Tights
Guys - don't worry, they're not see through, and usually aren't pink or have flowers on them (although I understand that pink ones can be found for support of breast cancer research) . Nope, running tights are those things you see runners wearing that look like a sleek swimsuit for legs. They are meant to be worn like a second skin, and are surprisingly warm despite the lack of appreciable amounts of fabric. However, because of this inherent warmth, they are really meant for cold-weather running. They are perfect for late fall, winter, and exceedingly early race mornings. Running tights come in several lengths from all the way to your ankles, to just above the knee, and everywhere in between.
Lightweight workout pants
These are sort of the catch-all workout pants that seem to be good for everything - running, yoga, ellipticals, chasing those damn kids off your lawn, whatever you want really. I personally like to wear them when its a bit chilly for shorts, but not cold enough for tights. These are arguably the most flexible of lower-body running wear. They come in all sorts of lengths, colors, designs, brands, and so on. In fact, you probably already owned some before you even started running!
Shorts
Ah, running shorts. We've all seen them. Some of us even have nightmares about them. But as a runner, they are absolutely indispensable. As noted in another post, there is no need to wear underwear with them. They come in a number of different cuts and styles. There are the ones that look like the love child of boxer briefs and a swimsuit, the ones that are flowy, brightly colored daisy dukes, and there are the ones that combine the two (yep, it looks like you're wearing the daisy dukes over the boxer swimsuit, but its really one piece). Then of course there are ones that come to about mid-thigh. They are loose and airy, moisture-wicking, and excellent for keeping you cool. They come in all sorts of colors, patterns, and levels of ridiculous-ness. And they are absolutely essential.
In general, for a year-round runner that plans to run outside, all of these are necessary additions to the running wardrobe. There will be days when each is most appropriate to the current weather.
A note on sizing
As aggravating as it may be, most running clothes run small. I know, right? So that means that if you are normally an XL, you'll likely need a 2- or even 3X. As if that isn't demoralizing enough, most stores that carry running clothes don't stock extended sizes. Its not that they're not out there, the stores just don't carry them. For example, Nike makes running shorts all the way up to 3X, but good luck finding them in a store. An exception may be a factory store, but that will depend greatly.
However, there is hope! Reebok has managed to stay sane. When I first started running, I was an XL (about a size 18 or so). However, when I tried on Nike, Adidas, Under Armour, etc, not only were their XL's too small, they fit tighter than my underwear! It was ridiculous! I couldn't even pull some of them on! And then came Reebok...as far as I can tell, Reebok fits true to size. Sure enough, their shorts fit! Last weekend, I went to my Dick's Sporting Goods (which has an enormous running wear section) to see if I could find these mythical extended sizes. Nope, they don't carry them. They carry men's sizes up to 3- or even 4X, but no women's sizes over XL. Dick's even carries the extended sizes on their website, but come on! Running shorts are sized weird, and frankly, most bigger people are shaped differently than the bean-poles that they design these shorts for, so if anyone needs to be able to try on running shorts, its fatties! I would love to start a campaign to demand appropriate exercise wear for bigger sizes be carried in stores, but where to start?
What do you think? What's your preferred running bottom? Have any suggestions for the rest of us?
I have two pair of running pant capris and love them. My legs are nowhere near short-ready so the capris work great.
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