Ladies- Running Wear Recommendations Please!

[C_leen]

Hi-

Well I've been running 8 weeks, and I really am clueless. I see the guys heading out in just shorts & shoes. I never seem to see women runners, and I need some guidance on what I should be wearing!

Should I seriously be wearing 2 exercise bras? I never heard of such a thing until last week! I can hardly get one on, so I am clueless how do you get 2 sweaty jog bras off!?

Do women really wear these running shorts without their normal underwear? Is there a polite way to pull your running shorts out of your buns? Is there a solution to running short creep?

For a race, do people really lug a camera? What about a cell phone? What do we carry it in? Am I really going to buy a fanny pack? I didn't see any at the running store, so I am unclear how I am supposed to carry stuff.

Lastly, sunscreen. What kind does not sweat off? I am mostly worried about stuff sweating into my eyes. I am about to run through August in Missouri - I need help!

Thank you!

 

[Creativebeth]

Wow! So many questions!! Let's see...... I only wear one running bra. I am a C cup and have found that Champion bras work well for me. Good support, but not strangling me.

I wear running shorts with a liner in them (got them for $14 at Target). They wick moisture well, dry fast, and with the liner you don't have to wear underwear.

I carry a cell phone with me on my long runs. I have a water bottle carrier that fits like a fanny pack with a built in pocket. I carry money (for more water/gatorade along the way) a cell phone, and a snack (usually a fig newton). I have to get used to wearing the water bottle every summer, but it is well worth it not to get dehydrated.

Sunscreen....I get the spray on kind for Sports/activity. I spray that on (30 to 50 SPF) my body, and use a face sunscreen (mine is Clinique) 30 SPF. I sweat alot, and never had problems with the face sunscreen causing any problems for me. I am afraid if I used the same kind as on my body, it would burn my eyes when sweating. Both work well so I don't get burned (I am very fair skinned).

I think I covered it mostly? Any other questions....I will try to answer!

Beth

 

[tinkerbell of winter]

Another option for water is a camelbak, either the backpack style or the fanny pack style, I find they are less cumbersome than water bottles. I often take my backpack camelback on long runs to keep hydrated and it is easier than fumbling with a water bottle. On long runs the straps might bother you though, and the fanny/butt pack camelback might be a better choice. I always wear my favorite shorts, a pair of army pt shorts-great to run in, they are black and have a liner in them as well as an id card pocket and a little side pocket which is a great hiding place for energy gel shots. One thing I am bothered by is the lack of running attire for plus size women. I am not that huge, but I also don't like my shirts skintight, and I really wish I could find more sleeveless shirts with moisture wicking material in my size, made for women. If it is not as warm out I like slightly baggy spandex pants, they are great to run in and no chafing. And for shoes, I love my New Balance sneaks I bought, plus they are made in the USA! Oh and I only wear one sports bra and haven't seemed to have any problems.

 

[Tiger Lily 03]

Colleen, Contratulations for the 8 weeks! Way to go!

As far as jog bras that double-up would depend on how much movement you get when you are walking/jogging/running/wogging. You could get by with one if you get one made for runners. They actually have different levels of support. Moving Comfort is also a good brand along with what has been recommended.

Shorts and underwear. Depends on your comfort level. Some folks feel fine with "commando style" and some prefer underwear. I prefer the shorts that have been referred as "sausage pants" because they are fitted as in tights style and I don't get that "chub rub" on my thighs or they don't creep up.

Me, I am a Penguin--following John Bingham style and find myself enjoying my camera as I go along my events or training. Also I have my cell phone with me. It's who I am and how I enjoy. I have a fanny pack for these things. Also have water bottles I wear around my waist. I like that better. The camel back to me seems like those straps would rub me really the wrong way, but i do see people using them. I guess it is how you can manage.

Sun screen I usually wear the faces variety and see that some will wear a hat or visor. Depends on your preference there too.

Target has some good less expensive exercise clothing that has wicking material and I believe come in some larger sizes. If these are not large enough, I started with the exercise wear from Lane Bryant.

Happy running.

 

[eeyore45]

Also check out the Wish Running/competition board!! I love sticky thread, so much useful information!!

I've also started running for the first time in my life (and its more of a walk/jog = wog!!) but thanks to that whole forum, and the huge sticky thread - (I've gone from couch-to-5k running to *gulp Hal Higdon and training for a 1/2 marathon - disney is a huge motivator for me!!)

If not for the "Wish team thread" that starts anew each sunday - I wouldnt forge ahead like I have...

For running bras - I've gone thru 3 or 4 - but the last one I got at Target for $16 (a champion) is the BEST (and I've spent $50 on them!)

For shorts - I've not found the perfect short - I do have chafing concerns, the Body Glide (Looks like a deodarant container got it at a sports authority) works - I've tried baby powder and deodarant... body glide works

I've tried the simple shorts from Walmart, and Lane Bryant, but right now I'm liking the ones I *had to purchase at disney - and they have that swimsuit panel inside, so cammando is kinda an option, but it feels wrong!! lol - - but when they creep up, so far its only been in front where the chafing would be... so I ignore it..

I'm working on trying to move, and not listen to the negative voices that want me to quit because its so boring - the WISH thread is inspiring!!

 

[C_leen]

Thanks for responding everyone! I knew I could depend on ya'll! I'm going to keep messing around with trying different items. I might try one of these water belts of some sort as it could solve 2 problems for the long 'runs'.

Happy trails!