Brooks Running Gear Rundown & Giveaway
Now that the days are shorter, it’s time to bust out my all-weather running gear. I had a sneak peak at fall elements while running in Norway and Sweden in late August and early September, and winter running while shivering at the Runner’s World Half & Festival in October. Running in temps between 40 and 70 degrees— with varying degrees of sun, cloud, wind, and rain—reminded me that fall running can mean anything and everything.
These Brooks Running pieces (all freebies) have become a go-to part of my wardrobe. They’ve traveled the world with me in the last few months. I brought them with me to the Turkish desert—where the days were hot and the nights were cold. They carried me through Sweden and Norway. And most recently, they kept me warm at the unseasonably cold Runner’s World Half & Festival. Why? They perform and wash well, and they’re crazy cute.
Here are my picks from top to bottom, and scroll all the way down for a chance to win some Brooks Running winter gear for yourself!
Dash 1/2 Zip, $75
Available in 5 colors
This is my new fave long sleeve. You’ve seen me wear it in Sweden, Norway, and Pennsylvania. Basically, I take it with me everywhere I go. Why? First, the zip has a really cute geographic pattern that gives any running outfit a pop. I even pair it with patterned tights.
Second, the thumbhole cuffs and sleeves are actually long enough for me. In long-sleeve tops and jackets, I usually need to size-up to get the arm length I need, but then the fit is often too boxy. This fits perfectly; no sizing-up needed.
Third, a small flap pocket in the back is big enough for a credit card. (The website says it’s a zip pocket; it’s not.)
Finally, it’s the perfect weight to cut the chill without making me hot—lightweight and soft. Honestly, there isn’t a thing I don’t love about this one.
LSD Jacket, $98
Available in 5 colors
This is the windbreaker that has it all. Most notable? It packs into its own pocket with an elastic strap to slide onto your hand or arm while you’re not wearing it. Cue angels singing! In September, I ran the Fjord Norway Half Marathon–which crossed a series of windy bridges—in a different windbreaker. The windbreaker packed into a pocket but was missing a strap. Once through the worst of the wind, I ended up carrying the darn thing in my hand and kept thinking, “I really wish this had a strap.”
The LSD Jacket is also crazy light and has an adorable split side-hem that looks like overlapping flower petals, allowing for a free range of motion. Throw in front and back reflectivity, a zipper pull that locks headphone cords in place, and water-resistant fabric, and you’re ready for just about any element night or day.
My only complaint is that, unlike the Dash 1/2 Zip, the sleeves are a tad short for my long, monkey arms. In my perfect world, the LSD Jacket would also have longer sleeves with thumbholes. But when I pair the two, it isn’t a problem. Either way, I’ll be wearing this beauty for many a run to come.
Fly-By SS VNeck, $60
Available in 4 colors
I’m not a big running tee wearer. Nine times out of 10, I reach for a tank instead. But I appreciate that the Fly-By short sleeve is much more than a basic tee, with two different strategically placed performance fabrics.
The coolest feature is a fitted bottom band that keeps the tee in place when you run—no bouncing or wind blowing up your shirt. In the fall, that’s half the battle for me.
The cut is on the boxy side. So if you like a more fitted top, this might not be for you. But if you’re looking for something to split the difference between a tank and a long-sleeve, the Fly-By fits the bill. Read the rest of this entry →