Bike Shorts for Non-Bikers

Thanks to Achilles Tendonitis, running is out of my routine, for now. My surrogate is biking, so I thought I'd check out bike shorts.

Goals:
- Not too much padding (I'm not riding a Century and am too young/old for a diaper)
- Comfortable fit around waist and thigh
- Fairly short - I don't get why bike shorts are so long when the saddle is so small
- At least four panels, for better mobility

I should have added "Reasonably priced" to my goals because my favorite pair were $65 - about $30 more than my best running shorts. If you have the cash (I decided I didn't), here's the highlights of what I found:

DeSoto Carrera Low Rise Tri Short ($65)

Nice length - 4" inseam
Comfortable, wide waistband
8 panels (Serious!)
Comfortable grip on thighs (see bottom arrow)
Quality materials - not too thin
Barely enough padding
Shape of padding made a weird crease (top arrow) that either won't be noticeable when biking or will lead to some vicious chafing
GRADE: B

2XU Comp Tri Shorts ($75)

Nice length - 4" inseam
Six panels
Mesh panels on the hip for air and comfort (see top arrow)
Nice amount of padding (a little more than the DeSoto)
Inside of hem has a layer of rubber to prevent slippage
Quality materials - not too thin
Uncomfortable, elastic waistband
Extremely unflattering - dug in at the thigh (see bottom arrow) and under the bum in a way that made me look like an unhappy sausage
Expensive!
GRADE: C

I'm still looking. If you have any recos for a biker who hopes to go back to running, leave a comment. Thanks!

What to wear running in 85 Degrees

Temp: 85, feels like 90Precip./Humidity: None/high
Wind: Calm
Terrain: Flat track
Distance: Intended - 1 mile; Actual - 1/4 mile. Biked 7 miles.

What I Wore: Nike tank with built-in sports bra for full coverage but minimal layers; Puma shorts with built-in liner of wicking material; icy neckerchief.

Did It Work: The outfit was as comfortable as it could be considering the conditions, but my body failed me.

Considerations: As it gets hotter, it also gets harder to find an outfit that is just right. One thing I considered as getting dressed was the lack of wind. When it's hot and sticky, a breeze on bare skin can make a big difference. If there had been a breeze, I might have worn a midriff-baring sports bra and shorts, no singlet. That would have exposed my (probably sweaty) stomach and helped cool my core.
In consideration of combining biking with running, and the lack of a breeze, I chose the tank.

Here's hoping my ankle injury heals soon. I miss my distances!

Stay cool.

Running in Reebok

Yay! I have a new running top.

Temp: 75, sunny
Precip./Humidity: Moderate
Wind: 8 mph
Terrain: Flat w/ long, steep climb in middle
Distance: 3.3 miles

What I Wore: Fitted Reebok workout vest (that's what they call it - I call it a sleeveless shirt); cotton shorts.

Did It Work: Yes, in a pinch.

The Story: A recent trip ended up being longer than expected so I was not fully prepared. I had running shoes and non-running, sweat shorts but no running tops. I wanted to run, so I had to buy a top and sports bra. The cotton shorts were not perfect, but were ok for a short run. The new top was a win!

Mini review: I like but don't love.

Function:

• Offset seams for reduced chance of chafing
• Reflective piping so drivers will know they're about to hit you (small reflective elements are usually only visible when it's too late, but are still nice for other runners and cyclists)
• Scoop neck for more air exposure
• Mid-weight fabric was comfortable at 75 and should be good down to 60

Fashion:

• Fitted body lays flat without being constricting
• Piping is slimming 
• In black, the tank-style could be worn into a bar or restaurant for some after-run refreshment. Paired with a running skirt and you might be out for the night!

Happy running!

Staying Cool on a Run (or Bike Ride)

I'm in NYC and it's almost 100 degrees out. I'm injured, so I'm not running, but I want to stay strong and keep my cardio up, so I went for a bike ride.

I was concerned about the heat - I've been known to faint when hot - so I tried a trick I read about in Runner's World:

- Fold a bandana in half so it makes a triangle
- Place 5-6 ice cubes along the long edge
- Carefully roll up the bandana so it makes an ice cube-filled neckerchief (that's cowboy for 'scarf') and tie it around you neck

During your run or ride, the ice will gradually melt, keeping you cool but, surprisingly, no wetter than you would be from sweating (at least, that was my experience today).

I liked it so much, I'm going to try wetting and freezing a wrist band and maybe my running hat the next time temps top 90.

Happy running!

Compression Sports Bra

I've gotten spoiled. I've been wearing sports bras that rely as much on structure as they do on compression for at least three years. They are reasonably comfortable, provide great support and look good.

Recently, a 24-hour trip became a 3-day one.  Luckily, I had running shoes and shorts. Unluckily, I didn't have a top. I dashed to the local Lady Foot Locker and picked up a Champion sports bra and Reebok top.

The Champion sports bras that I have at home are great -- molded cups and soft, wicking fabric. So, when I saw that LFL carried Champion-brand, but not my style, I did something I almost never do with running gear: I assumed it would be fine.

This is me, in the sports bra. A pooch of skin and fat is being squeezed out because the compression on this thing is so intense. The upside, the "girls" aren't going anywhere. The downside, well, just look at that charming flap of flesh and remember, there's one on the other side, too.

Aside from the almost-painful compression, the bra has some nice details:

• Key hole in the back for a little air
• Offset seams for reduced chafing
• Mesh back panel for ventilation and quick dry

From someone who should have known better, this is a reminder: try before you buy!

Happy running!

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!

Speedy Sasquatch is My Favorite Sadist

Last night, I met up with Team Sasquatch's Tuesday night speed group, led by Josh, aka on Twitter @SpeedySasquatch. The hill workout plus push-ups and core work was punishing, but taught me some new things about my body and, thanks to a great group, was fun.

Temp: 75, dusk
Precip./Humidity: Low
Wind: Calm
Terrain: Rolling to HILLS!
Distance: 5.5 miles

What I Wore: Sleeveless top; lined running shorts; hat.

Did It Work: Yes. I liked having my arms free to swing as we climbed the hill, over and over. It also worked for eating 'shroom burgers and fries on a bench with @nycbklyngirl afterward.

Double Duty: The run outfit was not only worn for my run, but it also was all I wore for the subway ride to & from Central Park.  For non-New Yorkers, the subway is not the grim, scary place shown on the movies. Instead, in the summer, it is usually an ice box with cold, hard (but clean!) plastic seats. During rush hour, it was crowded with people in work clothes. I didn't mind looking like a runner, but I didn't want to look like I was taking the subway to my first Olympic trials.
Keeping all that in mind, I chose full-coverage shorts and the Nike sleeveless top, which is made of a thick dri-fit material, over the Puma running tank, which is made of a thin, wicking fabric and is more revealing.

Thanks to the Tuesday night crew for a great run!

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 Posture

I'm afraid that, if I don't work on my posture, I'll end up being one of those old ladies on the path who you admire because they're running even though they're 82, but who can't see you coming because they are so hunched over.

I realized this was a possibility after seeing a photo of me running. My trap muscles are up by my ears. I look like I've been doing a lot of press ups, but really, it's because I'm hunching.

Check it out:

Here are photos of my normal run posture (left) and the posture I'm striving toward. I marked the differences. With the good posture:

• There's a space between my shoulder and the shirt strap because my shoulder ball is rolled back, better aligning my arm.
• You can no longer see the mole and the flat of my shoulder blade. For me to achieve good posture, I really have to use the muscles between my blades, at the center of my back, to pull down and back. It's hard work, but worth it. 
• Pulling down my shoulder blades draws in my middle back. In the bad posture pic, you can see a bit of my shirt in the back. In the good posture picture, it has disappeared, even though my chest doesn't look thrust forward. All the effort is in my back muscles.

If you want to do a self-assessment, have a friend photograph you near the end of a race or speed work, when you're too tired to fake perfect posture. Take a good look at the image. Are we going to be colliding when we're old and hunched? Are you letting one arm drag like a broken wing? Do you lift your chin like Queen Elizabeth at a parade?

As I try to adjust, I've found I'm sore from using my muscles in a new way. Yoga is helping, and I get a massage when I have the time and money. Changing my posture feels like quitting a bad habit - I know I need to do it, but it's frustrating and painful. I just hope better posture and alignment will let me happily age as a runner.

See you on the trail!

What to wear running in 80 degrees

Temp: 80, sunny
Precip./Humidity: None/Moderate
Wind: Calm
Terrain: Mostly flat
Distance: 3.5 miles

What I Wore: Nike running hat; Champion sports bra; lined Puma running shorts; Nike wrist sweatband; Aveeno sunblock.

Did It Work: Yes, as much as anything can in the heat. I know, 78 isn't that hot, but it feels like it after about 10 minutes of running. I knew it would, hence the minimalist outfit (no pics, I'm feeling shy:-D).

Sweatband, Really?: By the time I got home, my entire body was covered in slick of sweat. It was more than one little wrist band could handle, so why was I wearing one?
If you're a woman running in just a sports bra or a guy running with no shirt, sometimes you need something to mop your brow, eyes and nose. Without a shirt, you're up a creek, unless you've got a wrist band! You might not get it all, but at least you can keep your face from looking like the Bonneville Salt Flats.
(Above: Nike, traditional sweatband made of terrycloth. Very absorbent but gets kind of itchy when it's soggy. Lululemon, pocket wrist band made of wicking Luon (TM). The "pocket" isn't that functional, but the band is cute, lightweight and fairly absorbent.)

Happy running and, in the words of Kurt Vonnegut, wear sunblock!