One of the surefire ways to pick out a new runner at a race with thousands of people is their clothing. Often, you will see novices sporting cotton T-shirts and basketball shorts at the start line. This was a mistake I myself once made. I never understood the big deal - until I ran a 10K in cotton shorts. Oh, the chaffing! Once I tried my first pair of real running shorts, it was love at the first mile. They breathed, they didn't ride up, they moved with me. How come no one told me about this!
For anyone thinking about running distances greater than 3 miles or so, technical clothing is a must. These fabrics are specially made to wick sweat away from the body. This keeps you cool and dry. Look for words like "dry-fit" or "wicking" when purchasing clothing. Shirts are available in endless varieties -sleeveless, tank tops, built-in bras for the ladies, reflective for running in the dark, etc. Running shorts often come with extra perks, such as small pockets for keys. Like the idea of running shorts, but not the short length most runners sport? Many brands offer longer versions, with all the same benefits.
Good brands to try: Nike, Brooks, Asics, Pearl Izumi, Moving Comfort, The North Face, Sugoi
There is a reason most runners wear clothes designed for running. Once you realize the comfort, you won't go back.
Next week - shoes!
1 comment:
Great post, Genevieve! I made the same mistakes early in my running career with the cotton shorts.
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