Favorite Running Items (Part 3): Shoes, Shorts, Bands & More!

Here's the cold-hard truth...you can't have enough favorite running items. Right?
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Not when there's year-round running seasons and the ever-present possibility of getting, too...

• Hot
• Cold
• Wet
• Muddy
• Sweaty

In this article, WeeViews Ambassador Brynn Cunningham shares Part 3 of the favorite running items in her line-up of shoes, shorts, gear and more...

In case you missed it: 

• My Favorite Running Items of 2023 (so far): Part 1
• Favorite Running Items (Part 2): Check Out My Top Picks

For assistance in determining your own size, here are the female wear tester’s measurements:

• Height: 5’ 3 ¾”
• Weight: 120-125 pounds
• Waist: 27.75 inches
• Chest/bust: 34 inches
• Hips: 34 inches
• Typical shirt size: XS
• Typical pant size: 2, small and extra small 
• Shoes: 
  • Chacos (7)
  • Birkenstocks (39)
  • Most daily shoes (7.5)
  • All running shoes except the Altra Escalante (8)

Typically I wear compression after a run but wanted to try compression while running.

Since I love my Pro Compression Recovery Socks (reviewed in Compression for Runners), I went with the same brand and got the Pro Compression PC Racer (Wool).

✅Pros: 

• Snug fit
• Quick drying - I hang them up after each use to wear again in order to minimize washing/ prolong lifespan, and they are dry the next day
• Great for travel, considering they hang and dry so quickly 
• Feels like a regular running sock because of the wool blend, unlike typical compression socks, which tend to feel slippery and silky
• 20-30 mmHg of moderate compression, not too tight and not too loose

Seven-inch inseam running shorts like the Oiselle Long Power Pocket Shorts are my pick for “that time of the month,” aka menstruation, when classic running shorts with inner briefs just don’t cut it.
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Furthermore, pairing the Oiselle Long Power Pocket Shorts with the Thinx air Bikini period underwear (reviewed in Running Underwear) is a match made in menstruating heaven. 

✅Pros: 

• Two side pockets perfect for car keys (in the zippered one) and a phone, fuel, buff or gloves (in the open, longer pocket)
• Silky smooth outer finish 
• No riding up
• Can be rolled up on hot days, taking a seven-inch inseam to a four if so desired
• Versatile - these are my go-to’s when teaching hot summer power yoga classes or biking with my sons 

Though I mostly run trails, it’s nice to have a simple daily road trainer for the pavement miles or dirt road runs that I do a few times a month. 
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Over the years, I’ve run:

• Nike Zoom model (design changed)
• Saucony Cortana (discontinued)
• Asics Gel Kayano
• Brooks Ghost (after baby number two)
• Nike Pegasus, which felt like an enormous platformed cloud.

This year, I decided to go with a more natural shoe with a zero drop and got the Altra Escalante 3. So far, I love them.
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📊Specs: 

• Heel-to-toe drop: 0 mm
• Stack height: 24 mm

👟Size: 

• 8 
• These are the only running shoes that I have ever worn in size 8. I tried my typical 7.5, but my toes were right up against the tip of the shoe. The 8s are perfect. 

✅Pros:

• Roomy toe box - very difficult to find in a road shoe, even for my boney, narrow feet. I like to move my toes around. 
• Soft, comfortable collar, upper and tongue
• Secure connection to the ground - no overly plush, high-heel feeling that I often get in road shoes 
• Since I mostly run on trails and only wear the Altra Escalante 3 occasionally, it also functions as my lifestyle shoes

🏃‍♀️Mileage so far: 

• About 50-60, including one fun-run 5k race
• Longest run: 9 miles of gravel/ paved roads - my longest runs have been on trails

Exercise bands or resistance loops are one of my favorite pieces of exercise equipment for many reasons…

• Affordable (I got this set of five for $12.95)
• Five resistance levels, from extra light to heavy
• Portable - I keep two in my vehicle for pre and post-run strength and conditioning 
• Take up minimal space - I’ve considered packing one in my running vest for mid-run strength circuits! 
• Easy to use 
• 100s of ways to use them

...which I started doing at trailheads before every run this year and within strength training sessions: 

• 🦵Psoas marches (basic standing psoas march and 6 variations you likely haven’t tried before) 
• 🦵Single-leg standing clamshells 
• 🦵Standing resistance band adduction - I loop a few around the hitch on my vehicle in order to perform this exercise 
• 🦵Monster band walk 
• 🦵Lateral band walk

There are infinite ways to use these, including foot and ankle exercises, and I love trying new, creative ways to incorporate them. 

Resources and inspiration for exercises: 

• Hannah Allgood - Physical Therapist and Running & Strength Coach
  • Instagram: @shesallgood21
• Dr. Lisa Mitro, Doctor of Physical Therapy who helps runners prevent and treat injuries through movement based medicine
  • Instagram: @dr.lisa.dpt
• Sally McCrae, professional ultrarunner, coach, author and podcaster 
  • Instagram: @yellowrunner
  • Sally McRae Fitness App
• Glo: Strength classes on the glo.com app
• Google search: “resistance band exercises for runners,” and you’ll find lots of quality choices

McDougall’s 2009 Born to Run: A Hidden Tribe, Superathletes, and the Greatest Race the World Has Never Seen, is one of my favorite running books (reviewed here).
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So when Born to Run 2: The Ultimate Training Guide hit the shelves in December 2022, I was eager to see what McDougall and co-author Eric Orton had to offer.
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Orton trained McDougall to run alongside elite ultra runners Scott Jurek, Jen Shelton, Billy Bronco and Barefoot Ted as they raced the Tarahumara Indians in the high deserts of Mexico in Born to Run. 
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Born to Run 2 shares the training techniques Orton used with McDougall.
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Chapters include: 

• 😋Food
• 🦵Foot, Leg and Core Strengtheners 
• 📈Warmup routines
• ⚙️Mechanics 
• 👟Footwear 
• 😀And more…

I have bookmarks and dog ears throughout the book and use it to mix up my pre-run routine and for yummy recipes. 
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👟One of my favorite pages is the list of shoes McDougall and other athletes in the book wear (all minimal shoes). 
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It’s a quick read and great reference book for coaches and runners alike. 

• 33 Awesome Running Books on Training, Eating & Motivation 
• 16 Recovery Tools for Runners
• Compression for Runners: 3 Types of Clothing to Give You an Edge
• Layer Up: 10 Cool-Weather-Tested Long-Sleeve Running Shirts
• Let’s Go: 7 Running Pants & Leggings for Cold-Weather Running
• Running Shirt Recon: Try These 9 Cool Runner-Tested Tees
• Bras for Running: 6 Runner-Tested Favorites for Performance
• Best Running Socks: 6 Picks to Keep Your Feet Happy for Miles
• Running Underwear: Check Out this Runner’s 14 Favorite Undies
• Waterproof Running Gear: 13 Runner-Tested Picks to Stay Dry
• Base Layer for Running: 14 WeeViews Picks for Cold Weather
• Running Tank Tops: 5 Wear-Tested Picks to Keep You Cool
• A Review of Three Running Hydration Vests for Women
• Three La Sportiva Lycan Trail Running Shoes: A Review
• Leki Micro Trail Pro: Running Poles Review
• A Few of My Favorite Snacks & Gear for a 30-Mile Fastpacking Trip 
• Running Shorts: One Runner’s (Almost) Butt-Naked Discovery 
• Summer Running: 3 Must-Have Gear Essentials to Hit the Trail 
• Run Safe: 3 Shocking Reasons to Wear Hunter Orange on Trails 
• Running Windbreaker: 4 Fall-Weather Jackets and How to Pick One 
• Winter Trail Running: 6 Snow-Day Essentials Every Runner Needs 
• Outdoor First Aid Kit: 15+ Essential Items for Trail Running