(Attr)Active Wear

I was halfway through my college career when I picked up running. Prior to then, I thought runners were gluttons for punishment. And to be honest, although I was proud of myself after each run, the first few weeks felt like, well, punishment.

In an effort to motivate myself a bit, I decided to purchase just a couple cute running outfits, the logic being that if I spent money on this activity, I would feel at the very worst obligated and at the very best inspired to actually do the activity.

Of course the clothes weren't the only factor that has kept me running for the last nine years, but they were one of the initial motivators in the early weeks of my running experience. Much like shopping for a prom dress is half the fun of going to prom (at least, I thought so), finding fashionable and fun running clothes is part of the fun of running. This phenomena can apply to really any activity--working, walking, going to dinner. The better we look, the better we feel--and vise-versa.

My advice to any girl struggling with the motivation to workout: Buy some fun exercise clothes--clothes that you won't have any reason to wear other than to work out in. If you don't work out, you don't get to wear your fun, new clothes--and wouldn't that be a shame, all those fun, new threads (and already-spent dollar bills) sitting unworn in a dresser drawer...? Below is some inspiration--just a sampling--for your workout wear shopping spree.

Fast Fitness Tip: Have a hard time deciding what to wear for your outdoor runs? I have read that experts say you should dress as if it is 10 degree warmer outside than it actually is. For example, if it's 45, dress as you would for 55. If it's 75, dress as you would for 85. Of course, we all experience temperature differently, so you will have to experiment with what works best for you, but a general guide can be found and used as a potential starting point at http://www.superskinnyme.com/running_gear.html. 

Top Layer Mondetta wind- and water-resistant jacket. Purchased at Marshall's for $19.99-$29.99 (I think). Cool features: two small front zip-up chest pockets great for keys or phone, extra long sleeves with thumb hole; wind- and water-resistant. Under Layer Same as Top Layer pictured below Bottom Under Armour Cold Gear Compression Pants. Purchased at TJ Maxx or Marshall's for under $20 (SUCH a deal! I highly recommend those discount stores for workout wear). Shoes Nike Free Run 3+. Purchased at Dick's Sporting Goods for roughly $90. Cool features: These shoes come in lots of fun colors; super light-weight; minimalist. Caution: The size of these shoes runs large. I usually wear a size 8 or 8 1/2, but my Nike Frees are a size 9 1/2 (probably the only pair of shoes I own in that size).

Top Layer Mondetta Performance Gear (MPG) zip-up turtleneck. Purchased at either TJ Maxx or Marshall's for $14.99-$19.99. Highly recommend this item. Cool features: Small zipper pocket in back for iPod, cell phone, ID, or key. Zip-up turtleneck allows for versatility; extra long sleeves with thumb holes allow for further versatility. Lightweight. Under Layer Avia running tank. Purchased at Marshall's or Kohl's. Cool features: Fun cut-out design in the back; built-in sports bar provides excellent support and includes removable pads, pocket in back for keys, phone, iPod, etc. Bottom Fila running skirt purchased at Kohl's. Shoes Nike Free 3+.

Top Layer Fila turtleneck jacket. Purchased at Kohl's for $19.99-$29.99. Cool features: large zip-up pockets, some reflective threading for safety. Very form-fitting and flattering. Gear Eddie Bauer small hiking backpack purchase at Eddie Bauer Outlet (maybe $30-$50. I can't remember). Cool features: front mesh pocket for cell phone, wallet, ID, or credit cards; side pocket for water bottle.

Top Fila tank purchased at Kohl's. Cool features: funky strappy back, "media pockets" on both sides for iPod or cell phone, built-in sports bra, fun gold glitter (that has never come off in the wash or rubbed off on other items of clothing).

Top Fila running tank purchased at Kohl's. Cool features: supportive built-in sports bra with removable pads. Bottom Fila running skirt purchased at Kohl's. Shoes Nike Dual Fusions T2

Top Jockey tank (I think this is actually a yoga top) purchased at Kohl's, Marshall's or TJ MAxx. Cool features: light-weight; very form-fitting and elastic material Bottom Avia running skirt purchased at Kohl's. Shoes Nike Dual Fusions T2.

Top Same Fila running tank as pictured above Gear Same Eddie Bauer bag as pictured above Bottom Jockey capri yoga pants purchased at Kohl's, Marshall's, or TJ Maxx. Cool features: feminine lining Shoes NikeDual Fusions T2.