INKnBURN

Update: I got selected as an ambassador!! WOOHOO!!!

I am an Introvert. That's why I like swimming, biking, and running. I can do it alone, get in touch with myself, and I don't have to rely on anyone else. But, that doesn't mean I'm a wallflower. I like to wear cute outfits when I train and "race" ... or at least that's what some people call it. I have fun. I enjoy setting a PR as much as I enjoy hanging out with the back of the pack and being inspired. Anyway, about a year and a half ago, I joined a running group. Every day, someone mentioned my outfits. I want more than just shorts and a tank. Coach J asked me if I had heard of InkNBurn (She is a recent transplant from the West Coast). This girl in Texas had not ... yet

I checked it out and became hooked immediately. First, I just wanted the skeleton kit because I like my skeletons and skulls and I thought it was cute. THEN I GOT IT!!! OMIGOD, the fabric is so comfortable. And the styling makes me look great. I have curves. (And, ssshhh, I'll admit it ... the capris made my butt look good and I admired myself in the mirror). My first run in these (training on Halloween) I had people stop their cars to ask me where I got my kit ... and men stopped to tell me how good I looked in it. Teehee!!!! Blush!!!! Since that time, I've been hooked. And yes, I don't just wear my InkNBurn for running. 

I thought this was an interesting, unplanned, justaposition

I've attracted enough attention from
my InkNBurn to be asked out a time or two
by younger men ... If I weren't married, I
could be a couger, but not the
Bride of Sasquatch

I was hooked ... so I kept my eye on other cool designs and found myself in SteamPunk and Dragonflies. I wear my SteamPunk ALL the time, so I don't know why I don't have more  pictures it in. And WOW, the top gives me curves. I've worn my Peacock skirt in several races, but for some reason ... I don't know where the pictures are ... but, still wearing these for running ... and not for running. The amazing thing is that when I wear just the top ... the colors don't fade in the wash and the kit still matches. Yea!!!

OK ... you can't see it well, but it's really cute!!!

I became more obsessed when the Halloween line for 2014 came out. So, yes, I bought the Radioactive Skeleton. Comments from the Zombie Run ... "Best skeleton all day" and "I love the way your butt bones wiggle when you run (that came from a girl and was meant as a compliment and not a pick-up line). 

And the Muscle Kit, which I LOVE ... Comments from my first race (it was too hot to wear tights and arms) included many many "where can I get that?" and "great anatomy lesson.." Actually, "where can I get that?" happens a lot. Some days I feel like I need to print up cards with InkNBurn website because I have to tell so many people where they, too, can find a really awesome kit. 

Last year, I would see just a smattering of InkNBurn at races, now I am seeing them much more often.But, honestly, I don't see a whole lot of folks wearing the fun "body" lines which seem to get the most attention ... at least for me. 

I don't think it was even an option NOT to wear the Patriot design for a Veteran's Day Race. And, I got butt compliments on my denim tights. Seems that butt compliments are a theme when I wear InkNBurn tights ... but not other times, I promise. I think the cut and the designs improves my assets (Did you get that?)

I was out of town a few months and when I returned, I learned a few fun things. My favorite running store carries InkNBurn. (I like to say it's, at least partly, because of the compliments I've gotten when wearing InkNBurn on our training runs from the store. But, who knows? Coach J may have finally persuaded them.) Almost every single person in my running group now owns at least one InB item. And yes, we talk about them ... a lot. 

Holidays rolled around, so I had to wear the Holiday "Sweater" and the super funky Cable Knit tights. Two races, one day, one outfit. Don't tell anyone ... I didn't wash the outfit in between. But, it didn't stink, either, so that's OK, right?

Just before Black Friday, InkNBurn had a massive sale liquidating their old lines. The new business model is a few very special designs that won't be replicated or expanded. When they are gone ... they are gone. Soooo ... I bought A LOT. Follow my blog and I'm sure you'll see them at some point: Flutter Skirt and Tank, Dark Denim pants, Cherry Blossom T (for the Cherry Blossom 10-miler), Current Tank, Sugar Skull T, and a lot of Dragonfly (Skirt, Tank, Capri, and T). Am I addicted? NOOOOOOO!!!!! Read a few blog posts and I guarantee, you will eventually find yourself witnessing a fashion show of InkNBurn.

I do a few geeky and space-themed races and last year I searched high and low for something comfortable in an R2D2 design. No luck. I don't wear children's and I don't want to run a long race in cotton. Couldn't resist the Robot design and knew it wouldn't last long. Wore it today (not a space-themed race, but the last cool day I'm expecting in Texas for awhile and too warm for tights). Once again, the usual ...caught the eye of a cute, fast, guy (sorry Musician) and was approached by many people asking where they can get one too.

So, here is a few things that InkNBurn says to describe their clothing ...

Sure, our art sets us apart from almost any other apparel out there.  Not only is it striking and vibrant, we also choose subject matter that is meaningful to us.  It isn't just a picture; it says something about what is important to us. 

We design for people that don't feel the need to blend in with the crowd.  

 So ... why am I writing this post? Well, obviously, I am an addict. I suppose I could be addicted to worse things. But, honestly, not only cute, but really comfortable running clothes. And durable ... I've worn them a lot without any fading or piling.  I would recommend them to anyone. I really really really like that they are made in the good ole' USA.

Aaaannnddd ... shameless plug. I was too slow when the applications for the Ambassador Program came out. But, I think I'm a really darn good Ambassador, don't you? I'm  hoping they will still consider me. They probably won't because it wouldn't be fair to all those (many many many) folks who were much more timely than I was. But, I figure, what the heck? Even if the answer is no, I have no shame in asking and I will still wear them and tell everyone about them. So ... dang it, I'll still be an ambassador, of sorts. And I'll just say  ... Take Flight, Rock On, and Namaste

And OMG!!!! I almost forgot ... the new spring line is launched. I have to go shopping now. I'm all agog over the new denim.

I think there is room for more, right?

Even this cutie loves InB

Chocoholic Frolic 10K

If chocolate is part of a race, then I’m in! Sorority Girl was signed up for Chocoholic Frolic and we needed a training run on Sunday. So … Friday night, I went to packet pick-up for registration.  Line was short, registered and picked up my hoodie and bag. Inside the bag were 2 Hershey Kisses that didn’t last much longer than the picture. I also did a little shopping for swim gear.

Sunday morning I had planned on going long early and finishing up 13 miles by doing the 10K. It started at 930 after the 5K racers were finished from their 830 start. I don’t mind a late start, so I can sleep in, but I also like getting started early so I have a day ahead of me. Anyway, my 13 miles was supposed to be my way of finishing a virtual half that I missed because of TDY orders and it had a space theme. I debated about wearing my pre-planned Star Trek science officer costume or my new robot InkNBurn. Sorority Girl convinced me … “They have robots in space!!!” I just received this yesterday, and it’s warming up in Texas, so I figured I had to wear it before it got too warm. I can’t tell you the number of times people commented … “cool outfit,” “where can I get that,” etc. Wearing InkNBurn makes me feel like a celebrity. And really comfortable. Just right for the chilly, windy, wet(ish) weather.

Ran into a few women from my TriMomSA at the beginning of the race. And, during the race, ran into Karina from Wet Willies. We hadn’t met before, but we know the same people and we see each other on Facebook. That was fun to have folks to smile and wave at and cheer during the “out-and-back” sections of the race.

The course was along the roads and parking lots and around the soccer field area of Morgan’s Wonderland. I have to admit, I didn’t find it much to look at, but the Oompa Loompa volunteers were fun and the water stop Oompas were VERY EXCITED!!! That kind of enthusiasm does keep you going. They really really really wanted me to take some chocolate … so first time it was a Hershey Kiss and second time was a Werther’s Chocolate. MMMM!!! How could I say no?  Yes, it was another two loop course and you know I’m not a fan of second loops, but the Oompas and Chocolate helped. And so did the company.

Sorority Girl and I decided this was our long slow distance training run for the week and we were going to stick it out together. And we did. If one of us needed a break to recover, we took it. And we didn’t push for any particular speed. I admit, after running hard (for me) yesterday, we both felt “heavy” and sluggish. It wasn’t easy and light, but we plodded along. Second loop this truck pulls up near us. I figured it was a race official … then I hear “hi Mommy.” Sorority Girl’s husband and son came to see her race. Her son was so cute and excited to see Mommy run. My heart went aflutter.

Crossed the finish line together. We tried to get him to run with Mommy, but he wasn’t into it. Picked up our chocolate bar and got our finisher food.  Not a bad way to finish a race and start a Sunday. 

The only animals I eat ...

 

This just made me happy