I took the above photo while running through Rock Creek Park earlier this week. (I enjoy documenting my runs this way.) The trail was fairly empty but there was an older man who was perched on the stone abutment at the end of the bridge above, catching his breath and enjoying the just-turning seasons. As I crouched to take the photo, he said, “Should I move? I’m sure you don’t want some old fat geezer in your picture.” I assured him he was out of frame, but we both laughed for a minute, awash in our self-awarenesses: me, awkwardly taking a photo of a bridge; him, self-deprecating. I don’t know what it is about running that makes me feel closer to life, closer to the essence of things, and my sometime interactions with other athletes and nature enthusiasts along the way nearly always cements this view. I always feel vulnerable, almost emotional, in these brief exchanges, as though moving with purpose through nature — at whatever speed — strips away the protective mantle we wear “in real life.”
Anyhow, there are many days where running feels like a chore, but I nearly always finish with a humbled heart.
On that note: the air is turning cool, and we are nearly upon my favorite running season. A few favorite fitness finds to usher in fall:
BROOKS RUNNING JACKET // NIKE EARWARMER // NEW BALANCE HOODIE // TRACKSMITH PLAID SHORTS // BEYOND YOGA TANK // NIKE HAT // ON RUNNING SHORTS // ALO TUBE SOCKS // ALIGNS // LONG-SLEEVE AMAZON TEE // HAIR TIES FOR RUNNING // HOKA RUNNING SHOES // ZELLA TANK
These and even more options below…
THESE ALIGNS IN COPPER OR OLIVE
MY FAVORITE $25 AMAZON LEGGINGS IN BLACK
BLACK SWOOSH NIKE HAT
LOVE THIS RUNNING TANK IN THE BURGUNDY FOR FALL (ON SALE!) — THE REFLECTIVE STRIP IS SO SMART
A CLEVER WAY TO CARRY YOUR PHONE WITH YOU!
PEOPLE RAVE ABOUT BROOKS’ CANOPY JACKET FOR RUNNING, AND I FOUND IT ON SALE! (AVAILABLE FOR EVEN LESS — UNDER $50! — IN BLUE HERE)
MY NEW RUNNING SHOES
YEAR AFTER YEAR, GET A TON OF USE OUT OF THE SWIFTLY TECH LONG-SLEEVES AND DEFINE JACKET — HAVE HAD THE SAME ONES FOR LIKE 5-6 YEARS AT THIS POINT
PLUSH NIKE EARWARMER — ALSO OWN + LOVE THIS DRI-FIT ONE
BEST RUNNING GLOVES — $13 AND WORK WITH TOUCHSCREENS
BEYOND YOGA CROPPED TANKS — SERIOUSLY THE SOFTEST, MOST SECOND-SKIN FEELING THINGS AND GREAT FOR LAYERING BENEATH A BOXY TEE LIKE THIS OR THIS $15 STEAL IN GREAT FALL COLORS
YOU MAY REMEMBER MY OBSESSION WITH THIS LIGHTWEIGHT BUT WONDERFULLY WARM NEW BALANCE JACKET FROM LAST YEAR…AVAILABLE ON SALE IN A CROPPED HOODIE AND TUNIC LENGTH!
MY GO-TO RUNNING POUCH — WATERPROOF, LIGHTWEIGHT, AND PERFECT SIZE FOR PHONE, KEYS, CARD
THE ABSOLUTE BEST RUNNING SOCKS — STAY IN PLACE, CONTOUR TO FOOT, AND HAVE A TINY BIT OF PADDING UNDERNEATH…LIKE A HUG FOR YOUR FOOT
APPARENTLY VERY SIMILAR TO LULU’S ALIGN MATERIAL, BUT ONLY $16 ON AMAZON
PERFECT TOP-LAYERS POST WORKOUT: DUDLEY STEPHENS (CHIC IN BLACK, NO?), THIS ALEX MILL, THIS “SCUBA” HOODIE, AND THIS RIBBED PULLOVER I OWN
FORM-FITTING RUNNING VEST — SIMILAR TO LULU’S
FUN PRINTED LEGGINGS
THIS HALF-ZIP FROM BROOKS IS MARKED DOWN
LOVE THESE BIKE SHORTS IN BLUE
P.S. On running, or taking up any time or hobby just for yourself.
P.P.S. Lots of chic athleisure picks here, too, and I want to also mention that Tory Burch is launching velour joggers, which are sort of like Juicy Couture reimagined and v chic.
P.P.P.S. On letting the time tick by.
“…vulnerable, almost emotional, in these brief exchanges, as though moving with purpose through nature — at whatever speed — strips away the protective mantle we wear “in real life.”
Hadn’t even realized I felt this same way while running until reading that line. I always want to spontaneously cheer/high five/shoot a thumbs up to other runners I pass along the way … a kind of, “look at us! we’re doing it! doesn’t it feel hard? but amazing? you’re doing great, keep it up!” Which typically manifests in a crazed grimace/smile as I pass them for .5 seconds in the flash where we intersect. I wish there was some universal sign (like the low peace sign motorcyclists exchange on the road) that runners could signal in encompassing all of those feelings of comradery!
Oh gosh you exactly captured it — I also want to give a thumbs up to everyone I see but then only offer “a crazed grimace/smile” — haha! So accurate. I do a weird head nod too that probably ends up looking more like a lack of coordination on my end. Eh well – suffice to say that a lot of us are having the same thoughts 🙂
xx
I have used my koala clip for two years and don’t know how I ever ran without it. I admit I was skeptical at first, but I have now told all my friends (and even strangers!) about the magic of this clip. I throw it in the wash once a week and it’s as good as new.
Ooo I love a first-hand testimonial!!! Might give this a try. Do you find it annoying to unclip mid-run if you want to change music or check a message?
xx
Gorgeous photo! I used to live in DC and I miss Rock Creek Park! What kind of leggings do you recommend for running in the late fall/winter when it’s really cold?
Thank you! I love that area of D.C. Grew up overlooking RCP and it will always hold such powerful nostalgia for me. And YES I have a great cold weather legging rec for you —
https://www.tracksmith.com/products/turnover-tights-full-length?sku=WB74801MBL
A few Magpies turned me onto this brand and these running tights are LEGIT. They will keep you warm in even the chilliest of weather. I wore these running through Central Park all last winter, even when it was in the teens, which is right around my cutoff for running in the cold. I also strongly suggest their merino wool running tops:
https://www.tracksmith.com/products/w-harrier-long-sleeve-tee?sku=WT63901MPH
Unbelievable warm and this brand is not scratchy/itchy. I’ve worn other brands that are less pleasant to wear. Highly insulating but still thin/non-bulky.
xx