Running Week: My Favorite Running Attire

Cotton is great, just not for running. It soaks up sweat and keeps it close to your body...which is really uncomfortable!

Here are my favorite warm weather and cold weather running clothes. Nothing fancy, but they work!

Warm Weather Tops:  I've been digging light-weight, flowy tanks lately. I used to wear closer-fitting shirts, but they started to feel restrictive. These cheapies from Target (similar top) have been great for hot summer runs. And although the crew neck means more skin is covered (and therefore warmer), it also means I'm less likely to get sunburned.

Warm Weather Bottoms: My go-to shorts are also from Target (similar shorts). They are lightweight, don't ride up, and are just the right length. They also have a built-in liner (a billion times better than running in underwear) and a key pocket. Now that I have a Spibelt, I don't have to worry about other pockets!

(Side note, I love that running allows for neon yellow in my wardrobe. )

Warm Weather Caps: I don't run in caps very often, but they are crucial for running in the rain. It's amazing how much drier you feel! I have the same style Nike cap and visor (similar cap and visor). I like that they are lightweight and white. White makes it easier to spot me in the rain and keeps me a little cooler in the sun.

Cold Weather Tops: I wear layers when running in the cold. Again, I stay far away from cotton and make sure to have something moisture wicking against my skin. In fact, the bottom layer is just my warm-weather gear. I wear short sleeves or a tank if it's 50 degrees or above. The 40s typically call for a long-sleeved technical shirt. And anything below freezing calls for bringing out my running jacket (similar jacket). I got one on super-duper clearance a few years back, but it's really nothing fancy. It just has everything I'm looking for, aside from being wind resistant (I find that wind resistant gear holds all of the moisture in...any suggestions?) This jacket has a half-zip which comes in handy when I finally warm up. It also has pockets which are perfect for stashing gloves. And the thumb holes are nice for those days that just aren't cold enough for gloves but still chilly the first few miles. There is also a pocket on the sleeve which is great for stashing a key and fuel.

Cold Weather Bottoms: These Under Armour pants are my absolute favorite running pants (similar pants). They are somehow able to keep me warm and cool at the same time. And they are much higher quality than my other running gear (they were a gift from Katie.) I love the zippered pockets. And although they are a little long, the small foot hole keeps them from dragging - I highly recommend bringing your running shoes when shopping for pants to test this out.

Extra Cold Weather Bottoms: It gets really cold here in the winter, so if I want to run outside, I really need my layers. These Under Armour running tights (similar tights) keep me very warm, and they are thin enough to be worn under another pair of pants (I'm not brave enough to wear them on their own.) They're also great for things like sledding or playing in the snow, if worn under a pair of waterproof wind-pants.

Cold Weather Caps: More often than not, I will choose an ear warmer (similar ear warmer) over a stocking cap. I like the flexibility of being able to pull it down around my neck or loop it a couple times over my wrist if I no longer need it while I'm running. However, if it's really, really cold, I'll wear a hat. I like one that covers my ears and has a hole for a pony tail (similar hat). Again, I chose white to make me easier to spot, since it's usually dark when I run outside in the winter.

(ponytail hole)

Gloves: I have one pair of thin gloves (similar gloves) that are good for cold, not freezing, runs. I've found that when the temperature dips, they are too tight to keep my fingers warm. I end up pulling my fingers into the base of the glove for extra warmth. I think I'll have to invest in some running mittens this winter!

Socks: It took me a couple of years to find the perfect socks...mainly because I didn't want to shell out $10 per pair. But now I will never go back! These socks are my ideal: no extra cushion but not paper thin, moisture wicking, low cut but with a tab on the heel to prevent rubbing, and (my favorite aspect) a tight ribbing around the arch. These socks are awesome. They're like a hug for your feet. I smile every time I put them on! And you can usually find them at expos priced at 3 pairs for $20.

Shoes: Obviously shoes are more important than any other piece of attire. At 1000 foot strikes per mile, it's important to have the perfect fit for YOU. I highly recommend being fitted by a professional. They will asses your gait and arches. Shoes are built differently for different needs. (Peak Performance is the place to go in Omaha, if you ask me!) If you're curious, I run in Asics GEL-Kayanos. Not because they're pretty. Not because they're cheap (they're not!) Not even because they're Asics. But because they are the best match for me. I have been evaluated by 4 professionals, and they've all agreed! They have been my last 4 pairs of running shoes, and I've never had problems. Other than always busting a hole through the mesh on my left shoe. Hopefully the extra little tab on the newest model will help that. (Apparently this was a common problem.)

Sunglasses: I used to run in cheap-o sunglasses from, you guessed it, Target because I was afraid of breaking them or losing them on a run. However, Kate got me some fancy sport sunglasses (similar sunglasses) for Christmas, and they are great! I love that they don't fog up or bounce around. The rubber grip on the stems helps them stay in place whether they're on my face or on top of my head. They even have interchangeable lens to use in different types of light/weather (although I've only tried one.)

Sports Bra: I have a favorite sports bra, but it's not anything special (OC brand?) I picked this one up at Marshall's and absolutely love how much support it gives me and where the straps are placed. Unfortunately, I've never been able to find another one, so I'll be shopping for something new soon. I think if I were ever going to the spend the money on something from Lululemon, it'd probably be for one of their bras.

Hair Bands: These basic Goody brand head bands come with me on every run. They hold my hair back, they do not slip, and they are not too tight. I flip them upside down so the extra elastic at the seam doesn't rub against my skin. And I love that they are inexpensive and available everywhere.

Phew, did I cover it all?!

I just realized...all of my nice running things were gifts from Kate. She must really love me.

On that note, I've got to get to bed...I'm running a 10K in the morning!