That usually means I'm sound asleep at 9 or 10pm. Some of my friends think I'm weird. But if I don't sleep enough, I won't have the energy to exercise the next day.

That's it for now. So, if you don't hear from me for awhile, don't worry! I'm just taking some time off. But make sure to follow me on Twitter or Instagram. You might find out what I am doing on my vacation this time.

Kisses&Hugs!!

P.S. Happy Birthday to Pihla who is turning 1 year old today!!! You are so cute!!

Rainy Day Post

Hi there!

I can't believe how quickly times go by. It is almost mid-May already. Weather in Finland has been cold and rainy. I wish it would get warmer already. I bought a cute pair of short running pants but I can't wear them when it is this cold.

Nothing crazy new here. I have been just working and working out. Finally starting to see changes in my body. My stomach is getting firmer and my arms are a tad bit stronger. I'm also hungry constantly. I could eat horse but I'm not going to (*giggle*). I'm trying eat lots of veggies, fruit, lean meat and good carbs. 

Other than that, I'm rooting team Finland to do better in the men's world championship hockey games. They have played against Latvia and Russia but lost to both. It doesn't look good but I'm not ready to give up on my team. Today there's a game against Germany but I'm not able to see it because I'll be on my way to Oulu for school (*sux*).

My healthy snacks for a game night. I have finally started to tolerate celery.

 Wise man once told me to wish for rain for the next morning. I'll be happy regardless if it really rains or not.

Tired but happy. I did 10000 steps by walking/running as well as kettlebell- and cxworks class in one day. Whoa!

 Yey! Finally some results that I'm confident enough to post a picture about.

That's about it for today. I wish everyone a great rest of the week!! I'm off to Oulu for school stuff.

Friday That Feels Like Monday

 Hello!

You'd think I'm happy because it is Friday but you are wrong. It feels like Monday because I had yesterday off from work. Most Finnish people did since it was May Day. So today my poor little head doesn't know what day it is.

But I'm not complaining. I had a good day off! I slept in till eight and then took Jinx for a good run. After that I ate breakfast, watched totally brainless tv shows and stretched. When I was finally done lulling around, I walked downtown to go to the gym with my friends. I did my upper body workout and it worked great (*my shoulders and arms are a bit sore today*).

To top of the great day my friends and I headed to an American style diner for burgers as well as went to the movies. We saw The Grand Budapest Hotel and we loved it! Definitely a go see.

Want to see some pictures from my day off? Here you go...

Walking in the woods. Under a big fir tree.

 Barely any makeup. I have been feeling more au naturel lately.

 It was snowing yesterday. WTF?!?

Chicken-bacon-avocado burger. Triple yum!

 Pretty but deadly spring flowers. I hate my allergies.

Happy weekend everyone!!

Month Of Hell Is Wrapping Up

Hello!

Nothing new here. Just work and working out. Month of hellish exercise is almost over. I'm pretty pleased about my accomplishment of exercising almost every day. I think I can start to see my stomach to be a little bit flatter from the sides (*or just wishful thinking*). 

This weekend I ended up going to the gym as well as attending to a core-, body jam- (dance) and butt/thigh/abs-class. Plus I also took Jinx out each day of course. You bet I was pretty pooped but it was good. 

It is easier to find time to workout during a weekend but it is also important to make time for exercise in the middle of a work week too. My typical weekday this month has been something like this; 

woke up between 5-6am and went for a 30 minute walk/jog with Jinx before eating a yummy yet healthy breakfast. Then work, and afterwards a high intensity kettlebell or body pump class. Biked home all sweaty and took Jinx for another walk/run. Then a hot shower, dinner, some TV and long set of stretching. Finished with a good night's sleep.

Some pictures to go along with that...

Lunch box full of healthy snacks and lunch to take to work. By making my own food I know exactly what I'm eating and how much. I'm trying to eat more protein.

 I have been super energized this month! This is me early morning leaving to work. I'm probably the only person in the world who loves mornings (*giggle*).

 My measly muscles don't know what to do with all of this exercise.

 My morning walk today. The sun was just rising. Mornings I do take it easier and I stop to take pictures if I see something pretty along the way.

Breakfast is the most important meal of the day! I love eating and I usually wake up to the fact that I'm hungry. This working out stuff is making me even hungrier.
My egg loved me back this morning (*wink*). Nah, I just cooked the egg in a cookie cutter. You have to remember to eat with your eyes too.

Happy Monday!!

P.S. What is your favorite breakfast food?

Exercise, Exercise, Exercise! Part 2

Hi there!

My super workout month of April has gone great! I have been really active, and I'm still waking up earlier just to go for a morning jog. It makes you feel really awake!

Here's more pics along the way...

Working out with a friend is twice the fun!

Early morning and the sun was just staring to rise behind Puijo hill.

After my morning jog I take a shower and get ready for work.

I remember to stretch too!

Chocolate pancakes made with protein powder. Topped with blueberries and syrup.

Goofing off one morning.

Rain or shine, we are going out for a run. Jinx isn't as excited as I am (*giggle*).

Healthy breakfast. Eggs, toast and grape fruit.

I love my new colorful running pants!!

I drink a glass of protein enriched chocolate milk before my run in the mornings. That way my blood sugar isn't too low and I feel better.

One of my favorite running paths... it has pine trees....

...and pretty birch trees as well.

Enjoying the sun!

Gorgeous hepatica flowers I found one day on my walk with Jinx.

I finally out ran Jinx and he got tired (*laughing*).

Anyway, I'm ready for the weekend. My plans include more working out. Just little bit of running with Jinx, maybe one dance class (*I suck at it*) as well as some weight lifting. My friend is going to show me a new gym schedule, it is actually my first one ever. I usually just use kettlebell, so free weights are fairly new to me. We shall see how I perform. Wish me luck!

What are you going to do this weekend?

Sports Vacation At Tahko

Hello! Hello! Hello!

Good to be back! As you might have figured it out, I was out of town and had no time to blog. I was on a well deserved spring break from school and work. It was awesome to take some time off.

Scott and I went to a ski resort called Tahko for a week. It was actually a vacation paid by my employer. Couple of my friends, who work at the same place than me, were there too. Our employer has a foundation that organizes sports retreats for couples around Finland few times per year. You fill out an application for the vacation of your choice and they pick 12 lucky ones (*and their spouses*) to attend. You only need to pay for the travel expenses to get to the location. Super cool!

Since it was a sports themed vacation, we exercised a lot. We had group hikes as well as circuit training along with swimming and bowling. On our free time we watched movies, relaxed and went to sauna. We also enjoyed delicious meals through out the whole week. This is the way for an employer to keep their employees in great physical and mental health. Too bad that very many companies haven't realized this.

As always I took plenty of pictures from our vacation. I hope you like them!  

All packed and ready to go to Tahko.

 Each couple had a junior suite to stay in for the week.

Steak filled with bacon and goat cheese for dinner. Yummy!

 Raspberry sherbet for desert.

 My friends front of our hotel.

 Hiking up Tahko hill. It really wasn't that steep but it was very slippery.

 View from the top.

 My friends and I.

 Taking a rest. We didn't go skiing or snowboarding because the slopes were really icy. We hiked instead.

 Loving the sunshine!

 Restaurant and sauna at the top of the hill.

Gorgeous girls and great view.

 Sports vacations are awesome.

 Walking on a frozen lake that is on the bottom of the Tahko hill.

 Night time at Tahko.

The only way to start your day is with bacon.

Group walk in the morning. You gotta burn that bacon somehow (*wink*).

When we first got to Tahko, there were barely any snow. Then we were hit by a blizzard. Here's me wondering where did all the snow come from.

Reindeer stew and mashed potatoes for lunch.

Taking a hike up the hill after the blizzard.

 Pretty icicles.

 All smiles.

Old man's beard growing on a tree.

Taking a rest and posing at the same time. Girls are awesome at multitasking.

Snow angels.

 We had so much fun! I can't remember a time I have laughed this much before.

Jump! Jump!

 It was still snowing while we hiked.

 Making sure we didn't get lost.

This is what 24 hrs of bad weather can do. No snow vs. ton of snow.

Even though I hate winter, I still had ton of fun hiking in the snowy hills of Tahko.

Cleaning off our friends car. It seriously was a crazy blizzard.

On our free time we hit the local stores and tried on these silly hats.

Hot babes from hot sauna cooling off on a balcony.

 Delicious steak dinner.

 Time for bowling!

 I really sucked at bowling and that is why you won't see a picture of me bowling (*giggle*).

Vacations are great but it is always even greater to come back home. Especially because our bathroom is finally starting to look like a bathroom again. While we were gone, the workers got the tiling done as well as a new toilet. HOORAY!!

Pretty cool, huh? I'm really thankful that we were able to attend to this kind of sports retreat. I feel relaxed and well rested. I also got the boost needed to start working out a bit harder. Bikini season is almost here and I need to be ready (*wink*). 

Happy Sunday everyone!!