Now that it has warmed-up, here in New England I've had a chance to try out some of my summer-running gear I purchased back after Christmas. For the most part I am a frugal, bargain shopper. I like to get as much as possible for as little as possible or name brands for cheap. For the most part this works well: find great deals. But often times I buy things that are on sale simply because they are on sale or forsake fit or comfort for a cheaper price. After Christmas it became obvious that I need a few new pieces, specifically bras and shorts. When I'm not breastfeeding I can get away with wearing low support bras, cheapo ones from Target or Wall-Mart. Most of my sports bra collection is comprised of bras that were less than $15. Unfortunately a $15 sports bra provides little support for "working girls." I knew I needed a higher quality sports bra if I was going to be happy on my runs. Though I've never owned one I know that Moving Comfort makes great bras so I decided to purchase one of their bras, the Phoebe A/B Bra, from the Running Warehouse. It turned out to be one a fantastic purchase. I love everything about the bra. It is incredibly supportive without being restrictive or "too tight." Just the right amount of compression so that everything stays put for hard track workouts and long runs. Plus the colors are great.

Style: The bra is a classic pull-over, compression bra. There are "mesh zones" in the front along the arm opening and in the back along the racer back (in the picture above it is the darker blue fabric). The one that I purchased has contrasting seams, which Bmake for a cute look if you choose to wear it on its own (or if you unexpectedly ditch your shirt in a half-marathon).

Fit: I ordered a medium which is considered a 34AB-36A. I ordered based on my non-breastfeeding size because I wanted the bra to continue to be useful to me even after I am done breastfeeding. I turns out the medium was a perfect choice: snug fit, but not so tight that it is uncomfortable. The bra keeps everything "locked-down" and comfortably supported--essential for the breastfeeding mother-runner. The arm holes are generous and have caused no chaffing, even for my recent half-marathon. The seams are soft. I often find that almost all sports bras chafe and rub along my neck on the left side (but only on the left side...weird), but the seams on this bra are soft and unnoticeable, which is what you want in a bra seam.

Price: the bra is listed at Moving Comfort for $36 (they have several colors on sale for $18). I ordered mine from RunningWarehouse.com and paid $30.95

I liked this bra so much that the day after I wore it on a run for the first time I ordered a second one in black. I am now a convert to quality bras. I'm ready to purge my running-closet of all those $15 Wall-Mart bras, the $30 was well worth it!

Another recent purchase that I am incredibly pleased with is the Oiselle Distance Short. I've heard rave reviews of Oiselle apparel and the distance short caught my eye when I was bra shopping on RunningWarehouse.com, so I snagged a pair on sale. They have since proved to be my new favorite running shorts.

Style: The shorts have a "classic running short" look: elastic waistband, 3" inseam and generous leg opening. But these are not your classic running shorts, they are so much more! The distance shorts have three pockets: a back and side zipper pocket and an interior key pocket. Not many running shorts can boast such an abundance of places to put stuff. Plus the reflective detail is very cute and stylish.

Fit: From the moment I put the shorts on I knew they would be perfect. For me the tell tale sign of a good running short is how the internal brief feels when you run: it has to stay put. I can't run in shorts that have a brief that rides up or moves around. The other key for me is that the external short "flows" easily with movement and doesn't get caught between my thighs or need to get tugged at or pulled on throughout a run. The distance short passed all these tests: the brief is perfect and stays put, the shorts flow easily with movement. I've run several long runs (16 miles and 13 miles) and a half marathon in these shorts and every time I wear them I can just focus on my running and forget about the shorts. And that's what I want in running gear: I want to forget about it. I took my measurements before ordering and fell in between the small and medium and opted to size up. I'm glad I did I think that maybe why the fit is so good.

Price: The Distance Short is listed on Oiselle.com for $39, I bought mine on sale for $26.95 since it was a 2012 color.

I purchased both these items with my own money and the review is completely my own opinion.

Do you buy things on sale or pay full price? What are your favorite running apparel purchases? Why? Any recommendations?

--Sarah

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