Apparel for Runners

Runners Cross the Finish Line Looking and Feeling Fine

Jul 29, 2008 Elizabeth Randall

Put your best racing foot forward, and dress for the part of a winner. Too often, runners look like losers on the race track.

A Lesson From the Turtle and the Hare

Everyone knows the story of the turtle and hare. What most people don't consider is that a slow and steady turtle may win the race , but that is no reason to run under the weight of an impermeable shell. Yet, many runners do not worry about clothes aside from running shoes. According to a January 2008 article by Christine Luff for About.Com, titled “Running and Jogging",”Footwear is picked out meticulously and replaced approximately every six months as arch support weakens." What about the rest of a runner’s apparel?

Fabrics and Styles for Runners

Five or six years ago, many running shorts and tops were made of spandex for the winter season. Summertime brought out the threadbare racing T-shirts, tattered shorts and frayed Peds. Grimy sweatbands often complete the look. Sure, running is all about perspiration, running power and pluck. Yet looking good on the racecourse or in the gym is a perk that can actually improve finishing time.

Of course looking good is a subjective statement. Running apparel is, above all, an environmental factor. It has to be cool and it has to be light. Split shorts add greater freedom of movement and lining adds comfort. Exposed to the elements, running clothes also need to be sturdy. Runners need to shop for double stitching in the waist and hems in shorts and neck and armholes in shirts where seams often split or droop. . Shop for fabrics such as Lycra for winter and mesh side panels for summer. Favorite brands for runners include: Addis, Nike, Brooks Runderwear, Ativa and Sugoi.

A Rainbow of Runners

Last, consider color and pattern. Leave the ugly prints to golfers. Runners look best in a monochromatic ensemble that emphasizes their lean loping stride. The sweatband should be the same color as the outfit or, at least, match.The particular color is up to the individual. However, an individual’s color choice gives a hint about where they’ll finish in the race and their approach to running.

According to The Psychology of Color by Dr. Max Lusch White, black and gray are favored by strong finishers who radiate power, modesty and speed. Red, maroon or rust colored garb indicates racing superstardom or the desire for it. Green garb is obvious; these runners are concerned with health and run somewhere in the middle or end of the pack. People who wear brown run for the endorphins and the overall sense of wellbeing, starting off slow and finishing somewhere in the upper quarter of the race. Purple, pink or blue garbed runners bring up the rear; they are running for fun, often slow to a walk, and are not concerned about the time. And runners who wear yellow are totally unpredictable; some races they do well, others they tank.

Tag New Runnung Togs

Last, running clothes take a beating. Anyone who has finished a marathon in two and a half hours of rain or deathless sun can vouch for that. Replace running clothes as often as running shoes. Runners who stay cool do so because of their look as well as their speed.

The copyright of the article Apparel for Runners in Running & Marathons is owned by Elizabeth Randall. Permission to republish Apparel for Runners in print or online must be granted by the author in writing.

Slow and Steady Not Slow and Messy