Summer is one of my favorite time of year and around this neck of the woods, there are a few signs that Summer is on its way.

But over at prAna Summer has arrived!

I’ve already confessed my love for prAna’s Spring Collection. I love that PrAna does such an awesome job at laid back cuteness without sacrificing style and comfort.

I always know I can count on functionality, quality, sustainability, attention to detail and last but DEFINITELY not least, style from prAna. (‘Cause to me working out isn’t about looking good as an end result, it’s about feeling and looking great in your body throughout your fitness journey.)

This one is for YOU!  PrAna and GGS have teamed up to give one lucky GGS reader some samples from their Summer Collection!  Here is what is up for grabs:

White Tess Shorts – size 4

Grey with orange trim Crissy Knickers -Size S

 Orange and pink Scralett Top – size s

Love that last top. Orange and pink look so cute together!

How to enter:

Go to prAna site and tell us what item would be on your Summer Wish List: name and color (it can be anything and they have lots of super cute clothes)

Really wanna win this cute little number?

• Tweet it out daily (if you want) using @girlgetstrong for extra entries (you can use the tweet button below)
• Like Facebook prAna
• Like Girlgestrong on Facebook (use Facebook button below)
• If you own a blog, mention it on a post
• Mention the giveaway on your Facebook page
• Make sure to tell us in the comments on what you did for the extra entries for them to count

Good Luck! Contest ends May 18, 2012. US and Canadian Residents only. Winner will be notified by email.

I’ve always found the easiest way to stay motivated to push through your workout is to get your motivation WHILE you work out.  Sometimes I have a hard time going that extra distance or even going a little faster to get that real burn that I need.  Keep in mind, I am not a runner.  I have ran a couple of 10 miles races and even trained for a half marathon.  I just found that running is not for me but I do love working out at the gym, walking up the steepest hills, hiking, strengthening training, skiing, you name it, basically any activity but running, I love to do.  So why might you ask am I reviewing the latest gadget on the market for running?  Well, the other GGS gals are recovering from running injuries so I had to step up to the plate to do this review.  And besides, this little unit has some features for people just like me.  Let me introduce to the PEAR Sport, Training Intelligence.

This tiny little gadget is like having a personal trainer right by your side to train the distance you need at the speed you want to go at.  Included in the kit:

• Ultra small, lightweight PEAR Sport system
• Secure fit Sport Earphones
• cord to sync up your computer up with your PEAR
• Wireless PEAR Heart Rate Monitor
• Wireless PEAR Foot Pod
• Cute case to carry all of this gear

An iPod shuffle fits securely on the PEAR so you can have music for your workout.  I personally don’t have a shuffle and have every ‘i’ device out there except a shuffle but I was able to use my iPod Nano without any problems. 

PEAR constantly monitors you via the wireless heart rate monitor and foot pod, measuring your body’s response to a workout and telling you exactly what you need to know. Using interactive audio coaching, PEAR tells you when you’re off goal and motivates you to stay on track according to your custom tailored plan. 

They have many plans to choose from including training for Boston Marathon, Run a 10 mile faster, treadmill workouts,  learn how to run 1/2 marthon and so forth. For myself being a non-runner, I started to do the program, learn to run, free form workout (where there is no coaching but you can tell how hard you worked once you sync up with the computer) and the treadmill workout.

PEAR is a SMART biofeedback training system that uses a wireless heart rate monitor and foot pod to measure your body’s response to a workout and delivers real-time coaching to keep you on track towards meeting your goal.

Turn on your PEAR, fire up your music and let Training Intelligence™ do the rest.

To help the PEAR understand your fitness level, it asks that you do a fit test before you start.  You can re-do this test any time you like as your endurance and speed start to improve.  After completing the test, I started with the learn to run program.  I found this program really motivating for me as a non-runner, as each session was approx 30 minutes long and the PEAR told you exactly how you were doing, how much longer you had, your heart rate, when to run and power walk.  This program started off really slow, power walking 3 minutes and running for 30 seconds. The PEAR also encourages you as you do the program with wellness tips, mindful moments, all with a ‘air high five’.

For an athlete that spent most of her time in the water- running has always been scary and I had no idea where to start or what I should be doing. With the PEAR I am finally confident. I have a plan, I am getting tips and I am being coached, I cant ask for anything more.”

Jamie Vessey
NCAA Division 1 Athlete

The PEAR also has a ‘free style’ coaching system which I also really enjoyed.  I just strapped everything on and went out and did my steep hill climbing.  I could tell how I was doing instantly by pressing a button on the side of my special ear buds.  This would report, time, heart rate, distance and calories.  LOVED that! 

My only compliant that I have is that the calories the PEAR said I burnt was WAY off.  I would even go to say it was off by even double.  Everything else the PEAR reported was dead on including the zones that I was working at.  I would 100% recommend!

And guess what?  PEAR Sports and GGS Media have paired up to give one lucky GGS reader a PEAR Sports to have and to hold through all of your training.

Really wanna win? For one extra entries do any or all of the following:

• Tweet it out using @GirlGetStrong for extra entries (you can use the tweet button below)
• Like PEAR Sport on Facebook
• Like GirlGetStrong on Facebook(right hand side)
• Post the giveaway on your Facebook Page (you can use the share button below)
• Make sure to tell us in the comment section on what you did for the extra entries for them to count

Contest ends May 7, 2012(midnight PST). Winner will be notified by email. US and Canadian residents only. Good Luck!

Merrell Dash Glove, Merrell.com

Winner – Askele Martin

There are two ways to join the barefoot running movement: throw away your shoes altogether, or find a pair that are pared down enough to approximate the benefits of barefooting while still protecting your toesies – and the rest of your feet – from the hazards of the road.

Since most of us are not daring enough – speaking for myself, to be sure – to throw away our shoes (cue the sighs of relief from the shoes companies), finding the right balance between freedom and protection is a bit of an art.  It is also a very personal choice.

My first pair of barefooters were the granddaddies of the revolution, a pair of Vibram Five Fingers. These days there are many self-proclaimed “barefoot” style running shoes on the market and I’ve been on the search for a pair that allows me to run with my natural barefoot form (landing on the forefoot), but still protects my foot without too much shoe.

Recently, I got a chance to try out the Dash Glove by Merrell.  For running, Merrell has three styles for women, the transitional Bare Access Arc for women just starting barefoot running and wanting to ease into it, the Pace Glove for barefooting off-road and the Dash Glove for road running.

Unlike the Bare Access Arc which looks similar to a traditional running shoe, the Dash Gloves are bold, sleek and minimalist looking, along the lines of a racer.

The Dash Gloves are surprisingly roomy in the forefoot. My toes are very thankful!

Mine are orange, and I love the splash of bright colour below my usual black running skirt / capris.  With ‘zero drop’ between heel and forefoot, the shoe is pancake flat on the outside.  Made from synthetic leather and a mesh upper, the shoes are almost as light and substantive as a ballerina flat.  But thankfully, the difference between ballerina flats and the Dash Glove are many.

One of the first things I noticed was the wide forefoot. The forefoot is very roomy, and allows surprisingly free movement of my toes, which upon reflection, makes sense.  In barefoot running all your toes are needed to work to help balance your body.

I was surprised to find arch support when I slipped them on.  I like that the arch support is not overly aggressive and doesn’t get in the way.  Other features I like are the Vibram® Barefoot sole which  adds both a bit of bruise protection and traction and the DWR-treated upper that repels water and resists staining. There are reflective details for increased visibility for running in the dark and low light, which I appreciate even though I rarely run in the dark.

One of my favorite features can’t be seen, and also can’t be smelled: the integrated microfiber and mesh lining treated with Aegis® antimicrobial solution to help keep runners fresher, longer.  (Yay!)

Before taking them for a run, I did what I do with all shoes and broke them in by wearing them around for a couple of days. The first day I wore them to run errands, and the shoes cried the whole time…they wanted to go out for a real spin. However, they did get a ton of attention and I received many compliments, including two from complete strangers.  A woman I passed outside the drug store stopped me and asked me what brand they were and another woman at the bank pointed them out to her friend.  Orange definitely draws the eye!

Unanimous opinion by a gaggle of moms at our school hot lunch program was an enthusiastic thumbs up.

I then took them out for a brief 20 minute run. I debated about socks and in the end left them off, telling myself I’d turn around at the first sign of irritation.  I can’t let a preventable injury get in the way of my triathlon training!  Thankfully, there was no rubbing at all and I found the Dash Gloves very comfortable.

Its taken a few runs now to get used hitting the ground mid-foot instead of heel first, but it was worth being patient with this unique running style.  I am really enjoying running in my Dash Gloves and will definitely keep them in my running repertoire.  In fact, if I wasn’t training all out for my upcoming half ironman (I’m reluctant to change styles during training at this point), I’d probably run in them full time!  In the meantime, I’ll be taking them out for a spin at least once a week, I love the feeling of being connected to the ground and being able to feel all my muscles working in unison.

If you are just starting to experiment with barefoot running, landing on your forefoot may feel awkward.  I highly recommend both educating yourself  and taking it slow and easy as you transition.  To that end, Merrell has a whole website devoted to supporting us in our new found barefoot freedom. Their site includes a barefoot running reference guide, a barefoot training program and even a running playlist. You can also check out their  barefoot video “Pretty Strong” here.

Wanna win a pair?  Leave a comment telling us why you’d like to try barefoot style running! (sorry, US residents only.)

I have to workout to music.  I have actually gone into the gym and realized I didn’t have my iPod with me and turned right around again.  It’s the same with running.  I NEED my tunes!  Music makes me run faster and harder and go stronger. 

But, I am getting really sick of my playlists and that is where you come in.  GGS wants to put you to work and tell us your top workout songs to win…wait for it…….yes – an iPod Nano.

Once the contest is over, we are going to put together the top 100 workout songs of all time.  How cool is that?

HOW TO ENTER:
This contest is exclusively for GGS Club members. Not a member yet? No worries, it only takes a minute. Membership is filled with perks (like these groovy giveaways) and we never share your personal information with anyone. Sign up here:

 In the comment, please tell us your top 5 (or more) songs to workout to.

Really wanna win?

• Tweet it out using #girlgetstrong for extra entries (you can use the tweet button below)
• Like us on Facebook Fan of Girlgestrong (right hand side)
• Post the giveaway on your Facebook Page (you can use the share button below)
• Make sure to tell us in the comments on what you did for the extra entries for them to count

Contest ends on Feb 15, 2012. Good Luck!

Busy woman are always looking for nutritious snacks to eat when they are on the go. Unfortunately, many of you end up grabbing high-carb, high-fat and low-protein convenience store snacks, which are terrible nutritional choices.

If you’re one of the many woman simply looking for some high protein alternative nutritious snack ideas, read on: The following 11 high-protein snacks require little preparation and are generally low in both carbohydrates and fat.

• Beef jerky or my favorite Turkey jerky
  Believe it or not, this old classic is actually a healthy choice. On average, one ounce contains about 70 calories and one gram of fat, but delivers 11 grams of protein. However, the brands sold in convenience stores are often high in salt. If you’d like beef jerky to be one of your high-protein snack options, look for healthier versions in health food stores.
• Egg whites
  One egg white has only 15 calories, is fat- and cholesterol-free and contains four grams of protein. Throw two or three in a cup and microwave. (with some peppers and onions if you want to make an omelet) for a quick, nutritious mini-meal.  Or make some Protein Egg Muffin cups for a quick grab and go.  Yum!
• Cottage cheese and fruit
  A half cup of 2% cottage cheese contains on average 16 grams of protein, yet only has 102 calories and two grams of fat (as opposed to other types of cheese, which can be extremely high in fat). If high protein isn’t your ideal goal, then mix it with some fresh fruit for a fast, healthy snack. 
• One-to-two ounces of dry or honey-roasted soy nuts  Soy Nuts are really roasted soy beans, they are not nuts at all. A one ounce serving has four (4) grams of fat of which three (3) grams are unsaturated fats. A serving may contain 120 calories, but it has over 10 grams of protein.
• Protein bars
  Although there are hundreds of varieties on the market, keep in mind that all protein bars are not created equal. Obviously, protein bars should be a high-protein snack, but be careful and avoid bars that are high in carbohydrates and fat. Good choices are Kashi GoLean Crunchy Bars (or roll bars), Kellogg’s Special K Protein Meal Bar, Powerbar Protein Plus.
• Tuna
  Tuna is a great source of protein with approximately 25 grams per can. Plus, one can of tuna in water contains approximately 111 calories and is fat-free. And hey, go easy on the mayonnaise if you’re making a sandwich — it’s full of fat.  I like the flavored tuna that come in tiny tins that don’t need a can opener.
• Shakes
  As with protein bars, many commercial protein shakes and powders can be high in carbohydrates.   2 good choices are Bolthouse Farm Chai Tea Smoothie, Odwalla Super Protein Mango Smoothies.
• Chocolate Soy Milk
• Nuts and Seeds –  such as sunflower or pumpkin seeds, are  a rich protein source, at 6 to 9g of protein per ounce.
  Baby Bel Cheese or another low calorie cheese – this is very high in calcium as well.
• Home-made protein snacks - here is 13 suggestions just for you.

How do you get your protein on the go??

GIVEAWAY TIME!

As promised we are having our weekly giveaway (some exceptions may apply) to learn more about soy products. The giveaway is $50 to your favvorite grocery store. Yipeeee…..FREE groceries!

To enter:

All you have to do is re-tweet this blog post.

Or you can copy and paste this tweet:

@GirlGetStrong How to Get Protein on the Go? – here are 11 healthy suggestions! http://bit.ly/xWDVPl  #SoySimple

Super important to use the #SoySimple hashtag or your entry will not count!

A weekly winner will be chosen from Random.org You have until Jan 15, 2012 (midnight PST) to complete your entry.

This is a sponsored conversation written by me on behalf of Solae. The opinions expressed by me do not necessarily reflect the view of the Solae.