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Feeling Like an Athlete…Looking Like an Athlete!

I love athletic lines with solid positive energy behind them.  And it’s really important to me that companies know that fitness and athletes come in all shapes and sizes.  I really appreciate the great vibes of Katie K Active and Reitmans whom I partnered up with on my recent Reclaim My 5K event at GoodLife Fitness.  (And, ahem, a fitness chain that shares this philosophy gets 2 thumbs up in my books as well!)  Fitness clothing that comes in a variety of sizes for the weekend athlete or the hard core one?  Yes please!

I wore Katie K Active on legs 1,3 and 5 of my race and Reitmans on days 2 and 4. I know pieces are impressive when the females around me say something along the lines of,”Oooo…that looks so soft….can I touch your arm?” or,”Does that come in my size?”  Functional and sweet looking….great combo.

Katie K Active

Liis-on-Life-KatieKActive

Wearing pieces from Katie K Active for Reclaim My 5 K

I first need to gush about the Katie K Active Signature Capri  .  When I first put these on, it was an unexpected and amazing fit.  They offer semi-compression which means they hold you in, they hold you up…quite a great feeling! They have soft grips around the waist band which are so comfortable but also mean these stay in place. I am so used to having to hike up my leggings during exercise but this didn’t happen once. They stay put. You can’t see in the photos but the capris are offered with a variety of patterned waistbands. They look great – and keep you feeling secure.  Perfect placement and cut! These are so soft and comfortable it’s ridiculous. One last fave detail…there is a pocket that is so perfectly sewn that you might miss it if you weren’t looking for it on the right back hip.  Perfect spot for a key or iPod.

Speaking of soft, I am a little smitten with the Signature Jackets I wore in Citrus and Vivid Blue.  Being tall, I have never found a top with thumb holes that fit my body type! Very fun. And….a ponytail hole in the hood! Smart!  When you have 2 other women gush about this feature, you know it is brilliant.

And I love my Signature Short Sleeve top in Vivid Blue Zebra with a pocket in the lower back area and the Signature Racer Back is smartly cut flattering the belly area. The last thing I want to worry about is a top tugging in all the wrong places at the gym!  Didn’t happen once.

Can’t say enough good things about this line – you can tell a lot of thought has gone into the creation of the pieces.  Katie K Active has extended a race discount to all of you. Until April 30th, 2015, enter code LOL15 for a $15 credit towards an order of $25 or more (cannot be combined with other offers, sale items or used for gift cards). When you get something, give me an update!

Reitmans Hyba Activewear

Liis-on-Life-Reitmans

Wearing pieces from Reitmans Hyba Activewear for Reclaim My 5K

When I visited a Reitmans store to check out the line, I loved that there was a great mix of athletic pieces mixed with fun, casual ones.  On the casual, comfy end, I particularly liked this hooded top and these sweat pants.  The racer in me went for the Printed Tank and the Wicking Tank in pink and black. It was hard to decide between that and it in blue. Perfect length!  I can’t tell you how many exercise tops I have bought over the years that barely hit my waist… Make sure to check out the back view on both as they are pretty fun and I appreciate the side shirring on the Printed Tank too. Nice touch.  I was impressed with myself for wearing 2 colourful patterned tops instead of going for solids which I often do. The line makes it easy to be comfortable stepping out of your comfort zone! The Wicking Jacket may very well be my fave piece of the collection. It got a lot of comments, the colour is fabulous and I am all for the subtle reflective bands on it. Fashionable safety.

The selection in Hyba Activewear  pants and leggings is stellar. I will be going back to get some track pants in the long length of 34″.  The rest of the selection includes 28″, 30″ and 32″.  For my race, I went with 2 styles of the Capri Leggings – super comfy while sitting perfectly around the waist area. Looking forward to trying them out during my next pilates class! A last minute surprise was discovering the Hyba sports watch, something I had been looking for. It lights up for night walks…and eventually a jog I hope!

Can’t thank these fantastic companies enough for helping me rock my body and Reclaim My 5K feeling like an athlete!

 

 

I’ve Reclaimed Over Half of My 5K!

I’m halfway there and then some! Insert happy dance here. I have been smiling all week but I am not going to lie…I could be in bed every night by 9:00! I guess I haven’t realized how many breaks I have been giving myself while out walking trying to build up my stamina. But I realized today how many gifts were in those breaks…

On my “race training circuit,” I’ve stopped to speak more often with people out walking their dogs, and played with lots of puppies. I’ve laughed out loud watching kids try to run around in their overstuffed winter coats and snow pants. I’ve snapped amazing winter photos and studied the lights and decor in trees. I’ve even meditated on the sunny days – lots of available benches in winter!

Liis Windischmann Reclaim My 5K

Reclaim My 5K – Race outfit Katie K Active

I met some lovely and encouraging women today at GoodLife Fitness​ who were asking about what I was up to. So nice to have their support! It was also nice to walk, talk and look sideways and not fall over! That is one of the side effects of gluten ataxia and I am happy that is no longer happening. I have already fallen off the treadmill….don’t really need it to happen again!

Liis Windischmann Reclaim My 5K

Reclaim My 5K – Race outfit Reitmans Hyba Activewear

I’ve had such amazing support from my friends and family and the community on social media!  Every comment leaves me grinning, several have moved me to tears and the encouragement from complete strangers is quite lovely. My amazing friend Shelli was my coach and photographer on Day 1 and my wonderful sister Cheryl has been out helping me reclaim the treadmill throughout the week. I laughed out loud listening to an incredible voice mail from my nieces and sister Karen wishing me well on my big race. That’s a keeper for sure! And my head coach?  That would have to be my mom Fran. She has literally been with me every step (wobbly or otherwise) of the way. She travelled with me to find a diagnosis and came with me to physiotherapy and let me cry on her shoulder many times.  She will be with me when I cross the “finish line.” I am one lucky woman.

With 3K down and 2 to go, I am simply thrilled this week is happening. Thrilled the inner and outer athlete have met up again. Thrilled to be in an energetic busy gym.  A big part of healing from gluten ataxia is being able to be in a busy environment without having system overload. Just going to a gym is an accomplishment – getting on the treadmill is an added bonus! Walking on that treadmill? Even bigger bonus! Thanks GoodLife Fitness!

Liis Windischmann Reclaim My 5K

Reclaim My 5K – Race outfit Katie K Active

Have to mention my amazing race outfits from Katie K Active​ and Reitmans’ Hyba Activewear line.  I greatly admire companies that know fitness comes in all shapes and sizes.  That’s really important to me!  I feel like a true athlete with their support. I look forward to following up on the pieces more after the race because I really must brag about how fun and fabulous they are! Keep catching them this week as I share photos from each leg of the race on Facebook and Instagram.

I have been excited to share this race with you because it’s for all of us who have had to reclaim something be it health related or otherwise. I am glad to be on this journey with you and look forward to being a part of your race one day, whatever that race may be. I will be cheering you on!

See you at the finish line!

Psst! Katie K Active has extended a race discount to my tribe. Until April 30th, enter code LOL15 for a $15 credit towards an order of $25 or more (cannot be combined with other offers, sale items or used for gift cards).