Gear & Apparel

What Kind of Running Shoes Should I Wear? »

What kind of running shoes should I buy? How often should I replace my shoes? What is proper running form? This post provides some excellent, and perhaps, slightly unexpected advice.

Retail Therapy: Bondi Band Pony Hat »

Bondi Band Pony Hats are a great, colorful and creative way to hold your hair back while running or doing any exercise this winter. Some pony tail hats put the pony hole a little too low which means

Retail Therapy: I Run Like A Girl Silver Pendant »

It’s not all about the clothes; sometimes, it is all about the accessories. This silver pendant says

Retail Therapy: Julie Berg Foot Potion Blister Magic »

I’ve been running for five years and I love the sport. The only complaint I have is blisters. I’ve tried everything

Retail Therapy: Aruba Sport Sunglasses »

After my last article, I received several emails from readers about Aruba Sport sunglasses. I decided it merited a little research and it wasn’t long before I found out

Retail Therapy: Oakley Half Jacket Sunglasses »

Many athletes wear sunscreen to protect their skin but often neglect, or forget, to protect their eyes from the sun. UV radiation is one of the greatest threats to our eyes, with effects that are up to three times greater

Nike+ Sportband Review »

Who likes gadgets? Me! Who was disappointed with the Nike+ Sportband? Me. Well, kind of. I’m still holding out hope. It’s not always love at first sight, right? Tell me it’s not.

Brooks Adrenaline GTS 6 Review »

Overview: This shoe boasts lighter weight without compromising cushioning or durability.

Retail Therapy: Lululemon Bounce Breaker Bra »

I like Lululemon, it’s a great store with quality and stylish products for yoga, fitness and running.

The New Balance 1223 »

Overview Runners hate heavy shoes. The compromise between stability versus weight and responsiveness is a constant conflict. New Balance appears to have a pretty good grasp of this struggle with the 1223. Shoe Specifics The 1223 is a maximum stability shoe for moderate to severe overpronators.

Retail Therapy: Harlot–Essential T’s and Tanks »

When Jennifer at Harlot clothing company first contacted me about reviewing their clothes I thought it was odd since they only sported cycling clothing, but it turns out they make great running attire as well.

Under Armour Underfoot »

Just when you thought you’d figured out which running shoes you liked best, another company has thrown their shoe in the ring. Less than two weeks ago, Under Armour announced that they will be entering the running shoe market in early 2009.

Retail Therapy: Sugoi Metro Running Shirt »

Okay, let’s start off by saying cute, cute, cute! I love this shirt and wear it at least once a week. And not only because it is so darn cute, but it so darn practical.

Retail Therapy: Mottoz Shirts for Men and Women »

Will I run for wine? Oh yes I will and I want the world to know it.

Retail Therapy: Sugoi Hatha Capri Pant »

I know not everyone out there lives in Texas and it’s not 80 degrees and sunny everyday yet. So, I know what you’re thinking. You wish you had some really great running capris. Well, I’ve got the answer. Sugoi’s Hatha capri pant is perfect for early spring weather.

Retail Therapy: Sugoi Zinc Short »

Can you feel spring in the air? I can and it makes me want to pull out my shorts hit the road.

Retail Therapy: Illumination Required »

You know what? Retail therapy is a little difficult if you’re in a hospital bed with broken legs because a car ran you over while you were playing Ninja runner the other morning. That’s why

Retail Therapy: Men’s Bamboo Tee »

Admit it: You’re a sucker for a multi-faceted product. I saw this tee and I was immediately intrigued with the fabric. It’s made of bamboo?!

Retail Therapy: Spring Fever »

Spring fever. I think we’ve all got it, especially those of you up north who have been buried up to your eyeballs in snow. I can’t make the snow go away, but

Retail Therapy: Men’s Response Long Sleeve Crewneck »

Spring is on the way, and it’s the perfect time for long-sleeve tees while running—the weather is cool but not too cool. This relaxed-fit shirt from Adidas keeps sweat away and keeps your muscles warm and dry.

Men in Tights: Tips »

Women tend to have their body image issues during the warm weather months, but some of us guys have ours during the winter. We stave off facing them as long as possible by wearing our singlets and shorts even when the

Retail Therapy: Stock Up on Winter Running Gear »

‘Tis the season of clearance and sales for running apparel. If you live in a cold-weathered area, now is the time to stock up on winter gear.

Product Review: AirDrive Headphones »

AirDrives – Product Review [ad#inPost-Big] I’m a geek. I’m also a geek that loves music. So, when it comes to working out, I’m just nuts about the technology that allows me to take hours worth of my music out on the road or trail with me. The one ongoing drawback of this technology, though, is [...]

Secret Santa »

TO: Santa Claus LOCATION: North Pole Dear Santa, I know you are awfully busy this month, but I’m hoping you will have an extra minute to read this letter. As you know, I have a blog where I write about running, and sometimes give advice to runners preparing for races. Since you have a big [...]

Retail Therapy: Holiday Gift Blowout, Part Two! »

(Read Part One here.) All prices in US$. SeatShield: Is your favorite runner a big sweater? Then you need a SeatShield for your car. Made with a cloth microfiber for extra softness and durability. Completely waterproof and sweat proof. Especially great for leather car seats. $29.00     Running Skirts: Running skirts are all the [...]

Retail Therapy: Holiday Gift Blowout, Part One! »

Let’s get one thing straight; Runner Susan celebrates all holidays that involve the giving of gifts to Susan. All kidding aside (and I actually wasn’t kidding) I’ve put together a fantastic list of gifts anyone can give me. Or even give to the runner in your life! From $1.99 to $1,999.00, there is something perfect [...]

Retail Therapy: Floral Toque »

The best thing about winter is being able to wear cute hats and not look like a dork. Trap all that heat escaping from your head and look adorable at the same time. It’s the best of both worlds. This floral beanie will keep you warm as it wicks away the dampness. Available at Title [...]

Retail Therapy: Brooks NightLife Podium 1/2 Zip »

I’m a huge nighttime, or actually, early morning runner, so I’m always on the lookout for pieces to draw attention to my running self. And this bright yellow Podium Half Zip caught my eye. Perfect for those chilly mornings and it is made from and breathable fabric, textured with a waffle mesh on the inside [...]

Product Review: iPod Smart Case from WaterField Designs »

(Occasionally, manufacturers send CRN authors products to sample. Here’s a review of one such product, sent for review.) At first sight, the iPod Smart Case with clip from San Francisco-based WaterField Designs is satisfying to my organized mind. It is discreet and sleek. The iPod slides smoothly into the case and stays put, gripped securely [...]

Retail Therapy: Balega Socks »

(Ed.’s Note: Runner Susan is off to the Big Apple to run the N.Y.C. marathon on Sunday. Let’s make sure she gets a lot of comment love to carry her on her journey!) I have a new favorite sock. The Balega sock. Balega brand is relatively new to the US, An American-South African initiative, the [...]

Do We Really Need the Fully-Loaded Option? »

Raise your hand if you spend more on your running gear than you do on food and basic survival needs. They say that running is one of the least expensive sports to do, as it requires the least amount of equipment. The bare-footed, Hanes t-shirt clad minimalists out there are nodding their heads, while the [...]

Retail Therapy: Thermal Visibility Pant »

Like running tights but don’t like them too tight? They try the semi-fitted Thermal Visibility Pant by Brooks, it has a flared leg and no side pockets for smooth and flattering fit. Zippered back pocket is perfect of identification and cell phone. Made of Wanganui Thermal Knit (89% moisture-transfer polyester/11% spandex*) and rapidly moves moisture [...]

Retail Therapy: Brooks Motion Jacket »

It’s that time of year again, time to stock your fall running wardrobe! And this jacket caught my eye, the sleek and simple Motion Jacket by Brooks. It comes complete with a built-in pocket for your MP3 player, and high performance, moisture-moving fabric making it perfect for the upcoming autumn weather. It is semi-fitted, wind-resistant [...]

Retail Therapy: The Body Bottle »

Are you looking for a comfortable way to carry your water? Then take a look at the latest in hydration called The Body Bottle. The bottle is carried on your arm as opposed to your waist or back. The Body Bottle claims to be more comfortable than other systems and less cumbersome than combat-style water [...]

Product Review:Adidas Adizero PR »

I bought a pair of the Adidas Adizero PR’s as I am converting to a minimalist shoe, and let me first say that this is the first racing flat I have ever worn, even trying one on in the store. If you have never worn a racing shoe, imagine wearing a pair of ballet slippers, [...]

Digging Deep »

Professional athletes have an ability to dig deep and hold pace that leaves me slack jawed. This video shows Maryam Yusuf Jamal hanging on by a very short margin as Yelena Soboleva gains on her at the Osaka IAAF World Championships. I can only imagine the pain and determination required to keep from getting passed [...]

Running Skirt Blowout, Part Deux »

(Read part one of our running skirt blowout.) [ad#inPost-Big] To review: I wore each skirt for a minimum of two runs of at least three miles each. My runs are also always on trails though that does not factor much into this review. I analyzed the length of the skirt, coverage, type of undergarment, weight, [...]

Running Skirt Blowout-Part One »

One of the latest fads in running fashion is the running skirt. This is evidenced by several Complete Running articles on (running skirts, and more running skirts—not that we’re obsessed or anything, we can stop anytime—and this is only part one!) the numerous apparel companies who have sprung up as specialty retailers, and the now [...]

A Love Affair »

I love running shoes. There’s something great about the life-cycle of a good pair of shoes. It starts with the hydrocarbon smell and the crinkle of paper in a new shoe box. It ends with memories of miles and races, and a new pair of sneakers for bumming around and mowing the yard. Between, there’s [...]

Checklist for Solving Polar Heart Rate Monitor Transmission Problems »

I use the Polar 625x Running Computer – a fantastic product. But I recently became frustrated with the heart rate monitor transmitter (the chest strap) increasingly not sending its signal to the monitor (the watch). Here are the steps you should take to fix any transmission problems you might be having: Replace the transmitter battery [...]

Run Green »

Going “Green” is very popular these days. Most of your favorite daytime talkshow hosts have probably done shows about how you can go green. All over the internet you can find lists of the “top 10 ways to green your house” or “how to open an eco-friendly business”. But what if you are environmently concerned [...]

Retail Therapy: For the A’s Only »

Article Summary: Overview of the Title Nine Not-A-Bomber Crossover Bra. Made with microfiber and Lycra. Even if you are a bit on the smaller side you don’t have to settle for a compression bra. This no-smush bra has the cross-over styling that supports and separates. It’s constructed with a blend of microfiber and Lycra, so [...]

Retail Therapy: Speed Laces »

Friction is the name of the game. Where regular laces are unable to expand and contract, Speed Laces move the lacing to the surface of the shoe and eliminates friction. The best part is the lacing automatically adjusts to changing pressures of the feet during a run and lace tension is always equal throughout the [...]

Retail Therapy: Nathan Elite 1 Hydration Pack »

I hate to admit it, but I frequently ditch the fuel belt because I look like a combat soldier. Bad Susan. But on occasion we have to choose function over fashion, especially when it comes to hydrating—the life source of liquid that propels us through the day. Stupid water. We can’t win them all, but [...]

My Skirt Is Faster Than Yours »

(It might seem like completerunning has been writing a lot about running skirts lately. Well, we did write about them here, and here, and well, you might say one of CRN’s founders (I won’t say who) possibly has some sort of obsession with them, or maybe just really likes them. But after this in-depth review, [...]

Retail Therapy: Injinji Performance Sock »

Have trouble with toe blisters? The Injinji socks could be the answer. Injinji has enhanced the toe sock to help the feet work by allowing each toe to move independently, similar to gloves on our hands. It takes a few runs to get used to having fabric around your toes, but after a while, your [...]

Retail Therapy: Runway Meets Running »

Most men probably have no clue who Stella McCartney is, or they think she’s Paul McCartney’s ex-wife with the prosthetic leg and questionable past. Women in the know are more likely to be aware that Stella McCartney was the head designer for Chloé for years before launching her own brand of high-fashion, celebrity-hyped clothing. It [...]

Get Your Skirt On »

(Yes it’s that time again. Time to revisit running skirts.) A few short years ago they were obscure. Reserved for “those” women. Do real runners even wear them? Running skirts. Are they practical? What’s the point? Some women will say they are comfortable. Some wear them to look cute (what’s wrong with wanting to look [...]

Featured Web Site: Is Bones In Motion (BiM) ‘The Final Frontier’ for Tracking Your Runs? »

If a runner from the 70′s running boom was magically transported through time to present day, I’m sure he or she would be astounded at all the technological options we runners have for tracking our every footstep. It wasn’t long ago when, if we wanted to figure out how far we were running, we’d have [...]

Retail Therapy: Sports Bra for the Well-endowed »

Time to rest easy and get moving. Finally, a compression bra that supports in all the right places. The soft fabric allows for breathability and only a small degree of stretching which drastically reduces the dreaded bounce. Wide rib band, hook-and-eye front closure. Provides medium-to high-impact support for C-through DDD-cups. The ENELL Sports Bra was [...]

Retail Therapy: Performance Bondi Bands »

Last month I had the pleasure of working on a project with fellow RBF member Runningmomma Michelle. She shared with me that she was distributing these very cool Bondi Performance Headbands. Hmmm, a product I hadn’t heard of? This, of course, peaked the fashion maven’s curiosity. I ordered several, I tried them and it’s all [...]

New Designs In Our Running Store »

Have you been to our Complete Running Store lately? We’ve added some great new designs including some nice stuff for kids and proud parents! Click on the graphics below to see what’s new!

Retail Therapy: Pocket Tote Workout Bag, by Hat Attack »

Why should your gym bag be boring? Take a look at this one available at Lucy, it has plenty of room for your running shoes, water bottles, a change of clothes and any other essential marathon gear. It’s also great for those spontaneous weekend getaways. And with spring on the way, this pattern will blend [...]

Trail Racing Shoe: Teva X-1 »

Let me get this out of the way right up front: The Teva X-1 is the best trail running shoe I’ve ever worn, and may well be the best running shoe of any kind I’ve worn. That’s not to say that it’s the perfect shoe for everyone, but it’s definitely worth your time to check [...]

Retail Therapy: Valentine Gift Guide Ideas »

Occasionally you do things other than run, right? Okay maybe not, but I’m sure that special someone, runner or not, would love this Murano Heart Bracelet, because truly, it’s to die for. Thankfully the Italians can do more than fuel us with pre-race pasta. Available at Red Envelope. Set of 3, $58.00. But if the [...]

Adeo Attitude »

I’ve spent the last several weeks testing a clever little device called the Adeo – a combination GPS receiver/chronograph that works with any MP3 player, and I love it. The idea may sound familiar, but I believe that the folks behind the Adeo have it all over the Nike + iPod system. If you’re in the market for a device like this, I’d put the Adeo at the top of the list.

Retail Therapy: Blister Beater Socks »

I don’t know about you, but nothing irks me more than having to pay $8 – $16 for a good pair of running socks. They’re socks! There’s not that much fabric to them. I have the same issue with underwear, but we won’t go there. I don’t have the answers to sock technology but according to Wikipedia, the average foot has 250,000 sweat glands, and the average pair of feet gives

Retail Therapy: Brooks Vapor-Dry 2 Hoodie »

Review of the Brooks Vapor Dry 2 Hoodie – a very versatile and functional cold weather running jacket.

Nike + iPod: What if You Don’t Run in Nike? »

When the Nike + iPod kit came out, I thought it was really a cool idea. The thought of integrating your music and a time/distance tool in to one neat little kit was really intriguing. The downside for me was the fact that I don’t really care for Nike shoes. Never have. Even when I [...]

Yet Another Reason to Use a Heart Rate Monitor »

This is a true story. It is not intended to scare people, but to make people aware of the safety factor that wearing a heart rate monitor while training can provide. A number of years ago I was doing pick-ups (2-minute surges with a 1-minute recovery) with a masters age triathlete. We were both wearing [...]

Safety: Nike + iPod Sportkit Surveillance? »

The University of Washington School of Computer Science and Engineering recently proved that the new Nike/iPod Sport Kit can be used in covert surveillance activities. In an article titled Devices That Tell On You: The Nike+iPod Sport Kit the author shows that with a little know how and ingenuity the Nike foot pod can be [...]

Video: How a Canadian Dresses for Winter Running »

This video shows what I wear for running in the Canadian cold. How cold? Really cold but you’ll have to watch to find out just how cold. What you should know about this video is that, with what you see me wearing, I am warm while running. With the right gear, you too can run [...]

Dress for Winter Running Success »

We’re pleased today to bring you an article from guest writer Joe Ely from Run With Perserverance. Thank you Joe! ——— I hate being uncomfortable. I am a cheapskate. I love to run year round. I live in Indiana. I am an engineer. Put these five facts together and, over the years, I’ve developed a [...]

eBay for Running Shoes? »

Many people do not think of eBay when they are shopping for running shoes. I have found that eBay is an excellent service for finding and buying the shoes that I already know so well that I have practically named them and have told others that they are the best shoe in the world! You [...]

Running Skirt Poll »

Have you noticed more women sporting the new fashion-trend by wearing running skirts at your local races? I sure have. A few months ago I had the opportunity to review a running skirt claiming to have the high performance fitness of a short, but with a girly-girly style. And I have to admit, for me [...]

Gettin’ In Gear »

Runners often cite “affordability” as one of the reasons they are initially attracted to the sport. For the most part, the lack of equipment necessary to run translates to a minimum financial investment. A pair of running shoes usually does the trick. Of course, it’s probably more comfortable to run in shorts and a t-shirt [...]

Poll: Tracking the Love, Part II: And the Winner Is … »

I was pleasantly surprised to discover that I’m not the only one who has inappropriate feelings about their Garmin Forerunner. An astonishing 48 percent of the readers who voted on the GPS poll at CRN use some version of the Garmin Forerunner. Several of you have even lovingly named (and secretly caressed) yours. And for [...]

How to Calibrate the Nike+iPod Sport Kit »

Out of the box, the Sport Kit is only 90 percent accurate. You can expect (according to Nike and Apple) your sensor to be 98 percent accurate once calibrated, so it is definitely worth the minor extra effort it takes to calibrate. Here’s how: Measure out a route to use for calibration. Find a route [...]

The 25 Best Running Product Innovations »

Running has come along way since 1000 B.C. Many running products that we use everyday have become quite commonplace and even taken for granted. This post is a “dedication” to the great running products that were invented and produced to make our sport that much more enjoyable. Please, in the comments, add to my list [...]

Poll: Tracking the Love (Part I) »

Last December I received my very first (and only) Garmin GPS. It changed the way I ran. Before and after each run I lovingly stroke it against my cheek. I would sell my soul in the blink of an eye to always have mine by my side. That is how much I love my Garmin. [...]

The New Apple Nano & Shuffle: Perfect for People Who Enjoy Running to Music »

With all the coolness and innovation surrounding Apple products, it’s no wonder they sell so well. For people who like to run with music, it’s been nothing but good news followed by even better news. Specifically, Apple’s Nano has always been a terrific product for runners, but it got even better when Apple and Nike [...]

The Top 5 Tips for Buying Running Shoes »

I often encounter patients who have difficulty in finding the right shoes. Here are some suggestions to help you find the proper pair. 1. Try on shoes later in the day, not in the morning. As the day progresses our feet enlarge due to gravity pulling fluid from our body to its lowest point, our [...]

Happy Boobs »

Fall is just around the corner, that season where days get shorter, cooler and the wind gently breezes through our hair. Unfortunately, it breezes through our bras as well (sorry men). And as our boobs are smashed in our sport bras, we get the all too familiar fall fashion statement: Happy Boobs. Picture disguised to [...]

Let’s Get It Started: Nike + iPod Sport Kit Review »

You’ve seen the ads, commercials, and read about it in online news and blogs. But does the Nike + iPod Sport Kit live up to the hype? Before you start using the device, you need to calibrate the sensor. There is a menu option for this and it allows you to pick your distance. Either [...]

We’ve been busy! »

Been to our cafepress store lately? We’ve added a lot in the past few days. Here are two new designs you’ll find on shirts and more. I Am A Runner Slogan #3 Marathoner Defined

New Designs In Our Store »

We’ve been adding some great new designs in our running gift & apparel store. Here are a couple of examples to to wet your appetite