I am NOT a shopper. Generally, I hate shopping but there are things in life that have to be done from time to time. So today I went shopping for running stuff.
My shorts are getting worn and I've been thinking about trying a running skirt. I tried on two brands; Brooks and New Balance. I liked the fit of the Brooks best but I didn't buy just yet. I'm wondering about the shorts underneath riding up. It was hard to tell in an air conditioned store if they would hold their place when running. I'm wondering if I go back with running shoes on, the store would let me wear the running skirt to run around the parking lot and see how it feels? If you are reading this and have experience with running skirts and the short issue let me know.
I did purchase a pair of compression socks. I've been reading about them and after asking a few fellow Phillyfitters I decided the expense was worth it. Above 13 miles I really feel it in my lower legs and feet. My husband gives a good massage but that relief is only temporary. I am expecting the socks to bring about faster recovery. Here's hoping. I'll let you know.
I spoke to the clerk at the store about running fuel too. I've been using GU (Vanilla Bean). The last couple of runs I've had stomach upset. I know it could be the heat but I also figure now is the time to experiement. I don't want anything I have to chew. I've tried that and don't like it. I don't want anything too thick either. Zach (the clerk) suggested Hammer products but his store doesn't carry them. He also suggested that I might want to try caffeine free GUs. In recent years I have stopped drinking coffee. I've also swithced to decaf green tea. And one of the reasons I took the caffeine out of my diet was because of the stomache upset. I didn't realize Vanilla Bean Gu had caffeine in it. Turns out it says so in small print on the package. I should have looked closer. So, anyway, I purchased a few caffeine free gus and I'll see how they work my next few runs.
Well, you know I'm a complete convert to running skirts, so obviously I'm a little biased.
ReplyDeleteMy take on the shorts underneath is that it's hard to tell for sure until you really run in them. I think they should probably feel a little bit tight before you start moving. Not too tight like they dig into your leg or might already want to ride up, but just tight enough that you might have to wiggle into them a bit.
I wear skirts from Skirt Sports because the shorts inside thier Gym Girl Ultra model DO NOT MOVE. I've stopped wearing all my others because they just aren't as comfy. One thing about the skirt sports shorts is that they are made of tight mesh not typical compression fabric. This makes them cool, but I wonder if that's what keeps them from moving too?
As for the Brooks, I've never tried them, but if they feel loose or like they're going to move before you even do anything, they probably will.
If you keep experiencing issues with the gels, you might want to try gels based on cane sugar or some other natural sugar instead of maltodextrin. I've heard of others who have had a similar problem and had success with such a switch. The no caffeine experiment sounds like a good first thing to do, though. Hammer gels taste better IMO but they are still maltodextrin-based.
ReplyDeleteThanks Helen. I'll check out the Skirt Sports skirts.. do you know a local store that sells them? I'd prefer to try them before ordering online although I guess I could return them if I ordered online.
ReplyDeletePete, if the no caffeine thing doesn't work I'll try the sugar issue - also something i've tried to limit of late so it makes sense that it might be upsetting me. Any suggestions for a gel that has natural sugars?
I only own two running skirts and I do not know enough on the topic to suggest a brand or anything. But, I have a finicky stomach and the hammer gels make me sick. Natural sugars, I've never tried, but have heard that the honey packets work well.
ReplyDeleteKristie, What do you use?
ReplyDeleteBrian really likes the Honey Stingers but they were too much for me.
ReplyDeleteRunaway Success used to sell some Skirt Sports stuff but I don't know if they still do and I'm not sure that they ever carried the gym girl.