Tag Archives: gear

Wash and Dry

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It’s an exciting day in the Dr. Rachel household. I get a new washer and dryer today. Yay! I’m waiting for the delivery truck right now.

My old washing machine died suddenly this weekend. It was very sad. I have had my washer for 10 years. It was the first major household purchase I made and it’s been a trusty machine for many years. About 7 months ago, I noticed that my washing machine was acting funny. It wasn’t draining properly and was starting to make clothes dirtier at the end of the wash cycle than they were when I put them in. I took out the agitator, I cleaned the barrel, I inspected the hoses, I googled every possible solution for a washer that predates google, but nothing helped. Undeterred, I kept using my poor washer long after the gentle cycle stopped working, and the “normal” cycle stopped spinning very well. Unfortunately, the inevitable occurred this weekend. While in the midst of washing my mountains of laundry, my washer’s last functioning wash cycle just stopped working. Why is this a running story, you might ask. Because my washing machine died right before I washed my workout clothes. I hadn’t washed running clothes in over a week. That’s three yoga classes, three trips to the gym, and five outdoor runs worth of clothes waiting to be washed. Oh, and several Lululemon technical fabric casual outfits, too.

Given my mountain of laundry, my overwhelming desire to avoid the laundromat, and my admission that both my washer and dryer were, in fact, 10 years old and not working properly, I headed to my local big box store to pick out a new pair. I selected a new set easily, bought them, and scheduled delivery.

New washing machine

The only problem – they won’t come in time for me to wash running tights for tonight’s run. So, tonight I’ll be wearing cropped tights with tall socks. It will be fabulous. The moral of the story: Wash your running clothes first.

Tips for New Runners

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My sister in law recently started running and I couldn’t be happier. Dreams of family races are dancing in my head. Yay! Last week, she called me to get some running advice. Turns out she was struggling with running, and, most of the reasons were completely preventable. Inspired by her questions, I submit to you my best advice for new runners, including you Couch to 5k runners in training.

Q&A for New Runners

Why are my toenails bruised?

The short answer – your shoes are too tight. Most new runners start running in old trainers (probably the ones used for mowing the lawn, or going to the gym) and it’s an important rite of passage to buy proper running shoes. If your nails are bruising, your shoes are likely too small. Most runners like shoes at least a size larger than their shoe size (ladies – a size larger than flats, at least a half size larger than pumps). Another common culprit of bruised toenails is bad socks. Socks are largely an issue of personal preference and most runners are quite passionate about socks. Synthetic, wool, or blended socks are your best bet. I’ve written about a few different kinds of socks in my reviews. It’s a good idea to buy socks specific for running that are made from high quality materials. Wicking socks will also help prevent blisters. If new socks and the proper shoes don’t help, bruised toenails may be the fault of your running form or where you run. Downhill running can increase the likelihood of bruising. Consider consulting a running coach or staff at a running specialty store for more help.

How do you tell what pace you’re running and how do you run a consistent pace?

There are lots of great apps and devices for keeping track of pace, but that’s just numeric pace. I think the best way to manage pace when starting as a new runner is by feel. Runners and running coaches often talk about “conversation pace” runs, or the “talk test”. This means that you should run most of your runs at a pace at which you can have an intelligent conversation with a running partner. If you’re panting and can only sputter out phrases, slow down. You’ll be more comfortable, and build fitness faster, if you run most of your runs at a conversation pace. Once you have a good foundation of running, you can increase speed and challenge your fitness with different runs. If you want to keep track of numeric pace, consider downloading a free or low cost app for your phone (RunKeeper, Endomodo, MapMyRun), investing in the Nike+ system (its has an app, too), or making the larger investment in a Garmin Forerunner. The Forerunner line has a GPS-enabled running watch for everyone. Keep track of your runs and pace, using any method that works for you, in a running log. Then, you can review your log to learn more about what works for you as a runner. It also feels great to see evidence of your improvement.

What should I do about post-run soreness?

Rest, ice, and stretch. Self massage also helps. I love my foam roller and The Stick for self massage. Foam rollers are available everywhere and using them is easy. Basically, you lay on top of it and roll your body across it. It’s great for large muscle groups like quads and hamstrings. Google foam roller for instructional videos, helpful tips, and shopping. The Stick is an innovative self massage tool that has rolling washers attached to a longer post. Using it is simple – roll the Stick across sore muscles. Self massage is wonderful for post run soreness.

Are walk breaks ok?

Of course! There are a number of popular methods of running that include planned walk breaks, including the super popular Hal Higdon method. There is no shame in taking a break to walk, stretch, or lower your heart rate to maintain a comfortable pace. Running should be fun and if talking a walk break makes it more comfortable and fun, then do it! There’s also no shame in stopping at stop lights and standing still. Don’t feel compelled to run in place or dance around. Rest is good.

What can I do to control skin breakouts?

My best advice is to change out of sweaty running clothes as soon as possible, but I know that doesn’t always work. Running in sweat-wicking clothing helps. Running clothes that are primarily cotton trap sweat and dirt and that contribute to breakouts. I find it also helps to exfoliate frequently and to wash my face and skin with products that contain salycilic acid. I love the Neutrogena pink grapefruit line and the St. Ives skin clearing line (for a slightly less girly smell). Neutrogena makes skin and body wipes in the pink grapefruit line and they’re wonderful.

What stuff do I really need to make running more comfortable?

You don’t need much to run, but a few small things can make your running life much more comfortable. Invest in quality shoes. They are the most important part of your running life. Clothing that’s made specifically for exercise and has wicking material will make your runs significantly more comfortable. Target has a low cost line, RoadRunnerSports.com carries everything you could imagine, and specialty retailers like Lululemon, Lucy, Oiselle, and Athleta make great products for women. Don’t run in cotton if you can help it and select seamless or flat seam garments. Body Glide is  a wonderful invention that prevents chafing. I slather it on my feet in wet weather, on seams, and on any body parts that might touch and chafe. Buy some immediately. Purchase some nice socks, particularly if you’re prone to blisters. The blister-prone should also consider getting a box or two of Band Aid Brand Blister bandages. They’re specially made, cushioned bandages that last a long time, are impervious to sweat, and heal blisters. Finally, get a nice water bottle and keep it full. Be sure to hydrate enough, particularly if you live in a hot climate. Some people prefer a handheld bottle (I love mine and wrote about them on the blog), others prefer to stash a bottle mid-run. Either way, a nice bottle helps.

(And one from my brother) How do I stop my nipples from bleeding?

Two words. Nipple Guards. They’re nifty little yellow caps for the nipples. They really help (or so I’m told). Band aids are good (and much less expensive), and, in lower sweat conditions, Body Glide can help. Bloody nipples happen when the water and salt in sweat chafe the sensitive nipples, rubbing the skin off and making them bleed. Protect the nipples with a topical guard and wear proper fitting, wicking shirts.

Tips for New Runners

There you have it. My best advice for new runners, couch to 5kers, and everyone else who’s new to running and has questions. Have a question I didn’t address? No problem! Contact me using the handy link above, tweet me, or find me on Facebook. I’m happy to help.

Gear Review: Skora Base Shoes First Impressions

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Recently, I was offered the opportunity to review a pair of Skora Running shoes. I jumped at the chance. I’m someone who loves new shoes, and running gear in general, and I was happy to review the shoes. I picked out the super cool looking Skora Base in the blue/white color. I’ve only worn them once, so this is a preliminary review. I decided that something like shoes needed two reviews – one of my first impressions and one once they have some miles on them.

Skora shoes are built on the philosophy that running shoes should be made practically, for real runners in the real world. Thus, their slogan, “Run Real”. Skora shoes are designed using RealFit technology and are manufactured to offer a natural fit that encourages natural performance and foot movement. The Skora Base shoes are zero drop, have minimal cushioning, and feature a specially shaped outsole to offer a natural, close to the ground feel and encourage natural foot movement. They also feature an anatomically correct fit, including a wide toe box and asymmetrical lacing for comfort.

I was super excited when my new shoes arrived because, let’s face it, they’re cool looking! I selected a pair that doesn’t have laces, but has an elastic strap for a customized fit.

Cool, right? I immediately liked the look of the shoe. I think the strap is clever and interesting. They certainly don’t look like any other shoes I own. I also love the color. It’s pretty and soft and the reflective detailing on the heel, toe, and side of the shoe is a nice touch. I tested out the size of my new shoes. Turns out they run a little big (I usually wear a 9.5 and needed a 9), so I had to send them back. A few weeks later, my shoes were in and ready for a test drive.

I tested the shoes out on a quick recovery run in a friend’s neighborhood. It was the perfect day for running – 68, sunny, and breezy – so we decided to fit in a quick run. I slipped on my new Skoras for the run. The fit of the shoe is noticably roomy in the toe box. I loved that. I liked being able to move my toes freely and the flexible material made it easy. The toe box is wide, but the fit isn’t too large thanks to the snug fit through the mid foot. The elastic strap at the mid foot ensures a tight, custom fit. I cinched my shoes up and hit the road.

At first, the feel of the Skora Base is different than even a low-drop shoe. There is some molding in the heel and forefoot that gives them a distinct fit. The heel molding feels like a cup and my feet slid right in. There definitely is very, very minimal padding. I could feel every rock, stick, and bump in the road. My friend and I decided to run on a variety of surfaces to ensure a good test. I liked the close to the road feel. I generally run in lower profile shoes and I like to wear a responsive shoe. The Skora Base fit the bill. I felt close to the ground and connected to the running surface. My feet were very comfortable in the shoes. I loved the wide toe box and enjoyed the feeling of space around my toes. I also liked the snug fit through the mid foot. It ensured a great fit despite the extra room in the toe box and the heel cup area. The shoes stayed put on my feet, and, thanks to the comfortable fit, were easy to run in. The only down side to the close to the road, responsive fit and feel – the sensitivity of my poor feet. Part of our run was on a gravel road that isn’t well traveled. Large chunks of rock are everywhere. I could feel every large rock and I even have a bruise on the bottom of one foot from a particualrly poorly timed landing on a large rock.

The bottom line – I like the feel and structure of the Skora Base. They run a little large, so consider going a half size down. They have a close to the road feel that’s great on most surfaces but I don’t recommend running on gravel roads in them.

I’ll post another, more complete review when I have some miles on the shoes, but so far, so  good. The Skore Base retails for $110 and can be found online here.

Packing for Hood to Coast

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In less than 24 hours, I’m leaving on a jet plane, and heading to Oregon for Hood to Coast. Hood to Coast is the mother of all relays and I can’t wait to run it. It’s a running lifelong dream. Here’s how it happened:

Months ago, some running friends mentioned that they were thinking of applying to the Hood to Coast lottery and asked me if I would like to run. I have wanted to run Hood to Coast for years, and I finally had found a team of people who wanted to run and wanted me to run with them. Yay! Our fearless leader put in the application. I couldn’t believe it when she told me we got in. We were going to Oregon! It seemed so far away. Now, the time has come. And I have to pack!

As one of our team’s officially designated highly organized teammates, I prepared a packing list. Here it is:

Three sets of running clothes plus a spare set just in case, rain shell, long sleeve shirt or pullover, hat, sunglasses, five pairs of socks, reflective vest, wind jacket, headlamp, flashing light, camera, Garmin, iPhone, chargers for camera iPhone and Garmin, clothes to wear in the van, warm up pants, flip flops, two pairs of running shoes, sweatshirt for the beach, The Stick, Biofreeze, handheld water bottle, compression sleeves, arm warmers, and snacks.

Turns out that’s  lot of stuff! What a mess!
Yikes. I’m not sure all that stuff will fit in one bag. And, is that really all that I need? This is my first relay and this is a big one! I got some great advice to put my running clothes in baggies to keep the parts together and organized.
I love anything that makes travel more organized. The big question remains – did I miss anything? Relay veterans – what would you add or subtract from my list?
Stay tuned for updates and reports from the race. Hood to Coast, here I come!

How To De-Stink Your Running Clothes

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Let’s face it. Running clothes get stinky. Yes, ladies, even our running clothes get stinky. Yuck. I’ve seen lots of discussion online about stinky running clothes and a general sense of horror at the level of stinkiness some clothes can achieve. These discussions inspired me to share my strategy for keeping clothes smelling fresh. It’s simple.

First, a little primer on why running clothes stink – and why they maintain their smell even after washing. When we sweat, we not only sweat out water, but salts, oils, fats, and other organic compounds. We also sweat off whatever it was that was on our skin to begin with, including lotion, deodorant, and the like. While the water part of sweat, and most of the salts, are easily washed out, the other compounds can cling. Ew. Fabrics have pores and the pores in fabric, just like pores anywhere else, get clogged up with these yucky bits. When the yucky bits begin to break down, they stink. The clogged pores also capture more junk, compounding the problem and the smell.

Pre-wash

Immediately after wearing, and stinking up, running clothes, either wash them or hang them to dry out. It is critical to long-term smell to not let the clothes mildew or sit around sweaty. I keep two cheap plastic hampers in my basement near my washing machine to use as dirty clothes drying racks. I hang the wet clothes around the edges of the hamper. Then, when they have dried, I just push the clothes into the hamper to await their turn to be washed. If you’re tight on space, try a cheap round hamper on top of the washer. Even less space, hang them outside, or off the shower rod for a few hours. The drier your clothes can be pre-wash, the better off you’ll be.

Dr. Rachel’s actual dirty clothes, hanging to dry.

Synthetic fabrics

Synthetic, wicking, fabrics are fantastic. But, the same thing that makes them wick makes them stink. The little pores that transport moisture away from the skin are also likely to get clogged. When the pores clog, the clothes stink. To wash, and successfully de-stink your synthetic fabrics, you need two things. First, you need a powder-baed laundry enhancer. I like Oxy Clean, but I’ve had equally good results with Borax. Next, you’ll want a laundry detergent that’s up to the task. The best laundry detergent for synthetic workout clothes is Win High Performance Sports Detergent.

I love this stuff! It has a special ratio of cleaning agents to work best on synthetic fabrics and a nice smell (and it’s HE safe for you people with fancier washing machines than I). It’s a little expensive, so I alternate between my usual Cold Water Tide and Win. Wash your clothes in warm or hot water (personal preference, I use warm) with the amount of powder and detergent required for your load size. For best results, use more water than you think you need. This strategy will ensure that the clothes have sufficient room to move around, swishing the water through the pores. What if you have one of those fancy new load sensing washers, you ask. Trick the machine into adding extra water by using the add clothes feature or by adding water manually. Once your clothes are clean and fresh, air dry or dry in a very hot dryer. I air dry to make up for all the extra water I use. One important note – never, ever use fabric softener of any kind (including dryer sheets) with synthetic fabrics. Fabric softener clogs the pores and will trap stink in the fabric. What if you already used the softener (gasp)? That’s ok. Follow the instructions for cotton, below, then wash with Win and hot water to remove any reside. Your fabrics will be fine once you remove the softener from the pores.

Cotton

My running husband still runs in cotton t shirts (I know!) and I can tell you it’s much harder to de-stink cotton, but it can be done. I find that drying them completely before washing helps. I routinely wash my husband’s cotton shirts in warm water and Tide (Cold Water, or the kind with color-safe bleach) with Oxy Clean and dry them in a very hot dryer. Once a month or so, I perform a de-stinking procedure on the worst offenders. To de-stink cotton, you only need regular, household vinegar. Get yourself a gallon jug of vinegar and, for each full load of stinky stuff, add approximately two cups of vinegar to a “soak” cycle. If your machine doesn’t have soak, let it fill and run though half of a wash cycle with the vinegar, then drain it. After draining the vinegar water, wash the clothes in warm or hot water (personal preference) with a powder-based laundry additive and detergent of your choice. Win is safe for cotton, and works well. I also like ordinary Tide. As with synthetics, stay away from fabric softeners, and even the Tide with Febreze in it. Dry the clothes in a very hot dryer.

There you have it – my tips to stay smelling fresh, even if it’s just at the start of your runs.

Gear Review: Janji Shorts

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Anyone who knows me will know that I love anything with a bird printed on it. That’s what immediately drew me to the Janji Run for Another Women’s Run for Haiti Shorts – the cute bird print. After reading a bit more about the company online, I was sold and headed over to my local Fleet Feet Sports to get a pair. I got the Janji Run for Haiti Shorts and tested them on two recent runs.

I love these shorts! First, the whole idea of Janji running apparel is great. A portion of the proceeds of sales of all Janji apparel is donated to charity to provide critical services to people in need. The Janji Haiti shorts benefit Meds and Food for Kids’ Medika Mamba, a peanut butter medicine that provides nutrition and needed medicine to starving children. Haiti is the poorest country in the Western Hemisphere and 25% or more of the Haitian children are malnourished, so the support of charities like Meds and Food for Kids is essential. I was pleased to know that a portion of the proceeds from the sale of my shorts was doing good out there in the world.

In addition to making me feel like a good global citizen, the Janji shorts fit and feel great. They are 100% polyester, with a very lightweight feel. The Haiti shorts are Haitian flag’s blue color, and the bird print on the left leg is a Hispaniolan Trogan. The shorts have a thick drawstring, an inner key pocket, and 100% polyester inner briefs. The shorts sport a 3.5 inch inseam, a bit shorter than my usual shorts, but not scary short.

I wore these shorts on two runs. The first was a 5 mile training run and the second a 2.5 mile cross country race. Both runs were in hot, humid conditions. The lightweight feel of the shorts was perfect for the soggy weather. The shorts felt light and breezy, but not thin. Even the inner brief felt lightweight and soft. The material was quick to dry and stayed comfortable even when soaked with sweat. The waistband felt secure and the drawstring enabled me to get a good fit around my waist. The shorts stayed in place through both runs and were very comfortable to wear. After the runs, the shorts washed well, dried in a flash, and looked wrinkle-free.

The fit of the shorts is akin to the Nike Tempo shorts with the 3.5 inch inseam. They are a bit on the smallish side in the legs, true to size in the waist, and a bit bubbly in the hips. I like this fit. It works for me. I got a small and I usually wear a small (I’m a 4-6 in normal clothes). They fit well, even around my muscular thighs.

Overall, I love my new Janji shorts. They fit well, they’re lightweight, and they offer runners an opportunity to give back (even if it’s just a small amount). For sumer running, the Janji Run for Haiti shorts are a great choice.

It’s worth note that Janji also makes a Run for Kenya red short for women, a men’s version of the Haiti and Kenya shorts, and a few cute shirts.

Grade: A

Suggested Retail Price: $38 on the Janji website (check it out!)

Friday Favorite: Socks, Part 2

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A few weeks ago I raved about Lululemon’s running socks in Part 1 of this two part series. I must admit that they are not my only sock love. I love (and feel the need to share this love with you) my Experia CoolMax Thin Cushion Mico Mini Crew socks by Thorlos.  Despite the obvious drawback of having a crazy long name, these Experia socks are amazing.

First, and most importantly, these socks hold tight and don’t shift around while running or cycling. The foot-hugging shape makes the socks stay put – even on long runs in the rain. There is a subtle drawing in around the arch and top of the foot that really holds the sock in place. Next, the Experia socks have a unique padding distribution. According to the manufacturer, the thin cushion padding is sculpted to and contoured to match the natural foot strike pattern. This means that the padding is soft and squishy only on the ball of the foot and bottom of the heel. I love thin socks, and the cushion in the Experia socks adds comfort without bulk. The padding is just right for me – it doesn’t add bulk to the sock, but adds noticeable cushioning. Finally, there is a reinforced area at the heel. As someone prone to blisters, I really appreciate the slightly reinforced point at the top of the heel. It adds a little bit of padding and protection just where I need it. I think it protects my heel from blisters and holds the top of the sock in place. Though my preferred Experia is the Micro Mini Crew and one would think that means a no-show sock, the rise on the sock is a bit higher. It touches my ankle bone, giving me ample protection from rocks and debris on trail runs. I have the Experia is lots of colors (check them out – they have great colors!) and I love every pair.

It’s in the Bag

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As a detail-oriented runner, I can be counted on to have pretty much any running supply in my running bag. Need a bandaid? I have four sizes. Hungry? I have a veritable smorgasbord tucked into the pockets of my running bag. I often get questions about my running bag essentials – what do I pack and why? Here it is…the lowdown on what’s in the bag.

Rachel’s packed running bag.

Starting from the top, folded pink item, and clockwise:

  1. Pink Saucony Run Lux I shorts – I always have a spare pair of shorts with me. You never know when you might have an incident or might find the shorts you’re wearing unsatisfactory. In the winter I carry a spare pair of tights.
  2. Old race shirt – I keep a spare shirt in my bag for much the same reason as I keep spare shorts. You just never know. I also like to be able to switch shirts after a long, sweaty run. Having a clean shirt, even if it doesn’t match my outfit, makes me feel a bit more presentable at the bagel shop or grocery store post-run.
  3. Nike Element Half Zip – The weather, and air conditioning, in Connecticut can be unpredictable. Sometimes the bagel shop, my favorite post-long run location, is polar ice cap cold. Sweat + high A/C = freezing runner. I’m prepared with a long sleeve shirt. I love the Nike Element Half Zip so much that I reviewed it in a gear review. Check it out.
  4. Super special little flower bag, described in detail below.
  5. PowerBar Energy Bites in the oatmeal cookie flavor – I am hungry pretty much all the time and anyone who has raced with me will testify that if I don’t get food about 3 minutes after crossing the finish line of a long race I get super cranky. It’s best to have food on hand at all times. I love these little bites. They are tasty, they aren’t harmed by high heat or freezing cold, and they stay fresh for a long time. I don’t like chocolate (I know, I know) or peanut butter, so it’s hard for me to find something I like. When I do, I get a lot of it. I can be found with my PowerBar bites in my running bag. There are also some Sport Beans in there somewhere – at least two flavors.
  6. Band-Aid brand blister band aids – Best thing ever! I love these band aids. They are specially made for blisters with a cushy pad and super sticky adhesive. The bandage stays on for days of normal use, or about 10 miles in really sweaty conditions. They really seem to heal blisters faster. I love them. I keep the finger/toe variety, the regular variety, a safety pin, alcohol wipes, and a nail trimmer on hand at all times. You never know when a blister might turn ugly, or when a rock might jump in front of a toenail. I like to be prepared with my foot care staples.

In the pockets:

  1. Car key
  2. Burt’s Bees lip balm - I like the mango variety.
  3. Trusty levalbuterol inhaler
  4. Reflective items, Saucony flashing lights, reflective ankle strap, and Cyclops headlamp – You never know when it might be unexpectedly dark. It’s better to have reflective gear on hand than to need it and not have it. It’s worth note that I really love my Cyclops headlamp. The light is bright, the sharp is comfortable, and the lamp is adjustable in terms of direction, so runners can adjust the light to just the right location.

Note: The bag is the Lululemon Flow and Go Tote.

Little flower bag:

In my little flower bag, I keep most of my cosmetic items. It holds the following:

  1. Neutrogena Deep Clean Sport individual face wipes – Great for cleaning up after sweaty runs. They also work great for removing mud from the legs after trail runs.
  2. BodyGlide – Just say no to chafing!
  3. No Ad sport sunscreen SPF 30 – No Ad is my favorite sunscreen brand. It’s cheap, it lasts a long time, it smells nice, and it doesn’t make me itch like many other sunscreens.
  4. Tiny bag with bobby pins, pony tail holders, and the like
  5. Mini spray on Neosporin – You never know when you’ll need it. I routinely scratch up my legs with sticks and rocks on trail runs. For particularly nasty ones, a spritz of this makes me feel better.
  6. Immodium caplets – Self explanatory. I also have cold medicine and ibuprofen.
  7. More band aids

These are the items I consider essential enough to carry with me to every run. They’re my favorites, and the products I trust in my times of need. Consider your curiosity satisfied.

Gear Review: Pace Setter Skirt

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I am a girl. Shocking, I know, but my identity as a bit of a girly girl is important to me. I firmly believe that one can look like a girl and a runner, even a trail runner, at the same time. I love that running skirts have become popular, and readily available, in cute colors and patterns. I enjoy running in skirts. I think they’re comfortable, cute, and, most importantly, functional. Skirts are especially great for summer runs – they are cool and comfortable. Recently, I got the Lululemon Run: Pace Setter Skirt in black wee stripe. To be honest, what first attracted me to this skirt was the adorable pleating in the back.

Pace Setter Skirt. Photo credit: Lululemon.com

I am a faithful Lululemon customer, so I had high expectations. I hoped that the skirt might be as comfortable as it was pretty. I was pleasantly surprised. I love this skirt. According to Luluemon the skirt has the following features: four-way stretch, moisture wicking, chafe-resistant, and breathable, thanks to flat-seam Swift and Luxtreme construction. The skirt has a built in zipper pocket in the middle of the back on the waistband and two small open pockets in the front waistband. The skirt inseam in the regular length is just over 12 inches in the front and 13 inches in the back (the tall version is and inch and a half longer). There are slightly shorter shorts underneath, with rubberized grips on the hems. It also has the standard Lululemon internal drawstring and a regular rise waist. The waistband is Luxtreme and wide enough to stay flat during runs.

The fabric of the Pace Setter skirt is wonderful. I like the Swift fabric that makes up the body of the skirt. It’s smooth and it feels a bit like the fabric of cotton no-iron dress shirts. It stays smooth and crisp through humidity, sweat, rain, long runs, and even crumpling under warm up pants. Heck, my skirt even stands up to sports drink spills, grass stains, and trail dirt. I feel completely comfortable wearing this skirt post-run into restaurants and grocery stores without feeling like I’m rocking the “I just ran” sweaty look. The Pace Setter skirt is one of my go-to travel pieces because it always looks great – even after I wad it up and toss it in my suitcase. The pleats in the back of the skirt stay crisp and pleated in every condition. The skirt comes our of the washer looking smooth and wearable. Overall, the fabric requires no special care and looks polished all the time.

The Pace Setter skirt in action – in a terrifying race photo (I’m so not photogenic and it was 86 degrees, in my defense).

The shorts underneath the Pace Setter skirt stay put. The rubbery band holds tight, but doesn’t pinch or shift during runs. I don’t have small thighs, so I have a problem with shorts riding up and these shorts are the best. They really stay right where they should, even on longer runs. Just a note – the shorts are shorter than the skirt. The shorts have flat seams and are quite comfortable.

I got my first Pace Setter skirt a few months ago and it’s held up beautifully. It looks just as good today as it did when I bought it. I get compliments on it all the time and have enjoyed wearing it in every condition. Overall, I love this skirt and highly recommend it whether you’re a running skirt wearer or are just getting your first skirt.

Grade: A+

Suggested retail price: $58

Details for Rachel’s outfit, above: Brooks Sunshield visor, Lululemon Cool Racerback tank in flash, Run: Pace Setter Skirt, crazy socks (part of my team uniform for the race), and Nike Run Free 2+ shoes.

How To Clean Your Handheld Water Bottle

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After my recent post about handheld hydrations systems (fancy words for running water bottles), I got several questions about how to clean the bottles. I like things clean, so no one who knows me will be surprised that I have a set of steps for optimal bottle cleaning.

Here it is, Rachel’s step-by-step guide to bottle cleaning. Note: This method works well with all types of handheld bottles and the tiny bottles that are a part of hydration belts (i.e. Fuel Belt, Nathan).

  1. Remove the cloth-like bits. To remove the strap on your Nathan Quickshot, remove the lid, squeeze the bottle part with one hand, and lift the dark grey rubbery ring up off the neck of the bottle. I say “lift”, but I mean wiggle, pull, and slide. It will take a little maneuvering. If it doesn’t seem to fit, squeeze the bottle a bit harder. I basically flatten mine, then fold it a bit to make it shorter so the dark grey ring will move. Once you slip the dark grey rubber part off the neck of the bottle, the rest of the strap will slide right off. Set aside. The remove the strap from your Amphipod Hydraform handheld bottle, remove the bottom loop of the strap (the part with the logo on it). The rubber top ring should then slide right off. If yours has a thermal cover like mine, that comes off after the strap.
  2. Soak the bottles to remove dirt and germs. For this step, I use denture cleaner. The denture cleaner will disinfect and will remove any residual odors or tastes (important if you perhaps left a Nuun disc in a little bit of water overnight – not that I have ever done that). Be sure to get the unflavored – NOT mint – denture cleaner. I use a half tablet per bottle. Put the half tablet in the bottle, fill with warm water, shake to dissolve the tablet, and allow to soak. I soak at least 3-4 hours, sometimes overnight, for optimal freshness. I wash two bottles at a time because then you can rest the bottles against one another in a bowl for easy soaking. 
  3. Dump the denture cleaner out of the bottles and wash the bottles and caps with soap and water. Set aside to dry.
  4. Wash the straps and cloth-like bits. I toss mine in the washing machine in a garment/lingerie bag. I suppose you could hand wash the straps, but I am a fan of machine washing everything that can possibly be machine washed. My bottle straps have tolerated repeated machine washing with no adverse effects.
  5. Hang the straps to dry. Do not dry the straps in the dryer – the rubber might melt.
  6. Reassemble the whole bottle, using the same method as you used for strap removal (squeeze and wiggle the straps).

Follow these easy steps for fresh and clean handheld bottles.