Running gear: what to look for when trying on

Buying running gear should be easy but it varies in quality, cut and function so much that it's easy to be overwhelmed. Here's a couple of things to look for when shopping for running clothes.

On the rack/online:

• Function is key
• Shorts - Men: buy shorts with a liner so your junk doesn't jump around. Women: buy shorts with a liner so you don't have to wear your cute underthings and don't give a show while stretching
• Top - Everyone should have a quality wicking top. This is the one area where it's worth spending a little more. A lot of companies claim their shirts wick away sweat but many don't. I recommend Nike, Asics, Brooks, Under Armour and sometimes Road Runner Sports.



Champion sausage bra

• Sports bra - ladies, consider these two things: poke through and jiggle. A lightly padded sports bra will handle poke through. If you don't have much to poke, focus on compression. A tight fit will hold you in place and flatten your pokey parts. HOWEVER, too much compression and you'll be squishing out like a sausage. Check the flesh around your armpits to make sure you aren't oozing out (yep, that's as sexy as it sounds).
• Think big picture
• This is for the ladies. There are a lot of cute tops out there. Many of them have

  

  Cute but bad for layering

  interesting tank styles. This is great looking, until you put your sports bra underneath and most of it shows.If it doesn't have a built in bra, go for a slightly more traditional cut.

In the dressing room

• Comfort is king
• When trying on your gear, hold still for 30 seconds. Can you feel the clothes? Good gear should sit on your body, almost weightlessly. If it feels tight under the arms, it won't get better and may lead to chafing. If it's pinching off the circulation in your thighs, you'll have a hard time running. Don't look in the mirror, just FEEL.
• Now, swing your arms, try to touch your toes and squat. Again, feel the gear. Do the shorts ride up? Does the shirt twist or ride up? Are you already getting overheated as if you were wearing a polyester blanket? If it's not comfortable, you're not going to want to wear it.
• Take look
• Once you know how it feels, see if you like how it looks. Does seeing yourself all geared up make you wanna run? Do you feel faster already? Jump up and down - are you putting on a bouncy show? Hopefully the answers are yes, yes and no.

If the price is right and your gear meets the criteria above, buy! And then get out there and RUN!

Happy trails.

Nike top best for yoga?

A gift from a friend means I have more new top in the gear test kitchen this month: Nike two-tone T with cutouts. Today I wore it rowing. It's a bit snug under the arms, so more testing is needed to see if it is irritating for sports involving repetitive arm movement (running, rowing...boxing?). 

I'm thinking it might be perfect for yoga. I did a long headstand and, because it is fitted, the top stayed up while I was down.

It is cute, with the keyhole cutouts over the shoulders and down the back. But, in gear as in people: cute isn't everything.

What to Wear Running: Puma Faas & Puma Running Gear

About three years ago, Puma Running sent me some gear. I'd never run in Puma before, so I was interested to see how it compared to my old standbys. I was looking for a few things, including comfort and durability, which is why I'm doing another blog post now, years later.

Nike top from circa 1999

When it comes to gear, I've always loved Nike. Their stuff just lasts! I've had this red top since 1999. Seriously, kids running in my last 5k are younger than this shirt! But, it still looks good, wicks sweat and lets my skin breath. I knew Puma looked fresh and was interested to see if it stayed that way (I had heard rumors that it falls apart).

Three years later, I still LOVE this blue tank. It looks great on - I get compliments

Puma top 2010

when I wear it. The two layers of silky fabric are comfortable up to 80 degrees. The built-in sports bra has silver threads that haven't popped and (hopefully) help prevent stinkiness. The pleats around the neckline hide "poke through" when I'm chilly. And, the sports bra is strong enough for serious runs if you're an A or B cup. Most importantly, as I shift from being a runner to a multitasker, this top has successfully come along for rowing, yoga and cycling adventures.

Puma's running shorts are also holding up really well. The

Purple Puma shorts, another fave top

pockets still zip, the elastic is strong, the lining is hole-free and the style is classic. I have them in purple and black. Current color trends mean the purple ones look modern even though they're a few years old.

For shoes, I became a runner in Saucony back when they were touting stability. Brooks and Asics were my brands when I became a marathoner and wanted something a little fleeter. Now, Brooks Cadence and Saucony Kinvara time share my runs along with the Puma Faas 500.

The first shoes Puma sent weren't a good fit. The 8 was too big and the 7.5 too small so I donated them to charity and gave up on getting to test the brand. Lucky for me, Puma didn't give up and sent me a second pair a year later (about two years ago) - the Faas 500. They sent my friend the Faas 300 to test and photograph. The sizes were right, so we got down to running.

I still love the Faas 500 after two years, uncounted miles of  running, a few trail hikes and South by

Faas 500 Photo copyright: Dana Underwood

Southwest - I was wearing them when I met Jimmy Fallon (it was a Nike event but I still rocked them). What I like: The color is hot. The weight and minimal materials are cool. They hold on gently, so my natural mid-foot strike can flow.  Unlike my Kinvara's, the nylon hasn't split and, unlike the Cadence, they never made my feet cramp. Detractors: As a mid-foot striker, I wouldn't mind if the heel was less built up. That would be a great way to drop weight without losing structure. Also, when I corner, the loose hold of the shoe means it slips a bit around the toe box, so I have less control.


According to my friend, the Faas 300 are really only good for road running. They need to be laced tightly because otherwise they slip if you pronate. If you're looking for a racing slipper, and not something that you can also trail or city walk in, these might be good for you.

Puma Faas 300

Thanks again to Puma for the chance to test. Happy running!

What to Wear Running: 45 degrees and comfortable

Temp: 45 degrees and sunny
Humidity: 50% (moderate)
Wind: Mild
Distance: 3 miles
Terrain: Flat to Rolling hills

What I Wore to Run: Shorts! T-shirt! Singlet tank underneath and a hat.

Did It Work: Yes. It's definitely shorts season again, if you are comfortable showing your legs. Want

Brooks shorts, Nike tank & T

to enjoy your run? Show a little skin! Pump those bare arms and legs and let the sunshine remind you that winter is over. By the end of my run, it was 50 degrees - spring, such a fickle creature! - so it was nice to have a layer to shed if I would have done a longer run.

Note: It's tempting to overdress in the spring (and maybe underdress in the fall?) because we're sick and tired of being cold after the freezing winter. Resist the temptation and only baby your "cold spots" - those places that refuse to warm up until after Memorial Day (mine are my ears).

Also, make sure that, if you're wearing layers, the bottom layer must wick. Having all your heat and moisture sit on your skin is bad aesthetically and functionally.

Personal note: I think this is one of the best times of year for running - not too hot, not too cold! Good for your muscles, good for the soul!

Happy running.

Running Socks: Nike running socks

Nike has won my heart all over again with the best running sock. Yes, it is that easy to win my heart but, before judging, keep in mind how hard it seems to be to make a great running sock!

Also, let's be clear: socks are the most wonderful item in any athlete's arsenal. Bad socks = blisters, lost toe nails, distraction, ugly tan lines and, sometimes, foot cramps. Good socks = effortless, thoughtless foot action. The sign of a good running sock: you forget it's there.

And, Nike has done it with the Nike Dri-Fit Cushion No-Show. Here's what I love and the one thing I wish was different:
- Starting at the ankle, the tab in the back is meaty. This sock is NOT going to end up slipping down into your shoe. And yet the cut is low, so you really are showing very little sock and keeping your tan lines to shoe cuff level.
- Two places on a sock are really make or break: the arch and the toe box. The arch on the Nike Dri-Fit Cushion is perfect. It hugs without cinching, supports without stifling. The sock's name comes from a very cushioned heel but the mid-foot fabric around the arch is thin, wicking, breathing Dri-Fit.
- The toe box fits real toes, thanks to left/right specific cuts. Even more important, there's no seam, so there's no reason to get a blister or chafing.

Unfortunately, as with all of Nike's high-quality gear, these babies aren't cheap. While less expensive than most SmartWool socks, they are $10 for ONE pair. Overall, they're well worth the 10 spot if you plan on running or race walking regularly. And, as the holidays approach, they'll make great stocking stuffers for your athletic friends and family.

Happy running!

Running Gear Blog: What to Wear Running

What to Wear Running in 70 degrees: shorts, wicking t or tank, and low-rise socks that don't curl up into your shoes when you run.

Why? 70 is pretty warm - anything over 65 is going to increase your heart rate and slow you down. The best way to stay cool: expose your skin. The body's largest organ, skin is an amazing cooling system involving evaporation and ventilation. So, expose as much as you feel comfortable for maximum cooling. Just remember, wear sun block.

Today's featured brand: Puma. After a year, I still love these running shoes. The Faas 500 are a little more supportive than I need but they're holding up really well (one of the myths I'd heard about Pumas is that they fall apart quickly), look great and are comfortable. The only negative: the tongue sometimes slides down into the shoe when I'm running, which can create pressure on the top of my arch.

Serene Lewis meets Carl Lewis, Track & Field Olympian

I like my job now - I get to write, problem solve and play in the social media sandbox. But I never meet world-famous athletes. Ages ago, I did PR. It was sometimes stressful but my coworkers were awesome and, because one of my clients was Nike, I learned about great gear and got to meet a few gold medal-winning Olympians.

Sadly, I don't have a photo from when I met Michael Johnson (the world's fastest man at the time wasn't very chatty), but I did manage to capture when I met two other heroes. As I continue to go through Olympics withdrawal, a short walk down memory lane:

Mark, Dave, Me, Carl Lewis!, Courtne, Matt

Me (back row), women's soccer players from '99 team including Brandi Chastain (front row)

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: Socks

I collect running socks and won't throw them away until they beg for mercy/get a hole. Most of them are made by Nike and are designated Left foot and Right. A few are SmartWool and are pretty good. One pair is made by Asics and they are the best of all.

The worst socks in my collection are these:

It may be hard to read but I've written on this photo "Dimple = blister spot." What I'm pointing out is this: if a sock's toebox stitching is so tight, it creates a dimple that can be seen from the outside, then that stitching is probably going to be coarse and rub against your toes. This is the case with these Brooks socks that I bought at the Nashville Country Music Marathon Expo. I love the color and cut, but that dimple, which you can see how extreme it is by looking at the inside-out sock on the bottom, is horrid.

Unless you like blisters and random callouses. Then, they are perfect.

Back to the Brooks. Happy trails!

What to Wear Running in Vancouver

Conditions: Cool (below 60F/15C) and damp (usually)
Terrain: Rolling hills
Distance: Up to you

By special request, a post about running in the beautiful city of Vancouver, Canada. Why? Because it's damp, so it seems colder. And, because it isn't always flat, there's lots of opportunity to warm up. Plus, it really is pretty, so if you visit, go for a run during the day.

Nike gloves, singlet and capris

Three Hs: The key for me in damp, cool places is Heart, Hands, Head. I talked about the 3 Hs in an earlier post, but here's a quick refresher. You'll feel more comfortable if you:

• Prevent heat from escaping through your head
• Protect your most important muscle - the heart
• Pamper your extremities (your feet are probably in shoes, so this means gloves)

What to Wear: Basics for 50F/9C and below: a hat, singlet or T (wicking, of course), and gloves. Layer on a long-sleeve top that you can shed when you warm up. Shorts, capris or light-weight tights are usually fine in Vancouver. It's a rare day when you want something heavier like lined tights.
If it's above 50/9, I would still bring the layers but leave the gloves at home.

Men's running jacket by Puma

Most important, whether you live there or are planning a visit, is a brimmed hat and light-weight breathable shell. You never know when it might rain and these will keep the damp off your skin, which is crucial to keeping your body temperature up (which keeps muscles loose, which helps prevent injury. You get the gist!).

Happy running and send us a comment postcard!

What to Wear Running: What Not to Wear Running

Situation: Running in the dark

What Not to Wear: Black. Even if it has reflective elements. Those little silver strips will only prevent walkers from crashing into you. And only if they are wearing a headlamp that makes those elements reflect. Car drivers, bicyclists and even other runners will not see you. So, unless you're a running ninja...

The Fix: If all your gear is black and you refuse to buy anything lighter, then at least buy and wear something that lights up. Reflective strips (to which I'm pointing in photo) do NOT count. You can barely see them in the picture and I'm only 3 feet from the camera.
My two favorite items:

• Marmut headlamp - bright light lets me see the path, avoiding cracks and twisted ankles, and be seen. Comfortable enough for mid-distance runs, but I prefer to wear a beanie under it for long-distance comfort.
• Amphipod arm band - multiple LEDs can be seen from at least 30 feet and it fits snug around my arm thanks to Velcro. I like to wear it wrapped around the arm that is facing street side for maximum visibility.

 Be safe and 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 wear running, 55 and WINDY!

Temp: 55 degrees (~12 C)
Humidity/Precip.: Low
Wind: 20 - 30 mph
Terrain: Rolling hills
Distance: 3 miles

What I Wore: Light-weight tights, tank sports bra, light-weight, breathable running jacket and wick-away skull cap.

Did It Work: Mostly. The wind was cold, so I was glad to have my arms, legs and ears covered. However, gusting wind makes it harder to predict what will be comfortable, so sometimes I was warmer than I like.

Wind Alert! Although a headwind can make a run a little harder, it's usually fine to run on a windy day. I suggest wearing glasses. This will help keep flying grit out of your eyes. Also, run with your mouth closed unless you want bugs, twigs and dust to end up in it.
Lastly, if you notice that garbage cans, branches or small animals are being blown around, it's probably better to stay indoors.

Happy trails!

What to wear running?

Wondering what to wear for a run? Ask me through the comment box. Maybe I have an idea!

Nike ACG 3-in-1 ski gloves

I used to live & run in New York. Before that, England and, before that, Chicago and St. Paul, MN. I've fainted from heat exhaustion during hot runs and sported elbow-length ski gloves and foot warmers for really REALLY cold runs.

Now, I'm in San Francisco, where it seems like it's always the same (50-60 degrees, moderate humidity). Great for running, bad for blogging. So, if you're here because you're wondering what to wear in certain weather, post a comment and ask me. I'll answer as quickly as I can. If I don't know, I'll try to find out. AND, if possible, I'll post a photo of what I recommend.

Thanks for stopping by! Happy running.

What to wear running in 60 degrees

Temp: about 60 (15 C) and sunny
Humidity/Precip: Moderately high/none
Wind: 10 mph
Terrain: Rolling hills
Distance: 3.5 miles

What I Wore: Today was an homage to my alma mater, Northwestern University. I was sporting purple Puma running shorts and a white Nike dri-fit t-shirt.

Did it Work: Yes! I was so happy in this run. My outfit was comfortable from beginning to end (I stayed in the shade on the outbound, so I wouldn't heat up too quickly). 
If it's 55-65 outside and you're debating going for a run, do it! These are perfect running temps, especially if it's sunny and a little breezy. For more info on 60-degree runs and springtime precautions, check out this post.

Why the iPod is Featured: I'm showing off my old-school nano (which is a maxo compared to the new nanos) to show that you don't have to buy a bunch of new stuff to run. Old gear that works is good! My nano is dying - it stopped letting me add new songs after my last half marathon, but the old music still gets me through my workouts and, until it dies, I won't be buying a new one. (Update, the nano finally died. I took it to Apple and got a credit toward buying a new shuffle. I plan on running that into the ground, too!)

Happy running!

Washing running clothes

As a runner/yogi/cyclist with a day job, I have A LOT of laundry on my hands. If you've landed here because you're thinking about running, consider yourself warned: being a runner is like having a baby in that it generates a lot of dirty clothes and sometimes you'll think "I have no idea what I'm doing!"

I don't have the secret sauce for smell-free running gear but I do have a formula for making gear last and last and last. So, if you're frugal or broke, but love to workout, read on.

1) Hang dry everything, except your socks. Sounds simple until you realize that the image below is what I wore in one week and all of it (except the socks) had to be hung after washing. Every doorknob, chair back and towel rack in my apartment was occupied with drying bits and pieces.

Blurry but you get the gist!

2) Dry before the hamper. If you can, let super sweaty stuff air dry before you throw it into the dirty clothes. At the end of the week, you'll still have a hamper full of funky clothes, but at least none of them will have grown mildew, which is gross and harder to get rid off.
3) Use good detergent. I know, Tide, Win, Penguin, etc. are all expensive, especially if you're on a budget. But buying new gear is costly, too. Thanks to taking care of my clothes, I am still wearing gear from 1998. Can you pick the 13-year-old shirt out of the line up above? Hint, I'm wearing it in the post preceding this one...

Happy trails and smell ya later!

What to wear running in 75 degrees

Temp: 75 degrees (22C)
Wind: 5 mph
Humidity/Precip.: Moderate/None
Terrain: Mostly flat
Distance: 2 miles

What We Wore: I wore a Nike dri-fit sleeveless top and Puma running shorts, with a hat, wrist sweatband and sunblock. My friend, Coco Martha, wore Nike running shorts and a cotton t-shirt.

Did It Work: I was a little cold at first but ended comfortably sweaty. Coco Martha said her cotton shirt felt like it was made of meat: by the end, it was a heavy, wet mess. I'm trying to get her to buy some wick away tops. Like, seriously!

Running is contagious: There is a belief that social interactions are important not just for socializing but also for the degree to which they influence our behavior. For example: if you're eating dinner next to a person who is on a diet and not eating much, the dieter's presence is likely to make you eat less. Today's run with my friend proved this theory.
Five years ago, my friend moved to Austin, a big running town, and started dating a personal trainer (Derrick Withers). In the 20 years that I've known her, she has never run, except for a bus or maybe a sale on Gucci. In fact, she'd never exercised in any major way. Now, despite having a demanding job, her own blog and a 2-year old, she's regularly hitting the local trails.
Today was her first run with a partner. I remember how worried I was the first time I ran with other people. I didn't know if I'd be able to keep up and wondered if they'd judge my form. It's scary, even if the people know and love you. It was an honor to be my friend's first run partner. I'm proud of her for trying something new and sticking with it.

Happy trails, old and new friends!

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 & rainy

Temp: 55 degrees (12ish C)
Wind: 10 mph
Humidity/Precip.: 85%/passing showers
Terrain: Rolling hills
Distance: 3 miles

What I Wore: Shorts, tank and mid-weight jacket.

Yes, my torso really is this short.

Did It Work: Sort of. I dislike cold rain on my arms before I warm up, so long sleeves were good. And, the jacket was the right weight. BUT I forgot that this particular jacket is the opposite of breathable. In fact, I think it might create a vacuum when zipped. It's like running in a cute garbage bag. As I warmed up, my perspiration collected inside. Disgusting.

But, I was comfortable in every other way - the layer of a tank with jacket was right. I tend to be chilly and still thought it was warm enough for shorts.

Solution for future: only wear a jacket like this one when it is cool enough for long sleeves and you aren't likely to be too hot. Otherwise, ask before buying if your gear breaths and wicks.

Happy holidays and good running to all!

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.