Running Bra Blues

An essential part of a woman’s running gear is a good sports bra. You gotta support “the girls.” But when you’re blessed up top like I am, a good sports bra is hard to find.

To be fair, I have challenges finding everyday bras, not just running bras. Usually I can only shop at Nordstrom, Macy’s or locally-owned specialty stores. No trips to Victoria’s Secret for me. When you’re slim and rock a G cup, yes I said G cup, your options are limited.

My trusty non-running running bra is one of those old school numbers that has straps in the front and four hooks in the back. But when I put that puppy on, I am locked and loaded. I look like Dolly Parton, “the girls” are so high. But the bra isn’t cute so I can’t where tanks and singlets because it will show.

This year I decided I would start hunting for an alternative. So far this has involved buying sports bras for DD and DDD and seeing if they’ll work.

My first purchase was the CW-X Xtra Support Bra. When I put it on, I had this huge uniboob. I jumped up and down and jogged in place in the fitting room and it seemed okay so I bought it. My first run in the bra went well. I ran 4 miles outdoors in 30 degree temperatures. There was some bounce but it wasn’t unbearable. But when I used the bra indoors on the treadmill, the heat of the room caused me to sweat more which resulted in friction burns along my collar bone. Can you say ouch? So that bra has been designated a workout and not a running bra.

My second purchase came out of a Road Runner Sports catalog. I saw the Women’s Intensity Tank Bra Top and figured I’d give it a try. It can be worn under shirts or alone giving me more options for cute running tops. My first run in the tank bra top was 3 miles outdoors in 70 degree weather. I noticed the bounce when I started running but it wasn’t too bad. By the end of the run, the bra wasn’t on my mind. So far no friction burns but I have to see how it holds up on longer runs.

The next bra I plan to try, I’m going to order from a specialty shop. It’s made by a European company called Freya. It makes sports bras in G cups so hopefully their bras will provide a better fit and offer more support. In the meantime, I’m going to keep running in my old faithful old school bra. A Diva’s gotta do what a Diva’s gotta do to keep running.

Treadmill Training

If you’re like me, you probably don’t like running on the treadmill. When you’re use to running outdoors, it’s hard to run in place. Funny thing is when I started running it was on the treadmill. It was the only place I would run and I didn’t mind it. Now I dread hopping on the thing but it’s a necessary evil for me during the winter. When it’s dark outside or the weather is too cold or snowy, that’s just where you’ll find me.

Over the years, I’ve discovered a few ways to push through those tedious treadmill runs. From beginners to experienced runners, here are some things you can try:

Beginning Runners

Starting slow is the key when it comes to beginning runners. I would listen to music or watch television and use them as distractions to get me through short periods of running. For example, I would walk at a 3.5 mph pace during the verse of a song and then run at a 5 mph pace during the chorus or I would walk at the same pace during whatever show I was watching and then run during the commercial breaks. I would continue to do this until the show went off – 30 or 60 minutes. Over time I would reverse the pattern and run during the verse or show and walk during the chorus or commercials. Using music or a television program is a great way to set small running goals that you can build upon over time. And as you become stronger, you can gradually increase the run pace.

Experienced Runners

The treadmill can be great for tempo and speed workouts. Lately when I run on the treadmill, I do a two mile warm up at a 6 mph pace. If it’s a tempo workout day, I run half a mile at a 7 mph pace with a .10 mile recovery walk. I repeat this for two miles. If it’s a speed workout day, I run a quarter mile at 7.5 mph pace with a .10 mile recovery walk. I repeat this for two miles, gradually increasing my run pace .10 mph each time. Whether it's a tempo or a speed workout day, I do a one mile cool down at a 6 mph pace. Sometimes to mix things up and to hit different leg muscles, I put the treadmill on a 15 incline and a 2 mph pace and walk backwards for 5 to 10 minutes. This really hits the quadriceps. I still like to watch television or listen to music because it gives me something to do during the workout.

How do you push through your treadmill workouts? Share your tips.

Fall Back But Not Off

It’s getting colder. It’s dark when you get off work. There’s snow and ice on the ground. The wind is really whipping out there. My bed is really warm right now. These are just some of the possible excuses you will use to convince yourself not to run. The challenge is not to give in to them.

Winter is a tricky time for runners. All of the above is true, especially the part about your bed being really warm. But you’ve worked too hard all spring and summer long training for your fall race to let it all go to waste. I have listened to several friends complain about how hard it was to start running again after taking three months off after a half or full marathon. They felt like they were starting over. Why do that to yourself? It makes no sense to let the elements keep you from progressing as a runner.

I will admit I’m not a big fan of running in the cold or in the dark. I especially don’t run in the dark alone for safety reasons. So with the weather getting colder, I am forced to wear more layers when running outdoors. And with the time change, I’ll be doing more workouts indoors.

I refuse to stop running and neither should you. Soon I’ll share how I get through treadmill workouts and offer ideas for running outdoors in the winter. How will you get through the winter months?