This week, Maggie's Runner Photo Challenge focuses on running fashion. Ooh lah lah!
I'm actually not the most creative person on the block when it comes to running clothes. I tend to stick with the tried-and-true favorites.
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| Mullets and an 80's themed leisure suit? I'm on it. |
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| Headphones that could wire Mars and a grey sweatshirt that lives up to its name? Count me in. |
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| Lime-green Zentai suit (full-body) that is two sizes too small? But of course! |
In all seriousness, here's a picture of a very typical running outfit that I might wear on any given day. A basic tech shirt, black running shorts, and running shoes du jour. (The running shoes are a whole other story.)
Here's another; this outfit would be worn if the temps are slightly cooler. Notice once again the black bottoms with white trim, and the solid-color top in a jewel-tone hue (I do love jewel-tone colors).
Once in awhile I might spruce things up a bit and wear dark bottoms with a nonwhite trim and/or a top with some visual interest on it. I am really, really loving all of the brightly colored running shoes that are out on the marketplace right now, too.
I'm a relative newbie to running skirts, so of course the first two running skirts I bought were also black. But as I'd mentioned here, I recently decided to live dangerously, embrace my inner tennis player, and buy a white running skirt. I also decided to take a go at the sparkly headbands that I've seen so many women wearing - so I got these headbands from Amazon.
With all that in mind, here is an outfit that I'll wear someday to a fun and SHORT race (only bad things can happen if I wear white clothing to a mid- or long-distance race).
Other random running clothing notes:
- As much as I love warm weather, I don't particularly like wearing running shorts due to the chafe and ride-up factors. From a comfort standpoint, I prefer tights or capris.
- I think that compression socks and sleeves can look really cool and add a lot of personality to a running outfit. But, I find it uncomfortable to wear compression gear while I am running. My compression gear is reserved for post-run recovery (in combination with sitting on the couch).
- I have never worn arm warmers, but runners that do wear them look really hard-core, in my opinion. After hearing so much about how versatile they are, I just bought my first pair from an online end-of-season clearance sale. I look forward to giving them a go later this year - and maybe I'll even be able to absorb some hard-coredness (?) by association.
- I don't have any particular brand loyalty, but I have really liked all the running clothing I've gotten from Reebok and from a JCPenney brand called Xersion. If anyone from either is looking for an unassuming, local, "runner next door" brand ambassador, please contact me! Will work for tights. =D
that first pic is all kinds of awesome!
ReplyDeleteI cannot wear regular running shorts (think nike tempos) because of vacuumgina. I may be slightly abnormal in this condition, but it's my unfortunate reality. can't wait to hear what you think of your arm warmers (love mine!!)
I adore that white skirt! where did you get it?
Yay for mullets and 80's style leisure suits! =)
DeleteAhh, the dreaded vacuumgina - that is the WORST. It is NOT pleasant. What kind of shorts do you wear instead?
It's funny to think about wearing arm warmers now when we are in early June, but it'll give me something to look forward to come fall. Lemons = lemonade, eh? =)
Glad you like the skirt! It is from the Xersion line at JCPenney! Here's a link:
http://www.jcpenney.com/dotcom/women/shop-sale-clearance/sale/xersion%25e2%2584%25a2-workout-skort/prod.jump?ppId=pp5002540694&searchTerm=xersion+skirt&dimCombo=null&dimComboVal=null&catId=SearchResults
Have you tried "compression" shorts? (What we referred to as "bike shorts" in the 90s - basically, tight or form-fitting but not true compression.) That's my preferred style of shorts, especially with a longer inseam - 5" is perfect for me - so they are long enough and I don't need BodyGlide, and in my experience the longer ones don't ride up. (The 3" or shorter inseams ride UP.) I've picked up a couple pairs at TJMaxx, but I know Nike has a pair. I think Kim usually wears shorts like this, I should find out what brand she wears.
ReplyDeleteThanks for the thoughts! I did actually talk to Kim about "bike shorts" and actually ended up buying a pair that she recommended and wears herself. Unfortunately, they didn't work too well for me - they fit in the stomach and waist, but I ended up with "sausage" thighs. So basically I'm still on the hunt for a pair of bike shorts that work for my shape. Great tip on the 5" inseam, I didn't even think about that!!!
DeleteUmm did you steal all these cloths from my closet? I swear I was going to post the same outfits!
ReplyDeleteAnd that full bodysuit.. fit me FINE! At least tag me properly.
Will work for more running socks
HAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHA!!!!! You completely crack me up!!!! =) I am looking forward to seeing your future race photos. ;)
DeleteIn all seriousness, you're running Rock N Roll Chicago, yes? Will see you there!
What kind of running socks do you like!?!?!
I'll be at the RnR Chicago! Or at your friendly Lakefront 6 days a week!
DeleteNot that picky about running socks. No cotton. I got some old navy active socks, and some sports authority brand running socks. Whatever is cheap and will protect my heal from chafing!
Yay for RnR Chicago!!! We'll definitely set up a Chicago Running Blogger meetup there.
DeleteHave you ever tried Balega socks? They are a bit on the expensive side, but they are my favorite!!!
Yay bright colors! And how do you like the running skirt? I think I had that same one in black (is it from the Gap?), but I returned it because it was just too short for me. Chafing is a serious concern.
ReplyDeleteGood call on the clearance arm-warmers! I got mine for $4 (I assume you mean me for the hardcore arm warmer wearing runner, HA!) with a bunch of Kohl's coupons. I like them, but also like that they were so cheap, as I've considered tossing them at two different races now. I really like them for in-between weather on race day.
In case you didn't see my response on my blog, I get my sparkly headbands from Sweaty Bands (available at Nordstrom, Dick's and Fleet Feet if you don't want to order online). They're lined with velvet, so they actually stick to your hair! I'm wearing one as we speak, and it's been firmly in place since noon, about to make it through its second workout of the day :)
Thanks, Anne! I am still getting used to running skirts in general because I thought that they wouldn't ride up... but some still do. I haven't taken the white skirt out yet but plan on its inaugural run sometime next week!
DeleteYou are indeed one of the hardcore arm warmer wearing runners!!! The arm warmers seriously make you look so badass. $4!!! For a price like that, I would have bought several pairs for throwaway needs!!!
I've heard so much about Sweaty Bands and they do have some gorgeous colors and patterns!!! Although, admittedly their price makes me shy away a bit. But better to buy a single, quality headband that works than a bunch of more cost-effective headbands that slip, right!?!?!?
I was just trying out the idea of arm warmers, so the price was right! The pair I have is a little big, so I'm on the hunt for a new, nicer pair for fall running...
DeleteYeah, they're a little pricey, but SO worth the money! I've had one for over a year and it's still just as good as when I bought it. And they're machine-washable (even the glitter ones!), which is a plus.
Keep me posted on what pair of arm warmers you end up getting! I got a pair of Asics ones which seem to be good quality and very comfortable.
DeleteWow, the Sweaty Bands glitter headbands are machine washable!?!?!? That is incredible!!! I've got a 10% discount coupon from Dick's right now so I might be putting it to good use soon. ;)
Great post. I agree, nothing good can come from wearing white for any length of time.
ReplyDeleteThank you, Ima!!! If you are like me, you become a MAGNET for flying sauces, splashes, and stains of every imaginable color when wearing white!!! It's amazing how that works!!!!! =P
DeleteI'm feeling that purple ensemble. So cute! I have plenty of running clothes, but I'm still always tempted to buy more. I resisted buying some clearance shorts for $20 yesterday. I was proud of myself for resisting. It was hard.
ReplyDeleteThanks so much, Amy! I am very similar to you in that every time I see running clothing on clearance, I am super tempted to "stock up." Now I just try to avoid going onto any online running store websites so I don't get tempted. Congratulations to you for resisting those $20 shorts, I know first-hand how hard it is!!!!!!!
DeleteI love the Xersion brand too.Have some capris and tights and they fit perfect. Love that purple outfit-I think purple is my new favorite color. I am the worst at picking running outfits out for everyday runs. In my mind I think 'no one will see me' and never match and then I always see a bunch of people. I never learn.
ReplyDeleteI love love LOVE the Xersion capris! They are so comfortable and so affordable! I've got like six pairs of them. ;) Yay for purple, too! And I have definitely learned that anytime I throw some random unmatched outfit on, that I'm bound to see someone that I know. Actually, I pretty much never run in just a sports bra but many years ago it was so hot out that I did... and then promptly ran into one of my managers from work. AWKWARD!!!
DeleteI want there to be a JC Penney closer so I can go check out their Xersion line! They're always sold out of my size online. And, yes, one can still chafe in a running skirt. Ask me how I know.
ReplyDeleteArm warmers are amazing. I LOVE mine. And since I suppose they make me look hardcore they are even more amazing :-)
It is a huge bummer that there are no JCPenney bricks-and-mortar stores very close to where we live in the city. =( That sucks that they are always sold out of your size online! I find that their Xersion sale items move very quickly, too, meaning it can be tough to get my size on sale items unless I am willing to pay full price. We'll have to talk about skirt chafing during our next early-morning run!
DeleteYES - your arm warmers definitely make you look hardcore! I loved those sparkly black ones you wore last week!!!