So I asked for a running partner on Facebook, and it sparked a conversation on gear. Specifically, bras and socks.
I can say BRAS, right? We are all adults.
When I first started trying to lose weight, I had enormous boobs. I wore a 40J. J as in JUGS. I had herd a lot of great buzz about the Enell bra and tried it, and I ended up wearing it with a regular bra underneath. It gave me just about the right amount of support. It was a fairly spendy purchase, but it was definitely worth it. It's a German Prison Matron type dealio, with a dozen hook and eye closures up the front, and it's big and ugly and so not going to attract any men folk. But it keepsthe girls in place and that's all I care about.
I just remembered that I wrote about bras before. Read what I had to say about running and bras before. I'll wait. It still stands.
As far as socks go, PLEASE do yourself a favor and get some good running socks. Wicking, non cotton type, so as to avoid blisters. i'm a HUGE fan of the DeFeet brand
Any time I wear other socks, I get blisters.
Speaking of favorites, I have worn out four pairs of Sauconys. The same style, the same color. I REALLY would like to get some cool pink runners, but I pronate so awfully that the Sauconys are comfy and I stay with the same over and over.
As far as clothing goes, I'm a huge fan of Lululemon - but I can't afford them. Maybe for Christmas.
What are you favorite brands and such of workout gear?
Since I am getting ready for the 3 day walk in DC in October, I have tried many different insoles for my shoes. I tried the blue superfeet and was happy at first with the minimal lower back pain I had. BUT the top of my foot started hurting, really bad to where I couldn't walk without limping. As soon as I switched shoes, no more pain, seriously. I am now trying Bio Sol gels and I have logged 70 miles on them without a problem. Also if your thighs and armpits rub together when you walk as mine do, I have fallen in love with Body Glide. This is definately going in my fanny pack for my walk.
Posted by: Jessica | June 28, 2009 at 09:15 PM
I love my asics (sp?) running shoes. I sprain my ankles a lot, but not once with them. Very stable. Everything else is Target-I can't bear to spend $ on something I sweat in. I'm still looking for the perfect bra, though.
Posted by: Headless Mom | June 28, 2009 at 10:26 PM
Yes it's all about avoiding that Boob concussion!
Posted by: kyoot | June 29, 2009 at 10:47 AM
I hear you! Having a good bra is so important! I just bough a new sports bra with an underwire from Champion at Kohl's (they're having great sales now on workout gear). I'm now down two bra sizes since Feb, thank goodness, and needed something new. Very impressed with it though at first I was concerned that the underwire would be uncomfortable while working out. It's actually very comfortable and keeps everything in its place.
Posted by: Anne-Marie | July 01, 2009 at 01:51 PM
Totally agree about the Enell. It's the only bra I've ever found that works. I call it my little satin boobie vest, although of course I use the word "little" somewhat sarcastically. And yes they are a little spendy, but not as expensive as a health club membership you never use because exercising is so uncomfortable. I can actually run now (or I could if I hadn't messed up my ankle so badly last winter).
Posted by: Mac | July 02, 2009 at 07:51 PM
I love Avia running shoes. When kohls has them on sale, often, I grab em! they are about $25 then! My chiro recommended them, great support. I have 3 pairs in rotation. :)
I have no boobs so I get to wear those original sports bras that come 3 for $10. I know I am lucky. :)
I LOVE wal mart for work out clothes! I can get a CUTE as crap danskin workout outfit for about $20. Cant beat that! I like capris too and they always have tons. There are some good things about wal mart. :)
For socks got some of those little hanes shortie socks. Its like I speak another language isnt it? lol. but they say dry on them and are really light. I love em.
I am ECONOMY challenged, can you tell? :)
Posted by: mary | July 09, 2009 at 10:55 AM
http://www.walmart.com/catalog/catalog.gsp?cat=592996&catNavId=133162&fromPageCatId=133162
wal marts activewear. $11 for a pair of capris!
Posted by: mary | July 09, 2009 at 10:59 AM
Hey, buddy! thanks for the bra recommendation and I hear you about Sauconys . . to die for, no?
How about Balega socks and ditto Jessica, Body Glide or an allantoin equivalent is a must ;o)
Posted by: des | July 09, 2009 at 01:12 PM
I have an Enell bra too and you're right that it's a prison matron kind of thing. But the ladies stay right where I want them. So personal question ... with your weight loss, what bra size are you now (I need the motivation and encouragement to get the girls MUCH smaller as I lose weight)? I love New Balance shoes and just bought the new 760 which was the overall winner in Shape's tryout by 300 runners and walkers. It's a great shoe. I'll have to try the DeFeet sox - I think my sox are worn out as they have been bothering me even if I use Body Glide.
Posted by: Bama Cheryl | July 09, 2009 at 05:19 PM
I have lost about 50 pounds {holy shit is that weird to type! never thought about it} and I have gone from a 38C to a 36B.
TOTALLY worth it.
Posted by: mary | July 27, 2009 at 03:27 PM