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.

What to Wear Running: Running in 75 degrees in Austin

What to wear running for humid 75 degree day?
Temp: 75 degrees (~22 c)
Humidity/Precip.: High (~90%)/none
Wind: Mild (~5 mph)
Terrain: Rolling hills
Distance: Varied

What I Wore: I've been in Austin for a week and didn't think I'd have time to work out so I only brought one running outfit: my purple Puma singlet and shorts set. Of course, this guaranteed that I've had 5 chances to workout.

Did It Work: Thankfully yes. The singlet is great in humidity because it barely shows when it is wet (aka sweaty) and it floats away from my body, so I don't feel sticky. The built-in bra is good if you're small - better endowed women might want another layer underneath. The shorts with the built-in liner are good, although a little too loose, I think. These are a US small.

Note: Austin is humid. It isn't always 90% humidity but I have only experienced one day here in 4 years of visiting at least twice a year where it wasn't sticky. Even when it's cold, it's humid. So prepare to feel more chilled than you really are when you start and brace yourself for a little trouble breathing and a lot of sweat.

p.s. I guess I should acknowledge, for anyone who knows I've quit running, that I've been cheating while in Austin. It all started with the only free machine in the gym being a treadmill and continued with a really beautiful, sunny, dry-ish day. Now I'm on a roll, so I'm wrapping up my trip with one more quickie. But then it's back to rowing, not running, for me.