Favorite Running Gear: Sports Bras for Busty Runners

I used the fact that I'm top-heavy (D+) to justify not running for a long time. It's not pleasant to be bouncing around, especially when you're tired and achy. That said, I've found a few sports bras that really do the trick and keep movement to a minimum. It's a bit of a process of trial and error, and what works for me may not work for you. I recommend using a website like Bare Necessities to try a variety of styles and sizes- I've had to size up or down, and adjust cup size to find the right fit for each of these styles. A really snug fit in the band is key here- any looseness there and the bra just won't hold you in place.

Shock Absorber Maximum Control Wire-Free Sports Bra

This is my go-to running bra. It's light, it breathes, and there's no padding to add to sweat when it's hot. I have two, both black. I find that there can be a little chafing if I'm really sweaty, but Body Glide takes care of that fairly easily. It's a basic compression sports bra- if you're looking for shaping this probably isn't the bra for you.

Panache Ultimate Maximum Control Sports Bra

This is my alternate running bra. It's comfortable, has a light lining, molded cups, and does a good job minimizing bouncing. There is slightly more movement than in the Shock Absorber bra, but not enough to be remotely uncomfortable. The movement also may be a sizing issue- I had a bit more difficulty finding my correct cup size in this one. I've never had a chafing issue with this bra, but I do find that the padding feels warmer on a hot day.

I've yet to find any other sports bras that I think do quite as good a job, but haven't tried everything. I've been distinctly unimpressed with the selection for more top-heavy women at Victoria's Secret, Target, and Sports Authority. What do you look for in a sports bra? Any suggestions on what's worked for you?

Favorite Running Gear: Socks

I am a runner. I may not be fast, but I enjoy the way I feel when I'm done. I've trained for a race, and am in the process of training for another. I don't know about you, but I was not the most active child/teenager, so it has taken me a while to claim the title, but I can now. I am a runner, and I love that I can say that.

This week I thought I'd give a rundown of my running gear. Running can be the cheapest sport you can find, and you really only need shoes. But I've found running a lot more comfortable and fun as I've gotten some specialized gear, and I hope this information is helpful to someone just starting out. That said, I haven't tried every brand of running gear that's out there (not even close), so this is by no means an exhaustive list. I have not been compensated in any way for my opinions here, and all thoughts are my own.

As a general note, I run 3-4 times per week, so I try to keep about that amount of exercise clothing handy so that I don't have to do laundry too often.

When I first started running, I ran in short socks from Target- the socks I already had, that didn't clash with my running shoes. I regularly got blisters, but they weren't too bad. I figured that'd be the case in any shoes, so it took me a while to try running socks. I now own four pairs, and I default to them every time I run. Since I have made the switch, I've had significantly fewer blisters, although they do still happen occassionally.

My favorite socks are from Feetures, the Elite Ultra Light No Show Tab. I have the White+Reflector, and Hot Coral colors, and I love them. They're light, so they don't make my feet sweat. They're articulated for left and right feet, so they fit snugly. They've held up well in the wash, and they're short enough to not show too much, but don't slide down into my shoe. At about $15/each they're not cheap, but they are absolutely my favorites.

I also have a pair of the Feetures High Performance Light Cushion No Show, in White. They're slightly cheaper ($11ish), and I feel like the price difference shows. These are heavier, which might be nice in colder weather, but I have not enjoyed over the summer. They fit fairly snugly, but are not articulated. They have held up well in the wash, and don't seem to move around on my foot. They're not as nice as the Feetures Elite, but are still a big step up from my Target basics.

My last pair of running socks are the Fitsok CF2 Cush Low. Like the Feetures High Performance, these socks are heavier, fit fairly snugly, are non articulated, but don't move around of my foot. They run just less than $10/pair, and seem to have held up well in the wash. They're not as nice as the Feetures Elite, but are still a big step up from my Target basics. They generally tie for second place with the Feetures High Performance.

These socks are not in my general rotation, but I do have a pair of ProCompression compression socks that I bought after my half-marathon. My understanding is that the compression is supposed to help your body recover more quickly after a long run, but I haven't gone on a long enough run lately to try them out. If you are interested in trying compression socks, I recommend waiting until after a half-marathon to buy- I saved a fair bit on the purchase using a coupon code from my swag bag. That said, I didn't have them to recover from that race with.

Do you use compression socks? Do you have any recommendations for running socks? Anything that really didn't work for you?

Wanderlust: My Travel Wishlist

Do you keep a list of places you'd really like to visit someday? My top five (in no particular order) are:

Paris: I want to see the Eiffel Tower and Arch du Triumph, sip a cafe latte on the patio of a cafe, and have a carafe of wine in a bistro.

Croatia: I want to visit the beaches, eat pizza, and finally see the Plitvice Lakes (this has been on my list for years).

Las Vegas: I want to see the Strip at night, go to a show, eat at a buffet, and visit the Grand Canyon.

Thailand: I want to explore ruins, laze around on the beach, ride an elephant, and eat delicious food.

 

The Florida Keys: I want to drive across the long bridges, see the southernmost point in the United States, laze around on the beach, and swim with dolphins.

Not only do I keep a running list, I also use Pinterest and email chains to keep track of things to do in each of these places. Will I ever go there? Who knows. If I do, will a bit of my research already be done? Yes. If I decide to take a trip, I've also got that information around to remind me where I've wanted to go for a while.

Do you keep a list of places you want to go and things you want to do there? What's on your travel wishlist?

** All images from Wikipedia **

 

Packing 101: Carry-On Only

Like I mentioned previously, I travel almost exclusively carry-on only. I always pack in my hard-sided, 4-wheeled rolling suitcase. I got mine in Japan, but similar ones are available here. I highly recommend this type of suitcase if you're traveling somewhere with good sidewalks, but it's not the best for carrying if you have a lot of stairs or cobblestones. For that, I'd recommend something with a good shoulder strap. Either way, I suggest a color other than black or gray, so that it's easier to spot if you do need to check it.

I've seen many packing formulas around the web, but here is mine:

I pack a new outfit for each day under 1 week, but try to reuse articles of clothing if I can. I prioritize thinner layering pieces over bulky sweaters and jackets- it provides more options, and takes less space to pack. A sample packing list for a long weekend at a conference would look something like this (pictured above from left to right and top to bottom):

3 dresses (or if the weather is cold, 1 pair of pants, 3 shirts, 3 pairs of socks)
undergarments (not pictured)
2 cardigans
2 pairs pjs
2 exercise outfits (top, shorts, sports bra, running socks)
1 t-shirt (for the return flight)
1 pair running shoes
1 pair flat shoes (for walking)
toiletries (packed in my personal item until I clear security)
fabric bags for shoes, and another (large) for dirty laundry

I also wear jeans, a t-shirt, my jacket, and another pair of flat shoes onto the plane. If I have space and think they might be useful, I'll throw in a pair of heels, but that's fairly unlikely (I like to walk a LOT in new places).

 

How am I able to manage with so few clothes?

* Make a color story. All of the items that I bring should work together. The easiest way I know to do this is to chose outfits that match black or brown, not both. It also helps that my Pinterest boards have helped me narrow down the colors in my wardrobe to a few core themes: I'm much less likely to grab things that can't go together now.

* Check the weather. Don't bring a swimsuit or a jacket if it won't be necessary. Allow for a little variance from the predictions, but it'll give you a good idea of what you'll need generally.

* Know your activities in advance. At least have a general idea. No need to bring a formal dress on a hiking trip, or a swimsuit to a business conference. If a new opportunity arises, buy what you need there.

* Bring only what you love. We all love the idea of variety, but honestly pick up the same outfits over and over. Traveling won't be any different, so I try to only bring one alternate option for the whole trip, and pack outfits for each day that I'm excited to wear (like these dresses, which I've worn in at least 6 countries).

* Be realistic. Much as I love how heels would make basically any outfit look fancier, I know my traveling habits, and I'll be doing too much walking for them to be practical. I'd rather spend the space on a second pair of flats, and know that I'll actually use what I bring. Same with exercise- if you know you won't have time to fit in a run (or whatever you do), don't bring the supplies. They'll only take up space and make you feel guilty (and who needs that on vacation?).

* Pack strategically. Stuff socks and other small garments into shoes to help them hold their shape, and to save space. Roll items to place between the ridges your handle makes. Place items you'll need immediately toward the top of the suitcase, and heavy items toward the wheels. Pack your shoes toe to heel (like they come in a box) for the smallest footprint.

What are your packing tips and tricks? What do you leave behind?

Packing 101: Personal Item

Traveling within the U.S., you are almost always guaranteed a personal item in addition to carry-on luggage, although some budget carriers are starting to discontinue this practice. If you are traveling elsewhere, check with your airline to see their guidelines. I like to use my personal item to keep items readily available that I think I'll need during the flight or immediately after.

I always use a purse for my personal item, because it saves me the trouble of packing one. Generally, I pack:

wallet with ID (or passport if it's an international flight)
an empty glass water bottle, to fill after security
lip balm
boarding pass (I always print mine)
a snack (I prefer a Larabar)
311 toiletries bag, which I transfer to my carry-on after security
e-reader (I use a Kindle Paperwhite, with an Omoton cover)
phone
keys
scarf (to keep warm or use as a pillow)

As you can see, there is plenty of space in this bag for more, if needed, but I try to keep what I carry to a minimum so that each item is easily accessible. I've also fit everything into a bag about 2/3 the size when I needed to bring a different purse, although it makes things slightly harder to access.

That said, depending on flight duration, I may also pack a regular book or magazine, headphones, socks (especially on trans-oceanic flights), and my glasses case (in case I want to take a nap). On a really long flight, I'll make sure that my toothpaste/brush and face wash are accessible to freshen up either before landing, or right after.

Because I travel carry-on only, I don't worry about packing a change of clothes or putting valuables in my personal item, but you may want to consider this if you're checking luggage.

What are your in-flight essentials?

Packing 101: 311 Toiletries

I remember the time when you could bring whatever size liquids and gels you wanted on a plane (doesn't that make me sound old?). That day is long gone, and the 311 clear bag seems like it's here to stay. As a reminder, you are allowed to bring 3.4 oz. (or less) of any liquids or gels, which must fit into a 1 quart zip-top bag. Each passenger is allowed only one bag, although some types of liquids or gels have exceptions if they are declared (check the TSA website for information on that).

While I am very envious of people who own Goo-Tubes, and reap their collapseable space-saving benefit, I pack almost exclusively with samples and hotel toiletries, which I stock up on any time I stay somewhere with decent products, or when Sephora offers products I like as one of their 3 free samples (you get to chose your samples if you purchase online, which is why all of my makeup purchases happen online). I also generally only buy travel-sized makeup, because I find that is the amount I go through before it passes its expiration date. I save the little bags that come with shirt buttons, and use those for small amounts of medication, cotton swabs, ear plugs, and to contain my bobby pins and jewelry.

My general packing plan:

hair supplies
deodorant (travel sized to save space, although most full sized containers are under 3.4 oz)
cleansing oil (sample sized)
lotion (sample sized from Yuzen)
makeup
toothpaste
toothbrush
ibuprofen
ear plugs
cotton swabs
allergy medication, sunscreen and bug repellant if I'm going somewhere warm

All of these go into my reuseable bag. I've tried using Ziplock brand bags, and they're great for one trip or two, but I prefer not having to use a new one each time. I use a BlueAvocado bag that I recieved in a subscription box- it's spacious and has held up nicely.

 

I use the same hair products every time I travel. (1) Moroccanoil (sample sized)- this helps me get away with using lower quality conditioners, as it protects my hair and keeps it moisturized. (2) Hairties and bobby pins, contained. (3) Reusable container for conditioner (I would use hotel samples, but we run through more conditioner than shampoo). (4) Shampoo. (5) Comb, or brush.

 

I like to use basic makeup when I travel to cut down on time spent getting ready in the morning (and all the time, really). (1) Lip and cheek stain (currently using this one, although I slightly prefer Stainiac by the Balm). (2) Eye liner. (3) Eye shadow (ask at Sephora for samples, if not, bring no more than 2 colors). (4) Tinted foundation (I got these sample packs by emailing the company). (5) Eye shadow primer. (6) Tinted lip balm (my new favorite is from Bite). (7) Shadow brush.

 

 

If I'm going to a wedding I'll toss in slightly more dramatic eye liner. (1) Tightline activator by Laura Mercier (it appears this may no longer be necessary with newer versions of the liner). (2) Tightline cake liner (sample sized). (3) Tightline travel brush. I use conditioner to clean my brush after every use to keep it from getting stiff.

 

 

I always try to pack my toiletries bag by putting the largest items in first. This way I know they'll fit.

 

 

After the large items are in, I pack the smaller items into the spaces around them. Using this method, I fit all of the items pictured above and had plenty of space to add in full sized makeup (if I hadn't had the samples), bug repellant, or medication.

 

Do you have any toiletries tips or tricks?





Travel Transportation Tips: Subway & Metro Lines

One thing I generally try to do while traveling is take public transportation or walk. It's almost always cheaper than taking a cab, and can really give you an idea of the city. A few general notes, and I'll follow up with some city-specific thoughts:

* Get a transportation map. These are often available at the airport or the tourism office, and can really save you time and effort. Google Maps also does a great job with public transit in most major cities (especially departure times and trip duration), but the map can help you get a better idea of the city's layout.
* Look at your transit options while planning your day. Sometimes it's less convenient to get from one area to another, sometimes more. It'll help you figure out what's within easy travel distance and availability.
* Assume you'll be standing close to other people. Pack your bags securely, and use common sense (don't hold your very expensive phone loosely by a door).
* Try to access maps in an inconspicuous manner. This will help avoid branding yourself as a tourist, and a target for scams.
* Buy your ticket at an official location. It doesn't happen often, but if someone offers to sell you a ticket they already have it can be a (expensive) scam.
* Pay attention to hours. Trains sometimes run all night, but it is more common to have some hours where they do not run. Don't get stuck without a way back to your hotel.
* Wear comfortable shoes. Even in cities with comprehensive metro coverage you may end up walking a fair distance to get to a station with a better line, or in a direction that the trains don't cover.

City-specific thoughts:

* Manhattan/Brooklyn: This is a serious and broad subway system. Don't assume that you'll be able to get from one side of the city to another quickly, but know that the stations are well signed, and there will be multiple entrances. One flat fare covers any length of trip in the system. Google Maps does a great job with times and entrance locations. Don't forget that your Metrocard is reloadable, and that doing so will minimally discount your fare.

* Seattle: There is a lightrail line and monorail in Seattle. The Monorail runs through downtown. The Lightrail runs from the airport to the Westlake Center in downtown Seattle. They are easy to use, but the Monorail only accepts cash for tickets. A ride on both will cost you $5 as of this post.

 

* Hong Kong: The Hong Kong metro system is somewhat limited, but my absolute favorite. The stations are well-signed in Chinese and English, and each station (walls and floors) is a different color. You can look out the window and tell where you are without reading a sign.

* London: The London Tube is extensive and well signed. Most stations will have easy to find maps, and clearly posted directions to nearby attractions. Tickets are priced based on which zone you are traveling, and can be fairly expensive, so I like to group my excursions to allow the smallest number of trips in the Tube system I can manage. Be aware that the London airports are not part of the Tube system, even if you get there on the Tube- make sure that you've bought the proper ticket or you'll be facing a hefty fine. It's worth the discount to get an Oyster card.

* Tokyo: Tokyo has 3 separate public transportation systems, but they are well integrated and it's clear when you're passing from one to another (they are marked on the map with different types of lines). You will need to buy a new ticket if you transfer train types, but not within a transit system. All stations have at least one transit map in English, but it's definitely easier to carry your own pocket version. Be aware that the Yamanote line can be VERY crowded during rush hour.

* Seoul: Seoul has a great, simple metro system with decent English signage (usually in smaller letters below the Korean). The system is fairly comprehensive, and cheap to use.

* Kuala Lumpur: Kuala Lumpur has 3 separate public transportation systems, and unlike Tokyo, they are NOT well integrated (information as of 2008). Moreover, Kuala Lumpur is not generally a pedestrian-friendly city. This is the only city that comes to mind where I would recommend planning on cab transportation.

* Washington D.C.: The D.C. metro is served by an easily accessible metro system. It's a little run-down, but will get you to major attractions and area airports easily. It's somewhat poorly lit, and I would suggestion caution riding later in the evening- it did not seem to be as well-traveled then.

* Minneapolis/St. Paul: The Twin Cities metro has limited lightrail accessibility, but it's ideal for travelers. The Blue Line train runs through the the MSP International Airport and into downtown Minneapolis. Transfer to the Green Line train to get to the University of Minnesota campus or St. Paul (although it's not quick).