Tag Archives: running gear

Gear Review: Pace Crops

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Spring is here! I experienced one of my favorite springtime traditions recently – the switching of the running clothes. I keep out of season gear in big boxes in my basement, and, twice each year, that means that I get to switch seasons of my athletic gear. The switch almost always leads to the purchase of a few new items to add to my collection.

Given my deep an abiding love of all things Lululemon (and, full disclosure, my Ambassador status), Lululemon was the logical destination for new gear. I am in love with the Pace Tights and decided to try their sister crops, the Run: Pace Crops. I bought the black/frond pair and have now tested them on a number of runs (and one race!).

Pace Crops

I like these crops. Honestly, I was a bit confused by the crops the first time I wore them. I expected them to fit and feel like their Pace Tights sister, but they’re more like distant cousins. The Pace Crops fit differently and look distinct from the tights. But, the fit and feel are great. They are primarily Power Luxtreme, with a very lightweight feel. The back of the knees has Circle Mesh venting. I like the added touch of the Circle Mesh. It keeps the material from bunching behind the knees for a comfortable stride. The crops have two gel pockets in the front waistband and a zipper pocket in the back waistband. The inseam is 17 inches, or just below knee length.

I have worn these crops on several runs. In the cool and humid conditions that are typical in the spring in my area, the crops were just the right weight for running comfort.  The lightweight feel of the material was perfect for the soggy weather. The Power Luxtreme material was quick to dry and stayed comfortable, holding its shape even when wet. The waistband felt secure and the circle drawstring enabled me to get a good fit around my waist. The flat seams ensured that my skin was chafe-free. I appreciated the small, reflective strip on the side of the leg. It was just right for lower light running. Overall, I love my Run: Pace Crops. They fit well, they’re lightweight, and they perform in a variety of conditions.

Grade: A

Suggested Retail Price: $86 on the Lululemon website (Direct link here) – and they now come in adorable, bright colors!

Details for Rachel’s outfit, above: Lululemon pullover in frond (they don’t make this one anymore – sorry), black Lululemon Speed Demon Run Hat (I LOVE this hat and its sister, the Shady Lady Run Visor), Brooks Pure Flow shoes. And, don’t worry. I’m not going to die in the picture, I’m just squinting at the finish line clock.

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.

Lite Brite

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I love a good contest, particularly a costume contest. I like the challenge of coming up with something truly creative. I also love to see what other people come up with for costumes – and what people are willing to run in for the sake of a contest. Nothing is more fun that a group run that involves a costume contest. So, you can imagine my joy when Fleet Feet West Hartford announced a Light Up Your Run contest with Brooks Running. The premise was that winter running requires not only warm gear, but reflective clothing and safety equipment. The contest was designed to encourage runners to sport their brightest gear. I got to work on my costume idea right away. Once I had my idea I tried it on. It was blinding. Perfect.

I hate to give away all my secrets, but let’s just say my super fun outfit involved running with huge battery packs to power my lights. I ran past an older man on the fun run who told me my outfit scared his dog. A running friend called me Lite Brite (which was a wonderful toy!). But, it was all worth it when I won. That’s right. I won! I was delighted to have won even before I heard about the prize. This lucky girl won a whole Brooks outfit, including the new Pure Flow shoes.

I’ve been meaning to try the new Pure Project shoes now that Brooks changed the upper to a boot that didn’t have a seam right where my baby toe sits. I ran in my Pure Flows for the first time today. I love these shoes! The fit is comfortable, slightly snug through the midfoot, and cushy. I love that Flows are a lower profile shoe, with a moderate heel to toe drop, but they feel super cushioned. My feet were very happy.

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.

A Runner Lives Here – Hotel Version

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There are some telltale signs that a runner lives in a given place – running shoes lying about, multiple pairs of running shoes (trail shoes, racing flats, training shoes – I need them all!) in a closet, piles of sweaty laundry in the hampers, Body Glide in the medicine cabinet…the list goes on and on. Today, in my hotel room, I saw a sure sign that a runner lives here:

That’s right. A pile of running magazines (Running Times, Runners World, New England Runner, and the odd man out, Yoga Journal), running clothes, sports bra, and my running shoes all clearly displayed on my bed.

What are the telltale signs that a runner lives in your house?

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.