Marla Horenbein

We Run DC

April 26, 2013 at 9:32 am
By Marla Horenbein

I’ve become a half marathon veteran sorts. Not that I’ve run hundreds of races or anything, but I can’t seem to shake the inevitable runner’s high, and  I’ve found myself adding more and more races to my 2013 roster (I even put in an application to run the NYC Marathon in November!). I guess you can say I’m somewhat of a 13.1 junkie. At least after running two halves in two weeks,  I’d like to think so…

One of the races that I’ll be ticking off my list for sure: the Nike Women’s Half Marathon in DC, which is happening for the first time EVER  this weekend! You might be familiar with the race that happens out in San Fran every fall, but luckily for us East Coasters who haven’t had the chance to run out west, Nike is bringing the fun and excitement a little bit closer to home.

For the women participating in the race, a full weekend of events are scheduled at the Expotique at Nike Georgetown, including the release of the most awesome shoes I’ve ever seen, and a concert with platinum selling singer-songwriter, Ellie Goulding, who will also be running the race. She’s been training religiously like the rest of us, and says, “Running has become a huge part of what motivates me and I’m excited to join so many other women in this inaugural race. I’ve been working hard to balance my training while being on tour this spring, and I’m running the Nike Women Half Marathon in Washington, D.C. with the goal of achieving my personal best time.” Maybe superstars are more like us than we think…personal bests? Let’s do it Ellie!

If you live in the DC area, be sure to swing by the Expotique this weekend, and come support all of the runners at Sunday morning’s race (here’s a course map…I’ll be looking for you!). I’m super stoked to be racing alongside 15,000 women who have a passion for running, just like me, and I feel honored to be a part of such an awesome inaugural event. Watch out DC! I’m coming for ya, and I’m ready to pound some serious pavement!

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Which Girls Character Matches Your Workout Style?

January 11, 2013 at 9:45 am
By Marla Horenbein

We’ve been not so patiently counting down the days until HBO’s Girls makes its way back into our lives on Sunday night (if you aren’t caught up on season 1, we beg you to bang it out before Sunday night. Ready, set, go!), and we can’t wait to snuggle up on the couch and see where our friends Hannah, Marni, Jessa, and Shoshanna will end up. But in true FITNESS form, we can’t help but think about what each girl’s workout routine is. How exactly does Hannah get her sweat on? We’ve put together what we think they’re doing to stay fit, and even have them dressed and ready to go.

Hannah, played by the ever-popular Lena Dunham, might be our favorite character. She’s raw, she’s real, and she’s got spunk. So what’s her workout deal? We like to think that Richard Simmons is her idol. So instead of hitting the gym or whatever trendy workouts all the Manhattanites are obsessing over, Hannah is at home in her Brooklyn apartment, watching an old Richard Simmons VHS (yes, we mean watching, not actually doing). Oh yeah, and she’s probably munching on Entenmann’s powdered donuts, in a not-so-sexy getup (i.e. this top and these track shorts from American Apparel with some old school Reebok kicks).

As for pal Jessa, well she’s off doing something a bit more, shall we say, interesting? She’s definitely not the type to be spotted on an elliptical at Equinox, and her bohemian-chic, free spirit attitude leads us to believe that she’s into yoga. But of course, not just regular vinyasa yoga, more along the lines of naked yoga. Since naked yoga is done, er, naked, Jessa would probably show up in a hot outfit (like this awesome Lucas Hugh bra and legging combo), and then strip down to her birthday suit. All the more power to her!

Marni, the uber uptight sophisticate, is definitely our most hardcore girl. She’s competitive by nature and uses her workouts to relieve stress and stay in tip-top shape, so Flywheel is totally her workout of choice. Since she’s doesn’t use her gym time to scope out future dates (come on, we’ve all done it!), she’s not into looking overly cute while she’s getting sweaty on the bike. She’s a function over style kinda girl when it comes to workout clothes so pieces like these CWX compression tights and this Pearl Izumi tank, are staples for her. Oh and she never forgets her cycling shoes…having to rent a pair is just icky!

Now as far as trendy workouts go, we know that Shosh, is all over them. She’s hit up SoulCycle and dabbled in Pilates, but what she really excels at is the Barre Method. She’s typically the girl in class who asks a million questions about each exercise, and shows up  a half-hour early to practice. She’s also decked out head-to-toe in the latest Lululemon garb. Since she’s stuck in a world of bubblegum pink, puppies, and rainbows, we imagine that she’d probably show up to class wearing this tank, these capris, a matching jacket, and of course a headband to keep her hair in place. Oh, and she never re-wears a workout outfit, which mean’s daddy’s credit card bill has lots of Lulu charges to it!

Which Girls character do you most identify with?

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Fashion Friday: Swimsuits? Already?

November 30, 2012 at 2:55 pm
By Marla Horenbein

I’m not a fan of the cold. Never have been, and probably never will be. Which is why I’m planning a vacation to a nice, warm, tropical destination this winter. I haven’t figured out where I’m going yet, but I do know that wherever I end up, I’ll have a permanent spot in a lounge chair on the beach, a good book to read, and a fruity cocktail in hand. My only reservation is having to put on a bikini mid-winter. My summer tan is has totally faded, my abs could use a little boost after all of my holiday food binging, and the thought of trying on bikinis is just so not appealing. I mean really, those florescent dressing room lights are not going to make me look my best!

The key to getting through this though, is knowing what styles and brands fit me best. I know that I need a little bit of a fuller coverage top (preferably bandeau since I hate tan lines!), and a bottom that covers, but still accentuates my booty. I have my favorite go-to brands, that I know will never fail me (believe it or not Old Navy is one of them!), and I stay away from styles that I know are not a good fit, like little, stringy, triangle tops, no matter how cute they are. And to avoid those dreaded dressing rooms, I head straight to my online shopping cart, this way I can try on my new suits in the comfort of my own home, and in some flattering natural light.

I know it’s way to early to be talking swim (umm hello, we haven’t even gotten to 2013 yet!), but I’d love to know what your bathing suit shopping issues are. What are your fit issues, and how do you usually find a solution? Feel free to leave a comment below, or shoot me an email, marla.horenbein@meredith.com.

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Friday Fashion Favs: Gettin’ Techy

November 23, 2012 at 10:00 am
By Marla Horenbein

We’ve eaten our turkey, devoured our pumpkin pie, and slept it all off , so what’s there left to do? Shopping of course! If the Black Friday madness isn’t your thing (don’t worry its not ours either!), you can still get your shop on from the comfort of your own home! All it takes is a few clicks, and voila! You’ve got holiday goodies for your friends and family, and maybe even for yourself too!

Now the question is, what to buy? The staffers here at FITNESS are all hoping to find something techy under the tree (or menorah!) this year. Here’s what’s on their wish lists:

• Nutrition Editor Juno DeMelo, Senior Editor Bethany Gumper and Editorial Assistant Lauren Cardarelli are all wanting a Garmin watch, like the Forerunner 10, to track their miles, burned calories, and speed/pace, while they train for their next big races. We love that it comes in fun colors, and the best part is, it’s super easy to use!

 

• Having trouble sleeping at night? This awesome Renew Sleepclock monitors your breathing and sleeping patterns using a non-contact sensor while you sleep. Pretty cool huh? All you have to do is download the app to your iOS device, pop it in the docking station, and sleep. When you wake up you’ll have you’re sleep stats! Our Senior Editor Lisa Haney already owns one and can’t wait to get one for a certain sleepyhead on her Christmas list!

 

Read more

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Friday Fashion Favs: When Sweat Meets Glam

November 9, 2012 at 4:13 pm
By Marla Horenbein

There’s nothing we love more here in the fashion department than mixing sweat and glam. Let’s be real ladies, you can burn some major calories and still look good while doing it!  So when we caught wind earlier this week that one of our favorite SoulCycle chicks and October Express Workout model, Charlee Atkins, was the model in a collaboration video for SoulCycle and one of our fav jewelry brands, DANNIJO, you know we were all over it. I mean really, nothing says sexy, more than war paint, stacks of jewels, and lots of sweaty skin.

Check out the H-O-T video below. If that doesn’t inspire you to want to get out there and kick some butt, we don’t know what else will!

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Fashion Diaries: Talking Shop With Olympic Swimmer Amanda Beard

May 14, 2012 at 9:22 am
By Marla Horenbein

With the 2012 Olympics headed our way, we thought that Olympic swimmer Amanda Beard would be a great girl to catch up with. On top of being a star in the pool (did you know that she won her first Olympic medal when she was only 14?!), she’s a mom, a model and a philanthropist. Talk about someone who does it all!

Here’s what Amanda had to say:

What is one food that you absolutely can’t live without?

I love Mexican food. It’s my guilty pleasure!

What food do you eat right before a big meet, that you feel gives you the most energy?

Since Mexican food is not ideal before getting in the pool so before a meet or workout, I like to snack on PB&H (honey) sandwiches or smoothies. They’re both delicious, easy to make and help keep me energized.

Swimming requires a lot of body strength. What is your go-to workout move to help keep you strong?

The 18 x 100 breaststroke is one of my favorite strength-building workouts. I always walk away feeling energized, despite the fact that the minimal intervals between each repetition makes it a tough workout! [Editor's note: Sure sounds tough to us!]

Read more

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Fashion Diaries: Talking Shop With Roxy Surfer Kelia Moniz

May 8, 2012 at 9:48 am
By Marla Horenbein

We were super excited to get 18-year-old Roxy surfer girl, Kelia Moniz, in on our interview series. She’s fun-spirited, carefree and one of the most talented young surfer chicks out on the water. Of course, growing up in Hawaii could do that to you! Oh yeah, and did we mention how her love for fashion makes her that much cooler in our books?

Here’s what Kelia filled us in on:

What is one food that you absolutely can’t live without?  

Sushi! I’m obsessed. [Editor's note: We agree Kelia!]

What food do you eat right before you surf that you feel gives you the most energy? 

Something sweet and filling, like a smoothie or acai bowl!

Surfing requires a lot of strength, what is your go-to workout move to help keep you strong? 

I just stick to the basics: running, push-ups, sit-ups and other core exercise. Surfing keeps you strong and in shape, so I just try to surf as often as I can because it’s the most fun way to exercise.

Most athletes have a mantra that pumps them up, what’s yours? 

I don’t really have a mantra. I just try keep positive and not think too much when the pressure is on because that usually throws me off.

How would you describe your fashion sense out of the water?

I wouldn’t know how to describe my style, but If I were to pick a couple celebrities whose street style I like, it would be Miley Cyrus and Selena Gomez.

What’s your favorite article of clothing in your closet? 

Cut off jean shorts. [In true Roxy spirit!]

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Fashion Diaries: Talking Shop With LPGA Star Suzann Petersen

May 4, 2012 at 9:21 am
By Marla Horenbein

Since we are always so busy gathering up the latest active and fashion trends, we rarely get a chance to chat with our favorite athletes over here in fashion land. So when we were given the opportunity to talk with some ladies who we think rock, we jumped at the chance to ask them questions about food, fashion and being fit.

First up is LPGA star, Suzann Petersen, who is not only a fan favorite, but who is also currently ranked number three in the Rolex Rankings!

What is one food that you absolutely can’t live without?  

I love eggs. Most of my breakfast contains some sort of eggs. They are a great source of protein!

What do you eat right before you hit the course that you feel gives you the most energy? 

Before a round of golf, oatmeal with raisins and berries are my favorite.

Golf requires a lot of upper body strength, what is your go-to workout move to help keep you strong? 

I like using my own body weight during workouts. To maintain good upper body strength—old fashioned push-ups, hang-ups and dips work well for me.

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Fashion Diaries: Hot Pants

April 27, 2012 at 10:17 am
By Marla Horenbein

We got you hooked on colored denim last season, and while it is still a hot trend (we can’t get enough hot pink and yellow!), we’re totally swooning over printed jeans for the spring. Floral, ikat and tie-dye prints are all over the place, and they are a great way to jazz up a casual look. Keep the look simple by pairing a solid colored top (this denim shirt is a great option!) with cute flats or sandals, or if you feel like being super daring, you can try mixing and matching prints, like these jeans with this top. Make sure that one print is less understated than the other—two overwhelming prints paired together can create quite the fashion disaster!

Here are some of our favorite prints, in prices that are both budge-friendly and splurge-worthy!

From top left:

• Paige Denim, $250
• Madewell, $135
• Citizens of Humanity, $339
• Current/Elliott, $170
• J Brand Jeans, $205
• TopShop, $80
• Dorothy Perkins, $55
• See by Chloe, $335

 

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Fashion Diaries: Cover Girl

April 20, 2012 at 2:06 pm
By Marla Horenbein

Now that our May 2012 issue is out on newsstands (happy 20th anniversary to us!), you’ve all gotten to see how awesome our cover girl, Elle MacPherson, looks. I hope I’m lucky enough to look as hot as she is when I’m 48! Wishful thinking? I think so.

The fashion team absolutely loved working with Elle. She was super-easy going, looked AH-MAZ-ING in everything we put her in (which always makes our job that much more fun!), and her laid back, surfer girl vibe made the set a fun place to be.

Since we want you to look as hot as Elle this summer, we’ve decided to share with you all of the buying information for the pieces that Elle sported on our duel covers. We hope you love it, as much as we do!

Tank: BCBG MaxAzria (similar style), Bikini Bottoms: Inca, Bracelets: Ariel Gordon, JADEtribe, JADEtribe, Robindira Unsworth (similar style), Melinda Maria, Melinda Maria

Top: Graham and Spencer, Bikini Bottoms: Melissa Odabash

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