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Fall Running Gear Essentials

FitSugar — Tue, 06 Oct 2009 04:30:43 -0700

Autumn is by far my favorite season for running, be it on a trail or the road. No matter where you choose to run, there are a few items to make the seasonal transition easier. Cooler weather and shorter days are two elements to deal with, and these five things will help keep you running outside for the season.

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Fittingly Green: Brooks Making Eco-Friendly Sneaks

FitSugar — Wed, 08 Jul 2009 03:22:34 -0700

If you choose to run outside on a trail or sidewalk instead of using an electricity-driven treadmill, you're already doing your part to help the environment. You can do more though, with the help of Brooks. The brand has developed a new racing sneaker called the Green Silence.

This red and yellow shoe may channel Ronald McDonald, but it is actually totally green. The heel cups are made with recycled CDs, and the laces, lining, and stitching are made with discarded plastic water bottles. The outer soles are made from recycled rubber, and the midsole is 100 percent biodegradable. All the soy-based dyes used are non-toxic, and the adhesives are water-based. The collar around the opening of the sneaker is stuffed with foam from old couches. The packaging is also made from 100 percent post-consumer materials. These lightweight sneaks are scheduled to hit stores in February 2010, and will retail for $100, because being green doesn't come cheap.

Tell me, would you buy these eco-friendly sneakers from Brooks?

To see more pics click the images below.

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Spring Running Essential: Arm Warmers

FitSugar — Tue, 21 Apr 2009 03:30:00 -0700

Spring weather is unpredictable, which means layering is important. When headed out for a long run, you can wear a tank but keep your arms covered with arm warmers. No longer just for the legs, or the dancers, arm warmers are a great accessory for runners and cyclists alike. Marathoner Kara Goucher sported a pair while running Boston yesterday.

Arm warmers range from $18 to $40 depending on the material used. You can opt for classic black like Kara, or go for some conspicuous stripes to make you more visible on the road. Check out some options below, from classic black to tattoo sleeves.

Sugoi MidZero Arm Warmer ($26)	SockGuy Acrylic Arm Warmers ($20)
Sock Guy Hottie Arm Warmer ($20)	Pearl Izumi Woolie Seamless Arm Warmers ($15)	Primal Wear Tatto Arm Warmer ($23)

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Gear Review: Outdoor Research Winter Running Gloves

FitSugar — Thu, 04 Dec 2008 14:30:00 -0800

Running outside is feeling pretty chilly these days, especially on my hands. I just picked up a pair of thin, lightweight running gloves that are perfect for keeping my fingers warm - the Women's PL 110 Gloves ($24) by Outdoor Research.

I love that these gloves have a thin fleece lining that's comfy and warm. When it's super cold out, I slide my fingers out of the finger holes and hold my hands in a fist. When my hands heat up, I slide my fingers in their respective slots and they cool off. The outside is similar to softshell material; it's smooth and contours to my hands. I also love that these gloves are tight all over, especially by my wrists, so no air can make its way into the glove to create a chilly draft. The only thing I don't like is that the fabric has started to pill on the palms of gloves. That's just cosmetic though, and I can deal since they do an excellent job keeping my hands toasty. If you don't want to spend a lot of dough, you can pick up a pair of the gloves in blue for only $10 at Gearx.com. What a deal!

Gear Review: Under Armour Tank Prevents Chafing

FitSugar — Fri, 23 May 2008 11:00:00 -0700

Now that it so unbelievably gorgeous outside, I'm inspired to run for longer periods of time. The problem is my normal tank tops have seams that irritate the inside of my arms. If you have that problem too, check out the Under Armour HeatGear Movement Tank ($45).

You can see in the photo that the seams are moved to the back and the front, so even on an hour long run, I didn't have to worry about anything rubbing my skin. I also love the wide straps, since thinner straps tend to dig into my shoulders and leave marks. I also really appreciate the built-in sports bra and that the higher neckline kept my cleavage covered. Also the racerback style let me move my arms easily in all directions without any sense of constriction. Another great thing about this tank is that it wicked away my sweat, so even though my face was dripping, my shirt stayed dry and comfy. As if I didn't already love this tank enough, the name of this color is Pink Sugar. How cool is that? It also comes in Black, Clover (green), and Salsa (red). If you are interested in buying your own wicking sugar tank, you can find one here.

Gear Review: North Face Apex Softshell

FitSugar — Thu, 10 Apr 2008 08:45:00 -0700

Since we're getting a hint of warm weather, I'm tempted to rip off all my heavy layers and run outside in shorts and a tank top. Unfortunately we're not quite there yet, so you'll need some thinner layers to keep you warm. That's why I love my North Face Apex Pneumatic Softshell ($99). It's a lightweight jacket that's stretchy so it has a feminine, flattering fit. I wear it for Spring runs, hiking, biking, and to and from the gym. I love that it's soft and fuzzy on the inside, but the outside is smooth so it stays clean and doesn't pill (like fleece jackets tend to). The two pockets are great for keeping my hands warm, or for carrying my keys, cell phone, and iPod. I wouldn't wear this on super cold and windy days, but if it's around 50° F, it's the perfect layer.

I have it in brown, but it comes in tons of other colors too. To see them, click the images below.

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Get Your Butt in Gear: ToughGirl Skirt by SkirtSports

FitSugar — Tue, 13 Nov 2007 15:30:00 -0800

If you fell in love with running skirts this summer and are pining to run like a girl even though it is too cold to show off you gams, I think I have found a solution. The ToughGirl Skirt ($85) by SkirtSports!

The ToughGirl combines running tights with a cute short skirt for all-in-one, one-of-kind running bottoms. And cover your bottom it will. The skirt strategically covers you in all the right places and the leggings, with slight boot cut, keep you warm. The fabric, Dupont Supplex, feels divine and you might just find yourself lounging in your ToughGirl skirt since it is so dang comfy. But don't forget this skirt and pants combo (does that make it a skant instead of a skort?) is made for action. It has two pockets hidden under the skirt for you to slip your keys, your iPod, or ID. So good to know that you can run like a girl in winter, too!

The ToughGirl comes in either pink or black, and you can buy them directly from SkirtSports.

To see the ToughGirl in black and some alternate angles just read more

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Get Your Butt in Gear: Sahalie Running Tights

FitSugar — Wed, 31 Oct 2007 02:30:00 -0700

Somedays we all need a little support, and I am not talking about a shoulder to cry on. I am talking about supporting the joints and muscles of your legs that get taxed by your many activities. These Running Tights ($79.50) by Sahalie are engineered to support your weary bones so you can get out and run. Designed with patented support panels strategically placed to provide added protection, support and warmth for your muscles and knees. These tights are beneficial for the well trained athlete as well as the weekend warriors. Not only do these tights create support for running, but are useful for skiing and cycling as well. Made of a CoolMax polyester/Lycra spandex blend, they are great at wicking and machine washable as well!

Buy them in either all black or with gray accents directly from Sahalie.

See Jane Run: A Supportive Store For ALL Women Athletes

FitSugar — Fri, 12 Oct 2007 13:30:00 -0700

"You want to run a marathon?!?" That's how Lori Shannon was greeted when she went to her neighborhood running store, along with raised eyebrows and zero support. So what if she was 5'3" and a size 16? Maybe she didn't look like a born athlete, but she still had the strong spirit of one.

She used her spirit to turn that negative experience into her own women-friendly running store – See Jane Run. It's a place where women of all shapes, sizes, ages, and experiences can find gear as well as inspiration for their athletic goals.

There are a few actual retail stores (in San Francisco, Oakland, and Boise), but you can also shop online. They've got sports bras galore, tops, and bottoms by prAna and Patagonia, outerwear, running sneaks, a wide range of bags and packs, and heart-rate monitors, too.

Why not buy from a small, woman-owned and operated company, whose main goal isn't just to sell gear? They offer motivation, inspiration, and support for their fellow active women, with friendly staff that are there to help, and not give you an attitude.

Get in Gear: Saucony's Cool New Shoe

FitSugar — Fri, 21 Sep 2007 14:30:00 -0700

Ever feel like your feet get too hot and sweaty in your sneaks?

Saucony's newest and coolest (no pun intended) sneaker the ProGrid Paramount ($165) is made with a special fabric called Comfortemp, which cools and warms to maintain your feet at a pleasant 82 degrees. What's more? A climate controlled foot is a drier foot! I'd love to try them out myself, because one reason I am so quick to take my shoes off is because they are so darn hot and sweaty after a long run.

These sneaks are brand spanking new, so to find out where you can buy them near you, check out the store locator at Saucony.com.