Zooma Austin Third Place Winner Finishes in Smiles and Style

April 22, 2009

Apex, NC—At the Austin Zooma Women’s Run, April 4th, mother of two and personal trainer Heather Jones-Proctor finished in third place in the 1,200-plus person race. She decided in January to train for the April half-marathon and contemplated wearing a sports bra for the race, something she’d never done in a run before. After seeing a bright yellow Gracie’s Gear sports top at the Austin Marathon Expo, she decided it would be her outfit for Zooma Austin. The top gave her a place to stash her Hammer Gels during the race and it was so “comfortable and freeing” she could focus all her efforts on the difficult course.

Heather had no expectations for how she would finish because of the challenging, hilly course. Her goal was simply to have fun and enjoy the race. When she came in third it was more than she ever could have expected and she says it is still surreal. She crossed the finish line in her yellow Gracie’s Gear sports bra, with a huge smile on her face and a 1:34:54 time on the clock, a personal record by over a minute. Having run on little sleep and having just had her second child 10 months prior, finishing third with a PR meant much more to Heather than just the run. She wholeheartedly believes, “I am a better mom because I am a runner, and I am definitely a better runner because I am a mom!”

As a personal trainer, she is dedicated to helping people achieve their fitness goals and is all about supporting women's running which is a running philosophy that parallels that of Gracie Updyke, founder of Gracie’s Gear and Training. Both the training and products that are part of Gracie’s Gear and Training are the result of Gracie’s own success as an athlete and combine her master’s degree in exercise science with her understanding of runner’s needs. All gear is made from anti-microbial and moisture release fabrics that reduce odor and sweat in addition to naturally synthetic fibers offering a comfortable fit for all body types. Her training programs revolve around setting and achieving goals within individual fitness levels and experience and focus on the health benefits that running provides. She is the National Fitness Director for EmWomen as well as the National Online Coach for the Zooma Women’s Race Series.

The success of Heather Proctor-Jones in the Zooma Austin half-marathon is an ideal example of how hard work and training can pay off, but the bigger success is the support, enthusiasm, and resources that fellow women runners provide for each other in an effort to reach their goals.

New Exhibitor Brings Innovative Gear and Training Services To Kentucky Derby Marathon
Gracie’s Gear Empowers and Inspires Women to Achieve Goals

April 22, 2009

Apex, NC—In the spirit of the festival that is the Kentucky Derby Marathon and all its related events, a new exhibitor this year at the Bluegrass Family Health Running Wild Expo, is Gracie’s Gear and Training. At the heart of Gracie’s Gear and Training are products and programs designed to encourage individuals of all ages and sizes to become and stay active. The products are designed by women runners for women runners and include innovative sports bras, tanks, and running shorts that not just support women in the places they need it most but also provide a level of functionality that no other sports bra achieves. Whether a woman is a power walker, an active mother, a marathoner, or a woman simply out to achieve a goal, the philosophy behind Gracie’s Gear is to empower women with the gear and training that supports a healthy and active lifestyle.

As a first time exhibitor at the expo, she will be showcasing the new color schemes and A-line styling of her innovative running gear. The comfortable and functional design of Gracie’s Gear includes her trademark Power Pouch, which is enough to inspire women to get moving, but it is the added bonus of receiving with a purchase a training program from Gracie that helps women achieve their goals.

Both the training and products that are part of Gracie’s Gear and Training are the result of founder, Gracie Updyke’s own success as an athlete and combine her master’s degree in exercise science with her understanding of runner’s needs. All gear is made from anti-microbial and moisture release fabrics that reduce odor and sweat in addition to naturally synthetic fibers offering a comfortable fit for all body types. Her training programs revolve around setting and achieving goals within individual fitness levels and experience and focus on the health benefits that running provides. She is the National Fitness Director for EmWomen as well as the National Online Coach for the Zooma Women’s Race Series.

At the recent Austin Zooma Women’s Run, new mother and personal trainer Heather Jones-Proctor decided in January to train for the April half-marathon and contemplated wearing a sports bra for the race, something she’d never done in a run before. After seeing a bright yellow Gracie’s Gear sports top at the Austin Marathon Expo, she decided it would be her outfit for Zooma Austin. The top gave her a place to stash her Hammer Gels during the race and it was so “comfortable and freeing” she could focus all her efforts on the difficult course. When Heather came in third at the 1,200-plus person race it was more than she ever could have expected. She crossed the finish line in her yellow Gracie’s Gear sports bra, with a huge smile on her face and a 1:34:54 time on the clock, a personal record by over a minute.

It is this type of success that the Gracie’s Gear team supports at all events and looks forward to celebrating in Louisville this Saturday, April 25th. With all the women running the Kentucky Derby Marathon, many of them will be mothers and a comment that Heather made after Zooma Austin is one that could not be more fitting for the motivated women ready for the More Marathon: “I think I am a better mom because I am a runner, and I am definitely a better runner because I am a mom!”

Gracie Updyke will be at the Kentucky Derby Marathon April 23-24th exhibiting Gracie’s Gear and Training and is available to discuss her innovative gear, her realistic training programs, and share her enthusiasm and support for the success of all the runners participating in this year’s Marathon.

Innovative Gear and Training Services Empowers and Inspires Women to Achieve Goals

April 17, 2009

Apex, NC—Gracie’s Gear first appeared at the More Marathon in 2008 and an overwhelmingly positive response from the runners at last year’s event made it the company’s best show of 2008. Founder Gracie Updyke is excited to return to a marathon that supports the mission statement of her company—help women become and stay active. This year, she will be showcasing the new color schemes and A-line styling of her innovative running gear. The comfortable and functional design of Gracie’s Gear includes her trademark Power Pouch, which is enough to inspire women to get moving, but it is the added bonus of receiving with a purchase a training program from Gracie that helps women achieve their goals.

At the recent Austin Zooma Women’s Run, new mother and personal trainer Heather Jones-Proctor decided in January to train for the April half-marathon and contemplated wearing a sports bra for the race, something she’d never done in a run before. After seeing a bright yellow Gracie’s Gear sports top at the Austin Marathon Expo, she decided it would be her outfit for Zooma Austin. The top gave her a place to stash her Hammer Gels during the race and it was so “comfortable and freeing” she could focus all her efforts on the difficult course. When Heather came in third at the 1,200-plus person race it was more than she ever could have expected. She crossed the finish line in her yellow Gracie’s Gear sports bra, with a huge smile on her face and a 1:34:54 time on the clock, a personal record by over a minute.

It is this type of success that the Gracie’s Gear team supports at all events and looks forward to celebrating in New York City this April 26th. With all the women running the More Marathon, many of them will be mothers and a comment that Heather made after Zooma Austin is one that could not be more fitting for the motivated women ready for the More Marathon: “I think I am a better mom because I am a runner, and I am definitely a better runner because I am a mom!”

At the heart of Gracie’s Gear and Training are products and programs designed to encourage individuals of all ages and sizes to become and stay active. Her products are designed by women runners for women runners and include innovative sports bras, tanks, and running shorts that not just support women in the places they need it most but also provide a level of functionality that no other sports bra achieves. Whether a woman is a power walker, an active mother, a marathoner, or a woman simply out to achieve a goal, the philosophy behind Gracie’s Gear is to empower women with the gear and training that supports a healthy and active lifestyle.

Both the training and products that are part of Gracie’s Gear and Training are the result of Gracie’s own success as an athlete and combine her master’s degree in exercise science with her understanding of runner’s needs. All gear is made from anti-microbial and moisture release fabrics that reduce odor and sweat in addition to naturally synthetic fibers offering a comfortable fit for all body types. Her training programs revolve around setting and achieving goals within individual fitness levels and experience and focus on the health benefits that running provides. She is the National Fitness Director for EmWomen as well as the National Online Coach for the Zooma Women’s Race Series.

Innovative Gear and Training Services Empowers Runners to Achieve Goals

April 13, 2009

Apex, NC—When Ryan Wuerch, CEO of Motricity, Inc decided in 2007 that he wanted to run the five major marathons which includes the  Boston Marathon, he knew from previous training and marathon experiences that he needed the coaching experience and encouragement of a professional trainer. The training services of Gracie Updyke, founder of Gracie’s Gear and Training provided Wuerch with much more than a pre-determined training plan. She set goals with him, developed and refined a program that would optimize Wuerch’s results, and ultimately led him to maintain a 7:35 pace for 26.2 miles allowing him to qualify for the 2009 Boston Marathon.

Wuerch believes that “Gracie transcends the word coach.” She is a 24/7 support person, remains focused and dedicated to the training of her runners, encourages her runners through challenging times, and empowers them to achieve their goals. Wuerch, who is 41 years old, not only got into the best physical condition of his life through consistent training with Gracie, but will be competing in this year’s Boston Marathon with the utmost confidence thanks to her realistic training programs. 

At the heart of Gracie’s Gear and Training are products and programs designed to encourage individuals of all ages and sizes to become and stay active. Her products are designed by women runners for women runners and include innovative sports bras, tanks, and running shorts that not just support women in the places they need it most but also provide a level of functionality that no other sports bra achieves. Gracie’s Gear was first introduced at the Boston Marathon in 2006 and as this race is the focal point of many of her training programs, it’s only natural that she returns in support of Wuerch as he crosses the finish line as well as to showcase the gear that allows women to run in comfort while carrying their essential items in the patented Power Pouch of Gracie’s Gear.

Both the training and products that are part of Gracie’s Gear and Training are the result of Gracie’s own success as an athlete and combine her master’s degree in exercise science with her understanding of runner’s needs. All gear is made from anti-microbial and moisture release fabrics that reduce odor and sweat in addition to naturally synthetic fibers offering a comfortable fit for all body types. Her training programs revolve around setting and achieving goals within individual fitness levels and experience and focus on the health benefits that running provides. She is the National Fitness Director for EmWomen as well as the National Online Coach for the Zooma Women’s Race Series.

Gracie’s Gear Joins the Fight Against Breast Cancer
Revolutionary POWER POUCH sports bra company gracie’s gear inc.
Supports athletes through its community service program

Apex, NC, September, 2008 – gracie’s gear inc, the creator and producer of the revolutionary POWER POUCH™ sports bra, announced today its plan to extend its 2008 Gracie Gives community outreach program by donating 30% of proceeds from online sales of the black with pink tops to help generate awareness and raise funds for the treatment and prevention of breast cancer.

Additionally, the company announced it is the apparel sponsor for two teams who are walking for a cure in 2008. The Safe at Second team from Valencia CA will be walking in San Francisco, CA and a team from Oxford NC will be walking in Charlotte NC at the Breast Cancer 3 Day, benefitting the Susan G. Komen Foundation.

Giving back to the community through its Gracie Gives program is an integral part of the company’s core values. Through its "gracie gives" initiative, it supports programs and foundations that focus on improving health and enriching lives. The company does this through financial contributions, production donations and volunteer efforts. From sponsoring teams in local race events that raise money for charitable organizations to donating our time and products to homeless shelters for women, Gracie’s Gear Inc. makes giving back to the community a priority.

“A key component of community outreach efforts in 2008 is helping to raise funds in support of the many efforts to find a cure for breast cancer,” said Lauren Grace Updyke, founder and president of gracie’s gear, inc. “Breast cancer effects the lives of thousands of women of men, many whose lives have impacted me directly. Gracie’s Gear is proud to support the efforts of those who are making an impact on find a cure for this disease.”

The POWER POUCH™ sports bra is designed to provide incredible comfort, convenience, breathability and support for women of all sizes. The zippered storage pocket located in the front of the sports bra conveniently and securely holds a variety of workout essentials and makes it easy to access needed items during a workout. In addition, its three-compartment construction and spandex/polyester wicking fabric blend ensures minimal movement of items stored in the POWER POUCH™.
The POWER POUCH™ is available in a variety of colors in two different styles: the long tank and the short top. The entire line of gracie’s gear fitness apparel is now available for purchase online at www.gracies-gear.com

About gracie’s gear
gracie’s gear inc. is creator and producer of the innovative POWER POUCH™ sports bra. Founded in 2006, gracie’s gear provides products and services that encourage women of all ages and sizes to become active and stay active. In addition to the POWER POUCH™, the company offers gracie’s training programs, designed for beginning exercisers and new runners to those
training for half marathons. For further information, please visit gracie’s gear at www.graciesgearandtraining.com.

gracie’s gear Continues to Revolutionize Women’s Workout Apparel with
Debut of Expanded and Enhanced Product Line

Apex, NC, November 1, 2007 – Already the buzz of the sports bra world, gracie’s gear is again redefining what women expect from their workout gear. Inspired by the first-year success of the POWER POUCH sports bra, gracie’s gear announced today the addition of two new products to its current line of women’s fitness apparel.

Designed for women on the run, gracie’s gear securely holds a woman’s workout essentials, such as keys, an iPod, and energy gel while providing the total support and comfortable fit that women expect from their workout apparel. gracie’s gear expanded line includes a hooded jacket and running shorts.

The new gracie’s gear hooded jacket helps women warm up and keep dry during a workout. The quarter zip hooded jacket fits comfortably throughout and includes a pocket located in a zippered pouch that is uniquely designed to accommodate a variety of workout essentials. Moisturereleasetransfer™ technology sweeps sweat and heat away for rapid evaporation and maximum ventilation and Ultra Illuscent Max™ inhibits odor causing bacteria made from natural renewable resources.

Unlike many tight athletic shorts, gracie’s gear running shorts were designed specifically to eliminate bulging creating a more slimming look from the waist to the upper thigh.  A one-compartment pocket sits outside the center back area of the shorts to keep objects from chafing the skin and to improve comfort. Women will find these shorts flattering and functional.

“Through the introduction of our new products, we now offer women a complete outfit of functional fitness attire that will revolutionize they way they workout,” said Lauren Grace Updyke, founder and president of gracie’s gear. “Once women give gracie’s gear a try, they will never want to workout wearing anything else.”

In addition to the new products, the original gracie’s gear short top and long tank styles have been enhanced based on customer feedback to provide greater support and a more comfortable and flattering fit for women of all shapes and sizes. The new short top style features enhanced support technology and a wider rib band for added compression and shaping, allowing women to uphold their natural curves.  Adding to the features and benefits of the original design, the new A-line long tank fits snug to the chest and gradually flares out to a wider mid-line and incorporates an additional two inches in length to eliminate ride-up.  Women can also choose from three new colors in these styles: red, purple, and black with pink piping.

gracie’s gear line of apparel is designed to provide incredible comfort, convenience, breathability and support. The entire line of gracie’s gear fitness apparel is now available for purchase online at www.graciesgearandtraining.com. gracie’s gear is also available at race expos and select stores throughout the United States and Canada.

About gracie’s gear
gracie’s gear inc. is creator and producer of the innovative POWER POUCH™ sports bra. Founded in 2006, gracie’s gear provides products and services that encourage women of all ages and sizes to become active and stay active. In addition to the POWER POUCH™, the company offers gracie’s training programs, designed for beginning exercisers and new runners to those training for half marathons. For further information, please visit gracie’s gear at www.graciesgearandtraining.com.

POWER POUCH™ Sports Bra Now Available at Florida Stores
Sports Bra Provides the Perfect Total Support System for Tough Workouts

Apex, NC, February 15, 2007 - After outstanding sales results at the Walt Disney World Marathon in Orlando and the ING Miami Marathon, gracie’s gear inc. announced today that the POWER POUCH™ sports bra is now being sold at two stores in Florida: Fit2Run in Sarasota, FL and GraceYoga in Stuart, FL.

The POWER POUCH™ is a new and improved sports bra that securely holds a woman’s workout essentials, such as keys, an MP3 player, and energy gel while providing the total support and comfortable fit that women expect from a traditional sports bra.

“After our sales experience at the Florida race expos, we realized the tremendous demand for the POWER POUCH™ in Florida,” says Lauren Grace Updyke, founder and president of gracie’s gear. “Our partnership with Fit2Run and Grace Yoga, two stores committed to promoting physical activity and supporting women in their effort to live a healthier lifestyle, is another opportunity to make the POWER POUCH™ available to women who want to carry it all, remain comfortable, and stay focused on their workout.”

The POWER POUCH™ provides a way to carry supplies above the waist so a woman’s stride and race time will not be impeded by excess weight, compared to storage pouches found in training and racing shorts. The zippered storage pocket located in the front of the sports bra conveniently and securely holds a variety of workout essentials and makes it easy to access needed items during a workout. In addition, its three-compartment construction and spandex/polyester wicking fabric blend ensures minimal movement of items stored in the POWER POUCH™.

For store information including hours and directions, visit Fit2Run and Grace Yoga.

About gracie’s gear
gracie’s gear inc. is creator and producer of the innovative POWER POUCH™ sports bra. Founded in 2006, gracie’s gear provides products and services that encourage women of all ages and sizes to become active and stay active. In addition to the POWER POUCH™, the company offers gracie’s training programs, designed for beginning exercisers and new runners to those training for half marathons. For further information, please visit gracie’s gear at www.graciesgearandtraining.com.

gracie's gear Joins the Fight Against Cancer
Proceeds from online sales to benefit cancer organizations

Apex, NC, January 1, 2007 - gracie’s gear inc., creator and producer of the POWER POUCH™ sports bra, announced today that it will donate 50% of proceeds from online sales to help generate awareness and raise funds for the treatment and prevention of cancer.

Lauren Grace Updyke, founder and president of gracie’s gear, inc., understands the enormous toll cancer can take on a patient, their family and friends. Three men in her family were diagnosed with cancer in 2006. Two of them lost the battle. Her uncle and his son passed away of esophageal cancer and brain cancer respectively. Her father is still fighting bladder cancer.

“Though the sorrow cancer brings may not personally affect you unless it invites you or a loved one to the battle ring, nearly all of us have witnessed the enormous toll cancer can take on a cancer patient and their family and friends,” explains Updyke, who launched gracie’s gear in 2006. “Even though gracie’s gear is still a young company, giving back to the community is an integral part of our company’s values. Because of my personal experience, this year we chose to focus our efforts on making a difference in the lives of those living with cancer.”

In honor of gracie’s family members and others who are fighting this disease, from January 1 through December 31, 2007, 50% of all proceeds from online sales of the black tank, black short, and black cami POWER POUCH™ sports bras and all gracie's gear training programs will be donated to cancer foundations in the United States and Canada. The gracie’s gear Fight Against Cancer is part of “gracie gives,” the community service arm of gracie’s gear. Gracie gives supports programs and foundations that focus on improving health and enriching lives.

“Because of the research and medical advances, the survival rate for cancer patients is on the rise and more are winning this battle every year,” said Updyke. “We want to encourage women to wear the black POWER POUCH™ as a symbol for the powerful fight against cancer, worn in support of those who are living with cancer and in remembrance of those who have died from the disease. Every dollar we can contribute to research and the treatment of cancer can help save even more lives.”

Designed for women of all ages, sizes and fitness levels, the POWER POUCH™ sports bra securely holds a woman’s workout essentials, such as keys, an MP3 player, and energy gel while providing the total support and comfortable fit that women expect from a traditional sports bra. The easy-access zippered storage pocket located in the front of the sports bra makes it easy to access needed items during a workout or competition.

In addition to the POWER POUCH™, the company offers gracie’s training programs, designed for beginning exercisers and new runners to those training for half marathons. Based on the individual’s fitness level and desired level of coaching support, people can choose from 12 training programs and two training packages to assist them in achieving their health and fitness goals.

The POWER POUCH™ is available in three different styles (short, cami and tank) at www.graciesgearandtraining.com for a retail price of $33 to $38. To support the gracie gives Fight Against Cancer, purchase the black POWER POUCH™ in any of the three styles. Depending on the level of personal coaching chosen, gracie’s training programs are available online for a retail price of $22.50 to $75.

About gracie’s gear
gracie’s gear inc. is creator and producer of the innovative POWER POUCH™ sports bra. Founded in 2006, gracie’s gear provides products and services that encourage women of all ages and sizes to become active and stay active. In addition to the POWER POUCH™, the company offers gracie’s training programs, designed for beginning exercisers and new runners to those training for half marathons. For further information, please visit gracie’s gear at www.graciesgearandtraining.com.

gracie's gear Bringing POWER POUCHT to 2007 Race Expos
Eleven Expos Currently Planned throughout U.S. and Canada

Apex, NC, December 25, 2006 - gracie’s gear inc., creator and producer of the POWER POUCH™ sports bra, may be coming to a race expo near you. Women of all ages, sizes and fitness levels will be able to purchase the POWER POUCH™ at running events held throughout the United States and Canada this year.

The POWER POUCH™ sports bra, introduced last year, conveniently and securely holds a woman’s workout essentials, such as keys, an MP3 player, and energy gel while providing the total support and comfortable fit that women expect from a traditional sports bra. The zippered storage pocket located in the front of the sports bra makes it easy to access needed items during a workout. In addition, its three-compartment construction and spandex/polyester wicking fabric blend ensures minimal movement of items stored in the POWER POUCH™.

“By securing the supplies above the waist, a woman’s stride and race time are not be impeded by excess weight, compared to storage pouches found in training and racing shorts,” explains Lauren Grace Updyke, founder and president of gracie’s gear. “In attending these race events, we are bringing the POWER POUCH™ closer to women so they can experience the benefits of wearing the top. The feedback we have received from our customers is that once they try the POWER POUCH™, they don’t know how they ever got by without it.”

The POWER POUCH™ will be sold at the following major running events this season:

The POWER POUCH™ is available in a variety of colors and three different styles: long tank, cami and the traditional short top. In addition to the race expos listed above, the POWER POUCH™ is available at www.graciesgearandtraining.com and at select stores throughout the United States and Canada.

About gracie’s gear
gracie’s gear inc. is creator and producer of the innovative POWER POUCH™ sports bra. Founded in 2006, gracie’s gear provides products and services that encourage women of all ages and sizes to become active and stay active. In addition to the POWER POUCH™, the company offers gracie’s training programs, designed for beginning exercisers and new runners to those

POWER POUCH Sports Bra Developed by Local Company Now Available at Ninth
Street Active Feet in Durham, NC
New Sports Bra Provides the Perfect Total Support System for Tough Workouts

Apex, NC, October 1, 2006 – gracie’s gear inc. announced today that the POWER POUCH™ sports bra is now being sold at Ninth Street Active Feet in Durham, NC. The POWER POUCH™ is a new and improved sports bra that securely holds a woman’s workout essentials, such as keys, an MP3 player, and energy gel while providing the total support and comfortable fit that women expect from a traditional sports bra.

“It is very exciting for gracie's gear to partner with Ninth Street to provide the Durham and Duke Community with a new product that can help them get the most of their sports bra and their workout,” says Lauren Grace Updyke, founder and president of gracie’s gear.

The POWER POUCH™ provides a way to carry supplies above the waist so a woman’s stride and race time will not be impeded by excess weight, compared to storage pouches found in training and racing shorts. The zippered storage pocket located in the front of the sports bra conveniently and securely holds a variety of workout essentials and makes it easy to access needed items during a workout. In addition, its three-compartment construction and spandex/polyester wicking fabric blend ensures minimal movement of items stored in the POWER POUCH™.

For store hours, visit gracie’s gear website: http://www.graciesgearandtraining.com.

About gracie’s gear
gracie’s gear inc. is creator and producer of the innovative POWER POUCH™ sports bra. Founded in 2006, gracie’s gear provides products and services that encourage women of all ages and sizes to become active and stay active. In addition to the POWER POUCH™, the company offers gracie’s training programs, designed for beginning exercisers and new runners to those training for half marathons. For further information, please visit gracie’s gear at www.graciesgearandtraining.com.

POWER POUCH Sports Bra Developed by Local Company Now Available at The Athlete’s Foot
New Sports Bra Provides the Perfect Total Support System for Tough Workouts

Apex, NC, June 26, 2006 – gracie’s gear inc. announced today that the POWER POUCH™ sports bra is now being sold at The Athlete’s Foot in the Triangle area. The POWER POUCH™ is a new and improved sports bra that securely holds a woman’s workout essentials, such as keys, an MP3 player, and energy gel while providing the total support and comfortable fit that women expect from a traditional sports bra.

“It is very exciting for gracie's gear to partner with The Athlete’s Foot to provide women in the Triangle community with a new product that can help them get the most of their sports bra and their workout,” says Lauren Grace Updyke, founder and president of gracie’s gear. “We appreciate the opportunity to work with stores such as The Athlete’s Foot that support our goal to provide products and services that encourage women of all fitness levels to become active and stay active.”

Updyke will be at The Athlete’s Foot in Cameron Village on July 1 to demonstrate the benefits of the POWER POUCH™. The POWER POUCH™ provides a way to carry supplies above the waist so a woman’s stride and race time will not be impeded by excess weight, compared to storage pouches found in training and racing shorts. The zippered storage pocket located in the front of the sports bra conveniently and securely holds a variety of workout essentials and makes it easy to access needed items during a workout. In addition, its three-compartment construction and spandex/polyester wicking fabric blend ensures minimal movement of items stored in the POWER POUCH™.

“As a locally owned retailer, we have always focused on providing the best selection and service possible,” says Mike Zimmerman, owner of The Athlete’s Foot stores in the Triangle. “We see gracie’s gear as a great addition to better serve our active female customer.”

gracie’s gear is now available at The Athlete's Foot location in Raleigh's Cameron Village. For store hours, visit http://www.theathletesfootrdu.com/. The POWER POUCH™ is also available in a variety of colors and styles at http://www.graciesgearandtraining.com.

About gracie’s gear
gracie’s gear inc. is creator and producer of the innovative POWER POUCH™ sports bra. Founded in 2006, gracie’s gear provides products and services that encourage women of all ages and sizes to become active and stay active. In addition to the POWER POUCH™, the company offers gracie’s training programs, designed for beginning exercisers and new runners to those training for half marathons. For further information, please visit gracie’s gear at www.graciesgearandtraining.com.

gracie’s gear Introduces New Short Top POWER POUCH™
Sports Bra Provides the Perfect Total Support System for Tough Workouts

Apex, NC, June 24, 2006 - Women on the run now have another way to carry it all, remain comfortable, and stay focused on their workout. gracie’s gear inc., creator and producer of the POWER POUCH™ sports bra, is adding a new short top style to its successful product line introduced earlier this year.

Designed for women of all ages, sizes and fitness levels, the POWER POUCH™ sports bra securely holds a woman’s workout essentials, such as keys, an MP3 player, and energy gel while providing the total support and comfortable fit that women expect from a traditional sports bra. The easy-access zippered storage pocket located in the front of the sports bra makes it easy to access needed items during a workout or competition. The new short top POWER POUCH™ joins the cami and long tank styles launched in May 2006.

“The new short top offers the look of a traditional sports bra with the added features and benefits of the POWER POUCH™,” said Lauren Grace Updyke, founder and president of gracie’s gear. “With a variety of styles and colors now to choose from, there is a POWER POUCH™ available that will appeal to every woman’s personal preference and fashion sense.”

The POWER POUCH™ is designed to provide incredible comfort, convenience, breathability and support. Distinct features and benefits of the POWER POUCH™ include:

• three-compartment construction and spandex/polyester fabric blend that ensures minimal movement of items stored in the POWER POUCH™
• moisturereleasetransfer™ technology that sweeps sweat and heat away for rapid evaporation and maximum ventilation
• Ultra Illuscent Max™ which inhibits odor causing bacteria made from natural renewable resources
• Racer back construction that allows for a full range of arm movement
• Wider straps and thick elastic under the chest for comfort and extra support
• Sweat band that wicks moisture away
• Soft finish on the fabric for complete comfort

The entire POWER POUCH™ line is now available for purchase through the Internet at www.graciesgearandtraining.com. gracie’s gear will also be selling the POWER POUCH™ at race expos throughout the United States and Canada and in select stores located in North Carolina and Ottawa, Canada.

About gracie’s gear
gracie’s gear inc. is creator and producer of the innovative POWER POUCH™ sports bra. Founded in 2006, gracie’s gear provides products and services that encourage women of all ages and sizes to become active and stay active. In addition to the POWER POUCH™, the company offers gracie’s training programs, designed for beginning exercisers and new runners to those training for half marathons. For further information, please visit gracie’s gear at www.graciesgearandtraining.com.

New POWER POUCH™ Sports Bra Provides the Perfect Total Support System for Tough Workouts
Energy gel, keys and MP3 players secure in the easy-access zippered pocket

Apex, NC, May 22, 2006 - A sports bra is one of the most essential pieces of clothing women wear during a workout or competition. Yet by its nature it normally limits the amount of “gear” a woman can carry with her during a workout. That dilemma has now been solved with the introduction of the POWER POUCH™ from gracie’s gear inc. The POWER POUCH™ is a new and improved sports bra that securely holds a woman’s workout essentials, such as keys, an MP3 player, and energy gel while providing the total support and comfortable fit that women expect from a traditional sports bra.

The inspiration for the POWER POUCH™ was born when Lauren Grace Updyke, founder and president of gracie’s gear, was training for her first marathon. Not wanting to break her stride by trying to retrieve energy gels from the inside pocket of her shorts, Lauren tucked the gel under the strap of her sports bra. By the end of her long run, it was painfully obvious that a more comfortable, chafe-free, and convenient solution was needed.

“Despite the vast selection of fitness apparel and accessories available on the market, I realized there was a need for a secure and easy-to-access place that would let women carry it all, remain comfortable, and stay focused on their workout,” says Updyke.

Through her experience as a college athlete, running coach and professional exercise physiologist, Updyke understood the importance of developing and designing a solution that wouldn’t cause chafing or weigh her down. In search of a solution, Updyke set to work on her design and in 2006, the first POWER POUCH™ was produced. The easy-access zippered storage pocket located in the front of the sports bra makes it easy to access needed items during a workout. Its three-compartment construction and spandex/polyester fabric blend ensures minimal movement of items stored in the POWER POUCH™.

Sonya Billiard, a sponsored marathon runner, was one of the first to put the new POWER POUCH™ design to the test. “In races where I have worn this bra, I have comfortably carried up to three sports gels, a car or hotel key, and first aid items with ease and without chafing,” says Billiard. “The POWER POUCH™ is perfect for women on the run. Think of it as the perfect support system – a sports bra that carries everything you need to have a safely fueled run and the answer to the common question ‘where do I put my car key?’”

The POWER POUCH™ is designed to provide incredible comfort, convenience, breathability and support. Distinct features and benefits of the POWER POUCH™ include:

• moisturereleasetransfer™ technology that sweeps sweat and heat away for rapid evaporation and maximum ventilation
• Ultra Illuscent Max™ which inhibits odor causing bacteria made from natural renewable resources
• Racer back construction that allows for a full range of arm movement
• Wider straps and thick elastic under the chest for comfort and extra support
• Sweat band that wicks moisture away
• Soft finish on the fabric for complete comfort

The POWER POUCH™ is available in a variety of colors and two different styles: long tank and cami at www.graciesgearandtraining.com. gracie’s gear will also be selling the POWER POUCH™ at race expos throughout the United States and Canada in 2006.

About gracie’s gear
gracie’s gear inc. is creator and producer of the innovative POWER POUCH™ sports bra. Founded in 2006, gracie’s gear provides products and services that encourage women of all ages and sizes to become active and stay active. In addition to the POWER POUCH™, the company offers gracie’s training programs, designed for beginning exercisers and new runners to those
training for half marathons. For further information, please visit gracie’s gear at www.graciesgearandtraining.com.