Let's Talk Handful

by Jodi

My Handful was part of my race gear for two of the three marathons I've had the good fortune of winning.  The Willamette Valley Marathon in 2014

And the Vernonia Marathon in 2016.

Anyone who reads our blog knows I'm a huge fan of Handful. Carissa stumbled her way into a Handful bra years ago.  She loved hers so much, she told me about them.  One cold marathon in a Handful bra with no chafing and no nipping (sorry boys) and I was a fan for life.

And then I got to know more about the company.  Local. Started by women athletes.  Run by women athletes. Made in the USA.  What's not to love?

I have been wearing Handful bras exclusively since the spring of 2012.  Occasionally I'll try another, cheaper sports bra.  I always regret it.  My Nike bra chafes me bloody every single time, which is a giant bummer since it's adorable with the polka dots and fluorescent swoosh.  My Handfuls only chafe when I refuse to retire them and wear them beyond their shelf life.  I should know better, but I get attached to the bright colors and the memories made wearing them.  I move my Handfuls from Active Duty to Kicking Around Duty to Just Before Bed Duty before I finally contribute them to the garbage.

Kelly C/D Bra from Skirt Sports Review

by Jodi

We've reviewed products by Skirt Sports before because their company is run by women athletes and they make fun, high quality gear for women athletes.  What's not to love?

Recently Skirt Sports introduced a line of sports bras.  They rolled out three different bras:  the Sabrina A/B Bra ($50 retail value) the Kelly C/D Bra ($60 retail value), and the Jill DD Bra $65 retail value).  

I ordered a Kelly C/D bra just as I entered the thick of a marathon training schedule.  I knew I'd be running high mileage over a six-day-a-week training schedule.  I needed to have bras in my aresonal that could provide adequate support and NOT chafe.  Here's my assessment of the Kelly C/D bra.

New and Improved? - My Review of the Adjustable Handful Bra and Tank

by Jodi

A few months ago I wrote a review of the Handful bra.  At the time, this bra was still relatively new to my workout attire but I knew that I liked it.  Shortly after the review posted I heard from Jody, COO at Handful.  She was interested in my feedback on two new products they had just rolled out.  Side note:  The women who run this company are the REAL DEAL - down to earth, friendly, and so generous. It is a privilege to support the work they are doing to help women athletes and those suffering from (and beating) breast cancer.  Go Handful!

photo taken from Handful's website

Let's start with the Adjustable Handful Bra.  The only difference between the Adjustable Handful Bra and the Original Handful Bra is the straps.  The Original Handful Bra is a one-size-fits-most approach to fit and support. And I love my Original Handful.  But the Adjustable Handful Bra has straps that are both adjustable and convertible.  The sliding toggles allow you to adjust the straps to the exact length needed, customizing the fit of the bra.  The convertible feature allows for the straps to be worn in either a racerback or traditional style.  

When Jody first told me about the new features I was excited about the adjustability and wary of the convertibility. The strap options sounded challenging to a mechanically deficient person like me.  I envisioned myself running down a busy road and having the strap pop off leaving me to fix a personal problem in a public place.  Jody assured me that even I could convert these straps and be confident in their ability to both support me and stay in place.

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?