Fashion

All the cool kids are not waiting til the last minute to put their orders in for Team Preddy Tees.  Trust me, this is not something you want to be left out of.  In fact, yesterday I had lunch at my very favorite North Austin Restaurant called KaProw (I almost hate to mention this because I would hate for people to start crowding the only place in my life where I have ever been considered a ‘regular’ and the cute little waitress named Amy knows me and my order whenever I go in) – wow sidetracked — ANYWAYS, while at KaProw I got a fortune cookie whose fortune read “Be yourself, and you will always be in fashion.”  This lent itself decently the the ‘in bed’ trick, it also promoted my healthy self-confidence, but what it really made me realize is that the Team Preddy Tees are totally fashionable.  They are pretty much the IT item of 2009.

It got me thinking about fashion…. well, fashion from the perspective of an athlete.  If you want to read about high fashion, Jimmy Choos, or the latest convertible cover-up sweeping the lakes and pools this year then read no further.  However, what I am talking about is how you have to look good, even while drenched in sweat and huffing and puffing.  I have some examples:

1. My friend EY and I have started playing on a soccer team.  We have both played soccer all our lives and love the sport.  What we also love? — looking good while doing it.  So, what are two girls to do when no uniforms are provided, just a loose guideline to wear a purple or black top? – we organize.  Don’t think for a second we didn’t coordinate exactly what we would be wearing.  That’s right, we rolled with black shirts, white shorts, black socks with tiny little shinguards underneath held in place with black electrical tape.  I’m not going to lie, we looked like pros.  So much so that we were invited to try-out for a semi-pro team.  I would love to say it’s because of our impressive skills, but I seriously think the outfits played a large part.  What is it that Leo says in the movie Catch Me If You Can?  Something like “you know why the Yankees always win? – cause the other teams can’t stop staring at the pinstripes.”
2. Let’s move to Kelly.  Triathletes actually have to buy/own more equipment than you would initially think.  Obviously there’s the bike – but let’s add on the aerobars, the velcro one-strap bike shoe (for easy transitions), the clipless pedal of your choosing, the water bottles and cages, etc etc.  You also will need some good running shoes and an outfit — something that will be adequate in all events (read: spandex).  But — did you think about a wetsuit?  The water temp of the 2.4 mile loop in Coeur d’Alene was 52 degrees last year.  This year, right now, the temp is around 46 degrees.  You can follow the water data here:   Spokane River and CDA Lake.  Soooo yeah, not only a wetsuit is needed, but one that covers as much of your body as possible.  This week Kelly went and bought a new wetsuit.  She went to a place in town that has a big selection and a lot of knowledge – so I trust that she got the absolute best.  However, don’t think there’s not style involved.  She sent me a link to her suit because she was so excited that it was pretty, so here it is: The Pretty Wetsuit.  And I agree… as far as wetsuits go, this one finally put some nice pizazz on it.  She claimed that it would help me find her when she was leaving the water — but I can tell you right now that finding her after the swim is never hard.  Swimming is her strength and anytime I’ve watched her she’s been the first girl out of the water and beats most of the boys as well.
3. Carrying on with fashion, I’ll show you what I got Kelly for her birthday.  There’s a great store called Athleta that carries functional clothes for female athletes (most of it yoga inspired, similar to lululemon).  The clothing can kinda crossover from working out to life outside the gym.  I got Kelly a dress (that she picked out of course) that I envision making an appearance post-Ironman in CDA.  The dress will be perfect for riding bikes around town and checking out the local sites.  Here it is:  THE dress.

So that was long and winded – But if you have made it through all that, I will once again remind you to put your order for Team Preddy Tees in as soon as possible.