An Adidas review, plus the greatest Mall in America!

In attempts to save face post more frequently, but avoid just throwing out chit chat that no one really cares about, I thought I would present you all with one of my favorite things: running apparel!

As mentioned in my Christmas recap, my mom and I like to focus on practical gifts. Since we are both first and foremost runners, and regular people on the side, that often means running gear or workout clothes! It usually ends up the case though that whenever my mom and I buy each other clothes, we end up exchanging the item for a different size/color/style. We’ve done this enough times to know now that it’s better to just give money or a gift card, and then go shopping together. Aside from the QT, we get a double score because shopping after Christmas means big savings!!

I bring you my friends, Mall of America. And better yet, Mall of America two days after Christmas!!

(Just slightly bigger than my tree at home )

Yes, possibly the one and only thing you knew about Minnesota is that it’s home to the great Mall of America. Once the nation’s largest indoor shopping mall, we have now been apparently outdone by the King of Prussia mall in Pennsylvania. Do I really care? Mmm no, because I know where my heart lies. <3 (And that is on the Kite Eating Tree swings in the indoor theme park – Camp Snoopy. Now sadly “Nickelodeon Universe.” Tragic.)

One thing that everyone assumes about Mall of America, includeing just about everyone that lives HERE, is that it is suuuch a hassle, so crowded, and so stressful to go there. Wrong, mis amigos, very wrong! Every time I’m leaving the mall, I tell myself, “you need to come here more often.” Even if I’m not going to shop, it’s a great place to go walk around and just people watch. It’s a whopping .57 miles around one “lap” of the mall, so if you amp yourself up to shop your day away, you can at least get a few miles in while you’re at it! Especially if you’re as indecisive as me and double back to every store you’ve already been to once you’ve checked out all your other options!

Back on track docta! RUNNING CLOTHES! Aside from a few goodies under the tree, my main gift from my mom was just CASH MONEY so I could pick out what I really wanted/needed. There is one store at MOA that I’ve always had really good luck at finding stuff that I like, and finding it in my size. I present to you my treasures:

Adidas AdiBase Tank

Adidas tank #2 (haha I lost the tag!)

Adidas Soft Touch 3/4 capris

Adidas RSP Astro Pants

So based on these purchases, it would seem like I’m pretty dedicated to Adidas, no? This would contradict what I told you in my Winter Running novel post – I looove Brooks running clothes! Sadly, this wonderful fantastic supergoodsteals store does not carry Brooks. They DO carry a huge selection of Adidas and Nike, and also a few other brands that I love, but just not for running (unless we’re talking winter running socks, because we all know Smartwool is clutch)! I will not mention the other brands of “workout“ gear, because we all know how incredibly judgmental I I’m trying to be more open minded.

Legit moisture wicking is a huge selling point for me, because let me tell you, I’m a sweaty beast. Wait, what? That’s not a turn on? Haha, what can I say, homegirl works hard. Both tanks feature Adidas’ “ClimaLite” superpowers, and today I took Tank #1 on a test drive. Honest review (non-sponsored/paid for by anyone but ME) I was very impressed! I’ve had “moisture wicking” FAILS with several different brands, but my Adidas knows what’s up!

Included in the other running related goodies that were under the tree:

A Running Minnesota race calendar/training guide, and my very first pair ever of foot-specific sock! Haha I’ve always made fun of these, but who knows, maybe I’ll be pushin’ em as hard as I push my Asics SHOES once I run in them! Socks like these are usually reserved for race day only in my house.

Unless something goes terribly wrong with my other supa-fly-Adidas gear, you won’t need an update from me. I expect the best from them, and I’ve got faith that they’ll pull through!

p.s. I hope you guys like the new header/design. There are definitely still a few things I’m trying to work out, as well as getting the rest of my PAGES up and running, but I like the photo header so far! Keep in mind, you can find all my Training On Top volumes (Winter Running, Swimming, Pool Running, and stay tuned for Cycling and much more to come!) under the Train On Top page – haha, how convenient! Also, remember to keep checkin in for a few goodies that could be headed YOUR way! There are a few things in the works that I’m not allowed to post about just quite yet, but we’re getting there! Have a lovely day!

-E

oh quick p.s. – just in case you guys were worried I was going to go blind, my eyes are MUCH better! Turns out after my orbital cellulitis cleared up, my eyes went into oxygen deprivation overload because I chronically overwear my contacts. That is a big optometric no-no. Fear not – steroids + a week with my spectaclebestacles and my eyes are white once more!