What Socks to Wear Running

I have a new favorite sock for running: Asics Hera low cut.

There is nothing about them that I dislike and lots to love:

• Low cut but with just a little extra in the front and back to help keep them from slipping into the shoe.
• Wide, firm but not painful arch support.
• Actually shaped like a human foot - flat on the bottom, instead of flat when sideways.
• Left/right specific.
• Nice cushion under the ball and heel but not excessive.
• Green (sort of) because they're PVC free.

Actually, they do have a downside - they are crazy expensive. One pair was $10 at my local running store, A Runner's Mind. If anyone knows of a place that sells them in bulk for cheap, let me know!

Happy running!

What to Wear Running: 75 degrees

Temp: 75 degrees, sunny
Humidity/Precip.: Moderate
Wind: 15 mph
Terrain: Rolling hills
Distance: 4 miles

What I Wore: Hat, Road Runner Sports singlet, Nike shorts and waterproof sunblock.

Did It Work: Yes, but barely. 75 degrees with sun can feel very warm, even with a breeze and moderate humidity, so minimal clothes, plus sunblock, was good. As summer continues to heat up, be sure to look for tops that wick sweat well and are breathable. This RRS singlet isn't my favorite for wicking and it has a big pocket in the back (think bike shirt) - putting extra layers over my lower back.

What Would Make It Better: I love small pockets built into running gear, particularly if they're built into the hem or side seams. The RRS singlet's pocket is big enough to hold two tennis balls. I don't know why, but when I'm running - versus playing tennis - I wish it weren't so.

What to Wearing Running in 65 degrees

Temp: 65 degrees/overcast
Wind: 15 mph
Humidity/Precip.: Moderately high
Terrain: Rolling hills
Distance: 3 miles

Ridiculous photo, but best I had.

What I Wore: Full-length sports bra, mid-weight, moisture-wicking, long-sleeve top; and shorts.

Did It Work: No. The wind fooled me into thinking it was colder than it was, so I over dressed (I know, lame excuse). A mile into the run, I had to push up my sleeves and at two miles, my core was sweaty.

What I Should Have Done: A regular sports bra under a mid-weight top or, for the guys, just one layer.

The Upside (if that's what you call it): On my way home, my knee tweaked, forcing me to walk for a few blocks. The wind chilled me, making me glad I could pull down my sleeves while my knee worked itself out.

And, despite not being perfectly dressed and the knee tweaking, it was a nice run.

Happy running!

What to Wear Running: Puma Running Jacket for Women

If you aren't thinking about Puma when looking for new running gear, you're overlooking some good stuff. The shorts I've owned for a couple years are holding up and the new running jacket that Puma sent me to try out is nice! Below is my review:

Light-Weight Windproof Running Jacket

Pros:

• Outside pockets on both sides. No zipper, but snug enough to hold keys and big enough for my hands.
• Venting so the inside doesn’t get too steamy (see hand poking through in photo - vents are invisible unless you do this...and why would you?!).
• Very wind resistant, making a cold wind on a 40 degree day no issue.
• Zipper guard at the neck, so no chafing.
• Good length for long and short torsos.
• Elastic at cuffs and hem isn't too tight.
• Black (yeah!) with subtle dashes of color make it casually match this season’s top and shoes.
• Reflective elements at the wrists and in the front and back.

Con:

Arrows: neck guard & cord holder

The earbud-cord holder. It’s location makes no sense – along the collar seam, over the left shoulder. This means that the cord for your right ear has to reach across your neck in an annoying way, especially if you aren't zipped all the way up. It also demands that you leave the cord from your iPod dangling on the outside of the jacket, rather than threading it underneath. Anyone who has snagged an arm on their iPod cord, ripping their earbuds from their ears, knows that a loose cord is a big hassle.

That’s a long gripe for a small issue, but the devil is in the details, especially when it comes to gear.

In sum, yes, this is my new go-to jacket when it’s windy. I give it an A-. Thanks, Puma!