January 26, 2013

Albion Fit Review & Giveaway!

I was recently contacted by a company called Albion Fit, who specialize in women's fitness and swimwear, and varieties of workout clothing. They asked if I'd like to review one of their best-selling racerback tanks.

I used to be so self-conscious of my arms that I would never wear tanks to workout in, but once I tried running in a tank last summer, I totally got over the self-consciousness because they are so much more comfortable in hot weather! But I digress...

After Ragnar, I am in love with the color orange, so that's the color that I chose. It looked super cute on the model:
And since clothes always look the same on me as they do on the models... (BAHAHA).  (As I was typing this, Jerry glanced over my shoulder and said, dead seriously, "That's a good picture of you! Where were you?" I said, "REALLY?" And then he realized it wasn't me... Doesn't he know I don't wear necklaces and make-up when I run?! ;)

When I got the tank in the mail, I immediately noticed how good the quality was. I'm used to buying cheap workout tops--and I am the first to admit, you get what you pay for. I just have such a hard time buying a tank for $50ish when I could buy one at Wal-Mart for $5.

I could tell that the quality was very good, though--it was nicely constructed, the seams were nice and tight (on my cheap tops, the seams are usually the first thing to go, making the top unwearable). When I told them my size, I said that I normally would buy a small, but if they think these tops are on the small side, then a medium would do. They suggested a medium, because the tops are "very fitted".

I'm glad I got the medium! This top was definitely very fitted, and at first, I was a little unsure of whether it looked okay, because of how tightly it hugged me. But I have to say, it felt AMAZING. The fabric is very soft and stretchy, but not a loose stretch--it's kind of like a compression-fitting top. While I most certainly did not look like the model, I was VERY comfortable in it!
I really like the ruching on the sides. I've always found ruching to be flattering.This has a built-in bra, which I know some people are not a fan of. I love them, because I have teeny tiny little boobies. So I didn't have to wear a sports bra under this. There was a lot of compression from the tank itself. Here is what the built in bra looks like:
I have two complaints about that part--1) It's made for people with bigger boobs than I have. The bottom part of the bra should have gone to just under my boobs, but because I have small boobs, it wanted to sit below the bottom of my rib cage--a little awkward-looking but not uncomfortable; 2) There are little removable cups inside that didn't really want to stay in place. I like the cups, because then you don't see any nipple action going on (a big problem with my cheapo tanks), but I had to fidget with the cups to get them in the right spot.

So, my overall opinion of this top is:
  • It is SUPER comfy.
  • It is very cute.
  • It is very well-constructed with good quality fabric. 
  • I like the compressed feeling I get when I wear it (it would have been fantastic to have before my skin removal surgery, if only to wear under other tops, to keep my skin from bouncing all over!).
  • I'm not so fond of the sizing--it seemed tight for a medium, but the bra part seemed too big. I couldn't decide what to think about all that. 
  • It held up well in the washer, which is a bonus. 
  • And best of all, I didn't get any chafing when I wore it to run in. Some fabrics cause me to chafe around the neckline.

Would I buy it with my own money? It's $42, which is much more than I would normally spend on tops. However, compared to my favorite brand (Under Armour), it's cheaper in price, but the quality is the same. But yes, if you're looking for a good-quality top and can fit it into your budget, I do think it is worth the money.

Aaaand, one of you lucky ducks will get to try it out for FREE, too--because Albion Fit is generously allowing me to give away one of these tanks to a Runs for Cookies reader! To enter, you must "like" Albion Fit on Facebook, and then leave a comment here telling me what your favorite Albion Fit item is from their website. I will randomly select a winner on Monday, January 28, at 9:00 AM EST. (If you leave an anonymous comment, make sure you include your name in the comment).

Meanwhile, Albion Fit is also providing you with a code for $15 off any purchase of $50 or more from their website. Just use coupon code RUNSFORCOOKIES15.

(In full disclosure, I was given the tank for free to review, but as always, all opinions are completely honest).

124 comments:

  1. Hey Katie, Happy belated Birthday! I love the orange love racer. Looks awesome! Bonnnie C.

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  2. I liked them on Facebook! I just got myself a super cute pair of printed capris and need a purple top to match. I really like the Go Long crew.

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  3. I really like the ruching - that top is so cute! I've been thinking of getting myself some new workout clothes as my next "reward" in my weight loss journey, and I might just have to take advantage of that coupon code! Thanks for reviewing!

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  4. Katie, Happy be-lated Birthday! Hope it was awesome.
    I did the virtual 5K with yall, YEAH!
    Can you believe you wear a SMALL how COOOL! From seeing your story with your photos I bet it makes you smile when you get to buy clothing, I hope to be there by the end of the year!
    I love the Love Racer Orange with the performance capri, really cute. Those Go Long Crew with the thumb holes look so comfy.
    Thank you again for this great blog & your inspiration!
    :0) Ann Marie

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  5. I LOVE their one piece bathing suits! The ballerina suit in plum and the blousy tops are my favorites!

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  6. My favorite is the Balance Bermuda Graphite bottoms. Bummer they're sold out right now - hopefully they'll be in stock again soon! :)

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  7. I love the bathing suits! Especially the stripes.

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  8. Oh, I forgot to put this in my last comment, but my favorite items from the Albion shop are the silver love racer and the go long crew with thumb holes in rust! Thanks for the giveaway :)

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  9. I love the tank; it looks so cute on you. I liked Albion on Facebook, and my favorite item is the nautical bow bathing suit. It is adorable and unique. My name is Sarah by the way.

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  10. You look fantastic! I can't get over how thin you are now. It's so awesome getting to see your before and after and "now" pictures. They give me so much hope!!

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  11. I love the signature hoodie in grey.

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  12. love the teal jacket!

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  13. I love the classic racerback in teal!

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  14. I love their jackets!

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  15. I "liked" Albion Fit on FB. Super cute stuff! LOVE the Draw Cord Tank!!!
    -Jessica H.

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  16. I like the Love Racer in silver!

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  17. I really like the neon pink and orange racer backs (looks awesome on you!) Theresa

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  18. My favorite item from the website is the Basic Performance Capri in Black. ~Maegen F.~

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  19. I love the signature hoodie in heather gray - it looks so comfy!
    -Kendall (@k3ndallmarie)

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  20. First of all, you look AMAZING! You should be so proud of all the hard work! I love the color orange, so I would like the tank that you tried and also the compression capris.

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  21. Hey Katie!

    I think the tank looks awesome on you. I can't believe how slim you look from the side! Holy crap, you are gorgeous, woman! I didn't even notice the band on the built in bra until you mentioned it. I don't think it's too noticeable and plus, you'll be running by too fast for most people to see it. :D

    Take it from someone with a lot going on in the chest area; it is probably SO much more convenient to have teeny ones. Seriously, when I was at my heaviest (180lbs) I couldn't run at all because they would just hurt so much. Thankfully those days are over. :D

    I liked the Albion Fit page for the heck of it and have been eyeing the Show Stopper red and white striped bathing suit. At $98 dollars, I will probably never justify the expense, but it's fun imagining! That's my official favourite, as per the giveaway rules.

    I did the Virtual 5k yesterday (you might remember me as the one who almost fell off the treadmill x2) and have been able to think of nothing but my messed up run yesterday! I know I could have done better. I know I could have!

    So this evening I went for a 'real' run, just to shut my brain up. Outdoors, no dreadmill. I set a mini goal for myself during the 5k to run for two sets of 15 mins straight without stopping. (15mins was my previous PR). Today I ran for 31min and 28secs nonstop. I don't know where it came from, but it was just there... I just did it. The feeling of achieving that is indescribable!

    Thank you for inspiring me to take up running. I am really REALLY changing my life. I can't believe it! I wouldn't have thought it possible until I started reading this blog. :)

    What the heck did you do to me? Lol. Don't stop!

    -Christine K.

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  22. I love the swimsuits! That tank looks great on you, thanks for the awesome giveaway.

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  23. Their swimsuits are so cute! I want one!

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  24. Ummmm, I think you actually look better than the model! You are so tiny!!! You look amazing girl! I can totally see how Jerry mistook the model for you!

    I wanted to let you know that you really are such an inspiration. So many things you have written really stick with me during my weight loss journey. I'm sure my husband thinks I am so weird because I am always saying "Katie said..." like I know you or something. lol

    I have a little pooch from my c-sections (and weight of course) and would love to have the Love Racer in Neon Pink to help the jiggle while I work out. :)

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  25. I love the Dolled Up Polka Suit and the Silver LOVE racer tank! :)

    Thanks again for organizing the Virtual 5K. I've needed another race to get me going since my New Years Eve/New Years Day double race days. :)

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  26. I liked their facebook page, and my favorite item is the rainbow skirt in gray/black.

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  27. I love the "love racer" in silver.

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  28. I like the classic racerback in pomegranate color. I too hate showing my arms, but in hot weather I do it! My son will grab the back of my flabby arms and say "100% muscle here!". Got to love tweenagers! (said no mom ever!)

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  29. I liked them on FB. My fave item is the Love Racer in neon pink.
    There is nothing like the really good quality running clothes! I have everything from the cheapie stuff to Under Armour and everything in between. I do really like the feel of the soft clingy but not tight fabrics. It does feel very comfortable. I shop the semi-annual clearance sales at two different running stores; that's where I get my good stuff! Occasionally, I will find something at Dick's Sporting Goods that is on clearance enough for me to buy it.
    The top looks good on you.

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  30. Hi Katie. Great review! You are so tiny and cute. I love the orange tank on you.

    I liked them on Facebook, and if I got something in a giveaway, I would want the "Go Long Crew with Thumb-holes, Grape".

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  31. I LOVE the pink/white wrap skirt with pockets! SO cute! I've always wanted a skirt to walk/run in! Pockets are always a plus!

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  32. I liked them on FB - I think my favorite thing on their site is the 26.2 jacket in coral. LOVE that color

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  33. Susan SnyderJanuary 27, 2013

    Happy belated birthday, Katie. I really liked the draw cord top.

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  34. I love the Signature Hoodie in Heather Grey!

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  35. I liked them on Facebool. I
    liked the classic racerback in black. I lIle the design on the hip.

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  36. Liked them on Facebook :) and I think I'd go with the gown swimsuit in poppy. I love cute swimsuits :)

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  37. I love the racer top in teal.
    amandarwest atgmaildotcom

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  38. I like the Black and white, polka dot swim suit :)

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  39. My favorite things from Albion Fit's website are their swimsuits. I love the sashes that go around their middles! The Black and White Show Stopper is my favorite. =)

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  40. My favorite item on their site is the rainbow skirt! Its bright and cool looking and the built in shorts are great planning, I can see riding the new stationary bike im gonna get myself in it or running to town! I think i might have to get that for myself whether i win or not!!

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  41. Liked them on Facebook and I really like that tank in silver! I like their 26.2 white jacket too!

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  42. You look nothing less that the model, hon!!! :)
    I'm quite heavy on the top and nothing ever fits me :(

    Anyway I had the tortilla pizza today (recipe from you recipe blog) It was *yum* thanks for the great idea.. fulfilling and not too calorific!

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  43. I like the drawstring one on their Facebook page. would be good for yoga. The orange one is so slimming on you

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  44. 'Liked' them on FB.

    I think the tank you have is really cute and orange is a great color. I also liked the Basic Capri, too. Have to coordinate while running. :)

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  45. I really like their swimsuits! They are super cute!

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  46. I love their suits, esp the ballerina ones I liked them on fb

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  47. Thanks for the review and opportunity to participate in the giveaway. I've "liked" their Facebook page and visited their online shop. I think my favorite is the Love Racer in orange--the one you modeled! I've also been a bit afraid to wear tanks when working out due to my own self consciousness, but I think it's time to bear arms!

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  48. Love the review - honest!

    I liked them on FB and would love the Draw Cord Top White/Pink - its too cute!!

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  49. You look amazing Katie!! I liked the Go Long Crew shirt with the thumb holes. I have a couple of CuddleDuds shirts like that from Kohl's so I would love to compare them.

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  50. Hi Katie! Thanks for your review and the giveaway opportunity. I liked them on FB and checked out the website. I really like the Love Racer in Sea Foam. I think it's going to be the color of spring!

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  51. Hi Katie! I liked them on FB. I love the "Love Racer, neon pink" tank! Hope you had a great Birthday! I ran my first 5k!

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  52. I'd really like to try to the classic racerback! Can't wait to see if I win! :)

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  53. I really like the 26.2 jacket in teal, but the tanks are awesome too! - Amanda H.

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  54. I really like that classic racerback. It looks like it's a pretty decent length, too, which is always nice. For a while, I had a hard time finding shirts that were long enough to cover my whole torso.

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  55. i really liked the signature hoodie in belize. i liked the fb page, too. thanks!

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  56. I liked them and LOVE the rainbow skirt (white, blue, lime green)

    ann_hardman(at)hotmail.com

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  57. I liked them on FB, and I really like their classic racerback in black!

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  58. I liked them on fb and I like the love racer

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  59. Hi Katie!
    I liked them on Facebook! Cute stuff! I like the signature black hoodie! Looks comfy!

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  60. I love the 26.2 coral jacket.

    Katie you look amazing! I have been a runner for a few years now but have only stuck to half marathon's. After stumbling upon your blog I'm taking the plunge and doing my first full marathon in may! Week 2 of training down only 16 more to go :)

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  61. I like the basic performance capris on their site! The design on the pants is pretty neat, it just elevates it from basic black. (My name is Mary)

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  62. I liked them on facebook and I absolutely love the love racer/silver.

    Happy Belated Birthday! You look amazing!

    (my name is Stephanie Beers)

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  63. I loved this entry first off! I have lost 130 pounds and I have about 100 to go!! I have so much loose skin that I am either wearing a HUGE shirt or tons of layers to hide the bouncing!!! Liked them on Facebook and I really liked that tank in silver as well as orange!! <3 You also looked freaking amazing in it and thought you should know!!!!

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  64. I love those black capri pants. I always work out in capris because I don't love my huge calf muscles.

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  65. I'm drooling over the draw cord top. Very cute clothes!

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  66. Orange has been my favorite color for awhile and that tank is so cute on you!!! Personally I think the go-long crews look super comfy.

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  67. The love racer in orange is awesome. And I am lovin the go long crews with the thumb holes!!

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  68. I love their swimsuits, especially the So Meshed one.

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  69. That orange tank is super cute on you!
    I liked their fb page and think their signature hoodies look awesome!

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  70. I like their jackets - especially the 26.2 jacket in coral! I am like you, I hate spending a lot of money on workout clothes but it is SO worth it!

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  71. Love the classic racer back in pomegranate!

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  72. That tank top looks awesome on you!

    I liked the Facebook page, and I also really like the "love racer" tank top in orange.

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  73. I liked them on Facebook. I would love to order some items off their website but at this point I can't afford it.)-: I think this tank looks awesome in the seafoam green color too!!!!

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  74. I liked the facebook page and I'm actually really obsessing over their whole swimsuit collection! of course the race back t is amazing also...i'm excited for summer runs!!!

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  75. that's an adorable tank - i also go cheap-o on tanks! Old Navy Active! Liked AlbionFIt on Facebook! Thanks for the great giveaway!

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  76. the love racer tank in seafoam- I love that color! fb page liked.

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  77. The silver racer is cute.

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  78. I "liked" their page. My favorite item is the classic black racer.

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  79. I laughed out loud when I read your model comment but you do look as good as she does!

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  80. I liked them on Facebook. My favorite is probably the Love Racer in neon pink. I'm a big fan of pink :). I also LOVE their swimwear!

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  81. I liked Albionfit page on facebook and the product i would love to try is the Love Racer tank in sea foam love the color and the ruching!!

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  82. I like the SO meshed suit (bathing suit).

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  83. My favorite item from Albion Fit is the Go Long Crew w/Thumbholes in the grape color! I LOVE everything about it - the color, the thumbholes, length and the price is very reasonable!

    I also like the classic racerbank tank (would prefer them plain though). I'm voluptuous up top so I always wear a tanks under long sleeve shirts when I run or Zumba (for extra support). :D

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  84. I like the 26.2 jacket in teal or coral.
    Pam

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  85. That tank looks great (and great on you, too!). I love the look of the rainbow skirt. Super cute!

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  86. Oh gosh! so many choices... I like the classic racerback and the signature hoodie to start ;)

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  87. Liked on Facebook. Loved the hot pink racer back.

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  88. I liked them on facebook. I love their biker shorts in black and their black capri performance pants. Thanks for the giveaway.

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  89. Hi! I would love to try the "classic raceback, teal" for my first race next month :)

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  90. CLASSIC RACERBACK, POMEGRANATE - would be great for the 10 races I am signed up for in 2013!

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  91. Love the pink & white draw cord top, cute concept.
    LOVE YOUR BLOG!!!!!!!!!!!

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  92. Love the love racer in silver - looks very feminine yet sporty :-D

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  93. I love the White and Pink Draw Cord Dress! Thank you for the honest review!

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  94. Like the rainbow skirt- all colors Thanks for the encouragment by writing your chapters! Sharon koszuta

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  95. I like the racer in teal.

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  96. Love the Love racer in silver! (L)

    And it would be perfect for the A2 half marathon in June. :-)

    -Rebecca

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  97. Love Racer in either Neon Pink or Orange! :) I LOVE your honesty! I very much appreciate knowing how people feel about workout clothes before I spend my husband's hard-earned money! (I'm a stay-at-home mom to our three girls!)

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  98. I know companies have to sell their product, but I'd be more apt to buy one if it was worm by a woman (or man) actually ready to do whatever it was the proudct was meant for. As you said, most do not have their hair primped to run, a full face of make up and jewlery. I would wear my medical alert bracelet, but that's it!

    I like your honesty about it all.

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  99. you have mentioned your insecurity of your arms before... just wondering do you plan to have another surgery to make you happy with them, or have your learned to just deal with them and cover them up/not care?

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  100. I liked the U-Line dress in black and white. I would have to think for awhile about where I could wear it, but I think it's adorable.

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  101. I like the love racerback tanktop!

    Anita Beagle

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  102. I just liked them on facebook too. I like the love race tank also, I'm not a fan of bright colors and it says they have one in charcoal but it wasn't pictured. That would be my pic. Thanks!

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  103. I like the 26.2 jacket in coral!
    -Jennifer

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  104. Liked on Facebook and I like the orange razorback tank you have, LOVE ORANGE!

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  105. Andrea GellenJanuary 27, 2013

    I think my favorite thing on the website are the bike shorts-- I could use them in spin class or when I run on the treadmill. I also really, really like the shirt you tried out-- I especially like the built in bra feature.

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  106. I liked their facebook page. The big polka top and bottom are adorable!

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  107. First off you are such an inspiration! I absolutely love the signature hoodie in grey!

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  108. I liked the FB page. I LOVE the 26.2 jacket in teal!
    Jamie

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  109. Hi Katie! Happy belated birthday to you! You look amazing in the orange tank. My fave would have to be the Love Racer, Silver.

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  110. Oh man, what great stuff! It's ALL cute! But I really like their one-piece bathing suits, too! Oh and the Classic Racerback tank in pomegranate!

    And happy belated birthday! :)

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  111. They have a ton of cute stuff! I like their swim suits and the go long crew with thumb holes! Who doesn't love thumb holes?!

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  112. I liked them on FB! and OMG I am in LOVE with the red and white striped one piece swimsuit. Gorgeous!

    ashley @ freckleberryfinds.com

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  113. I liked them on FB! :) After checking out their products on their website, I'd definitely go with one of their sports bras (probably the Alta Sports Bra, Graphite) because as of now, I always have to wear two in order to run in comfort (after nursing 4 babies and losing over 100 lbs from my very heaviest 8 years ago - my boobs are in need of the extra help) but wearing one great quality one instead of two crappy ones would be great. LOL

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  114. I liked them on FB

    Soo many cute things that I'm loving on their website!! I LOVE LOVE the orange love racer. Also couple of their swimsuits!

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  115. I like Albion Fit on FB. I think the racer back tank you reviewed is my favorite.

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  116. I love the classic racerback in Pomegranate. I'd love to have one for Pilates!

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  117. Hi, Katie! I liked them on facebook, and LOVE the basic capris!

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  118. I liked Albion Fit on FB and would love the love racer in silver! Thanks!

    kcaliff
    seanandkara@msn.com

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  119. I actually loved the show stopper swimsuit! it's too cute with the red accents.

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  120. Love the wrap skorts...WITH POCKETS, Yay! Liked them on FB.

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  121. You look so very teeny tiny in the picture from the side!! You're now one of those skinny girls who I look at and think, "Good grief... how do all their vital organs fit in that tiny space??" Lol... I hope to be there someday!

    ~Aundrea P.~

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  122. liked them on FB...I really like the hoodies. Great colors and they look comfy!

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I used to publish ALL comments (even the mean ones) but I recently chose not to publish those. I always welcome constructive comments/criticism, but there is no need for unnecessary rudeness/hate. But please--I love reading what you have to say! (This comment form is super finicky, so I apologize if you're unable to comment)

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