When I was in high school my cross-country coach was insistent that our team members have decent running shoes. "It's the only thing between you and the ground!" he would say! I couldn't agree more. However, I am thankful to live in the age of technical clothes, you guys. I used to run in ratty Target sports bras, ratty old t-shirts and baggy soccer shorts. Now that I'm a grown up, I enjoy dressing for the job that is race training! Here are some of my notes on my favorite gear from this past training season. I have vigorously tested everything listed here ... especially the Peanut Butter Snickers. Those needed a lot of testing. You're welcome.
Clothes: My rule of thumb tends to be: Spend on sports bras and shoes, save on the rest. And that's worked out really, really well. My favorite workout clothes are mostly Target with some Nike sprinkled in, and I basically have 4 sets of pants, four bras, and four pairs of workout capris since I run (you guessed it!) four days a week. Please, PLEASE get a decent bra. I do not care how small-busted you feel you are, lock the girls down. A high-quality high-impact bra makes such a HUGE difference. I also STRONGLY recommend hanging all of your tech clothes on the line to dry after washing. It not only extends their life (the heat of the dryer destroys elastic and spandex), it also keeps them from smelling like gym class even when they're clean.
(You can click on the little squares below the collages for links to my favorite things!)
Shoes: I originally got fitted for a pair of shoes at a running store and now just buy replacements on Amazon when they've gone over their mileage. I strongly suggest going to a local running store and having one of their employees analyze your gait and fit you for your first pair of shoes. If you love them after running many miles (the recommended mileage is 300-400 miles, I can tell I need new shoes if I start noticing nagging joint pain in my hips), then just re-order the same ones online to save money!
Gear: Since I run with my phone because I need my music and GPS and refuse to leave the house without a way to call someone in an emergency, a gear belt is a great idea. I've talked about it before, but I love my SPIbelt for shorter runs and my FuelBelt for longer runs.
What's your favorite running gear?
(If you'd like to donate to support clean water in Africa as I run this race on SATURDAY (!!! EEP!) just click over. $50 can provide one person with the clean water they need to survive for life.)
So excited for your run!
Posted by: erica | Monday, October 01, 2012 at 08:33 AM
You are going to do so great this Saturday!! You have shared how big and personal this run is. Look at you Mrs. I'm-on-my-second-marathon-in-one-year!! =) Go kick some booty!!
Posted by: Rachel | Monday, October 01, 2012 at 09:12 AM
What about socks? Have a great run!
Posted by: Kendra | Monday, October 01, 2012 at 10:27 PM
I got three of those Champion shirts at Target and they are perfect.
Posted by: Erica | Tuesday, October 02, 2012 at 10:37 AM
That faith paid off. Guthrie retired the last two batters in the seventh to escape without further harm, came through with a key strikeout to end the eighth with runners on second and third, and finished the ninth with a runner stranded at first.
Posted by: Christian Louboutin Discount | Saturday, October 20, 2012 at 01:01 AM