I'm in Love... Skirt Sports Redemption Run Short Review

by Jodi

I'M IN LOVE... and I want to tell the entire world about my Redemption Run Shorts from Skirt Sports.  Summer has officially wrapped Portland in its warm, sunny embrace.  Cool mornings and evenings are sandwiched between warm, non-humid, sunny days.  It's a great time to be alive.  And a great time to be running.  I am thrilled to be back pounding the pavement and soaking in the sunshine.

This spring Skirt Sports rolled out a new line of running shorts including the Redemption Run shorts.  Carissa received a black pair and fortunately for me, her order was shipped to my house.  It was love at first sight.  I called Carissa and asked her if I could break her shorts in for her.  The crazy thing?  She said "Sure."  Now that is true friendship!

I logged seventeen miles in two days and the Redemption Run Shorts did not disappoint.  I was so sad to wash and deliver them to their rightful owner.  Once the weather got warm I ordered my own black pair and was thrilled to recently receive them.

Don't Tell My Running Shoes But...

by Carissa

Don't tell my running shoes but they're no longer the only ones in my closet.  They have the right to be shocked since I've had the same approach to running shoes for years now.  My routine was as follows: go into a running store, get fitted by a sales person, and buy whatever shoe was recommended for me based on my pronating feet.  Sometimes that meant buying a shoe I didn't particularly like the look of.  But that's what every good runner does right? Function over fashion was a strict rule in my running shoe rule book.  Five hundred miles later I was back in the store for a new pair.

This summer I found myself with a Nike Employee Store pass (a SWEET benefit of living where Nike is headquartered.)  Since I like living in running shoes and since my shoes typically get dirty/muddy/you-name-it over the course of running 500 miles in them, I thought it would be nice to pick up a pair of running shoes just to kick around in.  Not to mention, it was about time I got to pick out a shoe based on what I thought was cute!  As I browsed the selection of shoes the Nike Free 3.0  caught my eye and piqued my interest.  This shoe is the closest shoe to barefoot running that Nike makes.  I was completely naive to the barefoot running movement until I read the book Born to Run.  After I read it I was curious about my shoe and how the heavy support was impacting my body.

Nike Free 3.0

The sales person at the Nike store explained that there are three types of Nike Frees each with a number that represents the level of support the shoe gives.  Nike Free 3.0 offers the least amount of support, 4.0 is the in-between, and 5.0 is the most supportive.  As with all minimalist shoes, the sales person warned me that I should ease my way into them.  I figured if I was going to buy a minimalist shoe I might as well buy the most minimalist shoe, and you'd better bet I was going to try running in them.  So much for keeping them clean.  

Will The Right Sports Bra Please Stand Up?

By Jodi

When I first started running five years ago, I had no idea that an entire world of running shoes and gear existed.  I am now a more educated runner and have fallen in love with good gear.  I've managed to fill two dresser drawers with running-specific gear for every season.  I can tell you my favorite brands for running skirts, capris, pants, and shorts.  I will sing the praises of my favorite running shirts, shoes, and even socks. I've tried bras of all shapes, colors, sizes, and brands and liked them in varying degrees, but I have yet to find a sports bra that I absolutely love.  Will the right sports bra please stand up?

My first sports bra was a C9 for Target tank top with a built-in shelf bra.  Not a great option for a mom who had just weaned her fourth baby in four years, but I didn't know any better.  I was so proud of myself for being consistent at anything that didn't involve raising babies, that I bounced my way up and down my neighborhood for weeks before switching to a bra that fit better.

Part of my problem is that I don't seem to fit into any category.  My small-chested friends make every sports bra look great.  Their biggest dilemma is choosing their favorite color.  My large-chested friends have to go to running specialty stores and get fitted for bras that hold the girls beautifully in place and are comfortable to run in, but require a tank top or shirt to cover them because they are not even remotely cute.  I fall smack dab in the middle.  The shelf-bras are a no-go for me, but I don't need a high end, super expensive and supportive specialized bra either.  Is it too much to ask for a running bra that doesn't cost a small fortune, is supportive, comfy, AND cute?