10 MUST-HAVES TO MAKE YOUR RUNNING EXPERIENCE MORE ENJOYABLE
Cap: For a lightweight, breathable running hat, the Patagonia Duckbill Cap may be just right. But for full protection from the sun, try Coolibar’s large-billed cap, coverage your dermatologist will heartily endorse. At minimum, wear your favorite ballcap. Friend, sun exposure is not your friend!
Sunscreen, always. My personal favorite for my face is Loreal Silky Sheer BB Face Lotion 50+.
Sports bra: Top ranked sports bras of 2017 per Runner’s World, offer excellent choices, ranging from $22 (Target) to $98 (Lulemon) depending on your needs/tastes.
Tanks and T’s: Nike’s ample online selection makes it easy to shop, but if you prefer to try before you buy, considering visiting the Pasadena Nike Clearance Store. Don’t forget to fight sun-exposure by wearing high-neck running shirts. Freckles may be cute but multiplying sunspots as you get older, not so much.
Shorts and tights: Look to buy the best your budget allows, no more. After all, what gets you out of the house for a run is less about what you’re wearing than what’s going on inside—your internal determination. Athleta. com offers a something for everyone. For those who don’t like themselves in shorts, there’s the Stealth TruCOOL Skort, a really attractive alternative for $69.
Socks: A high degree of wicking is best, my dermatologist once told me. Sweat-free feet are healthy feet, so with this in mind, Stance is a great choice, offering some of the best in wicking technology, durability and design. But, there are plenty of lower-priced worthy options, so keep an open mind.
Shoes: The Adidas UltraBoost X shoe is a women’s exclusive and is more supportive than the Ultraboost. But the Ultraboost is more popular, serving as both a running and casual shoe. Adidas gets high marks from women in part because influencers like Stella McCartney have collaborated to come out with fashion-forward designs which make them a fun choice for city walking, too.
Finally, when you’re gearing up for a run, don’t forget to document your run on your Strava app—requiring just a quick click of the ‘start’ button. And do take your music play-list and/or favorite podcasts about parenting (or what-not!) with you to help keep you company on your run. But, if you’d like real, flesh-and-blood company on your runs, check out Meetup to find others to jog alongside with.
Kathryn Streeter’s work has appeared in publications including The Washington Post, SheKnows, The Week and Paste Magazine. Find her on Twitter, @streeterkathryn.
Head
