Running Dress-Up

Since I?m going ahead full force with my 12 races in 12 months for 2011, most of which will be running, I thought I?d take the time to share with you my favorite running gear.  Its not like I?ve tried everything there is out there (and I?m always looking for suggestions/upgrades/recommendations), but this is what works for me thus far (especially on my super awesome graduate student budget!).

For starters, shoes.  I swear by two different pairs of shoes, depending on the distance.  For shorter distances I don Brooks Addiction. 

source: www.runningshoeswizard.com

For my longer distances, I look to Mizuno?s Wave Precision.

source: www.activegearreview.com 

I choose these two shoes because I pronate a lot (I tore my acl, mcl and cartilage in my right knee when I was 16 due to over-pronation, rotation and lack of stability muscle strength in my leg while playing soccer), and these shoes offer the support (non-collapsing arch) I need when I run.  I also have orthotics I put in my shoes for additional support, but that is just an extra precaution I take because I would like to keep my knee ? two surgeries before 21 is enough for me

For socks I swear by Smartwool?s lightweight running socks for women.  I own five or six pairs, and need like five or six more.  They?re seriously incredible, and they?re the only socks I have not gotten blisters from.  Absolutely incredible.  I will say though, that once they start getting loose, i.e. the elastic starts wearing out, you need to replace them or you may start getting massive arch blisters.

source: www.artistansocks.com

Next, my shorts/running compression tights.  I?m normally not a specific brand girl, but my favorite pairs of running shorts and running compression tights have been Asics.  For the marathon I wore my *new* orange Asics running shorts, which I love for the three mesh pockets they have in the back, and my other pair of Asics are blue with side pockets and a hidden key pocket.  For me, and my need to fuel up on runs longer than 8 miles, pockets are very very necessary.

The only running compression tights I have tried have been the Asics Inner Muscle Knee tights, which are advertised as helping keep women?s hips and knees in alignment during running.  I can?t say that I notice they?re helping me, but I love the way they feel (its almost like wearing nothing ), and the way I run in them ? so they must be doing something for me!

source: www.sportscrazyforum.com

As for my sports bras, I used to swear by the Champion Maximum Control Powerback Underwire Sports Bra, but once I started running longer than 10-12 miles, I started getting chaffing (really bad chaffing) in between the ladies.  So, after Julia recommended Moving Comfort sports bras, I indulged two days before the marathon (yes I wore something for the first time on Marathon day) and bought the Moving Comfort Helena Bra. 

source: www.buzz.snow.com

Verdict?! 

Best.Purchase.I.May.Have.Ever.Made.Period.

I ran 26.2 miles in a sports bra that had never been tried out, washed or even really researched about, and I had no chaffing at all.  It was even raining so chaffing would?ve been more likely than normal!  And, I have been wearing it on all my runs since, and the chaffing as continued to stay away.  Unless I ever find a better sports bra (I?m thinking I probably won?t), this is going to be my go-to for running.  If only I had the disposable income to start investing in more?

Hey Moving Comfort want to sponsor me?

And finally my tops.  I will be the first to admit: For the most part, I don?t buy running/sports shirts.  I usually just wear t-shirts/shirts from races that I?m now starting to collect.  The only things I have invested in are a few dry-fit long sleeve shirts (I have one Asics and one Brooks for night time running ? I?m really indifferent to brand because they?re usually a top layer) as those don?t seem to come from races very often.  I wear shirts like this one:

The only other running shirt I?ve purchased ever, I think, is the Nike Women?s Marathon shirt I ran to run those 26.2 miles in when I realized I had only grabbed a tank and long sleeve shirt?  My reasoning?   I don?t need to look cute when I can look like a running race junkie ? and its not like I need to impress anyone, I?ve already got Mr. K fooled

What are you go-to clothes for running or working out?  Do you swear by specific brands for certain items?