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.

What to Wear Rowing: Gear for Rowing Machine

Activity: Rowing on the stationary rower
Temp: Gym temp - 70ish and moderate humidity
Time: 30 minutes

What I Wore: Lululemon, top and bottom. Loose tank with built in sports bra and low scooping for ventilation (and cuteness). Capri tights. Puma Faas 300 running shoes.

Did It Work: Yes. Here's the thing, on the rower, running shorts are super annoying. Because of how short women's running shorts are, you basically are putting your bare cheeks/upper thighs on a seat that hundreds have sweat on before you. So, long shorts or capris are key. 
Also, rowing is a lot of shoulder and arm movement, so a sleeveless top or tank is ideal - free, cool and, at 30 minutes, no chafing.
Together, this outfit is comfortable. When I'm out of tanks and have to wear sleeves, I wear my favorite Under Armour shorts, which are a little longer. The skin exposure that you get with shorts balances the coverage of a sleeve - rowing is hot work when done right and naked is best for cooling.

Note: The Lulu tights are a little "cottony" for me. They show sweat and attract cat hair. If I was buying the capris again, I wouldn't get black.

What to Wear Running in Humidity

Temp: 70 and above
Humidity: 70 and above
Distance: Anything longer than what it takes you to warm up

What to Wear

Post run, I'm glowing with sweat

- Lined running shorts made of a quick-dry fabric. Why? Nothing is going to truly make you cool when it's really humid. Good shorts will feel lighter (ie cooler) and will stay a little drier so they won't chafe or cling to your body. The lining is key because cotton underwear can turn a good pair of shorts into a hot, wet mess.
- You have two options on top. Either no shirt (ladies, this means just a sports bra) or a light-weight, loose singlet or tank.  I recommend keeping your shirt on if you're going to walk/run; if you want protection from the sun; or if the temperature is closer to 70 and it's the end of the day (short days can mean cold on the way home).
- Sweat bands. I like having something to wipe my brow and nose on. If I'm not wearing a shirt, I sport wrist sweat bands. When it's really hot, the terry cloth ones get pretty gross, so look for something wicking like Lululemon's.
- I generally skip sunglasses when it's humid because I want to be able to wipe the sweat out of my eyes with minimal effort. This means I wear a hat. It's protection from the sun and will soak up some of the forehead moisture.

Most important, bring water or know the location of your water fountains. It's easy to get dehydrated in these conditions.

Lastly, be easy on yourself. For every five degrees above 65, you can expect your pace to drop by 30 seconds. Don't worry, autumn is around the corner and your humid weather training will pay off at the Turkey Trot.

Happy running!

What to Wear Running: Lululemon

I didn't think I would, but I loved running in my new Lululemon "Let It Loose" tank with built in sports bra.

I bought the tank because I thought it was cute and sporty and would "sexy up" my normal hiking outfit. The hikes proved that the sports bra was tough and I thought, why not, let's take this puppy for a run.

If you follow me on Twitter (@whattoweartorun), you may remember that I recently made fun of a woman who was out for a run wearing a strapless tube top. It was cute, but it wasn't, if you know what I mean. She was bouncing all over the place and, as she ran toward me, she kept having to pull the thing up.

That's kind of how I felt as I headed out the door. The skinny shoulder straps and loose fabric (the folks in the naming department were spot on with this one) left me feeling uncovered and unsupported. But, that was just a feeling. The reality was that I was locked down where it mattered and enjoying breathable fabric and the wind on my skin where it didn't. The only thing that I didn't love was the fact that, as you can see in the photo, it shows when you use it as a hanky. Most wick-away tops hide the sweat/runny nose better. Other than that, excellent!

Overall letter grade: A-

External tank scoops under sports bra, creating venting

Who Is It Good For: Women with an A or B cup size who hike, bike, and run; and women who are apple shaped (the loose cut would be flattering)
Who Isn't It Good For: Women with a cup size C or above - I don't think the skinny straps would cut it; and women who are looking for a casual-wear tank - the tight straps make it uncomfortable to wear for more than a couple of hours.
Needs Clarification: The tag says this top is good for yoga but I'm not sure where all that looseness would go while upside down. Will the slightly fitted waist prevent it from sliding all the way down and smothering me while I'm in headstand? I'm also not sure if the tank is going to be for sale much longer. I wanted to include a link to lulu's website for interested buyers, but it wasn't there.

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!

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!

What to Wear Running with Strangers

Situation
Joining a new running group; doing a Meet Up (meetup.com) or Tweet Up (Twitter); or going on a blind date with a runner (Hook Up!) means running with strangers. We've all heard what they say about first impressions, so here's some thoughts on putting your best foot forward (sorry; punny).
 It's What's on the Inside that Matters
Your appearance on a run doesn't really matter, which is lucky for me because I own (and wear) gear that is 12-years old. Real runners will care more about participation and that you keep the established pace (don't jack rabbit off or expect everyone to wait if you walk), so try to not take this too seriously! Strive to be comfortable on the outside AND the inside.

I Still Care, What Should I Wear?
1) Wear ALL three of the basics: shirt, running shoes and shorts or tights.
Many runners have amazing bodies. If you're one of them, kudos. For a first-time meeting, keep that piece of info to yourself and wear a shirt. Wear running shoes, racing flats or, if you're willing to get into a discussion, Vibram Five Fingers. Do not wear sneakers, tennis shoes or Keds. Also, wear real running shorts (see previous entry) or well-fitting (but discreet) tights. Yoga pants, sweatpants and khaki shorts have their place but a group run isn't it.
2) Dress for the weather and hold the wacky.
Wear gear in which you will be as comfortable as possible considering the conditions. If you want to be invited back, leave your rubber weight-loss suit or Halloween 10k race costume at home. This isn't just snobbery (maybe a little), it's also the fact that running with someone who seems to be working extra hard because they are too cold or hot is distracting.
3) Go with what you know. The best way to be comfortable is to wear gear that you trust and that has stood up to similar runs in the past. If that's not possible, wear something clean and that isn't prone to smelling funky.

Running with other people can motivate and, I've heard, be a great way to meet a potential boyfriend/girlfriend. Whatever you're looking for, good luck and happy running!

Choosing to Run

Temp: 32 with a feels like of 25, overcast
Wind: Just a little
Precip./Humidity: None/Moderately high
Terrain: Flat
Distance: 4 miles

Do you ever catch yourself arguing with...yourself. I'm sure there's some science behind this but here's my thoughts on how it relates to the daily question: to exercise or to sit on the couch?
Reasoning human beings see the pros and cons, the dangers and benefits, of each situation as we're about to get into it. Sometimes it has to be a snap determination because we're in a crisis, but usually we're able to assess a couple of options and then chose one.
Because we do this every day, all day, we generally trust the part of our brain that says "Don't do that!" But sometimes, especially when it comes to doing something good for us like quitting smoking or starting to exercise, the thing that we hear saying "Don't do that" isn't our rational brain, it's our will - the part of us that wants stuff, satisfaction, pleasure, comfort.
The last two days, I've been battling my will. It's very snowy here, and cold enough that I just want to stay inside and eat comfort food. My will is giving me reasons that sound good - it's too wet to run, the yoga studio is probably closed due to weather, etc. - for staying inside. But, my rational brain is quietly providing solutions. I had to want to hear them to notice, but I guess that's what years of training has gotten me; I'm not the fittest or the fastest but I see solutions to reasons why I shouldn't exercise.
So, yesterday, I called the yoga studio. Open. I did a class. It was hard, but I felt better.
On the way home, I noticed that the sidewalks on my block had been shoveled well. This morning, I went onto www.mapmyrun.com and figured out that once around my block is .3 miles. 10 times around is 3 miles. Add a little more and I could get in 4 miles without risking slipping on ice or soaking my shoes in slush. My will wanted to stay home and watch Project Runway on Hulu. My brain said "You have a choice." Which brings me to:

What I Wore: CW-X compression tights; Nike tank; Asics wick-away long-sleeve top; Nike heavy-weight running jacket; knit hat and gloves; thick socks and old running shoes.

Did It Work: Yes. Except I was also wearing cotton briefs that, once they got a little sweaty, were kind of cold. So, for half the run, my bum was chilly.

Solution: The other day I tried running in Lululemon Techni briefs. They didn't hold onto the sweat, so I stayed dry enough to not have cold bum cheeks.

Happy running!

What to Wear Running in the Dark 1

For many of us, winter running means being out in the dark. Last night, a runner in NYC was hit by a car through no fault of his own - the driver admitted to being on Percoset while driving. My point is, running in the dark is dangerous, but there are some things we can do to keep ourselves safer.

• Run on the sidewalk, not street, whenever possible. 
• Be extra careful when crossing the streets because cars that are turning might not be able to see you until it's too late. 
• Keep your music, if you listen to any, fairly low, so you can hear cyclists and cars that are coming up from behind. 
• Dress to be seen.

Many brands boast having reflective elements on their clothes, but often they are just small strips or piping on the sleeve. For example, Lululemon and Road Runner both make mention of their reflective logos. It's a nice touch, but a 1/2-inch logo is not going to be seen by a fast-approaching vehicle.

An inexpensive solution to the problem of being seen at night is one of those reflective vests - sort of like what crossing guards wear. You can pick one up for less than $20 from most outdoor stores. However, they really provide no benefit other than visibility and usually aren't a great fit if you're slim.

My favorite reflective gear is my Illuminite jacket. It is wind and water resistant, so it's a great winter running piece, and the sleeves are covered in a special material that is absolutely brilliant when it comes to reflecting headlights. Plus, it has an iPod pocket in the sleeve and a pocket in back for keys, gels or whatever other small items you want to carry. I think it was designed for cyclists, but it's great for runners, too.

Be safe out there and enjoy your runs!

Gearing Up: Hat & Gloves

Cold weather demands the right gear. While running in the heat can be just as dangerous as in the extreme cold, your clothes might make more of difference in the winter (versus being well hydrated in the summer).

Two key pieces for my winter runs: knit gloves and a knit hat with built-in sweatband. I like these Asics versions because neither are itchy, even when I'm a little sweaty. However, I have to admit, the hat is not very flattering.

If you're going shopping, Lululemon makes a nice one that is quite fitted and, for pony tails, has a hole in the back. However, the one that is the best for running doesn't have extra ear coverage, leaving me prone to a cold headache after a long run. In general, look for a close fit and tight knit to help hold in heat. It's nice if the cuff of the glove is lined with fleece, but a glove made entirely of fleece will let the wind right in. And be sure to try on your hat before tearing off the tag, to make sure it really is comfortable. Try wrinkling your brow to see if there are any uncomfortable seams.