Gear Love

It’s been a while since I mentioned any new “finds” or “obsessions.” I tend to find new products and become enamored with them and then buy one in every color.

Here are some running treasures I’ve been loving lately.

1. OAKLEY WARM UP SUNGLASSES

I’m a big squinter, but, for some reason, it never occurred to me that I could wear sunglasses while running. I guess I thought they’d slip off, fog up, or just be annoying.

Gia always sports this cute little pair and, lo and behold, they’re by Oakley, made for “activity,” and don’t slip, fog up, or become generally annoying.

Jump for my love!

And, did you know how much facial muscle energy it takes to squint?! Yeah, you’ll notice once you stop…

2. OISELLE BUM WRAP

I’ve always been a running skirt skeptic. I guess its because I got enough time in skirts with both being a cheerleader and playing tennis.

Modeled by the lovely Sarah OUAL. Sorry for taking this pic from your blog, OUAL. Don’t hate me? It just shows the bum wrap so well.

The Oiselle bum wrap always looks cute on others, so I thought I’d give it a whirl. I’m pleased.

No riding up, cute, comfortable, wicking, new 2013 version has a zipper pocket. Sold! Like so sold, I bought another one.

3. NEW BALANCE 890S

I’ve run in Nike Lunarglides since the dawn of time (ok, fine, since I started running) and wanted to mix it up. The NB 890s are “less shoe” than the Lunarglides, but not “minimalist,” to use proper running shoe geek lingo (I think). My calves were a bit more sore than usual after my first few runs in them, but I think they’ve adjusted. Although I have yet to run anything over 6 miles in them….so stay tuned…

Unrelated “being a model is so tough, esp when you didn’t shower after running 20 miles” photo. That hair matting is really something. 

4. ALYSIA MONTANO POWER FLOWER

For those not in the know (and, if not, get with it), Alysia is a pretty fast runner: multiple US 800m titles, 2012 Olympian, 4th in the world outdoors in 2011, 3rd in world indoors in 2010, and she casually set an American record in the 600 m indoors in early 2013.

It’s pretty easy to spot her on the track because not only in she running in front (winning!), but she also always wears a flower.

Exhibit A: Winning + Flower

Now, you can wear a flower, too!

Really jazzes up the outfit, don’t you think?

Trying to be artsy…

Really jazzes up the outfit, don’t you think?

Support Alysia AND look cute. Win-win. Sold!

[PS: Alysia also included a nice hand written note and packages the flower in a nice little box. Personal touches really do help. +5 brownie points!]

5. OISELLE LESKO AND STRAPPY BRAS

I’m fairly picky on sports bras. I like compression. Hence, I’ve been wearing the Nike Pro Compression sports bras since they practically started making them.

I was somewhat reticent to try the new Oiselle sports bras as they looked like they were designed for the smaller side. Not going to lie, I was actually really skeptical. Sure, they looked cute, but would they hold up and support those of us who are, hmm, a bit more well endowed?

Lesko bra

I’m happy to report that both the Lesko and Strappy bras passed every test with flying colors!

Strappy bra

No chafing, no rubbing, and the right amount of compression and support, but it doesn’t make me feel constricted.

So, even if you’re a bit of a bigger chested girl, such as myself, try out both the Lesko and the Strappy. Pretty sure you won’t be disappointed!

TELL ME: FAVORITE FINDS AS OF LATE?

Until next time…