Welcome to another Favorite Things Friday! In honor of the upcoming Tufts 10K on Monday, I thought I’d share some of my must-haves for running (you’ll notice a bit of a theme):
Oiselle Lesley Knickers running capris
LOVE these. These are some of my favorite running capris – they fit like a glove, have just enough compression support, are breathable and have an all-important zip back pocket for stashing your keys or license. And to be honest, I also wear them to Body Pump class and for running errands and for hanging around the house. They’re that cute and comfortable. Plus, you gotta love the wide waistband … no muffin top! Click here for more info.
SparklySoul thin headband
I’ve sung the praises of SparkySoul headbands before on the blog, but I’ll just say it again. These headbands rock. I have a rather large head so I have always had issues with headbands slipping off, particularly in the back. I have a basket in my bathroom with probably 10-15 headbands I’ve bought over in the years in hopes that it would be “the one” because I absolutely HATE having stray pieces of hair brush against my face when I’m running. I know, it’s a little weird, but I find it terribly distracting, so rather than focusing on my breathing or form, all I can think about is that annoying piece of hair and how much it is bothering me. That is why I love the headbands – no stray hairs! It stays in place – literally, it doesn’t budge. And it is pretty darn cute.
Brooks Glycerin 10
I am thankful that a very knowledgeable running shoe store employee introduced me to Brooks several years ago. My first pair of “real” running shoes were the Glycerin 7s and I just purchased the 10s a few months ago. There is a bit of sticker shock, so I try not to dwell on the fact that I will probably only wear these for six months and instead focus on how much better I feel, and how my performance improves, when I run with these shoes. Everyone has their own sneaker brand that works for them, or that they’re loyal to, and Brooks is it for me.
Lululemon Pacesetter skirt
I love Lululemon, but not their prices. But two of my very thoughtful friends gave me a Lulu gift card for my birthday and I picked up this little number (in black, of course). I bought it mainly because it’s cute, and I wanted to give running skirts a try, so I was completely surprised when I first ran in it and realized how comfortable it was. The legs don’t ride up, it has a wide comfortable waistband and several pockets throughout for storing all sorts of goodies. It sounds lame, but I do get a little motivational boost when I wear it, and it’s become my go-to for summer racing (and inevitably, someone will usually ask me, “Where did you get that?” Although I did have someone ask me if I was about to go play tennis.)
Old Navy (padded) sports bras
I recently discovered Old Navy’s padded sports bras and I am so impressed! I don’t know about you, but I think sports bras get nasty after awhile so it’s not really something I want to spend a lot of money on because I usually end up tossing them out at some point. So a comfortable, functional sports bra for about $15? Sign me up.
Tank tops without built-in sports bras
Another one of my weird little quirks. I am not a fan of tank tops with the built-in bra shelf. I don’t get it: I have to wear a sports bra anyway, so now I’m doing double duty? I know for some ladies that is a good thing, but since I’m lacking a bit in that department, one form of control is all I need. Having both makes me feel bound and uncomfortable. And it’s surprisingly hard to find performance tanks without the built-in bras, so when I stumble across some, I usually snatch up a few in different colors.
And, of course, music!
Here is my 10K playlist (although there are probably enough songs here to get me through at least a 15K):
Yes, you’re not seeing double. I repeat songs. Weird, right? But I find the upbeat tempo of some songs (namely “My Life Would Suck Without You, “I Like How It Feels” and “Feel So Close,” plus “How Far We’ve Come,” which I think is one of the BEST sprinting songs) really matches with my cadence, so I tried to put them in strategic places (such as around two miles and around five miles) where I tend to either slow down or want to stop and need a swift kick in the pants. But it’s funny, these songs in no way reflect my non-running musical interests 🙂
I listen to this playlist through the Nike+ app, which I found works really well and is tiding me over until I splurge on a Garmin.
Side note: I actually discovered many of my go-to running songs from either Body Pump or spin class. Anyone else do the same?
Disclaimer: I was not compensated for my review of these products and they were all purchased with my hard-earned dough. These really are my favorite running/exercise items.
Question: If you had to pick one, what is your favorite piece of running or workout gear?
Carey says
Loved this blog! I am also a new, avid fan of lululemon but agree on the price which seems steep. Their tanks are cute “as all get out” but $50? Really? I’m going to give the old navy bras a shot on your recommendation. I’ve also found the target ones are pretty good for around the same price bracket. Break a leg on Monday doll! Xx
Annie says
Great to meet you and I’m so so so glad you shared your playlist! I’ve recently taken up running and I am in desperate need of some good tunes to keep me going! Found you on BPB, so come on over to http://www.stowedstuff.com when you get a chance! Can’t wait to read more!