As we wind up the summer running season and prepare for the crisp, cool runs of the fall season (my absolute favorite) I thought it time to reflect on the running wardrobe I’ve been wearing for the summer.
I pretty much stick to the same running outfit and gear each time I go out. I have a closet full of shorts, drawers full of shirts and shelves worth of gear, but at the end of the day, I pretty much stick to the same basic formula:
Shorts – I own a bevvy of them. Long, short, heavy, pocketless, lined, you name it, I own it. But at the end of the day, my all time favorites are the Saucony Inferno Split Short. They’re super light and have a zip pocket in the back large enough to hold up to four gel packs, a credit card and a $20. Perfect for a mid week run or a long weekend run followed by coffee and trip to the Farmer’s Market.
Shirt – my wife is in love with everything Lululemon. In turn, she buys me a new shirt a few times each year while she’s shopping for herself. And I love them, I really do But I don’t wear them all the time. I like to wear shirts from races. I feel like I earned them and I have three drawers full of them. If you don’t have race shirts to last you two weeks, you’re not doing enough races.
Compression shorts – I never used to wear these. I always thought they were an affectation of the fabulous runner. I would hit myself under there with some lubricant and run for miles and miles. Then came the Staten Island Half Marathon circa 2010 when, by the time I got to the finish line, the inside of my thighs were so chafed, I was bleeding. I went out and bought compression shorts the next day. I’m lucky enough to fit into a size small, which means I can get stuff on sale at the end of the season. I treated myself to Lululemon Luxtreme. Usually $65, I got them for $20 a pair on sale! Cheaper than mass market brands!
Anti-chafing (undercarriage) – even with compression shorts, I need to have a little lube down there. I’ve tried a bunch but am currently loving a local NY brand called Silke Anti-Chafing Stick. It’s all natural, lasts through my long runs and washes off my body and clothing without smelling bad (like some of the larger brands).
Anti-chafing (up top) – Nothing makes me cringe as much as a bloodied shirt on the course during a run. I can’ imagine the pain people go through in the shower the next three days. Luckily I’ve never had that issue. I wear NipGuards on a 10K or longer. Yeah, I get asked about the hexagon sticking out of my shirt where my nips should be, but I’m not chafed at the end of the run!
Sunglasses – I can’t bear to run without them. I love living behind lenses where no one can see what I’m looking at (usually it’s the ground in front of me praying for no more hills). I also like my lenses dark. The most comfortable frames I’ve found are the Oakley Flack Jackets. A little pricey, yes, but totally worth it!
Socks – Wright Socks SLT. Hands down my favorite. They’re seam-free, lightweight and durable. I wear the Lo model and have 12 pair so I never run out.
Sneakers – unfortunately companies tend to phase out models every few years to get us to buy different and sometimes more expensive things. Lately, I’ve been super into the Mizuno Wave Sayonara. Lightweight, durable and fashionable.
Running Watch – If I can’t record the numbers, then it don’t count, right? I love my Garmin 910xt. It’s the one GPS/HRM watch I can use to run, bike or swim which means I don’t have to buy a different one for each sport (not that I don’t want to, I just can’t justify the $$). I also have the cadence monitor so I can use it for those elusive indoor treadmill, interval workouts.
Post run hydration – Nuun. the last name in electrolyte replenishment. Have you tried the watermelon flavor that came out last spring? It’s like a liquid Jolly Rancher!
