GEAR UP

ta-tame them.

1 || 2 || 3 || 4

top it off.

1 || 2 || 3 || 4

keep it short.

1 || 2 || 3 || 4

stay tight(s). 

1 || 2 || 3 || 4

stuff your pockets. 

1 || 2 || 3 || 4 || 5

I might have mentioned this before :: cute gear was one of the reasons I started running in the first place. while most of my wardrobe is soft pastels and neutrals with little hints of color, I like my running gear in all out flash--the more color, the better. sports bras should be sturdy and supportive so as to prevent any bouncing around. tanks should be breathable and absorbent to wick away all of that moisture. shorts should provide plenty of movement without riding up. and should you choose to wear tights, they should stretch as far as you can without slipping down your bum. 

I confess to not even knowing I needed a new sports bra until I tried a new one and it made all the difference. currently, I wear the victoria's secret incredible and I swear by it. but any bra that's going to keep you from bouncing through your miles is an a+ in my book. yet, I'm still dying to try that north face stow-in-go bra because of all the cool pockets. my go-to running tank is lululemon's swiftly tech tank top. it wicks away all of my moisture for hours upon hours with getting drenched. that's a pretty lovely quality in a running tank. though, I was skeptical there was magic involved. shorts...depending on my mood, my taste in shorts varies. sometimes I grab a sweet compression short and other times I go for a looser option. and these lululemon speed shorts fall somewhere in the middle. when it's hot and humid, I prefer shorts to just about any other bottoms. but as the weather begins to cool, I begin to grab a swift pair of running tights instead. in my ever-so-humble opinion, nike has the funnest running tights and I have never had a pair pill or fall apart. I love all of the different prints and colors and they have such a wide selection! that pair furthest to the right has made its way to the top of my wishlist. 

what's in your pockets? I believe that the things you carry are every bit as important as what you're wearing. I've been known to put off many a run because I forgot my garmin forerunner elsewhere. it's my constant running companion and is quite durable ( I put it through the wash a couple of times on accident ) and easy to use ( for the technologically challenged ).  I don't know what I would do without it. this goes for my ipod shuffle, as well. for years, I tried to find an armband that would fit my scrawny, pathetic little arms. finally, my husband suggested the shuffle. and not a moment too soon. it simply clips on and lasts for hours. something a little more personal is the snacks we eat. in all honesty, you don't need snacks until you're about an hour and a half into your run and I doubt most of us have the time or energy for that every day. however, I'm one of those that can't eat breakfast before I run, so I'll scarf down a stinger lemon waffle beforehand and it lasts for those more realistic, less time-consuming adventures. and whilst adventuring, there is nothing more defeating than being overcome by thirst miles from the nearest water fountain. so carry it with you. I've never used a waist pack before, but this one is something I'm dying to get my hands on. I love the color and that the bottle is big and centered so that you don't get thrown off-kilter. and I have loved all of my gregory products.

well guys, that's a hefty list! but a good one, if I do say so myself. I'm out to the pool for the rest of the day. a few days ago, I realized I hadn't been out there for an all day sunning in months and I feel I need to remedy that. and of course, I'll be getting that run in. what are you guys doing with your first wednesday of august? whatever it is, I hope it is wonderful and summery!

love, arielle