Essential Sports Apparel for Running and Triathlon

While undoubtedly running shoes are the only essential piece of sports apparel needed to go for a run, chances are that you would like to also dress comfortably. If you seem to be having a battle between comfortable running gear or fashionable running apparel, lean toward comfort. Although these days, most fitness apparel or triathlon gear is so fashionable that it is being worn, not only out for runs or to the gym, but also to Starbucks for a coffee. When you are ready to start shopping for running clothes, then here is what you should look for:

Running Socks: Synthetic fabrics work better than cotton. Most runners prefer running socks that are thin, lightweight and ankle high. Although, my choice for socks for running are double layer socks, especially for long distances as I find they keep the blisters away. But when the weather is warm, go for the thin and lightweight.

Running Shorts: Again, synthetic (microfibre) fabrics are choice amongst runners. Also popular are shorts with a slight sidecut as they are not as restricting. Running shorts usually come with a built in underpants, so you may or may not choose to wear your own underwear underneath. I can only wear short tights as through the years, as the muscles have built in my legs, I chafe to much on my inner thigh and now I can only wear running shorts in my non-exercise routines.

Running Shirts: Try to stay away from cotton. There are so many great moisture wicking fabrics out there now and the prices have come down so significantly that you could almost buy a running shirt made of technical fabric for the same price as a 100% cotton shirt. My running shirt and running bra are key to my comfort, so I like to chose wisely here. Anything that keeps the moisture away from my body and flows freely works great for me. Choose a singlet for those warmer days.

Sports Bras: See Running Apparel or The Best Sports Bra for more information on what to look for in choosing a good running bra.

Running Tights: When the weather gets colder, long running tights that are made with nylon and usually a mix of spandex or lycra work well without limiting your ability to move freely.

Running Vest: I love my running vest and depending on what weather you will be running in, it could be a valuable piece of running or triathlon apparel. Running vests are made of nylon, very lightweight with some reflective material usually on them. Running vests also can come either with a solid nylon back or a mesh back for more air to circulate through. Perfect for windy or light rainy days.

Hat and Gloves: A hat or toque and a good lightweight, breathable pair of gloves are essential when running in the winter. But winter is not the only time that you need a hat, I use one to either keep rain off or the sun off my head in summer (and don't forget the sunscreen). The best caps for warm-weather running have mesh tops to allow heat to escape.

As always, remember to test out any new triathalon or running clothes before any races that you may be going in. Make sure that new fitness apparel is washed, broken in and works well with your body. I have had running bras that have been a disaster and quite glad that I didn't have to wear them the length of a race.