Friday, May 11, 2012

Running Gear

Running Gear.
Since I started running it is my favorite thing to receive as a present.  That and books.
I hate shopping in general;  all kind of shopping: grocery, Costco, clothes, shoes, cars, bras and swimsuits (those last 2 = the absolute worst), you name it, I hate it.  However I can easily spend 3 hrs in a bookstore and at least one in Sports Authority.

So running gear...we all have our favorites, I always like reading about other people's favorites especially the tall gals out there.

So I thought I would share some of mine today. 
Before I share my list I should share some numbers to give you an idea.  This is what I look for when you guys post lists like these..are you close to my size.  Something can fit great on a 5'2" girl and not so great on a 5'11" girl.
I am 5'11" and I would say I am on the thin side of the spectrum (now!).  (My jeans are size 4 or 6 depending on the brand.)

1. TOPS
My favorite tank tops are the Under Armour Victory tank.


What I like best about those is that they are LONG.  They are perfect for tall people.  If you use a running belt they will not ride up.  They are light and fitted.  They come in several colors.  If you read my race reports you can see I have several of those.  They are made of polyester and elastane.  They are super soft and very comfortable.  I wear a Large in those because they are fitted.

2. SHORTS
My favorites are the Nike Tempo shorts.
They come in many colors.  I always buy those from clearance racks.  I get the Medium because they are longer than the small and they have a drawstring so it is OK!

3. COMPRESSION SHORTS AND TIGHTS

I like the Nike Pro Combat 5" compression shorts and the Pro Combat tights.



I wear size small for both of these.  I wear them in the cooler months.  I see people wearing these alone all the time but for me always with shorts.  I am not 20 anymore!!  I always hand wash those and they last a long time.

4. COMPRESSION SOCKS

I have 2 different kind of compression socks.  I have black ones with the hearts from Running skirts and I have Blue and White ones from Pro Compression.


Pro Compression are my favorite.  The quality is much better, even after being washed several times.  They have different sizes, the Running skirts are one size for all.  They fit better.  They are also longer.  I wear a L-XL. 

5. RUNNING SKIRTS.

Every time I see one in a store I try it on.  It never fits.  Too short or too big at the waist.  I took a chance and bought one online from Skirt Sports.  I ordered a Medium.  It does not work.  The shorts are OK and the length is also good but the waist is too big so it moves when I run and it is very annoying.  It needs a DRAWSTRING!  Why can't they put drawstrings in running skirts?!  Most of them don't have any.  Running skirts size charts are driving me nuts.  This from the website of one of the company selling running skirts:

So to get decent length a taller gal has to order L or XL.  It is like they assume that just because a girl is tall she is big?  If I go with the waist  and hip measurements I need a XS, if I go with dress size I need a S.  Small is probably the better one BUT with that I get the shortest skirt!  It is frustrating, I wish they would either offer TALL sizes or put a drawstring.   Until then..I am sticking with shorts!!! :)

What are your plans for Mother's Day?
Happy Mother's Day weekend to all the moms!




14 comments:

BLESS YOUR HEART said...

Love my Nike running shorts!!!

bobbie said...

Great list and breakdown~ Love It!
Although I'm shorter I have similar interests as you do, I'm not super thin (I consider my pudgy in the middle section:( so I like longer tanks.

On the skirt think I have two Nike skirts that I bought on clearance online with a discount code and they have a drawstring in them:) Haven't worn one yet but planning to today!

Thanks for sharing:)

Unknown said...

Happy mother's day! Thanks for sharing your list!

A Prelude To... said...

I LOVE a great bookstore and Sports Authority (or any sports store)...oh my...I spend hours in there each week :-) Happy MOthers Day!!

Cotter Crunch said...

oh yes! yes to all those. I love my nike. And hope you get some more for mothers day. well deserved!

Lisa J said...

Love this Caroline! I'm 5'11 as well, and although I'm not as thin as you, I do have issues with finding the right sizes. Right now my waist to legs ratio is off. My legs fit just fine in size 6ish, where as my waist is more comfortable in 8 or 10. I have to try EVERYTHING on. With that being said, the waist part of skirts isn't an issue for me now.

Nike pro combat is my go to for under skirts. I JUST bought 2 pro compression socks since they are 50% off, so excited to try!

Elle said...

I think you and I are about the same size.

I think everything you have chosen looks great.

Carla said...

Athleta has running skirts in tall lengths. Even though I'm short, I am tempted to try the tall length for extra coverage (not 20 anymore either). I have a capri skirt from Athleta and it fits true to size (small for me and I wear 4 or 6 in pants).

Christy @ My Dirt Road Anthem: A Runner's Blog said...

I love seeing what other people like. I love my lululemon running skirts so much I haven't worn shorts all year I think, they make tall sizes for people like you :)
I also love my Procompression socks, I have three pairs and think I need MORE!

I have no idea what I am doing for Mothers Day, getting spoiled I hope!

Unknown said...

I'm short, so I'm sure my favorites would work for you.

Happy Mothers' Day! I hope your boys spoil you tomorrow.

Unknown said...

I meant to say wouldn't. Darn phone keypad.

Yo Momma Runs said...

I tend to love everything Nike. Shirts, shorts, etc. It just always fits me.

Have you tried Lululemon skirts. They are stupid expensive and have a crappy selection online, but they have drawstrings and tall lengths. Sometimes I hate to love them.

Ama_Runs said...

I will have to try that Under Armor tank! I'm 5'11" with a looooong torso, so finding shirts that extend pass my belly button is always a challenge. I actually love doing my short runs in my Target maternity tank tops. Lots of coverage there! :)

Black Knight said...

Great list. My wife, a jogger, has read this post with a lot of interest. Thank you.
She loves Nike items.
Now I also like the Under Armour brand.