How I Justify My Premium Running Gear

Woah those shoes are how much?

Me, every time I look at what people pay for high heels that make my toes ache and my calves scream for relief…and likely what others say about my running gear.

As someone whose wallet used to be pried open only for the rare indulgence at Whole Foods and who was no stranger to garage sales for running gear in my college years, I don’t take spending money lightly.

However, I have found that the right gear is worth every penny.

Tell me you haven’t ever bought a new pair of running shoes and immediately decided you MUST go for a run??

Or gotten a new running shirt and wanted to post it to Instagram, but hey you gotta earn a sweat in it first. Unwrapped that beautiful piece of technology which will track your pace, your HR, your mile splits and other data you’ll never ever use with such glee that you don’t care if you’ve already run, you gotta go again.

New gear = Motivation.
Good gear = Better running.

Mental Power in Those Shoes

Can the gear you wear actually impact your workout?? Science says yes!

Two researchers coined the term “enclothed cognition” to describe the mental changes that we undergo when we wear certain clothing. The rest of us just refer to them as our lucky socks, shoes, shirt, etc.

Here’s what it really means to have your gear impact your workout, per research:

• Wearing red has proven to help people run faster or push harder in workouts.
• Putting on your workout gear changes your mindset.
• Feeling confident {because you look good}, might just push you to work harder by having a better attitude.
• “Formfitting workout clothes make you feel like your muscles are stronger” – Joshua Ian Davis, Ph.D.
• New gear can make you look forward to a challenging workout.
• The right gear can make your workout more comfortable {hello chaffing}
• The right gear can prevent injuries.

I don’t know about you, but I’ll take any little piece of extra motivation I can get to do my intervals or nail the last mile in a long run with a smile.

Literal mental power inside these Under Armour HOVR Guardian running shoes!

Stability running shoe for all of you who LOVE more data about every run. It connects with the MapMyRun app to track, analyze and provide all kinds of running metrics to help you keep improving.

• UA HOVR™ is their cushioning technology designed to maintain energy return that helps eliminate impact step after step
• 8 mm offset which I like because it’s low enough to help prevent heel striking
• 9.5 oz

Does Price Mean Better?

No. Not always!

A huge study of over 135,000 consumers from RunRepeat found that price didn’t determine how much people liked their shoes. So don’t feel pressured to pay more just because it seems that should be a better shoe.

Instead, find the shoe that fits your foot, that feels good with your stride, on the surfaces you run.

And if it costs more, cough up the cash because it’s worth it for all the reasons listed above. And if it costs less, celebrate with another seamless, wicking shirt….I mean you had already budgeted for it anyways, right?!

“Style is a way to say who you are without having to speak.”

Sure that was said by fashion designer Rachel Zoe, but it applies to our workout gear as well.

That moment you walk in to grab a coffee and the barista asks if you’ve had a good run. Your chest puffs a bit because they didn’t think you were just out for a walk, they knew you were a runner. And maybe you felt even more confident grabbing that coffee because the shirt didn’t grab at your love handles or showed of your seriously toned shoulders.

For me, that mental boost is worth the price. Knowing I’m choosing shoes that will prevent injuries is cost savings and of course when you boil down the COST PER WEAR, I know my gear is cheaper than those red soled high heels.

Take this Qualifier Packable Jacket. Sure I could just wear another top, but I LOVE that it’s super lightweight, water repellent and can pack into itself to stuff in your pack when you no longer need it! Back vent helps with breathability, while the close fit means you aren’t catching lots of wind.

The truth is I’ve been wearing Under Armour gear for years because it not only fits me well, but works and I can find premium to on SALE!!

In fact, here are a few more of the pieces (since you often ask me what I wear!)

Qualifier Long Sleeve
We’ve solved the problem of being too cold when you start running or too hot when you get going. The unique hex-shaped pattern in this shirt breathes as you move, trapping a little extra warmth, but breathing as you move mile after mile.

Fly Fast Crop
Of all the things I wear, I get the most comments on my UA crops. I was dubious of something not quite long or short at first, but turns out with the split colors they are fabulous at making my long legs look even longer! Bonus because they fit will, wick away the moisture and are odor resistant.

When does price matter?

There are times where I believe you get what you pay for and as noted above that’s why I’m willing to spend on great gear.

• You want gear that’s going to last, no  seems unraveling or holes appearing
• Gear that uses the latest technology for wicking and odor
• Gear that prevents blisters and chafing
• Shoes that feel good and match your needs
• Gear that excites you to get out there and put in the miles
• Gear that allows you to run through the wind, rain, snow, sun in comfort

Can you run in ragged old white cotton t-shirts? Umm yes, have you seen my first marathon photo?! But would I have enjoyed training more sans a heavy shirt that can leave you shivering once you soak it through and the wind kicks up, well yes.

So splurge a little on the pieces that matter and maybe shop the outlet section, end of year…I can tell you that’s where many of the dry fit hats, gloves and puffy coats you’ll next year came from!

What matters most to you with gear?

Does new gear get you excited to put in the miles?

Other ways to connect with Amanda
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This post is sponsored by Under Armour.