Before I start with this post, I am a firm believer that you can run a half marathon, or any race for that matter, without the fancy gadgets and gizmos. It's fun to look like you stepped right out of a Nike advertisement, but don't let the higher cost keep you from running. For the 10 mile run I did, which was my longest run during training, I wore a t-shirt and an old pair of $5 Soffe shorts. I ran just as fast as I did in my Nike garb, so please don't think for a second that you have to buy the nice stuff.
That said, I definitely had some favorite gear during my training time. I was never the one in college wearing Nike shorts (Norts, as they were so lovingly referred to) every day to class. The cheapo in me couldn't justify spending $25 on work-out shorts when my old $5 pair worked just fine. That said, I have since seen the light and can see what all the fuss is about. They are just plain comfortable, and they are made for running. My all-time favorite workout outfits are actually the first nice work-out garb I ever received. I wish I had 20 different colors and could just wear this outfit every day, seriously.
See, it's light and breezy and allows for sporatic jumping movement. If the weather is warm, that is my go-to attire. If the weather is cooler (and keep in mind I live in Texas, so "cooler" is relative), I wear capris and a half zip jacket. I love the capris from Old Navy (and I love their price) and Under Armor, and my favorite half-zip is Nike. Below is my attire in December after a 6 mile run.
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| Twin sister on the left, me on the right |
The day of the race, I actually wore a pair of shorts I got on clearance at Old Navy and a shirt from Target I was given as a gift from my little sisters. I think my outfit collectively cost $20, and it was absolutely perfect the entire 13.1 miles.
Last but not least, the shoes. This is NOT an area to take the cheap way out when you are training for a half marathon. I recommend a thousand times that you go to a running store and get fitted for shoes. Everyone is different and thus it's not a one shoe fits all scenario. I didn't live near a running store, so I went to Academy and bought a pair of shoes that felt good. They weren't even that much cheaper than what I would have bought at a specialty running store because I bought one of the most expensive pairs. It was my biggest mistake in training. When I got to the longer runs, I got some Texas-sized blisters. I took my shoes off after a run one day, and my toes were bleeding. Long story short(ish), get fitted for proper shoes.
The name brand stuff is awesome and really fun to own, but like I said at the beginning, it isn't a requirement. Old Navy and Target both have awesome selections at very reasonable prices. I find myself perusing the active wear every time I shop now!
23 comments :
I love Danskin capris, and long pants (live in cold long island NY here). I like under armor and danskin for sports bras too, Nike I have for sneakers (one of the many pairs I have), and some running tops for the summer. I also have Nike compression shorts (got 'em with a coupon) that I wear under my capris or long pants.
I LOVE my workout gear...but really, if I'm not going anywhere, that's pretty much my everyday wear! That's how I justify buying it to Hubby!
-Marley
http://www.afandlove.blogspot.com/
My all time favorite shorts to run in are from JC Penny's but they are similar to a Nike pair. They have this rubber line around the bottom inside of the shorts so they don't ride up when you bike or run. I also loved that the ones I bought were about $15 less than the Nike ones and are super comfortable.
i agree 110% on the shoes!
my running shoes cost around $120 and are SO WORTH IT! before hand i couldn't understand all the shin splints, achying arches, etc...after i went and got my shoes fitted and found i was super pronate and got the RIGHT shoes it was a world of difference!
I'm still learning what's good for me. I LOVE ASICS for running but this time around I got a pair of Nikes that I like a lot. The problem I have are with Shin splints! My friend said that if I bike that would help strengthen my legs too. As far as running clothes go, I go with the capris for now and a t shirt and supportive bra. I did buy a running skirt that I have yet to run in. We'll see about that one :)
I love this! My favorite running shorts are Lululemon, and they're the only thing I'll spend a lot of money on for running. They are just SO comfortable! As for tops, I tend to stick to Under Armour, or I just go with whatever is cheap at Marshalls :) My shoes are Brooks...and they are amazing!
For Winter running, I love all of my Under Armour Coldgear duds. I have a few pair of coldgear pants that are lined in fleece, and a couple tops. They really saved me this winter!
For any other season, I have to admit that I'm a Lululemon junkie. It's spendy, and I didn't see what the big deal was until I bought a few pair of crops (not see through!). They're like a second skin. Love them.
I definitely agree on the shoes! Get fitted! After I found a pair that I really liked, I shop on ebay to get the same ones cheaper once my old pair wears out.
I love underarmour! Have you tried 6pm.com ? they have tons of name brand workout clothes for really cheap!
I love Old Navy's running capris! I also started wearing the NIKE running skirts and they are the best.
I love the Old Navy Compression capris and for cross training I am a die hard VS yoga pants girl!
Target compression pants are my absolute favorite. I wear them not only for running but just for every day wear when I'm running around everywhere with the kids and running errands.
You are right about the nike shorts! They are the best. If you watch Dick's, they sometimes have some really good sales. That's when I stock up on their shorts and shirts. But usually my stuff is all Target! They have great stuff! And the shoes are definitely an area you should splurge on. Your feet are the basis for everything and can cause a lot of problems if you don't have the right pair.
Girl, I just want to say, today I finally went in to get fitted properly for a bra at VS, and got a sports bra. Oh. My. Goodness. IT IS AMAZING! You have to spend on a proper sports bra that truly gives support! One thing you left out :) It feels SO great! Perfect for Barre and Pilates classes, which right now, is the extent of my exercising. Which I'm totally okay with! I love the Nike shorts too! I have an old pair from A&M and they are the best! So airy and they fit just right. Perfect. I don't know anything about the running shoes part though! Even Marshall doesn't have fitted professional shoes, he wears his until the soles are literally falling off. He used to run so much more at A&M though, of course. If I ever do get into running, I will have to look into that! (ps Im working on the post! Email you back soon)
Katherine
www.newsomsnestblog.com
Go to Fleet Feet girl! I got fitted for a pair of running shoes there a while ago, but they are awesome.
I love my Nike Tempo shorts! I totally agree, though, that gear doesn't matter that much. As long as I wear structured shoes and preferably non-cotton clothes, I'm plenty comfortable.
It's true! It's not about brands or high tech gear. As long as you're comfortable and you can do your best, you'll be a great runner! :)
I totally agree that price is an important factor to consider when gearing up :) I prefer Nike, but have worn lots of other apparel (some name brand and some not) over the past few years. In the end, as long as it is comfy and works for you, it's good by me! You are right about the shoes though. That's one investment you don't want to skimp on.
I totally agree that you don't have to spend tons on running gear. I think a lot of people get hung up in having the nicest, newest garb that they forget that it's not the end all be all.
I like to think neon makes you faster, since that's what's being sold tons these days, but hey if that's only in my head, that's fine by me!
Happy running!
Did you hold your iPhone for the entire run?! I would not have the patience for that.
Just stumbled on your blog, I'm a Navy wife too!
I wear anything and everything that works, regardless of price and fanciness! I teach kids and adult yoga 5 days a week so much of my teaching wardrobe is Lululemon, Athleta, Beyond Yoga.
For running, it's whatever comes off the top of the pile first. ;) I love Lululemon's speed shorts because I'm short (4'11") and they don't give me the diaper look that nike tempos do. (Sadly, because I love the tempos). I also love UA's Get Going shorts b/c they're light and breathable, and again, not long on me. Tops…whatever covers my tummy without being too tight. ;)
YES. I love my Norts too! :) haha. That's perfect. They are expensive, but they are so worth it. Thanks so much for linking up!
I have to say that Old Navy's workout section is ON POINT!!!!! And I have to agree that shoes is the ONLY place not to go the cheap route!!
Good shoes are a must! I couldn't agree more. I like that you can run in cheap or expensive clothes. You can also get really good deals at TJMaxx sometimes. I have a pair of Nike spandex shorts that I love and I paid $12 for them. I haven't purchased Old Navy yet but I hear good things about them.
Thanks for sharing your favorite gear with us!
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