Taking Recommendations!

Last Wednesday evening as I finished my run, I had my first summer reality check. I was dehydrated from being sick all day, but I decided to try to run anyway. By the end, I was so dehydrated I decided to just stop my watch and walk it in.

As I walked, I lifted my tank top. It's one of my favorites, with a built-in bra, so I couldn't take it off completely. I folded it up and let my stomach breathe. In that moment, I remembered what a difference one less layer makes.

So, I am officially renewing my summer membership of the Sports Bra Squad. I have two bras I really like to run in shirtless, and the rest are just meh. Both of my favorites were given to me and I can't seem to find them on the company websites, so I think they're discontinued. They are from Victoria's Secret and North Face.

Favorite bra #1, from VS.

I've realized I feel most comfortable running shirtless in slightly "longer" bras - the kind that come down a bit on your ribs, instead of stopping right at the bra-band. I also tend to chafe where the band sits if it's too high.

Favorite bra #2, from North Face.

So, I am looking for recommendations! I don't mind paying a little bit more for a comfortable, supportive, breathable option, but I'm not a snob; inexpensive options are always welcome. I don't need anything extremely compressive, but I like something with thicker straps that cross in the back. Those bras with thinner straps are super cute but just don't work for me.

What is your favorite sports bra to run in?

ABK

Running Mail

What is it with summer and stocking up on all the running gear?!

I swear, it's like when I finally have some time on my hands I realize how much I need want new sports bras, running shoes, and sundry accessories. Luckily I had an Amazon gift card to spend recently because it made my summer purchase a little less painful.

First, I needed sports bras. We're supposed to get new ones every six months and some of mine are literally years old. I'm small-chested, so when bras lose elasticity it's not a huge deal, but I recently had to toss a handful.

I wanted new bras that were cute (because I'm been practicing running without a shirt on - it builds confidence!) and flattering.

I like the lower-cut of the Under Armor Mid Sports Bra, and the colors were fun, so I got two. I also got a Champion Great Divide bra and love the neon green! The fit is very flattering, too.

Oofos recovery sandals have been on my "want" list for months but they're pricey; having a gift card made it easier to finally buy them. They are super ugly but really comfortable; I feel like a granny when I wear them. Comfort over fashion here, folks!

Next, I got myself a second FlipBelt. I seriously love mine for running - it's the first belt I've run in that I literally never have to think about once it's on - and decided to get one for work next year, because I'll be expected to have my cell phone on me at all times. I ordered if off Skirt Sports because I could use my discount, and got one of their new skirts while I was at it. (Don't forget you can use ABK20 for 20% off!)

The Cascade is one of their newer skirts and it is SO cute. I love the pleats!

I originally got my FlipBelt in black because I'd never used one before; now that I'm running without a shirt more often and the belt is visible, I thought getting a fun, vibrant color for my second was the way to go.

Finally, I saw a couple weeks ago that Road ID is now making IDs that slip onto the Apple Watch.  (They also make them for FitBit.) Honestly, we rarely wear our Road ID bracelets because we don't like wearing multiple things on our wrists when working out, and this way we'll always have it on us no matter what.

They both include our name, birth year, and emergency contact numbers. I also listed my allergy and medical information on mine, and still had space to write NO REGRETS across the bottom for motivation.

I told Matt it would be good for me to have at all times in case there's ever an emergency at school and they need to identify my unconscious body but he didn't find that funny.

The IDs come in nice metal boxes and fit perfectly on our watchbands. I paid extra to have Matt's done in black because I wanted him to actually agree to wear it; it blends in perfectly. Now I'll be a little less nervous when he's paddling in rough waters.

Of course, this isn't it. I've been buying, testing, and returning shoes for weeks now as I continue to look for my perfect new sole-mate.

Comparing the fit of my current shoes to the Brooks Ravenna.

But that's a post for a different time!

When's the last time you bought new sports bras?
What's your favorite running-related thing to buy?
What shoes do you wear when you're not wearing running shoes?

ABK

Linking up with Erika for TOTR today!