friday five – brands to love

TGIF! Today, we are linking up for the Friday Five, with three awesome DC area bloggers: Mary at Mar On the Run, Cynthia at You Signed Up For What?! and Courtney from Eat Pray Run, DC.  Feel free to join the fun with your own Friday Five post and be sure to visit and comment on the other blogs on the linkup!

Today, we are talking about our Five Favorite Brands – Running Style.

I find runners to be pretty particular people. We all have our favorites, for whatever reasons, and we stick to them. Without further ado, here are mine.

1. Mizuno

I wouldn’t be where I am in running without my Mizuno Wave Inspires.

I have been wearing this brand and style since the very first time I was fitted for running shoes, and quite frankly, I have found no reason to change. I have tried on more than a few other makes and models, but nothing quite compares to the feeling I get when I slide into these.

The pictured pair was my gift to myself after completing the Walt Disney World Marathon. No matter how burned out I get, a new pair of shoes always makes me want to run.

2. Feetures

Confession: the only socks I own are running socks. And the only running socks I own are Feetures.

My favorites are the Feetures Elite in the Ultra Light style. Sometimes I get crazy and go for the Light Cushion. They are super thin and light and have these wonderful bands of compression around them. They come in adorable colors, and never move around on my feet. I always stock up on new colors when I see them in the store.

3. Old Navy Active

I’m really not a fan of shopping, so Old Navy is an easy go-to for running gear, for both online and brick-and-morter shopping.

I particularly love their patterned compression capris and their 3 1/2″ pique mesh shorts. They have plenty of adorable tanks and long sleeve tops and half-zips, too. I love that their tops seem to run a little longer, which is great for my height and long torso.

Most importantly, the price is pretty much always right, and the selection of colors is usually great. So far, most of the items have held up perfectly well to washing and hard use, so that’s also a win in my book.

4. Garmin

I would be lost with my GPS watch. Literally.

I started with a Garmin Forerunner 10. It was an Easter gift from Mr PugRunner and it was amazing.

I had it for over two years and the only issue I started having with it was really more my fault than anything else: its battery life just wouldn’t get me through a full marathon.

Mr PugRunner upgraded me to the 220 for our anniversary. I love everything about it: the size of the face, the width of the band, the weight, the ease of use… It’s awesome.

5. Lululemon

I know Lulu isn’t everyone’s cup of tea, but for cuter running outfits, I do find myself a bit addicted.

I started out with their 4way Stretch Pacesetter Skirt in the tall option, which was so awesome because I do have long legs and most other running skirts don’t cover anywhere near what they should. I have branched out and fallen in love with their Tracker Short in 2way Stretch. They are a little more limited in selection, but the length is perfect for me. Other things I love are the Energy Bra, the Cool Racerback (another top with great length),  and the 105 F Singlet.

Sometimes the selection isn’t as varied as it could be, and I do NOT love the price tag, but from time to time, I do like to treat myself to a cute top or pair of shorts.

What are your favorite running brands?

What’s the one item you just can’t run without?