The die-hards will stick with shorts regardless, and I’ve tried sweatpants, warm-up pants and loose-fit running pants, all of which were bothersome for a variety of reasons. So, a couple of years back I tried a pair of running tights. I liked them a lot. There was no extra material flapping around, there were no sweat or chafing problems, they really kept my legs warm, and the compression effect was an added bonus.

But it was a difficult sell because, well, they’re called tights for a reason.

Guys will do almost anything to avoid looking ridiculous—though we still manage to accomplish that task with frightening frequency. Running tights are also problematic because we’re deathly afraid we’re violating the guy code big time.

It’s an ego risk to wear them, no matter what, but I’ve developed these helpful hints to minimize your discomfort while enjoying the benefits of this useful apparel:

• Dark colors only. Black or navy blue. Under no circumstances wear white, yellow or lime green. Designs will only draw attention to you.
• Shirt length. Shirt outside the tights, hip length. Modest without being dorky.
• Underwear? No definitive answer for this one. You won’t need them for support, but peace of mind is paramount here. That’s why the final tip is the most crucial one.
• Seek a woman’s counsel. Not as easy as it sounds. Women are used to providing support and affirmation when asked about how clothing looks. No woman ever says to another, “Your butt looks HUGE in that!” You need a woman who will level with you. Even then, don’t pay attention to what she says as much as the look on her face.

If she looks uncomfortable while she asks, “Well, how do you like them?” it’s time to go in a different direction. On the other hand, if she raises her eyebrows and makes a growling sound in the back of her throat, it’s very flattering but probably not the kind of reaction you want for running gear. (Don’t be an idiot, though. Save them for wearing around the house.)

A conscientious woman will also provide free periodic updates to her assessment, and will not hesitate to tell you when it’s time to choose an alternative.

Follow these tips and you’ll be able to wear running tights without undue anxiety or drawing attention to yourself, unless, for some reason, you’re trying to.

Like these Celcius Capri tights from New Balance, perfect for cool weather. And black tights, like black dresses, never go out of style. Material: 86% Polyester, 14% Spandex. Also has an Interior key pocket for storage. On sale for $31.20, normally $47.99.

Pair those tights with this shiny satin, Cozy Warm-up Top from Puma. Material: 95% Cotton, 5% Elastane Baby Terry. On sale for $42.00, normally $60.00.

You’ll be stylish and warm in no time.

Available at Title 9 Sports for $25.00. One size fits all.

95% brushed poly/5% spandex.

Available online in blue, violet and black for $98.00 (US) at Brooks Running.

It’s almost summer. You know what that means: time for some good-looking running gear. And for women, that means running skirts. Yes, skirts: a trend that is only gaining steam. When I wrote a story about them last year, the skirts were still a novelty.

But since then, more and more women have found that skirts don’t ride up uncomfortably like shorts, they don’t chafe one’s waist, and they were much, much more flattering than any pair of running shorts on the market. And over the past year, more companies have offered their own versions.

I grabbed Athleta’s Beach Run Skort after running a race in which my shorts were so big (even though they were a women’s small) that they fairly ballooned around me. I road-tested the skort in a track workout and a local 3K race. When I ran quickly, the skort, which looks like a wrap-around skirt, partially flew open, revealing the white and loose-fitting shorts underneath. Just an FYI. But that’s so you can take big strides and kick it in hard while barreling to the finish line.

Pros: The skort is feather-light and has a relaxed fit, so it’s great for hot-weather running. Cute and wholesome and non-fussy in a “girl next door” way. Versatile, too. Perfect to run errands in or meet friends for an aprés-run weekend brunch. Comes in black, persimmon, eucalyptus, and two prints.

Cons: If you tighten the strings on the skort’s waistband, the garment bunches up unattractively. Also, the skort only has one small inner pocket, big enough just for a key. I tried to stuff a credit card inside too, to no avail.

Soon after I got the Athleta skort, Heather Langendorfer, Atalanta Athleticwear‘s CEO (and a two-time Ironman Triathlon finisher), sent me her company’s Commitment Skirt to try out. The skirt looks fast. It’s the beach skort’s sexier, more assertive, but also more practical cousin. The skirt comes in black or carbon gray, and the compression shorts in red, orange, turquoise or white. They are shorts that are meant to be seen.

Pros: Another reason why you may get admiring glances from other runners while wearing this skirt is because it’s an inch or so shorter than the beach skort. A good thing if you’re only 5’2″, like me. Or if you just want to show some leg. Also, Hallelujah, the skirt has two back mesh pockets. So handy. In one long run, they held one vanilla GU, my driver’s license, a credit card, my car key and a lip balm. All without bouncing around or making my butt look fat. The shorts are snug but not tight and eliminate “chub rub.”

Cons: Hmm. I’ve been trying to find a downside, but it’s been tough. At $54, they are more pricey than the Athleta skort, which runs from $44 to $49. But I’ve found myself reaching for the Atalanta skirt more often than not.

In ancient Greek mythology, Atalanta is the goddess of the hunt, travel, and adventure. According to lore, she would only marry a man who beat her in a footrace. Aphrodite, the goddess of love, helped one love-struck suitor, Hippomenes, by giving him three golden, magical apples. Each time Atalanta drew close to him in the race, he dropped one apple. Intrigued by its beauty, Aphrodite would slow down and pick it up.

In some versions, Hippomenes’ strategy so impressed Atalanta that she let him win. Maybe that’s the 21st century revisionist version. But no matter. The skirt, which has Atalanta Athleticwear’s logo of three apples along its hem, is a keeper—whether you let your significant other win the next race or not.

Made with AIS technology and constructed with an inner lining made of CoolMax and a resistant outer shell of Lycra.

Have you worn this sock? Leave me a comment and let me know how you like them.

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 seems Stella McCartney has temporarily abandoned her trademark floating dresses for the sporting world. Running attire included. One item that peaked my interest was this shirt by Stella that claims to be both fashionable and posture improving.

According to Adidas, the new Running Tee by Stella McCartney has strategically placed “Powerweb” bands that link key muscles and work like springs to increase athletic power and will bring explosive energy to your movements. For $190.00 it better explode something other than my wallet.

• Tight fit; 3/4 length
• 77% polyester / 23% elastic single jersey
• Imported

Available at shopadidas.com

Has anyone out there had a “Powerweb” experience? Please leave me a comment and let me know.

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 cute while we run?). Whatever the reason, their popularity is exploding and runners from the front to the back of the back are putting them on. A few short years ago the choices were very limited and 4-5 years ago there was only one company (that I know of) selling running skirts. I was a skeptic. Now I have tried a few different brands and I rarely wear shorts anymore when I run. Skirt Sports even has a program called “Convert to Skirt” where they give you a deal on a new running skirt if you send them your old running shorts.

The popularity boon is to your benefit. If you are a running skirt convert or maybe just someone who wants to try running in a skirt, you now have a dozen options. Most of these skirts come with built in liners, compression shorts, or some variety of those.

Here is a fairly comprehensive list of current running skirt offerings:

Adidas
Supernova Running Skort $42

Atalanta Athleticwear
Commitment skirt $60

Golite
Calamity Jane Skirt $55

Hind
P.E. Skort $40

Moving Comfort
Hopkinton Skort $40

New Balance
Bonita Running Skirt $45

Nike
Nike Adventure Skirt$60

Running Skirts
Two styles – prices vary

Skirtsports
various styles (including for other sports) – prices vary

• Comfortable, moisture-wicking and dries lightening fast fabric
• One-size fits all, even freakishly small or large heads
• Stays in place while running
• Wide enough to cover even the greyest roots
• Easy, fast, and fashionable

And if all that isn’t enough, in an effort to make the world a little better, this year, Bondi Bands have chosen to donate 10 percent of their pre-tax profits to the DANA-FARBER CANCER INSITUTE.

Available in a variety of fashionable patterns and colors for only $8.00, click here to order and enter MICHELLE in the special code at checkout.

To order your bondi headband with the Complete Running logo for only $10.00, click here and enter RUNNING in the special code box at check out. You can also order by e-mailing Michelle at runninmommaATgmail.com.

If you have a cool running product you would like reviewed, leave me a comment.

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 off about half a pint of perspiration per day. And that’s just during everyday activity. Socks also absorb sweat and draw it to areas where air can wick the perspiration away. In cold environments, socks help to remove the moisture given off by one’s feet, decreasing the risks for frostbite. Buy three and prevent weinerbite.

Being the necessity they are, I’ve found a great winter running sock. The Blister Beater Socks.

Not too thin, not too thick, cushioned and ventilated! I’ve had mine for three seasons and they are only just now starting to lose their shape.

Try a pair for yourself, available at Title Nine Sports. Three pairs go for $25.

Sock trivia: the commonly known “Tube Socks” were invented by Thomas Kelly and Hugh Ryan, in 1875.

If you own this product and would like to add your opinion, leave me a comment.