What's Your Favorite Running Gear?

Until I started running, I never realized how important having the right "running gear" on was. I thought you could just put on some sweats, a pair of old tennis shoes, and hit the streets! Boy, was I wrong! What you wear on a run, particularly a long run, matters. From the top of your head, to the soles of your feet, you need to wear the proper attire to endure the elements of open road running. Now, because I'm cheap, I only have a few running outfits I rotate throughout the week. These clothing pieces have held up fairly well over the two years I have been a runner. You don't have to spend a fortune on great running gear. Most retail stores have affordable gear. If you feel like running is something you will do for a lifetime, you need to do your research. You want to make sure that your running clothes are climate-friendly for the city you live in, and that you are comfortable for the duration of your run. Below, I will list a few of my favorite running clothing items.

1. I love my pants! I have a couple of compression capris and a long pair for the winter months. They are so comfortable and breathable! I think they give me a great silhouette. I feel sexy and confident in them, which believe it or not, is very important when it comes to running pants. I don't like to feel sloppy when I am running. I want to look the part and represent my sport well.

2. My moisture-wicking shirts. I have quite a few. Some of my favorites are the three Black Girls Run! shirts I own, a hot pink one, and a long sleeved one I got when I ran my second half marathon. Moisture-wicking shirts are a must have, especially in the winter. Cotton shirts do not absorb your sweat as well,and you will not be able to stay warm if you live in cooler winter climates. I usually will layer up, with a moisture-wicking shirt on first, then a moisture-wicking jacket.

3. Bondi-bands. These are stretchy head bands which are supposed to absorb sweat when you are highly active. Now, in my case, these don't work! I sweat like a pig in a sauna, and I have yet to find anything that can soak up my sweat enough to save my hairdo, but the bands are cute. Some of them even have catchy sayings, like my favorite, "I don't sweat, I glisten!"

4. My Brooks Ravenas. I am a tried and true Brooks consumer. I have flat, wide feet. Until I discovered Brooks, I was running with a shoe that actually caused me to have a knee injury. My Brooks run about 100.00 a pop. They are a bit bulky, and I usually have to special order my size if I want the women's shoe(I'm a short girl with big feet!), but they are so comfortable to me. I usually get a new pair every 3 to 4 months, although this last pair I have run into the ground! lol

5. My sports bra! Yes, I had to mention this because it is very important to have good support for the tatas! I have been genetically blessed in this department, so I have to invest in a good bra, which will usually cost me about 60.00! Sounds pricey, but trust me, you can't put a price on this kind of comfort. I know the girls are staying put with every step I take!

One important piece of advice you want to consider when trying out new running gear: Make sure you won't have any wardrobe malfunctions during a standard run or race. Before I ran the Black Girls Run! 10K race last year, I bought a brand new pair of running capris which I did not run in before the race. I looked cute, but the whole time I was running I had to keep pulling up my pants! My roommate was running behind me, and she had to keep telling me when my underwear were showing, lol! So, I would definitely advise a practice run in any new gear you buy before you run the Black Girls Run! 5K or 10K this year!

Hopefully during the Black Girls Run! Sweat With Your Sole Race and Conference Weekend, you will get a chance to check out gear and freebies from our sponsors REI and Brooks. Most runners are like kids in a candy store when it comes to running gear, and I have no doubt that the weekend of September 6-8 in Charlotte will be one when most runners will commemorate the events of the weekend by purchasing some new piece of running apparel.

***Make sure you sign up for this years Black Girls Run! Sweat with Your Sole Race and Conference Weekend September 6-8 in Charlotte, NC. The conference is for women only, but the race is co-ed and open to the public. Prices go up July 31!***