Since 1977 Polar has been leading the way heart rate monitors have been made working to create a watch that will suite any active women’s needs. It’s one thing to listen to the body and another to understand what it means.

Polar has designed heart rate monitors for women that with just a few easy steps of imputing personal data like height and weight will help develop a training program for increasing the efficiency of your heart.

While many women are intimidated by the user manuals that come with heart rate monitors, the benefits that come from using a heart rate monitor are invaluable. The old saying “no pain, no gain” isn’t necessarily true, especially when it comes to increasing your aerobic endurance. It’s actually more beneficially to your body and heart to have a mixture of low and high intensity workouts. The Polar heart rate monitors are able to tell what your bodies needs on a daily basis to achieve the best results.

The benefits of using a Polar women specific heart rate monitor (functions vary on which polar hrm you decide to use)

1. Tracks calories burned

2. Determines the best workout intensity depending on your day-to-day condition

3. The Fitness test measures your aerobic fitness in only five minutes

4. Calculates the point where the main effect of training is turning fat burning into fitness improvement

The view from the back just got better; the skirtchaser5k race returns to Denver

WHAT: outdoor DIVAS and SkirtSports are running up a storm in style. The SkirtChaser5k on August 29th will be surely be a race you won’t want to miss. Women in their running skirts or dresses are given a three minute head-start on the men. The first to cross the finish line gets $500. From walkers to pro-runners, the SkirtChaser Race Series invites you to experience the most fun you've ever had while working out! With registration in the “catch me wave” you will get a FREE running skirt or shorts (for the guys) from the exclusive race series line. Register in person at outdoor DIVAS and get a FREE Mad Greens Salad Coupon or online at www.skirtchaser5k.com

Don’t skirt the issue, you know you want to look good while you workout and now you can!

WHEN: Saturday, August 29th

5:00pm – 8:00pm

WHERE: outdoor DIVAS

2717 east third ave.

Cherry Creek North

303.449.3482

COST: Register in person at outdoor DIVAS or go to the website www.skirtchaser5k.com

About Skirt Sports: Nicole DeBoom, founder and CEO of SkirtSports, had the revolutionary idea for the first-ever running skirt, she also dreamt of creating a race series with the same message. Look good, feel good, perform better. Work hard and play hard. But, as SkirtChaser #1, Tim DeBoom looked on, Nicole decided she wanted to INCLUDE the men in her life in an edgy and fun event. Thus, three years after the company's birth, the SkirtChaser Race Series was born. Now, SkirtChaser has gone from nickname to tagline to race series to product line

Women Wheels and Wine
July 12, 2009
Devil’s Thumb Ranch, Tabernash, Colorado
Cost: $95*

If you’ve always wanted to learn to ride better, this is your chance for a comprehensive introduction to the sport in a supportive and relaxing environment (there are sessions for more advanced riders, too). Devils Thumb Ranch is home to over 3,000 acres and 40 kilometers of single and double tracks. You'll be fitted for equipment by knowledgeable coaches and given group instruction on basic skills/techniques. Customize your day by choosing how to spend your afternoon: more riding , a personal coaching session or a bike maintenance and equipment clinic. Finish it off with a dip in the resort's geothermic pool and hot tub and a group yoga class for cyclists to unwind. Go in style, be sure to check out our selection ofwomen's jersey's and bike attire!

Registration and Questions:activities@devilsthumbranch.com or 970-726-8231 

Sleeping well is essential to having a good time in the backcountry. The bag you’re in and the pad you sleep on plays a huge role not only on how you sleep but how you feel the next day.

Big Agnes, located in Steamboat Springs Colorado, is known for developing some of the most comfortable sleeping bags and pads. The Big Agnes System is different from traditional sleeping bag set-ups, where you throw your bag on a pad and hope for a semi comfortable night.

With the Big Agnes System, the pad slides into the integrated sleeve on the bottom of the bag. Not only does it guarantee you stay on your pad all night, but it keeps you warmer. When insulation material is compressed under your body, it loses almost all of its ability to insulate. Big Agnes has eliminated the insulation on the bottom of the bag saving on weight, increasing pack-ability and allowing the pad to do a much better job of keeping you warm throughout the night.

Benefits to having an integrated bag and pad system

1. Smaller pack size

2. Less weight to carry

3. Increased comfort

4. No more rolling off

Check out our selection of women specific Big Agnes bags and pads. No matter if you are looking for a 15 or 0 degree, down or synthetic we have it. Sleep comfortably in the backcountry fully rested for wherever your adventures may take you the next day.

Three Reasons We Love the Big Agnes Women Specific Bags

1. Extra insulation in the foot and core areas

2. Bags are made in petite and regular

3. Extra room in the hip area

Dynastar shared some very exciting news with the industry today:

"For the first time ever a ski company will show the world how its skis are made on the highly-acclaimed How it’s Made television show. The crew of How It’s Made was at Dynastar in Sallanches, in the Chamonix Valley, France in September 2008 to produce this interesting step-by-step view of how alpine skis are produced. The show will highlight the different parts used in a ski, including bases, edges, metal laminates, top-sheet, molding processes, cosmetics and finishing processes -- everything that goes into making skis ready for the slopes.

How It’s Made is an award-winning show that highlights how ordinary, everyday items are made. Have you ever wondered how the products you use are made? How It's Made leads you through the process of how everyday products, such as apple juice, toothpicks, engines, contact lenses, and many more objects are manufactured.

Now that list includes Dynastar skis. And soon it will include Lange boots, too!

The How It’s Made “Dynastar skis” show will air on Friday June 19th 2009 at 9:00 pm ET on the Science Channel. If you miss the show consult the How It's Made website for addition air dates and times."

There are still a few Women's Dynastar Skis on MAJOR sale at outdoorDIVAS.com right now. Check them out:

Dynastar Exclusive Legend (2009)

Dynastar Exclusive Legend Powder (2009)

Details about the BLUE RIVER RIDE: They are a mix of road and mountain bike riders from Boulder, Colorado with a commitment to making a difference in our world through the best way we know how – cycling! After riding several centuries and other distances to benefit the Lance Armstrong Foundation (LAF) and other charitable organizations, they felt the desire to create something special and unique in our own backyard. Check it out this weekend.

Biking not your thing? Check out FIBARK in Salida. A weekend of boating, music, New Belgium beer, hula hoops and more. River rat or not you're sure to have a good time at this very unique event.

Feeling fit? Jump in the 5430 Sprint Tri this Sunday at the Boulder Res. Or just come down and see some of the states best athletes kick it into gear in this USAT sanctioned Triathlon.

Don't let the sunshine pass you by; you never know when the clouds might roll in again. Take advantage of all that summer has to offer. So get out and hike, bike, climb, paddle, stretch, run, ride and just plain ol play!

ZOOMA Denver Half Marathon & 5 Miler

 Sunday, September 20, 2009

 Start, Finish & After Party-Expo:  Central Park, Stapleton

Course: Stapleton & Sand Creek Regional Greenway, City of Aurora

 Be part of the inaugural ZOOMA Denver Half Marathon & 5 Miler! Register today! Why not, it will give ya a boost to get in shape.

 ZOOMA Denver features a fast and flat course in Stapleton and on the Sand Creek Greenway in the City of Aurora and Denver and a fabulous post-race party at the new Central Park in Stapleton. Celebrate in style with wine tastings, brunch, live music, massages, shopping and more for the ultimate in "girls weekend" running. Stay tuned for more details about the group training session held at outdoor DIVAS Cherry Creek store on July 9th!

Get new running shoes now so you know they wont give you blisters on race day. Also a good time to try a running skirt, you can train in it all summer! Run like a girl in style.

Prana Jada Pant

The Prana Jada Pant is the ideal yoga pant that is super comfortable sitting perfectly on the hips. Ideal for those wanting a lower rise yoga pant that stays put no matter if you are in downward dog or warrior pose.

Verve Leda Pant

The Verve Leda Pant has become a staple to yogis and climbers alike, the ultimate straight legged yoga pant that also comes in long. Verve is know for making durable and flattering yoga pants that feel more like cotton than the traditional Lycra feeling of other yoga pants.

Stonewear Designs Pant

The Stonewear Designs Pant is the perfect yoga pant for the woman looking for a looser fit than that of the traditional skin-tight yoga pant. With a slight flair at the ankle the Stonewear Designs Pant comes in long and petite fitting a number of women’s bodies.

1.  

Evolve Hera Climbing Shoes – The Hera is my all-around shoe that performs best on technical slab and vertical climbing. There is extra rubber on the top of the shoe for toe hooking and a really soft lining that adds comfort and keeps the shoe from stretching. Not only is this shoe super comfortable and performs great, but a portion of sales is donated to the HERA foundation. HERA is a women’s Cancer foundation that has the Climb4Life event each year to raise money and awareness for Ovarian Cancer.

2.  

Petzl Selena Harness - My harness choice this season is the Petzl Selena. With a women’s specific design that includes a higher rise, this is a great fitting, lightweight harness. The fixed leg loops with elastic fit comfortably without any extra adjustment. Unlike most harnesses, the breathable waist belt and leg loops help eliminate the sweat ring around your waist and thighs at the end of a long day of sport climbing!

(If you are looking for a fully adjustable harness, the Petzl Luna has the same great features with adjustable leg loops.)

3.  Black Diamond Tracer Helmet – When loose rock, dangerous falls, or other hazards are a possibility, a helmet is a necessity and this is one of the most comfortable light-weight helmets out there. I used to dread having to wear the heavy, hot helmet when I went out for the day. The Tracer helmet is light, breathes much better with side vents, and keeps me safe!

June is Boulder's annual Walk & Bike Month, a month-long celebration of bicycle- and pedestrian-friendly activities, culminating in Bike to Work Day on June 24. For making a smart commute to one of our 2 stores you will be eligible for the SMARTWOOL buy one pair, get one pair FREE of the special edition cycle sock while supplies last.

This month, there is something for everyone, including women, children and seniors. In fact, Sunday also featured a Kids Bike Rodeo, in which kids ages five to 12 learned bike skills and safety tips, a great way to get them involved and educated about alternative transportation at a young age. There will be a Bike Rodeo every Sunday throughout June at a different park in Boulder.

This year, many of those favorites are back, but there are many more new and fun twists to Walk and Bike Month. All told, they'll have more than 75 events and activities throughout the month. Park(ing) Spaces Day will happen again, as locals will transform parking spaces into gardens, offices, tea rooms and play areas. There will be more than a dozen fun group rides with Boulder Cycling, Venus de Miles and the YMCA joining in. Local merchants, clubs and the Open Space department will offer walks, hikes and fun runs. Kineticists will join us this year as they celebrate their 30th anniversary. Etown hosts Nick and Helen Forster will take locals on a stroll through the Boulder Theater, detailing its rich history. State Representative Claire Levy will lead a neighborhood walk as will mountain climbing legend Lynn Hill. There will be free clinics by folks such as Lee McCormack, a local biking guru and author who will offer mountain biking tips and techniques, and the local woman's team Luna Chix.

Why not get a cute bike outfit that you can wear to work. Check out our cute bike skirts, jazzy bike jerseys and stylish bike accessories. Women's bike gear is functional and fashionable. Sheila Moon, Terry, Pearl Izumi, Skirt Sports, Shebeest and Zoot all have nice women's tailoring and detailing. Girly gear is here!

outdoor DIVAS get to chat with professional rock climber Katie Brown, a former world champion, well known climbing writer and one of the best rock climbers in the world.

DIVAS: What is your connection, if any with HERA and the Climb for Life efforts?

KATIE: I have worked with HERA since its inaugural event in Salt Lake City, and spent a summer interning with Sean. Sean definitely had that charisma and joie de vivre that made the event and it was always one of the most fun events to attend. I mean, only Sean could rally some of the hottest young (male) climbers to be staunch supporters of ovarian cancer awareness.

One of her favorite stories was when she first started approaching sponsors and someone (I can't remember who) told her, "Sean, when you can get a bunch of dirty climbers to get together to raise money for ovaries, pigs will fly." Consequently, the person or team who raised the most money each year gets the flying pig award. That was quintessential Sean. She didn't even hear it when people told her that something wasn't possible.

DIVAS:  With the upcoming Climb for Life fundraiser are you doing anything extra this year especially with the passing of Sean Patrick?

KATIE: I am hoping that in spite of the economic times, my sponsors will continue to send me to these events.

DIVAS: Do women have any advantages over men in rock climbing?

KATIE: Sure. Women have advantages and men have advantages. It kind of all evens out in the wash, as far as I'm concerned. In general, women have better balance and flexibility, which can be a great asset in climbing.

DIVAS:  What is it that you love so much about climbing that is has kept you involved for so many years? Why do you climb now?

KATIE:  The question: 'why do you love climbing' is always a difficult for me. Climbing is just a part of me, who I am. I love the community, I love the places it takes me, I love the smell of granite and dirt and pine trees. I’m sure the reasons I climb now are somewhat different that why I climbed when I was 13, but I couldn’t tell you exactly what they are. 

DIVAS:  Have you had any involvement in product development for climbing gear?

KATIE: I’ve provided product feedback and testing for years, but this all happens after a product is already into production. I haven’t specifically been involved in product development.

DIVAS:  What other sports are you into these days? 

KATIE: I run or hike with my dog, and I've gotten really into yoga recently.

DIVAS:  Where do you see yourself in another ten years?

KATIE: wherever the wind blows me.

DIVAS: Know any climbing jokes you could share with us?

KATIE: No. I’m notoriously bad at remembering jokes.