By Elizabeth Jenkins

Looking to really WOW your running loved one this year? Looking for the perfect gift to make them squeal with excitement on Christmas morning? You’ve come to the right place. Here is a gift guide to help you figure out exactly what the runners in your life want under the tree this year.

This post will be organized by type of runner. Sometimes it’s easier to go that route rather than by wondering “what would so-and-so like?”

The Non-runner who doesn’t want to be a Runner. Ever.:

• A membership to the Jelly of the Month Club. That there is gift that keeps on giving.
• A VitaMix blender.
• An iPad.

The Non-runner who wants to be a Runner:

This group of gift-getters is probably the easiest to shop for because 1. They need everything, and 2. They don’t know what they like and don’t like yet so your chances of messing up are pretty slim.

• I would highly suggest a pair of running shoes. Nothing will be more well received than a shoe fitting from our knowledgeable staff at Salt Lake Running Co. We will take them through the entire fitting process, including the Biomechanical Analysis, to ensure they get into the right shoes.
• A running outfit. Giving the gift of non-cotton running apparel is welcomed by pretty much anyone who enjoys sweating daily. Cotton kills. Remember that.
• A running bra. A supportive running bra could save your loved-ones back, her life, and probably your marriage.

The Casual Runner:

• An iTunes Gift card to keep them entertained while on the treadmill.
• YurBuds. These head-phone adapters are quite possibly the best invention to keep your ear buds from slipping out of your ears while running.
• Non-cotton socks. Convert to them now. Avoid blisters later.

The Regular Runner:

• A Sweaty Band to keep their hair from going crazy!
• A running-themed Christmas ornament.
• A new pair of running shoes, because they probably burn through a lot of shoes. (If they have bought their shoes from us before, we can look up the right size and right shoe to make sure you get it right. We can also look up clothing sizes!)
• Stickers which scream “I’M A RUNNER”
• The Nike Sportband. It’s great for the regular runner because it gives all the important data, but none of the geek-out freak-out data.
• A foam roller to help them stay injury free!
• Nike Pro Combat half-zip long-sleeve top.

The Avid Runner:

• Garmin, Soleus or Nike GPS watch.
• Nutrition! Gels, electrolyte supplements, bars…always great to add a little extra oomph to your gift.
• Compression socks or sleeves
• SOCKS. Ask any runner… you can never have enough.
• Ice Breaker merino wool underwear. Help keep their keester from freezing off.
• Pay their way into their dream race. They will most likely do it if someone else has invested in them too!
• Pearl Izumi anything. Pearl Izumi makes amazing, high-quality products any runner will be sure to LOVE.

For any more suggestions, feel free to ask any sales associate while you are in our stores to help you find the perfect gift. We can definitely help!

I am somewhat of an expert when it comes to wild hair. I have blonde, curly hair and by request of my husband I am growing it out, which leaves me with the challenge of taming it daily. Long or short, I know what it takes to keep hair tame, and out of the face.

When I was first married my hair was short, and during my runs I needed to pull it back with something. The easiest way I found to pull it back was using headbands. When I would run I’d grab any headband and hope it would work. I soon learned that wearing just any headband slowed me down. Every couple of minutes I had to re-adjust to keep it from slipping back, and it even slipped off my head completely (I had to stop my run and go back to get it).   The last thing I want to bother with on my runs, especially races, are silly headbands slipping off my head.

Does this sound familiar?

The purpose of a headband is to keep your hair out of your face, and in place during your whole run. Now that my hair is long again, it is worse than it was when it was short. Little whispy’s don’t stay back in the ponytail and get in the way and before you know it you have hair in your face.

Just last month I discovered the best headband I have ever used. Allow me to let you in on my little discovery, they are called Sweaty Bands. Sweaty Bands are headbands that stay in your hair; they are true
With my Sweaty Bands I have successfully run a marathon, half marathon, 5k, and several long distance training runs without having any slippage. I am able to run every mile, and race without any concern for my headband to slip off my head.no slip sweat bands. They are uniquely designed to stay in your hair, and to look cute while you exercise (Bonus!). Sweaty Bands stay in your hair during the whole run.

I absolutely love Sweaty Bands. Now is the time you need to come in and grab a few of your own. They have patterns, designs, plain colors, reflective, thin and thick head bands. No matter your style or preference, no matter your hair style or length, you will find one that will work for you.

Since they are cute, you don’t have to use them for just fitness and running, you can use them any day, to add a little spice to your outfit or hair style. If they get a little dirty or stinky from all the use you are going to put it through, go ahead and throw it in the wash and they will be as good as new. If you’re looking for a solution to the hair in your face or the worry about your headband slipping and looking ridiculous, then come check out our Sweaty Bands.

Sweaty Bands are runner tested, spouse approved.

Hats and Headbands.

We often get the question, “What one is better?”  Well it doesn’t really come down to what one is better; they are both good, but more or less what your needs are.

A hat will keep your head warmer and also trap a lot more heat than a headband, essentially keeping your core warmer when it’s cold out.  So if you are running in the morning hours, this will more than likely be what you need most of the time.

A headband will keep your ears and forehead protected from the cold, but still allows your head to stay cool and let excess heat escape when it’s just a bit warm for a hat.  If you run during daylight hours or run hot, a headband can be more comfortable than a hat.

So how do you decide what one to use?

Follow these two simple guidelines.

1. If it’s above freezing and cooler than 45 degrees use a headband.
2. If it’s below freezing use a running hat.

These temperature guidelines are just that.  It will vary slightly for everyone.  I tend to run a bit hot, so I typically put a hat on when it reaches about 28 degrees or colder.  You will have to experiment on what works for you. Both options are good at varying temperatures.

By Elizabeth Jenkins

I just found an amazing bra and I want to tell the women of the world about it! It is called the Rebound Racer from Moving Comfort. It is similar to the Juno from Moving Comfort but not as padded or as difficult to get on but with practically the same support. This bra is great. Read on for a few more reasons.

1. It is fully adjustable in the straps! NO more too tight straps, or straps that fall down…how embarassing, annoying and uncomfortable!

2. There is absolutely no stretch in the straps! This is the number one culprit for bounce. Stretchy straps take a lot of support and throw it right out the window. If you want a bra to keep you from looking like a couple marbles in a pair of pantyhose, then stick with a bra that has stretchy straps.

3. The back has a racer back AND a latch closure for extra bounce control!

4. The straps are thick and padded so they don’t cut into you. The non-stretchiness helps with this too.

5. The bra uses encapsulation to keep the girls where they need to be. This is great because it eliminates the “uniboob’ look and gives great shape. Other bras which use compression to hold everything in give you one giant boob with no shape. While compression bras are great for A and B cups, some of us have grapefruits to smuggle….For B or bigger cups, go with a bra which uses encapsulation and you will thank me.

6. The contoured lines or seams on the front add great shape as well and are very flattering for all those women who are fortunate to be able to run in just a bra and shorts.

7. It is made of breathable, wicking fabric and has mesh paneling in the front to help with the swoob (sweaty boobs) action.

8. It comes in a few different colors. The one we have in stock at our 700 East location is like the one pictured, but in a gray instead of blue. I LOVE IT. It is super cute and the cost on it is $48.00.

If you would like to come try one out, come in to our 700 E store. We can also measure you to make sure we get you into the right size. If you know your size and just want to buy one, come in or you can call us at 801-484-9144 and we can ship it right out to you! We are so thoughtful!

Is this post TMI? Who really knows. Runner’s don’t have many secrets.

When I first started running I didn’t know the underwear protocol, I just assumed it was a good idea.  After doing some field research, and tying the commando thing, I realized a lot of people have my same dilemma.

Here are two important questions to consider when you are determining your own preferences:

First: What kind of bottoms are you going to be wearing? Tights? Spandex? Shorts? Skirt?
Most shorts and skirts will have a liner built in. If the shorts have a liner, leave the underwear out. The fewer seams up in your business, the better.
Spandex shorts or tights often don’t have a liner, in fact, I have never seen a pair of tights with a liner. Even though there is not a liner, tights are intended to be worn without underpants. IF the weather is cold, I would highly suggest a pair of wool underpants, or a brief with a wind-proof panel in the front. This will save your life if it is cold, wet, and windy!

Second: What kind of underwear are you wearing?
Just please do me and yourself a solid and don’t wear anything cotton. Cotton bunches, absorbs moisture and doesn’t wick it away, smells bad, and makes you all hot and bothered (not the good kind of hot and bothered) Cotton can lead to chaffing and that will ruin anyone’s day. Chaffing can be avoided with some preventative measures so why risk it? DITCH THE COTTON! Synthetic fibers or merino wool is the way to go. Going without is always better than cotton though…

The point is, if you don’t need underwear, don’t bother. If you would like a little extra protection, do, but don’t wear cotton. Underwear should be snug and made of synthetics or wool. Also, when you are done with your run, take off those nasty wet shorts.  It is common to go eat breakfast or run errands after a run. Leaving sweaty clothes on for an extended period of time is a good way to develop a rash or an infection. Gross.

Also, choosing to run ONLY in your underwear is not supported by this author. Unless, of course your name is Donny Osmond.

Let’s talk about wool; let’s skip the history stuff that would require research and citations about how wool has been used for a very long time, by very many people.  You see, I have already graduated from college and – hallelujah – this is a blog, not a research paper.

So how is wool relevant to athletic apparel? It’s relevant because it is awesome.  You may know some very seasoned veterans who have mentioned they used to train in wool before synthetic materials, and you may have thought, “That sounds awful, thank goodness for improvements in textiles.”  Training in wool is actually not awful, it’s quite nice and it’s kind of the cool thing to do.  We are not talking about the wool that’s itchy, thick and heavy sweaters are made of. We are talking about, pause for effect….merino wool.  There are so many reasons for incorporating a couple pieces of wool into your athletic wardrobe.

Firstly, the difference between merino wool and traditional wool is paramount to the comfort of the garment. Merinos are actually a type of sheep that live in the rugged highlands of New Zealand.  The fibers of their fleece are thinner and softer, more insulating and more breathable.  Bam, take a moment to soak in all those features; read it again if you must.  One reason it is softer is because the scales which make of the fiber are smaller. Furthermore, these scales also help the garment to be antimicrobial, because bacteria cannot latch on to the rough surface.

Secondly, the difference between synthetic and merino fibers might seem like I am destroying any good qualities of synthetic materials, but there is a place for both in our wardrobes. Synthetic materials are made from petrochemicals, or recycled plastic materials. These materials, while wicking moisture, do so through the spaces in between the threads. Wool on the other hand is a natural, sustainable fiber, and not only does it “breath” through the spaces in between the threads, but through the fiber as well.  I don’t need to tell you that synthetics stink (although there is a great detergent called “Sportwash” that can help this); on the other hand, wool you can be used multiple times without the synthetic stink. Although, most people will argue after multiple uses without washing, the garment will smell like a wet animal. Do I really need to say “duh” here? Also wool can absorb up to 1/3 its weight in moisture without losing its thermal properties. Wool also regulates heat naturally, since it is designed to regulate an animal’s body heat that lives in temperatures below freezing in winter, to 80+ in the summer.

Some of you may have experienced wool through some socks, but that is just the beginning of wool options. There are tank tops, shorts, capris, underwear, long sleeve with various weights (all measured and labeled with grams).  These garments look great; merino wool holds dye really well, so the colors are just beautiful, and you can throw them in the washing machine. We carry a merino brand called Icebreaker that uses the finest grade merino fibers. While you may not know all there is to know about merino wool, thanks to me, you know quite a bit. You can thank me for helping you be in the know next time you want to geek out around your friends about athletic apparel.

The weather outside is frightful,

but these clothes are so delightful.

And since there’s no place I can’t go,

Let it snow! Let it snow! Let it snow!

No, I don’t show signs of stoppin’

and my knees they aren’t a poppin’

and even if I’m runnin’ slow,

Let it snow! Let it snow! Let it snow!

When I finally get some tights,

how I’ll love going out in the storm.

and If I get my base layer right,

all the way home I’ll be warm.

While my pace is slowly dyin,

you can bet I’ll still be tryin’.

As long as I’m dressed head to toe,

Let it snow!Let it snow!Let it snow!

How can you be the one to have this song rolling off your tongue all winter? Check out the tips below.

The key to staying warm in cold weather it to stay dry, prepare for the temperature, and keep the wind off.

S- Support
Bra/Underwear (non-cotton)-snug boxer cut bottoms are great for winter for men and women. Men can also purchase a pair with a lovely windproof panel in the front.

V- Ventilation
Next-to-skin, base layer, wicking fabrics (non-cotton), A snug technical tee shirt or long sleeve depending on what you will be using for your insulation.

I- Insulation
Middle layer for warmth (non-cotton). This could be a long sleeve top worn over the short sleeve base layer or a running vest (see pics) thrown over the long sleeve

base layer option. For pants, you may choose either a winter tight or looser running pant. Another option is a 3/4 tights for temps in the high 30′s to low 40′s.

P- Protection
Shell for rain, snow or wind.  Not always needed and is combined on some fabrics like Sporthill’s 3sp top.

The Extremeties

The Head:

An ear band is sufficient for temperatures over about 25 degrees. Snug hats are recommended for cooler

The Hands:

This is one of the most individual pieces out there. Some runners are great with thin and others need thick fingered gloves with the mitten pull over. If you have hand numbness circulation issues, then putting hand warmers between your skin and gloves works great!

The Feet:

Smartwool thin and thick socks are available and recommended.

Investing some basic winter running clothes will pay warm dividends for many years to come. Quality clothes will easily last 5-6 years and many times, much longer. And since there’s no place you can’t go, Let it snow! Let it snow! Let it snow!

Related Articles

Dressing for Winter Running

*Some pieces of clothing combine layers to reduce bulkiness and enhance moisture management.

If you would like to meet Kris in person or would like to have her as your professional bra fitter, join us for our Diva Day on May 18th.  Kris will be hosting bra fitting clinics and be doing personalized bra fits throughout the day.

GET UNDER CONTROL!

 I am one of those people you do not want to meet if you aren’t under control.  I’m not talking about being emotionally under control or organized.  I’m talking about boobs.  My name is Kris and I am a sport bra expert/fanatic.  I am that person who stops you mid-run to talk to you about the support your sport bra is providing (or most likely not providing).  Yes, you might try to out run me at first, but think about it….a sport bra is a highly technical piece of equipment and you need the right one for you.  It will help you workout more efficiently and comfortably.  A good sport bra is as important as a good pair of running shoes, sometimes more important.  Did you know that 4 out of 5 women are wearing the wrong size bra?  Don’t worry though there is help.

When shopping for a performance sport bra here is where to start.  Flip your sport bra inside out and really look at what is supporting you.  A sport bra’s support comes from either compression (holding the breasts to the chest wall) or encapsulation (holding each breast individually).  A combination of both usually works best.  When looking for a new sport bra, you need to look at the 3 pieces of construction:  bottom band, cups and straps. 

 First, are the straps.  This is what most people assume is the most supportive aspect of the bra, but that is incorrect.   Your straps should have a stabilizer in the front and not stretch.  If they are moving, so is the rest of you and that isn’t good.

Second, are the cups.  There should be some sort of cups built into the sport bra to support each breast.  Make sure you are completely in the cups.

Last, but definitely not least, there is the bottom band.  This does all the heavy lifting.  You want your band more snug than your lingerie bra, but one that doesn’t make it difficult to breathe deeply. 

 Okay now you know how a good sport bra is built.  The next step is the most important:  The Fit

Here are two examples of bras that don’t fit well.  The bra on the left rides up in the back. The bra on the right is not big enough and has side spillage.

How does this performance sport bra work for you?  Try it on and let’s see.  Does the bra feel comfortable?  Does it ride up the back?  Are you completely contained in the bra or is there spillage?  Does the band stay on your chest wall or creep up onto your breasts?

 The best way to see if this sport bra will support you is to mimic your actions.  Run in place.  Jump around.  Twist and shout.  If there is minimal bounce and the bra moves with you, not on you, then this just might be your next BFF. 

 Remember like your running shoes, sport bras wear out and breakdown.  They should be replaced every 6 to 12 months depending on its use. 

                [Here is a hint:  if you can’t read the label inside your bra, you probably need a new one.]

 Gravity may not be your friend, but a good sport bra is and together we can get you under control.

After Reading the following Top 5 Winter Running Tips from most of our employees. Can you pick out what the #1 most common tip is?

Mike’s tips

1) When it is windy, start your run against the wind and have it to your back when you return

2) Stay hydrated

3) Wear Smartwool socks

4) Wear reflective gear (lights, vest, etc) Be seen!!!!

5) Realize you are ahead of most when you train in the winter.

Amanda’s Tips

1. Don’t worry about your feet getting wet. If you have good socks they won’t and if they do you won’t notice. If you do notice, you should go faster.

2. Dress warmly throughout the day. If you are cold just doing the day to day stuff, you won’t want to go run outside in the cold.

3. If your shoes are wet from the previous day’s run open them up, pull the liner out a little and stuff some newspaper in there.

4. Remember to drink lots of water throughout the day.

5. Get some nice running underwear. It makes a big difference to be warm on your bum.

Brandon’s Tips

1 Running partner to complain with

2 Smart Wool socks

3 Sport Hill infuzion gloves

4 Sport Hill wind protection underwear

5 Pipeline trail-the snow is packed down and the scenery is pretty darn nice

Scott’s Tips

1. Continue to drink and eat gels. Even though it’s cold outside, you still sweat. Also your body has to work harder in the winter to stay warm, so your energy demands are actually higher during a run, especially during long runs. I like to fill my water bottle up with warm water to start out with. Drinking ice cold water or frozen water isn’t easy.

2. Yaktrax rock. Use them on packed snow for good traction or during a snow storms. Not great on pure ice, or hard surfaces though. Running with them is much easier than not in many situations, and it’s safer.

3. Be aware that if you are running outside for the first time, it will be a shock to the system. The lungs may burn and your face will probably get cold. You will get used to it though, so stick with it. The best thing to do is to continue running outside as the seasons change and you will adapt much easier.

4. It’s ok to run on a treadmill. I don’t like to be outside if it’s below 0 and would rather run inside. Incline the treadmill 1-2% to make up for the effort in comparision to the road. It’s also a good idea to not run outside on red burn days.

5. Find safe roads to run on. Running on State Street during the winter is probably not a good idea. Back roads tend to be the best, much less traffic to deal with. I also like to run on the left side of the road into oncoming traffic, it’s easier for drivers to see you. NEVER assume a driver see’s you at intersections or at driveways, be overly cautious.

6. One more just for kicks. Run with a cell phone if you are running alone. Spraining an ankle or getting some other injury (heaven forbid getting hit by a car) can be deadly and you get stuck in the cold.

Travis’s Tips:

1. It is mental not elemental. Yes it is cold, but life does not stop so why should your running. Kids still go to school. People still have to work. Shopping still gets done. We still go to parties and travel. We should still run.

2. Expect to start a little bit cold. You will heat up very quickly, but once you are hot it is very difficult to not overheat. Start cold and allow your body to warm itself.

3. Combine layers when possible. Clothing that combines layers is much more comfortable than using individual layers. A light base layer with one heavier top works better for me than multiple layers. Same for bottoms. A heavier pant is more comfortable for me than wearing a pair of tights covered by a light pant.

4. Good gloves make a big difference. It is handy to have a couple of different weights available so you can keep your hands the right temp on different days and in different conditions. If your hands get too hot, the rest of you is hot. If your hands get too cold, the rest of you feels cold.

5. Wool socks!!!! Even if your super breathable shoes get wet a good wool sock will help keep your feet comfortable even in the snow or rain. Waterproof shoes only make your feet more susceptible to over-sweating because the waterproof barrier keeps the sweat in just as much as it keeps the elements out. It also takes waterproof shoes much longer to dry after your run. If you do need to wear a waterproof shoe, once again wool socks are key for keeping your feet comfortable.

Rhielle’s Tips

1. On red burn days run at elevation (go to mountaintrails.org for a list of groomed trails in PC or go to Mountain Dell Golf Course) or go to the olympic oval. Although all gyms and indoor running tracks have filtered air, the Olympic Oval has to keep the air climate controlled and is therefore the Gold Standard. Additionally, most indoor tracks are 200 meters, and the oval is 440, fewer turns = fewer injuries.

2. Running in snow is harder, similar to running in sand, so go slower and run for time not distance. The stuff you are running on is uneven and moves when you put weight on it so your muscles fire twice for every step, once to stabilize and once to propel. You work twice as hard in the snow.

3. To stay upright in the snow, instead of on your bum, run like you don’t have shoes on. When you heel strike, you land on the snow with a very small amount of surface area giving the runner very little stability. When you land on top of your foot, you have much more surface area, making you more stable. You can also stay in car tracks where the snow has been moved away a bit. Running on flat surfaces, not hills, will also make it easier.

4. Dressing to stay warm: 1. Use the VIP layering system. 2. No cotton. 3. Wear an extra layer over the core. 4. Buy Smartwool socks and baselayers- they retain heat even when they get wet so you can sweat and sweat and stay warm the whole time.

5. To dry your shoes out after a wet run, take the liner out and stuff the shoe with newspaper. The paper will draw the moisture out of the shoe.

6. Wear reflective gear. Most people don’t know that the yellow is not reflective so it doesn’t do you any good at night. It is only good to help you stand out during dusk and dawn. The silver, silky stuff is the reflect so wearing something that is a combination of both is very important.

Jesus’s Tips

5.- Plan ahead, we all are busy specially in this time of the year so make sure you make some time available for your run.

4.- Dedicate your run to somebody, whether is your mom, your wife or your dog is a great motivation tool, i use it specially in this weather.

3.- Don’t overdress, my biggest mistake when i started to run in the winter was to bundle up to much, keep in mind that you will increase your body temperature by about 20 degrees, so if the temperature is in the 30′s dress for 50′s.

2.- Wear reflective gear, this time of the year when it gets dark by 5 o’clock you should always wear reflective gear when is dark, you never know when a distracted driver could cross your path.

1.-Base layer up! this is a must, it makes a world of difference to have the right base layer when you need it. My favorite are Smartwool and Craft.

Chris’ Tips

1. Smart Wool socks

2. Along with cold weather comes less day light, so I use my Black Diamond Sprinter head lamp a lot.

3. Vest

4. Sport Hill mens cold weather underwear

5. a fairly tight/tapered running pant or tight

Seth’s Tips

1) Afternoon trail runs. (You will see tons of wildlife, no one is up there and it is warmer)

2) Sporthill pants (Great wind resistance and super flexible.)

3) Amphipod Reflective Vest if running on the roads at all any time. (Holds your ID, Phone, Gel and keeps you from being hit.)

4) Trail shoes, Brooks Cascadia. (The snow is giving you plenty of cushion, the traction is what you need.)

5) Warm light weight gloves, Saucony ultimate Run Glove is my current favorite.