Quick-dry Gear for Travel

Little home experiment helped me decide what gear to pack on a two-week international trip.
Criteria: functional in my destination's temps and quick dry so I could rinse and repeat.

Test gear: silk long underwear, Lululemon yoga pants, REI long underwear top, Puma tank, Under Armour multipurpose top, Arc'teryx dress and Atom jacket.

Experiment: washed all of the above items in cold water and then hung them to dry to see what would be 100% dry after 12 hours. This seems like a reasonable turn around time when traveling, plus it's how much time I had!

Expectations: I was absolutely sure the silk long underwear and the Under Armour top would be dry as bones. I doubted that the Atom jacket, which has a hood and thick stretchy fabric panels would be dry. Same with the soft and thick REI top and the Lululemon pants. Puma tank was up in the air.
 
Outcome: What the heck?! The silks were still damp, bordering on wet. The Atom jacket was ready to wear. Same with the tank, shirt and the dress. Second shocker, the REI top was dry and back to its usual softness. Lulu performed as expected: damp.

Result: Packing (and need to buy more of) the Arc'teryx. They rock. Also will be packing the UA top and Puma tank. Sorry Lululemon but the yoga pants are staying home with the silk long underwear.

Does Under Armour Make Running Shoes?

I need to address this question because I'm surprised at how often people say to me, "I didn't know Under Armour made shoes."

Does Under Armour make running shoes? Yes. They actually make a couple of different weights and styles. In the coming weeks, a friend who is an Under Armour athlete will run down all the styles she has tried and what she likes. For now, I can tell you that I've tried two.

Under Armour let me test these running shoes for women:

• UA Charge RC-2



Under Armour Charge RC-2

• Summary: not for me. See reasons below.
• Like: 
• Silver and neon color scheme. 
• Heel fits in the stirrups of the rowing machine and doesn't slip out. 
• Easy on due to toebox being separate from heel.
• Dislike: 
• High back - digs into my Achilles, causing some issues when running. 
• Not as light as I prefer but good for someone who wants moderately light with structure. 
• Runs big - based on reviews, I ordered the same size that I usually wear in a street shoe (instead of half a size up like most show experts reco) and it's still very roomy around my middle toes.
• Rubs against a bone on the inner part of my foot. I've learned that, on most people, this bone doesn't stick out, so this shoe should work for others better than for me. 

 

UA mesh short and tank plus Micro G shoe

• UA Micro G Toxic Six
• Summary: not my go-to, but a great running shoe when I'm traveling because they pack small. 
• Also like: 
• Soft heel - very gentle on the damaged Achilles. 
• Light - not as light as the Kinvara but definitely breezy. 
• Good fit - I ordered half a size up from my street shoes and they fit perfectly. 
• I get compliments on these odd-looking babies.
• Dislike: 
• Zany color choices - sort of a leopard print on a green background. 
• Unstructured toe box can cause feet to slip.
• Unsure: the laces are on the outer part of the foot, instead of running up the top. It's supposed to reduce pressure on top of the foot. This isn't a problem for me usually and I haven't noticed a difference except that it's a little odd looking.
• Note: because of the very cushioned ankle, remember to wear thin or low-anklet socks.

Convert a T-shirt into a tank

For various reasons, a lot of athletes don't like short sleeves. Long sleeves - great if it's cold or your muscles haven't warmed up yet. Sleeveless tank - great for freedom of movement and showing off your biceps. But the T-shirt? The sleeve lives in no man's land. It's nondescript, not flattering, not functional. Just gives you a farmer's tan and, in the worst case, makes your shoulders look extra broad.

Here's an easy tip (mostly for women) on how to turn a t-shirt into a tank without cutting off the sleeves and looking like a power lifter:

I saw this at the Under Armour store in Baltimore. It looked so cute (better than I've done here), that I actually asked where they were selling the little ties. Turns out (and here comes the tip for how to make your t-shirt a tank), they had cut up their own head bands and made them into ties. Because of the grippy rubber on one side, they stay tied, so your sleeves stay up. One headband makes about three ties.

Why do it: You might have a drawer full of athletic t-shirts that you don't wear because they just aren't good looking. Instead of shelling out another $20-40 for a new tank, go to the hair products section of your local drug store and buy one of those multipacks of fun-colored (or black, if that's more your style), skinny headbands. Go home, get crafty and get happy with your new gear!

Stay healthy.

These are not my shoes: Under Armour Spine Men's shoes

Men's Under Armour Spine shoe

These are not my shoes.

These are the shoes of a professional basketball player who wears a men's size 13.5.
I wear a women's 7.5 (approximately a men's 5). My toes barely reach the end of the laces and I couldn't get my heel to touch in the back. They are well designed for a big-a$$ foot.

These shoes belong to my friend's friend and when I saw them I could not resist putting them on (they are new, so no foot fungus among us). I imagined what it would be like to have feet this big. I bet I would never tip over; my base would be too big and my center of gravity too low.

These are not my shoes. But if they were, I would rock them!

What to Wear Running: 80 Degree Run in Under Armour for Women

Temp: 80 degrees F/25 degrees C
Humidity: Moderate (55%)
Wind: 10-15 mph
Terrain: Rolling hills
Distance: 3 miles

What I Wore: Under Armour's Fly By mesh tank and knit short. Champion compression sports bra.


Did It Work: As much as possible, yes. I don't handle heat very well. When the mercury hits 75, I'm a hot mess. HOWEVER, this UA gear worked well. The tank didn't bunch or chafe. The mesh wasn't cheesy and see-through. Instead it was breathable and a good weight. The design creates a gather in between the upper shoulder blades so it's less restrictive and more modern. The one thing I would change: make it two inches shorter. But that's just because I have a short torso.

I REALLY like the shorts, with two considerations for anyone going shopping. Here's what's good: modern fit with no excess fabric; wide, comfy waistband; pocket built into liner; close-fitting liner or some nice soft material; VERY good looking, classic design.
Considerations: tiny inseam (~2 inches); lack of inseam can make it feel like it is riding up between the thighs (I don't think it actually was). When buying, be sure to try them on. The shorts are so fitted, you can get VPL (visible panty line) from the built-in liner on the hips or lower bum area.

And the shoes? I'm still testing Under Armour's Micro G shoes. They did well today. I modified my stride a bit and didn't have any ankle pain. Note to self: tighten those laces! These shoes will slip from side to side if not laced tightly.

Thank you to Under Armour for letting me try out this gear.

Under Armour Running Shoes: Charge RC 2

Under Armour's Charge RC 2 shoe just arrived in my little test kitchen. Love the color. Silver should be the new black when it comes to training footwear.

Aside from how they look, the one thing I can comment on is the sizing. The reviews on Under Armour's site said they run big. I normally wear a 7.5 street shoe and a size 8 running shoe. Based on the reviews, I got the 7.5 and there is plenty of room at the end of the toe. I have moderately wide feet and a high arch. So far, the smaller size isn't pinching. We'll see how they feel after tonight's workout.

Thanks for the opportunity to try these out, UA!

Under Armour Running Shoes: Micro G Toxic Six

What I'm Test Running: Under Armour's Micro G Toxic Six running shoe

Why:

1. It deserves to be called Micro. Lightweight and low profile at 5.5 oz. 
2. The laces are offset to reduce pressure on top of the foot (I have such high arches, I usually can't wear Nike). 
3. A friend who is sponsored by Under Armour offered (full disclosure!).

So far I've worn them for a 3 miler on pavement and 1.5 miles on the treadmill. The fit is good and I like the sock liner more than I thought would. Sadly, my achilles is acting up. Not sure if it's the shoe - there is almost no padding under the ball of the foot - or me, so I'm giving myself a little break. More after I've logged a few more runs.

Yoga + Running = Perfect day

The older and achier I get, the more it takes for me to maintain a running practice. For example, I actually stretch (sometimes) now. There's also a mental component to staying in active; I find inspiring places and run them. This place in Pacifica, Calif., provided both inspiration and some cool places to do yoga. Thanks to my Brooks shoes for handling the terrain, Icebreaker top for keeping me warm in the sea breezes and Under Armour tights for being tough enough to handle to rough surfaces.

Small tip: when combining yoga and running, start with a bit of running or a hike. There's a risk of injury if you stretch before warming up.

What to Wear Running: San Francisco Summer

Temp: 60 degrees (yes, that's summer in SF)
Wind: Mild
Humidity/Precip.: Moderate (~70%)/None
Terrain: Flat

What I Wore Running: Nike Dri-Fit t-shirt, Under Armour heavy-weight shorts, hat.

Did It Work: Yes. 60 is right on the edge of t-shirt weather for me. Today's run was slow and short, so it would have been easy to never warm up. The deciding factor was the sun - on a sunny day, it's easier to warm up and having exposed skin that allows sweat to evaporate is good.

Good luck to everyone running the SF Half and Full Marathon tomorrow!

What to wear running in wind

Temp.: 50 degrees (9C)
Wind: 15 mph and cold!
Humidity/Precip.: None
Terrain: Rolling hills
Distance: 4.5 miles

What I wore: Nike full-body sports bra (guys, substitute with a singlet), New Balance wick-away t-shirt, Under Armour shorts.

Did It Work: Yes. I was worried that I might have gone overboard with the under layer, but the strong, cold wind kept me perfectly balanced between cool and warm.

Note to self (and maybe you?): As long as key parts of me are warm enough, I am comfortable. Specifically, I hate having cold ears, hands and torso. When dressing for temps on the edge of cold, I always make sure I protect these parts first.

Happy running!

What to wear running in 55 degrees

Temp: 55 degrees
Humidity/Precip.: 95%/none
Wind: Calm
Terrain: Rolling hills
Distance: 3 miles

Before

What I Wore: Well, I started out wearing Brooks running shorts, Under Armour wicking T and Pearl Izumi running jacket. BUT, when I stepped outside, I was comfortable. Learning from past mistakes I went back in, took off the two top layers and replaced them with one - the Asics long-sleeve, wicking T from the 2007 ING NYC marathon.

After

Did It Work: Yes! It was just a little cool when I started but I was ready to push up my sleeves around mile 2. Thanks to the cool, damp air, the outfit was never too hot. Plus, on a foggy day in the Bay Area, the bright orange was just what the folks in the 'hood needed!

Race Gear: Not all race swag is good. Please don't feel like you HAVE  to wear whatever someone gives you. I didn't wear the NYC shirt for the '07 race because even the small is too big (see pic) and because it was untested - 26.2 miles is a long way to run in something you've never worn before.
For a long race, don't wear something new. And for any race, skip the cotton. As Shu's Running Store in Boise, ID, likes to say: Cotton is a tool of the devil (when it comes to running).

Happy running. Hope to see you on the trail.

What to wear running in 50 degrees

Temp: 51 degrees
Humidity/Precip.: 85%/heavy fog
Wind: Calm
Terrain: Flat
Distance: 2 miles

What I Wore: Lightweight Nike running tights; short-sleeve Under Armour wicking t-shirt; Brooks lightweight running jacket; running hat; thin, knit Asics running gloves.

Did It Work: Yes. I was just a little chilly when I first started but was warm after the first mile. If you know it isn't going to rain and you're going for a longer or hilly run, consider just wearing a long-sleeve tech top with gloves, versus a T and a jacket - my core was pretty warm by the end and I would have been too hot if I'd run much further.

What to Wear to Physical Therapy

I've been injured (Achilles Tendonitis) for almost two months. I'm determined to run again, and soon, so I regularly go to physical therapy. It's helping.
Being me, I couldn't help notice that half the people at PT don't seem to know what to wear. Shoulder-injury guy lifts weights in a dress shirt. Hip-injury chick rides the stationary bike in tight khaki shorts and a flouncy tank top. And, I admit, the first time I went, I wore jeans and a sweater.

Sadly, I'm now practically an expert and here's what I wear:

- Nike t-shirt
- Under Armour shorts
- My new Saucony running shoes

Really, the only difference between my PT outfit and my running one is the lack of hat and sunblock.

Does it work? Yes. Physical therapy is a trip to the gym, massage therapist and doctor, all in one. Your therapist needs to be able to see your body and how it moves. He or she also needs to be able to access your injured area for icing and maybe electrical stimulation (my favorite part - it's like jump starting an old car). You will probably do some light to medium exercises, which means sweat and a need for mobility.

If you're injured, I'm sorry! Go to physical therapy. It might not always seem like you're doing a lot but this is my third round (I'm a little too active, perhaps) and every time it has made a difference.

Get well soon. See you on the trail!

Yoga & Running

I've been a runner for more than 10 years. During that time, I've sporadically done yoga and Pilates. Last year, I started consistently practicing yoga once a week. I'm still incredibly inflexible (physically) but my upper body is very toned and I've shaved almost a minute off my time.

Yoga gear for runners:
Some gear is best for just yoga, but if you're a runner, you probably already have pieces that can go both ways.

Top: Sleeveless tank or singlet
I prefer a tank with built-in sports bra. One of my favorites is Power Y Tank by Lululemon. It has removable padding that hides "headlights," and the Y shape of the straps makes them comfortable in every position. The guys in my practice usually wear Under Armour or Nike singlets.
If it is cold in the studio, I might start with warm-up jacket, but good yoga is not just stretching; it's fairly active and I warm up quickly.
I don't like sleeves when I do yoga because of the wide range of arm movements being practiced. I want to feel free to do my best. I also wouldn't go shirtless, if I was a man or wear just a sports bra - the feeling of the mat against bare, sweaty skin is not nice.

Bottoms: 
In the summer, I wear fitted, stretchy shorts. My current favorites are the Chaturanga Yoga Short by Athleta. They have a 3-inch inseam, are very stretchy and usually don't get wet marks from sweat.
In the winter, I usually wear a boot-cut yoga pant or Nike's Dharma Yoga Capris. It's tempting to bundle up with a thick material, but I don't recommend it - when you sweat, it will get saggy and soggy. Stick with a wicking material that moves with your body and covers your bottom, even if you have your feet behind your head.

Happy running, yogis!

1 Outfit Fits All

I've been on the road and have had to do two runs in one running outfit.
Run 1: 60 degrees, sunshine. Hills.
Run 2: 75, sunshine, windy! 50% hill

Outfit: Under Armour t-shirt, Brooks shorts, Nike hat.

Did it work? Yes, but only because I shaved 1.5 miles off the second run.

The first run was 3.5 miles and hilly. I was a little cool when I stepped out but the immediate 1-mile climb warmed me up and by the time I was windmilling my legs down the last hill home, I was nice and sweaty.

The second run was 2 miles - an out and back of the 1-mile hill. I was comfortable as soon as I stepped out the door - never a good sign because there's nowhere to go but to hot. I stayed on the shady side of the street, which really wasn't that shady. By the time I got to the top of the hill, I could feel the sweat running down the center of my back. The return was downhill, still in partial shade and with a bit of breeze, so I returned sweaty and thirsty, but not flushed or overheated. Much longer, though, and I would have been too hot.

What would I change? I think I packed well, but on that second run, I could have just worn the sports bra and shorts.

Happy summer running!

Running in 60 degrees

Temp: 60, sunny
Wind: 10 mph (mild to moderate)
Precip./Humidity: Moderate
Terrain: Rolling to flat
Distance: 4 miles

What I Wore: Brooks shorts, Under Armour Baltimore Half Marathon t-shirt and a bandanna (on my head, not cowboy style around my neck!).  

Did It Work: Yes. I ran the NYC marathon in these shorts because they are very comfortable. The UA shirt wicks moisture from skin, so the wind isn't a problem. Caveat: I don't wear this shirt often because it tends to get funky smelling easily. Not sure if this is true of other UA gear.
The sun is getting stronger, so wear sunblock. I like Neutrogena Age Shield with Helioplex and my dermatologist confirmed that it is good stuff. It doesn't streak and seems to hold up even on a long run.

Note: As we settle into spring, you have to find your own gear groove.
If it takes you a while to warm up, try the shorts and t-shirt combo as a base but add a light-weight running jacket or long-sleeve technical shirt as a top layer. You can always take it off and tie it around your waist.

Everything is comes back to life after the winter, making this is a great time to get outside and run. Happy trails!

What to Wear Runnin in 40 degrees & Rainy

Temp: 40, overcast
Wind: Little gusts
Precip./Humidity: Steady rain/moderately humid
Terrain: Flat
Distance: 3.5 miles

What I wore: Knit hat; Under Armour t-shirt (courtesy of the Baltimore Half Marathon); Nike dri-fit, heavy-weight running shirt and light-weight tights. I forgot my gloves!

Did it work: No. Learn from my mistake and look outside before deciding what to wear. Thanks to a delay in the weather report, I didn't know it was raining. Sounds silly, but I'm taking comfort from the fact that two runners on the trail told me they had done the same thing.

What should I have worn: 1) Gloves. 2) A brimmed cap to keep water out of my face and perhaps a headband or earmuffs to keep my ears warm. The knit cap got soggy. 3) A long-sleeve, mid-weight shirt with a rain-resistant shell over it.

Obvious but...: When running on a wet day, keep your feet as dry as possible by avoiding puddles. This seems like a given, but if you live in a friendly running community or run with a group, you might be too busy saying hello and chatting to keep an eye out for soakers.
Two years ago, I was caught running during a flash flood. It was pretty exhilarating but, needless to say, my shoes were drenched. If you're shoes do get very wet, do not put them in the dryer. This is a sure way to shorten their lifespan. Instead, fill each shoe with crumpled newspaper and place them near a heat source (the newspaper helps absorb water on the inside).