Warm Weather Running Essentials

By Alexia Gonzalez on May 5, 2015

If you’re new to running, you may be wondering how you should appropriately dress to optimize your training.

One of the things that I love most about running is that you don’t need any fancy running gear or expensive running clothing. Just wear comfortable clothes that allow you to move freely while still providing you with support for any excess jiggling.

Especially in this humid spring weather, you need to consider a running ensemble that will breathe while you work up a very satisfying sweat. You want something that will cool you down under that hot May sun.

Running can be as simple as throwing on an old tank top and a pair of comfortable shorts (think cotton or spandex, and definitely not denim.) But just as in any endeavor, as you progress with your skill, you may want to improve your uniform.

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Although running is virtually a free sport, it doesn’t hurt to stock up on some functional and stylish apparel. Find gym wear that ensures high performance and technical fabric without compromising your great sense of style. Looking forward to sweating off those calories can be easily achieved by treating yourself to some fabulous athletic attire.

We all may fully comprehend the importance of a good workout, but it is inevitably a routine that takes some getting used to, especially when it comes to running. You have to be your own motivator for a jog around your neighborhood, and sometimes that’s hard to achieve after a long day full of work and school. In order to convince yourself to incorporate some fit time, a solid workout outfit may be the perfect thing to inspire you.

Check out these warm weather running essentials to make the most of your trek, whether it’s a jog around the park or a 10k marathon.

Running Shoes

As a novice runner, the most important item that you need to consider for your fitness wardrobe is a quality pair of running shoes.

Wearing old running shoes or running shoes that aren’t right for your foot type and running style is one of the biggest causes of running injuries.

Therefore, it’s not a good idea to dig out those old tennis shoes from the back of your closet and assume you can run in them. You need fresh, well-cushioned shoes that are designed for running and properly fit your feet.

A good pair of training sneakers will provide you with much needed reinforcement for any running terrain. This type of support will benefit everything from your posture to your knees and back, and will also make you feel like you’re ready to take on the world, or simply to run uphill.

Although a pair of high performance trainers can be a bit costly, your investment will certainly reap the rewards.

Check out these adorable mango colored Nike Flex Trainer 4’s for maximum stability and comfort. I promise that they will make you enjoy running a lot more.

Sports Bra

Wearing the right sports bra is critical to your comfort during any physical activity, especially during long runs.

It’s important that you try on sports bras for fit and comfort, so try to do your shopping in person until you have a good idea of the best fit for you. When you try on sports bras, jog in place or do jumping jacks to test their support before you buy.

While you’re bouncing up and down, the bra should minimize breast movement. Unlike your regular every day bra, the sports bra allows you to feel liberated while providing your upper body with much needed support.

For all of you busty gals, look for sports bras with wide shoulder straps and racer back straps for the most support. Examine the seams of the sports bras. You’ll want seamless fabrics, seams with rolled edges, or covered seams to help prevent chafing.

Have a little fun with your running getup and sport a unique patterned sports bra on its own or under a loose tank for a fun and sporty look, like this one by Fabletics.

Running Socks

When choosing running shoes, it’s just as important to consider a quality pair of running socks to layer underneath. When looking into running socks, an important factor to look into is the material.

Contrary to popular belief, you want to stay away from 100 percent cotton. If you wear cotton socks, when your feet sweat or if you accidentally step into a puddle, the moisture won’t get wicked away, (and not to mention that this will create blisters.)

The best running socks are ones that are made from synthetic materials such as polyester, acrylic, and CoolMax because they’ll wick away moisture. Some runners choose to wear double-layer socks, such as these Wright Socks, for additional support and protection.

Running Shorts

Considering you’ve done yourself a solid by actually getting off the couch and getting that workout in, the last thing you want to worry about on that gorgeous, sunny run is the “C-word:” you know what I’m talking about, ladies, chafing.

Whether you’re toting around some extra weight or not, women of all sizes experience the harsh red bumps, commonly on the inner thigh area and bikini line caused by rubbing of the skin while exercising.

The solution? Some better bottoms. There are loads of options, from capris to shorts (and even skorts!) that could enhance your spring running wardrobe and kick those nasty bumps to the curb.

For this heat, I would recommend shorts over longer bottoms. Running shorts come in a variety of styles, from super fitted to loose and lined. Either way, be sure to pick up a pair that you can comfortably move around in and that will wick your sweat away and keep you cooled down.

Take a look at this funky pair of running shorts from the Running Warehouse.

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