Zensah Racerback Tank Review

When the peeps at Zensah contacted me and asked me if I wanted to try out one of their new seamess racerback tanks I of course said yes because um, who doesn't love free athletic gear?!  Honestly, I had only heard of Zensah for their rad compression socks but after checking out their site, I realize they make some other equally rad stuff!  So, sure send one on over in the color blue please!  Size small!

When I got my blue Zensah tank in the mail, the first thing I noticed was the feel of the fabric and even the look of it.  I don't have another tank like it.  I tried it on expecting a short fit which is the one things that drives me crazy about t-shirts and tanks for women...when they are NOT long enough.  This is why I've loved Lululemon so much.  They make their tanks long enough so the shirt doesn't ride up over the belly, you can wear it with jeans, shorts, running shorts, etc. and have it fit nicely.  I was pleasantly surprised to find that this tank was a perfect length and not only looked great with my casual cargo shorts but also my running shorts. Some other  "first impression" reactions is that I also loved that this tank didn't have a built in bra and it wasn't skin tight!  I put it back in the back in the box until I could test it out.  I was also secretly plotting this next marathon on July 4th so I figured that would be a perfect time to really put it to the test!

And put it to the test I did!  Since receiving my Zensah tank I've worn it:

• For running in around my neighborhood
• To the gym
• As a normal tank with my favorite cargo shorts
• And I wore it in my Sauvie Island Marathon!  

This tank is NEVER clean. I wear it a lot.  Here are some of the things I love the most about it:

• Looser fit.  At first I thought that this loose fit would be too loose.  I mean, hey, I like my clothes to be flattering as well as be comfortable to wear.  It is the "just right" fit as far as loose goes.  I can eat a little too much that weekend and still put on this tank and not feel like my stomach is on display for the universe. I also feel free to move and be active without feeling like the tank is too tight or cutting into my skin.
• Light
• No built-in bra!  Some people might like the built in bra but as president of the IBTC, I am not one of those people that can just use a built-in bra.  I need my own bra.  And not for the support reasons that some of you talk about...you know, to strap the ladies in.  Nope, I need my Handful bra and with this tank I can do that without feeling the double layers of wearing my own bra under a tank that already has that built in bra.  So thank you for no BUILT INS! 
• Looks Great.  I feel good wearing this tank.  And not just for working out.  I often wear it with my shorts or even capris.  It is a great color and a fit that makes me feel comfortable but still sexy.
• Great color.  I have the blue one but this tank also comes in black, purple, and pink.    
• The Fabric Keeps Me Dry!  Seriously here.  I am amazed by how well this moisture wicking fabric does its job! Even running in it for 26.2 miles!  See, I'm all smiles wearing it here at mile 26.1:

 Here are some of Zensah's own words about their racerback tank that you can read on their website:
"Zensah has come out with a new women’s racerback tank. This loose fitting women's racerback tank is made of the innovative Zensah fabric you have come to love in our other products. Not only does each racerback tank look great, the racerback tank is moisture wicking, meaning during runs, bike rides, or any of your hard training, your shirt will stay light and free of perspiration.

The racerback tank is long and loose fit, allowing for unrestricted range of motion while running, cycling, training, or gym classes. The racerback tank is seamless, preventing chafing and other irritation found with other racerback tanks - making it the best racerback tank for women.

The new Zensah Racerback Tank is made in Italy of the highest quality material."

You can read more about this awesome Zensah product and their other products on their website.  Here is the direct Link to their Racerback Tank.   The only suggestion I would make if you are going to order is to go down a size from what they suggest.  On their website they say:
Racerback Tank Sizing:
Bust/Chest Size
XS/S: 28”-32”
M/L: 32”-38”


I have never worn a Medium before but according to this sizing chart I would have been.  I explained that to them and they sent a small and it fit perfectly even though I am a 34".

Note: Zensah did ask me to include pictures so I asked my 6 year old to take some shots.  I showed the front and back and really in a rush so didn't have time to make sure I cleaned my house first.  I may or may not have been flexing in one of them.

I'd highly recommend this tank if you are looking for something to run in, race in or for the daily "sporty and casual wear" look that so many of us prefer.  I'm so glad that I had the opportunity to try one!

And go check out this Rockit Fuel Giveaway and Review at Women's Endurance Gear.
Amanda

You're a Man Mommy!

Thank you so much for all your wonderful and encouraging words about my marathon!  I loved reading every single comment and they all made me smile.  I'm already planning my next race and excited to use what I learned from this one to improve. No matter how many times I've heard people tell me to start off slow and gradually increase speed in order to end the marathon fast and strong, I needed to learn and WANT this for myself!  Now I can't wait to get out there and try out this strategy.  I've never had a race where I experience negative splits like this and I'm eager to try my legs at it.  So thankful for experiences to learn from!
I'm taking this week off from running but I did ask wise Anna Maria for a swim workout that will help me keep my fitness and still give my legs a break.  So last night I hit the pool and did this:
400m warm up. Slow freestyle focused on good form.

 4X25m fast with equal rest in between (so, if it takes you 20 sec/25m, then rest 20 secs).

4X50m fast same as above

4X100m fast same as above

In all of these you want to finish strong, so your last 25 is all out, and the first 25 is your slowest.

100m IM (25 free, 25 breast, 25 fly, 25 back)

400m cool down. Slow freestyle focused on good form.

Thanks friend!  
A few of you have recently asked me what you can be doing while you are injured and can't run.  Swimming is an excellent way to continue to workout and maintain fitness.  Although I don't prefer being in the pool (Such a process!!), I did faithfully do swim workouts several times a week from September to December when I had my hamstring tear.  I was determined to maintain some level of fitness and it helped a lot!  I wish I had a picture or video of me trying to do the butterfly stroke.  Quite ridiculous!  I'm sure the people at the front desk had fun seeing the lone weirdo flopping around in the pool from their security screens.  I just hope they were not monitoring it.  If I worked the front desk, seeing this would have been all the entertainment I needed for the night.  


A few random things:


The awesome folks at Zensah sent me this racerback tank to try out and review.  I wore it today and I'm looking forward to running and racing in it.  I already love how long, loose but yet still fitting fit it has!  

So, we went to my kinder's song fest the other day.  Notice the "welcome" sign below.  Um, I think my husband and I were the only ones who lack maturity because we thought it was pretty funny.  Some of you will understand why but then I'm sure there will be plenty that just don't think like us and that is probably for the good.  Growing up is overrated.  

I took advantage of the SUN coming to visit today and we had an outside "beach" day in the backyard before afternoon kindergarten.  I could only manage sitting around on a blanket for so long before I got distracted and had to do something.  So I decided to take on the overgrown tree/bush by the back bedroom window.  It was blocking all of our "sun" that we don't get anyway.  I took out the appropriate tools from the garage and I went to town on that shrub!  My 6 year old daughter came over and said:

"You're a man mommy!  You're being a man!"

Okay, I guess my lack of desire to EVER do yard work of any kind has my kids thinking that only men do such things as trim trees, mow the grass, etc.  This goes along with gardening, using the BBQ, cleaning the car, etc.  Gosh, I'm lazy!  I really need to remedy this distorted perception of women that my daughters have.  Lots of yard work, mowing, fixing things, and getting off my lazy bum are in order in order.  Honey, if you're reading this on the way home from work, don't get too excited...it takes how many days to form a habit?!

I'm always thankful for my husband but I don't think I tell him enough.  Thank you honey!  You really helped to make my marathon weekend so special!

And same to you my dear soul sister Jenny!  Love you!

1.  I'm considering my first triathlon this summer before Hood To Coast.  I was considering an Olympic distance for my first time but now I'm thinking maybe a sprint would be better.  Thoughts on this?  And people in the Portland area, can you recommend a good end of summer or fall triathlon for beginners?  

2.  I posted on Runninghood's facebook this morning that I am ready to try out music in a race.  At least if I ever race another small marathon where I'm alone for miles and miles.  I asked you there but I'll ask again on here:  Will you please share some of your favorite songs on your playlist that would be good for a marathon playlist.  Thanks!!

Amanda