I am no running short expert. I started running in November 2012 in the winter-weather-prone state of Illinois, and have only had one opportunity to run outside with shorts.  I just recently started running at the gym, and thus, just recently started caring about running shorts.  I have a few pairs from my pre-running days that I would wear to exercise classes, but I guess I just didn't have the same standards for those.  Anyway, that was a long and unnecessary introduction to my review on my favorite new running shorts. 

My mom gave me the Nike Pacer running shorts in black for Christmas. They are pretty similar to the Nike Tempo shorts that are very popular, except they have a slightly larger band and have a slightly lower rise (see someone elses' comparison).  I have a few hand-me-down Tempo shorts and I hands down (see what I did there?) prefer the Pacer style.  I think the Nike Pacers fit my 5'2"/narrow but hippy frame much better.  I don't have any pictures of me in the Tempos, but I went to Dick's last night to buy another pair of these Pacers and took a few photos. For reference, these are XS (I'm 5'2", 105-108lbs)

 I like the low rise, especially on my shorter build. I also like the fact that I can roll them or not roll them---they work both ways.  Sometimes I think rolling looks so high school but I don't mind it in these shorts.  I wore them today to the gym, and was really cool and took a picture for you (below). Question, do you guys wear underwear when you have built in underwear lining in the shorts? 

Wearing: GapFit Motion racer tank in powerful blue (here); 

Nike Pacer shorts (here); Garmin 210 watch & foot pod (here)

Now onto other important matters.  I like to reward myself for reaching certain milestones in running by purchasing workout clothes/gear that I've had my eyes on. It helps keep me motivated to reach the goals and makes me feel confident and happy while running.  My 10k running plan has me running 5 miles in a few weeks (first time ever going that far!).  I found a pair of shorts at Dicks last night that I think will be my 5-mile present.  They are the 3" Nike Energy shorts.  I am not completely sold on how short they are, but I like how they feel. 

Gahhh those socks are so bad. 

Do you reward yourself with anything when you reach your running goals? 

January Running in Review

I'm happy to say that I got back into the swing of things running in January after a few weeks off due to law school finals and the holidays.  I also started adding extra running days because I signed up for a 10k with my friends and started a 10k training plan.  I just looked back at my review of running from November 2012, when I started running, and I already see some good improvement.  In my November review, I mentioned that I was frustrated because I was feeling slow and out of shape.  I still feel kind of slow and out of shape, but I feel less out of shape than I did last month, and so I am happy to see that improvement!

January Stats:

Total Distance: 47.23 miles

Total Time: 7hrs 56mins

Average Pace: 10'06" /mi

I ran over twice as much this month than last month because I was so busy last month.  I still think I have done a decent job of not increasing my mileage too quickly: I stop when I've met my time or distance even if I feel like I could go a bit more.  I have also been trying to keep my body feeling good by using my foam roller when I get a chance and wearing a knee brace sometimes if I think I might be doing a run that would irritate my weak ol' knees. 

My goals for next month are to just stay on track with my 10k running plan and stay injury free.  I am happy with my pace, but if I improve at all in speed that will just be a pleasant surprise.  I have been doing "speed" workouts on Wednesdays, which surprisingly I think have helped me! (As well as cross training for some strength). 

Ivivva Keep Ur Cool Tank vs. the Cool Racerback

I am finally getting to the review of the Ivivva tank that I bought after my last 5k.  I figured I would compare it to the tried and true Lululemon Cool Racerback seeing as Ivivva is the sister (read: kid) brand of Lulu.   Anyway, I really was impressed with the Keep Ur Cool Racer tank.  The luon light fabric is about 80% as thick as the regular luon tanks that I have from Lulu.  I read some complaints on the website about the thinness of the luon but it is not that thin in my opinion... and I like having different options of thick/thin depending on how I am layering. 

The fit is very similar.  I think the Ivivva tank size 12 is the same length as the cool racerback size 4...maybe a half centimeter shorter if anything.  The biggest difference that I noticed was the more modest neckline of the Ivivva tank.  It makes sense that it would not be as low cut since the Ivivva tank is technically for kids. 

Above -- Ivivva Keep Ur Cool tank $$, size 12 (found here)

For size reference, I am 5'3" and about 108 lbs with a pretty narrow build. 

Below -- Lululemon Cool Racerback $$$, size 4 (found here)

I would definitely purchase another Ivivva tank if they came out with a wider variety of colors.  Right now, the selection is somewhat juvenile and limited.  I suppose that this is because it IS a kid's brand AND Lululemon probably doesn't want all of their clientele going for the cheaper tanks!   Have you had any experience with Ivivva?