When I started running in June 2013 I used the gear I'd used for the gym or walking the dog, which wasn't much: wide-leg yoga pants and cotton t-shirts (insert giggles). When I realized this running thing was here to stay in my life, I started to acquire running specific items, many initially purchased on sale from discount clothing retailers because I realized I actually needed a lot. I didn't want to do laundry more than once a week and each time a season changed I needed new warm weather / cool weather pieces. Admittedly I didn't pay much attention to perfect fit or how the items would perform when running.
Over my five years of running I've been able to try on many brands and products and I've discovered that not all run gear is created equal. I've discovered a few items that have truly become my favourites which I'm going to feature below.
But before I do...You may be saying, okay, I know you're sponsored for the upcoming Ragnar Niagara by Reebok, so of course you are going to say you love everything Reebok. Anyone having read my blog for or who knows me knows that I rarely post about products and really, am I the sell-my-soul for a blog type? Nope. I think what I honestly like best about being sponsored by Reebok for this race is that I've had the opportunity to try items I wouldn't otherwise tried. And in the process, I've legitimately realized I really, really love Reebok's running line. Technically the pieces do what they say. The fit is always exactly perfect--no wondering if a medium is going to fit like an extra small or extra large. The colours and styles are on trend yet don't get in the way of my running comfort. They are priced well and I love the online shopping option.
So yeah!I AM going to say I love these pieces!
Over my five years of running I've been able to try on many brands and products and I've discovered that not all run gear is created equal. I've discovered a few items that have truly become my favourites which I'm going to feature below.
But before I do...You may be saying, okay, I know you're sponsored for the upcoming Ragnar Niagara by Reebok, so of course you are going to say you love everything Reebok. Anyone having read my blog for or who knows me knows that I rarely post about products and really, am I the sell-my-soul for a blog type? Nope. I think what I honestly like best about being sponsored by Reebok for this race is that I've had the opportunity to try items I wouldn't otherwise tried. And in the process, I've legitimately realized I really, really love Reebok's running line. Technically the pieces do what they say. The fit is always exactly perfect--no wondering if a medium is going to fit like an extra small or extra large. The colours and styles are on trend yet don't get in the way of my running comfort. They are priced well and I love the online shopping option.
So yeah!I AM going to say I love these pieces!
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Reebok Activ-Chill Capris
When I received the first pair of these capris from Reebok last spring, I initially held them up thinking they were long shorts. Then I tried them on and found them to be the most perfectly fit pair of capris I have ever put on.
I am not just saying that.
Or that they are my absolute favourite capris or maybe running bottoms ever.
It’s as if they were made exactly for my shape (hey Reebok, did you sneak into my house and take measurements while I was sleeping? If so, that’s really okay because I love them!) They fall near my hips (I continue to have a hard time feeling the high waisted trend is all that flattering) and even with the tied drawstring provide a flat belly. They are tight enough to feel supportive and smoothing but not too tight to be like compression or revealing. The fabric has a slight texture making them slightly off-black and a couple swirling patterns in the stitching add visual interest. These factors make them unique from ‘every other pair of black running bottoms’ in your closet. They stay where I put them at the waist and knee. I love that they are a little shorter than most capris making them a truer in-between shorts and tights option than many other pairs of capris that are a couple inches above the ankle. Admittedly I keep them at the ready in my closet for those warmer runs or races where there there may be a camera. Who needs to feel self-conscious about wearing shorts when sprinting to the finish of a race or doing a jump shot with friends on a group run? My thighs are ‘that spot’ that I’m always conscious of in photos. Although those same legs power me through my runs and make me feel strong and graceful, I’ve seen enough not-so-flattering photos of them that make me uncomfortable. Who needs that? Last year’s capris have washed well and still look new each time I pull them from my closet. I am excited for this new pair to see a bunch of finish lines in 2018! Seriously, what else can I say about how much I love these? Click for details.
When I received the first pair of these capris from Reebok last spring, I initially held them up thinking they were long shorts. Then I tried them on and found them to be the most perfectly fit pair of capris I have ever put on.
I am not just saying that.
Or that they are my absolute favourite capris or maybe running bottoms ever.
It’s as if they were made exactly for my shape (hey Reebok, did you sneak into my house and take measurements while I was sleeping? If so, that’s really okay because I love them!) They fall near my hips (I continue to have a hard time feeling the high waisted trend is all that flattering) and even with the tied drawstring provide a flat belly. They are tight enough to feel supportive and smoothing but not too tight to be like compression or revealing. The fabric has a slight texture making them slightly off-black and a couple swirling patterns in the stitching add visual interest. These factors make them unique from ‘every other pair of black running bottoms’ in your closet. They stay where I put them at the waist and knee. I love that they are a little shorter than most capris making them a truer in-between shorts and tights option than many other pairs of capris that are a couple inches above the ankle. Admittedly I keep them at the ready in my closet for those warmer runs or races where there there may be a camera. Who needs to feel self-conscious about wearing shorts when sprinting to the finish of a race or doing a jump shot with friends on a group run? My thighs are ‘that spot’ that I’m always conscious of in photos. Although those same legs power me through my runs and make me feel strong and graceful, I’ve seen enough not-so-flattering photos of them that make me uncomfortable. Who needs that? Last year’s capris have washed well and still look new each time I pull them from my closet. I am excited for this new pair to see a bunch of finish lines in 2018! Seriously, what else can I say about how much I love these? Click for details.
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Reebok Activ-Chill tanks and shirts
The first thing you’lll notice about this fabric is how light and flowy it is. Rest assured it’s not ‘that’ kind of flowy that clings and enhances every single roll or bulge. I have a couple race shirts that are like that and I never wear them. Last year’s bright blue tank and short sleeve tee saw me through the very hot first and third Ragnar Niagara midday legs. I truly believe that special fabric kept me cooler than if I was wearing another fabric. This year I was happy to find a new tank and tee in my Reebok Ragnar kit. As a graphic designer who loves typography, I especially loved the repeated fun ‘run’ graphic on both. Admittedly, I was initially hesitant about the white. I’ve never bought white race gear. Alas when recently racing a spring 10K where everyone was wearing the charity race shirt, I chose this shirt and my friends were immediately able to spot me as I approached them cheering on the side lines. When I posted a photo of this race on social media I think more people were asked about the shirt than congratulated me on my race! I think the biggest plus for both of these will be the light colours in the heat. Not only do they have the 'Activ-chill', they have the perk of reflecting the sun away instead of soaking it up like darker colours would. Click for more details.
The first thing you’lll notice about this fabric is how light and flowy it is. Rest assured it’s not ‘that’ kind of flowy that clings and enhances every single roll or bulge. I have a couple race shirts that are like that and I never wear them. Last year’s bright blue tank and short sleeve tee saw me through the very hot first and third Ragnar Niagara midday legs. I truly believe that special fabric kept me cooler than if I was wearing another fabric. This year I was happy to find a new tank and tee in my Reebok Ragnar kit. As a graphic designer who loves typography, I especially loved the repeated fun ‘run’ graphic on both. Admittedly, I was initially hesitant about the white. I’ve never bought white race gear. Alas when recently racing a spring 10K where everyone was wearing the charity race shirt, I chose this shirt and my friends were immediately able to spot me as I approached them cheering on the side lines. When I posted a photo of this race on social media I think more people were asked about the shirt than congratulated me on my race! I think the biggest plus for both of these will be the light colours in the heat. Not only do they have the 'Activ-chill', they have the perk of reflecting the sun away instead of soaking it up like darker colours would. Click for more details.
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1/4 zip long sleeve
Confession time...
I think the only time I ran in my grey 1/4 zip long sleeve from last year's Ragnar was...during Ragnar. Why? Because I always wear it casually! It isn't even with my run gear in the closet. I love this shirt. It fits so nicely and goes with everything.
This year Reebok provided us with a peachy / orange colour 1/4 zip. Admittedly when I first saw it I thought, ugh, peach? I think my least favourite colour is peach...
Then I wore it to a recent trail race:
"Oh that looks great on you!"
"I love that shirt!"
"I love that colour!"
All day I got comments about the shirt. Alas, I have a new shirt that is rarely going to get run in! Okay, I promise to run in it at least once, Reebok Canada! Click for details.
Confession time...
I think the only time I ran in my grey 1/4 zip long sleeve from last year's Ragnar was...during Ragnar. Why? Because I always wear it casually! It isn't even with my run gear in the closet. I love this shirt. It fits so nicely and goes with everything.
This year Reebok provided us with a peachy / orange colour 1/4 zip. Admittedly when I first saw it I thought, ugh, peach? I think my least favourite colour is peach...
Then I wore it to a recent trail race:
"Oh that looks great on you!"
"I love that shirt!"
"I love that colour!"
All day I got comments about the shirt. Alas, I have a new shirt that is rarely going to get run in! Okay, I promise to run in it at least once, Reebok Canada! Click for details.
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Socks!
Ask my husband what item of clothing I'm always buying and he will immediately say socks. I am extremely picky about socks. I literally have two drawers of socks (this is not counting the drawer in the basement dresser, shh!).
Ask my friends and Ragnar team mates Maria and Kate one of the most important deciding factors in choosing which socks to wear, and they will say colour. I agree, I think I have a gene that makes me need to match what I am wearing. But what do you do when you have complex colours or your blue, purple, green or pink socks are in the laundry? White. These thin white socks quickly became a favourite last year. They are perfect on a hot day and are just high enough to not get eaten by my shoes.
Ask my husband what item of clothing I'm always buying and he will immediately say socks. I am extremely picky about socks. I literally have two drawers of socks (this is not counting the drawer in the basement dresser, shh!).
Ask my friends and Ragnar team mates Maria and Kate one of the most important deciding factors in choosing which socks to wear, and they will say colour. I agree, I think I have a gene that makes me need to match what I am wearing. But what do you do when you have complex colours or your blue, purple, green or pink socks are in the laundry? White. These thin white socks quickly became a favourite last year. They are perfect on a hot day and are just high enough to not get eaten by my shoes.
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Reflective jacket
I'd seen others wearing versions of semi-transparent running jackets and always thought they looked so cool. I was so happy when I saw it this one in my Reebok gear!
So much about this jacket I like for what it is NOT. Let me explain. So many jackets have TOO much going on. This jacket doesn't have a hood or a multitude of pockets to add bulk which would get weighed down in rain and wind. It is very lightweight and has a streamlined fit with simple hems. Someone actually really thought about this design and how a runner would use it. It's water resistant yet breathable with a vented panel on the back (don't ask me about the time I wore a jacket that wasn't breathable...let's just say it was raining inside my jacket). Even the tags were on an easy to remove string (having designed tags in a previous job, I am always aware of tags and labels!) The reflective stripes and bright colour make me feel good about wearing this jacket in darker conditions. I have a couple running jackets with hoods, but most of the time I don't use the hood as I find it restricts my view and hearing in weather conditions I need to be more aware. Pair this jacket with a hat and I would be good to go in a good downpour. I actually can't wait to try it out on a rainy day. Click for more details.
I'd seen others wearing versions of semi-transparent running jackets and always thought they looked so cool. I was so happy when I saw it this one in my Reebok gear!
So much about this jacket I like for what it is NOT. Let me explain. So many jackets have TOO much going on. This jacket doesn't have a hood or a multitude of pockets to add bulk which would get weighed down in rain and wind. It is very lightweight and has a streamlined fit with simple hems. Someone actually really thought about this design and how a runner would use it. It's water resistant yet breathable with a vented panel on the back (don't ask me about the time I wore a jacket that wasn't breathable...let's just say it was raining inside my jacket). Even the tags were on an easy to remove string (having designed tags in a previous job, I am always aware of tags and labels!) The reflective stripes and bright colour make me feel good about wearing this jacket in darker conditions. I have a couple running jackets with hoods, but most of the time I don't use the hood as I find it restricts my view and hearing in weather conditions I need to be more aware. Pair this jacket with a hat and I would be good to go in a good downpour. I actually can't wait to try it out on a rainy day. Click for more details.
A note of thanks to Reebok because without you sponsoring our team, I never would have found these amazing pieces which have become by go-to items and wind up in the laundry each and every week!
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