Gear-n-Stuff

My Heart Soared, Now My Feet Can Follow

I have a problem spending money on myself when it comes to running clothes.  When my son or daughter needs cleats, soccer shorts, long sleeve performance shirts to wear under uniforms...I shell it out and get them high quality, top-notch stuff.  But for some reason I gag, sputter and choke when I see the prices of quality running gear when browsing the racks for myself.  As a result I often wind up with cheapos that shift, chaffe, ride up my bum, are too short, or shrink to the point that I end up looking  like Baby Huey.

Ok, maybe I don't look quite that bad but that's what it feels like when I wear crapola.

Fortunately, I have a hubby who supports and encourages me in my running endeavors.  So where I may be stingy myself, he and the kidlets buy me running goodies for my birthday, Christmas, etc.  Because of them I have acquired some good stuff!  Some recent favs that were gifted to me are my Under Armour Cold Gear and Athleta running shorts.  The Under Armor running tights are long enough to actually reach my ankles (a rare treat), and the shirts and jackets are breathable, toasty warm, and friggin' cool looking.  I love them!  My Athleta shorts don't bunch, ride up and are so lightweight that I feel like I am running naked. Lord help everyone if I ever think I am wearing them but actually forgot because I really don't think I would tell the difference.

But I haven't even gotten to the best part.  That's right, the visual of my gazelling down the road with a buff hiney was not the pinnacle of this post.  In my Contemporary World Issues class I teach a segment on human trafficking, and we have been checking out sites that rate companies in their use of slave labor, sweat shops, etc.  Along my research travels I found news that made my heart soar! It just so happens that Under Armour follows strict guidelines on fair labor practices and they're eco friendly!  Similarly, Athleta is working toward more ethical work (owned by GAP so there is much progress left to be made), environmental and philanthropic practices. 

I feel much less guilty about spending that extra cash on clothing if it is ensuring that my gear is being made through ethical means.  Check out the following website to discover 14 companies you can feel good about:

14 Athletic Wear Companies That Are Actually Good For The World



Citations:
Baby Huey.JPG. Digital image. File: BabyHuey.JPG. Harvey Comics, 12 June 2009. Web. 21 Mar. 2014.