About a month ago my friend Katie started training for her first half-marathon. She will be running in the Baltimore half on October 18th! The BRF was my first half back in 2007 so it brings back memories of not really having any idea of what I was getting myself into! But I have no doubts that she will do awesome- she ran the Baltimore 10 miler two years ago with NO TRAINING at all. Like she just got up and ran 10 miles.
I don’t have any pictures of Katie from that race but this is a picture of me with her son Charlie.
He was trying to get me to eat a beer cap.
So anyway- last week Katie asked if I could post about some running gear and clothes that I would recommend. I thought I would break it up into a couple of different posts because I think there are the basics and then there are all sorts of extras. So today I am going to post about the basic stuff and then throughout the week I will do another post or two about some of that other stuff that can be helpful but that you don’t really need. Today’s post is going to be mostly about women’s clothes so apologies if this does not apply to you. But come back tomorrow because there will be other fun stuff discussed!
Shoes
So, let’s start with shoes. Go to a running store and have them watch you run and they will tell you what type of shoe they recommend. Try on a couple options and see what works best. Usually you can find good deals online if you already know what shoes work for you. I buy most of my shoes from Running Warehouse (save 15% using discount code FB15D) but other sites sometimes have good deals as well.
Shorts
Ok, so once you have found good shoes you are pretty much ready to go but you might want to wear some running clothes too. Personally I think pants/shorts are the most difficult item to find a style that’s comfortable. For shorts, I have fallen in love with Oiselle. I like the Rogas and Distance shorts. My favorites are the Game Days shorts but I don’t see them on them online anymore. Some things I look for in shorts are a waist line that is thicker and not going to pinch, and a pocket with a zipper for my key.
Pants
Pants are very tricky, but this winter I tried the Brooks Infiniti tights and liked them. I also try to run in compression tights most days and those just never seem to be flattering but them do help my legs to recover quicker.
Sports Bra
The next item is a sports bra. I stick with inexpensive ones since I don’t take very good care of them (I like to put them in the dryer) so I usually buy them at Target. I like the C9 Racerback and the C9 Seamless.
I’ve also bought the Danskin brand at Walmart, which are equally fine in my opinion. They have a 2 pack for $9.49…you really can’t beat that:)
Tops
Ok so on to tops. One option is to run a lot of races and get free race shirts and wear those. Or you can buy some other stuff too. I usually get tank tops at target. This is one of the types that I have gotten that are loose fitting: C9 Womens Duo Dry Tank
I also like this reversible tank top from Brooks. Its super light and loose fitting: D’lite reversible racerback.
If you’re running in the cold it gets much trickier. I have a couple of the long sleeved zip ups from the Baltimore Ten Miler that I wear a lot when its cold. I can’t really think about winter right now, so ask me again in 3-4 months.
Socks
Finally, you should probably find a good pair of socks and buy a bunch of them. I like mine on the thinner side but some people like more cushioning. They also have socks that separate your toes that help to prevent blisters, if that’s a problem for you. Here is an example.
I have a bunch of the Nike Dri Fit Cushioned socks.
You can find them some them on amazon.
I think that pretty much covers the basics! That took me a while to put together because every time I would go to a website to get the link or picture I started browsing and wanted to buy everything! I haven’t bought any running clothes in awhile so now I’m in the mood to go on a little shopping spree before marathon training starts.
Where are your favorite places to get running clothes?
Any recommendations of running clothes that we should all check out?
Tomorrow’s post will be about basic running gear/accessories so let me know if there is anything specific you want to hear about!
I’m also a die hard Target sports bra supporter. Even though I do put them in the dryer, they still last for a pretty long time! I’ve on occasion found some good running clothes at TJ Maxx and Marshalls. They don’t always have a great selection, but if you’re willing to rifle through the racks, you can sometimes find high quality stuff that isn’t too expensive.
We used to have a TJ Maxx closer to wear I live and I always found great stuff there. They actually converted it into a Marshalls and I never have as much luck there! But yes, target sports bras last me a long time too! Like usually a few years and then maybe they will rip a little. And I usually just buy them a little bigger so they can shrink in the dryer and I can still wear them!
I absolutely swear by the Target brand sports bras. Maybe it’s because I have a flat chest, and it doesn’t matter as much, but they are just SO comfy! I have a Brooks sports bra, a Nike, and an Oilselle that I bought over the years and I hate them all, nothing fits me quite like Target. Which I love because I can usually snag them on sale for less than $15!
Yup me too! I think for runners who need more support it may be trickier to find a good sports bra so I guess that is one of the benefits of being flat chested haha! I bought a moving comfort one once which I thought was ok, and ended up losing it when I was traveling and decided I would never spend that much on a sports bra again because I am too careless.
I love Moving Comfort’s Momentum shorts, and I’m a big fan of Swirl gear’s cap sleeved shirts for when it is cooler. I also get a lot of my tanks and stuff from TJ maxx! Athleta has the best capris 😀
I hear all this stuff about Swirl gear but I actually have no idea what it is! I’ll need to look into that. I feel like I rarely run in capris because I wear sports as long as I possibly can and then all of a sudden its winter and I need to wear full tights. But I wear them alot for the gym and yoga so I want to check out Athleta!
I have never tried Oiselle clothes, but I pretty much love any clothes by Brooks. I love their Epiphany shorts! I find great deals on 6pm.com and they have free (and fast!) shipping. Their leggings that you posted are so cute, I’ll have to look into them for the winter!
I want to check out 6pm now! I think I have seen ads for it but never checked it out! I love finding new places with free and fast shipping!
I need more support in my sports bra and searched hi and low in until someone at my gym recommended Moving Comfort Juno…life changing….goooo Kates!!!
Glad you found one that works for you! Thanks for reading, Marti!
I find good running clothes at TJ Maxx. It’s hit or miss, but I’ve gotten some Nike, Brooks and Reebok gear for around $10 each.
Wow that is a really good deal! I wish I still had a TJ Maxx nearby. I’ll need to find one that I can get to once in a while.
I love how Katie just got up and ran. It reminds of if that episode of How I Met Your Mother where Barney runs a marathon “step one: put one foot in front of the other step two: there is no step two” haha
I love that episode! I love to quote it when people ask “how do you run that long?” haha- you just start and you keep going!
Nice list! I’m partial to nike stuff myself and life to hit up the outlet store when I go home for gear, but I’ll grab stuff at dick’s sporting goods and my local running store too. I like grabbing stuff from target too, since it’s cheap and works fine 🙂
All great places! I am lazy and usually like to order stuff online. But when I go into stores like that for race packet pick ups I can’t help but buy a few items!
Great post – running gear is so important and one of those things most of us ‘hit or miss’ our way into …
I have heard so many great things abut Target’s stuff, but always forgot to look at our local one … then I looked last month and wow there is a great selection at reasonable prices.
My only concern is the ‘windowshopping’ – in other words, using the expertise of your local running store for free then giving the money to an internet store to save perhaps 10%. I know we all do it to an extent, but I worry about it in areas where we really need that hands-on expertise … will that savings be worth it when the shops all close? Hmmm … not judging, just got myself thinking …
You are 100% right. I thought about that as I was writing about the running shoes. Its something we all do, and I feel bad about it. However, I usually do support the stores when I go in in some way. I just don’t buy the full price shoes. I can’t resist coming out with something when I walk into a running store. Great point!
Can’t wait to see tomorrow’s list! Most of my stuff is from Target. They are having a sweet sale this week – I bought a few shorts & running skirts. (I haven’t worn shorts in years, so I tried on a few different styles and bought the ones I liked). I also like to wait for their shirts & tanks to go on clearance…best deals ever! I have a ton of their sports bras too and I’ve had them for years. I am going to invest in a more supportive bra though – just to see if I feel a difference.
I can also score some good deals at Old Navy.
For some reason I think my reply to your comment got deleted! So I’m sorry if you are seeing this twice.
Now that I know that Target has a sale I really want to go shopping! But I can’t walk out of there without spending at least $100. I’ve never bought running clothes at Old Navy, I’ll have to check it out!
I have a few key items that I wear all the time, and that I brought traveling with me. I am super picky about how a top fits and if it’s long enough, and I have a hard time finding tops I love, but I have a Nike tank top that has been my go-to lately. My Lululemon stuff is my favorite and even though the price tag is painful, I use it so much that I feel like I’ve definitely gotten my money’s worth! However, I can’t wear their sports bras, so I’m always on the lookout for comfortable ones. I need to check Target when I get back to the States!
I know what you mean about the Lululemon stuff. Sometimes its worth it to pay more if you really love an item and will use it forever. And definitely check out targets sports bras! They have lots of different options all for reasonable prices.
Road Runner sports is a great place for clothes and shoes. If you are a member you get 10% off PLUS a 90 day trial period, even on shoes. So if you aren’t sure which ones are right for you, you can wear them for up to 90 days and still return them!! Best deal I’ve ever seen anywhere!
That’s a great deal! I always forget about that website!