Workout Clothes

I always used to kind of roll my eyes at people who bought clothes specifically for working out in- for getting sweaty and being uncomfortable in. I didn't understand why anyone would put good money into something that only required grubby clothes. Until I started running, I always wore the same thing to work out- cut off sweat pants, cami, baggy t-shirt. Comfortable, covered everything, ok to sweat in. When I went and bought running shoes, I learned about wicking and stuff. Still didn't really get it but I wanted some money behind my passion so I would stick to it. So I bought expensive socks and a shirt and a bra and running capris. Since then, I've picked up a second pair of capris (not the expensive Under Armour of my first pair but Champion brand from Target instead), 2 more bras, a sleeveless shirt, and 2 t-shirts. And it isn't enough. I'd like to get a good built-in bra sleeveless tank. I'd like another pair of pants. I'd like a pair of shorts. I have to wash my workout clothes after wearing them because I sweat so much- no way around it. I have to do laundry more frequently now because I workout every day and don't have enough workout gear to match. Yesterday, I ended up running in a pair of cotton shorts, a cami, and a big baggy t-shirt. I had packed the gym bag for Thursday but we opted for sushi on Thursday instead. Thursday would have been strength training in the gym. But since we put it off until Friday, we opted to go run outside. Cotton shorts ride up. A lot. A bagy t-shirt interferes with movement and feels heavy- even though it was a very thin cotton. The cami... oh, how I missed my sports bra! Is it necessary to have workout clothes? No, of course not. But boy am I glad that I do. I really appreciate the run yesterday because it really demonstrated for me the difference between old slacker clothes and serious about a workout clothes. A piece of race day advise I've read several times is to make sure to wear clothes you've been training in- don't go out and buy brand new stuff and wear it. You risk chaffing and other issues. After the experience yesterday, I totally understand that. I could feel my thighs rubbing very uncomfortably. I had prepped certain more sensitive areas of my body... but not the thighs. How about you? Do you have workout clothing that makes a difference in how you feel about your workout? Or that actually impacts your performance?