E's Favorite (Running) Things

It’s gifting season, which means that it’s about time that my DMs are loaded with “what are your favorite [fill in the blank]?” questions. So, to get ahead of the flurry of inquiries, I figured that this week’s Weekly Hurdle would be a little bit different. This week, the following is dedicated to my go-to picks; the things I can’t imagine my days without. 

In full transparency, most of the below are affiliate links (as are the links you’d click through on gift guides from editorial brands you like, like GQ, Women’s Health, Runner’s World, and so on). What that means is that I get a super small commission if you buy after clicking. (The more you know!) Outside of Goodr, I am not currently sponsored by any of the brands below — although I have worked with all of them in some capacity at one point or another. Still, these picks are my own. I’ve been testing products for years as a part of my job, and I’d like to think I know what makes a good item. This is the stuff I wear most often at the moment — period. Bonus: A lot of Black Friday sales begin today, too.

I also do feel the need to explain an excess of Lululemon. To be real, it just lasts. It really does. As I note below, I’ve had my favorite running vest from them for three years. Three. My long sleeves for maybe longer than that. I love that when the brand makes a product that works, they don’t phase it out. And while I was super hesitant to spend Lululemon-type money at first — starting my running journey wearing Hanes white V-neck T-shirts and cotton black leggings from Target — over time I’ve come to realize that good tech is worth the splurge. With that said, a lot of these other items — regardless of brand — fall into the splurge category.

If you ask me, you deserve it.

Without further ado, Emily’s Favorite Things (for now, anyway). Some of which have been my favorites for 6+ years (I’m looking at you, Under Armour Mid sports bra).

Favorite Cold Weather Running Tight: Athleta Peak Hybrid Fleece Tight
I rarely go running in a fleece-lined tight, but I think it’s important to have one in your arsenal for the days you’ve gotta get out there (but it is frigid). This Athleta pair comes in three colors, has three different zipper pockets, and doesn’t feel heavy when drenched in sweat.

Favorite Running Tight(s): Lululemon Fast and Free, Lululemon Invigorate Tight
Throwing both of these here because I want to make sure all sizes are in stock. I cycle between these two styles pretty regularly, which both have three pockets, a high rise, and give you that *motions with my hands in a cinching motion* feeling.

Favorite Short(s): WOLACO 7’’ Biker, Lululemon Invigorate Short
If I only wore two shorts for the rest of my life, I’d probably go back and forth between these. No frills, pockets, no-budge. I also love the new red style from WOLACO.

Favorite Long Sleeve: Lululemon It’s Rulu Run Cropped Half-Zip
When it comes to tops, I always choose crops. Not because I want to show my stomach, but because they meet right at the top of my leggings with my long torso (no skin, required). This half-zip long sleeve has thumb holes to keep the sleeves in place, and even has a zipper pocket for cards and keys. 

Favorite Sports Bra(s): Under Armour Mid, Nike Dri-FIT Swoosh
I wear one of these two bras almost every time I workout, whether I’m doing yoga or sprinting. They’re medium support, keep my girls in place. Bonus: The UA one is $25.

Favorite Lightweight Jacket(s): Tracksmith Session Jacket, Nike ½-Zip Packable Jacket
I like layering. These two are on the thinner side, but I can wear them with a thicker long sleeve underneath.

Favorite Running Jacket(s): Nike Therma-FIT Running Jacket, Lululemon Down For It All Jacket
If you get warm quick, opt for the Nike. If you’re freezing the entire time you’re out there (how!?) — it’s the Lulu.

Favorite GPS Watch(es): Garmin Forerunner 245 Music or Garmin Fenix 6 Pro Solar
I currently use the Garmin Fenix 6 Pro Solar which has all of the bells and whistles (it’s also currently at least $400 cheaper than I last saw it at the above link). I’m obsessed with it, and use it to track everything from hiking to my vitals. However, the Garmin Forerunner 245 Music is a much cheaper price point, and really offers all of the stellar functionality that you need to run, bike, and swim.

Favorite Vest(s): Lululemon Down For It All Vest, Brooks Running Shield Hybrid Vest, Asics Reverse Ins Vest
As I insinuated up top: I have owned my Down For It All Vest for three years, and it still looks brand new. It’s somehow slimming but also super warm, and I love the placement of the pockets on the sides of the body. The Brooks and Asics options are a tad puffier, but cozy as hell and great transition items (as in, they could definitely be worn more casually with a pair of jeans). 

Athleisure Jacket(s): Athleta Boulevard Down Duster Coat, Zara Water Repellent Puffer
Obsessed with the Athleta jacket in red. I picked up the Zara puffer earlier this fall, brought it with me to Italy, and wear it at least twice a week.

Favorite Post-Workout Sweatshirt: Alo Accolade Crew Neck Pullover, Accolade Sweatpant
This set is ultimate softness and begs to be lounged in on the couch for hours. Also: The new cranberry color is my vibe.

Favorite Headphones: Apple AirPods Gen 2
I’ve tried loads of headphones, but these are the ones that stay put for me on the run. (I know, everyone’s ears are different!) The only other pair I’ve had true true success with is the Beat by Dre Studio Buds. They did just come out with new AirPods, as well.

Favorite Sunglasses: Goodr Operation Blackout
I love that these Goodr shades don’t look like a lot of other running sunglasses, and are cute enough to wear to grab coffee, run errands, or whatever you have on deck after your workout is over.

Favorite Sneaker(s): Nike Pegasus 37, New Balance 1080, Hoka Clifton 7, Saucony Endorphin Pro
The Endorphin Pro are currently $70 off, BTW. These picks are my workhorse shoes, the pairs I wear the most often. All of them are neutral, and I would wear all of them to tackle anything from a mile to give-or-take 20.

Socks, Low: Under Armour No-Show With Tab 
I’ve sworn by this sock forever, and often lean into no-show styles when I’m wearing full-length tights in the winter.

Socks, High: Bandit Running (unavailable — for now), Lululemon Daily Stride Mid Crew Sock, Tracksmith Speed Crew Sock
I buy these Lululemon socks in the three-pack at least twice a year. I love the way they feel snug on my foot, how they don’t roll down, and that they last — which is an issue I often have with socks TBH (that, and losing them). Also: I am obsessed with the new emerald color of the Tracksmith sock.